001Um, I'll call to order this meeting of the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee at 6:01 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 unpreceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. Do a roll call of members present. Miss Ferrer >> present. >> Miss Ashley >> present. Miss Corville >> present. >> Mr. Pastnac >> present. >> Miss Solomon >> present. Um also with us this evening our superintendent of schools Dr. Jeffrey Skoonover, our chief financial officer, Raphael Pelerin, our director of curriculum, our director of special education, Meg Ashton, and our recording secretary, Robin Vicar.
002>> Do you need to open? >> Yep. >> Thank you. Um, I'm going to call the meeting of the Somerset School Committee to order at 6:02. Due notice have been posted. Um pursuant to the open of the meeting law person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit this meeting meeting to any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recording of transmissions may be made whether proceed or unproceived. And as you can see the meeting is being recorded and um and are acknowledged and deemed permissible. Uh roll call. Um Mr. G present. >> Miss Ashley >> present. Miss Cork >> present. >> Mr. Ventura >> present >> and the chair Victor Mashado is present at this time. And Miss Andrews already acknowledge the administration. At this time, if you
003could all please rise for the speech 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. I'll just note that the next regular scheduled meeting of the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. here in the Somerset Berkeley Regional High School Library. >> Okay. Um, today is a bittersweet day for all of us. Our first item is a citation for Mr. Aguia who's retiring after 57 years of service. At the meeting of the Somerset School Committee and the Somerset Berkeley Regional School Committee on November 18, 2025, a citation was prepared, signed by the members of the committees, and voted inscribed in the permanent records in recognition of an
004extraordinary 57 years of dedicated service to the students and families of our community. with proudly. We proudly honor William Anya for his unparalleled commitment to education and public service. Throughout his distinguished career, Bill has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, a director of the Somerset Berkeley uh community school, summer school, and kids summer learning program. shaping countless lives with a steady leadership, compassion, unwavering belief in the potential of every student. A true community leader, Bill has also devoted many years to the town of Somerset as its recreation director, enriching the lives of residents [clears throat] of all ages through programs and fostering connections, wellness, and community pride. A lifelong resident of Somerset, [clears throat] Bill loves his hometown, has every ev has been evident in every role that he's embraced. His tireless uh advocacy for
005students, his deep sense of uh responsibility to the community and his steadfast commitment to public service stands as a model for all who follow. We are profound with profound appreciation. We extend our gratitude William Agia for the years of ex exemplary service and everlasting uh everlasting legacy he leaves in the districts of the town of Somerset. We wish him every joy, fulfillment and with welld deserved retirement. As you can see, uh, this is a very, this was difficult to read because I remember in no, uh, May of I think it was May 13th, 2006, I was at WOW gym and I had just been elected and the one of the first people in the community that came out to say, "Hey, I want to teach you the school committee budget." That was Mr. yard in
006Egypt. And he was explaining things to watch as a long cuz he was always cared a about the students as we just read, but also the taxpayers. Um I consider Bill a friend. Um I'm always amazed how Bill is actually the definition of no child left behind. No matter if you're unable to make it to graduation for his evening students because the student has to work. Well, I would hate to be that person, that student's employer on the other line because he was calling them. That student needs to be here for graduation. Um, if you didn't show up to class, you're going to get a phone call from him. Um he really cares about all the children that went through those hallways. Um and it doesn't even stop there. It's, you know, when you walk
007outside during the spring, you see tulips in the um outside in the front. Uh I could go on and on about Mr. Aguia, but uh I know other people will have things to say. Um, so it it is very bittersweet for us today to say goodbye in his capacity as the an employee, but he will still be around for many years to come. So, uh, with that, I will yield to the other chair. >> Um, thank you, Mr. Mado. Um, I have not known Mr. you're as long as some of the people here, but I have to say one of the first impressions I ever had of him was attending the um evening school graduation. And I was um always so impressed at how well he knew his students. Um it is the most individualized
008personal graduation that I've ever had the pleasure of attending. Um and how obviously deeply he cares for those students. Um, and after I went to the first one, I couldn't miss one after that because it was it might have been a small ceremony, but I think it was one of the most impactful and that is a tribute to the work that you have done for all these many years with all of these students. So, we are so fortunate to have had you um here to really to serve our kids and our families and we hope that you have an amazing retirement, but I have a feeling we'll be seeing you around. So, um, I don't know if anyone else wants to say a few words. I know we have we have presents for you and
009I and I suspect there might be some other folks who want to offer congratulations as well. So, well, I I'll jump in if that's okay. So, Mr. Aguar, you were guidance counselor at the old Somerset High School when Jen Roers was a student there. And um, you know what's interesting? I I don't necessarily even remember who my guidance counselor was, but I remember you. So, you're the one who had an impact on me, a long lasting impact, and I think that speaks volumes. Um, I think thinking about 57 years, all the generations of families um who you've supported through this school district is amazing. Um, and we're very fortunate to have you and um for as many years as we did. and you'll be sorely missed. You're a legend here, so I'm not sure uh
010what it's going to be like without you, but um somehow we'll have to get through it. But thank you for everything. >> Why don't you come on down and get your flowers? >> May I say too? Um so I would say about 10 or so years ago, uh I approached Mr. Mr. Jaguar about a a summer program. Person Community College had a had a pretty successful program at the time where a lot of our younger students would go there in the summer. Uh we we were sending high school kids uh to Stone Hill for their project in temporary competitiveness program. Um and I asked Mr. Aguar just had a conversation like what do you think? Can we do this? And he said we'll do it and we'll do it better than anyone else. And and
011that was really it. and I just had a from a simple conversation um he just took the ball and ran with it and created this very successful summer program uh which gets several hundred kids every summer. Mr. >> Yes. >> Um and that's that's just one thing but you know from what Mr. Rasho said what what you said. Um we hear it every year at graduation. He just wants his philosophy and he's told me before just take a student from here and get them here. Just move them forward. And he's relentless with getting kids moving forward and and ultimately getting that diploma in their hands. I I don't know how many year how many kids over the years in adults that he's actually been able to get that high school football which if it wasn't
012for him and his program that he created that wouldn't have happened. Um and then just just to remark on 57 years I would say Mr. Agar when you probably started teaching 28 years was probably around the the amount of time that someone could put in to get their full retirement right. I think 28 is probably the magic number. He's done that twice. >> Um it's just it's unimaginable for someone to work 57 years in this business, which it's it takes a lot of commitment, takes a lot of energy and passion. So for all of the kids who have benefited from knowing Mr. Agar over the years, I just want to express my sincere and deep thanks to you. You have to say if you thank you so much. [bell] >> Well, I'm going to call
013on Mr. Skuno. There's a reason why we give a bell. is because being an educator, >> I always I always say uh educators we live our lives by belts, right? They tell us everything about where to go, when to be there, and so on. So, um in retirement, may that be the only bell that's left, my wife will make good use of that. [laughter] Yeah. Thank you so much. U George want to take a picture maybe all the school committee members if you all want to join. >> So um the bell says it all. William Bill Aya 57 years shaping futures futures teachers leader friend Somerset and some birthday [bell] All right. So, now we're gonna >> Oh. Oh, wait a minute. >> Just listen. Grab that box and take a photo. >> I want
014to thank everyone for your kind words. Um, but I also want you to know that the continued success and growth of the community school programs is not because of any one individual. Over the years, there have been so many people in so many different roles that have contributed to the success of these programs. In addition, [clears throat] I want to say that often times the smooth operation of a school and when the programs at night depend upon the people who do the most humblest of jobs. That would be the custodians in this building both day and night both past and present. And the people who've done the menial jobs in my office over the years without their help and success none of this would have been possible. I've also had the honor and the privilege
015of working with many good teachers over the years and I've had the privilege of hiring many good teachers over the years. But whenever I had an opening and I was looking for a new teacher, I always had the model of a teacher in mind. Not a good teacher but an outstanding teacher. This teacher was the most dedicated, the most hardworking, and the most student oriented teacher I ever met. She was often referred to as a gifted teacher. And I personally saw the effort she put in to become a gifted teacher, and she certainly was. But over the last 50 plus years, her most difficult job has been married to me. And that would be my wife Baba Bolino who taught French in this system for 35 years. She was truly the reason behind all this
016success because without her support and devotion and many sacrifices none of this would have happened. I also want to thank the school committee members, both past and present, for their continued support of all these programs. And I also want to make a special thank you to our superintendent, Mr. Jeffrey Skoonover, for his continued support and undying relief in what we were trying to accomplish. and all the other people and all these students which I didn't expect. They supposed to be a class with all standing on [laughter] and I didn't expect any of this and I certainly appreciate this and all my staff present past. There were just so many good people who contribute to this and I'm sure they will continue on doing a good job with our superintendent's guidance. Again, thank you so much
017Heat. [applause] HEAT. [applause] I'm going to table the rest of the agenda. [laughter] Um on behalf of the region, I would entertain a motion to um adopt the citation for Mr. the IBR as prepared. >> Second motion by Miss Fer, seconded by Miss Ashley. All anything on discussion hearing none. All those in favor? I >> oppose. So voted. >> On behalf of the Somerset School Committee, I make a motion. I'll entertain a motion to adopt the citation that we prepared for tonight's meeting and recorded in our permanent records. Second. >> We have a motion made by Mr. G, second by Miss. Ashley. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Uh the next item on the agenda is public input. Do we have any public input at this time? >> Yes. All right. Next
018item on the agenda on new business is the recognition of Jason Morenzi as food services manager for 10 years. >> Is Jason here? Jason >> going to miss you. >> I hope you get a shorter ride. >> Yes, I do. Uh 38 minutes of an hour 15. So >> congratulations. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Nice work. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Thank you, guys. >> Well, Jason, um I remember when you first came in here, you know, 10 years ago and um one of the things that you and your team, um Aaron actually, she's here as well. um you were determined to improve our uh cafeteria food, the program as a whole, our capital, um our staff, um education, professional development, and all of that. And I in 10 years,
019I've seen what I thought was a program that was in danger to the program that uh it is today. Um, and what I do like and all the things that I've seen is how student focused you were. You grabbed that mentality of our leadership, how it's all about students, how you would survey, how you bring fun items into the to the cafeteria and how you um actually advocated for students to actually give them their their input. So, uh, I think it's a great loss, uh, for our district to have you moved to Norwood. >> Norwood. Uh, I think it's a great game for them. Um, I do remember speaking, uh, to Erin about you leaving and, uh, and she shared her, uh, thoughts about you as well. And I just want you to know I'm
020excited about your new role. I think you're going to excel in it. Uh, but I, it's again, it's another bit of sweet day for us. uh because knowing that you're leaving uh but I believe you set a foundation that the next uh director will be able to take it forward. So you left us in a much better place than when we were and that's always what we can ask of you or anyone else. So uh to that I say kudos and uh many years of uh luck in the world. So, any other >> I just I just wanted to share um that um a little anecdote. Um my son came home one day and he said he decided he liked Alfredo sauce. [laughter] I've been trying to like Alfredo sauce for a long time. I
021love Alfred. And all of a sudden, he liked it and I said, "What?" He goes, "You know, we had it at school and it was so great." I'm like, "Awesome. This is wonderful." I go, "Well, I'm going to make some Alfredo sauce." And um I made like from scratch I you know worked and I served it and he just sort of was like [laughter] and I'm like what's the matter? He's like honestly mom it's not as good as school. [laughter] And um like okay fair enough. So um I don't know what is in the Alfredo sauce but if I get the recipe that would be great in Andrew's house. [laughter] His mind did not compare. But in all seriousness, I think one of the um things that was great to see is that um the
022way folks rallied um in food service, especially around COVID, and then how we went from, you know, um everyone gets free lunch. And I think what's so amazing to me is how many kids um enjoy school lunch now and not just because it's free um but because it's delicious and it's fun and they get to explore different um cultures. And you know when you present to us at school committee I think we hear from our kids that that's actually true and that's really how it is and um that's really great because you know it's an important part of their day and um we just really appreciate um all the work you do even though my cooking shape that's okay. [laughter] >> So thank you for for everything you've done for your team. I mean really
023it's just um with what you said Mr. Rashado uh 10 11 years ago um came into a food service program that was struggling and really it it doesn't even look anything doesn't resemble anything that we had back then. Uh what you've done has just been absolutely incredible. Um, it's not just uh the quality of the food and and you know trying to get kids more involved, but then the the staff that you also built and and knowing that we have someone here who's stepping up into the assistant director role from within one of your uh someone you hired and mentored along the way. Um it's just you know can't say enough about the positive impact you've had on the entire service program for someone um I think all your staff's going to miss you greatly
024because I know every year when your contract would come up I don't think I would ever see as many emails on support renewal that we would get for you and um I think it's just a testament that how how much they appreciated working for you and they appate appreciate the way you treated them. So, um we are going to miss you for sure. Um but I looking at the names that you're [cough and clears throat] placing, um I think they're going to do a great job, too. >> Well, I just want to say thank you. Uh you know, none of that would have been even possible like you know, like Mr. Yagar said and a legend by the way. I that's a lot of years and you know, um but it wouldn't be possible without
025the support, right? We have Um, you know, people, Mr. Skunov has been here since the beginning, Robin's been here from the beginning, Michelle's been the beginning, Liz has been here from the beginning, you know, Dorino Gar's been there from the beginning, and um, you know, our middle school Carrie Martell is stepping up to the assistant manager um, long time in uh, with us. So, it's all been possible because of the people around me. I'm I'm just lucky that we all came together at the same time 11 years ago where we had a team and we saw we can be better here, right? And we worked every day for it and we walked in every day and we took it day by day, operation by operation. And our goal was to and my goal was to
026the first day I walked in here to leave the place better than I found it. Like you said, um you know, we we took a really strategic look at business. Uh Lindsay Alresz um the one I had my first interview with you know uh she brought me in. Ron Tero molded me a different person. I know I'm leaving just like the business is in a better place. I'm leaving a better person because of this community. Um I really got to comm um to develop a lot of relationships and I'll never forget it. Um you know my kids have seen photos without me. they grew up with me working here and it's just been an unbelievable experience and you know I'll always be proud of the time I've had in Somerset and Somerset B Regional High
027School. So it's all you guys all the support that I had to make me do what we did here and like I said Dorino Gara Christine Mascarelli all the the workers that I've got to work with have been unbelievable even the ones that have retired. Um it's funny you said something about someone that I hired. We had a a little meeting when I left on my last day to introduce Carl and Carrie and we were talking and I go I looked at the room and I'm like I've hired everybody in here. I'm like everybody in this room I've actually brought in except for one uh Dorian O'Gara which is 32 years. So I couldn't top that. She's been here for a while. So I just want to say thank you for your support as the
028boards um that really gave us the opportunity to do what we want. Share our vision. Never said no. Said go for it. Make it better. Be better. So, you know, the school committees have always been um had our back and even, you know, Mr. Pierce was first time I went to a meeting or a meeting in the building, I saw him and he asked me about homemade baked muffins, you know. So, even he pushed me hard back then. So, um I just want to thank you guys and this place will always have a special place in my heart and um I wouldn't be the person I am today without this place. So, thank you. WOULD [applause] [applause] it make sense, Jason? Maybe you can't leave just yet. Would it make sense for you to help
029us with the next item on the agenda? So, um, just the next item on the agenda is to introduce um the new Chartwell Food Service Manager, Carl Peterson, and the assistant food service manager, Ken Mara. Come on down and say hello. And if you want to come down, too. >> So, this is uh Mr. Carl Peterson. He'll be taking over the director's role. Uh I always What was I introducing you as? The bigger and better me. [laughter] He's going to come in. I have no doubt that he's going to keep the ship going uh going to new life. Mrs. Carrie Martell, um I've got the privilege of working with you for 9 years. Um she came in as a part-time worker. Uh worked her way up to manager. Um really has crushed her role. Um
030very excited for her development wish. And the steadfast miss Aaron Long who is uh probably the most important person in my career. um she is not going anywhere and she'll uh make sure that uh these two stay in line for you guys. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you for all you do for our kids. >> And just one thing um as we always said to Jason um throughout the years you may see many things happening in here. Obviously one you provide more food in this school than any other restaurant does. you can provide more dishes than any other restaurant will serve in any other capacity. Uh but we're here to help you, guide you. If there's anything that you need, uh please let Aaron know, please let uh Mr.
031Spoon know. And u we're here to be sure. And once again, we our goal to you is when you leave here that you've made this a better place uh the way you're finding. It's going to be difficult with Jason, but uh but I think uh you are you know I know um the process was uh long and uh inde you know oriented student focus and uh so we love that and um congratulations and we look forward to working with you. >> Thank you so much. [applause] All right. Our next item is um pursuant to the Massachusetts uh general laws chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy in respect to collective bargaining or litigation. uh if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining um or litigation position of the public body and
032the chair so declares um American Federation state, county and municipal workers ask me administrative assistants and custodians and also the teachers assoc uh somerset teachers association. Um, we will not uh the Somerset K8 will not be uh returning to open session. So with that, I'll entertain that motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion made by Ms. Ashley, second by Mr. Gore. It was Mr. Gore, right? >> Okay. Um uh by roll call. Um Miss Ashley >> I. >> Um Mr. Ventura, >> hi. Miss Corville >> I. >> Mr. Gore. >> Hi. And the chair votes eye. >> Um I would entertain a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to Massachusetts general laws chapter 38 section 213 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting
033may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigate litigation position of the public body. And the chair so declares, "American Federation estate, county, and municipal employees, ask me administrative assistants and custodians and the Somerset Teachers Association and the Regional School Committee will return to open session." Thank you so much. >> Second motion by Miss Ferrer and second by Miss Ashley on roll call. Uh Miss Ferrer, >> hi. Miss Ashley, I miss Corville. Hi, >> Mr. Pastnet. Hi, >> Miss Solomon. Hi, and the chair both.