001At 6:03 p.m., due notice having been posted, pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions may be made, whether perceived or unpersceived, by those present, and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. We will do a roll call of members present. Miss Ferrer, >> present. >> Mr. Gaw, >> present. >> Mr. Maderas, >> present. >> Mr. Pastnac, >> present. Um, Miss Gardini. >> Um, and the chair is present. Also with us this evening, our superintendent of schools, Dr. Jeffrey Skunover, our chief financial officer, Miss Raquel Pelerin, our director of curriculum, Miss Elizabeth Haskell, our recording secretary, Miss Robin Vicaro, and in the audience, our principal, Dr. Susan Brellford. Okay.
002I'd ask if you're able to please stand for the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you everyone. Please note that the next regularly scheduled meeting of this committee will be on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 at 6 pm here in the Somerset Berkeley Regional High School Library. The first item on the agenda this evening under student teaching and learning is recognition of Somerset Berkeley for AP school honor role. And at this point, I'd invite Representative Thurber to come on down. >> Is your fine? >> Sure. >> All right. Perfect. So, uh, been in this role a little over 16 months. Um, I've been blessed to be able to
003go to a lot of things in the Somerset Berkeley school system, and one of the best things we've had is a couple opportunities to recognize the good work that they do. Uh we had North Elementary up at the state house to receive an award and uh way back in January we found out that you know Somerset Berkeley Regional High School was awarded uh AP honor roll for silver status. So what we decided to do is we decided to get a citation. We tried planning it for a couple months just the timing wasn't right. So we thought this might be a good night to do it. So I will uh read what the citation says for everybody. So, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the House of Representatives be hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House
004of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to the Somerset Berkeley Regional High School in recognition of being awarded silver status as part of the 2024 2025 AP school honor roll. This recognition is a testament to the successful implementation of advanced placement courses at SBHS, which has helped students grow academically while preparing them for college success. This award would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the SBHS staff and student body. I know that SBHS will continue to build on this great success and in the future. The entire membership extends its very best wishes and expresses hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors. Uh signed speaker of the house, Ronald Mariano, myself. Uh I will just say this too. Being a parent of three kids that went to this school, uh
005my final one's graduating. Um, they did phenomenal. They all took the APs. They did phenomenal. So, uh, it's a testament. I I think it's something that more people should know, right? I think sometimes people look at the school systems and they think they're not doing well, but like my kids did a wonderful job here. I thank the teachers and the administration and the school committee for everything they've done. So, I don't know who would like this. >> I think it should go to Dr. >> Brow. always bring more of these and and again like some of the other things we're working with Dr. Bellsford is to bring the top 10 uh student citation. What we really want to do is um you know promote athletes but also promote student achievement too. So we've been working
006hard on that. They they've been very wonderful to me getting into schools more talking to classes and things like that just to let them know what goes on at the state house. So uh superintendent schoolover has been excellent too having a lot of discussions. Mr. laws been calling me a lot about all the funding issues that we're working on. >> I appreciate that, Mr. >> Um, I'm glad I can be open. If anyone wants to reach out to me anytime, too. I'm always open. So, but thank you very much. I'll give you a picture. And congratulations. Everyone here, everyone here deserves that. They really do. So, these kids put a lot of time and effort into this. And um you know I know the history program is the reason why we came here. So my
007daughter was in um a private school and we were looking to get her out and someone said, "Hey, you name Mr. Penny. He'll get you ready for college." And thank God he didn't retire cuz my youngest son Cole got to come here and have him. And they're all doing extremely well. So thank you very much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. time to do this because we are in the middle of AP exams right now and the students here are in the middle of AP exams right now. So, it's a really to do this. It's okay. We'll give them photo break. Um I would just add it's appropriate because we're doing it's AP exam week one but it's also teacher appreciation um week and um we are incredibly proud of our students of course they
008would not be able to achieve at the levels they do without such amazing dedicated teachers and AP courses or college level courses um that help our students in so many ways. teaching them is um an extra level of uh preparation and expertise and commitment and so thank you to the teachers for all they do to support our students. Um okay. Um the next item on the agenda um is a couple of items regarding the health occupational students of America organization. Um the first item is for the committee to consider approval of um the trip to the international commit uh competition which students have earned. This will be in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 17th through the 20th. Miss Littlefield, do you want to come? >> Yeah, sure. Um so I guess my my post starts with asking
009permission to attend. Um I have some just a little updated information. Oh, that's all right. you know what's going on. Um for those of you who don't know me, my name is Miss Littlefield. I am the co-advisor of the Healthy Students of America Club. Um we work with Miss Bernstein as well. Our students have worked very hard and this is a health club that is dedicated to advancing their careers but also allowing students the opportunity to compete in academic settings of careers that they want to pursue. So, I'm actually going to throw it to my students first and have them introduce themselves and also announce what they placed in and what category they were competing in. I'll go first. Sorry. Like, no, not me. Sorry, girl. >> I'm Grace. I competed in both science and
010I first science and I play second clinical nursing. Hi, I'm Julian. >> Hi, my name is Hi, my name is My name is placed first in the human test. >> Hi, my name is Madison and Izzy placed first in the emotional wellbeing challenge. And my name is Isabelle and I also placed first in the ATC career development test. My name is I second leadership and third in my name and I place third in leadership. >> Hi, my name is Log. I place third in the health career display with my project in geriatrics. >> Hi, my name is Abig and I place third in veterary science. >> Hi, my name is Kelsey. at least 30 clinical libraries. >> And I first want to start off and put on the record, thank you so much to my
011students because one, half of them are taking AP tests either today or tomorrow and so forth, but a lot of them are literally dropping from sports, coming to here, going back to sports and show choir, and today was a very busy day. So, thank you so much for being here with me and part of this process to support your future. Um, >> I think they deserve a round of applause. Um, as those of you who have probably seen me come up here year after year again, oh my gosh, she's back again. Great. Here's another presentation. As you can see, this is the biggest class that we've had qualify. The first year I was the adviser, we had three qualify. The second year I was the adviser, we had about nine qualify. This year, we actually
012had 20 um with 18 that are actually going to be attending. So, that is the largest number Somerset Berkeley had. It's also the largest number in the state. We're tied with um North uh sorry, Westboro uh with 20 students qualifying. So, we have like a little competition going our state, but we almost got the top. We're tied. So, a round of applause. Um so, our first request is obviously to attend. Um we would like to continue forward at HOSO. We actually skip the national component and we go straight to internationals. So we actually compete against people all around the world specifically. There's a lot of students that come in from China as well. So it's really cool for students to not only see people from across our country but like internationally and that's a really
013cool feat to compete with those students in a friendly manner. So our first request is to go. Our second request is to help support us going. As you can imagine as a student is expensive as a trip and that does create a barrier for a lot of our students. We have done our due diligence and we fundraised to date $8,000 for this trip. We actually have three more fundraisers that are coming up in the next three weeks. Um, and our goal is to fund raise $12,000 total to support these students so that way their individual cost comes lower as possible. Currently with all of our fundraising thus far, each student is paying a little over $1,000. My goal today is to work with you so that way we can bring that total down to be
014just under a thousand. It's just a little bit more manageable for us and gives us the most important things we need. The first thing that we're requesting for and hopefully here's important is the actual national fees. So this year the national fees get to go up a little bit. We have 18 students going to chaperones at $160 each with some of the ATC testing which is additional cost because it's additional materials. It totals out to be $3,200. Additionally, we're asking for support in the posted uniform which is mandatory for us. And I'm actually gonna turn it to Izzy and Maddie to actually just explain a little bit about what that is because I know that that seems silly from somebody who maybe isn't from the HOSA world, but it really is important for us to
015have a lot of people. So, as we prepare for ILC's in Indiana, I want to emphasize the importance of these HOSA sponsored blazers. Wearing the blazers isn't just about looking sharp. It represents our commitment to professionalism. When we wear the blazers, we embody the values of leadership, responsibility, and respect. Moreover, this uniform gives us unity. It allows us to impress the judges while also showing them that we're taking this competition seriously. Investing in these blizzards is like investing in our future. you guys will be able to help us create a change because you guys will be able to better help us present ourselves with confidence and pride and um confidence and pride and be able to help us in our future like careers. So overall if we without these we could be um told not
016to compete we could lose awards that we win or lose points in our competition categories. So I really ask for your help for these because these aren't just clothing. It's it's a symbolize our aspirations and dedication to HOSA. And so thank you for your time and support and I did not. I said, "Hey, can you tell me why Blazers are important?" And that's what they came with. Like they came up like crazy, right? Like now you can see why they won. Like so talented. But anyh who, um, continuing on what they said, the husbes are super important because they can actually turn us away from competitions and not let us into certain events. So allowing students to compete is my top priority and being able to give them every opportunity to succeed is very important
017to me. And having these lasers that are the correct lasers is topnotch. Additionally, what we do at Somerset is because these blazers are expensive, they actually stay within the club. So they're purchased for the club, they stay within the club, and we actually rent them out when we compete for states. So students will submit with them and return them back. And then same thing for ILC. So we have a larger number of students going this year. So we don't need as many blazers as we as we have asked before, but we do need a few more to make sure that everybody has a blazer that does fit properly. The next thing we're asking for is the HOSA pins. And before I ask about the host pins, I do want to give a round of applause
018to Eva because she actually designed the pin in one the state trading pin for Massachusetts. So her pin design will actually be the pin that we bring to internationals, all of Massachusetts, regardless of what school you're from, you get to actually trade with the Somerset Berkeley pin that she designed. So round of applause for her. And I know asking for pins seems silly and it may be a little confusing, but I'm actually going to turn it to sweetie and Julia to explain why these pins are important. And if you don't mind, can I borrow one of your laterers to show them how? >> Oh, it's racist. >> Well, thanks Julia. >> So for me, I think the pins are actually one of like the cornerstones of the experience. I personally placed top 30 last year
019internationally in physical therapy and I think these pins made it the experience a lot easier a lot less stressful. My first time going to take my actual big test that determined if I moved on to round two and I was top 30. Um, I was so nervous in line going into that and all of a sudden some girls came up to me, asked me to create some pins and that stress just kind of went away. Like it connected me not only with my fellow members because we would like have little challenges who could get the most pins or the most exotic pins. It connected me. I've created so many friends because of it. And I think it made like being in room with somebody like I have room with Grace and I had actually never
020really talked to Grace much before that. And at that experience, us looking at what pins we had and shaving them and like laying them out after the day. I connected so much with Grace and now she's one like a great friend of mine. I see her every day. I talk to her as much as I can because I love but I think it connected us so much. host a chapter and not only host a chapter but all of host all together. I've met so many people that like it takes away the stress of meeting people because you have something to talk about and not only that but we meet medical professionals as well that we could talk to in the future and like we form connections and network with so many different companies. I know
021Grace got a pin from Walgreens. She wants to be a pharmacist. So it's such like I formed so many connections with medical professionals that I could talk to in the future. I want to be a physical therapist and I remember going up to stands and talking to physical therapist trading pins and learning so much about the career that I want to pursue in the future. I think also going off of what she's saying is personally I'm a very shy person. I find it hard to reach out to people and to make that first step making a friendship and say hi I'm Grace. do you want to be friends or hi do you want to trade things is a lot easier saying hi do you want to trade things because you have that thing to connect
022with them with not only are you in post so you have that in common but you're just adding another layer to make those connections easier and make those connections more able to happen almost and I've also traded with medical professionals like Julie was saying not only getting pins from them but also giving Massachusetts pins to those that professionals. I traded with a biorad company where I got a pin from them and I also gave them a message and they gave us three pipe heads afterwards. >> They were so excited to have me. So, it's not only getting other people's names in your vocabulary, but also putting your name out there into other people's vocabulary. Now people know, oh, hey, I traded with someone from Massachusetts instead of just knowing Massachusetts for they have good schools.
023Now you can say, I know Massachusetts because I met from Massachusetts. And the same thing goes for other states. You meet other people from other states and you're knowing people as people and not just, oh, they're from that state. You're like, oh, I met them from. And it just creates that much more important bond that you would get if you just went up to someone and said, "Hey, I'm in OSA. You're in." Now you can say, "Hi, I'm from Massachusetts. Do you want to connect?" And that just makes that connection so much easier. Well said. Um, so that is our main goal is we want students to be able to not only attend this conference financially, have permission to go, but we also want to make sure they're making the most out of it because
024we do have a tendency to do well on the international level. We have seen successes before and I'm really hoping that this group does it again. So with that being said, that is the tool of our tool of our um request. I did attach the quotes on the next page just to understand and break down if there was any confusion in the request or what you know where that money was going specifically but if you have any questions I'm happy to answer them. >> Thank you. All right. Why don't we do this in pieces? So um >> I know it's a lot. >> That's okay. Um so for part one um I would enter entertain a motion to approve the trip to HOSA's international competition in Indianapolis June 17th through 20th 2026. >> So move
025second >> motion by Miss Fer and seconded by Mr. Pastnack. Is there anything on discussion? >> You're good with chaperones and >> we have to. >> Okay. And Dr. No concerns. Great. Okay. Thank you. All right. Um call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. So voted. >> I trip is approved. Um the next item is to consider the request for the funding. Um does anyone have questions? I have a couple, but I want to let folks go first. >> I'm assuming since we're looking for five that we have 15 blazers now. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So this would just be Yes. >> to round up 20. Okay. That's one of my questions. >> All right. Anyone else have questions? >> I I think it's great they're wearing blazers actually
026in Rhode Island Hospital where I work or one of the places I go into. When you go in, you see the the wall of fame there and you can see they have blazers very similar to that from when the hospital you've seen it. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um when it first opened. >> That's great. So >> as somebody who was in the medical professional world, like anytime you went to a conference, I always went to maybe dental personally like I had where in philanth you know the whole nine yards and it was just so normal for us in the dental world. So it's really awesome to see that this club is adapting that because when I competed way back when in 2015 2016 it wasn't like that and it it felt chaotic. So I'm really
027excited that they're bringing that in because it really trains them to attend a medical professional conference in their future years. >> Great. >> I I have a couple of questions just clarifying the the financial part of that which we need to do. So, um, the fees is $3,200. Blazers is $537.40. >> So, that's 373740 for the registration plus the blazers. And then the pins would be an additional 600. >> And I just want to make sure I heard right. So far, you've already raised is it 8,000? >> Yeah. So, to date, we've raised 8,000. goals raise >> and that will go for their flight, their hotel cost to hotel Indianapolis. Oh my gosh, that is a I have never seen such an expensive hotel room. That's crazy. That is just daylight robbery. But that goes
028to that hotel room as well as the transportation to and from the conference center, parking, things like that. So that way things are covered. >> Okay, quick session. Man, check. You said you have few more fundraisers coming up. Do you have dates for those for when they're going to be? So this weekend currently we are working with Miss Somerset. She is holding a a beautiful campaign photo shoot. It's a photographer coming in to take three professional images for $20. It's a 100% donation to our club. The And that's from this Saturday from 1 to 4. Next week from the 18th through the 22nd, we're doing HOSA face. So, we as HOSA members all put our face on a can and we're going to at the cafeteria sit down during our lunches. The ones that we
029actually have lunches for and they're going to donate money. The person who ends up getting the most money gets pied in the face at our car wash which happens on the Saturday the 23rd from 8:30 to 12:30 >> At the high school. Yeah. >> That is right across the street. >> And then we're also selling chocolates. We just finished our pop and popcorn fundraiser. Did I miss any other fundraisers? What else? Oh, the chocolates. Yep, we're selling the chocolates. We're really good at selling chocolates. Really good at eating chocolates. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions from the committee? I actually have a question for Miss Palerin. So, I notic included in our packet, you provided um student activity funds balance. Yes. And I think this is um uh audited and it's as of the
030end of prior fiscal year. It says 25. >> This is the the balance that's carried forward into 426. Yes. >> Okay. So right now it looks like the HOSA balance is 3432 and45. >> Correct. So that money is being carried over in the student activity. It's what they began the year with in February 26. >> Okay. Is that the current balance or or >> No, the balance is this is the audited balance and the fundraising is coming in. So, it is whatever they fundraised for this fiscal year plus this $3,000. >> Okay. So, it's not less than the 34. It's going to be the 34 plus the fundraising. >> Yeah. And we also split that account in a viron. I know as of next year that's being switched over to have separate accounts, but me
031and Miss both co-advises and Environ and I think way back when when the two clubs got started, they had a shared account and it wasn't obviously like a huge issue until got super duper big and has 106 active members. So we are working to separate those accounts. So but some of that money about 2,000 of that money is in thyroid funds and that is separate. That's something we keep track of, but we know that discipline moving forward. >> So, with um I know we're g when we talk about um student activities, we'll talk about the specifics and and going forward what we need to do. So, if with student activities, if a club ceases to exist, the money can then be aortioned to another club or a like club. Um but we can about that
032under the umbrella of student activity, but these funds are available for HOSA. >> Okay. Um, so my my thoughts on this and it's and I don't want to be the a buzzkill but just in terms of treating clubs consistently like DECA and other clubs. I I know the committee has or this club and others paid registration fees um especially when students and it's wonderful to see the growth of the club. Um I view Blazers as like a sports uniform to me. So, I I feel like that's consistent. I I feel like the I love the pins. I for me personally, I feel like that's a little bit different. Um I know it's not a a lot of money at this point, but when I look at we have a balance, like we have to budget
033for these things. And um we have a balance of 3,400. The request for fees and blazers is a little over 3,700. Um, that's a pretty small delta that I'm sure we can manage through a transfer somewhere else. Um, but adding another 600 onto that, I'm it's not so much the bottom line number that concerns me. It's more setting the precedent of what we what we support through the operating budget in terms of the clubs. Um that is my concern and I think also moving forward as we have conversations about this um it is so impressive how the club has taken off. It's great. It's a not it's not even a not even a good problem to have because it's not a problem. But we need to make sure moving forward that that it needs to
034be built into our plan so that we're not, you know, um trying to do things after the fact, I guess. Um those are my concerns. I am in full support of the registration and the Blazers because the Blazers stay with the their school like a uniform does. Um, >> so Madam Chair, are you opposing that the students pay the $30 each for the ends? >> I would be more comfortable with that because I think the 3700 is a lot closer to the 34 that's in the student activities fee and and it's that's not an expense that we support for similar other similar clubs when they attend things like this. And I just want to make sure we're consistent and fair to all of the clubs. That's me, but I'm one person. So, I would entertain
035a motion. >> So, I know last last year, did we pay for the pens? I'm trying to remember. I know we had a discussion about the pens, but I can't remember. >> It comes up every year, right? >> Um it seems silly, right? Like it's just a token, but it really is a way for students to interact with people at this conference and it gives them the confidence to do that. And that's why I'm such a like absolute supporter of the pens. Um what actually what happens is that students get typically they can order up to 50 pens. So they have the opportunity to meet somebody or trade with somebody from every state and that's the goal and that's what you've sponsored in the past. We know with the abundance of students we have a
036lot more this year. So I actually told the students that we're only going to get 30 this year. Um, so I did cut that back so that way and and students were using the 50 like we would run out and then we wouldn't be able to trade in China and Thailand and you know and it just is what it is because I I don't have you know I can't pull money out of everywhere you know and as you can either. So we did cut it back to 30 so they could be a little bit more um not not like selective but aware of the amount that they have so that way it wasn't as expensive for you guys. So, we did actually pull it back from last year because we usually give them all 50
037with the opportunity to meet 50 people. They're there for almost five to six days. So, >> and now these are going to be the pins that Eva designed. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I mean, I kind of feel like we have a little bit of a extenduating circumstance here. I mean, it it the pin is designed by a Somerset Berkeley student. Um, and I know the pins do mean a lot to the kids. Um, And I certainly appreciate Miss Andrew's point. I mean, we do need to be fiscally responsible, but I I is there possible we could find another $600. >> I just want to note like as we go through the process, we went through the budgeting process. It's very um I think as Mandra says, it there's an equity piece. We need to
038be consistent. Um, there's also these items should be part of the budgeting process. We're now at the end of the fiscal year, which means we would have to adjust from another line item. Um, so we're actually cutting something that was budgeted in order to um add something that is unbudgeted. So we would have to look at the line items and bring back a budget adjustment or look at the field trip line item because it is technically unbudgeted item right now. We can exhaust the student activity but at that point we would have to go into the general fund and it's an unbudgeted expense. Also want to note that when we're going whether it be through a student activity account or the general operational fund, we have to follow all the regulations that are afforded to
039you under all the laws. So >> Madam Chair, may I ask a question? >> Miss Pellerin, you you paid for them in the past, right? Mrs. >> So we paid for this in the past. We didn't budget for it this year. I just I'm this is my first regional meeting in five years. So, if you could just >> I can say that as we get better at budgeting um as you saw this this year with the region as as well as Somerset, >> the budget is extremely detailed. All expenses are part of the budgeting process. So, this is not this is an unbudgeted expense. It it was un it could have been unbudgeted in the past. We're going to we would be following the same process now. We would be taking something where the line
040item may not have used something that was budgeted and we're adjusting it and bringing in something that is unbudgeted. So in the future I know we have two meetings set uh to discuss student activity uh with the content coordinators. This is something that we'll bring up like what does student activity account or fundraising support versus what should be put within the general operational budget which would be your general registrations for all groups. I sorry don't sorry >> I I agree we have done it in the past it doesn't necessarily mean that we keep doing it just because we've done it in the past um I agree that it should be in the operating budget because we have done so much work to try to make sure that the budget is fiscally responsible there are a
041lot of little cuts here and there that we've done to now say now we're going to cut something else to pay, which I'm not saying I don't support the kids with pins. That that's not what I'm saying. But I do tend to agree with Mrs. Andrews. Uh if it was budgeted for next year, I would have no problem with that this year. With the way the budget is, unfortunately, I would I would feel better not including this year. But that's me. It's my two cents. Is there a motion? So, I would make a motion that the district provide funding for $3,737.40 for the national fees and the Blazers with the funds coming from the student activities account. Just making sure. So, there's a motion. Is there a second? >> I'll second our motion. >> We
042have a motion by Miss Fer and a second by Mr. Passnack. Is there anything further on discussion? Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. I heard three eyes. >> Sorry. I Mr. Maders, did you vote? >> I said I. Yes. Sorry. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, we have a motion. Um that was passed. So, the amount approved by um the committee is 373740. I would say on a personal note, happy to make a donation and support fundraisers. >> Um so, >> I'll also make another one this year. >> Thank you. I appreciate that a lot. Thank you. >> So, um, all right. Then, um, don't leave yet because there's more. >> Um, okay. >> Getting out of the way. >> The next item on the agenda, um, is to
043recognize two of our students. Why don't you come on down here? >> What's for you? What's your award? >> What's that? just get somebody over. They did all the work. >> Um, should we start with Okay, start with Grace. >> Sure. >> Okay. All right. Let's see what first. Okay. Um, Grace Tweety today. Why don't you come on down and stand next to Miss Little? You feel awkward next to me. >> Come over here. Um, Grace, today we have the honor of recognizing you um for a pretty remarkable achievement related to HOSA. Um, Grace has been elected to the state HOSA executive board. Congratulations. Um, Grace, this year you took on a challenge that requires courage, dedication, and leadership, which is very evident to all of us. You applied for HOSA state leadership, interviewed with
044confidence, ran your campaign with passion, and earned your place by being elected to the HOSA state leadership team. You represent the very best of what it means to be a leader and a raider. Someone who steps up, shows up, and earns the trust of your peers. Your commitment to HOSA in this school is truly inspiring and we just want to congratulate you on this welldeserved honor. >> Congratulations. >> And um you're not Mr. >> Yeah, we need a shirt. >> Well, do you want to get in it with us? >> Um >> yeah, you're recognizing us. You get the credit. >> Oh, not really. I can do anything. You give us money. >> We need that. >> Congratulations. Great job. >> Not done yet. Um, >> I always joke like you guys would see my
045name on list and be like, >> "No, this is all you. This is all good stuff. All good stuff." >> Um, okay. And we have another remarkable achievement. We would like to recognize um Eva Espanol. Come on down. We got more. All right. So, as you heard earlier in the presentation, Eve Eva designed, crafted, and created a stunning Somerset Berkeley pin to represent our community. You submitted your work to the mass pin design contest for um ILC and your talent was recognized and you were selected as the winner. Um, your creativity and attention to detail shines through in every aspect of your design. you took an idea and you brought it to life in a way that obviously impressed the state and um represents our school with pride. So this is an outstanding accomplishment and
046we want to congratulate you for that is busy tonight. That makes sense. >> I think her mom might want a better picture if she wants to come up here. >> You can speak. >> She was trying to sneak. >> Jen, you want to stand? Congratulations. >> So Andrew, >> we'll see. We'll see how many extra we can get. I hope. But I'd love to give you guys represent us. Um, >> thank you. >> Would you could you just maybe email the committee with the um details of the fundraising that you mentioned out loud just that speaker? >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Sounds good. Should I send it to Robin? You can send it to Robin if you can forward it to all of us. >> Perfect. Thanks, girl. I appreciate it. >> Be great. Thank you.
047>> That's a nice one. You don't want to lose it. >> We stole Jeff's pen. >> We did. Oh, I was trying to swipe it. >> He came and got it back. >> He has a tracker on that thing. >> I forgot. >> Can't fool him. >> You're like, "Where did I put my pen?" >> Sorry. >> Okay. All right. The next item on the agenda is our student rep report. How are you? >> I'm good. How are you? >> I'm good. End of the year. You probably have some good stuff to tell us about. >> Unfortunately, we don't have a lot because something that has become apparent to us is that our membership in the student advisor committee is unfortunately dwindling at a very rapid amount. When I first joined, I was a freshman
048and there was a handful of seniors, a good amount of juniors, and quite a few sophomores. And as I've gone through my career here at Berkeley, so have they. and they've all begun to graduate and unfortunately we're not seeing enough new me enough new members to replenish the ones that we are losing as they graduate. Um, and correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Sumer, but we need at least five members >> technically. Yeah, we we've actually had a larger committee than uh what is required by state law. It's supposed to be a committee of five students elected by the student body. So unfort um the vast majority of the current senior advisory committee is seniors and next year we're going to have less than five people on our committee. So what we have been discussing
049what we discussed our last meeting was the idea of instead of having it open to um just the student body, it would be an elected position instead. um where we would uh have each grade elect one member of their class to come sit in our meetings and represent their grade at our meetings and Dr. first role was the only one who present this idea to me originally I believe um and like as well as administration. Um but I thought I didn't want to just like isolate it to an elected position because I feel like sometimes with elected positions in student government forms it can feel a little bit of a popularity contest and I don't want to limit people who genuinely do want to help make a difference in the school. So I thought it
050would be a better idea if we had some sort of like hybrid mixed um setting. So there would be 11 people who would be like the main group. Those would be our main five. Myself and then four people from each grade. Um and then people who could sit in that who weren't elected could also come from meetings and would also be able to host their plans. So what we've mainly been discussing is what our future is going to look with this group and how we can possibly get our membership fun. Also unfortunately after this my notes I Okay, I'm going to run because music department is hosting pops tonight which I'm going to be in. So, >> yes, that's >> okay. All right. Thank you. Does anyone have any questions? >> All right. Good luck.
051Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Is there a psychation? >> No, she's a she's a junior. >> All right. Thank you. Yep. Um, was there anything to add so far from the last meeting? I >> it was really >> I think that was pretty much what we talked about. uh just trying to figure out how we can increase membership and we had uh great student voice from that group for a few years and as Isabella just said we've we've seen participation a little bit u so we want to try to elevate that student voice >> that was really the the bulk of our >> how do people join like do they get elected no >> right now >> so how do they join volunteer. Well, we've tried to make it an open process >> uh really
052um inviting anyone who've been elected by their peers from uh the student council to come in. And we've had a lot of um participation from student council members, but we also have had it open to students who are not. We just we just want to get students there uh so they can share their ideas with Dr. Bell with me and Mrs. for so that we can hear what their concerns are and go back and try to implement some changes based on what the students are requesting. And over the years we've done we've actually added quite a few things, right? >> Um so it's we just need to try to elevate that. >> And are they required to have minimum five students or >> um by the laws will be five. And what are we looking
053at next year? She just barely has they just barely have a minimum. >> It all depends on how the beginning of the school year would start and and who has interest in >> now. Do they advertise it? >> We do. They do. >> It also depends what's going on. It's it's after school on a Wednesday the first Wednesday of the month. So some kids might have sports, some might have show like So there's you're working depending on the kids age too. So there's a lot of variables, but one of the things we talked about was yes, having an elected person from each grade, but also leaving it open so no one's, you know, can't come if they have something that to discuss. So like the idea of letting it be still open so anybody can
054attend if they want to. >> Madam Chair, through you. Um, I just think anything to increase participation, looking at dwindling vote totals, particularly on the town side year after year and the way the environment's been politically, the more the marrier. So, that's awesome that you're doing whatever you can to increase it. Thank you for everything you do. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, okay. Next on the agenda, we have recognition of our senior student rep. Adrien Bordis, who couldn't be here with us this evening, but I'd like to Miss Ber, would you like to read his citation into the record? >> Of course. At a meeting of the summits at Berkeley Regional School Committee on May 5th, 2026, a citation was prepared, signed by members of the committee, and voted inscribed in the permanent records. Citation
055of appreciation for Adrienne Borges. In recognition of service as student representative to the sums at Berkeley Regional School Committee for the 2025 2026 school year, we extend our appreciation for your willingness to take on this important role. Your participation provided a student perspective to the committee's work and contributed to the ongoing dialogue between students and district leadership. Serving in this capacity reflects a commitment to civic engagement and to the school community. We thank you for your time and efforts over the past year and wish you continued success in your future endeavors. >> Adrien's not give him a round of applause. >> Yes, absolutely. And maybe Dr. Brellford can see that Mr. Bus gets this. >> We have a meeting tomorrow actually. >> Oh, perfect. Okay. Um so just formally I would entertain a motion to
056adopt the citation for Adrien Borges as read. >> So moved second. >> Motion by Mr. G, seconded by Mr. Madus. Is there anything further on discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? Opposed? So voted. >> Next item on the agenda is a citation for someone who is here. She's always here. >> Um Jazelle, can can you do two things at once? Can you >> Can you film yourself getting an award? Of course she can. >> Of course she can. Right. >> Let's see how I do. I just got thrown into the game here. >> All right, >> Mr. G. >> Thank you, ma'am. Um at a meeting of the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee on May 5th, 2026, a citation was prepared signed by the members of the committee and voted in sub in inscribed
057in the permanent records. Citation of appreciation Jisselle Pimemental in recognition of your outstanding service as a videographer for the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee. Through your dedication and attention to detail, you have played an essential role in ensuring that the school committee meetings remain accessible and transparent to the community. Your work has strengthened commu the communication and engagement across the district. Making a meaningful difference for students, families, and staff. Beyond your technical contributions, your thoughtful and insightful input on student related topics has been truly valued. Over the past two years, you have shown remarkable growth and maturity in your role, demonstrating increasing confidence, professionalism, and a deepened understanding of the work of the committee. With sincere appreciation and admiration for your contributions, we proudly recognize your service and extend your our best wishes for your
058continued success in all your future endeavors. >> Thank you. >> Hold on. I think Mr. Ross wants to take a picture, but could everybody get up and do it? >> Sure. >> Kim knows I like to do that. Carlton knows. >> Sorry. I walk into you. >> Congratulations Thank you. >> Why don't you tell everyone where you are taking your skills next year? >> Oh, I'm going to go to Suffach University. >> Oh, congratulations. >> Yeah. For investigative journalism. >> Good luck. Wish you luck. >> Tell them my internship again, >> Ellie. >> Oh, yeah. My internship program. Yeah. I'm currently in the uh senior internship program working with Mr. Austin. I finished recording recently. I'm currently in the editing stage of my newest episode which is on the topic of gambling. So, >> good
059luck. >> Oh, yeah. They have various internships uh including ones with the Boston Globe and Boston NBC. So, >> yeah. One of those. >> Awesome. Congratulations. Thank you, Jazelle. I don't know if we can look good, but if we can, you make us look good, so we appreciate it. >> Tough work for me. >> Um, as a formality, I would just entertain a motion to adopt this citation for Jazelle Clemental as presented. >> So, move. >> Motion by Mr. Mader, second. >> Seconded by Mr. Gaw. Anything on discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? I >> opposed. So voted. >> All right, Joe. All right, and back to work. >> Um, all right. The next item on the agenda is to acknowledge and congratulate our April visionaries of the month. I will do my best
060with names. We'd like the committee would like to recognize Aiden Bordon, resilient, Wyatt Brisley, academic. Jackson Bioli, digital citizen. Evan Garcia, respectful. Mattaline Gered, independent. Miles Maderas, academic. Hunter Ner or Neri, empathetic. And Selena Zang, independent. Congratulations to those students and thank you for being great Raiders. Um, the next item on the agenda is public input. We have any public input at this time? >> Hi, I'm Mary. Do you mind just coming closer just so we can make sure we hear you? >> I'm Marian Datada. Um um we would like to ask to use the track um use the high school track after hours. Okay. there any specific concerns or >> Yes. Um, you know, most of the other area high schools do allow public use of the track after hours. Um, we're looking for
061a safe place to run and work out um especially in the fall when it gets dark early um to have a space for that. Um, it was a little confused because last winter I did come to use the track and did say online that it was open, but it's not um available. So, um there's a number of runners in the area who have expressed some interest. Unfortunately, they couldn't be here tonight. >> Okay. Thank you. Is there any other public input? Okay. All right. Thank you. Um the next item on the agenda um actually is a citation for um Miss Solomon who couldn't be here this evening because she is participating in the Berkeley budget forum override and is sort of working at that. Um so >> Chad didn't didn't I see her name for
062reelection? >> Um so yes um Miss >> that's why I'm so confused. I saw this and I was like, >> "Yes, Miss Solomon is um running for re-election to the Berkeley K to8 school committee. I believe she's unopposed." So, I I don't know that although the election is not until Saturday, I don't know that the outcome is at all uncertain. Um but however um she's expressed that with the building project she's on the BCS building committee. So she's going to step step off as a regional rep and they will be appointing another member. Okay. Will be with us. >> Thank you for clarifying. >> Yes. She's doing a lot of things. Um so although she's not here, I'll read this into the record and I will u make sure she gets it. Um, at a
063meeting of the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee on May 5th, 2026, a citation was prepared, signed by members of the committee, and voted inscribed in the permanent records. Citation of appreciation and gratitude to Jelene Solomon in recognition of your dedicated service as the Berkeley School Committee representative to the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee for the past four years. Throughout your tenure, you've brought a steady, thoughtful, and collaborative voice to the committee, consistently working in the best interest of students across the district. Your commitment to representing the perspectives of the Berkeley community has strengthened communication and fostered meaningful collaboration within the regional school district. Your service reflects a deep dedication to public education and to the success and well-being of all students. The time, care, and leadership you've contributed over these four years are sincerely appreciated
064with heartfelt thanks for your contributions and wishing you ongoing success in your future pursuits. Make sure that she gets that. Um, just for formality sake, I would entertain a motion to adopt the citation for Jelene Solomon as presented. So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Miss Ferrer and seconded by Mr. Pastor. Anything on discussion hearing? None. Oh, sorry. >> I'm sorry. I I actually would like to recognize her serving on two school committees for four years and Mr. Maderas just took that on and I did it for one year. That is a huge commitment and I commend her for taking time away from her family and her personal life to do that. So, um, thank you very much for her service and I'm sure they're going to still appreciate her over at Berkeley. >> Thank
065you. >> Yes. No, thank you, Mr. Goth. Um, yes, she will be busy with the building committee and trying to get an override pass. So, she's definitely um doing a lot for the community. So, thank you. Um all those in favor? >> I oppose. So, voted. >> Um okay. Next item on the agenda is an update on the memorandum of understanding with the Somerset School Committee for shared positions. Um you should have in your folder anou which was pre prepared by uh Mr. WA just as some background um at a at the meeting on March 31st regional school committee meeting um this committee voted to um support a change to the um share of um shared positions shared um to change it from 6535% summer K to8 regional school committee to um 6040 to better
066um represent um shifts in enrollment and um workload. Um so that was voted on the 31st. Um in that time we've also conferred with the chair of Somerset K to8 who's reviewed this. Um and so um I spoke with Miss Ashley who felt that um she was fine with doing basically two separate votes um so we could we she didn't feel we needed a joint meeting for this. >> So if I could just comment on it um and not just trying to look at this as fair as possible. So before you we were Berkeley was paying 35% >> Somerset Berkeley. Somerset Berkeley. Correct. >> And you have two members. Correct. >> Um so just to clarify, Mr. Go, so the regional school, the region was paying >> 35% of um the superintendent salary, the CF,
067the shared positions that are shared with Somerset K. And >> I understand, but taking on a bigger number. That was my point. >> Yes, the region has taken on a bigger number. This is my first meeting back here in five years, but I'm starting as more of a burden's being shifted on Berkeley and I'm seeing five members on Somerset >> and two on Berkeley. I think you're surprised we're taking the stance, aren't you, right now? You're in complete shock. You didn't know where I was going with it. Um, it's something I'm not saying tonight, but maybe down the line that does need to be revisited as well if you're going to have five and two. >> So, I think it's not saying to do it, but I do think we need to have a discussion
068at some point. I I think the um and just on background, so I think that um this comes out of a recognition that the original 6535 split was >> 12 years ago at the formation of the region and it was >> the assumption I guess was that >> enrollment regional enrollment versus Somerset K to8 enrollment would be a good proxy for workload. Is that right, Mr. Spoonber? Uh, Dr. Spoonver, sorry. Um, and there was some concern from some members of the former chair of the K to8 in Somerset that that proxy wasn't maybe quite accurate and that even though the enrollment was roughly 6535, the workload was maybe a little bit shifted. Um, and there's a lot of nuance in terms of individual positions and time of year. So, but after discussion it it seemed
069um that we did a little survey of sort of how folks are spending their time. Um, and so I think the committee, the regional committee unanimously, including the Berkeley members, felt that for this upcoming fiscal year and for FY28, just so we could plan and have some consistency, that 6040 seemed a better representation overall of how the shared positions were truly spending their time. And then of course, Berkeley's piece of that is only a portion of that based on the assessment formula. So um I guess our position for as a Berkeley person I think Miss Solomon feels the same is that you know fair is fair in terms of how folks are spending their time. Um thisou um lays out um a process by which both committees create a working group to sort of do
070an ongoing analysis of how that is spent. Time is spent and then make recommendations for fiscal year 29 and beyond whether we stay with the status quo or make adjustments. Obviously enrollment is going to be changing in both districts. Um So that was sort of the RA just on background. That's the rationale. >> And I saw it on here and I just felt I'd bring it up. So I do appreciate it. I >> appreciate how you looking out for Berkeley. >> You're shocked, aren't you? You I was the last person in this room you thought would do that. >> No, not shocked at all. >> Um but so and that's actually good for folks who are listening at home to sort of understand the the rationale behind the change. >> It's not that I'm fair
071is fair sometimes, ma'am. So that's that's really where it's coming from. So, >> um, but anyways, moving on. >> Madam Chair, I just want to put it the committees on both sides did vote the 6040. >> Yeah. That's where the MLOP came up. So, just to put that. >> So, the just sort of outlines that and and the process moving forward because with any agreement, one of the things we realized in this is that we didn't we didn't have any of this memorialized. it was sort of it was conversations and handshakes and um so in the interest of trying to be clear about things um the is a start for that. So um with that being said I would entertain a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding and to allow the chair to sign
072on behalf of the committee. >> So moved >> second motion by Mr. Package Knack seconded by Miss Ferrer. Anything further on discussion hearing? None. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. So voted. Right. And then we'll forward it to the K to8 for the same process. Okay. Moving along. Um the next item on the agenda, Dr. Skoonover's updates. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh before I jump into the items that are listed, uh we do know that this spring in uh in any school, but particularly high schools is a time of recognition and awards for our students. Uh I know Dr. has been busy organizing and attending numerous events. Mr. Austin. We should put them on the payroll here because in the hallways uh I just want to say congratulations to >> um to a
073few groups of students. So uh this past Sunday night the Ocean State Star Awards um were announced. We had um our winners for lead actress uh this was for the production of Chicago the teen edition. Lead actress Lily miss and AC gomes. We had honorable mention for the Merry Mercuruses and Robert again received uh an award for outstanding lighting. Uh and that's on top of those who are winners. We had I think it was 26 uh award categories. Uh so congratulations to those students and and Lily miss uh came away with a scholarship and another award uh uh the legacy was so she's the first service at Berkeley student to receive the legacy robe um for her uh history of uh of her productions here at Summerset Berkeley. not just her her participation but her
074uh recognition for the level of participation uh and talent that she has had over the years. So congratulations to Lola for that. Uh today in the uh performing arts center to kick off the day we had the future uh celebrated our future educators. So our seniors who will be attending college uh entering education. uh we had nine students on the program but seven were uh participating so I want to uh were involved in testing uh so we recognized those nine students today uh we had some wonderful speakers um Dr. Carlsford had invited Lynn Sylvia who is a second grade teacher at North Elementary retiring this year. She was our keynote speaker for this event. Uh it's a wonderful event every year. We started in 2019 as a way of recognizing our our students entering college
075uh to to become teachers and we have a uh commitment signing format like a student would uh if they are participating in college athletics. Uh and then it's also a way for us to recognize teachers who have been influential for the students as part of teacher appreciation week. So each student invites a a teacher who has been inspirational to them. Uh and then they get to say um each student gets to speak why they want to become a teacher and also recognize this person who has meant so much to them. It's just an incredible uh event that happens each week uh the first week of May each year. Um last week all these uh the host of students who were here tonight and probably a hundred or so others participated in the gym for this
076uh the steam fair. uh and just to listen to the the work that our students uh have have done this year and their incredible ideas and when you see these HUSA um these platforms and what they are thinking and the problems they're trying to solve it is absolutely incredible and it's mind-blowing that high school students are are engaged in this level of work. So congratulations to all those students who participated in that. We had the art gallery opening last week. If you haven't seen it, it's still set up uh in in the gallery. And we have the AP testing which started today. Dr. Walk >> yesterday. Um and Dr. Brford is is coordinating that for this year. So congratulations to all the students uh for their u welldeserved honors recently. All right. So, jumping in,
077uh, the first item I just wanted to, uh, try to quickly go over, uh, the Massachusetts proposed graduation requirements. This is still up in the air. We're not going to have a final report until June. U, but just to let you know, uh, where this is heading right now. There are some emerging uh, models that are coming out of this. So, these are uh, several different pillars that will make up the new graduation requirements. Uh as I I've shared with you before I'm one of the Mass Association uh school superintendent members graduation think tank where we we meet uh usually once or twice per month to review the ongoing work provide feedback to the state and then uh get feedback uh or get get updates the following year. Uh so with this uh one of
078the the first pillars uh that we expect to come out of this and again this is all uh nothing has been determined yet but we expect the state to adopt mass core as a graduation requirement. Massore as it is currently uh right now it's an option but it appears that that would be the requirement for all students. Uh and the only area where we are currently not meeting is requiring two years of a world language. Uh there might there appear to be uh some exemptions to the world language component. Uh perhaps you're a CTE student and you just can't fit the two years of language in with your CTE requirements. Maybe um some other exemptions along the way. A computer science class can always exists now computer science class can be substituted for a math
079or science if it meets certain requirements. So that that appears to be um one part that um elevates the the content piece to be more in line with higher ed entry requirements for Massachusetts colleges universities. Uh the second component will be end of course assessments. uh these assessments will be in uh certain courses uh aligned with what has been tested in MCATs. So a math class, we don't know if it'll be algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, uh or or more than one um at least one English class, uh at least one science class, and it looks like history would be uh one of the introductions to that as well. uh these exams would be uh administered uh and designed administered and scored by the state. So that's there's a lot of debate about exactly how
080this would look but that appears to be one of the other emerging component strongly emerging components uh for this uh the culminating project uh would be a component. It would either be a capstone or a portfolio. We think uh schools would have the choice to choose one or both of those. Uh these would be some performance based assessments. So the end of course exams would assess a student's content mastery. So the the culminating project would be able to assess their mastery of the skills that they've learned along the way. Uh that would also there would be a statewide rubric uh for which uh the school uh the schools would locally score those cap uh those capstones and portfolios. Um but it would be a using this statewide uh my cap would have a uh appears
081to have a significant expansion. Uh financial literacy would be a requirement for all students. We don't know how comprehensive financial literacy would be that would fall under the my cap uh program my cap is the my career and academic plan uh which we are now starting in our middle schools. So kids will be creating this this my cap which is all about college and career readiness and developing a plan beginning sixth grade. Uh but it it would expand as I said in in high school to include financial literacy. Uh also under my cap would be this uh FAFSA or MASA uh completion which was we're told uh would have an easy opt out for families who do not wish to uh have the schools involved with that FAFSA uh part of the uh college application
082process and there appears to also be a work-based learning component uh coming out of this as well where all students uh would engage in some type of work based learning experience and whether or not that would be uh separate like our internships now that Dr. Prosburg uh has shared with us or if it would be connected to the capstone or we don't know exactly what that would look like and and how flexible that would be for school districts. Uh in addition to that uh we keep asking like when is this going to go into effect? We want a long enough runway so that schools can adequately prepare their students and just get all structures in place. Uh it's not yet determined, but it appears we've been told that it wouldn't happen any sooner than our
083current seventh graders. Uh potentially even longer off. Uh so this is not something that's going to happen to any of our existing high school students and and not even our eighth graders, we assume. Um but that'll give time for schools to uh adequately. Any questions on that one before I move on to the next item? >> I just I just have a question or comment. So, looking at all those potential proposed changes, I think about and Dr. Barl, I think about um are there plans to um put together a scheduling committee or work on that? because I'm looking at this thinking a couple of things that there may there may need to be changes to your master schedule. Also thinking about some programmatic things like when I look at world language I know currently we
084have Spanish and Portuguese at this point. I know ASL is now rec recognized as an option at the state level and I don't know you know conversations about like programmatic changes that might be required to meet certainly mass core um or in to help our students um maybe meet Massore in ways they haven't before. Um so I'm just I'm also thinking about that in terms of um entering into negotiations um in the not tooistant future. And so I'm just wondering if we have sort of a plan for addressing what might need to be some substantive budgets. >> So at our April faculty meeting, we started talking about this faculty um have compiled all the information. We basically did what we did with the strategic plan, what works, what doesn't work, and potential suggestions for the
085future. Um I'll be honest, it's a little frustrating that there's no concrete information for the state because you're kind of building while you fly it, which should it's a moving target like so we're trying the best we can. Um but with the negotiations coming up and all that by the end of the year we hope to have at least some ideas and then um even teachers are already excited about this like we're already talking about reestablishing the scheduling committee and looking at what's going to work to make all of this work because it's not just mass board. We're going to have work based learning and early. I know early college is part F here. Like there's a lot of parts that we have to make sure fit where we're going. We don't want to go
086back to the world of six or seven years ago where there was a different schedule every year for three years. So, we want to do something that's going to be sustainable. >> Thank you. Um, I'm going to keep my thoughts to myself at the moment, but I do have I find this interesting that uh there's an end of course assessments being proposed here when I feel like we're just getting away from teaching to a test. The state's proposing bringing that back to some level and to be honest, it's quite disappointing. Um, there's some things I really like here. Um, like work-based learning. I mean, I know there's going to be hardship on the faculty to maybe manage this, but I would hope I know Mr. Thurber so nicely mentioned that I'm a regular calling him
087and Senator Rogers and Rep. Had when she was on, really anybody who will listen to me um advocating for the town of Somerset and our neighboring communities because I don't think we get treated fair with Chapter 70 fund funding breakdown and state funding. So, they're going to put these requirements on us. Who's going to pay for this? And it is a little I know this is a moving target and it's but it's just it is frustrating because you're all spending your time now trying to guess where this moving target's going to end and it's it creates a lot of anxiety for our leadership here. So, it is a little disappointing, but uh I guess I didn't stay quiet. I'm sorry. >> It's okay. Anyone else have that? >> Okay, Dr. >> Uh, so the next
088item you have uh in your folder the uh quarterly reports from the Southwest Education Collaborative Re Collaborative um for your review. Uh we had uh really two new uh staffing assignments. Uh one is a speech language pathologist at the high school is really a transfer. We had a vacancy that that came off of the high school and um the ability to transfer someone from the prek8 school district uh up to fill that role. And then we had one other position for a van driver. There were no resignations. Uh and then kind of following up on the public input from earlier, I shared some information with you on access to the track. Uh last week, Dr. Rford and I met with uh Officer Roberts uh custodians Sean Burge and Makudo uh to really uh to look
089at and discuss uh access to the track by the members of the public at least from uh from now say May 1st uh through into early June when the track work will begin. Uh so the the track is open accessible to members of the public from 7:30 p.m. to 900 pm. Uh for the month of May at least. Um and that allows us to get our uh sports teams um because lacrosse and track and unified track. They're all using the turf field in the afternoons. Uh games typically end around 7:00 or so. so that the public would have access from 7:30 to 9. Uh on Saturdays, uh same thing. We have lots of games and practices on the turf uh throughout the morning and um we'll be able to open up the track from 1
090to 3 in the afternoon on Saturdays and then when our custodian leaves at 3, we lock the gate up would remain locked until Monday. Um and we just don't have it comes down to not having the supervision um on a Sunday to keep that open. And as you know in the past we've had um not only people coming out and practicing golf on our turf field. We've had people um doing their uh exercises hanging from our goalpost doing chin-ups and pull-ups and and other things on the field which could easily destroy the turf. Uh so it's not really access to the track. That's the issue is access to the charger. You can't have one without the other. Uh but we're hoping that these windows Monday through Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons uh would provide public
091with some access. The uh the track as we'll be discussing shortly um is supposed to mobilize uh for the track resurfacing before school gets out. Uh so I don't know what the availability will be in June. We will keep those hours I just mentioned as far into June as we can until we have to shut it down. But then there will be a period for sometime beginning sometime in June and I think at least through July where no one has access to the track as we are doing that resurfacing project. Um and then I said we'll come back later on in the summer with a plan for the fall. Um and then the last item I just wanted to share with you about the early college commitment form. Uh Dr. Brford uh submitted an application
092of the or this commitment letter to the state few weeks ago. Uh so we're looking to build two programs, one with Bristol Community College and one with UMass Don Bristol Community College. We're looking to have a um a liberal arts pathway. So for students who are looking get some college credits out of the way. They're not really sure which where they're going to head, but it's a great place to get some college credits out of the way. Uh the other is um I think I'm excited about this other uh business and AI uh kind of thread uh where where we're excited to figure out what exactly the coursework would be with that. for students who um are interested in business but then there'd be this AI uh aspect to it as well. So that's also
093with B community college and to expand all the great work that's happening with our biomed students not just the students who are here tonight but 16 to 170 students who are currently participating for them to earn some college credits there would be a premed uh pathway for you. Uh so I don't know when we're I think in June I think is when we're expected to hear back whether or not um we can uh whether or not we're accepted into that and and what the the next phase is which will be an implementation phase. But up until this point up until Governor Neil's uh announcement in January about greatly expanding the number of students in early college some Berkeley has not been able to participate. we have not been able to submit an application because we
094haven't met the requirements uh that other school districts have uh so it's been more urban focused um and we we've tried but we have uh not been able to to pursue that up until this point >> Dr. or just for folks who may not be as familiar with early college, could you just um >> explain sort of the funding how those programs are supported if the application is >> the beauty of this is uh the courses and Dr. Correct me if I'm wrong. I believe it's a $500 uh cost, but the state is responsible or the state picks up uh part of the cost and we pick up the 500. We paid for the $500, right? So, there's really no cost to the students who are participating in it. Uh and then will be some
095other funding that's available that we may be able to defay those costs for for us as well. uh further >> and this is if I if memory serves in this upcoming budget there's we have some >> we have an allocation but more for traditional dual enrollment >> yes >> right and I think it was like was it 10,000 am I remember wow I don't know I remember that so but that's more for traditional dual to support students in traditional dual enrollment this is a separate grant applicate >> grant application essentially um and if approved >> would significantly subsidize our students ability to participate. >> Correct. >> Chad, how many credits can they earn while in while here >> in in terms of in an early college? >> Um 12 >> 12. >> It's a minimum
096of 12. We haven't landed or anything yet because we just starting our process of >> I want to say I've heard >> I didn't hear it mentioned and I'm sorry to jump in but um BCC does have a very nice engineering lab. They have a couple of them. Is there any chance to get access to it for the students in any way? I I would have to ask. >> Okay. Sorry. >> This is a really prescriptive program. You commit to a to classes. It would be possible. I I don't >> No, I understand. I just I personally have used it over the years. I took I took classes there. I actually I went to both of those schools. I'm an alumni of both. So, I know it's a phenomenal facility. I'd love to see our
097students get a chance to use it. They're very committed to making sure that part of the early college experience is getting those students on their campuses. So, it's not about them just coming here. They're you have to create a plan to get the students on campus because they want them to feel like >> Excellent. >> Regarding the track, I know I've had a couple conversations with you on this and particularly the soccer teams that come here. Um, I do go by the high school regularly. I think it's pretty known I jog around town. It is a little concerning. They've now moved to the front of the building and they've brought their own smaller soccer nets. So, unfortunately, locking the track up is just moved them to the front of our building. And there's still a
098big liability issue there. There's still soccer nets in the front of the building they can do their pull-ups on. Um, so that is pretty concerning as far as and I understand Mrs. Donado's point where it's safe to run around there. As somebody who has run from this building all the way to Daiden and back, it sometimes it's not the safest thing in the world to do, particularly in the dark. Um, and I'd hate to see somebody that would usually use the track trying to walk on Riverside and somebody guns it at a crosswalk because they don't want to wait. But something does need to be done about that. And I'm all I'm a big fan of exercise, but it's probably not the spot for it. And just to move your soccer games out front when
099you're showing up in full uniforms. That's clearly an organized league. This is this conversation's been going on since 5 years ago when I was on here. Um I don't know how we can address it. I don't know if we need to talk to the police department and they need a permit, but maybe we need to post the hours out there that the track is available so people see it and we can post if you want to rent this field for your organized soccer league, that's great. This is what the cost is if we if the public's not using it. Um, but it is disappointing to see they're playing soccer games out there. Not only that, it's taking away from our students using the the area if they if a coach decides to call a captain's
100practice on the weekend. So, I mean, what are the kids going to do? Go and tell a group of grown adults to stop playing on our field. So, I don't know the answer. I I completely I I know money's tight, but something does need to be done. So to address that, Officer Roberts did indicate that he was going to have some additional signs created and posted along mostly that parking lot. >> Uh so once it is clearly posted, I believe we already have some sign, but we have a few more. >> Um then we can or someone police department is aware of this, they're going to work with us. they will issue a no trespass if they feel like someone is abusing the the use of our property. Uh but Officer Roberts is on top
101of that. Um and we will work with police department to ensure that uh there is some supervision uh oversight I really say supervision of that um but eyes for those organized activities that people should be able to produce if they have uh rented the facilities. uh they should be able to produce a document showing yes here times that I that we have this uh the the Swansea Summit youth soccer league at this time of the year they uh they have reserved uh the front field and the turf field uh numerous times and u they are paying for the use of those. So that is uh totally legit but these adult leagues they are not uh and you just need to make sure that uh they're doing it properly and not then they really can't because
102as you mentioned it is a significant liability issue if someone happens to have their ACL while they're out there or something I mean where where does that liability fall on the mutual district um which is why when when people rent uh we have record of it we also have to produce evidence of insurance uh for those situations >> here they're here sometime. >> No, I just felt it had to be brought up because I I do think it's disrespectful to the students here and it is what it is. You know, you're a kid and say you do want to have a captain's practice, but you're going to go confront a group of grown adults, you got to look at it from their perspective, too. That's it puts them in a very awkward spot. And over
103the over the years too, uh we have had our custodians go out on a Saturday or Sunday and ask people to leave and um people have not been very respectful to our own employees and gets to the point where our our people are intimidated to even go out there and act because of some of the interactions that have taken place in the past. Uh so that's the other concern >> I can imagine. We've talked about this before. I just want to echo too and I I I've share Mr. Gau's concerns and it's also not frankly it's not fair to the taxpayers this um we have invested a lot of money in the turf uh redoing the turf. We're about to I think vote to invest some more in redoing the track and as you said
104moving from you know so I I hope people are very clear that unless people wouldn't walk into the pack and just say I'm going to jam and have a concert on the stage right they wouldn't walk into the building without an appropriate facility rental process and as much as the committee and through its policy is committed to being good partners with with the community >> that has its limits and the limits are posted times and places for the public. Um and there's a process for as Mr. G correctly pointed out um organizations to go through the appropriate process. Um it's absolutely a liability. It's frankly trespassing also. And we've been talking about this for so long. Um and it's it's frankly just it's not right. First of all, there's safety issues for our students. that's
105always first and foremost during you know that's always primary and then we have a responsibility to be stewards of the entire campus and the campus is not just the interior of the building and I think we've all worked really hard to do that responsibly in a financial way and um so I hope anybody who's listening adult leagues should you are not allowed to you are not permitted to and We will ask the administration and the Somerset police to enforce the fact that that is trespassing and it is not okay. Um, and I we're tired. It's just it can't be it can't continue. It's not safe. It's not responsible. It's not right. It's frankly not legal. So, um, >> it's just disappointing. You like you have to go you go to Swansea, that track's left open.
106They don't seem to have that problem. Maybe it's just where that field is, but they I don't see anybody out there playing football. I wouldn't even think about trying to walk on the field at Gillette Stadium and using their field or Alumni Stadium in Boston College. Just thinking of the two biggest football stadiums around here. I just I think it I think it's a bizarre idea. Like, I'm just going to go use their football field and not expect to be confronted. And then to be disrespectful to our staff is an insult to the entire town, not just the school committee and the administration. It's an insult to every taxpayer. Are these people even town residents? They don't even want to identify themselves. So, and you're right, eventually somebody one day will get hurt and then
107will be liable. So, something does need to be done. I don't have the straight answer, but I do think I'm glad Officer Roberts has collaborated with the police department to do something because it can't continue. It just can't. I I believe Dery's tracks locked up. Yes. >> Um the one at Connley was used to be open, but that one was like a dirt track. >> So >> Todd's locked up. >> Yeah, Tottenham's locked up. Yeah. So it's just disappointing that this has to happen. So I would love to leave that track open and the track last it exceeded its expected life, I believe. Right. >> So the track didn't and the football field also exceeded expect it expected life. We did a good job maintaining it. But with that being said, we can't have organized
108leagues showing up here just taking advantage of us >> and that there's school committee policy around this. And if if folks are not going to follow the rules, then maybe the committee needs to revisit school committee pol. I mean, honestly, we maybe need to reook at our policy. Um, the good neighbors has to go in both directions. So, but we can't have um actions occurring that jeopardize um the campus. >> Not to believe this anymore, but um you know, Mr. Gosh, share with me a story about someone who he had an interaction with like a pro 70 foot pro. >> Yeah. From the Toronto Argonauts. Yeah. >> Who was using the field one day and Mr. Daw asked him um you know, just trying to figure out who he was and this person came out
109from the greater Boston area, right? I believe he was in Everett high. If you know anything about Everett, they're one of the elite football high school programs in the in the state. >> So it came down from Everett to Somerset Berkeley because um it's known that some turf is available as accessible whereas most schools are not. >> So >> but ours was available. So people are coming down from Boston to use our turf >> just to have that experience. >> So to his point, when a professional athlete is moving, it's it's noticeable. you they just stick out. So I was happened to be going by and I see this guy running and cutting. I was like that's not normal. So I walked up to him and I said there's no way you're I mean you
110must be a professional athlete and he said he was and he showed me his gear from the Toronto Argonauts and he was a wide receiver. And I started talking to him. I was like where are you from? Never heard I never heard your name before. And he said he's from and he went to Everett and I was like what brought you down here? and he told me and I was just I was so confused that he actually drove an hour to come down here. Um, but again, Case has their football field open all the time, but it's not turf, so that's why ours is attracting that. So, um, and anybody can use their track. It's just unfortunate we do have the turf and now we have to protect everything. Um, but maybe we do need
111to think about something with those soccer nets out front, too. If they're doing chin-ups on them, we don't want those to get damaged. So, maybe those need to be locked up as well. >> I'm good. >> Thank you. Um, okay. Did we get to the end of the superintendent report? >> I know. Now I'm talking so much. I'm here. >> No, it's okay. Um, okay. I just want to echo how excited I am about the early college application. This isn't something we've been talking about for a while and I am so excited and I know it's a lot of work um and it's and there's still a lot to be done to make it work within all of the constraints of a schedule but I think it is um very exciting for our students. Um
112it's a great way to complement. We started the meeting with um the recognition for advanced placement. Um and this is another way that students can get access to college level courses and um there's a great equity piece here um and an access piece here that's very exciting. So thank you for taking that on um and um making that available to our students. All right, let's move on. Next item on the agenda under financial matters. Uh first item is to discuss the financial audit report for the year ending June 30th 2025. Miss Peller, continuing with the excitement. Um we have four major audits that we go through in a fiscal year. You have your annual audit. Um you have excess of deficiencies by the department of revenue. Um you have your end ofear report that is
113filed with DESIE and it's also an audit of the end of year report and you have your oped or other postemployment benefit valuation. We also had two additional um reviews or audits. We had one for bunch a procurement audit and we have an upcoming fiscal review for IDA. Um we don't want to put all these audits on in one night and I want to get way too excited. So we're going to talk about just the major ones um tonight. So our annual audit, but we are required to have an outside auditing firm perform it and really it's just the fiscal health of the district. There is the full audit report if you choose to read it or um a memo that summarizes um really where we are. Um with revenue and expense, you've seen it
114all the way through the fiscal year. Um really our our major revenue sources coming in are from our assessments or state aid and our expenditures of course uh we're a service organization with instruction. So our major expenditures were geared towards instruction. Um when we're looking at um the core parts of the audit. You're looking at um what is called fund balance in financial statements. It's really how you end the year um with with with cash on hand. Getting down to just the grid in the memo, there are four major um components of the audit. You have your general operational fund in the district that's reported on separately. That is your only unrestricted fund. And then you have three restricted categories. You have your uh circuit breaker which is restricted to special education. You have your
115um restricted capital stabilization which is for specific projects. And then you have your other restricted funds which is your OPEC fund, your grants and all other funds. Uh the real one to focus on is your general fund. that is your restricted fund and that um actually flows into when we talk about excess deficiencies. We ended the year at 1.9 million. To break that down, um we had 1.2 million which is unreserved and 700,000 which is part of the stabilization fund. So the stabilization fund in essence is um a vote by the school committee to move money from your unreserved fund balance and moving it up to uh for a specific purpose. So then it is now in a stabilization fund. It could be for a specific and usually is for a specific capital purchase. Um
116or it could be um a stabilization for another restricted purpose at at the discretion of the school committee. So I don't know if you have any questions on on that piece of it. If you have any specific questions on the full audit report, uh you can reach out to me. There's a lot of fiscal jargon. But it really brings it down to what you have on hand um to restrict to specific purposes like the fiscal year. >> Any questions from the committee? >> No. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um it's okay with the committee. I'd like to actually flip the order of the next two items. I think it makes sense. Um so first um I would um like to take up the track resurfacing bid. So you have the information regarding the bid in
117your folder. Um so the item on the agenda is to consider and act on approval of the track resurfacing bid with funding from um capital stabilization fund. Um, does anyone have questions about >> the bid or where we are? >> How many people bid on it? >> We only received one bid. >> Only one bid. Really? >> Wow. >> But I would say it was the one that we were hoping we would receive. Sen Island is is uh from everything I've heard the superior company that does this work around here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. and kind of in line with what we had anticipated based on >> last year's conversation about >> right when we uh just as a reminder when we went out for the uh the turf project we put in a good
118alternate for the back just to get an idea of what the cost would be and they range from about 250 million to 290 million or so highs I believe. >> So this 258 came in at the of the three or so bids like last year. This came in at the lower end lower than what we were expecting to be. >> Thousand, not million >> million. 258 million uh 258,000 >> thousand. Yes. I don't want people to panic. It's not a $258 million track. >> I I was just taking notes about circuit break there and then right 85 billion. >> Are they giving a warranty on this? >> I'm sorry. >> Is there a warranty? Is there a warranty >> warranty? >> There will be. I I >> That's fine. You can send it to us
119later. >> I always get a little nervous. I remember when I was at UMass Dartmouth playing sports, there was the track was done there and it was rendered unusable for years because it wasn't done properly and so was the football field. So that was my era when I was there. Um but they're they're a reputable company and like you said, they've been around so I'm not concerned. current activist as our project manager. Uh they are also the best around. So I really I feel confident in both who's managing the project on our behalf and who the contractor is. >> Okay, I'm good. >> Clarification. Now they're just going to strip top of the track and reert I am not totally sure because this is a is a latex track. Yep. >> Uh, so the process
120is a little bit different. It was at first we were thinking it was just going to be a spray, but it is I think it's a little bit more involved than that. I don't think they're I don't believe they're stripping anything down. They are just putting another surface on, but how they apply it is a little bit different than some of the other >> surface. I'd assume they're like redoing your floor. You'd have to strip it first and get it level. I just don't know if there was like any divots in that track and that they had to go back and >> there are some uh spider cracking in in areas. Uh so they will have to address some of that before um obviously the surface on >> Yeah. >> When's it going to happen?
121It might be nice to stop in if we could. >> They would mobilize sometime in June. >> Okay. um at least just beginning to deliver some of the equipment and as soon as school is out the the goal is for them to really do the bulk of the work then so that there's ample time for them to finish the work do project close out before our students are returning to fall sports >> how how long will it take >> about a month or so >> okay >> thank you >> anyone else >> okay in that case I would entertain a motion to award the bid for track resurfacing to Cape and Island Tennis and Track in the amount of $258,000 with an additional 6% which is $15,900 for contingencies and $30,100 for activity to Inc.
122for design services and project management for a total of $34,000. >> So second >> motion by Miss Ferrer and seconded by Mr. Maderas. Anything further on discussion hearing? None. All those in favor? >> IO. >> Opposed? So voted. Um and then next um I would um the next item on the agenda is to discuss and act on a transfer of funds from ex excess and deficiency to capital stabilization fund. I would entertain a motion to transfer $34,000 from excess and deficiency to the capital stabilization fund. So move >> second. >> U motion by Miss Ferrer, seconded by Mr. Maderas. Anything on discussion? >> Do we have any projects coming up for the capital stabilization fund? >> That is not at this time. No, this is >> the last big one that's planned and just um
123we have formed a capital >> Mhm. um improvement subcommittee that's just had one or two meetings. >> One we're working on doing an assessment so we can kind of figure out what needs to be done and then in order of report then we'll move from there. >> I I can imagine it's tough to get money in here with the region and everything. So it's great we can transfer but I'm sure there's a projects the building's what 15 years old now so things are going to start creeping up and very good. Okay. Uh, so I have a motion and a second and Okay. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. So voted. Um, next item on the agenda is continued discussion of the 2627 budget. Do we have good news from the Senate today? >>
124We do. I agree. Uh so I shared some information with you uh given the the house details uh that came out I probably two weeks or so uh now and and unfortunately houseways and means uh took the governor's proposal for chapter 7 funding of $75 per student and uh their proposal is $160 per student. Uh the Senate released their budget this afternoon or the Senate Ways and Means released their proposal this afternoon and they are matching the uh House's recommendation of $160 per student. Uh so if that were to happen, we would receive an extra um about $76,000 in chapter 70 funding from our budget is currently released. Uh so the we have the governor's proposal of 66,900. House and senate both suggesting 142, uh $720 for us. As I said, it's that's a delta
125of $75,82. Uh regional transportation, uh the governor originally proposed about 92% reimbursement. Uh the house is also at slightly above but also at that 92% range. The Senate today is recommending a 90% reimbursement. >> Uh >> I'm sorry, did you say 90? >> 90. So slightly less. >> Yeah, slightly less, but still 90% is what was it? >> Yeah. Uh for FY26. This >> Yeah, it was a significant increase. >> It's a lot more than we've gotten in the past. >> In the past, we were getting accustomed to 60 some odd percent uh from year to year. 90% 9092. This is very very favorable for us. Uh school meals reimbursement uh in FY26 it was at 180 million. The Senate today is uh is proposing $180 million for that. The House Ways and Means and
126Governor both proposing 198. So we'll see where that compromise lands, but that is also favorable to continue with universal lunches. uh circuit breaker. Uh the governor and the house were both uh slightly over $800 million. Uh the the Senate today their total uh circuit breaker package is $852.6 million. So increasing by about $50 billion over the House. Uh so that's regardless of where that lands, that's also quite favorable. That's about 20% greater than it is in FY26. more along the Senate lines, it's probably 25% or so higher. So, that's where we are right now with the state. I'm not sure if there's anything else you want to add. >> We have a a Mars webinar sent for Thursday to review the specifics for the regional school districts and we can report it out. We send
127out an email at that point if we have any additional information. >> Any questions? Maybe a sliver of good news. Those phone calls are helping, Bob. >> They'll still come. >> It's nice, but it's been compounded over so many years of the unfair >> reimbursements that it's going to take a long time to make that up. So, but thank you. It's not me. >> Okay, great. Thank you. Next item on the agenda, review student activity account balances. >> This came from a prior discussion about student activity. Um not to go too far down the rabbit hole, but um a few years back Gazsby, which is governmental accounting standard boards, adopted um a new regulation. I think it's 84. And what that really entails is to revamp student activity funds. Um the test is if there
128is uh administrative involvement. So if an advisor oversees a group, it is no longer considered a student activity per se. It becomes a special revenue fund. The money doesn't really change. It's the way we account for it. It would be part of the financial statements. Uh would be accounting for revenue and expense instead of just a lump sum amount. The majority of student activities that any school district has now becomes a special revenue fund. Really the only ones that you would see that would stay true student activities. And and what that means is we have very limited administrative involvement and we're holding the fund in custodial for a group would be your classes and student government. With those they have a governing student board and they on the expenditures and fundraising there they really um
129have their oversight. Everything else becomes a special rep. What that means is we will have several meetings with uh the content coordinators and really um define how we're going to account for it. So it makes more sense uh to the adviserss, but it also makes sense that we report out to the school committee. It'll be part of our special revenue refunds. um clubs that have become inactive. Um usually uh what happens is the money then transfers to a main student activity account or a principal's account under the discretion principal. So we really want to take a look at these um groups that we have. There may be groups that we don't have. Um as we've talked about before, there may be combination of groups in one fund. So we really want to define what those
130student activities are. Um, and the plan is to bring it back to the school committee for a full vote. So, you can see the true student activities we have at the high school, the balances that they're carrying and a better way for us all to account for it. So, this is a preliminary view of what the audited fund balances are, but we plan to bring that back with a more defined um system that we will operate under. that may mean changes to student activity policies to match um the new federal regulations. Massachusetts has also said it's it's recommended that we have an auditing of student activities every three years or so to make sure we're still aligning with federal regulations. >> Thank you. Any questions? Um the next item on the agenda is to consider
131and act on the capital school lunch purchases. So um with with the capital school lunch so federal regulations say that when you're ending with fund there's so many terms in Massachusetts federalist fund balance on a on a municipal side fund balance is called free cash in Massachusetts and in a regional school district it's called excess and deficiencies in school lunch it's still called a fund balance but the federal regulations state that You can only have three months of operating cost of the school lunch program to stay within a fund balance for operating expenditures. Anything that exceeds three months of operating expenditures has to be put back into the program. Um so the balance right now in school lunch uh that we ended with the audited fund balance is $471,000. So, we have to get it
132down to um three months of operating. Now, we don't have to do it all at once, but we do have to present a capital plan to the state to let them know on what we're spending the money on. The money can only be specific to the school lunch program. So Charles has come up with their first option of improving the program and that is a total of $98,000 for things like a new panini machine, uh better signage, um they need new computer systems for the office as well as a double stacked oven. So those are the one the phase one of the capital plan to put back into the program. >> So what was the last thing you said? Madam chair three, sorry. Um was a double stack. >> Um yes, oven. >> Is the
133one we have right now sufficient in there? >> Um I'd have to really double check with Chartwells to see um their specifics on their recommendation with the oven. They say that the new oven provides us with the ability to cook several different kinds of products to specifications while at the same time with the ability to eliminate carrying heavy pots and pot liquid reducing the safety issues and giving them multitasking and be more efficient. >> My question would be if it's something that could be recycled through one of the other districts rather than or if it's going to be traded in. >> It's it would be because it would be going district to district. We just have to get permission from the state to surplus the items because you're >> theoretically surplusing it to another district.
134>> Yeah. I just I would hate to see anything go to waste. >> No, I don't think there there is a lot of restrictions about federal funds being used for any equipment. So there is a whole uh regulation on if you want to surplus it is and and the goal is to really reuse it. most um districts when they surplus property put it on a government website to surplus it to you know neighboring communities. So I don't see that to be a problem at all. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments from >> how long do you have to spend the money? >> You can phase it in over several different years. You just have to present a plan and how you're going to utilize the money. Nobody says you want to
135use it all at month at once. Um, I've seen a three to five year plan. Um, the more you end with, it also has to be incorporated into that overall capital plan. What it does, it fits in nicely with the capital subcommittee because this will be one component we will be bringing forward. We had briefly discussed that and now you'll see it, you know, they're establishing a long-term plan with the fund. So that'll be a nice complement to the overall capital improvements in the u in the school. >> So do we have to spend any of this money tonight if we don't choose to or >> you you don't have no you do not have to. If you choose not to um approve any of these purchases we would work with chart walls rework the
136planning bring back additional options. >> I mean to Mr. Pastor Max point the um computer system the PO what is it a point of point of sales operating system >> I think it's it's it's really computers for the office >> but they are contracted vendor and we're going to pay for the computers I mean maybe I just don't understand but just I've been on both sides of that over the years >> they're our contracted vendor but any purchase we have with school lunch funds are property of the school district anything it's Charles is just a vendor that operates our our program, but they do not own any of the equipment. It's all school department property, >> I guess. Yeah, I guess I just don't understand the computer system they're buying. So, >> this doesn't have
137to be approved tonight. If you like, we I have a meeting with them this week. We can come back with a a more robust plan. I I would like a little more information on the point on the point of sale system and I'm just speaking for myself, but I just like to know what we're buying. That's all. >> Madam Chair, through you question. How much is the entire cost of all this? Can we have a breakdown for its >> It's in your It is in your folder. It's um capital spending. So if you look the balance is four $471,531 in this these tier one sort of proposals the option altogether is 98,420 and 555. So less than a quarter of the fund balance is would is what's being proposed tonight. So I I read this
138as um computer for the manager office. I want smoothies and paninis. This sounds really good. My kids would be very excited. Too bad they're graduating. Um, um, I'm comfortable with the recommendation from Chartwells because it's it's it's a less than 25. My math isn't great off the top of my head, but I don't know about 20% of the balance. Um and um I can see some of these things would I think our students would probably like some of those options. I we've had um I don't know I feel like Chartwell's um >> presentations in terms of uh trying to provide our students with really high quality >> um food and lots of choice is um I don't know I feel like they've established that. So considering if it were the whole amount I would be
139a lot more concerned but given that it's about 20% and it needs to get spent I'm comfortable with that proposal but it's wishes of the committee. So now um in order of importance. So is this saying that these six items here are like all number one priorities or is this order and important each in everyone? Like is the rational oven more important than the Envario tilt skillet for example? >> I think their their plan was what >> are these all number one important? it's what they can phase in. Now, um I think the plan is to get the smaller items that they can do within this fiscal year and going into this the summer and then really um looking at a larger capital plan or any larger purchases. Um you're restricted on on really what
140you can use. There's a whole listing of what you can order without um Desi's approval. Anything, these are those small items that are on the list that they can approve. Anything higher or larger would require DESI's approval to make sure that it's consistent with the federal regulations and goes back into the program. Again, all purchases um can only be um school lunch specific. They can't be anything with the school. The way you look at it is if school lunch ceases to exist, what's what goes away with school lunch is what's considered school lunch specific expenditures. You can't do anything to the infrastructure because that's school department capital. So you really are restricted on on really what you can do with these funds. So, I guess my concern is like, you know, maybe there are some
141really big ticket items coming down the road and do we need to spend all of this money right now? Um, and if I'm looking at an order of importance going down, I'm looking at this tilt skillet that's about a little over a third, a little less than a third of the money. And maybe that's not important right now. or maybe we can get that, you know, in the upcoming year. So, I mean, I would almost want to maybe approve everything on here with the exception of that skillet, >> unless for some reason they would need that in conjunction with some of the other like do they need that in conjunction with the panini machines or the rational ovens or they stand alone because if it and again I don't know you know what they use
142in the kitchen. But um I feel if we can spend the other 67,000 right now and hold off on that tilt skillet, I think I'd be more comfortable with that without knowing what we have down the road. I mean, if we're going to have a capital subcommittee that's going to be planning and assessing things, maybe we want to keep some of this money in reserve, you know, in case this plan identifies some things in the kitchen that need to be seriously upgraded. >> Do you want to make that in the form of a motion, Mr. Pastor? >> Oh, yeah, I would. I I would like to to move to um adopt this option plan with the exception of the enviral tilt skillet in the amount of approximately $67,000 or $66,997 and it looks like 47
143>> to just doing the math. I think my calculator open. >> I think I got it. >> You got it. 47 cents. Uh, so moved. >> So we have a motion by Mr. Pastac seconded. >> Um, you made the motion. So is that a second, Mr. Goff? >> Second. Y >> to approve the um capital's Ben plan. I just want to reiterate the number for folks. in the amount of $66,99747 which includes all the proposed items with the exception of the invario tilt ski. We have a motion in a second. Is there anything further on discussion? >> I'm not going to hold it up over the small number for the computers. That's it's insignificant on there. Do the prices include installation? Do we know that? >> Um I do I do not know that. I
144can reach out to Chwells get more specifics. I would think it would. Um, but I can I can clarify that. >> Again, if we can bring back any additional information at the next meeting and have a subsequent vote. >> Okay, good question. All right, so we have a motion second. Um, so on vote all those in favor >> I >> opposed. So voted and yeah I think moving forward it makes all kinds of sense for Chartwells to maybe meet with the capital >> I think that's >> subcommittee go from there great thank you okay the next item on the agenda other matters under other matters andformational we have Berkeley and Somerset updates Um, Miss Solomon is not here because she is attending or helping to run a public forum on Berkeley override. Um, so all
145I know is it's the hot topic in Berkeley. Um, everyone's being entirely civilized about it. Um, not contentious at all. Um, the, uh, vote um, for the override, I just want to make sure I get my facts straight. um is this Saturday, May 9th, from 10 to 6, the Berkeley Middle School, and depending on the results of that, we will have further discussion. Um that's all I know for Berkeley. Um Somerset K to8, anything relevant to the high school? Any an update on? >> I don't know. I only been to one meeting. >> It's okay. It's okay if it's not. That's a no. >> They just had a play at the middle school, Beauty and the Beast. It went quite well. Well, I went to it three times. Um, the new lighting at the middle
146school was phenomenal. >> Sorry, I just happened to know that. Um, I just figured I'd make a point because the kids did do a phenomenal job. If anybody had a chance to see it, >> it was an excellent play. That's it. That's all I got at least. >> Um, great. Thank you. Um, next item on the agenda, topics not anticipated by the chair. I have none. Um, next item on the agenda, action items for future meetings. Anything in addition to what we have discussed this evening? >> Did have one and I've spoken to Mr. Skunover about it and actually Mr. Maderas on election day about the innovation career pathways program and and I know Dr. Bzford's kind of touched on this a bit, but Mr. Skoonover did mention some grants that might be out there
147to maybe help with bringing in some diff different trades, different things to the high school. So, I know it wouldn't be a complete covering of it, but I think it's a creative way to try to add some different things for the students, particularly those who didn't get into the trade schools this year. I know there was quite a few disappointed parents because I got the phone calls and I think what was it? 37 got in and 88 applied. Is my math right on that? >> Uh 36 get are accepted each year to D. >> And there was 88 that applied. >> Yeah. Well, that's a typical number. and some of the work Miss Mrs. Miss Littlefield was doing earlier. We the healthcare industry is struggling to find workers and that's awesome that everything she's doing,
148but anything else we can do to offer jobs that might be AI safe is greatly appreciated by our students coming in. And I know Mr. Maderas. I was very happy to see he got appointed because he's got quite a bit of experience from the trade schools and I'm sure he's he can give us a few pointers with applying for grants from his time at Turfy. I guess now you bet. >> Yes. >> Right. Thank you. Um the only I'll just for umformational purposes for the committee I think I shared with you um at our next meeting we will reorganize and we will have a full um um representation of the new committee. Um prior to that I shared with you the um descriptions of the subcommittees and um we'll share in the past we've put
149out a Google form that sort of you can indicate sort of your interest for subcommittees. So, we'll do that prior to the next meeting so that when we do meet, you'll we'll have So, if you can respond to that prior to the next meeting, just as a heads up, so we can make sure our subcommittees are established and uh staffed. I think that's all I have. Not that I can think of. >> Okay, great. All right. All right. Next item on the agenda is to consider approval of the open session minutes of April 7th, 2026. I'll do that in the form of a motion to approve the open session minutes of April 7th, 2026 as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Miss Herrera, seconded by Mr. Passernack. Anything on discussion hearing? None.
150All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. So voted. Next, um I would entertain a motion to approve the executive session minutes of April 7th, 2026 as presented and to release them with the indicated redactions. So move motion by Miss Fer. Do I have a second? >> Seconded by Mr. Pastnack. Anything on discussion hearing? None. All those in favor? I >> I will abstain because I I did attend that meeting the 7th, but I executive session I wasn't welcome. >> Okay. One, two, one, two, three, four in favor, one abension. Good. All right. And um next, I would entertain a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to Massachusetts general laws, chapter 38, section 21 A3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect
151on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. And the chair so declares American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Administrative Assistance, and Custodians. And please note that the committee will not return to open session. Do I have a motion? So move. >> Motion by Miss Ferrer, seconded by Mr. Pastnack. On roll call, we'll take a vote. Mr. Pastnack, >> yes. >> Miss Ferrer, I. >> Mr. Gong, I. >> Mr. Maderas, hi. And the chair votes I. Thank you everyone.