001Let's call this meeting of the Bon Boon Regional School Committee to order. Uh Al and Aaron, you have an update on the budget for us. >> Sure. I'm going to just give a a brief overview and then I'll let Aaron go through the really quick um slide presentation we put together. Um we we we heard the direction from school committee when we left. I know we voted the number, but to make some adjustments if possible um to a number of those positions. We met the very next day u as an admin team at Bolston Elementary. spent um again a couple hours at least um going through this um what we decided as a group um with Rob and John and um all of our principles directors that we're going to then take re eliminate the
002ELA coaching position at Bolston Elementary. Taking that position out gives us an opportunity to give a little more and I know you have this in front of you, a little bit more money and we felt like we wanted to sprinkle it around a little. The biggest thing that Rob wanted was the tutors. So, we're able to bring back those tutors. It was like 1.6 or 1.8. Now, it'll be two full-time tutors. Teachers believe that. Rob felt that that was the most important. On top of that, we're able to bring back an additional parah um in kindergarten. So, now there'll be three kindergarten classes at Boston Elementary and only two paras still in opening there for a par. Um and then we also took the adjustment council position at a 0.5 that it was at. Uh
003we moved it to a 0.7 which is three and a half days. Um and then the other piece of that is we left the nurse alone. Um every principal and director felt like we we wanted that float nurse, that full-time nurse to be there. Um we we heard what people said. They felt that was important and that's how they really felt about that. With that being said, the with the ELA coach being taken out, that gives a a surplus, a lack of a better word, additional funding to Burlin Memorial. Um, as you know, John Campbell was adamant about an ELA coach. Um, we've written up a job description for an ELA coach um for a halftime, part-time um for using the funding that that Berlin has received. We have that job posting ready to go.
004I want to get out there sooner than later, but I'm going to wait for you guys to vote today. Um, and if that vote goes through, then we're ready to post that job. The only other thing um I want you to know is we have a meeting right after this um to talk to our tutors to make sure that they know they're back full-time. Um we want to also talk to our kindergarten parah and let them know um and if we agree on the the the um adjustment council at three and a half days. Um, the only thing I also want to say about the adjustment counseling because I know that was a lot of conversation that happened. I I just want people to know she's not the only one that is providing services to
005our kids at Wolston Elementary. So, we have a school psychologist that is there as a full 1.0 FTE. We also have a BCBA that's there. She's there five days a week. Um, I know some of you know what a BCBA is, but they're helping out not only step classrooms, but they're also step classrooms, I'm sorry, the bridge classrooms, but they're also helping out other kids if if need to be as well, too. Plus, we have a a special coordinator who has training as well too. She's there, although she runs meetings a lot of the times, she's there to help disregulated kids if that should happen. And we also have an adjustment counselor that will now be three and a half days. So I know we heard a lot about a lot of the students and
006pro providing support which the adjustment council certainly does um especially there but we I want you to know we have those other positions there that are are there also and have that training to help out um our kids if there's needs as well too. At that point I'm just going to turn over to Aaron so he's got the the the slide presentation that validates that as well too. Um, Al really just covered everything, so I don't have that much to say. Um, so very quickly, we have no recommended changes at Berlin Memorial School. Um, you know, everything's over to Berlin. Um, Boilston Elementary. Uh, this keeps us netneutral to the budget. It keeps us at Boilston's number. Um, I've sent assessments letter letters over. they don't they don't have anything to do with the actual
007line item budget. So this is not pertinent to them per se. Um so there's nothing more to be done there. Uh Tanto is not requesting any changes. Um and then this would be if this is you know what what we want to do today. This would be just the motion. Um, you know, I think what we should have is is the school committee voting to make these adjustments. You do control sort of the line item budget. So, um, that would give us the confidence that we can bring to these staff that this is what we're doing. Um, and we're we're able to bring these positions back. So, as Al mentioned, without this um it gives us more confident be able to speak with that math tutor right now and speak with the adjustment counselor that
008they're their time is increased. Um so, that's really all of the slides. I think we Oh, I didn't even have a thank you slide. So, >> um I can pull that back up. >> What the thank you slide? >> Well, no, the motion if they want it. >> Okay. So, this was really I think Megan's having a little trouble with her her her computer. Um, we got a text from her saying that. Um, this is really what we left on Wednesday afternoon really feeling good about. Um, not really good about, but feeling like this was equitable. We sprinkled it around everybody. um you know a little bit of the addition to the tutors, the paris the adjustment counselors and I'm sure you're getting as many emails for the adjustment counselor as I know I'm getting
009for kindergarten paris. I mean I I think this is sort of sprinkling the the little bit of additional funding of getting rid of the ELA coach at at Bolston Elementary. We figure that's the best use of that that funding. >> All right, thanks Al. Uh, does anyone have any questions for Al or Aaron or want to talk about anything? >> I was just wondering, do we have three pairs at Bees now in kindergarten or is this with adding this one? We have two. >> We have two in kindergarten right now. This will add this will add the second one there. >> Add the second. Okay. >> Yep. >> Well, there's three currently this year, so it's maintaining two of the three. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> And then BMS has one for their two classes.
010Correct. Yep. And had that this year as well, too. And that will be the same for next year as well. >> So, we're down a parrot in in both rooms. Very common in some school districts, right? But those are also kindergart, right? These kids are learning foundations. They're learning phonic sounds. I mean, there there's centers going on. It's not just colors and and things like that anymore. We're hoping by the time that kids are leaving kindergarten, they're learning how to read. Um so we we you know >> does anybody else have a question? >> Um yeah I know we are also um eliminating band at bees and there was rumor of creative solutions to still maintain it somehow after before school. >> Sure. So, we we're talking to the band teacher and if this is
011something she's interested in doing, we would welcome that opportunity to have private lessons that parents would pay for before school or after school. That can line up really nicely with before school programs and after school programs. Could line up really nicely honestly with our band teacher as well too, right? She could have some private stuff taking place during the before and after school. Work at Berlin during the day. might be a a nice little opportunity for her as well too, but we won't get involved with that. The one thing that we would do though is we have the right to wave uses of our building and stuff. Um that would just certainly be something we'd look at. So it wouldn't cost her money to um using the facility. So hopefully then, and I'm speaking way
012out of line here, that she can keep the prices relatively lower for our families that want to take private lessons so it wouldn't have to occur at the cost of renting a spot. I appreciate that creativity. >> Yeah, but I have not had specific deal details with her about any of that. Just know that right now. >> Just general conversation with her about that. >> Thank you all for taking the time to re-evaluate and try to >> sprinkle things around. I appreciate the time and the effort and the discussion went into that. >> And and the thing we're doing with the band very common, right? Uh my years as a veterinarian, that's what it was, right? before, after, if kids are really, really interested in it, they're going to do that and they'll get even
013more concentrated lessons as well, too. >> I have a question. Um, so, first off, Aaron, I really appreciate the time that you took to to listen to what we said and um I think this looks really good. My only concern is that the adjustment counselor is still 7 and it sounds like based on, you know, what we've heard that her load is is a 1.0 load. So, how are we going to juggle that load if there's kids that have needs and we only have somebody there that's 7. That's currently we're we're taking away like a mental health service. I'm just worried about these kids that are regularly seeing this person. What's the plan for that? And is there any are we able to use school choice funds or is there any other creative way that
014we can to give her a little bit more I don't know >> to float it for a year maybe until we try for the override. >> I I so so I mean I I I can't speak directly to the services Al mentioned. We do have a number of other people ranging from a BCBA to a civil psychologist to um uh a special education coordinator who are available to help uh in times of need. Uh you know it it's you know we would love to have this back. I mean this isn't a a a want to get rid of. It's a I a have to figure out what you know you know I think when we're talking about kindergarten paraprofessionals those are somewhat preventative. So they're going to prevent students from ending up in the adjustment
015counselor's office later in life. So you know we have to make that balance. Um you know the idea of of using anything else um you know we would probably I would have to probably reook at at the budget. um anything we do in choice uh would need to be equitable among the two towns, right? So we have that regional agreement dilemma. Um and so you know certainly we could but it would cost more than just the amount um to fund it at bees and then we would have to apply a a comparable amount of choice to uh Berlin, right? Um, so you know, we're having this conversation, especially in a public meeting, I want to make sure we acknowledge that for the folks who might be on at Berlin watching, Berlin watching. So, if we
016make that decision, there's going to be ramifications. Um, I don't think we can do that here and now. We would have to do that in a in some sort of future meeting. >> So, I guess I guess sorry, just I just wanted to continue on. So, like we go with this now and then maybe over the summer cuz I I think I remember and please correct me if I'm wrong, Aaron or Mike. I think I remember um maybe it was two years ago uh that you we can't increase the assessment anymore, but we could still increase the budget if we're using our school choice funds. I don't Is that true that we could like we could say all right >> yeah it is Megan it is we could do that right like we could at
017any point during the year we could vote like hey we have a need we've got some savings we could apply it in in a certain way whatever way we want it right we could do that I guess the question what Aaron's saying you know is that really a wise choice like you're a CPA do you advise clients to use their cash savings for operations like that's what we're talking about right using additional cash to fund ongoing operations. A salary is a part of an ongoing operation. It's hard to have the conversation about people and their jobs like this. But >> this is what they're telling us they think they can live with and get by with after we made the decision on Tuesday to cut the budget. This is the reality that we're faced with
018now. And they're saying they'd rather have the paris or the tutors than the additional time there. I I think we're we're getting ourselves into a financial situation if we continue to take and take from savings to fund operations. I don't think that's a good idea, but yes, we we could do that, >> right? >> That that's what Berlin has been asking us to do and we've been telling them no. I so I understand the desire to do that but I have a lot of >> concerns about the optics of that and it seems like >> this position was originally funded through another source. Right. So we hired someone to >> work without funding it and now we're reaping the the payoff of what happened from not having a funding source that we're in this situation
019now. That's why I'd be careful about redoing the same thing >> to that point and I think um Beth what you're saying and I think Megan you talked about at the school meeting we originally was funded through ESSA grants right was originally funded through ESSA money for the first couple years and then after it wasn't funded that that's when it became at a 0.5 or a 6 I lost my notes here >> I think it was a point8 I thought it was Jess what Jess is off I I thought it was a point eight that's what I've been told but I could be wrong and and it wasn't working. They couldn't keep the person at a point8 or >> and that's why they put it to a full was it a point8 >> a point
020at 2023 2024 was a 6 2024 2025 is a 6 25 26 1.0 next year we're looking to bring it to a is it a 7. It's a 7. So it'll be more >> Three and a half days. Megan, you might have not heard when I was on when you were exchanging things. So, besides, and we none of us want to cut these positions, but besides an adjustment counselor, we also have a full-time school psychologist, right? And she does testing, but she's also can service students that are have some needs. We also have a a full-time BCBA at Wolston right now. She's there really for the Bridges program, but if a kid was ever to really have a a major issue, she's there to support and help out. I think he even got an email
021from there. We also have sped coordinate that has that training and background as well too. Plus, we also have an adjustment council that will hopefully be next year will be there for three and a half days. Um, sped coordinate might be only there four days next year. The BCBA might only be there 4 days, but she's there because Burland helps pay for the BCBA because of the bridges program. So, there is I just want you all to know there is additional supports that are there to help our kids that have that training in mental health. Anybody else have anything? >> Um, I think um Beth and I were hoping to have a subcommittee meeting later on to uh for the subcommittee of the student success and technology subcommittee to hopefully maybe talk about a document
022for um the town meetings to discuss the cuts that the school district has made. of course falling within the requirements and it being approved by everyone. But I think that's an important thing that yes, we're we're meeting everyone's asks in terms of meeting their budgets, but it's at a sacrifice and what has been sacrificed over the last few years as well. >> Yeah, it's a good idea. The the only other thing I want to just say is and I know I I heard Jessica, you know, thank me and Megan, thank you and Aaron, the this admin team did some serious work. So, it's not huge cuts that we we made. These are cuts and these are not things that any of us want. Um, but the work we're going to have to do, but there's
023nothing left, right? There is nothing left. So, I know we said it before, we just need to keep in mind that we really need to be looking as soon as this budget season's done for the future of looking at some sort of override. So, so we could hopefully bring back some of these positions, not only the tier ones that we wanted, but also some of those tier two and tier three that principles and directors wanted. I I'm I'm a little uncomfortable having just a part-time ELA coach, right? We're we're we're supporting the kids in B in Berlin when really my schools in Bolson is really where I'd love to have an ELA coach helping out with those teachers and kids there. It but it's better to have something a little something than nothing at all.
024But just wanted to say that. >> But Al, you bring that up actually. That's a point where where this is focused on bees, but this does impact Berlin. Like >> it does >> and and who and who we can find. This might change how easily it is for you to find someone. It might change the quality of person you find. It could change a lot of things by only offering it not even halfime. It's just part-time. So this decision at bees is even though it's just bees, it affects the town and the parents and the students in Berlin. >> Yep. >> Absolutely. And I remember um a few years ago we had to cut when the year we cut the ELA coach. It was such a fight back and forth because Boilston could have afforded
025it and I actually think it was in the budget for that short year as a part-time but like they could not fill the position. So Mike, you're absolutely right. I think they could not fill the position with a qualified individual. So then I think they ended up the following year rolling the money into something else. So I fully understand that it's a a risk for the other town and um I honestly after we finalize this like my mind is going to like September and next year and how do we get some type of override committee or let's start talking to the towns now and what do we need and what is next year starting to look at and and you know start maybe modeling if we ask for this this is what taxes would go
026up and and try to figure out something else maybe working with other groups in the town so that the override isn't just for one I know Holden's doing an override this year and it's including police and f it's including everything and you know so maybe starting on that very early or next year to add back some of these things um so that if you can't find someone for that ELA coach then we're hopefully next year we'll have that for a full-time person for both counts or maybe you find someone and say that's the goal you know you take it for the first year as a part-time and that's the goal but like in my mind that's where my mind is obviously I'm not the decision maker alone but that's That's where I'm at right now
027cuz I'm just This is so sad. >> You guys vote today. We have a posting ready to go. Like it's ready to to press send so we can at least get ahead of everybody like looking for a part-time ELA coach now with the possibility of being something in the future being a full-time. But there's some great retirees out there that can really start showing what the work that and by the way they'll be working with Burland teachers but certainly be working hopefully with all of us right as directors and principles and giving strategies to us to help work with all of our kids. >> Now what are you what are you talking about there? Careful what you say there. What are you talking about? >> Well the uh the ELA coach will be working with
028all of our teachers right >> in Berlin. just in in Berlin, but they'll be working with all of our all of our teachers there that all of our teachers. >> We all share all of us as teachers. >> Yep. >> You're you're talking about all of our Berlin teachers. >> That's correct. >> Yes. >> Not all of our teachers, unfortunately. >> All of our Berlin teachers. Yes. >> Not all of our teachers across this district. All of our Berlin teachers, >> but our curriculum director is K through 12. So, I think she would be privy to the ELA coaches. >> Yep. Yeah. That's the tricky balance, right? because you've got Berlin taxpayers paying for this that we we've heard in the past from certain people. They're very particular about where Berlin tax dollars for the
029elementary school go. >> Let let me be clear that they were working with with Berlin teachers and working right at Berlin Memorial School. >> Thank you. >> Oh, sorry. Go ahead. I I was just going to ask about the amendment and if Aaron was going to prepare that for town meeting floor or if that was something that we should work on. >> Um what what what a what amendment? So this doesn't amend the budget. It just amends the the the positions. I I've sent um uh I I have Boilston's assess the assessment is all they care about. So the assessment is out to Boilston. This doesn't change the assessment. Uh we should have gotten it into April sent us an email saying she needed it by the end of day yesterday or the day before
030yesterday. Got those assessments to them um and then verified it with the assessment letter uh yesterday. Um Berlin has it. they've actually had it for some time um because those are the same assessments as we had sort of administratively shared with um the town administrator so that they could be prepared for their select board meeting. So um but now they have their official um assessment letter. So, I I actually don't think I know we're worried about it and thank you for bringing it up, Megan, but um I don't think we're gonna have to amend um our piece on the floor of town meeting. >> Awesome. >> Printed though, didn't it? >> Yes. >> They've they've had our numbers for a while. Um we as administration when we cut the budget to try to meet um
031some of the town's numbers we did I think I shared with you guys that I did share those numbers that we were going to um request of school we were going to recommend those numbers to school committee they weren't official official but we were going to rec recommend those to school committee and that is what he used and that is what select board um approved. So, um, you know, there is a little discrepancy between FINCOM and Select Board, but, um, uh, the FINCOM was a two- two vote. So, I mean, it's it's a a dead even vote. We're we're pretty confident that what goes on will will work. >> Thank you. That's great. >> Okay. >> Sorry, I interrupted Jessica. I'm so sorry. >> No, so, you know, I think we do have a subcommittee
032for the student success and technology. So I was thinking not waiting till September and starting kind of that creative thinking and and just just keep the ball rolling. Um so then when September comes around there's already kind of a plan in place or at least concept of a plan. Um I I also too in in the past have mentioned at subcommittee meetings trying to connect the district's needs and then also our towns. Um, so you know I know specific teachers sometimes like oh yeah I want to do this and but you know I need that for this science experiment or something or like we don't have a parah in some of the kindergarten classes so we need the volunteers or we don't have a computer class right now so maybe we need some someone to
033come and do typing.com to give the teachers a little that fifth missing period um planning period. So, I would love to have that as future agendas on at least a subcommittee meeting and then bring it back to the full committee to see what creative things we can do um to connect people within our towns and our area with the needs in our schools um because of these budget cuts. >> Excellent. Uh okay. Uh are we ready to vote or does anybody have any final questions? >> Okay. Um >> thanks everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys for turning this over so quickly. >> Yeah, you guys are amazing. >> Pulling it up. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Could I have a motion, please, that the Berlin Boilson School Committee vote to
034authorize the following changes at Boilston Elementary School to the FY27 operating budget at a net impact of $0 to the budget. Eliminate the 6 ELA coach. Increase the math tutor from8 to 1.0 FTE. at a full-time kindergarten par profofessional increase the adjustment counselor from 0.5 to 7 FTE. >> So moved. >> I heard Jess >> second. >> Lisa seconds. Okay. Any final thoughts on that? >> Just thank you to the admin team and and the whole team at central office the time they took going over this and making hard choices. >> Thank you all making hard choices too. >> Yes, absolutely. And we'll be having conversations like I said right after this um to let people know right the the tutors paras um you'll see a job posting coming out right away looking for that
035ELA coach for Berlin Memorial as well too. So you'll see that going out as well too. So we'll try to get ahead of that so we can get some good people that might be interested in those positions as well. >> All right. Uh we'll do a roll call vote. Jess >> I. >> Beth >> hi. Lisa, >> hi. >> Megan, >> I, >> Jackie, >> I >> All right. Uh, I'm I'm a no on this. When I voted on March 10th, I really believed in that budget and would have preferred to let the voters vote on that at town meeting. So, I'm a no for any of these cuts, but that motion passes 5 to one. Thanks everybody. Could I have a motion to adjourn this meeting, please? >> So moved. >> I heard Lisa.
036>> Second. >> Uh, Beth. Okay. Uh, Jess. >> Hi, >> Beth. >> Hi, >> Lisa. >> Hi, >> Megan. >> I >> Jackie. All right, we're Thanks everybody. >> Have a good weekend guys. Bye. Thank you.