001[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Good evening. The school committee business executive session of June 9th, 2025 will now come to order. This meeting is being recorded and will be made available for viewing on the Mthuman Public Schools website. Secretary, will you please call the role? Member Daglio. Member Dunovan here. Member Keegan here. Member Maxwell here. Member Shabilia here. Member Wlette here. Mayor Borgod. Um I do want to mention that the mayor is at the city council meeting this evening and he unfortunately regrets that he's not able to attend tonight's meeting. Um may I have a motion and a second to accept the agenda for June 9th, 2025 as presented? So moved. Second. Motion by member Shabilia, second by member Daglio. Um discussion. Um I need a motion and a second to
002amend the agenda for June 9th, 2025 to approve the move of item 6B to 9D. So moved. Second. Moved by member Shibilia, second by member Dunovan. Discussion. Um we are concerned um that our lawyer will not be able to be here in time. So we need to move that to the end of the meeting. Yes. What what were we just talking about the item for courier? No. Um nope. It's the IT discussion. Okay. So we're going to move that to the very end of the meeting. Okay. That's all that's all we're changing. Okay. Okay. Um, all right. Um, so I need a vote to amend the agenda. Um, all in favor? I I I opposed. All right. Eyes have it. Um, now I need a motion and a second to accept the amended agenda for
0032025 as amended. So moved. Second. Moved by member Shabilia, second by member Donovan. Um, all in favor discussion. Discussion. Sure. Which, um, I have a qu a question about the fact that we amended it for the central building to be included. I just talked to the solicitor's office and the fact is that we we amended it less than 3 hours before the meeting. they are concerned that we might be violating the opra beating law. Um, so I agree. I had a similar conversation. Thank you for bringing that up. Um, so I believe we cannot vote on dits in place. We can only vote on the other two. Um, because that's what was posted on the website. Dits and place never made it to the website. Perfect. So yes. Thank you. Okay. All right. So, all
004in favor of the amended agenda, I I opposed. Eyes have it. Excuse me, vice chair. Do we need to amend it now to take um central building off? I don't believe so because it's not posted. Okay. Thank you. All right. Superintendent, would you please introduce our student for tonight's flag salute? I would love to. If I could ask associate principal Erin Mackey to come on up with her flag salute. Cronan Ramos will lead our pledge for tonight. Perfect. There we go. My name is Aaron Mackey. I'm the lower school associate principal at the Timny Grammar School and I am proud to present Elan Ramos Centron to lead the pledge of allegiance this evening. Elan has attended the Timnney Grammar School since kindergarten and is currently a fourth grade student in Miss Coin's class. When asked
005about Alain as a student, Miss Coin had the following wonderful words to share. Elan is an extremely hardworking student and very motivated to learn and conquer hard material. He is always respectful and kind to others and enjoys being a leader when working on group activities. Elan is an amazing kid and I feel very lucky to have had him in my fourth grade class this year. I had the pleasure of getting to know Alain as well and he let me know that in his free time he enjoys playing soccer where he is an outside left back. He also takes Spanish classes which he is enjoying. He aspires to be a professional soccer player hopefully for Barcelona or Inter Miami. He also aspires to be a judge and once he retires from either soccer or his judgeship
006he would like to be a manager of a soccer team. He loves math, music and PE and tech. Math is fun because he loves problem solving and next year he's looking forward to band and he really wants to play the drums. It is a pleasure to have Alain represent our school in leading the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. [Applause] Superintendent, would you please introduce our teachers of the year? My pleasure and one of my favorite nights. So, we have five six teachers to celebrate tonight for our uh teacher of the year and we're going to start with Mthuan High School. So, I'm going to ask uh
007Mr. Caret to come up with Sarah Grant, our teacher of the year and also uh she was selected to represent Mthuan public schools as the Rotary Teacher of the Year uh a few weeks back. So, we congratulate all of the uh teachers tonight. And what I'd like to do is have all of the principles uh recognize their teachers. And then when we're done with that, we'll take a recess if that's okay, vice chair, and do some pictures and uh allow folks to uh leave if they want to leave if they want to stay for the remainder of the meeting. Everybody is welcome, but uh usually it's a nice time to take some pictures and just allow folks to leave on their own. Does that make sense for everybody? All right, Mr. Caret, you're up first.
008Hello. Good evening. So, I'm thrilled to recognize the Mthuan High School and uh Mthuan Public School Rotary Club Teacher of the Year, Sarah Grant. A quiet teacher leader, fierce student advocate, and thoughtful ever evolving educator. Miss Grant has been a part of the Mthuan High School community since uh 2009 when she began as a student teacher. Since then, she has taught grades 9, 10, and 12, opening up the eyes and minds of adolescent learners through poetry and pros, all while holding each student to an incredibly high standard. Within the classroom, Miss Grant intentionally takes a back seat, allowing her students to be the center of their own learning. Her inquisitive nature drives student curiosity and she has an innate ability to foster meaningful classroom discussions where she does almost none of the talking. She creates
009and sustains a classroom environment where students feel empowered to take risks, to fail, to disagree, to challenge, and ult and ultimately to grow. One can often walk into Miss Grant's classroom and see a new discussion protocol or a new group activity as she's always seeking innovative ways to motivate and engage all of her students. Her pedagogical and content knowledge are deep and she's always willing to collaborate with colleagues and share materials. Often Miss Grant's resources and assessments serve as a model for the English department and she is called upon regularly to share at monthly department meetings. Miss Grant is a respected veteran teacher of our school's highest achieving students in the advanced placement English literature and composition course and she teaches multiple sections each school year. Her students consistently earn qualifying scores on their exams.
010She is also however uh she also however has the ability to reach our students who struggle most as a valued member of teams in ninth and tth grade as well as a teacher of 12th grade students on the cusp of adulthood. Miss Grant propels students to excel at each grade level and ultimately in in life after they graduate from Thuan High School. Beyond the classroom, Miss Grant is involved in our school community and contributes to the Massachusetts public education as a whole, constantly looking for uh ways where she can grow professionally. Previously, she was involved in the National Honor Society and the Relay for Life. When a group of students originally formed the Black Indigenous People of Color Club back in 2020, they all look to Miss Grant as an ally and adviser for the
011new organization. Um, more recently, Miss Grant was a part of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education curriculum ratings by teachers panel where she reviewed curriculum materials in other teacher um with other teachers from across the Commonwealth, adding her expertise and opinion to help inform district curriculum uh adoption decisions. So, she's pretty amazing. By the way, uh currently she she is in the second year of a three-year uh term on Desi's E ELA assessment uh development committee where she reviews assessment content for bias and sensitivity, reviews questions, and suggest uh suggests revisions. Miss Grant played an integral role as a member of our steering committee uh for the NEAS accreditation process, taking on a bulk of the writing for our school's self-reflection report. when she decided to um when we decided to to pilot
012a co-taught English and English language education uh classroom program. Uh we look to her as an experienced teacher to spearhead the effort. Uh her co-eing pair was one of three pairs chosen to participate in a year-long intense professional development program with an external provider, Blue Engine, uh where the pair engage in coaching cycles throughout this school year. Um this pair will now serve as a model in our school for a strong coaching uh co co-eing relationship that collaborates and plans with intention to best serve all students. Beyond her role as an educator, Miss Grant is a wife, a mother, and friend who can be seen tugging at the hand of her young son who's here tonight as she leads him into the Little Rangers preschool uh program to begin his own educational journey. She's a
013pillar of the English department and a respected member of the Mthuan High School community. When trying to sum up the many indiv uh invaluable qualities um that Sarah has, one word comes to mind and that's commitment. She is committed to her students through strong meaningful relationships, quality, innovative instruction, and high expectations. She is committed to her growth as an educator through professional development both inside and outside of Methuan High School and a constant reflective in her through her constant reflective teaching practice. Stop talking, Mr. Caret. and ultimately she is committed to making the lives of our students better through an immersive English classroom experience where she fosters student ownership and growth. Again, congratulations to Sarah for being the Mthuan High School and Mthuan Public Schools teacher of the year. Thank you. I just want to
014say thank you for the opportunity. Um I'm I'm honored to be recognized in this way. Um it it doesn't feel like a job coming in every day. I love working with the kids. I love teaching literature. So thank you so much. You lost your child. Okay. Thank you. I'm just gonna keep going. All right. So, next I'd like to call up uh principal Rebecca Gordon and our Marsh teacher of the year Danielle Cormier [Applause] and of course pushed down for me. Yeah. Is that Yes, we um enthusiastically recommend Miss Danielle Cormier for the Methan public schools teacher of the year. Miss Cormier has been a valued Marsh school uh faculty member since 1999, serving as a first grade classroom teacher. Her exceptional leadership skills both inside and outside the classroom and her dedication and passion
015for fostering a love for learning in all students exemplify her commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities make her truly deserving of this recognition. Miss Cormier is always searching for new ideas to learn and for ways to improve her instruction. This year, she has taken on the role of math team leader at our school where she is responsible for supporting teachers and enhancing their math planning, instruction, and assessments. With her colleagues, she led a book study based on the writing revolution to strengthen her writing instruction inside her classroom. She and her colleagues have already implemented um many aspects of their learning into their classroom, resulting in significant improvement in student writing outcomes. She shared many of these outcomes and strategies with the larger Mthoon public school community during a professional development session. Miss Cormier has served
016for years as our lower school mentor educator for all new teachers. She is supportive of their early development in the profession and in the Marsh community. She builds trusting relationships with each new educator that lasts well beyond the mentoring program and maintains these relationships long term. Supporting colleagues outside of the classroom, Miss Cormier oversees the Sunshine Fund to either brighten someone's day or celebrate a joyous occasion. In the classroom, there is nothing that she won't do to support her students successes. She truly knows her students and builds a solid relationship with them and their families. Her classroom is well structured, embedding superb social, emotional, and executive functioning skills throughout the entire day. Over the years, she has recognized the importance of direct, explicit instruction in these areas to set students up for a successful school
017year beyond her classroom. For all these reasons and so many more, we believe that Miss Cormier exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding teacher, mentor, and colleague, and is thoroughly deserving of this recognition. The Marsh community is extremely fortunate to have Miss Cormier on our team and we are exceptionally grateful for her contributions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Miss Cormier. [Applause] It looks like I have many papers here, but I just have big font. Um, I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my remarkable admin team in recognizing my efforts. Your acknowledgement means much more than words can convey and serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit we nurture in our mission to support our students. Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. It truly makes a difference. A
018special thank you to the school committee, our superintendent and assistant superintendent for advocating for the Mthuan education system. I'm genuinely honored and perhaps a little bit humbled by this recognition. I would not be rem I would be remiss sorry I would be remiss not to acknowledge the past year and a half has been challenging for everyone involved in Mthuan education. Thankfully teaching is not a solo act. I am part of an extraordinary community. Each day I am surrounded by the most supportive, witty, talented and undeniably caffeinated group of educators. Well, everyone except me. Those of you who have witnessed my caffeine-fueled antex know why I stick to decaf. To my fellow teachers, especially my amazing first grade team. You are the heart and soul of our school, the true heroes of the classroom. You are
019the reason I persevere through the challenging days, the unpredictable moments, and those times I've asked, "Where are my glasses?" only to realize they're perched on the top of my head. Your support, whether through collaboration, a listening ear, a knowing glance in the hallway, means the world to me. Your encouragement has challenged me to grow, embrace new ideas, and show up with heart and purpose every single day. While I may be the one recognized tonight, we know it takes a village and sometimes a herd of unicorns, a fleet of Chromebooks, and that hidden jar in of dark chocolate in my desk. Teaching is not a pursuit rooted in recognition. We do this for the small transformative moments when students finally grasp a challenging concept. when a quiet student's voice finally emerges or when we realize we've
020made even a small difference in a student's life. To my students, you are the reason I wake up every morning excited to do this work. You've taught me invaluable lessons in patience, creativity, and resilience. You've challenged me, brought me joy on days, and reminded me each day why my profession is so meaningful. I'm not the only educator in my family. My mother, after successfully guiding all four of her daughters into her own into their own educational journeys, returned to the workforce as a paraprofessional for special needs students. My three sisters and I followed her path into education, a testament to the profound impact she had on our lives. As you can imagine, family gatherings and holidays are often filled with laughter and we as we share stories about our daily classroom adventures and challenges. I
021must also extend a huge thank you to my husband Kevin who tirelessly picks up the slack at home while I'm juggling maintaining my classroom lesson planning grading and all the tasks that accompany this profession. And to my two incredible daughters, Caitlyn and Dileia, your compassion, intelligence, independence, and sense of adventure and joy inspire me every day. Thank you for all the times you have helped me correct papers, set up my classroom, or even practice lessons with me. You've not only supported me in my teaching journey, but you have made me a better educator in the process. [Applause] All right, I'd like to call up uh principal David Hill and Associate Principal Paula Simone and the Tenny Teacher of the Year, Miss Jennifer Parton. Oh, you go first. Good evening. We uh the Tenny team and
022I are incredibly excited uh to recognize our 2024 2025 teacher of the year at the Tenny School, uh Miss Jen Cardone, fifth grade teacher. Congratulations, Jen. I am going to hand this off to our upper school associate principal, uh, Paula Simone, who has worked very closely with Jen throughout their time at the Tenny. Paula, ready? Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we gather to celebrate a truly remarkable educator, colleague, and friend, Jennifer Pardon. Jen is the wife of Dave and the mom to Tenny alums Abby and Zoe. For 25 years, Jen has been an unwavering pillar of dedication and passion at the Tenny Grammar School, and her legacy of teaching and inspiring young minds is nothing short of extraordinary. Jen's journey at the Tenny began in the early years of the new Tenny Grammar School building, where
023she taught English language arts and social studies. Right from the start, it was clear she had a unique gift for connecting with students. Whether she was guiding them through classic literature or helping them discover the stories of our past, Jen's ability to make learning exciting and accessible left a lasting impact on her students. She possesses that rare talent of drawing in even the most hesitant of learners, giving them the confidence to find their own voices and share their thoughts with the class. A few years ago, Jen embraced a new challenge, transitioning to teaching math and science. It was during this time that she once again demonstrated her dedication to her craft, mastering new content and methods. With the same enthusiasm she brought to her ELA and social studies classes, Jen almost seamlessly brought the languaged
024driven Eureka math program to life for her fifth graders. Many educators might have hesitated to take on a whole new curriculum, but not Jen. With her characteristic positivity and determination, she embraced the change from the humanities to STEM and quickly became a great curriculum teammate for her colleagues. The impact of all Jen's effort is most profoundly felt in her grade 5 classroom. Under Jen's guidance, students not only grasp mathematical and scientific concepts, but also grow to appreciate the logical beauty of STEM itself. The success of the students under her leadership is a testament to Jen's commitment to making learning meaningful and enjoyable. Her ability to teach complex ideas with clarity and patience is truly remarkable. Beyond her professional achievements, Jen has always been a friend and a mentor to her colleagues, a source of wisdom,
025laughter, and support. Her warmth and compare compassion have made the Tenny Grammar School not just a workplace, but a community. Tonight, as we reflect on Jen's 25 years of service and celebrate her recent recognition as the Tenny Educator of the Year for 2024 2025, let us honor her tireless dedication, her unwavering spirit, and the countless lives she's touched. Jen, you've truly made a difference in the lives of your students, your colleague, and our entire community. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your years of service, your passion for teaching, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Congratulations. Okay, thank you Paula. That was very sweet. Um, good evening members of the school committee, Superintendent Kuang, colleagues, family, and community members. I would like to first thank my administration team for recognizing me with this
026incredible honor. I would also like to congratulate the other educators I share this honor with tonight. Being named teacher of the year is both humbling and deeply meaningful. But let me be honest, no teacher earned this rec recognition alone. My fifth grade team at the Tenny is filled with some of the most passionate, dedicated, and creative educators I've ever known. They are the ones who inspire me, push me to grow, and remind me why we do this work. This award may have my name on it, but it represents a collective spirit of an entire team. This team helps me stand strong as an educator every single day. From the lessons they share to the support with technology and even the conversations shared at our lunches. I could not and would not be the educator I
027am without them at my side. This recognition to me is a celebration of us, of what happens when a school becomes a community. We lift each other up, challenge one another, and stay focused on what matters most, our students. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge my family. You are the true heart and soul of it all. Your unwavering love, patience, and support have been the foundation that keeps me grounded and inspired every day. You've celebrated my highs and stood by me through the challenges. Thank you for understanding the late nights, the grading marathons, and the emotional investment this work requires. This recognition is as much yours as it is mine. I truly couldn't do this without you. In summary, I would like to thank you again for this honor. I share
028it proudly with every colleague who shows up with heart, who keeps going when it's hard, and who believes every single day that what we do matters. Thank you. Oh, sorry. [Applause] Thank you. Okay. Thank you. All right. I'd like to call up principal Chris Reev and Nicole Conway. [Applause] Oh, good evening. All right. I would love to present Nicole Conway, Tim first grade teacher as the 2024 2025 teacher of the year at the of the year at the Donald P. Timiny Grammar School. Nicole has been a member of the Mthuan public schools since 2013 when she began as uh began as a program assistant, taking on a teaching role in 2014. In her 12-year tenure, she has proven to be a model educator and mentor for staff, students, and the Tim community. In her main
029role as a first grade teacher, Nicole's commitment and dedication for student growth and development is evident as soon as you walk into the classroom. It is clear that Nicole knows her learners and provides many opportunities for them to succeed. Nicole has always possessed a unique ability to make all students feel valued for their strengths and not defined by their needs. She creates a safe, active learning environment where students can take risks and explore the curriculum. Nicole wears the pride she has for her students in the form of her contagious smile each day. When discuss When discussing progress, Nicole bursts with excitement as she celebrates student achievement. Nicole makes every effort to ensure that every Timin student has an experience that is rich with enthusiasm, positivity, and a belief that the future is open to all
030possibilities. In her tenure, Nicole has also demonstrated herself to be a leader in the Tim community. She is act she actively participates in collaborative opportunities with her colleagues and joyfully attends school functions. Um I feel like there's no better testament to um to a teacher than to hear from her colleagues um and what they have to say about their teammate. So I'll read some things that um Nicole's colleagues and we sent the email out um because there's there you know Nicole's worked with several teachers across the district. We got flooded with emails um from more than just the Tim from other buildings about how wonderful she is. So let me just read a few of those Nicole for you. Amazing teacher. She knows her curriculum and knows how to engage the students. She uses many
031different methods to teach uh knowing and understanding that children learn in many different ways. Nicole is the epitome of team player and doing what is best for the kids. She loves spirit days dressing up and making learning learning engaging for her class. Yes. Uh the 100 day outfit was fantastic. Oh my goodness, it was so funny. Nicole has helped me countless times, has answered any and all questions that I've had, and I know I can always count on her. She is an amazing teacher, and I learned so much from her. Not only is she kind, caring, and compassionate, but her lessons are always effective, meaningful, and well structured, meeting all the needs of all students. Nicole is an amazing teacher and person. She has she has such a calm and patient demeanor that benefits all
032of her students. She's always willing to lend a helping hand. Nicole is so understanding and always wears a smile. I think I mean, it's easy. Um, you know, I've been around for 20 years in the district. I've walked into many classrooms, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful teachers. Nicole is one of the best. Um, really, I would echo all of the all of the things her colleagues have had to say about her. Um, she's such a such a good teacher. Um, so Nicole should be commended for her enthusiasm and and the profession and um and dedication to the students of the Donald P. Timiny Grammar School. It's my pleasure to present Mrs. Nicole Conway as the Tim Teacher of the Year. Hey. Yes. I want to start off by saying that speaking in front of a group of
033six and seven year olds is a lot different than speaking in front of adults. So, I apologize. Um, thank you for acknowledging me with this incredible honor tonight. However, there's no such thing as a great teacher without great students, supportive colleagues, and administrators who believe in us. I also want to thank my family as well as all my co-workers back there who I also call my friends. Um I couldn't have done it without your continued support. Teaching is not just about teaching academics each day. Being a teacher means we are opening our doors and being someone's safe space even on our harded hardest days. So tonight I share this recognition with every teacher who shows up day after day giving their all even when our patients or our caffeine or both run out. Teaching is
034not always easy, but it is always worth it. Thank you. Okay, I'd like to call up Katie Prowetti, supervising principal at the CGS, and Rob Emerson. Don't have to move too far. Yeah, it worked out good with my family. That's excellent. In front of you. They know. They know, right? Good evening, everybody. It's green. It is with great pride and admiration that I re recommend Mr. Robert Emerson for the honor of being named Comprehensive Grammar School's 2425 teacher of the year. Mr. Emerson exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional educator. one who not only teaches but is teaches but inspires, supports, and uplifts everyone around him. You already heard him laugh. It's contagious. Since joining CGS, Rob has consistently gone above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and families. As a
035career changer, he came into education with a clear and noble purpose to be a champion for young people. From the very beginning, Rob has embodied that mission both inside and outside the classroom. His students speak volumes about his impact. One shared, "He always gives you the benefit of the doubt and treats you with respect." Another noted, "It's obvious he wants to be here. He doesn't do it for the paycheck." They actually said, "Fortune, and I was like, well, well." But we talked about what a fortune is. Um, he cares a lot. Rob's commitment doesn't end when the school day does. He is familiar a familiar face at school events, cheering in the stands at volleyball games, applauding at CA concerts, and offering support at drama performances. A student once remarked how meaningful it was to
036see him at her volleyball match, adding, "He makes you feel like you matter." Get misty. Rob takes the time to truly know each student as an individual. He celebrates their victories, supports them through challenges, and ensures they feel seen and heard. These daily gestures create a classroom environment that is not only academic rigorous but also emotionally safe and welcoming. His room is a place where students know they are valued. Professionally, Rob holds himself to the highest standards. He comes to school each day prepared, reflective, and eager to refine his practice. He actively seeks new strategies to enhance student engagement and is always willing to share and collaborate with colleagues. Notably, he's quick to give credit to others and frequently celebrates celebrates ideas and innovations he's learned from peers. One shining example of his initiative is
037creation of a structured approach to the windblock designed to better assess and support student needs. Students notice and appreciate his adaptability and care. As one observed, he uses different ways to help you understand, and he notices things. He'll ask you if you're okay when your head is down. Visiting Rob's classroom is a pleasure. It's a vibrant community grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and high expectations. His students are engaged, and it's clear they value both the work and the relationships they are building. Reliability is another of Rob's defining traits. He's one of the most dependable members of our CGS team. Whether it's organizing student activities, chaperoning events, taking an additional duty, or quietly supporting a colleague behind the scenes, Rob is always there. One student recalled, "At the beginning of the year, Mr. Emerson told
038us,"What happens in my math class stays here. You come back tomorrow and it's a new day, and he means it. He resets every day and gives everyone a chance." He really cares. Mr. Ammerson proudly shares the same phrase daily, saying, "Remember, you were the best. All I ask for is a little smile and some effort." And in Rob's classroom, those smiles and that effort come naturally. Rob Emerson embodies the spirit of our profession. He's a source of unwavering positivity, kindness, and teamwork. Someone who colleagues trust, admire, and genuinely enjoy working alongside. He listens, encourages, and builds community wherever he goes. For those reasons and more, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorse Mr. Robert Emerson as a most deserving candidate for the CGS teacher of the year. Shaking your hand. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Pretty
039cool. All right. So, I've never been to one of these things. I didn't know how long I could speak. I didn't know what the rules were, but I'm going to make it my day. Is that all right? So, uh I do want to start funny story. Uh Katie tells me that I got nominated for teacher of the year. So, I'm driving home feeling pretty good about myself and I get home and I see my wife. She's not here right now. She's facetiming maybe or no. She's she's in Quebec. She's so bummed she's not here. So I go home and I uh say, "Geez, Mary, I got some news, some good news, and I got teacher of the year." She goes, "Of Massachusetts." So So I No, Mary. Uh CGS. So then she goes, "We got
040to call Catherine." This is my baby daughter right here. Got to call Catherine and tell us I hear Mary, you know, calling Catherine. And dad, go teach her the year. Catherine goes in the United States. So I'm kind of like, you know, no, no, CGS. It's so funny. And but that's how I it's just funny. Family humbles you, you know, and all that. So it was it was just kind of cool. So they exceptionally believe in you. I I thought of it that way, too. I think you told me to look at it that way. Yeah. So um that was fun. I mean that was kind of cool. So, um, there's more to it, but I I think we have places to go. So, I do want to say to Katie, thank you so much
041for nominating me. You know how much this means to me. You saw me, right? Uh, so to to get this award was um just blew my mind. Um, Katie called me down at 3:30 in the afternoon. You know, you're busy. I went down and uh want to know if he was enough for school teacher. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Didn't have to be there at 3:30, but what? So I go down there and I go, "Should I shut the door?" She goes, "Yes." And I'm shutting the door. I'm going go, "Oh." So I turn around and then she hits me with that letter. And uh and she told me that was written by the kids. You put it all together. But um to have your kids say that about you. Um and you to put it all
042together meant the world to me. So thank you. I'm going to try not to. So yeah, Catherine asked me if I was gonna cry tonight and I said no. So I'll do the best I can. So Katie, thank you. Um so from there it was written by the students. So there are students that she called upon. I don't know who you are and if you're watching. Um but thank you so much for those unbelievable comments. I mean to have your kids feel that way about you, it's just um uplifting. Um maybe a validation. I don't know what it is, but you feel like you're making a difference. Um, and there's no profession you can get this kind of reward, and I feel it. So, thank you to my students. Um, Dave Lacroy, um, thank you.
043I'm sure you were part of the decision process. Um, Dave, we've had a lot of discussions and I always give credit to teachers. Um, I knew nothing about teaching. I'll be perfectly honest. When I came here, I told Katie, I can manage kids. I know math and I I'm going to make a difference. And so I didn't oversell myself. And so I literally learned through all the different teachers. Um, and so Dave would would talk about this and that, but Dave was always positive and would always say, "Rob, it's you. It's you." Like trying to give me credit. And I'd say, "Yeah, but I'm I'm taking from my teachers all that, but uh Dave, thank you for believing in me." Uh, I don't usually get nervous when I'm nervous. Uh, teachers, so all of you,
044I don't know who's teachers, who's not. Um, I literally put all of you on a pedestal. I when I walk into a room of teachers, I'm amazed. I I just think you guys are all incredible. And I I don't feel that way. I'm not putting myself down, but I don't feel that way. And when I see teachers um I am just uh just amazed and what I got from this because you try to accept and and understand this. I had so many teachers that have come up to me and thank and it was so happy for me. Um teachers that I didn't even know knew me. Um but that feeling that I got from teachers and the comments were welld deserved. It wasn't political. Um it was just all like so supportive and so happy
045for me and as a person I mean the the feeling that I got. I just want to thank all the teachers. That being said, how am I doing? All right. Great. I'll try. I don't know. So there are a few teachers I want to thank. Um feel free to play the music before we leave. I didn't write a speech. I'm just got this is from the hot. This the only way I know how to talk is from the heart. Uh number one teacher, Sarah Bradley. She taught me everything I know. My first day of school, I I was clueless. I knew math. I knew I could manage kids, but I didn't know curriculum. I didn't know anything. Uh Sher Bradley literally took me under her wing. Um showed me how to work the copier, showed
046me how to just everything about the basics of being a teacher. and she was with me 247 my whole first year. Taught me everything. Um, and it was just an amazing how lucky I was to get her. I know a lot of you know her. Um, I Cheryl, if you're watching, I think the world of you. She knows. Um, but she's the one that really gave me the base of how to be a teacher. So, thank you, Cheryl. Lorraine Levenson. I was getting my master's degree. Katie assigned Lorraine Levenson to sponsor me. Is that what it's called or whatever? Uh, so pretty. That's okay. So, Lorraine uh supported me through the master's degree while I was going and learning how to become a teacher from Charl. U and the support I felt from her was
047unbelievable through the process. So, Lorraine, if you're at home watching, thank you. Next is Rebecca Bagley. Rebecca Baggley and I were hired the same day and uh we went through everything together. We didn't know what CP was, common plan. Uh, so we didn't know all the the different ins and outs. And so we would learn and talk and laugh and we kind of went through the, you know, learning the ropes together to the point where we work in the same classroom. We co-e. I think we're unbeatable. I think we're just really, really good. Um, so we teach math together. So Rebecca, thank you. Um, my last one, I don't know if she's here. She said she was going to be neighbor. Where are you? Hi neighbor. Come on up. No. So, uh, Lady is incredible.
048So, we're neighbors. She's in the room right beside me. Door right between us. It's always open. Um, helps with our capital. But, but she is she's awesome. I I can't ask for a better a better partner, a better person to be beside me at this point in my career. Uh, we have fun together, we work together, we laugh together, we golf together. kids will see us working on the swings in the hallway. We just we just, you know, just I don't know. I love you. That's all I got to say. She's awesome. So, that's Lenie. Um All right. Am I okay? I got I got to say this stuff. I mean, it's not going to happen again. I'm 60. I'm 61. So, uh, there are two reasons. I I always felt I wanted to be
049a teacher and a coach, but I chose sales to try to make the money. And I did it for 25 almost 30 years and did okay. And I got laid off. Um, and I said to my wife, and I'll talk about at the end with her, but I said I should have been a teacher and coach. And it came from two people that were my coaches and also my math teachers. Um, and I didn't realize that, but I they're both passed away, but Arman Sabin was our coach, but my family here knows that. Uh, and Bob Petrillo just passed away a month ago. He's from Mthuan. Uh, he was our coach. He was 35 years. I grew up in Beford. They were not only my coaches and was a math teacher. Um, and they inspired
050me. Um, so the feeling I always had, it came from them. Bob Patrol just passed away, but one of the things he told me before he passed. Um, was to focus on the kids. Um, that's where I got it from. He So, I'm 61 years old. I've known him since I was 18. Um, spoke to him on Thanksgiving. He passed away a month ago, but he's just a great great guy that just meant the world to me. Um, and so inspired me to become a teacher and a coach. A little too old for a coach right now, I feel. Uh, thank you to uh my family, my brothers and sisters, my sister Debbie, my sister Chrissy, my son Ryan, my daughter Katherine, her boyfriend Max, and Ryan's girlfriend Mary. U, but I I'm the youngest
051of six kids. I grew up lucky. Really grew up lucky. Then we came up from Rhode Island to be here in the traffic and uh it's just pretty pretty cool. But um I grew up really lucky to have that support and all of that. And when I made the career change, they had my back. They were behind me the whole time. They always ask me how teaching's going. They care. And uh thank you. Love you guys. So, even Chrissy and her husband, my first day of school, helped me set up the room. So, when you're a career changer, you don't know what a classroom looks like. So, I'm like taking pictures of a classroom. We tried to build it, right? We're like, let's do this, whatever. So, we did it. So, thank you. So, my
052family, Ryan, 38 years old, I'm not that old. Uh, he he helped me through through my master's degree. I had to write papers. He's he is brilliant. But it really Yeah. I don't know how you guys feel, but my children are a lot smarter than I ever was. So I would write papers and he'd look at it and go, you know, like so he kind of helped me a little bit on the paper side and I thank you for that. My middle daughter, Anna, couldn't make it tonight. She sent me an incredible text last night to um just to let me know how proud she was of me, which made me feel really good. Um my daughter Katherine, she teaches in speech in Gloucester. Um she inspired me because she was at school the same
053time I was in school. We were writing papers together and all that. But um she is just phenomenal when it came to decide deciding to become a teacher. Uh I was scared. I didn't know I was taking a leap of faith. And uh so Katherine looked me straight in the face and said, "Dad, you make an awesome teacher." Um that inspired me and gave me a push. Um, so I love you and thank you. So that's that. Three kids. I'm almost done. Is this awful? Am I speaking to us? You guys are probably exhausted. I'm sorry. Um, all right. The last one is my wife, Mary. Imagine if I then I forget. Yeah. Oh, yeah. So, at least I wrote the name down here. That's all I did. I didn't practice anything. So Mary's in
054Quebec hopefully watching on FaceTime. She's So um so Mary Mary I I this is where I don't want to cry. But when I got laid off, I was taking care of my sick mother. She was taking care of her sick mother. It was a very very very difficult time. And I said the words that I should have been a teacher and coach. And and she said, "Why don't you do it?" And I said, "Cuz I'm too old." I was 50 at the time. I'm 61 now. And uh I said, "I'm too old." And she said, "You're not too old." And she not only gave me the push, but she supported me. Like, I don't know. I just feel like I'm very lucky to have someone like that to support me at a time when I
055was down. Um and to and just to to have my back and do it with a smile on her face. She went to Cambridge College with me when I signed up to go for my master's degree. Um they had wanted me to take a math test. I said, "Okay, I'll be back and I'll take it later." She said, "No, you take it right now." She pushed me. Uh she even helped me with one of the questions, but she um but she got me through and pushed me to go back to school and she's always had my back. Now, we took a pay cut for five years in Burlington. I worked as a sub. I worked as special ed. I worked as uh re uh response to intervention. Um, I did everything it was while I
056was going to school at 50 years old. She started a frame shop, custom framing, frame one in North Running. I can't resist. So, um, but she but she supported us because I made no money. I made no money at 50 to 55 years old. I made you guys know I mean you guys would know better than anybody. So I worked, you know, summers, uh, before school, after school, everything. And at the end of the day, I think I made like 30 grand, you know, working year round in the whole thing. She started a frame shop that allowed us or allowed me to pursue this opportunity. So from the bottom of my heart, Mary, if you're watching, thank you very much. Appreciate it. So thank you everybody. Thank you so much. Thanks guys. If I knew
057I would have had that one be last, but I had no idea. That was that was that was fabulous. That was great. I would like to call up Kelly Blanchett, our special ed administrator for the Early Childhood Center, and the uh preschool teacher of the year, Amanda O'Keefe. [Applause] Well, that's a tough act to follow. No, congratulations. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Amanda O'Keefe for the teacher of the year award. Amanda exemplifies the very best qualities of an educator, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her students, her colleagues, and the greater school community. Amanda is not only a licensed special education teacher, but also holds her BCBA certification. This combination of expertise allows her to enhance the learning experience for all students, ensuring their diverse needs are met with skill, compassion, and unwavering
058dedication. From the moment you step into Amanda's classroom, you are welcomed into a warm and nurturing environment that feels like family. She fosters a song strong sense of community, ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, encouraged to reach their full potential. Her passion for student success is evident in the way she tailors instruction, adapts to new challenges, and remains receptive to change. Always seeking innovative ways to improve outcomes for her students. Amanda is a collaborative force within our early childhood center. She works seamlessly with staff, readily offering support and guidance whenever needed. Her professionalism, coupled with an approachable and fun demeanor, makes her a joy to work with, and a trusted mentor among her peers. Whether she's working with students one-on-one, leading group activities, or engaging in professional development, Amanda's presence is felt throughout the
059school on a daily basis. Her visibility and involvement ensure that students, staff, and families alike benefit from her leadership and expertise. This year, Amanda went above and beyond by taking on the responsibility of teaching not just one but two classrooms. In addition to leading her substantially separate preschool classroom, she also stepped into teach a substantially separate kindergarten classroom, balancing the needs of both groups, she seamlessly adapted her instruction, indivi individualized support, and classroom management to ensure that every student received the attention and resources necessary to thrive. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities with grace, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to student success is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill as an educator. Beyond her technical knowledge, Amanda's greatest strength lies in her ability to see each child as an individual, recognizing their unique
060needs and helping them thrive. She leads with empathy and understanding, creating an inclusive space where all children can succeed. Her tireless efforts to put students first, her willingness to help at any moment, and her boundless enthusiasm for education make her an exceptional candidate for teacher of the year. For these reasons and so many more, I wholeheartedly recommend Amanda O'Keefe for the honor of teacher of the year. She is a remarkable educator, a dedicated colleague, and a true asset to our school community. Thank you everyone. Um, just something real quick and short because I don't like speaking in front of all these people, but um, I just want to say how truly honored and humbled I am to receive this recognition. Um, teaching is not a solo act. As many have said already up here, it's
061a collaboration of families, colleagues, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and of course our students um, who are truly the heart of everything we do. My team within my classroom is amazing. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I'm grateful to be able to have them by my side each day. It's definitely not always easy, but we are always learning, adjusting. Um, it's always rewarding and always fun. Um, so I share this with them today. Um, as well as all the wonderful colleagues within my within the branch street. Um, and most importantly, my students who are why we're there every single day. So, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you so much. I I think we should do the the remaining recognition awards and then we'll recess. I think that would be really important. So, we can
062go through all of number two and stop after public participation, take a recess and let everybody gather if that makes sense for everybody. Awesome. So, I'd like to call up um Rebecca Gordon again. and Jenna Gagnon to come with her and Mr. Marino. Whoever else wants to come. Students. Yes. Come on. Everybody come on up. Come on up. We have a crew. Quite the crew. All right. So, on Tuesday, May 20th, Jenna Gagnon, an eighth grade teacher at the Marsh, gave a student the Heimlick maneuver. Alyssa Shine is a seventh grade student. She was walking up the stairs and was choking on a piece of food. She was having trouble breathing and motioned to Miss Gagnon, who was monitoring her students in the hallway, that she needed help. Miss Gagnon did not hesitate and jumped
063right into action. She immediately gave Alyssa the Heimlick in the hallway and dislodged the food. Miss Gagnon saved Alyssa's life due to her heroic and swift action. Alyssa, her mom, and the entire Marsh community want to recognize Miss Gagden for being a true true hero. You can nois's mom and it's that's just never a phone call you want to get. And I am so grateful that she just jumped right in and did what needed to be done. And I I think a lot of teachers might know CPR and know the Heimlick, but never think you have to use it. So I'm just so grateful. Thank you. Good evening, Superintendent Dr. Kuang and school committee members. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for this recognition. I firmly believe
064that I'd never have the courage to help in a situation as threatening as this. Rather, I always assumed I'd be the one to phone the nurse. It is in moments like these when we often take for granted how precious and vulnerable our time can be. I never grew up in a military or first responder household to have these inherent skills, but I did become accustomed to one with my fiance and his family. After taking some time to recognize the depth of this situation, I urge everyone to take a refresher course on how to save a life because it truly could happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. That being said, I'm so glad I was there to help Alyssa when she needed us most. Thank you. So, this is a new one. Oh. Oh, this is
065a new uh we've never had to do this certificate before. So, this is a new certificate for uh Miss Yagnan as an educator at the March for her quick thinking and composure during a recent emergency. We weren't quite sure how to capture this because this is truly remarkable and a new one for us. Thank you so much. Thank you very Yeah. If I say we just go through um if this vice chair, you can continue. Yep. and then we'll again pause at the end of public participation and do you have there is somebody signed up for public participation? Um does our student representative have any updates for the committee? Yes. So I have some good news today. Um the mental health parent and student advisory council is proud to share that with the tremendous support
066of Mr. Curet we have successfully acquired necessary supplies and paint for our upcom upcoming mural initiative. The student left project is set to begin installation early next week or sometime soon um which will aim to promote hope, healing, and emotional well-being within our school environment. The mural reflects our commitment to nurturing a culture that supports youth mental health through visibility, inclusion, and artistic expression. Also, junior and senior awards night was on May 28th and 29th. Last week, Methuan High held its annual junior and senior awards night where outstanding students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to excellence. Senior prom was on May 22nd. Senior prom took place at the beautiful Atkins Atkinson's Country Club on May 22nd where students enjoyed an elegant evening filled with music, dancing, and celebration, creating lasting
067memories as they near the end of their high school journey. Um the student advisory state house um is on June 10th and I feel kind of inclined to mention that I will be attending the state house um advocacy meeting tomorrow where I'll be sure to um advocate for our school's needs as well as alongside care which is the council on um American and Islamic relations on various bills including the Muslim commission bill. So thank you [Applause] Superintendent, would you like to recognize our student representative? Yes. So surprise, Tob. So um I do have a certificate for you, Tayab, to for your participation on the school committee this year. So yeah, if you want to do the awkward come around here, um we can present that together. Um but what an what a fantastic addition you
068have been to our I know our school committee. uh and uh in our community at large and representing Mthuan, your Ranger pride shines through. So, we thank you uh for joining us this entire year on the school committee. Thank you so much. All right, public participation. Um John Drew It's okay. Make me that guy. Hold these guys up from going to lunch or dinner and you know, uh, hi everybody. Um, my name is John Drew. I think you guys know that. Live at six Valley Road. I'm a proud father of two Methuan public school students. I'm a homeowner, a taxpayer, and I love this city enough to show up, speak up, and stand up when it counts. Uh tonight I want to talk about the proposed consolidation of the IT department. Um on its face,
069I'll be honest. It makes sense to me. Um why wouldn't it? Uh streamlining services to reduce duplication saves the city money, increases efficiency. Um but I'm not an IT expert. I am a plumber. Just uh I'll leave the tech side to the experts like uh Committeeman Shabilia knows knows what he's talking about. I couldn't even get this thing to print on my printer tonight. So, I will not claim to be a tech expert. Um, where I do have concerns is how that will be rolled out. Um, how we treat people involved and how we make sure we're not just ripping the band-aid off and jamming this down people's throats. Um, the idea might be right, but without a thoughtful plan, it's not. Um, now I want to commend Mayor Borugard. Um, at least he's trying.
070He's looking under every rock to try to find ways to support the schools and cut wastes in the process. I appreciate that effort and I believe many parents in Mthuan do also. Um, but I can't say the same about the city council. Um, I have to be honest, I don't think they're watching right now, but I hopefully they'll play back the tape. Uh, it's disappointing that we're staring down the barrel of layoffs on Friday. real people, real jobs, real services, and it didn't have to come to this. It's a disgrace that it got this far without workable budget already passed. Uh political games being played, and our kids, teachers, and families are the ones playing paying the price. Um I want to speak directly to the council. Uh today and tomorrow, you'll be holding budget
071workshops. Um I hope you will workshop the budget and find money for our kids. Um, show us that you're not afraid to make the tough decisions. And yes, they will be unpopular and they may upset the status quo, but the leadership means doing what's right, not what's easy. The truth is it comes down to values. What kind of values does the city of Methan want to be? If we invest in stronger schools, we will have higher prop. We will grow property values. Uh, means more revenue, means growth. A better school system attracts teachers, staff, and families. Families like mine that want to settle down and create roots in this city. Um, we cannot cut our way to success. To the school committee, relax. Not going to on you guys. I not going to say bad
072things to you guys. Um, I want to say thank you. Um, I know this budget season has been brutal. Um, I know it's weight on you guys and and your shoulders. I know you've been doing your absolute best to protect the integrity of our schools and dealing with an impossible situation. Uh, thank you for showing up and fighting every day. Really. And finally, I want to take a moment to thank Dr. Kang and the teachers and her entire team. Uh, you've been given you've given my children a year of growth, joy, and progress. My daughter Ella, who's three, you guys saw her a few weeks ago. Uh my son, he's here also. Uh she's in her first year uh the at the EEC. Uh she's blossomed. She had some speech and developmental um things that
073she was working on and she improved in in incredible ways. Um my son, he returned to the CGS this year and has loved every part of being back in his school most of the time. Uh we're grateful every single teacher and staff who made that possible. And to every teacher, aid, staff member, thank you. I know you guys don't hear that enough. Honestly, from a parent, thank you for everything you do every day. Um, you're not just educating kids, you're shaping futures. Um, we will not stop fighting. We will not give up. Our children, this city, they deserve a school we can be proud of. Thank you everybody. [Applause] All right, I have one um email that came in. It's from Christa McGinness, 8 Danielle Way. Hi, my son is a third soon to be
074fourth grader at the Marsh Grammar School and I'm deeply distraught about the cuts that will be made to the school system. jeopardizing our students and schools is not is just not acceptable. I strongly urge you to support the school committee's recommended budget in order to allow our students to achieve success. If the budget needs to be cut, I think it should be equally spread throughout the city, not just the schools. The schools are trying to shape young minds with less and less as time goes on. At some point, the students will suffer tremendously, and that might just be next year if those cuts are imposed. Thank you, Christa McInness. Can I have a motion for recess? So moved. Second. Moved by member Daglio, second by member Donovan. Um, all in favor? I. All right. So
075moved. We will take a fiveminute recess. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] [Applause] Hallelujah. [Music] You are hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Praise God. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] God. [Music] Good evening. We are back from our break. Um, may I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes of April 16th, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by memberilia, second by member Wlette. Any discussion? Um, all in favor? I I opposed. Unanimous. May I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes of April 28th, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by member Wlette, second by member Shibilia. Any discussion? Um all in favor? I opposed. Unanimous. May I have an motion and a second to approve the minutes of May 6, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by member Wlette. Second by
076member Shabilia. Any discussion? All in favor? I I opposed. Unanimous. May I have a motion in a second to approve the minutes of May 12th, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by member Shabilia, second by member Wlette. Any discussion? Um, member Mville. The only thing I noticed in here was um I already talked to her about one other thing which is no big deal, but the attached list. It says see attached list. That's not here. Yeah, it's not in here. It's not. It's not though. That was the first one. Huh? That's April. We're in We're in May. That one's not in here. Every other one has it. It's just that not this one. This one was the one where we had I think it was 20%, you know. All right. Um, all in favor? I opposed.
077Unanimous. May I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes of May 21st, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by member Shibilia. Second by member Wlette. Any discussion? None. All in favor? I I opposed. Unanimous. Um staff reports. Um superintendent superintendent updates. Are there any? I don't have any special updates tonight. Okay. Um does the committee have any questions on the student enrollment data? Um member Maxwell Um, so I just have a few questions. Um, I noticed that we have a significant amount of enrollments. Um, but the numbers just from the last update we got to this update don't add up. They don't make sense. Um so for instance in um the enrollment section u we in March it was reported that we had 163 we have 187 now that's 24 but when you
078add up March, April, May and June it doesn't add up to 24. Um now we're reporting,34 total enrollments and in March we were reporting 982. So that's 52 students. Did we get 52 students from March until now in the last 65 days? Um and then as far as the withdrawals um we have we have reported 95 withdrawals in the indistrict disabilities. In March there were 58. Um English language learners there's 136. In March there was 87. Total uh withdrawals there was 362. In March there were 262. So in 65 school days we've had 100 withdrawals from the district. Is that accurate? The numbers are pulling directly from Infinite Campus to this form. And I'm going to turn to my right because the data manager who who is pulling this is actually here. So I don't
079have March numbers in front of me. I'd have to go look to see I have them. What your I know. But I I don't have them. I just have to look to to compare. But everything is pulled directly from Infinite Campus. Our turn rate is about 10%, it's a little bit higher, closer to 12% every year. So we have at least 7 to 800 kids that are coming in and out of the district every year. So the numbers do seem pretty um typical. Yeah. Again, it's the groups of students that we're really focused on. the fact that we have more English learners coming in, less leaving. Uh that's the churn that we're looking at that is making a difference in our support services and data. Right. Okay. Yeah. Okay. That's all I just I was
080just curious with those numbers. Thank you. You're welcome. Memberia. So part of my question was on the math and whether my math of 672 kids coming into the district when you balance out the comingings and goings the 134 coming in minus the 362 going out means we've got a net positive of 672 students. Yeah. So keep in mind that though when we started this, keep in mind the August and September numbers include preschool and kindergarten as new students, right? So those are big numbers when you have total enrollments in August and September. We had to start this at the start of the school year calendar. Okay, which included the new students in kindergs last year. So they're new students to our system. So those two numbers are going to be the highest. Those are when
081the most enrollments happened in kindergarten and in preschool. Okay. Agree. Right. Yeah. So, and those kids, just for point of clarification, are not counted because they weren't here last October. Correct. Okay. And you said my one my other question was going to be is that is that normal? And it sounds like given the percentages you just put out there, it is. Yeah. That again the churn rate keeps us steady right now. So this is why our enrollment is steadily going up but it's not over. When you look at this right people think that we have more kids coming in than going out. We have uh again our typical churn rate is from 10 to 12% which it is at. Um it's the it's the demographic and the coding of the kids that is we're keeping
082our eye on changing. Right. 12, 15, 20 years ago, we certainly weren't having 400 L's enroll as new students in the district. Um, so again, the kids leaving don't look, you know, they're not the same coded kids as the kids coming. That's what we it has become more challenging for us. And just to clarify because I apologize. I don't know if I said that right, but like that's that's what this whole thing is about, right? when when member Dunovan and I sat down to try to like collapse all the data we're looking at into one place. Um this is what we came up with. And again, if this shows us the year, but if we want to talk about having it look differently come September, we can. Um but we're very focused on the students
083with disabilities, the English learners, and the the n the sheer numbers of kids coming into preschool is another one we're watching closely. So looking at this and I recall you saying when we first got this presentation in this format that these numbers a kid may be counted in each line twice. Correct. So you may have a McKini Vento kid who's non as you know special needs ELLL or is ELLL or whatever the combo may be. Yes. The total enrollment number however is just an a unique number. That's a unique number. Yep. So that is the actual number of kids we picked up in August. Picked up a thousand, lost 300, but again that a thousand includes the preschool and kindergarten. Yes. 500. And it also does not include the seniors that just left, right? Well,
084this includes every student in the district that was in our district from 2425. So, our current students in kindergarten classrooms and our current seniors, that's the picture you're looking at in front of you, right? Thank you. Um, just one followup. So, I was confused when I was looking at it today and I, this is just for information. I'm just curious. Y, um, monthly the numbers change and so like we're in we're in June right now, but August numbers are still changing. So in March it was reported 50 and now we have 55 in district disabilities. Um 66 in September and there's 71 reported now. Does that change? I mean I would think that it stays the same. The only month that should be changing is June at this point. Correct. So that data is live
085as of now. a kid in the August column, they might have just been added as special ed students. So that's reflected in that number just because their enrollment was in August. So do they change? So they change like Okay. So they were enrolled say in August but then they were moved to Oh, right. a different column. Yes. You're saying because they were identified as that in so now. So, so if we had students come in uh that were not identified with special needs in May, I'm sorry, not May. That's not a good example. Let's go stay with with August. Uh and then over the course of the school year, they went through the evaluation process and were identified. It's adding to their enrollment date that now they are identified as that that category of students
086with disability. So that's why the numbers would change from say 50 to 55, correct? Okay. Okay. Thank you. Right. Enrollment, the total enrollment has not stayed the same. So the total enrollment in August was 421 on this new chart, but in March it was 424. And in September it was 321 and in March it was 322. In October it was 65, March it was 67. So the total enrollment is also changing. So that may be because secretaries are changing codes. This is a live campus status changes at some point. It's going to update wherever. Okay. I think this if the kid captured in August withdraws, is that going to pull off that August number from total enrollment regardless of their category? No. So then that number change. So I I think part of our issue
087may be that this is a a shifting demographic and with the ability to have probably 1,700 hands in codes that it's it's it's got to it's it's bound to be a a bit of a mess. Is there a way where we can get a static table and just add the new line for the new month? I think that may be more beneficial for us. But I but I think what we were trying to do is um because it is live from infinite camp like we don't actually input right our hands are not on this chart. It's actually uh due to uh Matt creating a query in infinite campus. It's pulling these numbers live at the first of every month and creating this chart for us. Right? So, it's pulling the numbers, putting it in an
088Excel spreadsheet, and we're and he's printing it. It sends us It sends us an email on the first of every month and says, "Here's your automatic report that comes." Um, if we're keeping track by month, it will be a person that has to do that because then those things won't change, right? So, how am I going to identify the fact that there are 17 new special education students in the month of whatever June compared to the month of August even though those students enrolled in August, right? I mean, it's it we can continue to tweak it and we'll figure like we can still I just don't know how to make it because it's live. Those codes are going to change as anything about that child changes. So, I get what you guys are asking and
089we can, you know, Matt and I can work and kind of talk through some things if there's a way to just make it a little clearer about what's happening with the numbers. Yeah. And I'm I'm happy to help give whatever two cents I can share. All right. Because there's a lot we're pulling, right? We just we wanted to try to put it all in one place as as best we could. So, there's just a lot being pulled. So, you might have to just talk through that for a little bit to see. Yeah. Like I can understand a child shifting between columns because you know assessments and and decisions made but I would figure the total enrollment for that month would have stayed the same unless that child is reflected in the withdrawals as well. So
090the fact that the total enrollment changes but the if we're pulling from enrollment date right so everything that is getting pulled from this is enrollment date if the code of that child changes at some point during the school year their enrollment date doesn't change that's what I think my why some of those things are going to fluctuate so that that student is identified now as English learner or special education right it's going to change and go back to wherever that enrollment date is because that's what it's pulling from automatically. All of that I agree with, but that one column, total enrollment, that you said was a a a standalone number. Yeah. Shouldn't change. That number shouldn't change. But the other reason is that due to residency withdrawals, kids are unenrolled and then reenrolled. So I
091think that's kind of the numbers as well. Oh, only four withdraw because we do Yeah, we do unenroll the students officially and if the paperwork comes in, we reenroll them. Oh, I didn't think of that, but we do do that. That's a process. Yeah, we can re revisit. We can. So on that on that note, if just say like a student moves, does it does it uh does it like unenroll because we don't know where that student is going to and then if they move to a different school district, they have to reenroll. That's another question. Like so when a student has to leave a school, say, "Hey, I'm moving to the west side." Do we keep that student inside the district once we have that residency? Yes. If they're within Methooan, they don't unenroll.
092It's when students are in question of living in Methuan anywhere that they are unenrolled and have to reenroll and prove residency again. Okay. Yep. We don't unenroll them between schools. Things to think about. Yep. Um, does the committee have any questions about the assistant superintendent of student services report? Donovan, just um worth a note, we are now approaching $900,000 for um the transportation expenses. Um 127 up. They're more than anticipated. More than that. Okay. Um with the news about the um what is that? The hotel. The shelter. Thank you. Y um is there any work being done like in advance to find out where our students there will be going next year? Where are we in all that? So, the shelter is staying in constant communication with my office as families transition um and a
093lot of them are tr transitioning to other shelters um in the state so they remain um able to continue enrollment with us or transition to the new district. So what's happening though is a number of the students that were living at the shelter here in Methuan and enrolled in our schools, they had access to our transportation. Um what we're seeing now is when they transition to other cities and they want to remain here in Methuan public schools, we're now seeing more cost shares than we were when they were here in the shelter in Mthuan, which I do believe was a direct question and I don't remember who asked it during the budget process if that could happen with the shelter closing and we unequivocally said yes. Right. that that if the students are no longer
094at the days in uh in Methuan catching our bus that stops in the days in but now are in Haveril lol somewhere where they could remain in our schools we would now add that cost of a cost share transportation with that district that is the law right so and again I'm looking I can't remember who asked that spec it might have been you specific question during the budget process of could that happen and the answer is yes we're just trying to keep as best track as we can. And again, Sean at uh CTI has been remarkable uh communicating with us all along the way. You know, unfortunately, they don't know either where everybody's going to land. Uh so any information they have on families, they're letting us know as they know. There there is a
095small number of families that found permanent housing. So they're finishing the school year with us and then they'll transition to the new district. But that number is not as large as the number that remains in the system. Any other questions? Right. Um, does the committee have any questions about the director of human resources report? It's unchanged from last month. in the propo I don't even how what to call it in whatever budget we're going to end up with are all of these empty positions I assume are are gone. Is that an accurate assessment or are No, not an accurate assessment because some of these uh well you don't want to say not an accurate assessment. Yeah, most of these are special ed. Um, okay. Like speech therapists, those are being covered right now by contracted
096services in some places or our own staff. So, those are still vacant positions that we've had posted. Those are not gone in our budget. School psychologist we know is definitely not gone. I mean, we're not cutting any of those positions. We need four of those folks at this point. So, some of these are, but uh to to unilaterally say they all are is I don't I don't know how we keep them all vacant. So given the vacancies is is there any let's call it cost savings that is going to be transferred to is this where that is coming from from your request Ian are we being able to kind of steal from Peter to pay Paul next year? I'm hoping that's my goal. Um we do have we do have some funds in in um
097salaries particularly professional as well as um other salaries where we didn't fill positions etc. Um I did ask you guys do one transfer already that I felt comfortable with. Um now that we're getting to the end I want to scrape anything that's left and put into contracted services in which case I can do a a budget journal entry leaving the money in circuit breaker. So depending on what that number is, we may have a little to offset next year's. I'm just a little leerary of leaving circuit breaker too low. Okay. Um as well as I do want to let you know that the city has already um provided us the $900,000 that the city council had voted on. Um so that's in contracted services. I will do a journal leaving it in circuit break for
098next year. We've already backed that out of our budget, so we will use that for tuitions next year. Thank you. Member will Did we get any sense from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent because I think that's the best resource regarding the supplemental budget because that was the biggest resource that was going to be for us to clean up the books. Yeah. So nothing we've got. So that might go into deep into the summer, I think. So we've heard nothing um from for the FY25 supplemental budget and obviously FY26 is in conference right now. So uh it's it's was talked about pretty openly and on the table in April and then has become very quiet the supplemental budget. So I am unsure but yes I am uh probably the one of the superintendent emailing um
099the executive director for MASS saying any word any word uh and there's no additional word right now that they have and I think but the point per is uh Roger Hatch right okay thank you you're welcome all right does the committee have any questions about the out of school suspensions and other disciplinary actions report member Maxwell. Um I have a few questions. So it looks like in the out out of school suspensions and other disciplinary actions report um those numbers are kind of off too. Does that get pulled right from Infinite Campus? Is that the same as the enrollment situation or are these plugged in? So like the comprehensive grammar school out of school suspensions um from August till now is 101 and in March it was 61. So that's 40 incidents and 65 school
100days. Um 30 versus the 18 in March for the Donald P. Timin 65 versus 37 in Marsh grammar school. And then the other question I had um where it says on the first page the tenny grammar school alcohol drug tobacco vaping in infractions there's a 5% with that does that mean that there are 20 incidents and is the 10y grammar school alcohol drug tobacco vaping is that all of the grammar schools because all of the grammar schools don't have that option. What? And then on the back page, all of the schools do have vaping infractions. All good questions that I just I I ahead of time I probably could have had the answers to that. I know Dr. Gowski and Matt worked on that one, too, but we'd have to look at those are all
101same same as the last one. They're all directly pulled from Infinite Campus on the first of every month, and these reports are automatic. Uh but we can we can just look at I just don't know off the top of my head how they're so the coding it's the coding after things are closed out. So I mean that would make sense on the percentages but like so out of out of 100% say 5% of the incidents um alcohol drug tobacco vaping 5% out of all of them are being suspended. I think it I don't I I really would like the time to be able to talk to them about those numbers only because I don't think it's out of like a hundred. I think it's 5% of the total number of incidences. Okay. Then that would
102make more I think that when we did this in the beginning of when we created these so I guess if that was one of the things I remember being a little bit confusing but that was the way the numbers are pulled. So it's of the total incidences. Okay. It's the percentage of the total for each of the schools. So we can we put an a column here for the total number of incidents numeric like we did for the on page 53. Yeah, I think it would just be helpful. I mean even the page on 53 the numbers are kind of crazy and out of whack but I mean since let's say March again that's 65 school days. We've had 165 other incidents at the Tenny Grammar School. Um and I mean that's just a lot.
103985 other incidents at the high school. Those numbers are on track what they've been in the past or what those numbers are on track what they've been in the past. Yeah. I just I'm just curious how in in 65 school days we've had a jump of 165 incidents but not a jump in suspensions because I will tell you at the high school a lot of those others are going to be tardies and Saturday schools. So you're not talking about out of school suspensions, right? Like those automatic class cuts. That's where the majority of those come from. So all right. So I guess bring us back to the total enrolled. Yeah. In the comprehensive grammar school, it was 1057 now and it's 1067 in March. Did we have 10 students unenroll since March? Because that doesn't
104show in our enrollment numbers. In the Donald P. Timothy school it says 1196 is our total enrolled in March it was 1185 in the March it's 1,02 total enrolled March it was 1,03 um and at the high at the tenny it's 1269 and in March it was 1260 1269 and in March it was 1263 so those numbers just don't add up with our enrollment numbers either so I'm just curious where we're pulling these numbers numbers from Yep. We'll look at everything. Okay. Yep. I just don't want to I don't want to not having it in front where the numbers are being pulled. I don't want to misspeak and I think our team just needs the time to look at each of those. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other questions? Um I have one question. Um,
105the high school doesn't seem to have a repeat cell phone policy violation, just a headphone policy violation. Is Is that the case or is it just not being put on here? Because it seems strange that the high school wouldn't have that um a cell phone any cell phone issues. I'll I'll ask I don't know that one. Yep. Yep. I'll make a note. All right, moving on to new business. May I have a motion and a second to approve the disposition of the Pleasant Valley and Courier um properties? So moved. Second. Moved by member Shibilia, second by member Wlette. Discussion. I have a question. So I just want to mention that we are not including dits in place on this um in this discussion today because it was not posted but the agenda was posted. It
106was posted. We can have a discussion. We just can't do any vote. Okay. But I can amend the agenda from the table. So if we make a motion to include it, there should be no issue. So the fact that it wasn't on the original agenda should be moved. So, at this point, I guess I'm going to make a motion to include the central school property in this in this vote. Do I have a second? [Applause] Go ahead, member. I I wish we had some legal counsel on that. I I totally agree with you, but I we don't want to do something and have it it's not the first time we've amended a agenda at the table. Uh I just I just want to say I like I said I I talked to the city solicitor
107who is not always right. Again, you're right. But if she is if they are right and we do this, you are also then violating then that causes this whole agreement to go sideways. So I rather just do it right. Just cover our butts and just do it right. It's three separate votes. If I don't have a second, I don't have a second. I tried. No big deal. Yeah, I I would I I totally understand what happened. Um I would say from our perspective and I know the subcommittee's perspective, the Pleasant Valley and the Courier are probably the most the two most concrete uh schools to have this discussion and vote about to move forward. I think 10 dits in place needs to be on one of our next agendas as again we can have a
108discussion but it wasn't on the agenda as added to the actual motion to approve. So, I understand all of that. Um, I don't I didn't we didn't do anything intentionally to violate anything. We just left it it was on the memo. We just left it off of the agenda. Um, so either way it goes. Again, I think the Pleasant Valley and the Courier are the two most concrete and to vote on tonight. That would be at least moving us in the right direction. Um, and then we can the committee can have a conversation about it's in place if we have questions. I think there's more uh you know to talk about with that particular building anyway. All right. Discussion. Member Maxwell. Um my only issue with considering the Pleasant Valley um school, I know it's
109not in good condition. I know it's we can't use it. I would just like to see the city knock it down and start over and make a new school. Um, so I know like there is not more land. We can't just find land and we currently have a building. All of our schools are bursting at the seams and it would just be nice to have an additional building. But um, that's the only discussion I bring to the table. I would just rather see it stay, maybe knock it down. doesn't have to be tomorrow, maybe in five years, but at least we have the land um and we can create a new school. member Daglio. Um to to go off of member Maxwell, uh Pleasant Valley knocking it down and creating a whole new school would
110probably cost more money um for the city, which wait, which by the way, right now they're saying we don't have. So um that's one option. Me personally, I I think I have no problem handing over Pleasant Valley and the Courier, especially the Courier that's right up the street. Honestly, I would love to fix it up. Um, but that's why I also prefer we keep schedule, but we'll have that discussion afterwards. But I'm I'm all for moving with the Pleasant Valley um and Courier. Madam Vice Chair, member Wlette, thank you. Um, going back to last year, I wanted to make sure that as a school committee, we attached conditions to declaring surplus those two properties, the Courier and the Pleasant Valley School. Now, this is not a fair to plea. This is going to be contingent
111upon those conditions being met, which would be reverting 100% back to our schools to upkeep our schools. And that was something that I was very adamant last year. And I I appreciate um the subcommittee working on it. Um I think this is a strong message to the city council and to the mayor um that we really have to tend to our schools. Um, so I believe that ultimately it's contingent. So we declare surplus. If they don't agree with our conditions, then it doesn't become finalized. And I think that was strong language and I think it's been vetted by our attorney. So, I appreciate the people involved in that process and it was something that fulfills something going back to last year because previously any surplus property just automatically went based on a school committee vote
112and they did whatever they want with it. And I felt that we should have we have a huge backlog of capital improvements that need to be accomplished. And this was something that working um with the synergy of the school committee and hopefully the I think the city council and the mayor are going to be on the same page regarding the backlog and then um but we do have conditions and it won't be finalized until those conditions are met. Thank you. Um I have one question. Um, how much is the upkeep on both of these properties that would come out of our budget? And will it come out of our budget for FY26 so that maybe we could save some jobs? I'd say you're you're going to save approximately $250,000 on utilities. I mean, that's probably
113the biggest thing. If something breaks, we do have to fix it, but you can't bet on that. Um, I would imagine as soon as they accept it, um, I could eliminate that from our budget. So, just based on the rough number, um, if the city council accepts these, then we can save three teaching jobs is what you're telling me. Yep. So, that's actual studentf facing positions that we're going to be able to save with the city council accepting these position this these buildings back. All right. If if not more. All right. Thank you. Wish I had a plug. Dr. Kong, is there a restriction on the funds if if this is accepted as is? What is the restriction on the use of those funds? So, I tried to capture it at the top but didn't
114do a great job. Um but the restriction on the funds is that it has to go into uh a city fund earmarked for infrastruct large infrastructure projects like roofs, HVAC. Uh so that's what we would like to I had that confirmed. Uh Sean Cronin directed me in the that direction to ask DLS labor services. I did and that was the answer uh I received that those proceeds would go it would have to be done through the city a revolving account of some kind but that those funds would be earmarked for largecale projects to upkeep our schools. These are not fix the sidewalks in front of the schools. These are not smallcale. He made it very clear. Uh there is a law that he referred to. I apologize for not putting it in here, but I
115do have it written down uh when I did have that meeting with the law the lawyer uh from DLS to have that conversation. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Any more discussion? All right. Um should we vote on these individually? Yes. Okay. So then um then how do we do this? Because we had a motion in a second to approve the disposition of the two schools. So I there is a there's a motion written at the bottom of each of the schools. Uh and so maybe it's that that needs to be read separately. So I'll make the motion. So step for the for the Mthorne school committee to declare the Pleasant Valley property as surplus property and transfer the property to the city of Mthan contingent upon the two conditions listed above. If the city
116does not agree to the conditions above, the property will not be transferred. Second. Motion by member Wlette, second by uh member Shabilia. Um, more discussion or vote. I think roll call. Member Daglio, yes. Member Dunovan, yes. Member Keegan, yes. Member Maxwell, no. Member Shabilia, yes. Member Wlette, yes. Not here. One, two, three, four, five. Yes. Passes. Yep. Sure thing. Madame Vice Chair, I'll make the motion for the Mthuan School Committee to declare the courier school property a surplus property and transfer the property to city Mthuan contingent upon the condition listed above. If the city does not agree to the condition above, the property will not be transferred. Second. Up to you. All right. Motion by member Wlette, second by memberilia. Um, any more discussion? All right. Roll call, please. Martha. Member Daglio. Yes. Member Donovan.
117Yes. Member Keegan. Yes. Member Maxwell? Yes. Member Shabilia? Yes. Wlette? Yes. Unanimous. May I have a motion and a second to approve the distribution of reduction in force notices to meet the city administration's FY26 budget submission to the city council? Excuse me, madam vice chair. So, we're not going to have the discussion of it's in place. Correct. Well, we'll Okay. You can have the discussion. You just It wasn't on the agenda to approve it with the other two schools. If you'd like the discussion, sure. Let's So, I just want to uh say uh because I've been against handing over a dit in place for many reasons. Just like member Maxwell has said down the road because one thing about Mthuan we only think about now and we don't think about 10 years from now and
118we might want down the road when things get better maybe an alternative school or we could use that building to expand the youth center or whatever. I am afraid because Methuan has done this and people that have lived in Methuan will agree that type of real estate which by the way the deed says it's supposed to be used as educational purposes somehow someway someone knows something and they end up turning to buildings like that intound 100 units and I am against turning buildings like that especially when down the or we might want to have an alternative school where we're running out of real estate here in Mthuan. We need to think about keeping that um for those purposes. That's just I'm looking at Methan Public Schools for the future. That is a great location for
119that and that's why I'm strongly against of turning that building over to to the city. That's all. member what I I think just to uh validate uh what you were saying in terms of the utility costs, I think we have to unload what I perceive to be surplus buildings. Uh because if we can save as much money as possible, maybe that will revert to saving positions. Um, I think there was a question of jurisdiction that was raised by the city council and I think it takes away from business from the school committee and it takes away business from the city council if we uh eventually give it back to the city. They'll have full jurisdiction over it. We could add conditions as well on it. Um and again it's I think working in partnership with
120our city council colleagues and the mayor. Um but that was the thing that well who will be responsible for the upkeep. um if there's issues with the youth centers that the school committee responsibility and I think our focus is the education of our children and if we unload the surplus properties we can focus again our energies on the education of the children and show that the money should go into the upkeep of our existing grammar schools in the high school. So I understand me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me member D Zagio um but again I'm looking at numbers right now and we have to save as much as we can in terms of utilities. Thank you. Member Donovan, since we're
121on the subject, I just have a quick question about this u the disposition of the buildings we just voted on. Um so what's the next step? Do we have a time, you know, can we anticipate a timeline? Um, and obviously, let let me just ask those questions. So, there's a specific letter that we have to write to the city council chair and the mayor that we the school committee. It's a it's a very specific language. We did it the last time we voted. So, I would include that um from the secretary to this the school committee that we took this vote uh and these are contingent upon and that uh it's up to them to put it on the city council agenda to have their discussion and and vote on it at that level. Um
122you know, unfortunately, the last time we the school committee approved the disposition of Pleasant Valley, it was contingent upon that becoming a youth center. It never made it to any city council agenda. So, we have held that building even since that vote. Now, that vote is null and void because that's not where we're asking for at this point. Right. It was contingent upon something different. We have kept it in the school department. I think that was in 19 I mean uh 2019. Martha, I think we found that letter 2020. It was a while ago that we had that disposition and was hoping that would be the youth center. Uh but that building is just in in complete disrepair at this point. Um it would be a total tear down. Okay. So that's the next step
123is that my office would write the letter to the city council again chair and mayor that this body took the vote to dispose of those buildings as surplus. Um and then we go from there. The next official city council meeting isn't until July 7th. Uh it's it really is at the will of the chair and yet to put it on the agenda. Thank you. You're welcome. Um I have a question. So currently we have just did some places ours and the DPW is in there and there are other city departments in there. How much are they paying for the upkeep of the building currently? Um zero. So we're paying entirely in our budget for the upkeep of a building for their offices. Um, and what are the their utility costs or the utility costs of
124of dits in place right now? Number one. Number two, is there any major repairs that need to be done in that building um that are going to have to come out of our budget in the near future? I do believe there's a there's a part that needs to be fixed in the boiler room, which happened right towards the end of heating system uh heating season. Um, it's not terribly expensive. It's like five or six thousand dollars and, uh, our guys can probably install it. Um, so there's nothing there's nothing. You just jinxed yourself. Really huge beyond that. I know that the youth center has been in there working diligently to um, upgrade a lot of stuff. So, but the one thing I can think of is that that one item in the and I wish
125I remember exactly what part it was. Um, so nothing major, but there's always stuff coming up and and right now we're we're not getting any help. I I will say there was a tree that needed to come down on Ditsen Place that the city did take care of. Um, so that was good. But they're not contributing to any of the utility costs or any upkeep or anything at this point for that building whatsoever. I don't send them any bills. though I as far as cleaning and that kind of stuff they they may I'm not I'm not sure. I believe we have somebody goes over one hour a day or something to we we have the adult ed center uh does pay for a c they pay for their um services. So uh they have a
126custodian that comes four hours a day. They pay a portion of a small portion for tech and utilities and things like that in the building. Adult ed. That's part of their grant. That's part of something that they have to do. Right. So, if they were chipping in for their utility costs for city um offices, then maybe we could save a teacher's job probably. Any other discussion? No. Okay. Um, may I have a motion and a second to approve the distribution of reduction in force notices to meet the city administration's FY26 budget submission to the city council. You guys are we can't talk about it until we have the motion in the second. I I will I will make I so moved second. All right. Motion by member Shabilia, second by member Daglio. Discussion. May Oh.
127Oh, go ahead. May I just sort of start why this is on the agenda? Get us going. So, the reason this is on the agenda is this is a a very important formality for this committee for two reasons. Uh the school committee voted a budget uh of 102 operating budget of 102.6 million. this chart and I again I really wish I knew how to make the letters bigger but keep it in the same size so I do apologize but this chart is something we've looked at we're looking at it with the union we use this um we're trying to show a lot of things with this chart but the bottom line is there's a bunch of positions on here with lines struck out okay the stricken lines mean that that's those reductions are part of
128the 102.6 six budget that you voted. This is the work that Miss McCarthy and myself and the principles uh have been uh doing, right? We've had these conversations with these folks. We've been moving people. Uh we've been following the contract language for reduction in force. We've been meeting with the union presidents uh to get this work done. So we are at a place where a good portion of the ones that are struck out uh folks not everybody because there's it's it's a challenging uh it's a challenging task. Um so there are still some conversations that are happening over the next day or two with that budget. The rest of the positions that are not uh struck struck out uh are the positions we've sort of talked about and presented that would be uh eliminated to
129get us to a $99.5 million operating budget. Um so right now there's no the school committee has not authorized us to actually do that and it was advised uh I was advised to put it in front of the school committee to um to to authorize our team to uh continue forward with those notices uh because statutoily that has to be done by June 15th which for us is going to be Friday June 13th. So, we are looking to um have all of these conversations and letters and moves in hands this week. Uh and the reason for that is is there is a good possibility that that's where our budget may land because that is what is in front of the city council at this moment. If I do not give these layoff notices and make
130these moves and let people know uh this week, they remain in our budget, which means we start uh in September with $102.6 million operating budget. Um and layoff notices may come in the middle of the year or we have other issues that we will be up against as the school year starts. So that is not a place that we want. I don't think that is a place that I know I don't want to be in. I don't think you want to be in. I would much rather follow uh our statutory obligations at this point because we don't know where the city budget is going to end. Uh and again, we all are aware that the first read for the city budget isn't until after that date, right? So after this week uh is the first
131read. So, we will have no idea uh you know what the city council is considering or not considering until uh really that read, right? Um so I think from our perspective and I know Miss McCarthy is behind me. Um she is right. Yes. Okay. Uh she's behind me. I think for our purposes, uh, again, we just we want to make sure we're doing the right thing, uh, by the community, by our staff. Uh, we don't want to give people, uh, unnecessary layoffs, but they may be necessary, and we don't want to be caught in a position that we, uh, are really struggling to get out of when school opens. So, it would be much better for us at this point to give layoffs and bring people back if those things change. Uh, it keeps the
132school committee uh and the school department in good standing with our obligations, which again is within your purview. Uh, so again, it seems odd and I know several of you called me and said this seems weird. We've talked about this. We know that that's the budget the mayor has put in front of the city council, but as far as formality, I don't have uh authorization or a vote approval from the school committee to continue to do this. Uh and so again, just on advice uh from council and others at this point, it was advised this is something that my colleagues have done. I have never been in this position. So, I did seek advice from legal counsel and uh colleagues of how what is the best course of action when this happens where we're not
133going to have a budget by the statutory date to lay off staff. So, I hope that makes sense. It's not none of us want to be having this conversation, but I also uh know that the school committee needs to um think about making sure that we follow the right uh regulations and uh keep ourselves in good standing. No me just member Shibilia. Um, I made a comment to Ian yesterday when I was wandering through the office that we should just not do any of the layoffs, overspend like the city does, and then go back and ask for free cash. But I was told that that's not the way. And what was Ian's response to that? He had this aversion to doing things the wrong way and getting fired and going down in flames. And I
134think, where's your sense of adventure? But um I had a high school teacher text me actually on my way here to the high school tonight saying that some of her department had already been notified and she asked me if there was anything we could do and I said I I volunteered for this position to help but at this point I feel like I'm only getting a front row seat to the downfall. And looking at this that's kind of where my mentality is. Like I I told like I I don't know how to help. Um, that being said, I did get a phone call from the mayor this afternoon and I think that that conversation may play into this depending on where the table lands. Um, my conversation with the mayor, and I wish I wish
135he was here, but I understand that they've got their own circus going at city hall. um his request was for me to bring forward for him the concept of level funding all of our non-contractual items. Um so before I share my opinion um his stance is that if we were to go through and level fund all of our non-contractual uh services in the other portion of our budget that it would free up about $2.5 million 2.1 2.1 whatever the number was to offset at studentf facing positions which bring back 28 position I agree with. However, my concern and I am having a bit of deja vu about it and I said this to the mayor when I talked to him because we've had this conversation now probably once a week for six weeks. It gives
136me a little bit of anxiety to think about purposely shorting a budget to save money. I personally think it's fraud, but what do I know? Um, in his his response to that to me, and I wish he was here because I'm not going to do the conversation a level of justice that it deserves, is that when it comes time, you just have to manage your line items better. that you have to be able to say, you know what, let's defer this and let's pay for this instead. And my question to him was, give me an example or what is this? And then I used the example of when I assume the kid plugged up a drain at the marsh and we ended up with a giant bubble in the basketball court. Not budgeted, have to
137pay for it. So now you're going from bad to worse. And I don't want to build a budget the same way the city does with the plan to go back and ask for free cash. I don't think I don't think that is legal. And that's so I mean I I I'd be curious to know what the table thinks because yes, the math is there and it's a little bit more than 2 million bucks and it would return a lot of money to our studentf facing positions. But I was very honest with the mayor and said I I it it while there I'm sure there are some line items in there that we could scale back on. I am not comfortable in saying okay here are our utilities are this much this year we know what
138we paid. Is there anybody in the room has ever seen their gas bill go down or their electric bill go down? That stuff is going to go up. You have to make a good faith assessment on what that's going to be. Can't budget in bad faith. I don't even know if that's a a a thing, but you know what I mean. You can't purposely underfund a budget. And I I wish he was here to fight with me, but I guess Ian, first going to you, are there line items in there that we can kind of pull back on and kind of hope for the best? Well, you do remember the number was originally um 103 million. 103 and some change. And I did this after you came in. We got a list from the mayor.
139I level funded plowing. I level funded as much as I felt. I mean, plowing is a crapshoot. It could be a great year. It could be a bad year. On that note, plowing, I know the city is allowed to overspend on snow removal. Are we allowed to overspend on snow removal or is that different? because my understanding I have to stay within the school budget. Okay? You know, obviously if the city wants to help us out, we'd gladly take the money. Uh but we've always tried to stay within the school budget. Um I can tell you that curiosity I don't grounds and building maintenance, repair and maintenance for all our buildings, the increase is $63,500. Okay. We That's gone. We are like that's nothing in the grand scheme of the size of our buildings. We've
140already cut $100,000 from extraordinary maintenance in addition to in addition. So essentially repair and maintenance is down 375 or 30 335. Um so that's super tight. Plowing is nothing. So after dark is up 60 grand. Do we cut after dark? Does he want me to level fund that? and we already owe it because the kids already went. So, how do I level fund that? Um, the tech department as a whole looks a little funky in there. Some are high, some are cuts. If you look at the whole tech department, not the um salaries, just contracted services, supplies, and other expenses. Okay, the total increase for this year in the regular budget is $556,000. Now, I want to remind you that last year our budget, we had a similar budget issue. We took $500,000 from a
141homeless grant to pay for devices for technology. So, if I back out that $500,000 that we did spend from somewhere else, it's an increase of $56,800 for tech. The there's there's nothing left to cut utilities. Okay, just talk about this year. We budgeted 28 thou uh 2,81,000. Okay, 2.8 million. Year to date, we've spent 3.2. In this year's uh FY26 budget, I budgeted 3.1. I think I'm too tight. I am not going back and level funding that. I I know. I mean, we're going to have to be cold. We're going to have to be warm in in the wrong seasons, you know, in order to make what I have in there now. But I certainly can't go back. So, the thought that we didn't go through every line and think of it, the business office,
142I will tell you, went from $1,000 to $2,000 in the repair and maintenance line. Well, year to date, we've spent $1,900 to uh we have maintenance on our folding machine that folds our checks, so we don't use a fold. Like, we we're we're not hiding money. There's no fluff. We've been through every line any cutting any further. I might as well work on my resume because I've been down this road before. So, I mean, if the mayor and I don't know where he's getting the $2.5 million unless he's cutting sped tuitions, transportation, I back. So, he he did specifically say not cutting anything special ed and anything transportation. Well, those are the big ticket items. Yeah. non but but transportation especially are non trans are non right that's what I'm but I I fully acknowledge
143and I had that conversation with him there's certain things in this section that are non-personnel but are still necessary yeah I will say athletics transportation doubled in our new contract um I did not exactly double what we spent this year to date we spent $150,000 I only put 250 in the budget um referees. This year we budgeted $75,000. We've already spent over $125,000 and they're getting I believe an 11% pay raise. It might be seven. Seven or 11. Who gives those pay raises? That's MIAA. Not us. Not us. I was going to say I didn't vote on that. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, but I mean what's the what's the option? We don't we don't pay for our referees or our kids don't play sports. I mean that's not an option either.
144Hey. Um, I I hate to do this, but I see Attorney McNelte sitting back there trying to hide behind Dr. Kuang. Can Could we ask you a quick question? You can ask wherever you are. Do you mind if I confess that I wasn't really listening? No, that's totally fine. I'm going to catch you up real quick and fast. And just so you know, if it was Macro sitting there, I would have done the same thing to him. Um, if if the school committee directs Ian and his office to level fund line items that we beyond a reasonable doubt know are going to be higher than we're funding them. Are we committing an offense of any kind? I don't know. Grab the mic. But I can find out. Oh, you're getting yelled at. Get the mic.
145Okay. Can you hear me? Yes. I don't know the answer to that, counselor, but I'll find out. That'd be appreciated. Okay. I'll talk to Mike and we'll get an answer for you. Thank you. Okay. Good. Crime of convenience. Thank you. Member, my 14 years of service, this is the wrong road to go down. Um, I saw a massive deficit of $4 million that I warned the city councelor about and the school committee about and they laid at the feet of the special education. The two biggest budget busters in my estimation is that the health insurance costs are exploding and the special education costs are exploding. How do you rein in special education costs because that's a mandate and the health care costs I've already been on record is that we should be joining the GIC
146that requires a 70% threshold of the unions. Has he approached the municipal unions at all? Um, I know councelor Daglio was talking about pot dispensaries like I talked about at a prior meeting and I'm conservative and I'm like I want to at least try to bank some money to help our schools. Has he offered to put that on the agenda or the mayor has he offered to put that on the agenda? Um, I'm not perceiving a sense of any shared sacrifice from my municipal partners. We just resolve two major contracts and I can give the information to anybody. Those two unions gave massive concessions over the course of 10 years, a lot of zeros, ones, and twos. and I know their municipal partners um did not um equally share in that sacrifice and we used
147to have a sense of shared sacrifice. So if we in terms of cost of living adjustment, we were told point blank that there was par. But it's interesting that there's no parody in terms of concessions from our municipal partners. But we're going to ask our teachers and par profofessionals for concessions and all that hard work. And again, my colleagues, I wasn't part of those negotiating teams, countless hours. And then also to criticize uh the attorneys that were part of that process and our legal fees as part of that process to make sure we were doing everything by the book and saying that somehow the school system is going to lawyer up on certain items. Um, I would challenge the city solicitor's office and they can furnish the information. Maybe a a counselor can furnish information
148um of how much the city solicitor's office farms out legal expenses because I know for a fact when I was on the city council, we had a city solicitor and he had a legal secretary and that was it. that office has exploded. Okay. And at times I know member Shabilia and I have said, is that person even qualified to give legal advice? Okay. And I'm I have deep concerns about the current occupant in an interimm basis whether or not that person has legal capacity to give legal advice. Um we're really um going into a very dangerous situation. This was a compromised package that was absolutely terrible. I'm willing to take that vote and unfortunately we had meeting after meeting after meeting, consecutive meetings. So it was not if there's anybody saying we're going to complain
149about the school committee schedule on the budget. We met any time on the budget and we heard people left and right and we didn't limit them speaking and saying five minutes please wrap it up. We heard every single person. We spent hours and we've been working behind the scenes and we had a compromised plan. And again, the most conservative, reasonable, sensible thing is to vote on this thing that is atrocious. But I'm not going to go down the road. I know member Shabilia, again, you identified a term that it could very well be and it again, our own attorney has concerns about it, and I know I have confidence in Ian. I've been working with him for years. Well, again, if you sat down with us instead of going through the press, that's one that's
150one thing, but you're not and you're not approaching the other side this to even entertain concessions. So, where's the sense of parody? That's totally out the window. Everything's going to be on the schools. And then now you're going to encroach on the integrity of the school committee and you're going to do things by executive order. And then you're going to tell us what we should be doing with our budget that we voted upon, but then you bypassed our budget anyways. And I know for a fact it's in state law. Twothirds of the city council can take up the original vote of the school committee. They can. And we got a legal advisory on that. But that, you know, it's it's something where you pass the buck and you don't take responsibility and there's no shared
151sacrifice and our kids end up suffering. And I'm not going to put on the backs of unions and I don't think it's fair. All the hard work we did is all of a sudden say, "Oh, by the way, can you give us another zero this year?" I'm not going to do that. So, I'm not going to belabor the point. Thank you member Dalio. Um so hearing from everything the first off is during co um we worked me and Dr. Kang and the teachers took a zero. Um, and sacrificed during CO when pretty much everybody else kind of didn't. Um, and get the 1500 bucks. And the Yep. And the 1,500 bucks. Yep. Which our teachers did not get. And so since then, I've always said again, I I know budgets. I understand. But and they
152always use where the largest of the budget. However, education continues to change costs, different way of handling special ed, how transportation is, you know, it's it's really hard, especially again as an educator, I as we continue to develop education and all that, money just seems to be always short changed to us. Um, and I I'm with member Wlette. I will not vote a zero uh tell tell my union to vote a zero. Um it was an idea but if at the end of the day it's I why do we have to take a zero again when we have already taken a zero in the past especially during co when we were uncertain where we didn't know we were also preparing to lay off teachers too back then but luckily the union said we'll take a
153zero to spare our union members and we yep we we gave it back to them but again They had to sacrifice during one of the times in history where we were so uncertain about things. Other members got other unions got 1,500 bucks in the meantime and going to talk like that. I'm just saying also in the consolidation all that I feel like again this is who has the more power in the situation. However, I I don't think why should we sacrifice which by the way, our IT department is more advanced than the city. We we are when something breaks in the school, we fix it in a day pretty much maybe to where the city Okay, where the city it's still delayed. It gets delayed for a while. And I could be wrong. I'm not
154not trashing our ID department on the uh on the city side. I honestly haven't talked to them. But however, I know our IT department, we can handle the schools. They know how to fix Chromebooks. They have to do all that. I know the city doesn't have the manpower, and me and member uh Keegan have talked about that. They couldn't fix the Chromebooks as fast as we can. So, why should we have to put kids education on hold so we can save a buck? We need to stop thinking about now and start thinking how this is going to impact our schools five years from now. It has to stop here about thinking in the present and start thinking about five years down the road. That's all I have to say. Thank you, member Maxwell. Um, so
155this may seem like a silly question, but are the positions that we're talking about right now, are those once we vote on this, are those the ones that are there is no more discussion about it? Those are the ones to go. Um, there's no more moving positions around. It's I guess I'll get to my point. So there's the reading specialists are still on here and you know we've heard from them continuously over the last four meetings and I mean nine of the reading specialists came here and talked and we're going to cut that down to six. It's just scary because if we get rid of the reading specialists now it's only going to cost us more money in the future. So, I don't know if we can I mean, obviously, I don't want to lay
156anybody off, but if we can restore the reading specialists and and find that somewhere else, I I know we have no choice but to kind of vote for this, but I'd be more apt to do that. I I just can't vote reading specialists out when we're struggling so bad with reading. What would you like me to replace? Those are have been the conversations of I mean I've given out places. Yeah, we're running out of places to do that. Yeah. I don't know where to find them. I don't know what to do. But I do know that in 2019 we started with 33 reading specialists and we're going to be down to six if we go forward with this cut. We have no not welcome to Mthun. We have kids we have we we literally had
15738 teachers speak on how our kids aren't reading. We cannot get rid of reading specialists. Bottom line. So, it has to be pulled from somewhere else. And I don't know I don't know where that is, but I've given 23 suggestions since we started this budget proposal. So, I'm hoping that we can do that and if it has to be voted on tonight, then maybe come up with a solution tonight. But the reading specialist can't go. So, so as I suggested, is there any way we could put the reading specialists on the title one grants and remove? They already are. They already are. See, we've already adjusted for all grant positions and reductions and a reduction in the grant, right? So, we've said this before, we are getting the title one and idea, but there will
158be a reduction in the amount that we get. So we're trying to be also very cautious. It won't be a one onetoone replacement. So we've accounted for that in what we've presented to you as well. Colleen and Ian have calculated that to make sure that we are not over calculating what our grant uh allocation will be because that's not okay too. So we're trying to and again we won't have those numbers until probably mid July. Member Donovan, I we've really gone on a a bird walk away from what we're supposed to talk about, but I this is really important to me and I agree with you. Um, member Maxwell about and I just want to say it once. Three years ago, right after COVID, our teachers said, "Yes, while the kids are coming back, everyone's
159out of sorts. Yes, we will take on this really, really complicated whole new way of teaching reading." And it made a difference. I was in the schools at the time and it made a huge difference. Um, and it was it was a time when everyone felt hopeful about the direction of our city when we saw we had the data that said look it we are we know now how to teach reading. We have embraced the science of reading. We had all the um high quality materials and it was a real team effort and we saw the difference. And today we're at a point and we kept it going with the commitment. There were three pillars I think. Um transparency with parents, always communicating what the scores were. A dedicated time set aside for kids to
160work just on reading. That was unheard of. Every day the whole school stopped and people focused on teaching kids how to read. And there was a third pillar and it just slipped my mind. But my point being here we are today and remember Maxwell the reading specialists are one thing we've got the humanity supervisors and they're the people who drive the literacy who drive who go in and model who are the literacy experts. The fact that we're getting rid of them to me is implausible. And beyond the reading specialists who we need, we are now looking at losing some wonderful teachers who are wellversed in the science of reading. And in my I I cannot believe that this is where we are. And we are going to be known as Methoo in the city that
161can't read. That's what I feel like. I have nightmares about it. And to think that we're just being told what to do. Well, here's the deal. We have been good soldiers all along. We have done exactly what our leader has told us to do. I think it was May 21st. We're all well, what number do we move forward? The mayor told us what number to move forward and Dr. Kuang and her team came up with a budget and I feel like that the target keeps moving and um and we're be being blamed and and I don't want it to be that way. For 30 years it's been town versus gown. There's been that wall up between city and school committee members for whatever reason. And I was so hopeful and I remain hopeful because we
162had six city councilors say I'd love to hear about your budget just you know in informational meetings. It never has happened that I know of where city councilors say let me sit down right accepted an invitation very graciously came and asked some really good questions and I feel for the city council right now because they're in they're in a between a rock and a hot space right now. Um, I really thought we were headed in the right direction as a community and I think the reading, our literacy and our reading concerns kind of an indicator of how Methuan values things. We know literacy, communities with good literacy rates, crime rates lower, citizens are more involved, they make more money. And to me, the reading specialist, the humanities, this whole thing just represents how we view
163the what's important in our world. Um, and I'm just so disappointed right now. Um, I look to our city councilors because I think there's some fabulous leaders on that committee who are willing to take some risks, willing to sit down once we get beyond this to think about where we're going. Um, and I really believe they're going to do the right thing, but they're in a terrible situation. Um, and I don't I'm so frustrated. And I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but I have never thought we'd get to this situation where we don't value anything as simple as as important as literacy. And shame on us if we don't fight this a little bit more. And not just the reading specialists, they're important, but everything that comes with them and the hard work of
164the last three or four years of our staff, because man, that first year was so hard. The kids were all out of all out of whack with COVID. We were all out of whack. And we and the teachers say, "Yes, we'll take on this really complicated program because we want our kids to excel and become literate and our community will be better be because of it. So that said, we have a decision to make right now. I'm I'm sorry. Um, and I I don't know where this is going to end, but I think we need to fight for a literate Mthrowan. Hold on, Dr. Guang. Yeah, I just I I'm sorry. I I think this is a good time to interject because and member Donovan, you often ask me like what's the next step? Yeah.
165Right. So, we have a we have a decision to make tonight. Um, but I would also say right like this is we have to prepare for what's concrete and in front of us and that's what we're trying to do. Um, and again I don't we're not going to keep saying and beating it, you know, beating the dead horse that we none of us want to be here and we didn't think we were going to be here. Uh, because I believe it was the April 12th I mean the May 12th meeting that we decided on what number we were going to post in the media. Just to clarify, who told us to do that? I don't want to put you on the spot. Was I correct in saying I think it was a unanimous agreement to
166move forward under the direction of the mayor. That's my memory of it and I don't want to be wrong but that was my memory of it. Okay. Yeah. I just it was a unanimous decision at the end to move forward with 103 million to post and to get prepared for the budget books. Uh that was what we were um but it was what we could work with what we were trying to but but the other part is to understand right like our weeks are going to be really crazy here for the next several weeks and I say we because it's us in this room uh all of us right our work may not be done so depending on how the city council uh right how how this goes uh you will as a body be
167required to come back to the table if there is a no vote if there's less money, more money, additional money because that's right. There's a there's a job to be done here to vote a budget. So, we understand that process. Uh we're trying to get through this week first. Uh but prepare for uh even if a supplementary budget comes, there's going to be additional funds. What does that mean? That means coming back to you and we're adding money now to a budget that has to be approved by the school committee. You are the authorizing board. So there there's other pieces that are going to take place here. If a number changes with the city council, same thing. We have to meet. You are the authorizing board that would have to vote on what comes back,
168what what what my recommendation is going to be to you. Uh you know, and then what you will ask to be done. Uh th those are all next steps, but right now we're in the moment because our statutory timeline ends this Friday for some very important decisions. And again, we have people at stake here and livelihood at stake that we are just not comfortable in um playing with that. I I just I don't think that's fair for our staff. We've been very open with them. They ex you know the conversations are personal. uh and these this we're we're at the time that they need to happen if they're going to happen. And again, the hopeful part of all of us, I think, is that we're not at the end of this process and that these
169positions now can be brought back. We can bring back elementary teachers, we can bring back reading teachers, we can look at that's my hope, but there's absolutely no guarantee that any of that's going to happen. And when, right? that that's the hard part is the when and the and the what may it be. Um I have a couple questions. Um so so first obviously none of us want this but there are people involved and it's only fair to do the right thing for those people. Um and so so while it kills me, yes, of course this is what we need to do. Um, but my question is, we lay someone off. We we let them know that they're being laid off. If the city council in two weeks votes to give us more money, which
170I know it doesn't work exactly that way, but whatever. So, we we end up having more money and we're able to recall somebody. Are they staying on unemployment when like how does the unemployment payments happen? So that like do they get to stay on unemployment for the whole summer if we've recalled them? Um how does how does that work? No. Once we recalled the unemployment stops I you know how much she loves talking. Um, I would also add right the the there's a very different process for non-professional status teachers as there are for professional status teachers. So, the recall part of that comes when it's professional status teachers in a very specific manner under the contract. So, if we were to say, "Okay, here's here's the pile of people that we have to give notices
171to, and as a school committee, we say reading specialists come back first." Now, does that mean that reading specialists come back first or does that mean that whoever is in the pecking order comes back first? Like, are we able to say that? Like are we able to say that these positions are the ones that come back or do we have to recall people in order of their seniority? Your job would be positions. Okay. Our job is the people is potentially very different than the position. What you think? Yeah. The positions. So that's the part that is and again we've we've told you this but it's the most complicated in this matter and we're you know I've watching Colleen do it talking to the union talking to us it's we don't want to get this wrong
172right so so every step it's the hire date it's the letters it's if two people were hired at the exact same time what is the next thing we're looking at that's what we're doing right Now, that's what's happening, right? There are there are staff that may not have the appropriate license. Those are non-renewals. Uh there are people who again, I think we have a few cases where they were hired on the their professional status and they're hired on the exact same day. So, now we have to agree with the union what's that next thing we're looking at. So, again, the the conversations are pretty detailed deep dives at this point. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Um, all right. Member Maxwell, just one quick follow-up question and kind of off base here, but the city is telling
173us that they are giving us more money here and here and here, but at the end of the day, isn't aren't we getting less this year than we got last year for our budget? Madam B. Yeah. So the the more money that's coming is happening so that we don't have to lay off even more people. So there is the letter I sent to the community, right? The the city is granting us the one-time free cash for special education costs this year that won't be on our books. That that the things that are happening right now are historic on so many different levels. Again, my 23 years here, I've never experienced that. Maybe I wasn't completely paying attention to that in my early years, but um the fact that those things are happening is where some
174of those funds are coming from the city to offset the funds for the school so that we we have less reductions for next year. The nonnet is the big one. We were prepared to then go to another layer of reductions uh for to be able to find the gap in the non-net 1.6. The mayor has said the city council seemed to be well informed and understand what that means that we're moving forward with the 11 million number for transportation, but that does mean that as soon as free cash is certified, there's going to be an ask to transfer free cash to fill that gap. So, I think member Maxwell, that's a lot where those comments are coming from. there there are things coming to the schools right now to help us offset a deeper uh
175situation than we're feeling right now. So when you say less, I mean our non-net just ro increased so much this year, right? Because of that contract. Uh if it didn't and we were in the same contract, we we probably wouldn't we wouldn't have the gap we have right now. It would be close to 910 million which it was last year, not 11.2 million. Right. So it's it's all of those things are all happening at the same time. Yes. Oh, I'm sorry because maybe I missed it, but how many slips are we finalizing on? Do you have that number yet or is it because of bumping too soon to tell? So, it's not too soon to tell. So, uh, what we would like to present to you tonight is, so the that middle section, the grammar
176school teachers have been the most challenging to uh to provide layoff notices for at this time. Even the ones that are struck out in here have not received notices because as we go to the next layer of 99.5 million, it changes the game for many people. So, uh, and I know this is confusing and if Colleen is behind me and can have a a if there's some a better way to say this, I, uh, you know, encourage her to come up and help me here. But, um, the middle section there with the grammar school teachers, people who have the same teaching license of one through six, uh, that's where it becomes also very complicated on who's going where. And so, uh, the way we have looked at this with the union is we have 28
177layoffs to, um, to give this week. That includes a little bit of the 102.6 because we haven't done just those grammar school ones at this point. Uh, and then an additional number to get to the 99.5. Miss McCarthy, did I miss anything? Do you want me to say it differently? the license. Why don't you roll your chair over or Come on, Colleen. Get comfy. Join us. I try so hard to stay away from this microphone. Excuse me, vice chair. I don't mean to interrupt, but it's we need to take a motion. Can I get a motion in a second to extend the meeting past 900 p.m. So moved. So moved. Um moved by member Shabilia, second by member Daglio. All in favor? I I opposed. Unanimous. So the the tricky part right now for us
178is um figuring out this where people are going to go based on seniority and license. Majority of the staff at the grammar school has the one six license which is easy until you look at some of our lower seniority people who are in kindergarten and now we're looking for the early childhood license or anyone who might have on the other end the 78 license which is more subject specific. So it is it's a little complicated right now. So we don't have a final number. I think did did I miss feel we feel comfortable with the 28 number because we have gone through this with the union and moved and counted. I think the most important part for us is to understand that um there are still to today and tomorrow uh there are folks who
179are resigning for a variety of reasons feeling unsettled. We have some moving out of state and are giving us now um you know so so everything that happens there makes this now different right so then if if if this person resigns does that leave another spot open for somebody who was getting laid off at this school or maybe the licenses don't match and it's a vacancy because we don't have a you know it's a one-off license. Um so those are all things that we are considering as well. So for us the total number uh would be uh and again I hate we hate using exact because there is that you know differential of like twoish because we're going to have those situations in the next 3 days believe it or not like we're expecting a
180couple letters tomorrow. We want that to play into our calculations and moving people so it's less right. We're hoping for less of this by being able to move people. Again, if people are moving out of state and they have these plans, that's, you know, not because of this situation, right? And it is going to happen anyway, but then does allow us spots for people. How many have already gone out? I'm trying to count. Um, we've been going by position, so we haven't been counting, right? We've been going by the budget and positions uh with non-renewals and layoffs. Well, one school left though. Sitting at two schools left sitting in this chair, sitting at city hall during council meetings, there are a lot of numbers that get thrown around and at one point in time those
181numbers may have all been correct, right? It's true. So, so unfortunately I think people are holding us to I said it on record multiple times, right? A a number of 19 with the 102.6 and a number of 43 unit A with the 99. even that those two have changed at this point, right? And I made that really clear when we presented it that this is it today, but this is not necessarily it each day and each week as people are moved, people resign, um positions become open. I see Colleen is still mathing. I I believe I think I've done six. I've had more conversations. And so that's what I'm trying to run through my head. I have more conversations because we did have some professional status teachers in positions that they weren't originally hired for.
182So then they have different rights. There have been some open positions we've been able to move people into. Um so by June 15th, we're looking at a total of somewhere in the ballpark of 35ish. 35 to 40. Okay. Is fair. Unit A. Unit. Unit A. Yes. I mean, we're still, we've talked about, you know, BBEs are still being spoken to and offered PA jobs. Um, our unit B uh folks are have been spoken to. Our unaffiliated folks have also been spoken to. Not all of them, but again, these are all happening in the buildings right now. So, again, Colleen has a couple more buildings to go to tomorrow with the principles. So, how many total people? 47ish. Y again the the I we also created a chart for ourselves with this. I did not want
183to give it to you tonight because it is just it's a it's a moving chess game until everything falls that we can say for uh K4 health teachers. These are the four actions that were taken with those four positions. Here's how many people are now in the column that says they will be collecting unemployment and received a layoff notice. do. It's that like we are getting that detailed because those four health teachers, two of them have other licenses, two are professional status, one's non-professional status, right? It's just it's all of those pieces that we have to do right by each individual position. That is what is the time consuming part of this. And then of course um Colleen uh going to the physically going to every one of these buildings with the principles and having
184these conversations with each PBE with the medical assistance with the teachers asking for choices. There's a couple right we have to we have to offer the the vacancy as a choice first to the whole department by contract. So then we have to wait three days for that to come back. So that has all been happening. This is the week that now everything has to fall into place and those letters have to be handed. Member Donovan. Um I I hope we can take the vote. We've always done the right thing by our staff and as much as this hurts, I think this is the right thing to do. So I Let's I think we should move forward. Good. Yeah, I just just very quickly the saddest thing about this is that we're not in a recession.
185The the economy is booming at the state. They got more incoming revenue at the state and we have to make the sacrifices at the local level. It's absolutely dev I don't even know what equivalent other than it was because of a prior administration what they did but give me a you know very good economic times that we're doing something like this is just devastating. Thank you. All right, let's have a roll call. Amendment to Zaglio. I'm I'm sorry, but I'm going to vote no. Member Dunovan, yes. Member Keegan, yes. Member Maxwell, no. Member Shabilia, yes. Member Wlette, yes. One, two, three, four, four. Yes. Two. No. And just for the record, I'm saying sorry because I know that puts everybody else in a difficult spot, but as a clair conscious of both as an educator
186and school committee member, I I can't I'm sorry. The one that we just Okay. All right. Does Does the committee have any questions on the expenditure report? No. All right. May I have a motion and a second to approve the authority to transfer funds to close out fiscal year 25? So moved. Second. Motion by member Daglio, second by member Wlette. uh discussion as we discussed earlier. I'm going to clean up those salary lines as soon as I can, move any remaining funds and try to leave as much as possible in the um circuit breaker and or any grants where we could leave money in grants. Um any transfers that are done among sections, uh you guys will get a notification before last year, I believe it was the second week of July. I gave myself
187an extra week this year because last year I was rushed. Um, so by July 25th, you'll have a a summary of what was done as will the CAFO. No dollar left behind, Ian. No dollar left behind. No penny left behind. Pennies are getting obsolete. Right. Where is the money coming from to be transferred? I'll be moving um any leftover funds in professional salaries, other salaries and we'll be moving it into contracted services and then into circuit breaker. Yeah. So it would be from vacant positions or people who took leaves was absent so we couldn't fill any any remaining funds in those areas will end up in circuit breaker so we can spend on tuitions next year. All right. Roll call. Martha. Member Daglio. Yes. Member Donovan. Yes. Member Keegan. Yes. Member Maxwell. No. Member Shabilia?
188Yes. Member Wlette? Yes. Five. Yes. One. No. Passes. Does the committee have any questions on the revolving funds report? No. All right. Member Maxwell. Um, as far as the facility rentals, is there a list on who rents the facilities and how much they pay? I can get you a list of that. Thank you. You're welcome. It used to be a lot um a lot larger. Um, but there was a constant battle between school wants to use it, outside people want to use it. Um, at the end of the day, we are a school first. So, we do kind of focus on that first and then anywhere we can fill in with rentals we do. But I can get I can get you a list of what we've done for this year. Member Keegan, um to
189I don't know you or Dr. Kong, whoever. Uh, can we get on to the next agenda, a discussion about rentals so we can review the rates for potential updates and to take a look at the auditorium for utilization. I recall when it was built that there was a big focus on renting it and I don't know if we do a whole lot of that. So, if that's something we can put on the agenda for discussion when uh if ever settles down, then that'd be great. Thank you. Yep. Right. Does the committee have any questions on the grants report? member Maxwell is there um money added to this throughout the year the So there is so I see that um uh I want to say I don't don't quote me but I think in March our
190number for the school health was 29,000 and now That's 375. Is that just because we get more? Okay. Thank you, Mr. Zaglio. What are we doing with that $67789? That's been bothering me now. It's in the back of my head. As soon as they need something for the playground, we're going to purchase it. Wait, so the fence? That fence that was That fence has been fixed. Okay. So, we don't need a fence anymore, right? No. And that was way more than $600. We could have used it. Could have used 67. So, so waiting for them to replace the nets, the basketball nets or buy basketballs or stuff like that. This little stuff that does come in. When it does come in, we'll use those funds. Unlike I'm like member uh well, now councelor Pesh with
191the ice rink. That that's my bother now. Are there any questions on the student activities report? There was one um here the DECA um is that because they went on that class trip and um because a few months ago when we got this report it was at $8,346. Yes. A good chunk of that went towards their trip, I believe, um, between the districts, the state, and the nationals, and ended up costing around $70,000. We did take some of it from student activities. They did do a fundraiser which raised about, don't quote me, but it was about $4,000 that is being deposited back into this account to replenish that account. Okay. Um, and then the the student deficit account at the tenny is like 22 grand. Um, and then there was another one that was the
192community programs at the Timny the $2788 and now it's $109. What does that money go towards? The community programs is the before and after school program and p primarily used to run out of the tim. Yep. And for their field trips, it was a lot quicker and easier to write them out of the student activities account. Okay. Rather than go through the twoe warrant process for every field trip. Um, they are going through the warrant process now. So, we've spent that down. And I'm trying to get them ahead of the curve on doing the warrant process and doing it through Munis. I know it's the end of the year, too. So, everybody's doing fundraisers and that's it was just like the big numbers that I was just curious. Um, yes. And the uh deficit account
193is any funds that are raised by not necessarily one group but by the school. Say they do class pictures and we get 10% back. Okay, that that goes into that account and then covers any grade levels, groups, whatever that don't have enough for their, you know, kids might not be able to afford it or whatever. I do know there were just two transfers at the tenny out of that account into grade eight activities uh to cover some t-shirts, etc. Thank you. That's all. Um, does the committee have any questions on the food services report? Yes. Member, are we envisioning a survey at some point? Because I've been asking that since the last year or so. I don't know if we've done a survey of the the I will I do I do remember having the
194conversation with Mr. Freddy. Yeah, I'll have to find out where we are with that. And over the course of the summer when the kids return in that first month or two, I think that's the wheelhouse right then. And I may call you Ken for some ideas on exactly what kind of questions you want to see just to see what kind of information we're going to get. I mean like a lack scale, you know, it's not going to be it's going to be 10 questions at the most for these kids, not over the top. Thank you. Thanks, Ken. All right. Um we're on to the discussion on additional budget meetings. Um so this was mine. Um it was recommended by some city council members that we get some um budget meetings on the books so that
195we're not rushed and we're able to get them scheduled because we have our 48 hour waiting period. Um I spoke to the mayor this afternoon. Um he recommended that we put one on the books for Thursday so that we can try to this Thursday is what he would like. Um if that's possible um because he wanted to go into the city council meetings for the first read with a consensus if that's possible. Um so it's a discussion for us to have. Um, it is likely that if we don't go to the city council with a consensus budget, they're going to kick it back on us and we're going to have to meet next week in between first and second read. Right? So, it's are we going to be prepared for it? Are we going to
196try to get something before first read or are we going to wait for first read, have it kicked back, which is going to be a disaster, and it's going to set us up as a city for a 112th budget. Right. I'm okay with the 112th budget. We have a consensus. Um, the consensus is gone though, right? So, so do we schedule a meeting for this week, this Thursday? Do we schedule a meeting for next week? Do we not schedule anything and just let the situation I I I'm open for the discussion? I see some some some pain on Dr. face. I'm curious to get her insight into the matter. Um I I uh I just I don't think we should wing it. I don't think we should wing it. Okay. Um I I do think
197if there's if folks are telling us that we should have a meeting, we should have one. I remember the year where we did have to really pull together quickly a school committee meeting uh because the city council um after the budget hearing which ours is tomorrow evening uh requested some things. We were actually able to make that happen before the first read and it went through. Um but we weren't in this kind of time frame when that happened. I I don't know what a meeting this Thursday means. I don't know what the consensus I don't know what that means. Um I'm unaware. That is not something I'm familiar with. I'm not sure what we would do this week uh that would be different if we did schedule one maybe next week right after the first
198read. Um the only thing we could we could post it to see what the questions are post in the conversation tomorrow night at the workshop. I I just I'm not aware. I don't I'm out of I'm out of like the territory here. I'm not sure what that would do. I'm not opposed to it. I just don't know what the agenda would be. So, the mayor had said that he would work with you tomorrow on the agenda, but my my understanding is that he would like us to have a budget to present that meets his number on for the first read. That's my understanding. So, thank you. So, in my response to that is no. Um, first of all, I I don't like the fact that we're being told that the mayor is going to work
199with the Dr. Kong on the agenda where to and at the end of the day, it's clearly he wants us to beat his number. Why waste our time? what we and I know I'm not going to vote on that number. So, and I feel like from what everybody's saying, they're not going to vote on that number. So, I Yeah, I And also I I'm not going to sit here on a Thursday night and look at everybody as much as I love you all, but we all know what we're going to do. It's going to be a waste of a meeting. So if you guys want to go and look at each other on Thursday night, be my guest because I I I'm you know my answer already. It's going to be no. So I to
200take the temperature of the table. My feeling would be Dr. Kuang have that conversation with the mayor tomorrow and I defer to your better judgment. If you come out of that conversation thinking we need a meeting Thursday, shoot me an email. I'll be there. But if you walk out of that agenda, that that call with him and you don't think that that meeting is going to be fruitful or a good use of anybody's time, I might go do karaoke at the marsh. Yeah, it's music bingo. It's not karaoke. Is that karaoke? It's music bingo. I was told karaoke sing. I'm gonna make it karaoke with Ryan. got to find some fund somewhere, Ian. Okay. All right. Regardless, regardless of this week, I will do that. Uh if approached about a meeting, have that discussion and
201let the school committee know. Uh I do think that we should have a meeting scheduled on the books because I also have to let school ends, right? So, our kids and Brian folks are going to leave. I want to make sure we have scheduled so that we can have Derek and Logan and folks here. I want to give them enough notice, too, to make sure that we're here and in person and have viewing. Um, next week is a tough week to schedule one, but but I also would say we can be creative, meaning it doesn't have to be at six o'clock. When is first read again? The 16th. And and then it continues on the 17th if needed. So, what would what would help is if if I mean I don't and maybe I don't
202know if I request that or the chair and the vice chair request that the city council actually do the f we go in order and we're typically towards the end but to do it on Monday within the first group so that we know we have a first read and we know where we stand on Monday night so that Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon or you know again our we're our options are a little more open without students and kids right we can have it during the it's up to you guys on how that how that works work schedules virtual I I don't know but I do think the 18th there is an event I believe that you have all been invited to at the youth center that has been planned for a very long time
203and I honestly would hate for us to miss that because they have done some pretty remarkable work in that building. That would be great for you all to see. Um, so it it could be Wednesday earlier. It could be the 17th in the afternoon evening. The 19th is a holiday and I pretty sure you guys aren't going to want to do it on Friday. So, could we try for Tuesday? Could we? I say we try for Tuesday. I say yeah, we'll try for Tuesday and we'll let city council know that we would like to be voted on. That might have to be like a your you and and the mayor, chair, vice chair requesting it to the chair and vice chair of city council if they would be Yes. You know, if they would be
204kind enough to move that forward just so we can put plans in place if we have to meet. Yes. Uh I would like to know what we're looking at. Yes. All right, let's do that. We had a a fragile coalition that had a compromise package that none of us liked. So they're they're asking us to go back to the well again. What ex I mean they're the final orbit of the city council. They can technically bypass the mayor if they able to balance other parts of the budget by a twothirds vote. So, they're asking us to essentially do their dirty work and just give affirmation to the mayor's budget. Is that what they're asking us to do? I don't think that's the case. I think that's not the case. Okay. I'm just trying to find
205out what exactly. No. So, I'm not going to the coalition is going to collapse. So, if they just make the final decision, they're the final auditors and they have to just live with the result of it. So, the problem is is that the city council can vote yes or no on the number that's in front of them. That's all they can do. Yes or no. And the number that's being put in front of them is the mayor's number. That's an interpretation. That's a legal process. By twothirds, they could take up the original school committee budget. But if someone perceives that the budget's out of the whack or out of balance, then that provides cover for the administration. But if you're drawing from cash reserves every year midstream, technically your entire budget is out of balance,
206out of whack. So all it does is provide cover. they by twothirds vote they could take up our budget under uh or they can overrule their own city solicitor by their own rules is adopt you know the original school committee budget there's different mechanisms that they can take up the original school committee budget that was voted upon the mayor bypassed our budget and again that was something I disagreed with them I would say it to his face but for all of a sudden for them to say no we can't even take up that budget I mean, it's if they're going to give us the original number that we were advocating for, then I'll entertain a meeting. If not, it's a full uh errand. Um, so I don't know where that leaves us, but shall we
207move on? Well, Tuesday at what time? So, what's that? Normal time. Yeah, Tuesday six o'clock. Five o'clock, six o'clock. I don't Again, the times are for us that the kids aren't in the building. It's easier. So, it's up to you and your schedules. If it's six o'clock, it's six o'clock. That's Yeah. So, how about we confirm? Maybe the chair and the vice chair tomorrow can confirm with the chair and the vice chair of the city council that they can confirm that they can do our first read on Monday and then I can confirm a meeting with all of you um Tuesday night. And I know I was I was part of a school um city council that rejected a school department budget as a city councelor and then we we came back. So it's not
208a fat compon either. So Right. Yeah. I don't think that's going to be the last meeting, but we can at least start with that conversation tomorrow and I'll go from there and inform the committee. Is that fair? Okay. Member Maxwell, would you please start the discussion on staff exit surveys? Um, yeah. So, I think that um after recent exit emails that we've received and hearing from 39 teachers publicly since April 16th and um I think that we owe it to our staff and students to learn from the people leaving the district. Um but I think that we should put something in motion. Um make sure it's being done right and using what we learn to push for real change. If we're ask if we're not asking people why they're leaving their jobs, if they're leave,
209even students, if we're not asking why they're leaving, how are we going to change anything and or fix anything? Um, I know that we've all received exit interview letters. Some of us have responded, some of us not. But, um, I think it's really important because I think it's very valuable information. Um, I'd like to suggest that I know that I don't know if we could do an exit survey, an exit interview. I don't know if we can propose that that be presented to us as a committee twice a year. Um, I don't know if a school committee member can sit in on that. Not really have any um other role other than seeing overseeing um um overseeing it and policy and receiving reports to guide discussions around the budget, staffing, school climate. Um I think
210it's important to listen to our staff. I think that we need to actively listen, not just hear what they say. Um, and it's the only way that we can really make some meaningful improvements in our district. So, I don't know if I have to motion to make that happen. I am happy to do that. So, just a couple things. There's no vote on the table, so there's no can happen tonight. Yeah. Um, but I would just uh say to the committee two things. Please don't assume that we're not having exit conversations uh with our staff. We are. Some refuse to have those with us and meet with us. Uh some do. The principles are very good about having exit uh interviews with the staff. Formalizing that is something that we I know um Colleen and
211I are part of a list serve group. Uh a lot of the HR directors are like how do you formalize that because you can't make people do it. Uh but there's Google forms, there's different kind of uh checklist kinds of a thing, right? Are you moving? Are you leaving because you're moving? Are you leaving because you're changing careers? Are you moving? You know, whatever it is, right? Um, so we are doing that. I don't I don't think uh that the execution of that is in the purview of the school committee. Uh, but definitely they're reporting out. I don't think that the execution of it is in the purview of the school committee, but I do think that because it regard it's regarding policy and oversight, it is in the purview of the school committee and
212we're not seeing the real feedback from the exit interviews. I know that we're saying that people are moving out of state or, you know, whatever, but I've received three emails myself for exit interviews and they look bad on administration. So I don't I feel like we're never going to see those if we don't have a part in it. Um, so to go off me Maxwell, like like I said, day-to-day operations, which this it's a very big what you're asking, sitting in and watching um an exit interview is against not us, it's state law. It's actually not. I I actually asked the attorney about it. It's actually not um because it is regarding policy and oversight and it is just about the integrity of the meetings. It's just to make sure that the information is being
213reported back to the committee. Okay. Um well if if that attorney if you have like and again I'm not reflecting on you I if an attorney is saying that from from where like I'm I'm ask I'm actually asking a question like seriously because this is where what attorney from the state state I would recommend you and and I'm just saying this as a fellow school committee member as a colleague call that attorney and send a notice to us because if that is the case, if the state is saying that and we have it in front of us, then down the road we're not violating anything. I'm just not sure what we would be violating. I mean, I don't need to sit here and have a conversation back and forth with the exit interview. I could
214just be a third part. I'm not I'm saying I as a general statement, but like just sitting in an on an exit interview and not having any input, not having any but just make making sure that we're getting the actual information that's going on because I mean this committee has received two exit interviews recently that is I that is highly offensive towards administration and we're not doing anything about it. And that's why I'm saying to you as as a colleague because I I did not know this. You've already talked to someone. I would like sure to know that. And again, if you do that, then us as a committee then can sit there and make a policy around what the state is saying. That's what I'm saying. And um that's all that's all I just
215want just giving you an advice. But second thing is I do know um people that I have worked with Dr. Kong and that have told me that they didn't receive an exit interview when they left. And I asked them specifically, "Did you refuse?" And they said, "No, they basically when they left, like they said, I'm leaving." And it was, "Okay, see you later." And I I and I actually do work with these people and I have asked them to come forward, but they're like, "No, I I've been out for now a few years. I don't want to go back down that road, but I actually have them on text messages saying, "No, I have not received an exit interview." So, I'm just saying like maybe some sometimes it's just slipped and you know, people got
216busy. Again, I'm not I'm not trying to make it out bigger than what it is, but when when things like that happen, I I I question it. Why did they leave? And why didn't they receive an ex interview? because of the fact that maybe the record would be upsetting so some people might not want their exit interview being held. I'm just saying or just people forget. Yeah, fair enough. Um I think you know the the good thing is that we have already started to create forms and frontline our system that holds our HR stuff. Um so that would be another place. Again I don't I don't know. I mean, I know Attorney McNelte is here and we only have a half an hour and we have a lot of things that we're actually still trying
217to do tonight. Um, but we can certainly bring this back up and it could be a matter of again pulling the data to share and having that be the report out. That's that that was all I was me that was it that was and if we could make them anonymous so that teachers feel comfortable giving an exit interview that would be even better. Yes, I think there's a lot to consider, but I think the system that we have in frontline allows us a better uh oversight over uh you know, when X happens, then they automatically get the Y. And again, it's their choice to fill it out. You know, principles will still have a conversation with them, but they can at least still give us something that's centralized and that every staff gets. Uh and
218then that report can be again to school committee on a quarterly basis or a half year. Um, you know, again, that I think those are that's where we're headed with with our new system of HR. So, I think it's worth pursuing that conversation. Do we also offer that to families that leave the district? I know that may be a separate conversation, but I was just curious. No. No. Okay. Member Donovan. Well, just to add to that briefly, we are trudging to towards the end of the audit and maybe some of the information that we get from parents will help inform better certain policies and procedures. So maybe we hold that thought and bring it all together. Okay, I know we have a lot. All right, let's move on. Um, and let's start the discussion on
219the IT consolidation. Um, can you give me So Nancy, why don't you do you mind taking Colleen's seat for a minute so that we don't have to keep going up and down? So, so what I'm I'm passing out uh to you is just some information that uh Nancy Lopez uh I think she's been here, but if she hasn't, this is Nancy Lopez. I know we've said her name multiple times, but here she is, our director of technology. Um Matt Cirla is also here, our data manager. So, uh he was helpful this evening, but also here tonight as well. Um so, I think uh what I'm giving you in this packet, we will post it. It will be public online. Uh a copy of the mayor's executive order on the back which you all received I
220believe via email from folks. Um but this document uh Nancy and her team put together to just outline for all of you. We have not been uh asked to or have had a conversation here at the school committee level about consolidating technology departments. It is something that um Mayor Perry uh you know on on a comment that Sean Cronin made about seven years ago said we should consider consolidating all these things and help the city not be in a financial position. Technology was one of them. He had a really good experience because he was in Brooklyn and that's what that system did. Um so again it was a a comment and a you know said hey look into this. it has since kind of stuck. Um, and so I've had conversations with the former mayor.
221I've had conversations with the current mayor and uh Ed Lucier at the time and I had several meetings with the mayor and the cafo about it. It just the city was in a a challenging place because they didn't have a tech department. Um, and I think at that time Mayor Perry was looking at like how could the schools oversee the city work. So, it really has morphed into a very different kind of conversation. Um, but but what our stance is and my stance and I I said it to uh the former mayor, I said it to the current mayor today, uh you know, we don't as a school department, we don't see where it is advantageous to consolidate the departments. I have never been presented a plan of this is what it could look like.
222This is why it could save money. Um our systems are very different. There is one place that we all feel we've talked about, we've used it, we've collaborated. The network is the one place where it is the same, where we use the same switches and fibers. And just help me if you need. No, actually, no. See, this is why I have you next to me. U the - program uh the government -ate program allows us to purchase all network equipment at um 80% off but the problem with it is we can't use that network equipment for anything but educational purposes. So it has to be used by the school system and it cannot be used by the city. So there's some So yes because that's a whole paragraph in here. Yes. So on the same
223of of consolidating stuff like network and some of the the platforms we run a Chrome OS realm the city's on I assume Windows Microsoft Yep. Um do we have any collaboration with them for things maybe like I don't know Mancaster Rapid 7 or any of that like infosc protection software any of the SAS platforms that would be compatible on both both ends. So if you look further into the report, I um outline the fact that we we both use Senate one. That's our antivirus. Yeah. Um and you can see these I just pulled from um from Munis. And you know, the city pays 23,793 a year on 275 licenses, but we pay 10,97 on 850 licenses. So, I've I just looked like at different things that might be comparable like Office 365. They use Microsoft
224Office. We use it somewhat. We're more of a Google shop, but we have um what do we have? How many? 500 licenses. 500 licenses for zero dollars. They have um 200 licenses for $16,000. 700. So it it just everything that I looked at there's no savings that I can find. So what I'm hearing, Nancy, is that you should be taking over the city and not the other way around. No. Oh, sorry. It isn't. It's not. So So I guess this is this is information, right? This is and and what I'm sharing with you is that a year ago, uh Nancy and I had this conversation. There's some information in here from a survey that she sent out to her information tech director, Lisserve. Uh I think 22 or 23 districts responded. You know, does the
225municipality and the school district work together? Do you have one CIO? Just gathering some information. You know, it's not a common place to have the school department and a city, especially in a size of our city to be consolidated, right? There are other places uh I know we've said it here. I have definitely said it to the mayor. I I feel very strongly he's in agreement that the conversation should continue forward that we really should talk about facilities department maintenance as a as a like you want to combine some departments or work or um things. Uh th that's the department for us to really try to figure out how we can help each other. Uh they speak the same language. We're talking about the same buildings. We're we're focused on the same fields, right? We
226we have a lot of the same issues. So, I think there is a desire for us to talk about those two departments. Uh, it was something that um I know Colleen was with me with a conversation when we were talking about the budget in April that we had with the mayor at that point. Um, you know, there's there's some information here about our staff is very geared towards education. Uh, there's a lot of years of experience in education. 103 um 103 years of experience. Um it is very different right it's a different uh entity in a different world with the number of devices the response to staff parents and students um again using different software different plat platforms we're just looking for what are those conversations uh I have made it clear I made it
227clear uh and again in a very positive conversation with the mayor today that we are happy to have conversations on anywhere we think we can collaborate But to uniqu unequivocally just say we're consolidating the departments without a plan. For us that was uh what is cha what I find most challenging. Um we've always been open to that but we've never been met with here's a plan of what let's talk about this compartment or this piece of technology first. How can we help each other? Where is there duplicity? Where is there uh efficiencies that we can save? that has never been presented to us uh in conversation. Um so again, we're open to all of those. I think the executive order doesn't say that and that's what we're here for tonight and I know Attorney McNelte
228is here. Um it reads very differently. Uh I expressed myself uh with that uh earlier today that that the idea of collaborating uh is very different than an executive order that I and the business administrator and the the tech director shall uh follow this order, right? Because because you all are actually my boss. Um, and so there's just that conflict I think that we're having right now about can the mayor actually, you know, um, execute this ex, you know, I don't know, enforce it, enforce this executive order. What does that mean for us? I think we're in a disagreement about that. Um, but again, we're not we're not uh saying that we don't want to have conversations. It's just no, we haven't we haven't brought that to the table to say what are we looking
229at and give us the idea. What is it that you want us to look at that we should think about first? Is it some software? Where where are those costs that can only be educational? Let's put those off the table. What are the costs that can be shared? I I don't know like we don't we don't know why the the city is paying more than we are. Uh you know, nobody's brought those costs to our attention, but again that it's just costs that are public knowledge. But um so there's information in here. Again, I just thought that it wouldn't be important to share this with you about how we do our educational procurement. Um and again, you know, there's a section here. I just we just don't know what the clear advantage is to fully
230consolidate those departments. Uh that's the conversation I've been trying to have with both uh mayors uh Mayor Bogard and Mayor Perry is is I don't I don't know. We haven't had the conversation about that. Um, so again, we wanted this to be in your hands uh tonight. You know, we have some information about our own ticketing system and how many tickets we receive, etc. That's simply from our system. Those are not numbers that we inputed. And then there's uh on the back there's different software and hardware that are supported by the district. Again, those are just sort of factual and what we're using at this point for factual information. Um, I I would be happy to ask attorney McNelte to come sort of up here and share a seat if he'd like. Uh, if there
231are questions um about the particularly the executive order, if you have questions for Nancy or myself about the tech, I know you guys haven't had a chance to look at it. I just gave you a very quick idea of what's in here. Um, but questions for any of us and again, Attorney McNelte can come sit with us. Member Maxwell. Um, okay. So, I have a few questions and I don't know if anybody can even answer these. We'll give it our best shot. So, one just to kind of piggy back on your maintenance and your I mean, I think that's a great idea. Um, have we I don't even know if I want to say it out loud, but have we considered um like collaborating with HR departments as well? Would that be so doable? So,
232Colleen is behind us. So, that has worked in the past and it also was not effective. Okay. Um, and so, uh, Colleen actually played that role in the HR director for both the city and the school. And it was very challenging to the amount of personnel that happens in a school district because of the sheer number of staff and the timelines and the health and the benefits and the leaves and hires and all of that uh, is constant. Uh, so it's hard it was hard to walk away. I think for both of us, I don't want to cut you off. We are super short on time and I just want to focus on it right now because we need to we need to keep the conversation focused on what we're what we need to talk
233about. Sure. So, um I guess I will just list out my questions and any ones that you can answer. Great. Um will our IT staff be part of this? You kind of already answered that. Who will oversee this department? How will the priorities be set between city and school needs? Uh, will there be shared IT directors and who will they report to? Will school specific grants still be used excla ex exclusively for the schools? Is the city assuming all costs and what's the plan for dividing costs equally? Uh, how will student data privacy be handled and protected? Will there be separate protocols for schools versus city? Will schools still get a timely IT support during the day? And what's the timeline for this merge? So, those are all really good questions of which I can't
234answer a single one because there has been no plan presented to us at this point. I I just figured I'd throw them out there. No, I I do and I mean that I think those are all the questions that would take this conversation, right? If there's a collaboration of what does it look like? Is it this part that can be shared? Is there work that our texts do that their texts do that when we have this situation we work together because it makes sense? We have not had that conversation and there's no plan for that presented to us. Member Civilia, so I heard through the grapevine that there was a hire in process for your department, Nancy, that was going to be responsible for getting us up to speed to start the next year. However,
235that hire is being held up if So, so that has been rescended at this point. Okay. as of this evening. As of we will be allowed to move forward with that hire. Oh, never mind. So, so he the the new hire uh is fully done with all of the HR and we'll likely be able to I'm hoping that we can make that phone call to uh that gentleman tomorrow and that he will probably able to start immediately. Oh, good. He's got lots of imaging to do from what I understand. He's got he's he also has some cyber security experience. He's got experience. We're excited to have them on board. Yes, it's going to be a good addict. Is there anything else being held up or put in jeopardy because of the lack of planning that
236this executive order has behind it? That was the biggest one for us that happened recently um that was, you know, um stated it was happening because of the executive order. So that being said, if the school committee votes no, don't do this, then it becomes a legal thing. And the I'll I I see. Yeah, he's coming. Prepping for battle back there. Safer back there, man. I get it. This is the microphone. Good evening. Hi, Madam Chair. May I if you don't mind? Absolutely, Dr. Pon. So I think member Shabilia it is a legal thing already. Okay. So the question I'm being asked is if the ex is the executive order legal and from my perspective the answer is plainly no. It is not legal. I agree with you. The mayor does not have the authority
237to do this under the statute. Okay. This is an issue of statutory interpretation and it's being interpreted incorrectly. All due respect to the mayor and all due respect to his council. They're wrong. Um if I could I'll just tell you why. All right. So, the CAFO Act states that, and I'm just going to read it to you, that the city shall be deemed to have accepted, the word accepted is key here, section 37mm of chapter 71 of the general laws, for the purposes of consolidating the business and financial operations and functions of the school department with those of the city. Under the the authority of the chief administrative and financial officer, the acceptance may be revoked, but the city shall not revoke acceptance of said section 37mm in any year in which a loan issued
238under section 2 remains outstanding. Fine. Okay. Then you need to turn to section 37mm of chapter 71. What does that say? Any city or town which accepts the provisions of this section which the CAFO act says that the city has accepted may consolidate administrative functions including but are limited to maintenance functions of the school committee with those of the city or town provided however that such consolidation may occur only upon a majority vote of both the school committee and in the city the city council. Further uh further uh uh on in the CAFO act, it states specifically that notwithstanding the provisions of the CAFO Act, the rights of the city council and the school committee may not be abregated. This executive order abregates the powers of this committee and the city council plainly. It doesn't
239it doesn't matter if there's debt outstanding. This is an illegal act which there isn't. They've openly stated that and I know that's an that's an issue of contention. And I understand that. Right. So we have an executive who's issued an executive order that in my opinion abregates the rights of this committee and the city council. And the remedy for that is for this committee to seek redress through the courts to file a complaint for declaratory judgment that the executive order has no effect. Well, let me ask you on that. Do do we need to file saying it has no effect or can we just say Dr. Kuang, as the school committee, we're instructing you to continue July 1st, business as usual. Let the executive branch of our government come and let let them go to
240court. Let them file. Let let them be the bad guys. You could, member Shabilia. You could do that. Um, but I think you have a more clear option in front of you. Personally, that's my opinion. I'd rather see them be the bad guys, but yes. So, thank you. Um so also when I was reading that um your statement the other day I think you all saw correspondence between myself and attorney. Yes. Yes. Okay. So the question I also have in that statute there's nothing that says because I just want the public to be aware of this that an executive order can oversee some of these statutes. So that's member Davio I believe. Yeah. So, um, proving a negative is never a great position, but it plainly said if the CAFO act meant to say that,
241it would have and it doesn't say we're going to consolidate these these functions and you don't have to take the vote of the city council and you don't have to take the vote of the school committee. It doesn't say that. Mhm. Now, I believe that the solicitor and the mayor are sort of hanging their hats on respectfully a financial review that came out from DOS, the division of local services in 2019 that is in my opinion poorly drafted that says in the beginning this act effectively consolidates the IT departments among other functions. And then it goes on to make a number of recommendations and one of those recommendations is that you should start the process of consolidating these according to the act which points you to section 37mm. Right? And you also need to codify
242the CAFO act in the city charter to amend it. That has never been done. That was never done by the city council as far as we can tell. So what do we need to do going forward? What like what are our next steps? So that's up I just should say that that that's is a deliberative body. This is up to the committee to decide but I believe the appropriate remedy is to file a verified complaint in the superior court with a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the executive order. So moved. Second. All right. Um can I add to that? Yes. Should also authorize the superintendent Dr. Quang to sign the verified complaint. So move as amended. Come on, Martha. Keep up. Very nice. I'm sorry. Well, the clock is ticking here and we're
243we're about to get evicted. Would you like me would you like me to read uh Madam Chair, a proposed vote that I prepared while I was sitting in the back there hiding behind Dr. Kang member Shabilia put it? vote to file a verified complaint asking for a declaratory judgment that the mayor's executive order is improper and to file a motion for preliminary injunction and authorize the superintendent to execute the verified complaint. Sorry. Yep. I'm I'm I'm just saying though and I've and and I'm just thinking because it's funny. We are basically suing ourselves the city the the the chair of the school committee. Just just clarifying that. We're not suing. We're seeking an injunction. Injunction. You are suing You're suing the chair of the school committ. Thank you. I know. Yeah. You're suing the mayor.
244The chair of our school committee. Okay. All right. Roll call vote, please. Martha. Yes. Member Dunovan. Yes. Member Keegan. Yes. Member Maxwell. Yes. Member Shabilia. Yes. Member Wlette. Yes. And I just want to say very quickly, I mentioned this last year to the former mayor and it was he was provided a legal advisory and I'm not sure the current mayor read it, but it's pretty ironclad in law. Well, I wrote it. Yeah. Okay. So, you know what I'm saying? Yeah. So, there's a miscommunication not from our perspective, it's from their perspective. And if I may, and and is the vote finished? Yes. Yes. So, the mayor could suggest this. Nobody's saying he can't do this. He just needs to seek the council of the city council and the school committee and get a majority vote.
245I I think the biggest problem was the executive order and that reeks of prior administrations and is a system of checks and balances and there's a clear violation. Oh, I agree with you. Okay. I'm in full agreement. He's been he was aware of that legal advisory from the past and nothing was broached to this committee. Ian, if you could when this settles, I'd like to get a copy of the billables that went go to the attorney's office and I'll also be doing a foyer with the city to see how much this um executive exercise has cost the city versus what it was going to save which so far booked or projected is precisely zero. So just so we can have a clear image when this is done. Thank you. [Music] All right, we're going to
246move on. Um with no further business to discuss, may I have a motion and a second to adjourn this business session of the Mthuan School Committee for June 9th, 2025 and enter into executive session. So moved. Moved by member Shabilia, second by member Donovan. Um pursuant to MGLC 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if any open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigation position of the public body and the chair so declares unit B and custodians. Also pursuant to MGL C38 section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if any open meeting may have detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigation position of the public body and the chair so declares scandal versus Mthuan public schools 202477 CV01284. We will
247not reconvene into open session at the conclusion of the executive session. Roll call, please. Member Daglio, yes. Member Dunovan, yes. Member Keegan, yes. Member Maxwell, yes. Member Shabilia, yes. Member Wai, yes. The meeting is adjourned at 9:58. Good night, Mthuran. [Music]