Middleborough Public Schools: School Committee Meeting - April 30, 2026

001That's going to be my last slide so you can read it on your computer or you can read it off of here. But I don't have the >> All right. Everybody all set? >> Yeah. >> All right. Good evening and favorite part of the evening, call this meeting to order. Um if you are able, would you please join me in standing in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Uh thank you. Uh unfortunately, we're starting this evening on a disappointing note. Uh for the student spotlight, I received an email uh a couple days ago asking for a little more time and could because the kids had just

002gotten back from April vacation and uh getting them reoriented and and uh practicing so that they would be ready and so they're hoping, and we'll see if it will work uh that they will be here for the next um meeting. Um I know I'm disappointed because I was there and it really is a neat experience. So, that means that we will move on to item number four and that's a continuation of the reorganization of the school committee. If you remember at our last meeting, we did elect all of the officers except for the secretary. And that was because I had not been able to connect with Christine who has been our secretary from what I now know having spoken with her for many many years. And she was good enough to continue on until we

003were able to formally take this vote. So, I would like to entertain a motion to elect Christine Brune as our secretary. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> I don't recognize voices yet, so I don't know. >> Oh. >> [laughter] >> So, if if you could before you speak, if you could say your name so Christine can cuz she's over there and she can't she doesn't know the voices yet. >> Kim Redlon was first. >> Kristen Phillips second. >> Any discussion? I just have one. I am so thankful that Christine is continuing with us and that she's here today and it is an enormous job to keep track of everything that we're talking about and Kim should be happy that I won't be turning to her and saying what was that

004motion? So, I want to give a special thanks for your return. All those in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? And then that is unanimous. Another item that came up that were is under the reorganization is signing of warrants. So, we have to take a vote for who can sign warrants uh uh during the week as they come and they need a signature. Typically, it would be myself and the vice chair. Um sometimes, like last week, uh when we were both away, uh other members of the school committee need to Thus far, Chris, myself, and Shannon have been voted previously that we are allowed to sign warrants. I would like to entertain a motion that any member of the school committee, if needed, will be given the authority to sign warrants. >> So moved by Kim

005Redlon. >> Liam Machado second. >> Any questions? Discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Great. Um that brings us on to number item number five, rules and procedure of public comment. Um I think you probably will remember from our last meeting that um we talked about the fact that there had been a lot of discussion about uh how we conduct public comment and that there was a real strong desire to allow people to speak more than 3 minutes. Uh what I spoke about at that meeting was that that is a change in pro in our um policies and that's a real process that should be followed when you go to change a policy. A policy should be something that is is gone for a goes for a long time and goes through the process

006of looking at laws and precedents and all of those kinds of things to decide what the policies are. And so we we want that to go to the policy committee with Shannon not available right now. The only person remaining that has served on the policy committee we're kind of putting policy committee on hold until she's back and we can also populate it with others. Um we do have the ability to suspend um a rule that we have a policy that we have for but it has to be for distinct period of time. Uh and at the last meeting we voted to suspend the 3-minute rule. Um at the time I noted that if we want to continue to do that until June hopefully when we start again on or it might be June July when

007we are able to get back to the policies that we would need to vote that again tonight. And so that I bring that forward to you I would entertain a motion to suspend once again the 3-minute rule if that is your wish. >> Yes. >> Leah would you like to make a motion? >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> Second. >> So that was Leah and Chris. Any conversations or questions about that? Okay. Um all those in favor please say I. >> I. I. I. >> Opposed? Um that also passes unanimously. Uh so that brings us to our number six which is our uh portion where we are looking to those that are here if if they are uh, they want to address the school committee, uh, make a statement, ask a question. Uh, but I want

008to when before we get started, once again, as I did the last time, there are a few things that I'd like to say, um, before we get started. Uh, the first one is I want you to know, as I have talked with each one of the people on this board, that we really do want to hear from you. Uh, and that I am very committed to, uh, respectful dialogue during this time, during any part of a meeting that I, uh, am honored to, uh, oversee. So, I would ask that when you come for public comment, you can speak on any topic you wish. Uh, I would ask you to be concise as possible. Um, if it is not on the agenda, you can speak about it, we cannot respond. If there's a factual question, we

009can ask it should come to me and decide whether we can if we're prepared to answer that factual question or not, but there can be no discussion. And that's because of open meeting law. It's not something that we made up, it's open meeting law, and it would be a violation if we have a discussion of something that is not on the agenda. Uh, I would also ask that if you come up once, that you not come up again unless, uh, unless everybody else has had a chance to speak. Um, and I would also suggest, um, that for our, uh, school committee meetings, which, to be honest, it's different than most towns, we also allow during the agenda items that you can come up during the agenda items, um, and, uh, ask a question or make

010a comment. Uh, and again, to try to be as efficient as possible, it might be best if, um, you don't have to, you can do it during public comment, but to be as efficient as possible, you might want to do that when we're actually talking about that item on the agenda. So, I'm just hoping to make that clear so that we can move forward as um effectively as possible. So, with all that said, who would like to come talk to us? >> [snorts] >> Good evening. Nancy Kafalas, just a concerned citizen. I want to thank you um for allowing the public comment to change. That's my statement. That's it. >> Well, thank the whole board. >> Thank you, Nancy. >> Any other public comment? Hearing none, we can move on. Uh and we're now at

011the time we have the discussion items, number seven. And I would turn to my colleagues at the end of the table here, who I think we have one more time after this that we Oh, two. Sorry. Didn't want to kick you out too early. Um so, Mason and Jackson as our student representatives will give their report. >> Okay, so we have one district-wide announcement. We would just like to extend a huge thank you to all of the amazing Middleborough first responders for a great high-five Friday on the Friday before break. >> At the MAC, they wrapped up April with their Earth Day celebrations. Uh their celebrations included a recycle relay, Earth art projects, and seed planting at the MAC. Students will also get to go inside a giant inflatable Earth balloon in the second week

012of May, they will learn about the continents of the world. Their upcoming word of the month for May is cooperation. May is all about life cycles and growth. They just received baby caterpillars to watch them grow into butterflies. Uh they will have their pre-K fun day and kindergarten field day in May, as well as the patriotic music show led by music teacher, Mrs. Katie Iverson. Uh, a little bit more information about the field day. It is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th. If it rains, it will not be moved. It will be held indoors. Volunteer sign-up letters should be going out now. Um, if you would like to sign up, uh, you have to have a CORI. Um, you'll receive more information in the email if you do have one. Let it be known what to

013expect for the event. Uh, CORI licenses do expire, so please make sure yours is current if you would like to attend that event. If you do not have one and would like to be a part of field day, you can bring a license you can bring a license into the main office and you will fill out the form. And only parents with CORIs are allowed onto the field. Uh, there's more information that is posted in Miss Florio's PE new section. So, stay tuned for more information regarding the actual day of the event. >> All right. Now, we'll be moving on to MKG. Just a few reminders about MCAS dates. Math will be held on May 4th and 6th, and science will be held on May 12th and 14th. Second grade has celebrated poetry in the

014month of April and they have been diving deep into poetry. During third grade reading and writing blocks this week's, students have been analyzing opinion texts and writing some of their own, including what they believe is the best pet. And on to HBB. May 5th, 2026 is MCAS session one, and May 7th, 2026 is MCAS session two. Parents, please remind our scholars about using devices for academic purposes. We have had an increase in the number of infractions in regards to acceptable use of devices. Repeat offenders will not be allowed to use them. Our second annual celebration of us will be taking place June 9th. We need families and community partners. See how your family and or business can get involved in this event via the link in the HBB button. Fourth grade students selected their subjects

015for the Wax Museum project. Students will be researching a famous historical person and will make a slideshow and dress up for the presentation. Wax Museum presentations will be held on May 28th for Mrs. Canali, Mr. Messier, and Mrs. Amato, I believe, from 2:00 to 2:30. And on May 29th, Mrs. Grady, Mrs. Penny, and Mrs. Russell. The annual fifth grade science fair is quickly approaching. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the brainstorming process for their projects. Please note the key dates for this exciting event, Wednesday, June 17th and Thursday, June 18th. This past week, the fifth grade classes had the privilege of hosting an engaging and highly informative presentation from the Cape Cod Canal Park Ranger, Dave. And we have no announcements from the middle school. >> To move on to the high school, uh we

016want to congratulate the e-board for student council for next year. The president is Ian Pinedo D, the vice president is Lexi Boyd, treasurer is Patrick Reynolds, secretary is Megan Kennedy, publicity coordinators are Reagan Griffin and Hadley Goyette, and the event coordinator is Kenzie Roberts. We want to congratulate all of you for being elected and our school is in good hands with all of you. Congratulations to Danny Tawa for winning a an SPA in the long-form non-fiction category for their documentary on SUW's Hadestown teen edition, as well as Aaron Davis for winning in the photographer category for his coverage of MHS football in 2025. These awards are for the 2026 New England Student Productions Award hosted by the New England Emmys, um corporation. Um the studio production students, Kennedy Frawley, Isaiah Colb, Shahana Naz, and Shawn

017Miller earned the first-ever honorable mention for the uh 2025 senior walk in the editing category. Uh, Sanaya Auguste and Tanisha Raheel earned an honorable mention in the public service announcement category for their PSA titled The Apple. These awards are also from the New England Emmys Association. We want to wish um, job well done to the members of student council who represented MHS at the spring C-Mask conference. And we want to congratulate Megan Kennedy who ran for the publicity coordinator position. And to Michael Marzelli who ran for the delegate position. And a special congratulation goes out to Joshua Horseman who is named the 2026 C-Mask unsung hero. We're very proud of you. Um, the fourth quarter has begun at MHS. It began this Monday, the 27th. On Tuesday, May 5th, the quarter three report cards will

018be released through Aspen. And for MHS seniors, the countdown is under 20 days till our last day of school. Uh, tomorrow, May 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at MHS is the fourth annual Danny Duggan Fine Arts Festival. The festival is a celebration of the work of our students from across the district. Students work hard each day learning the necessary skills, techniques, and collaboration necessary to be successful in the arts. And the festival provides the community with an opportunity to see the artwork and performances that are the product of all this hard work. This festival was the vision of our dear friend, colleague, and teacher, Mrs. Danny Duggan, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Mrs. Duggan was the MHS Fine Arts Department Chair and theater teacher for many years. One

019of her goals for the Fine Arts program was to have a yearly event that would celebrate the incredible work of our K-12 fine and performing arts students, which has become this event that we named after her. We are proud to share that MHS will have a visit from Cara Filler, a nationally known speaker who will kick off our pre-prom and graduation season also tomorrow. Um, the visit is sponsored by our wonderful partner Middleboro Matters. There will be two assemblies during the morning hours tomorrow for all students. AP exams will begin on Monday, May 4th and will conclude on Friday, May 15th, 2026. The schedule for the events is posted in Brand's bulletins. So, I will not read every single AP that will go on for the next 2 weeks. I will just give some reminders.

020Please arrive about 30 minutes before your exam and have your school-issued device and a charger with you. Check in at the main office and you must remain in the room for the duration of the exam. Morning exams, students have the option to go to afternoon classes or they leave the building and it is counted as just an excused absence. Afternoon exams, they have the option to attend morning classes or they can just arrive for the exam at the set time. Admission representatives from Lincoln Tech will visit MHS on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 during Success Block. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please reach out to your school counselor. All members of the class of 2026, senior dues can be paid by bringing the $50 to the main office in cash, by money order,

021bank check, or through Uni-Pay between now and May 22nd, 2026. To pay through Uni-Pay, please visit the MHS website for the link. Applications for both the National English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the National Math Honor Society, are live and will close tomorrow. The applications for Rho Kappa, the History Honor Society, will close May 6th. All applications are due at the end of the day at 2:20. Make sure you get those applications in using the links in Brand's Bulletin or the QR codes that are posted around the school. And one final announcement from the MHS is that the Student Council will host the annual blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. Blood drive will take place on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the student commons. And

022we just want to comment from our Student Advisory Council meeting that happened on Tuesday. The SAC met with the chair, Sue Panini, during the last during last Tuesday to discuss the timeline of the superintendent search and we will share our discussions during the designated time slot. We I managed to talk to a lot of students today and I got a lot of good information from that. Uh and the last meeting that Jackson and I will currently will attend is May 28th and at that meeting we will introduce the new school committee rep which will be elected as soon as possible. We just have to get that graphic out. That's it. >> Any questions? Any questions from the public? Uh just a comment for me if following up on your congratulations to the new officers. Um

023I also want to add that I think that they have very good role models to follow. Um the interactions that I've had with officers and representatives and other leaders from the student body have been exceptional and I I I know that that will carry through to the next generation or the next class. So thank you. >> Okay. Um moving on uh before we get into the superintendent's report, I want to uh also follow up on the comments that I made um prior to public comment and that's kind of procedurally uh as I said um we not which is unique um allow public comment and questions during agenda items uh and uh for that to go the way that it's intended um I want to reinforce the way that that is uh supposed to happen. And

024that is that the agenda item is introduced. Um the committee gets to discuss first. We then open it up for questions which we can answer or comments that we uh can respond to uh and then it comes back to the committee to vote uh to discuss any further if we wish and then vote. And the reason for this is to balance what our responsibilities are and with wanting to have the input from the community. We've been elected to talk with one another to make decisions. Um, and so to have that initial conversation so that it benefits people that are here that might want to ask a question. Um, then um they can do that and then based on that input we have further conversation and deliberation and then we take a vote. And I'd like

025us to really stick to that. Thank you. So, we move on to the superintendent's report. I hope we're not early. Perfect. Um, which it is now 6:45 and I will uh convene This is now you've now moved into the public hearing on school choice. Um, Mike, do you want to introduce this? >> Sure. So, the committee needs to uh hold a public hearing on school choice if they are going to elect not to allow. So, that is what this is for. Currently we uh allow um school choice for uh some students that in the past but they are uh we are contemplating not allowing anymore but any uh legacy students can go. So, uh the committee just needs to hold a public hearing and then a vote uh to either allow or not allow uh

026or add students from outside the district. >> Uh, and a follow-up on that because I also had some questions from my colleagues. School choice uh the program that Mike um just spoke of is uh regulated by state regulations. Um and we can bring in students from other communities or not allow them. Once we allow a student in, we need to let their sisters and brothers also come in even if we choose to close down the student the school choice afterwards. Um and so we did talk about this a bit at the last meeting. We had conversations about where we are as far as the amount of population that we have and the and the space crunches that we're having. We talked about some of the upcoming decisions that may be already increasing increasing class size.

027And we also talked about the fact that Middleborough is obviously growing given the construction that we've seen. And there was a consensus um though not a formal vote that was taken that we would follow Mike's recommendation that we not continue school choice. It's something that has to be decided each year. If if that's what we're contemplating, then it is mandated that we have a public hearing if we're not going to allow people to come. And so that is the purpose of this. Um so with that said, prior to will ask if anyone has any follow-up questions for that about school choice. >> So this goes conversely too, right? For children who want to leave the district to go to like a Ponaganset. This is just strictly coming >> only people come >> They would have

028their own vote on that. >> They get to vote whether we go there. >> Okay. Can we just define legacy for anybody watching? >> Yeah, any family member if they if another student was entering kindergarten, they would be allowed to go if the family already had a student in. We don't have any new students coming. >> Okay. Um from the public? >> Hi, Nancy Cafalas, concerned citizen again. I didn't know this was on the agenda last week. I hardly ever see the school committee agenda for some reason. I miss it because I look for it on Fridays. But school choice. So, I know you're saying district in and I appreciate Sean's asking of it's up to the others. So, if we say no, they probably would say no, too. More than likely. They could. But

029I want But I want you to hear something, okay? Because if they do, that is not an appropriate fair and appropriate education for our children. There are reasons why some children want school choice. And I can tell you from the special education part of it, they may need to go to another system because they are not getting the education they deserve. They have to go out and do school choice so that they can get the proper education. I've lived it. And I will not have, you know, someone say, "Hey, your kid can't go there." when they're struggling. And you're not getting the services in one school, and the other school offers them. You know, I mean, this would not be a good thing for anybody. I understand that the district they have to pay you

030to come here. You know, to come in. And I understand we're at our max. But we can't ignore this. This is special education students as well as other students that may want to go into a field or someone that's in a district that has to go somewhere and wants an AP class that isn't offered in their school. I mean, you guys have to take all of this into consideration. It's not just you know, it's not all balanced. You know, so if you're ignoring this kid, just think about that kid that wants to be something. Be an electrician, be a construction worker, do something else. If you're saying no to their schools, they may say no to you. And that's that's a serious problem. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nancy. Anyone else have thoughts they'd like

031to share? >> Hi, Bridget Kearns. Um did the regulation change um because uh regarding um if you accept a school choice student allowing the sibling in. I know that usually they get preference, but several years ago we went back and forth over um and voted on whether we should We voted to allow the enrolled school choice children to allow their siblings in. And everybody got called and we figured out who was coming and not coming, but now you're saying it's a regulation that once you have one child, you have to allow the sibling. So, but years ago that's that wasn't seeming how that operated. So, did the regulation change or were they not following the regulation then? >> I'll have [clears throat] to get back to you on that. I think you're correct. I think

032we could choose not to let a sibling in, but we always have. >> Um I think we the committee voted to allow the siblings in is what they did um because there were siblings that were going to be excluded and a lot of community members had come forward to try to encourage the um school committee to vote to at least allow those siblings to come in. But we were the way it was stated said it was a regulation, so I was just a a confused. I didn't think that that was actually regulation. And my understanding, too, I don't know if this helps, um, Nancy, we can vote to not allow students to come in or to not take school choice students, but I don't believe we're allowed to prevent any students from leaving. So, any

033child that lives here still has the right to school choice anywhere that offers school choice. So, if the you know, Lakeville has school choice and they're part of that lottery, they can still go out. Am I wrong in saying that? No? I'm right. >> That's definitely Yeah, I think that that's what Mike [snorts] what Mike also said. Um, >> Yeah, I think it was just a little confusing how it was worded. So, any student here, if they're not this is not a good environment for them, can choose to go to anywhere and you you can't stop them. So, Middleborough must pay for them to go wherever they choose where there's an open school choice and they're accepted. >> That is correct. As long as that school is willing to take them and I think that

034that was the situation. >> Right. And usually those determinations are by lottery, um, in my experience. >> Thank you, Bridget, and thanks for the clarification. My mistake. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? Any further Oh, is there someone coming? Sorry. >> Yeah. It's okay. Uh, Nancy Caffoulas, just a clarification because I understood it, but if we're rejecting, they can reject, too, and that's where I was going with it. >> Understood. >> I understood. Yeah. I understand school choice. >> Thank you. >> [snorts] >> Any further discussion on the board? If not, I would entertain a motion to move the to move the Middleborough Public School District Committee vote to withdraw from the school choice program for 2026-2027 school year as provided for in MGL chapter 76 section 12B. >> So moved, Kim Redlon. >> Is there

035a second? >> Second. >> Just a little comment. >> You're always safe by doing that. >> [clears throat] >> You're always safer by doing that. >> to do a roll call vote because I'm I'm not totally sure that in when it has to do with these regulations whether it was needed or not. So, I will start from the end. Kristen? Yeah, yes. And to be clear, yes means we're withdrawing from school choice. No means we're still leaving school choice open. >> Yes. >> Leah? >> Yes, Lydia. >> Sean? >> Yes. >> And I add my yes, and so that is unanimous. And next is the budget. >> Okay, this is the last budget update before a vote. So, we have the FY27 budget. We always start with the drivers. We've gone through these. These items

036drive our budget building. So, we have fixed cost contractual and salary increases that we've negotiated. Our special ed tuition and services, which is increasing and we'll talk a little bit more about that. Our technology and facilities is a expense we always budget for. Obviously, curriculum costs. We strive to maintain lower class sizes. It's been a struggle this year the budget issues that we've had, but um um uh and and also we have all of uh tran Excuse me, transportation for all students. So, we've had uh three budget constraints uh that have kind of hindered our budget building process with special ed tuition uh increases. Uh reduction alternative funding sources and declining financial support federal, state, and local. So, constraint number one special ed, we've gone through these. Uh the number of students has not grown

037considerably uh over the last 4 years, but the costs have. They almost doubled in the last 4 years since 2023. From 2.6 million to almost 5 million. Constraint two is our uh alternative funding sources. We're going to talk about a little later. Um So, our facilities rental usage we we're going to reduce by 650,000. School choice is reduced by 112,000. And our out of district prepaid tuition that we were able to do last year uh is reduced by 355,000. Our third constraint uh is declining federal uh and state uh and local uh revenue that is coming in. Uh we have fully expended our migrant grant money for 395,000. The overall Chapter 70 funding is down due to regional assessments and charter enrollment. Uh Title II and Title III grants they're we're starting to get better

038news on that. They're not fully eliminated at this point. We're we're trying to find out what we are going to receive. So, that will help offset some of our deficit. And then lastly, our federal grant reductions in title one and IDEA were projecting at $82,000 lower than last year. So, in building the level service budget, so that would be the same services that we offer this year in 26. When we build the budget in 20 for 27, the salaries that we need is $37,801,104. And our expenses is $12,256,327. For a total of $50,057,431. Again, that is just the level service budget compared to this year. The alternative funding sources is where we had our major problem. In 26, you see we used or we were able to use 6.7 million to offset our general fund

039expenses. But in 27, as those are being diminished, we were only allowed to or able to use 5.2 million to offset that. So, you see a $1.5 million shortfall right in that category right there. So, the level service again is 50 million. We use offsets of 5.2, which is the lower amount. And so, what we need for a level service budget is $44,836,262. If you take the level service that we need of the $44,836, we are appropriated through the town funding uh an amount of 42,750,000. And that leaves us shortfall this year of 2,086,262. You over the last couple months and going over the budget, that number has fluctuated uh for a number of reasons. Uh different information coming in, different revenue uh estimates. So, right now we're looking at 2 million uh about 2.1

040million. So, we've proposed uh potential reduction in positions. Uh this slide shows over the last These are the four uh dates that we met and discussed the budget. And you look at the positions. Uh so, we we met on uh February 12th, March 9th, April 9th, and [music] tonight, April 30th. So, the numbers have changed uh slightly from the 9th, and it it's the total amount uh did not change. We're at 21.5 positions. But if you look in the top um uh column under the teacher/coaches, um we're looking uh to reduce by 14. Um the last time I reported, I I believe there were two to four vacant positions that we could um reduce where there's no uh actual person in the position, uh which is always helpful. Not that we want to lose positions,

041but we've gotten information and people have either resigned or announced their retirement. So, we have eight of the 15 uh eight of the 14 positions that are now vacant. Um so, there's uh that we're now looking at six uh people and position. Uh school counselor, paraprofessional, uh the administrators, though they're all stayed the same. Um, and then support staff, we have uh we're looking at 1.5, but we have one uh 0.5 that is vacant. And then a maintenance position, which is vacant. So the total reductions uh of 21.5, we have 11.5 in vacant positions. So that's more than half uh of the positions we're looking to reduce that are are uh do not have a uh uh person in the position, which makes it easier. Uh and hopefully we'll continue to get um attrition through

042uh the end of the year so that we can uh increase that amount of vacancies. >> [sighs and gasps] >> So in the end, if we make those reductions, the salaries uh are lowered to 35,935,743. The expenses is slightly lower at 12,035,426. And then our all funds budget request is 47,000,000 971,169. If we take that um with the reductions now, the 47,971,169, we use our offsets of 5.2 million. And when we subtract that, we come to the uh amount of uh that the town has set aside for our general fund, which is 42,750,000. The total uh operating budget mean we have different fund sources. So the operating budget as I said is 42 7 42 million 750,000. The transportation budget is 4,435,008 dollars. Um The the next two three lines are total up to the

0435.2 million in offsets, but it's just broken up with a little more detail. Special Ed circuit breakers 3 million that we can use to offset. We have an anticipated amount of our IDEA federal grant for 940,000. And then the remainder of our revolving accounts and grant fund sources is 1,281,139. So our fiscal 27 total budget is 52,406,147. 147 dollars. Before we go into the motion and if you're before the vote, I'll entertain questions if anyone has regarding the budget. >> Hi, Alexis Barros, first grade teacher at the Mary K. Good School, resident of Middleborough. I apologize really bad laryngitis, so forgive me. Okay, thank you so much Mike for sharing all this updated information. I really appreciate how thorough you guys are when you're presenting this information. I know it's been a lot of work,

044so thank you. Um couple of questions I have. Let me just put this down. Um My first question is looking at the slide where we saw the table of the reduction of positions. You know, we're starting at February 12th moving all the way to today the 30th where it says 14 full-time teacher / coaches position. Um so you're saying there are eight vacant positions. So, if I'm doing basic uh within subtraction uh math, like I teach in first grade, are we thinking 14, the difference between 14 minus eight vacant positions, possibly looking at six uh six teacher positions being cut. Am I understanding that? >> A a total of 14. >> Yes, but if we >> Six Yeah, eight are vacant and six are filled. >> Okay. So, in other words, if we take those

045vacancies, where we don't fill them, potentially that number could be, you know, six teachers being riffed. Am I understanding that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. So, my question is, if I'm doing math, which much higher numbers, um if as we most of us understand, when there is a reduction in force, it's typically folks who are newer, who don't have professional teacher status, meaning that they're at the lower end of the scale, the pay scale. So, I'm assuming between 60,000 to 70,000. I don't know, that's just a ballpark. Um let's say six times 65,000 just to kind of find a a happy medium. That seems to me about $400,000. So, does that mean we need about $400,000 to save six teachers? I I I know a lot of you can't do that math like quick. I

046pulled out my calculator for that. Um >> That's about right, yes. >> Thank you. So, like I said, addition between uh within 20 and double-digit numbers for me. So, my question is, and this was actually asked by a few other folks, so it's more of me as a building rep reporting out what other people have asked me. Um, what other administrative positions that are not student-facing, that do not service students on a daily basis, what other positions could we cut to then get that around $400,000? Because I will tell you from my experience, um, some of you newer school committee members might not know this, um, but I have been fortunate enough to be with this district for about 12 years. So, I started off as an ESP at the kindergarten, uh, worked with Carly

047Palin, she was wonderful. Uh, the Mac is magical. I love that my own children are going there. Um, they do wonderful work there. So, I was there for a year. Moved on as an ESP EGD with Jessica Hilton in first grade, MKG. I learned a lot under her as a first grade teacher. Did my student teaching, came back, lucky enough to come back home to MKG because I truthfully feel that Middleborough is a home, even before I got my home here. Um, 10 years ago, we used to have, um, an RTI model. So, a lot of folks who might not be aware, it's response to intervention. It's when we use data, um, pencil and paper data, not computer data, don't worry. Um, where we assess students on letter sounds, phonemic awareness, which is basically breaking

048up individual sounds and other components, and we use that data to be able to group those students, meet with them, and provide services, I believe, in two rounds. We used to do one in the fall, one in the winter spring. Um, 10 years ago was much different. We had a lot more staff. Um, we had about nine educators who could service this RTI model 10 years ago. We had six class classroom teachers, myself included, um one ESP from the inclusion classroom, um one special education teacher, and the library ESP. So, if you total that, that's nine folks who could help provide half an hour every day between 9:00 and 9:30, uh 5 days a week, providing these services for our kiddos that needed it. We also had two interventionists, two reading specialists. So, if you

049stop and think about it, one could be strictly with first grade to provide additional support support to first graders, where the other one could provide support to second graders, because second grade needs support, too. Um I can't speak for HPB. I can only tell you my experience as an MKG teacher. So, if we think about the nine staff that were able to provide services, our groups were about four students per per group, tailored to their specific needs. You know, we had some kids that really needed alphabetic principle. They did not know all their letters. It just happened. There were some kids that needed support with phonemic awareness, just being able to pull individual sounds. I'm not going to go into too much detail, because then it could be a thesis. Um we could, if you

050did the math, classroom teachers, our own RTI model, we could meet about 35 students per round in first grade alone. The interventionist could potentially meet with between 24 to 30-ish students, because they could take multiple groups throughout the day to then meet with students who needed it. If you think about now, so let's let's fast forward to a hypothetical future. Because right Right we do have six first grade teachers, but according to the riff, there's a chance that we could have five first grade teachers. So five classroom teachers, one sped teacher. You can't count the ESP in the inclusion classroom because our wonderful ESP keeps getting pulled because we don't have enough coverage. Um our library ESP also cannot be um available to even do this again a different person than who we had 10

051years ago, but they can't because again, they were constantly pulled because we do not have enough staff. There's also not enough substitute teachers and that's another issue on top of it. So we have really six staff members that could provide uh let's see maybe 24 students to service. And then we now have one reading specialist because the one that retired a few years ago was never filled. So we only have one interventionist that is shared between first and second grade. So I I'm just kind of ballparking it. Um they could probably take about 16 first graders, not including second grade, 16 first graders per round. So if you stop and think 40 students per round could be serviced. 10 years ago we could service 70 students per round. This is what happens when we cut

052more student facing positions. The kids suffer. I can only take so many students in small group. If you do five or more it's not beneficial to them because these kids need smaller group settings to meet their individual needs. We also can't be expected to share our students like we used to. I am number one heartbroken over the folks who could uh potentially lose their jobs. I can't I'm not looking at anybody losing their jobs, but this is the reality of it right now. >> [snorts] >> But I'm also looking at it in the perspective of an educator and what our students of Middleborough need because if if a lot of the upper grades are claiming that kids aren't reading, kids aren't able to do their foundational skills, preschool, more or so kindergarten though. Preschool should

053have some fun left. Yes, they are responsible for some foundational skills, but you know, they have their own stuff. Kindergarten, yes, does a lot of foundational skill building. First grade, we take those kids and we really push them to give them what they need. So, my plea to all of you and the district and hopefully town taxpayers who are watching, too, this is real-time effects of budget cuts. Real-time effects that really impact the students. Because if we can only meet with 40 students, then that means 30 kids that we used to be able to take are left on the cusp. Doesn't mean we don't teach. We do. But those kids need that little extra TLC. They need that little extra something. So, I guess I'm imploring you. I know I'm probably going to have a

054bull's-eye on my back for saying this, but again, I'm I'm the messenger. We need to really look at the administrative positions that are helpful to our student-facing positions and give it back to the classroom teachers because the more cuts we make, we're never going to get those back. Um thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Any questions specifically for Mike and then rather than comment, I would like us to be able to have a conversation before we get into the actual comments if it if there's a specific question about the budget for Mike. >> There is. >> Okay. >> So I just have a question. I know we talked about that reading curriculum. Is that in this budget? That $400,000 reading curriculum that we're going to purchase. >> Yes, it is. >> So is

055there any discussion about pull I know we talked about pulling it back. Are we still thinking about pulling that back? >> Yeah, the committee has not fully voted but it is in figured in the budget. >> Okay, cuz I'm thinking if we pull that back for this year and I'm speaking to the committee for this maybe we save some teachers in our classrooms. >> [applause] >> Mike, is it in this for the same amount as it was previously? For the first year? >> Uh no, it's about probably 150,000 versus 200 each year. So 150 and 150 versus two and two for for probably a $100,000 reduction. >> So that's in for 150. At in the current iteration. A specific question? >> Yes. >> Your name, please? >> Lauren Hawk, Summer Street. More of a clarification

056from last meeting just in case someone didn't hear it or just if I misremembered. So at the last meeting when we were speaking about those vacancies and you know, you said, "Oh, we might get up to 15 attrition and 15 vacancies." But that doesn't mean that if we do, we're still not going to have to lay people off, correct? Because you said that there might be some positions that still have to leave because the attritions weren't in the right spot, correct? >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> Okay. I'm going to read the motion so that we can have a discussion and then we can also open it up for other comments or, uh uh, or questions. All right. I'm putting forward a motion to move that the Middleborough School Committee approve 47

057million 185,008 dollars as the fiscal 2027 local education budget. Such appropriation includes 42,750,000 operating budget. And 4,000 No. >> 4 million. >> Sorry. >> That's it. >> Wrong comma. >> [laughter] >> 4 million 435,000 8 dollars transportation budget, and further that the total appropriation of 47,185 and 8 dollars is in compliance with education reform acts of 1993, and recommended by the superintendent of schools. And further that the School Committee direct the superintendent to allocate the following additional fund sources, which total 5,221,139 dollars. FY26 anticipated circuit breaker special ed reimbursement of 3 million dollars, and revolving account and grant funding totaling 2,221,169 dollars. The final approved expenditure for the schools will be 52,400 Did it again. 52 million 406,147. I'll entertain that motion. >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? We need a second

058to have a discussion. >> Just a discussion? >> Just for the discussion. >> Second. >> Kristen. >> Okay. Um which now I will open it up for conversation. >> Um I >> Kim. >> Um so when we're voting, we're voting on the total number, but not on that list of that can still be talked about, right? The list of um yes, that. The reduction positions, things like that. So when we're talking and making the motion on the budget, we're voting on the dollar amount of the budget. We're not voting necessarily on this. You internally are doing that, figuring that out once with the union and everybody else. >> Yeah. Uh No, we'd have to vote that we're proposing these cuts, which bring the money down to equal the dollars that were mentioned. That could change

059tomorrow. It could change the next day. It could change totally where five like it Uh you're still voting the dollar amount, but that could absolutely change. Uh and I expect it to change. I don't know how much, but um >> But really our vote is the 52 million. >> Yeah. You you especially the the 42 seven uh 42 million 750 uh thousand, that is what the town appropriated. So you definitely have to vote that amount. How we get there is is open to discussion, but that is the recommended way to get there. Um And hopefully again it you know, it can change with um how we end the current school year. If there's some money at the end, like I said we did not um appropriate any money for uh prepaying tuitions like we did

060last year. If there is any money at the end of the year, we'll we'll prepay some of the out-of-district placements, and that could change if there's a uh 100,000 there that's, you know, 1 and 1/2 teachers. So, it could change. The number is what you're voting yes, but the proposal is for the positions as were stated. >> Other questions? >> Yes, may I? >> Yes, okay. >> Um so, how did you get to the two administrative positions? Is there a possibility of maybe adding to that category? >> No, there's a at that is the uh uh the committee's um prerogative to say what you want, reduce, and where to look, but that is the recommendation from uh district leadership, the principals. Um and so, that's where we are with that, but you that That's why

061we're here. >> So, I know you probably just tried to clarify this, Kim, but I need to So, if we vote on this budget to go through today, um like you're saying and like I think you were saying, Kim, these allocations can still change and likely will. >> Yes. >> Okay, for the better. For the student-facing teachers. >> It Well, positions right now, those are the positions. Whether it's they're vacant or not, um uh may change. And again, the what the the example I gave with if we have money at the end of the year to prepay, that would come off the teacher. That number 14, yes. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. So, as if if there is a possibility of adding more funding, it's those student-facing positions that are going to get >> Correct.

062Yes. That's the first. That's why they're listed first. They would be the first to come back. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Or lower those and and pay for a a prepaid tuition, for example. >> I am sort of bounce off of what Kim was saying, cuz I understand we're voting on the number, but how again is it decided, who decides once we vote on the number, who decides those positions? I guess I wasn't clear on that. >> The the exact position, you mean? >> Like, yeah, who's going to decide what who get where you where you're cutting from? In what departments and what grades and >> That is that's There's detail behind those numbers of the positions. I haven't listed them because it hasn't been voted and I didn't want that information out specific

063until the committee voted. But, the leadership has met and they're I've recommended positions uh in their building and then we will go from there if it's voted. But, again, they you could meet with someone and say the position is eliminated, but then a change comes with what I just said and they're they're brought back. But, we do need to let people know if they are a possible reduction. It's it just gives them information and, you know, they could look uh elsewhere. And again, I we hope that the eight vacancies increases so that they're just vacant. Um but that remains to be seen. I think it will change. I just don't know if it'll be the the full amount. >> My questions revolve around the SR funds. And it runs out, if I understand that correctly.

064>> It's It's gone. It's gone. >> Yeah, okay. So, [clears throat] anything that was used with those SR funds, do you know exactly what they were? And if that is what they were, is that being eliminated too, because the funds aren't there? >> Yeah, pretty much every fund Any position that was funded by SR is will be eliminated with this reduction. >> I think SR ran out 2 years ago. So, that it ran out 2 years ago, and they used alternate internal funds to try to keep things going, hoping that something would change and we would be able to continue those positions. Um but we've run out of that money, too. So, those positions are gone. >> And just back to what um Janette was saying about the I know we're not discussing the curriculum,

065but how would that How would that work? Meaning, that's in the budget for 400,000. Are we going to have a late >> no. It's in for 150,000. >> Oh, cuz we pay Okay. >> We're going to do it over 2 years. And [clears throat] we the new proposal is to not do the ELA K through eight, just K through five. So, that reduced the amount from 400 to 300. And we were paying it over 2 years, so it went from 200 and 200 to 150 and 150. So, there was a savings and a reduction by by changing that. And again, that's the recommendation from the from the uh the subcommittee that was formed to review uh I believe I'm speaking for the group when they say we we need a curriculum, but again, that is

066your that is your call. >> I'd like to add to that that um there are serious consequences for the system if we don't have a if we don't get a curriculum with the state, uh particularly with the audit that we had through special the special ed audit. Uh it was one of the ways that we were going to address the concerns that they had. >> Just uh talk about that. What when the subcommittee met, did they know about this deficit? Was it prior to that? >> Oh, yeah. The deficit was >> We just met a month ago or 2 weeks ago. >> Oh, okay. >> And just just a question, and I'm not sure, but is it something that could be I I know you said we get the state whatever uh audits but kind

067of thing, but is it something that could just be pushed off for 1 year to get us through what we need to get through now? Or is that I I don't know. I'm just it's just a question to to get us through. >> I don't know the ramifications. I know there >> I don't know either. >> There are consequences for not doing it, and it uh but I don't know I don't know any kind of penalty or or if they'll reduce revenue or anything like that. I don't know that. >> It it has to do with um our status. They They give us statuses, and eventually we're on a I don't know the term. Oh, you told do. Can I want you help me out here? >> I believe we were needs improvement. >> That's

068correct. >> And so, and if we don't address it, what's the next one down? >> Oh, now you're really testing me. Um worse than needs improvement? No. >> [laughter] >> Um [snorts] I can't recall it now, but you get into more of a um >> Receivership. >> It's not as bad as receivership, but yeah, it it gets into more um corrective action type of um lens. >> I have two quick questions if I can ask. >> Of course. >> One is with I don't know if it's how it's factored into the budget, but I know since we're talking about the superintendent search and the salary, I don't know how the superintendent salary would change. I don't know if that would be a big enough difference to factor into any part of the staff budget for

069administrative, or I don't know how it fits in, but it may be something that could make a difference along the line. The second question is the main thing that I hear around school, and that is the estimated due date for the budget. A lot of people in the schools are wondering how long is left, especially students to either get this money or rearrange. So, I was wondering if there was an estimated we have to get it done date to keep in mind while we discuss. >> Well, the town, on the second question, the town meeting is June 1. So, we have to uh the school committee has to vote their budget prior to that. Um and then they need a couple of weeks. Uh this was more um trying to push this because uh there

070are some lang- there is some language in the contracts that if you are going to do a reduction in force, you have to let the employee know uh before the end of the year. Uh I think it's 30 30 days. So, by June 1 they have to be know. Uh and we only have a couple meetings left for that. So, that's why I'm uh moving forward with and trying to uh finalize and get the the budget voted, a final number. >> And if um two thoughts I'd like to add to this. Um we met with uh some teachers in the last recently and I've heard from others >> [clears throat] >> that teachers would really like us to what the feedback was from that group. It was not a large group. Um there's so much

071stress of everyone thinking they're the one. Um and should they be looking? And that they're it's a tough decision, but we have to decide what the budget is going to be. Um I think humanely uh so that that they can start to prepare. That's my first point. The second point is I think we need to realize that a budget is a plan that's going to change. Um we it may be that the state in June gives us more money. It may be that Mike is finding more money um in this year's budget to prepay things for budget. And so, those numbers are going to change. There may be further discussion even though someone ends up getting a pink slip because we need to do that for their sake so they could at least those that

072are potentially going to go, they know, and the rest of everybody else knows they're not and we're not looking for them to go. Um and and then it may be we'll say we'll figure out that yes, um we were able to prepay more, or yes, whatever the more people did um retire or resign or whatever. Uh and then we can start bringing them back. And so, this is a plan uh and it will definitely change. All budgets do, I think. Sean, you can probably attest to that. What you start off with a plan for the beginning changes all year long because of of other things that go on. Uh and so, this is gone through, you know, the process uh to come up with a plan that I know that there's a at least Chris

073and I have have been able to be go through the entire process, so that meeting with principals and and others, so that we understand how we got to where we are. And I understand that's more difficult for those that have not been part of the process. Um but uh it it did go through that process and for to come up with this plan, and it has changed already for the better. Other thoughts here before we go out there? >> I just had one more question. Um and Mike maybe you can't drill down there because it involves FTEs. I know you're saying to release that uh information, but looking at programs and you know, cutting certain programs, and not that I suggest that. I think this district does a great job with the programs that we

074do have. Um because that potentially might mean a a teacher is attached to that, I guess. So, I don't know if you can get into that discussion at that level, like were there certain programs that were looked at that maybe could go or >> Yeah, we've had extensive conversations regarding programs and looking at the number of students served. So, we've talked a lot about that. Some are in there. Uh And I mean, that's That was a a group discussion as to do we um do we look at a program or do we look at class size in the elementary level? I mean, we compared both. What's None of them You don't want to lose any of them. Um but what was, you know, the bigger impact? Do you lose a full program and move or

075or have your K3 uh class size average go from 19 to 22. So, we talked about that a number of times. Yeah, I just did it again this morning. >> So, how did How was the decision reached to get to this plan? Like who was in on it? Was it Was it the subcommittee? Who How many meeting like how did you come up with this plan? >> So, we brought the leadership team, which is uh all the uh principals, curriculum director, uh technology director, PPS, myself, uh so I think about 10 of us um uh met numerous times on everybody uh coming up with uh we had a number of 2.2 million and we all sat in a room for three or four days uh or meetings at leadership meeting and came up with what

076we think is the best way to uh balance to that 2.2 million. And so, when we met with the subcommittee, they saw this and they know that we went through this process and that's kind of how we got to where we are. >> I I'd like to add a little bit more to that. Um and yes, um when we met originally when this whole started, we saw what the current thinking was uh and we also have had the opportunity to bring concerns, some of which have been spoken of here, about balancing administration and and student-facing and had conversations about that and the movement that it was made because of that. Um so that we we we didn't make the decision, but it certainly was interactive and we um saw movement based on that interaction. >>

077May I go out there now? >> I I think I just have one more. I and I'm not sure I didn't really look into it much, but like a position like the director of student services and the director of sped that used to be I think this has been discussed before that was two jobs. Um but it used to be one. Is that Is it still posted as two jobs right now? >> Uh no. >> Okay. Okay. And then once we vote on this number, um it goes back to the same team that was discussed to appropriately cuz I I I do sense the urgency also. You know, if my job was on the line, I would want to know. Um I'm just everybody who's looking at the budget, I just wish there was more

078input to make more suggestions. I know they're hearing what we're saying, but they're still going to be the ones to be making that, if that makes sense. I just kind of wish that there was more >> I didn't just didn't hear that. >> More like um there was I don't know, more input, I guess. I know we're having this conversation, we're having this input, but for the for the people who are making the decisions, I just I wish there was more people making the decisions. >> I'm just saying. >> makes sense. >> Okay. >> That's it. >> So, um >> Thank you, Chris. >> So, >> [clears throat] >> I know we've kind of said it in various ways, but I kind of want to just make sure it's clear and everyone hear before we

079take a vote. There's an assurance that any additional funds, unless earmarked otherwise, will go towards student-facing positions and people. All right? Just so everyone's clear. >> Okay. >> All set? >> Uh Nancy. >> Hi, Madam Chair. Nancy Kefalas again, concerned citizen, nothing more. Um When is the budget is being presented Monday, right? So, when is it that you have to hit send? >> I'm sorry. >> I think the budget is being presented on Monday. Is your budget being presented Monday? >> At the um town, you mean? Yeah, they they've they've given us the number uh on the school side. I think they have some more work to do on the other departments. I can't speak for them, but the number that they gave to me is the uh million that we have here. >> do

080you have to finalize that for Monday? >> Mhm. >> Like do you have to do you have to vote on this tonight to make sure they have that, or can you reconvene when you can get the information because I think there's a couple of ways you can do this, like the 150 you may have to consult legal counsel. Maybe that 150 could come off the table. But the other thing you could take into consideration, there could be other things in the budget too that small things, you know, that could come off. Maybe I know you've looked at everything and you're kind of looking at the big picture and I know everyone I'm really empathetic to everybody, but I know everyone's trying to save jobs as best they can. So, one of the other things you

081could possibly do is amend your vote to say that if council says the 150 can come off this year and delay that program for next year, then you may be able to put the 150 in, save maybe two teachers and a half of support staff. I mean, it's just a thought, right? You can >> I'm not sure we would need to amend to do that because as we said anything that's in here we can change it can we we can make changes afterwards. >> All right, well, cuz Mike I thought Mike had said that it's basically going off this potential thing and that's not on there. So, [snorts] if it's not on there then it probably wouldn't be taken into consideration. So, that's why I'm saying like either you need either add it on there

082as a possibility of 150,000 coming off and once you talk to council and save in a couple of the other jobs. >> Yeah, I correct me if I'm wrong, Mike, which often I am. But I think um we had a budget hearing with the uh uh finance committee and selectmen a while back. >> Right. >> Um so that they can ask questions around our budgets. Uh the one thing that they need for for their purposes the town is that they're going to put into their budget how much they are giving to how much the town is providing to the school. That's That's what's in their budget that they bring forward, not our budget. >> Right, so you guys can still consider that. >> Correct. >> So please consider that option because if you talk to

083council, you may get the answer that you can hold off, save two positions, figure out a way two and a half possibly depending on pay, and figure out another way to get that ELA program. Thanks. >> Uh just on that note, um so we budgeted for the 150, but we still as a committee haven't approved any reading program yet. So it it's budgeted. So if we do, it's there, but we're not locked in if we approve tonight. >> Okay. >> And the other part of it is that we have to have a something that we are planning on buying to apply for the grants that we are hoping are going to pay for it, which then will relieve it. >> I'm sure there's plenty of people here that can help you guys out. >> [clears

084throat and cough] >> Any Anything else from the public? Any further discussion here? I'm sorry, someone coming? I don't have my glasses on. I'm sorry. >> I'm back. I'm sorry. Um Oh, my voice is awful. I'm sorry you have to listen to this. Um so Mike, I I don't know if I misheard. Um you had said sometime ago saying that a first payment was made or something. Did we pay into a program already? A down payment per se? >> I'm sorry. Are you speaking to me? >> Oh, no. I'm talking to Mike. I'm so sorry. My voice is awful. >> I I'm having a hard time understanding you. >> [clears throat] >> So, is there something that you're addressing to us? >> Yes. Hi. Alexis I >> The question is um did we already pay

085into a curriculum? Because I heard Mike had said, and this is why I'm just trying to clarify something. Um did we pay into Sabbath already or not? Because it's That's why I want to make sure I heard you right. You said there was like some sort of money that we put forward and then we're going to finish paying it off. >> No. We originally uh budgeted for a K-8 curriculum. >> Okay. >> Budgeted. >> But we didn't sign the dotted line for anything yet? >> There's been no payment. >> Okay. >> To >> I I'm just curious because a lot of us have Sabbath books, and I'm just wondering what we're going to do with them if we didn't commit to them. >> Right. We didn't >> That's all. >> Yep. We're dealing with all

086that, but the committee has not voted yet. >> Okay. >> Um those were uh materials for next year. So, there'll be a return if we change or do not go with the any if we don't go with any program. >> Okay. Thank you, Mike. Again, sorry for my voice. >> No. >> Um Kristen, um Kristen Height, if I can just answer a question that I know you asked Sue and I didn't know if you feel like you got an answer. Um in terms of a timeline for when a curriculum would need to be purchased, um districts are expected to adopt the new curriculum by the start of the 2027 to 2028 school year. Or they may seek a waiver from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. So, the next academic school year is 2026

087to 2027. It would be until the following academic school year that we would need to have a curriculum purchase. So, I hope that answers your question. You're welcome. >> Ashley Farini, parent of a third grader and a 10th grader. Kristen, to answer one of your questions, you asked if the student um service and sped was um still separate. It is. There are still two people fulfilling those positions. It's not combined into one. Um You're You asked earlier, it wasn't clear. Um also in regards to that um reading program, I know that we're not discussing it, but because it's with the financial, I also I was reading on the DESE website with the Massachusetts PTA that DESE is going to be approving um a list of ELA programs. They have not compiled it yet. Um It's

088not finished, I should say. So, >> It's not finished. It Uh so, for example, Savvas is is not on the approved list yet. It's pending, right? But there is a list that is approved. >> Right. And Savvas is not on there, and that's the program that we're looking to purchase. So, if we do >> Not necessarily. >> Is Savvas not the program that everyone keeps talking about? >> Uh there's been further work that's been done with the that that subcommittee that was put together with the teachers and um Chris and I and um others to re-look at the curriculum uh and uh direction was is being given out of that. >> Okay. And with that, um I know that there's a subcommittee and um teachers or whatnot, but there doesn't seem to be a lot

089of transparency behind it. Several times I've come here, I've asked about this program. I as a a parent whose child was piloted for 2 years, um I just feel like the feedback is going on deaf ears. You've had tons of teachers, tons of parents here asking not to purchase the program. Um and I know Jess is no longer chair, but she had said that these staff members would be reaching out for um feedback from parents and whatnot. And then I found out that the meeting was already held. So, how are you How are you receiving this feedback if these meetings aren't um being advertised? >> I don't know of the meeting that you're speaking I don't know of the meeting that you're >> program. About the reading program. >> Mike asked for a subcommittee of

090teachers and um some administrators and asked if they would be It was at school committee meeting and Chris and I uh volunteered to be on that. >> So, were the teachers that piloted the program involved? They were in that meeting? >> Yes, they were. >> Some of the >> Not every single one. >> It was the teacher leads of the teachers that >> Okay, so did the teacher leaders pilot the programs? >> Some did. >> So, some were left out. A lot were left out. Okay. All right. So, we're not listening still. >> Great. Thank you. >> I one point of clarification, Leah. Was your question whether there currently there are two positions in special ed or in the budget? >> I think that was my question. >> Yeah. >> Um no, I So, we

091I was Yeah, I was asking for the the budget coming up for the that we're voting on. Was there Were we going to combine that position back to one? >> Right. And so, um yes, there are currently still as as you said, there are still two, but those are being combined in the budget into one. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> Okay. So, uh that was not misrepresented. Just want to make sure you understood that it has been combined into one position for the budget. >> Okay, going forward. Okay, thank you. Okay. >> All right, Keely Lombardi, I'm a teacher at the Brookline school. Mr. Pearlman, this is a question for you. I hope I think you kind of answered it, but I just want to get a a clarity to the answer

092cuz I have a lot of like brand new teachers who are very anxious in my building. Once the budget's voted on, what's the process from there where you would let the staff know who are having the reduction in force or pink slipped? >> So, we will meet with the union after budget is voted and we will determine uh by seniority or who is uh the actual position and person that uh is being uh reduced. >> And did you say that had to be done by June 1st? >> I believe there's a 30-day uh notice for staff to let them know whether they're uh coming back or not. >> Is there a possibility that obviously like if you knew earlier, you could let the people know earlier instead of waiting till >> let them know tomorrow

093if I could. >> Thank you for that clarification. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you for the question. >> Shorty here. Uh Eva Crawford, retired teacher, sort of. Um I just I want a little bit of clarity as well. We know that right now we're at 14 full-time equivalent teachers. We have eight positions that are vacant. They're probably being filled by substitute teachers or the classes are running, whatever it happens to be. So, roughly that means we have about six positions, teacher positions that are maybe cut. Am I understanding that correctly? >> Yes. >> Okay. This is my next question. Um how many people have already put in their resignation, retirement papers, or have left the service of the school system, and are those numbers factored into here anywhere other than that average attrition? >> For

094everyone that we know, they're in that number. That has let us know they're either resigning or retiring, they are in that if they're in one of the positions that we're recommending being reduced. >> Okay, so we're still at six positions, roughly. >> Yes. >> All right, I want just want to make sure. Thank you. >> Hi again, Janette Barrett. Um the reading program that you're considering, can you tell us more about it? Because I know when we stood up here with the Sabbath program, every single teacher who piloted, 100% of the teachers who piloted, came to you and told you it was terrible. And as somebody who has a student who her reading program does not reflect her reading abilities, a grade level difference, I'm concerned about what is being put in front of her.

095>> Yep. >> What I can say, I I as far as going through the entire program, probably when we get to the point where we actually are going to vote on the on the program, we'll give you a a more detailed explanation. Um I tonight, I don't know that this is the time tonight, but there will be a time when the curriculum is on the agenda for a vote. Um but what I can tell you, and I hope that this helps, what you just described came out came through loud and clear >> Okay. >> when that committee got together. >> So my other question is is that can you vote to approve this number but say we're going to vote to approve this number but we do not approve this plan at this time? >>

096I assume that is possible. Um I think my biggest and I and I don't want to throw towns and under the bus, but my biggest fear is that we're Whitman Hanson next year in October. And I'm doing everything in my ability not to allow that happen. >> I completely understand and I appreciate that. >> saying, you run that risk. You can do it, but you run the risk. >> So, can you explain that more? I'm just curious because if you were to find say for an example this program and or something else, you would say, "Oh, we're actually going to hold off on this program for a year. We're going to work with DESI. We're going to find a better option. We understand where needs improvement." As somebody who has had wonderful teachers over the

097years, but still has to pay for private tutoring for my child because she can't get her needs met in the classrooms because these programs. I just want us to really look at them. And I don't blame her teachers. I think her teachers are marvelous, but they have a lot on their plates. And we're going to give them more kids and more responsibilities, and my tutoring bill's going to go up. I just want to make sure we're looking at every place before we cut them. Every single stone. >> I think everything that we are saying here is that this is a plan that can be changed. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Part of that plan is we haven't picked the curriculum yet. So, when that's comes forward and we have that full discussion and you give

098you the information that you're looking for and believe me, I empathize with the difficulty of having children that uh had difficulty learning how to read. So, I understand the emotion. And we will have curriculum on at some point. We will devote on the curriculum because we we rescinded our vote previously, and it has to come back before us before that curriculum is chosen. >> Do you have a basic idea, and I won't hold you to a date, of when that curriculum will hit the agenda? >> 14th of May. >> Thank you very much. >> I didn't know that. >> It has to be, or you're not doing it. So, >> Okay. >> Can I just speak on a couple things? >> Sure. >> Uh so, one of the reasons why I made the motion to

099pull back was the feedback from you know, a a lot of you out there with the blue. Um and there were parent representatives on the subcommittee as well. >> That is correct. >> Uh but if any teacher who piloted it, or any parent who has concerns about it, would didn't feel their voice was heard, um I would love to hear from you. Send me an email. I I can't speak for the rest of the committee, but I'd be eager to hear your experiences and thoughts as well. >> Other questions or thoughts you'd like to share? >> Can I carry off with what Chris said? Um if the student advisory committee can help in any way to get students' voices on how they would learn best in a new curriculum, >> Mhm. >> we're here to

100help. We can have a meeting at any time in the next 2 weeks to discuss before it hits the agenda on the 14th. >> Um thank you, Mason. That's very helpful. Um and something we should really consider in the future. Um not at this point in the game. Okay. Um So, before I call for this vote, um there's something that I would like to express. For those of you that don't know me, when I there's something that I think about deeply. It brings tears to my eyes and it and it's not that I'm sad or upset or anything. It's something I wish would go away, actually. So, that may happen. Um When I decided to run for school committee, it's because two reasons. And if you know me at all, um you know that I've

101been committed to public education and specifically for access to education for all students. It's a deeply held value of mine. >> [clears throat] >> And also for our community. And those are the two reasons why I ran. Um and I want every student to have the best experience that they can within a circumstance that they have teachers that are well supported both physically, with materials, and with their salaries to do the job that we want them to do so that our students have the ex- best experience that they can. And that all students have their needs met. We are in troubled times economically at the federal level, at the state level, and at our local community level. And it's really restricting what we're able to do. We all have different perspectives of what the priorities

102should be, and we really tried to listen. I feel badly that you don't think that we have, but we really have tried to listen in a variety of different ways. We've participated in these. I think this is the fourth time that you presented the budget, listened to what people had to say. I've had people that have called me and met with me personally. We've participated in small groups. And our job is to put together all the different We hear from teachers here, but I also hear from other staff that work in other parts of the system um that have other things to say that might not feel as comfortable to get up in these meetings to speak. I know it's going to sound like I'm copying what you said, but if you look at my

103notes, it says exactly what you said. Taking this vote breaks my heart. I'm in this business to see us move forward. I know that this means we're taking two steps backwards. And I'm hoping that we are going to be able to make changes to make this better. I've also had enough conversation with people who are on this board to know that they have feelings the same as I do in terms of their commitments and that the tough decision that this is and no matter how they vote, I'm just saying I want you to know how badly we feel for the decisions that have to be made. Um we can't go forward with a bad with a number that doesn't at least have a plan that we can change. That does get us into the kinds

104of problems that women in the hands of had. And so I just wanted to have the time to express that before we take this vote. The motion's been read. Um I want you to know we are now six members voting members. Um we went to seven hoping that we wouldn't be in a position where we would have a tie. Um with this vote, we need four yeses uh for the budget to be approved. Uh we do need it to be a roll call vote. I think. Um I guess. Um so uh I started the end and came here. I'll go the other way this time to take you off the You don't have to do it first. Um so, Kim? >> Yes for the number, hoping for change. >> Chris? >> Yes for the number,

105hoping for change. >> Shawn? >> I abstain. >> Leah? >> I'm voting yes for the number because we can't stay in limbo, um but I'm hoping for a change. >> Yes, hoping for change. >> All right. And so, the vote passes um with five yeses and one abstain. Thank you very much. I know this has not been easy. And yes, we will keep working. Now to get my stuff back together. What's next? >> Operating protocols. This isn't an easy one. Um >> Do you have the originals? You said she was going to give you the original for signatures. >> Uh last week I gave you each a copy of this. This is the operating uh the school committee operating protocols. Uh and um because it was the first time that you all got to see

106it, I told you that I would bring it back for signature. Uh and so, it's not a vote or anything. I'm going to start passing this down so that you can uh put your name on the dotted line that you would assuming that you agree that you will commit yourself to um these protocols. Uh sub committee assignments is next on the agenda. Uh So, at the last meeting or at the reorganization meeting, we had a conversation about our current um subcommittees. And at that time, we made a tentative decision that we would um the budget committee subcommittee, which is involves Chris and myself, we both still here, um that that would continue on as is. And there may have been one other. Um and that we would make appointments in ones for just the remainder

107of this year until June end of June, when hopefully we will have a retreat. Uh we will set our priorities, establish what on what ongoing and what new subcommittees we wanted, and at that time you could talk about where your commitments lie. Um and um and then we could uh populate all of those subcommittees. So, we're kind of doing on a skeleton at the moment. Uh I also said that as needed that um I would make appointments of people um given them what their knowledge base is and uh on what was needed to go forward. Um Mike gave me uh came to me with three, the sick bank subcommittee, negotiations subcommittee, and the stipend subcommittee. Um and uh I asked Kim if she would um serve on the uh sick bank subcommittee, and she agreed.

108Uh for negotiations, I asked Shawn, and he agreed. And I asked Supanini if she would be in the stipend subcommittee, and she said, I really I got a lot to do. Uh and she agreed. Uh so, um I just wanted to get that on the record that that's what we're doing. Um, I also wanted to use it, uh, speak to we said that we were going to, um, populate subcommittees as needed. And there was something that has come forward, uh, to me. Uh, that has made me wonder whether or not we should consider, um, re-engaging immediately, uh, another subcommittee and that's physical facilities. Um, so, if you remember, uh, back I had this all set up and I kind of got myself mixed up here. Hold on one second. Uh, I believe it was two

109meet uh, the last meeting before the elections. Um, we had a physical facilities report, um, that you weren't here to be able to, uh, be a part of, uh, where, uh, Andy Farley came on 329, um, to respond to a lot of concerns that were brought up by, uh, teachers and parents and, uh, things that have been brought forward and at the time the biggest difficulty, though there were others, but the biggest difficulty were the leaks at Mary Kay Good. Um, but at the same time there were other things that were brought forward including, um, the windows, uh, in both Mary Kay Good and and HBB, um, and the roof, um, we were having significant problems because that was during that horrible time when we were having all those storms and we were getting ice

110dams and all those things and and there was a lot that was circulated online of pictures and all sorts of things, rightly so, that needed to be addressed and so we asked, uh, the sub committee physical facilities sub committee which at the time was Alan and myself. Um we um, um met with Andy and Mike and then asked if they would come and and bring a report. Uh and he did. Uh and some of the information that was provided um there had been a um an initial mold test that was done um by that was asked for by the town. They came in and did a mold test and he gave the report that that came back clean. Um he came and spoke to the problems with the roof uh and that there had been

111a delay. They knew that there were some problems in the roof, but there'd been a delay getting the workers there and then the ice dams and they were having trouble um getting that done prior to the storms, but at that time back on 329, they had been back. They had made uh we'd been had enough time without storms. They'd cleaned them, uh cleared them, and fixed the leaks. It had rained and it didn't come in, so they were pleased with that the thinking that that was done. Um and that uh there was also questions about why it was Well, before I get to that, also about drain pipes that had been brought that there were problems with the drain pipes in the classrooms and those were fixed. There was a request that uh have people

112really use um the ticketing system so they know immediately when there's something wrong. Uh so uh Andy addressed all of that back on 329 and um the we'll have minutes that are going to be going out I think soon that will um that we'll be able to show all that to you. Uh also that the um tiles were replaced um that had been impacted by the leaks. And yes, to answer a question that came up online um ones that had just tiny spots, they didn't replace the whole thing, but they have a special product that they put on that just that paint that spot to fix them. Um and uh so he he gave that report at the that time. Also, there were questions about, "Well, why aren't we doing You know, we all know

113there's a problem. Why aren't we doing the roof? Why aren't we doing the windows? They can't keep it warm. They don't open right because they open out rather than they open in and people can get hurt." Um and so we explained at the time, even though we didn't have any an exact um uh costing for that, that it was at least $3 million for each. So, you're talking $6 million. We had recently um through the town and a grant, we had recently done work on the um middle school uh because of mold regions and and so we had begun There were things that were being addressed, but as far as going in and replacing that roof or those windows, that we really need a new building. And to put $6 million into that building, um

114knowing that we really need a new building didn't seem wise. Uh but that we really need to have a plan for that building. Uh recently it appears that that information did not get out to people in a way that they it was available to them because I have seen questions that are coming back up. It's the reason why I am repeating it here. Uh thinking that we didn't do a report, thinking that, you know, the work wasn't done. And so I want to reiterate what has been done. Uh An additional question came up about paving. Why is it that we pave We had a paving project this year when we're being told that we can't fix the windows and the roof. We are making repairs on the windows and the roof and all of that,

115but we're not doing a full fixing of that. Uh that was a question that I did have to ask Andy about of what what was going on with that and the information the information that he provided to me on that is that um that that work was approved uh through the capital the town's capital planning budget. Um we put our any project we want we have to put into the town's capital planning budget. And um and then they put it together with all theirs and then decisions are made. Um and in 2025 it was approved um through capital planning ultimately through the finance committee and ultimately select board to town meeting that $280,000 over a period of years be spent to just do the top overs of the um of the parking lots because they

116were uh because of the condition that they were in some um because of the condition that they were in. Uh and the the town then uh gave out the contracts to um one of the uh I have the name here PJ Do you know what I mean? PJ the paving company Oh, here it is. PJ Keating um for the overall work and to Fraser for the walkways and um well over years they've been doing that. Um the total cost of the grant of the warrant that was approved was $280,000. Um that was done over a few years. Uh and as they believe they may be giving back 24,472 because they've tried to manage the work as as best they can and that will go back for free cash um if it's left. There was an

117insinuation of, you know, why did we do paving lots when we won't take care of the windows? 280,000 compared to 6 million is there's one didn't one did not take the place of the other. It's just a very different magnitude, uh particularly when we're looking forward. I say all of this because I do there's two committees that I do wonder if we should do some initial sub-committee that maybe just initially from now until we have the formal committee um to to address um physical facility concerns. I would like the information about physical facilities to come from us. Uh and grounded in, you know, facts. Uh and um I'm sure there'll be other questions that'll be coming up. And so, number one, I wonder whether we should uh get someone else. It's I'm the only person

118that I can't be a sub-committee member of one from the physical facilities committee. And the other is around communication. Um and to begin to um I have thoughts about how we as a board communicate to the community other than this, as wonderful as it is, but you know, not everybody pays attention to these meetings and important things that we want to communicate out. What are the other ways that we want to do it? We do things through Parent Square and letters and um that come through the school system, but I I do wonder that whether we should be exploring that with sub-committees. And so, um two thoughts and then I'll be quiet. Um either a couple people just at the moment get together and start working on some thoughts as we get ready for sub-committee.

119Um and then we can report uh or officially populate two subcommittees uh to do that. Um or if you think no, we really don't need to do any of the above, that's okay, too. Um so, that's my thoughts under subcommittees regarding physical facilities and communication. Thoughts? >> I would like to help with the communication. I mean, I would do a subcommittee right now if >> Okay. >> And and for the moment to have an official subcommittee or we can do individual work um without having a subcommittee. >> Okay. >> Um so, as you as we're thinking about that, we can getting again, it would kind of get us ready for when we do have the retreat, information could go in that would help um to um put together the goals and all of those kinds

120of things for a subcommittee. So, that would be very helpful. Um and I'd be healthy help happy to help you with thoughts and whatever. Um but if uh if that's something you'd be interested in working on, that'd be great. >> Yes. And I would do the physical um assessment. >> Physical facilities? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> With me? Yeah. >> All right. >> it. >> Then let's let's uh revive the physical facilities committee. >> Okay. >> Uh I think if we're going to do that, that takes a vote, so we'll hold on that thought for just a moment, okay? Other thoughts? >> Just from a 30,000-foot level um for the communication, are there any certain policies or procedures that have to be adhered to when we communicate? I'll just say like a social media

121account or things like that. >> Yes, I think this is when I wish Shannon was here. Uh it's in it's been thought out and and written and it's part of our policies. So, if you and I I'm I can help you find it. >> [laughter] >> Uh if you go into our policy that we have and it's right on the web um what our policies and procedures are. Um it's under there and there's uh specific language about all of that. Other questions? >> Back to the community. >> Hi. >> Rooney, teacher from uh HBB. Just on the roof scenario. Um >> [clears throat] >> 25 years is about what a roof could last. I know we've gotten more than that out of our roofs, but 25 years? >> 25, 30, yeah. >> Okay. Um new

122schools. We're hesitant to go forward with a new roof because when we get a new school, it's a waste of money. But however, are we What do you figure, maybe 10 years out from getting a new school? And then after that, we have to have it voted on by the town to increase the taxes to get new schools. So, now does that put us at 15? Maybe 17 years. Now that roof's not that old or not that new. It might not be a bad investment. We may not get a building for 20 years, 25 years, and then we need What happened to that roof that we just patched? It didn't make it 25 years, that's for sure. So, I I think we're I don't know. We were talking like we're going to get new building

123in 5 years and that roof would be a waste. We're not getting a building in 5 years, are we? I I I don't see us >> is interesting thought. Thank you. >> what I mean? So, I think thinking about that roof for your subcommittees is to time that out and see just what are we looking at for new building and would that roof be worth it for 18, 19 years, 20 years? Thank you. >> Thank you. And and I misspoke. It's actually a master plan. Currently, it's a master plan {slash} physical facilities. And we desperately need a master plan. So, that we'd be able to answer that question. Other thoughts or questions? Um so, I guess I appointed other people, I'm thinking as as we're moving along. I've appointed other people just as kind of

124an interim step until we do the full subcommittee review. So, Leah, thank you and I'll be in touch. I mean, she was Sorry. At least it wasn't you this time. Kristen, um I'll be in touch. Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> I am going to ask for us to do number 10, our school committee meetings, after we do number 11. Um because we might be making some decisions that impact um number 10. If that makes sense. >> Yep. >> Okay. Moving on. Uh then to number 11, and this is about the superintendent search. Um so, as you all know, um at our last meeting, I sprung on you that uh that I was really concerned that we were going to be able whether or not we would be able to um really do a a

125expedited uh superintendent search uh within the timeline that we have um that it would be effective to get us um the person that we want uh in the time that we have and uh floated the idea of having an interim for a year and um and then do a superintendent search uh over next year uh which would be the traditional time when superintendent searches are done. Um when people are looking for the jobs and and that so forth. And we had a good conversation about that and um uh there were people from the community uh that expressed concerns uh and I if I remember correctly uh there were uh educators that really spoke passionately and understandably about you know, this past year has been uh in flux as far as the superintendency um from the

126get-go and that having one uh another year where we haven't uh brought in a new superintendent full-time um felt very challenging and uh so at that time uh the motion was uh was suggested uh that we do a survey. And the survey uh uh an online survey of parents and staff and again everything was kind [clears throat] of on a crunch timeline and I want to um really thank Sean Siciliano who met with us the next morning Was it the next morning? I believe the next morning to help us put together uh a an online survey that went out and uh asked the question to parents and um parents and educators and staff. Um likewise it was also suggested that we get input from student body and there was conversations about how and and which

127body of students and and all of that and I did go and I spoke with Mr. Braden. I told him I can't call him Braden. Um uh about his thoughts and he thought that it would be best to bring it to student advisory committee. Uh which as Mason spoke of I met with this past week for them to gather their information. So survey went out and we do and we have the results and the answer is um if you could bring up uh the first slide that you see here um is the actual numbers. I can't see that slide. The actual numbers of the people that responded and uh actually if you could go to the pie chart first I'd appreciate that. Oh, you're doing that. >> Yeah, I didn't know if that's the only

128slide I have. >> Yeah, you're good. Um so uh what you see here are the numbers. Option one was the accelerated superintendent search. Um and option two was the interim for 1 year. Uh and you can see the numbers that we have in front of us. Um it was consistent across each of these groups uh that they went for option two and that was to have a um interim for 1 year uh with the hope of having someone here July 1st. And uh you know, even in magnitude you know, you're talking around 2/3 or greater in each category. Uh I then went and he's ready. Mason's ready to talk, I can tell. Oh, no, Jackson, you ready to talk? Uh and did the same. One of the reasons for doing it with the student advisory

129group is it did give me the opportunity um one student didn't really know what an interim was, you know, to really educate as we went along so that they understood um the dynamics that we were talking about. Uh and it was a good conver- I from my I thought it was a good conversation. I'll let them speak for themselves. >> Um so let me speak into the mic. Um Mason and I um obviously we're both given the um the rundown on both of the options at our uh student advisory committee meeting. And um we both have the same opinion as the survey results really. I think we both definitely believe that option two would be the better reason obviously cuz even with like an interim, like the main problem for that could be that like

130he may not or like whoever it is may not be a great fit, but then even then they're only in for that year. And then but they could also end up being a very great fit and then could then later even become a part in that talk like for the um like full position, but if we were to do um option one, which would be the fast search, we could end up with someone who would be a poor fit in a position for too long of a time. >> Yeah. I agree with Jackson and believe that option two would be the best because I don't think it's a appropriate to rush a appointment this big and especially a time like this when there's already problems with budget and problem with problems with curriculum. There are

131ways that we can figure out those problems without rushing this big decision right now. Um all members of the student advisory committee, all five of us, were given this survey and every single member of the five-person subcommittee said that option two would be the better of the two options. In addition to those five, I asked around at school during both my classes and just during lunch time. Um I showed them the copy of the survey that I had in my email. I sent a few people a Google Docs copy. Uh in total I asked around 20 to 25 kids spread out across all four grades, predominantly juniors and seniors cuz those are most of the people that are in my classes and every single student unanimously agreed that option two was the better choice. So,

132there was not a single student that I managed to find who agreed that option one was better. That doesn't mean that they aren't out there, but out of the uh sample of 20 to 25 that I found they all unanimously agreed with the majority of the study that was done. If the school committee, cuz I know it says possible vote on the agenda, if they decide not to do a vote today and move it at all, I can always work with Bran and Jackson and staff administration to get a more um statistically representative sample of the school. Um it it wouldn't be that hard. Get a Google Form out and sample the student body. So, we're here to work with you on anything else that may be needed for for future, but the students pick

133option two as of now. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um questions? Anyone from the public? Uh before this vote, uh I do want to say again, this is a situation that um either option does not seem ideal to me. And when I heard and also received uh input from um some that you know, the angst and the frustration of uh that they have felt without having the permanent superintendent in place. Um I understand. Uh those that that don't want to rush to a decision. Uh and uh and do a process that is recommended. Um I also understand that. Uh so, I do acknowledge that this neither of these choices is ideal. E Neither of these choices are ideal. Uh with that said, uh I would like to entertain a motion uh to um go forward

134with an interim um that was supported uh by the um surveys that were sent out. Uh and I do think kind of reflects some of the discussion that we had at the last meeting. Uh so, I'd like to entertain that motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Great. All right. So, with that said, we have other decisions to make. We are on a very tight even to get an interim. We are on a very tight timeline. Um and so hopefully I have that timeline right in front of me to hand out to you. I already handed it out to you. Is that mine? >> You did, but I printed it, so >> Oh, okay. No, I have a packet of

135a timeline for everyone. I hope. We can hand that out. Thank you. Was this in your packet already that I gave you? Okay, thank you. >> [laughter] >> Okay. So, um this what we are being advised is that I'm going to start from the end game and back up rather than start from the beginning. Um the what we've been advised is that we should to have an interim that we should bring an interim in July 1st. It's when we would get the best pool of interims because that's typical where they might have a contract somewhere else where it's been out and other places are offering people jobs to start July 1st, so they don't want to wait, you know, even a further amount of time for that. Um and so to do that and I

136want to be completely transparent. Uh the Sean Costello uh recommended that we where it says Thursday, May 20 I'm sorry, where it says Tuesday, June 2nd that the school committee interviews the candidates and then and then make has a vote. Um and that will probably what he said is in interims, it's not like the full search. We're talking two or three people probably to come in um and interview uh for that final vote. So, um there's not as much to consider um as might be um as we hope will be when we have the full search. Um that June 2nd that um May 28th date uh I will be out of the country. Uh and I really wanted to be here uh for interviewing and the vote. Uh and that's why I asked him if

137we could if we could arrange it that we are available that we do it on the 2nd on the Tuesday that's a Tuesday and the 2nd. Uh that I understand if that's not what we can do um but I so I wanted to I wanted to be sure and tell you why we ended up putting it on the 2nd. >> What was the date you said May 28th, but I don't see that. >> It's not on here. >> Oh. >> Instead of Tuesday um June 2nd, he had Thursday, May 28th. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> And so then he thought then by that that that's Thursday and then Friday we'd be able to offer the person. That would be um June a Monday would be June 1st, we'd we'd have the offer out to the

138person. >> Okay. >> For that to happen, now I'm going to go back to the beginning. And then we can have a whatever you want to talk about. Um one topic that came up, he recommended to me, he said it is very unusual that a community survey is done for a interim. Um, I wanted to put this on here in case people felt otherwise. Uh, so um, that would mean we would need to get that together and we would need to have that out um, May 7th. We would post Oh, May 7th uh, school committee or designee would meet with Shawn to finalize the materials that would be posted for the position. The application deadline would be the 15th. Again, a much shorter one than typical, but for these positions that's he said that that

139is normal for these kinds of positions. If we do have a um, survey um, it would close on the 18th. On the 21st, um, the committee would meet and and put together questions that we would be asking the finalists. Um, and uh, review the application and select the uh, and select those that we want to interview. Uh, in my world June 2nd. Um, we would interview the the candidates and then at the end of that we wouldn't make a decision. And then we would um, offer it and the interim would begin on July 1st. That gives them a month's notice. Um, minus a day. Uh, and um, they would begin on July 1st and then we would in the meantime we would put together the process over the in during the summer we would put

140together the process for the full search that would start late September. Thoughts? >> For the community survey, I know it's optional. Um that's just getting input on from the community, right? I'm assuming. >> Yes. And one of the things to think about is um what we will be asking them. Um for an interim. Uh >> I I think we should do the survey just I think we're in vulnerable times and that um any input is is welcome. I that's my opinion. >> Understood. >> Thank you. >> I agree. I don't, you know, >> I know to do. >> That's why I told him, "Make sure you put that in there." >> [laughter] >> Other thoughts? >> So in this timeline and just to keep in mind we have our this doesn't account for our typical

141meeting schedule. Um >> Some might fall on >> Some do. So and that's that's why I wanted to talk about the June uh we would have an extra we would have a June 2nd. So the May meeting the sec- the next May >> 14th and 28th. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Okay. So we would have an extra May meeting. >> Right. >> The 21st and we would have an extra June. We typically don't have two meetings in June out of respect for all that everybody does for graduation. Um but um I mean either the 28th or the or the 2nd it could coincide with our Thursday May meeting. Um We would have to suspend all of the business. In May do we uh May 28th do we vote the graduates? Yeah. We mean we would

142be suspending all other business for for the 21st because we would need to put that information together. So a couple of things that I'd like you not only these the steps in the right order and doing the surveys um but also your availability. Now it doesn't not mean that every single school committee member needs to be there but a quorum needs to be there. And so as you're commit as you're agreeing to this it'd be good to let others know whether you are able to commit to these to the dates that we have to get together to June the Thursday May 21st and Tuesday June 2nd. Everyone feel like that they could do that? >> [clears throat] >> There's only one head I'm not seeing nodding. Chris? >> Just with some other school wrap up.

143The 21st might be tough but if I mean we're a committee of seven six I trust you guys. >> Thank you. Okay. Questions and other thoughts? I can't hear you. You can speak up because I'm okay. >> Yeah cuz we'll have to have we have to have at least four. >> That is correct. >> Without Shannon. >> I >> A quorum is four if we're six right? >> it's four. >> Yeah and >> Okay. >> Yeah and I can talk to her about what her availability is. >> No, I'm just saying just in general. >> need four of us, yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. I was just trying to >> Got you. >> do the math. That was all. >> Thank you. Are there any thoughts or questions here? Any thoughts or questions uh from the

144community? >> Hi Sue. Uh Nancy again. Can you just um cuz this is all like really confusing with everything that we're talking about. But from the posting to the end, so when would it be posted? >> It will be posted on May 8th. >> May 8th? And then when is the posting over? >> The posting is over the 15th. >> May 15th? That is going only internal or is that going out? >> no. Uh so we have a search Mass Massachusetts Association of School Committees um is serving as our um search firm. >> Okay. >> Our search consultant. Uh they have um they do postings on there. They have reach outs. They have people they know are would be interested, so they reach out as well as they post. >> like a recruiter. I get

145it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um so then from that, you'll take all those and you'll get the compilation of all that on the 21st is what you're saying. >> Yes. >> And then on the 28th you have the interviews and vote, and then the 2nd you'll be ready to hire? Or is that is that what I'm or are you skipping the 28th and going right to the 2nd? Cuz you said you may not be there. >> Uh there's no 28 on here. It's 21. >> Okay. >> And that's when we decide who the um people are that we're going to bring in to interview and what the questions are going to be. And then on June, according to this schedule, on June 2nd, we would meet, interview the candidates, and it's it probably will

146not be a very large pool at this time. Um, you know, where we are in the calendar, there are people that are available because of their circumstances of of their current circumstances. >> I get it. I just know that the 28th was thrown out once, and I just wanted to I just wanted to confirm that it was going to be the 21st and 2nd. >> to the 2nd. >> All right. So, the 8th to the 15th, and then the 21st and June 2nd. >> Yes. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Thank you. Other questions or thoughts? I would entertain a motion that we accept this draft, including uh, community survey to launch. Uh, if anyone would like to move that. >> So moved. >> I was the person that always wanted to do that. Uh,

147and do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Further discussion? All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Great. Thank you. And now Okay. Uh, we're down to action items. We voted on the school choice, we voted on the budget, and we voted what road we are going for a superintendent search. Uh, which brings us to the meeting minutes of uh, March 4th and March 12th. >> What about >> Oh, thank you. >> my audit committee? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Well, we kind of did that for so Oh, no, we didn't finish it. Sorry. So, for school also something to be aware which I didn't I wasn't so I'll I'll when I said that we would be having a school committee meeting on June 2nd to interview that is a truly a meeting and

148it's done in the public. And so Oh, and so there are a couple other things that we need to talk about about that. So, glad you got that. Um in putting together the position description for an interim there are three considerations that we had need to think about. Uh the qualifications the um the qualifications and the pay. Uh and so for qualifications after discussing with Sean Costello from Ash as well as some others um for qualifications what our recommendation is that it's a master's is required. Uh person needs to have a superintendent certificate by law. And that we want uh 10 years of teach teaching {slash} administrative um experience. Three of those years preferred that that administrative experience be at the assistant or superintendent level. Any thoughts about that? >> Hearing none, any from the

149community? Hearing none. >> I mean, this is what the the people we're hiring are recommending, so we might as well go with >> Yeah, sometimes I question them. >> [laughter] >> And that's not necessarily what we're looking in our long-term >> No, no, no, no, this is This is just for our interim. >> This is just for the interim. >> Okay. Uh all those in favor of those credentials, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Uh next is salary range. Uh in talking with Shawn, he gave me um recent ones that were uh that was posted for interim. Uh the one that he gave me was for a uh town that had about 3,000 students versus 5,000 students. It was in the western part of the state. Uh and it was for 175,000. Um he

150said based on what he had seen, uh given our size and our budget, often when you're looking at um what you need to pay someone to administer, you have to look at what they have to oversee by looking at the numbers in the budget. Um they were about a Let me get this right. A 20 24,000 a 24 million dollar budget, and we're at a 30 to >> 40 >> Okay, I've got it wrong. 31 and 43. They were about a 31, we're about a 43. Um so, after talking with him, um and also knowing what's in our budget, and I think someone brought this up. Uh >> [laughter] >> recommendation is a salary we give a range, which once we find out who the person is, we determine the range, is 190 to 220.

151Uh our current superintendent salary budget is 213, I believe. >> 210. >> Oh, 210. >> 210 to 215, yeah. You're right. >> Thoughts? >> That number is No, that number is pretty on par for a district this [music] size for a superintendent, so. >> Hi Nancy. >> Hi Madam Chair. Um I guess to Mike, you the budget it's budgeted now at 210. >> Yes. >> So, if you went to 220, wouldn't that make the budget now 10,000 where you cannot wouldn't that put a strain on the budget you're just trying that you just approved? If you went up to 220, wouldn't that make you 10,000 off? >> Yes. >> Maybe take that into consideration because I don't know how you can have a range from 190 to 220 if your budget's not going to be

152uh in check. Thanks. >> Did he provide other I mean, one town in Western Mass versus >> I I think >> I understand. >> I I wouldn't feel comfortable approving a range tonight without getting a little more information about comps and and what in terms or superintendents in general are getting. >> I can provide superintendent comps. Uh can't provide inter- they there is no surveys like there are for interims as there are for this is what he's telling me. Uh and so I can provide you the superintendent comps. Uh one challenge is that it has to be part of what we what we um put in the position. When we put the position out, we have to give a salary range. Uh I would be comfortable coming down to the 210. Uh if that helps.

153And and even do 180 to 210 if that helps, but um So, I am not sure how we get to posting the position next Friday. >> Did you imagine the difference between somebody who's a full-time superintendent versus an interim in salary ranges? I would think there should be a difference, no? If somebody's contractually signed up for a full-time position versus an interim. I don't know if that is the case. >> It I think that that the difference is is the credentials. Is the person the person you want for long term or is this person that's that's good for this year? Um uh you know, sometimes you can get someone who's been a superintendent for many years has had enormous experience has lots of options. Uh uh that's the best I can do to answer your

154question. >> I think I'd like to think about it just a little more only because um you know, what if we get somebody who's willing to take the interim, but they like it and we like them and it's a good fit. You know, but we start high, where do we you know, then you have to keep going up and right? >> I'm not sure I understand. >> So, I'm saying so say we get an interim, right? But what if they want the the long-term position? Just a theoretically speaking. >> They have to go up. >> Right? So it's like if we start out at like two, you know, say 210, right? Then we're already kind of up I just it's a theoretical situation, but I just like to be mindful of it. >> Okay. I'm

155going to provide a solution, I think uh that may help us uh meet both goals. Um what the first goal uh being to get the position posted or we're not going to have an interim. >> Right. >> Um and a time for further deliberation um from members uh for that. And so I am wondering and someone can tell me if I'm breaking some law rule um if we could empower a small group that we trusted to look at the information and make a decision uh so we're not waiting till our next meeting. >> Okay. >> Uh and I can get the information uh that I can to folks and based on that information and some time to think uh we can make that final decision. >> Group of three or something? >> Yeah. It can't

156be a quorum cuz then we're having a meeting. >> Yeah. >> Um Does that work? Okay. Uh who would be interested in serving? You'd have We'd have to you'd have to work on it so that we're ready for Friday. And today is Thursday. Next Friday. Uh Okay, I will. Anyone want to help? >> [laughter] >> I'll help. >> Thank you, Sean. And Leah, you're going to retract that because Sean said yes? >> [laughter] >> No, I'll help. Yeah, I just didn't know if anybody else would. >> we we can exchange information, make a decision uh at which we will send out. You can't respond. >> [laughter] >> We'll send out to our colleagues what that decision is and it will go um on the on the position for next Friday. >> I do agree with

157Nancy though. I don't think we should go above what we're budgeted for in the range, you know. >> It's a very good point. I got to ask what was in the budget. >> Uh if I could, Madam Chair, if you're done with that for a second. Um you could take from your own words for a range. You said that Sean Castello for 3,000 students and 31 million that person roughly was making 175,000. Maybe you could go 175 to 210. Just a Just a ballpark. >> Yeah. >> All right? >> Yeah, thank you. Good point. Other thoughts? Okay, I will accept a motion that empowers uh Leah Machado Sean Mokler and myself to determine the salary range in preparation for the position being posted on May 7th. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in

158favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. And thank you Christine for asking me a question or I would have blown by that. Okay. >> We still have to go back to the meeting, though. >> So, back to the meetings. So, Mike you might need to help me with this. That means our upcoming meetings for June are >> Can we just do May's again as well? Can we include those as you do them? Just so I can write. >> Oh, that's right. We're in May. It's getting late. I promise we'll finish up soon. Sorry for the long agenda. But the work needed to be done. And today is what? >> April 30th. [snorts] >> Hm? >> Today's April 30th. >> Okay. So, in May we have a school committee meeting on May 14th. Uh and colleagues for

159your information, I will not be at that meeting and Kim will be chairing that meeting. We will work together on the agenda, which also reminds me if there are things that you wish to have on the agenda, um let me know. And we're going to have an an example of that coming up in June. So, that's the 14th. And we'll have another one on the 28th. >> 21st, right? >> Okay, can you guys do this? I'm bad with dates. Well, this one, right? Yeah, 21 and then our normal one on the 28th. And then June 2nd. Uh and then June >> 11th 25th. If you do them >> Yeah, uh why don't we keep June June 11th and 25th on the books, but maybe as we get closer we'll see that we don't need both

160of those. And then the other question has been the um practice in the past there's only one meeting in July and one and one meeting in August, correct? And do you have anything else? >> No, yeah, we could assume >> Okay. >> July 23rd. And then August 20th or 27th. Those you haven't set yet. That's next year's August. >> Okay. Oh, after July is next year, right? Happy New Year. >> Can I ask a question? >> Of course. >> So, May 28th, we're still going to have a meeting, we're just not going to discuss the superintendent stuff? >> We will we will announce again at that meeting on the 21st that is an open meeting, but we will it'll be dedicated to interviewing and making the decision. >> Okay. >> And the 21st also? >>

161Yep. So, okay. So, three in May, three in June, possibly. >> Possibly. >> Okay. And then one in July, one in August. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> We which we'll work on. July 1st is considered the new year uh because it's a new fiscal year. Uh last and I'm just going to I'll just quickly do this. Uh Sean came up with a great idea for an agenda for in June uh for the second I would the later June meeting. And that was to invite our reps to come [clears throat] and talk uh with us and the community about the important issues that we see at the state level. Um and so um Sean has agreed to start putting together some thoughts about what that would look like. Uh so, just wanted to make you aware

162of that. And thank you, Sean, both for bringing it forth as an idea, already speaking um with um our representative uh who uh who is anxious to be able to do it. So, we'll start trying to put that together. >> All right. Now, can I go to the warrants? >> Yes. >> All right. Okay. So, consent agenda. Uh meeting minutes of March 4th and 12th. Uh >> March 12th and March >> [cough] >> Excuse me? >> Yes. Um so, uh Uh, I'd like to move that uh we accept these. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> That's to get it on the discussion. Anyone see anything that they would like changed? Um. >> [laughter] >> You absolutely are allowed to say ask if we can, um, postpone because you haven't had a chance to

163read them. If that's the look that I just you gave me. >> It was a quick look. >> Yeah. Um. I will make the executive decision to postpone the vote on the minutes until the next meeting. >> Thank you. >> To give people time to really take a look. Uh, also, um, we uh, we have to approve donations and um, I want to really, uh, congratulate HBB PTA, uh, for their donations that will help to make, uh, the continue to improve what's already been done at HBB that will, uh, provide the shade structure for the students. I know how much they really enjoy that playground back there. Um, with that, I'd like to make a motion to approve, uh, the donation. >> So moved. >> All those in favor? I. >> I. >> Opposed? And

164approval of warrants. Um, and that is really what you're approving is knowing that there's a final signature from the school committee, that it has gone through the process of the department head to the superintendent. It gets packaged up. So, they've done their review of it. When you go down and sign a warrant, they have all of the um receipts and printout behind it. Uh and I will say uh what I do is I scan through to see if I see if there's something that looks Whoa, what's that? And I have asked a couple questions and learned a lot. Um so, that's really what you're approving by uh approving the motion. Any questions? All those in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? And now I will accept a motion to adjourn. No, I got one more thing.

165What is it, though? >> The high school donation >> Oh, it's on your side. Sorry. Um high school class of 2028 uh donation a $1 donation for each pizza sold at Baldy's and Hideaway. Sorry to the high school class of 2028. Again, great to see um students getting involved in this. Uh so, I make a motion to approve. >> Just a >> Oh, it's informational. Sorry. Um but anyways, you all approved, right? >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> I'm getting slap-happy with the end of this meeting. Um and that's it. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All right, then. >> Is there a We supposed to be out of here by now?