001Good evening everyone and welcome to the joint meeting of the Cohasset School Committee and the Coasset Cohasset Select Board. Today is Wednesday, October 1st. Um we'll do a roll call of the school committee first and then the select board uh to determine quorums um before we get going. Um so u Mr. Mr. Evans >> Cory Evans here >> Mr. D >> uh present >> Mr. Mclen >> present >> Jesus present thank you um like to uh call to order the cohazit select board Mr. Brady >> present >> Mr. Farog >> present >> Mr. Flex. >> Chris Plex here. >> Present. Ellen Mr. >> Thank you. Um, all those that are able, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag, United States of America, and to the republic for which
002it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Um, thank you everyone. The purpose of tonight's meeting um is to select our next or appoint our next um school committee member um to fill a vacated seat. Um we have the select board here um with a quorum as well as the school committee with a quorum um to do this work. We have um three candidates here. We will invite them each to um introduce themselves, say a few words about their candidacy. Um then members of the select board and school committee will have the opportunity to ask questions. Um, finally, we'll um do a um a name call vote, I think is what we call it, um to determine um who will be filling that seat. >> Mr. >> Just a
003point of information, Madam Chairperson, um for everyone that does not know, I think it's been communicated, but the appointment is an interimm appointment um until the next regular election in town. >> So, that would be our next town election. I actually don't know the date of the next town election. It's probably in early June or late May. >> Probably late May. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we haven't set we haven't set that date yet. >> So that would explain why it >> uh but it's so for it's a several month appointment. It's not uh it's not a full term of school >> and and to further that will be only for the one year that's remaining. Correct. So if that person runs and somebody wants to runs and wins, they will only fill out the one
004year will not be for a three-year election for that seat. >> I think so. Yes. Yeah. Because it has to stay on track with the regular. >> Correct. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you very much for those points. Um, so we'll go in alphabetical order because I feel like that's probably uh the most equitable way of doing things. Um, so, uh, Mr. Nolton, if you would care to say a few words of introduction and your interest in, um, this particular seat. >> Certainly. Uh, thank you for the opportunity. Uh, I actually go by Drew. Drew Nolton. Um, I have three kids in the Kohhat school system. Um, I previously served on the, uh, Ozgood school council. um and as well as a president's council member of the Boston Children's Museum. Um obviously having children uh very uh
005interested in the school district and kind of getting a better understanding of how you know I can use my skill sets to help. Um professionally I'm a partner at PWC in the deals practice focused predominantly on complex negotiations as well as kind of expense understanding. So think due diligence. um in a lot of ways it's taking a lot of you know complicated parties and trying to find some common ground and explain in a in an unbiased way. So I think um you know just given my skill set and kind of with some of the the discussions that have been going on um thought it would be you know wanted to offer my skill set to be able to kind of help um where I can and obviously the the deep interest in the class school
006district as well. Thank you, Miss Latansi. And you're welcome to uh join us at the table here so our our viewers can see you a bit better if that's comfortable for you. If not, you may just remain where you are. I just want to read what I I wrote to you for everybody. Um mostly to keep all my points together and and because um I think it's all important to say if that's okay. Okay. So, um, I'm current I'm a proud mom of three, a current Girl Scout leader in town and a Cohasset resident for the past 10 years. I care deeply about the success of our schools and the future of our children. My connection to Cohasset runs even deeper. It's where my grandparents raised their family, where my grandmother was a Girl Scout
007leader and my grandfather taught and later served as high school principal. Their memories made returning here to raise my own family both meaningful and inspiring. I also come from a long line of public school educators and administrators in both Massachusetts and New York. I have seen firsthand the importance of strong leadership vision and values in driving academic excellence. I believe deeply in equal learning opportunities that embrace diverse learning styles so every student can thrive. At the heart of a strong district are its teachers. I will champion their voices, recognize the critical role they play in fostering a love of learning. Supporting teachers and creative creating positive learning environments is essential to student success. Professionally, I work in the fast-paced biotechnology sector where success requires extensive project management and long range planning skills. I also serve
008as an instructor at Boston University School of Medicine, where I teach ethics and clinical research and distill complex topics into real world applications, skills directly relevant to thoughtful, forwardlooking policy discussions. I take this opportunity with deep conviction, knowing how vital the school committee is to shaping's next generation. Thank you for considering my application >> and Mr. Squadrio. >> Hi everybody. So I'm Jacob Squatrio. I'm currently a senior at Nor Eastern. I was a graduate from class of public schools as recent as 2022. Um, and from what I since submitting my statement of interest and reading up on everything that's happened with the committee, it's obvious that the position of this committee is to put students first. And I'm hopeful that if I am to fill this vacancy, that I would be able to bring a
009unique perspective to this committee, especially at a very challenging time for both the town and the school committee itself. As you know, we face challenges trying to raise revenue or cut costs, we have to make sure that we make choices that minimize the impact on students. And my perspective would be both as a recent student and also understanding post-graduation outcomes and how it could affect life beyond the district. So, that's the perspective that I'm hopeful I could bring. Um, as I mentioned, I am a senior, so I am going to be graduating in May of 2026, which is roughly when the term, the interim term would end. So, I would not be looking to seek election to the full term. So, we could have an open election, no incumbent on the ballot in May. So,
010thankful for your consideration. >> Thanks, if you'd like to join us at the table, we can um do questions. And Drew, uh, Mr. Nolton. Um, we have him there as well. Um, >> so I think we could do a a um question at will with such a small um group if that's amenable to >> Mr. Evans. >> Yeah. I mean, Jake, well, firstly, I want to thank all three of you. Um, as somebody who's been involved in in town government for seven, eight years and served on committees like public tax, TV, capital budget, select board, you're signing up for hours a week away from your families, away from dinners. Uh, and I always tell people, there's no parade at the end of this. There's no celebration. uh you just you get to go home and
011hopefully when you're done you leave it better than how you found it uh and whatever metric you use for that. So thank you because this is really a selfless thing all three of you are doing and I want to recognize that first. Um just for for Drew and for for um Victoria, we your credentials here are you know without question, right? They're they're really unimpeachable. Um so my my really only question is is for Mr. for Jacob. Obviously, you got a lot going on. Tell this I take your point about having a student voice and and it's important to me. Um on Safe Harbor, we have uh two uh student youth ambassadors that are actually voting members and I find the conversations we have with them to be always without fail like more than you
012would expect. I'm a big believer that the students have the best perspective. I've said it here. I've said it at Safe Harbor. And um so one of my primary concerns though is is knowing that this is this is a full seat, right, for the amount of time that you're going to be here. And juggling all that, can you give us an assurance that you are available to come to these meetings, to meet with parents, to talk about things, to be on subcommittees? It's a lot. Uh, and so I just want to be sure that we're upfront with you about that and that you can give us some sense of of how you're going to fit this into your schedule without obviously making sacrifices with your other priorities. >> Yeah, obviously it is the choice of
013the board and the committee of whether to appoint me. But um, again over the past two weeks like I've done a lot of research. I reviewed a lot of the past meetings. I watched the select board meeting last night. Um I believe that I'm coming into this very clear about the expectations the time requirement of the role. Um just as a logistical matter like I am in classes but they are in the morning so evenings I'm able to be here in person and I have enough time to manage to do that. Is there any more I could add to that? It >> is important to hear because again um college can be kind of crazy especially at the end. So I just wanted to be sure. I mean, if if this is something that you
014we can look at you as a candidate that is going to be available just as much as any one of us are, I think that that that says a lot. So, thank you. That's it. My apologies for the the word. >> Um, so I'll also echo our thanks for for all three uh applicants here. It's it's great. One of the things we talk about and commiserate about I'm sure you guys as well is is we'd like more people involved in town government. So, thank you for taking the first step and no matter what happens here, please continue to be involved. There are lots of rules, there are lots of things we need as a community to have people be part of our government, be part of our even if it's just speaking of a town
015meeting. Um, it's it's always very helpful. Um, so I'll ask a question that that I didn't see in the materials. Um, and you know, interested from each of you. Um, and I'll start with mine. I joined the school committee uh I ran for election way back when uh because coming out of co and there were some decisions that were made that I was like I don't think that's the way the school district should go. I think we should do something different. And then I also looked at my kids and I'm a fervent believer in public education and I said look I want to make sure that the district is going in the right direction. I think we can do a lot of good here. Uh and so I that was kind of my impetus for
016running is is seeing some of the ways that the school was managed on a very operational level and thinking uh I could probably add some add some perspective to that. So that's that's my story and I'm interested in and from each of you your stories as to what made you want to join this phone call, join this meeting tonight and uh and write these applications and and put your put your hat in the ring for this grueling role. And no one told me there wasn't a parade. There's no correct ticker. >> There's there's sometimes a plaque though. We we have done plaques. >> We always we always do a plaque. So there is there's that. >> So interested in um and then and I guess just just um Mr. Nolton since you're on video if
017you don't mind going first. Um >> yeah, certainly. >> Yeah, maybe. Uh so I think when we came into uh KohAs around 2019, um my oldest is in fourth grade now. Um he was just entering kind of Oz good school. Um I so I had the benefit of working with Lisa Ferrell and a few others with Osgood School Council. So wanting to get more just involved in understanding, you know, what my son was going to experience within the school. Uh growing up, I was very involved with with my school district. Um and so that was something that I thought was important to understand the comingings and goings. Then also knowing the administrators and understanding um you know who is who is teaching him. Um I would say through that I've been thoroughly impressed um with
018Osgood School now since he's moved on to Deer Hill. Um, and I think what's kind of motivated me is just I think hearing a lot of the the discussion be it online or through parents. Um, and hearing I think just different perspectives and and different facts associated with it. And I think um wanting to give back to the community and just given the the background that I have um and the skill set that I have, I feel like, you know, coming in with an unbiased view, but with the with the purpose of I think bringing everyone together and trying to figure out what the best options are on the table with the information available, um was something that I I just felt um you know, given this opportunity that, you know, as opposed to running
019for election, I wanted to to offer that. Um but really I mean you know very proud dad um love the Kohasa community and u really however I can give back um is worthwhile. >> Yeah I can I I certainly echo everything you just said for your life. I mean this is certainly a very special place to raise a family. Um for myself my my kids are a little maybe a little younger. Um and my oldest is in first grade. Um, and I have to say, you know, I had some trepidations about making that transition from um, prek to to kindergarten. And I couldn't be more impressed. My daughter loves learning. And I have to say that's solely and, you know, wholeheartedly attributed to just the welcoming, loving, nurturing community that is Osgood. Um, you know,
020running errands and seeing Mrs. Godette wave to Annabelle. Hey Annabelle. like that that's really special. Um, and I see that I feel that I live that and I can can only, you know, fills my heart with warmness to be able to give back to that in some way. And it truly builds upon how I was raised too and the importance of public school education and it being an all-inclusive learning environment um, for all levels and abilities of learning. And it may sound silly, but I I can remember, you know, sitting around, we had dinner every night with my grandfather, and he would always bring questions that he came in contact with on a day-to-day basis as an administrator. Um, my, you know, just things that were top of mind for him and engaging us as
021young adults in those conversations was so impactful and meaningful and to tr really have a critical eye to solving problems. Um, obviously they were very school focused because that's where where he sat, but it it really shaped who I am today. And coming back to Cohasset and wanting to be part of that bigger picture and trying to find ways to leverage my skill sets and the passions I have, which happen to be biotech and science disciplines. Um, I really find that I can find the commonalities in what I do day-to-day and bridge it to a place I love and people that I want to see successful, whether that's at the town level, um, through select board, school, school committee, and everything in between. Um, it it's really important to me and I really mean it
022with my whole heart. Um, and I I don't think there wouldn't be anything that like you can say this is a thankless job, but at the end of the day to be able to say that you were part of something bigger than yourself. Whether everyone agreed with you or didn't agree with you, I I just it's important work and it it I want you to know I thank you all for what you have done and I I hope to be afforded the opportunity to do the same. >> Yeah. So obviously a large part of why I'm interested is just you know having gone through the last three years and now my last year of college and seeing how well prepared that the entire school system has made me for that especially in the high school
023and how many of the teachers that I still think about again especially on the high school side of things. Um, and just, you know, having this this really remarkable district that, you know, is one of few that has, you know, like improved test scores since, you know, pre- pandemic levels. Um, and just really letting student setting students up for success. Um and I think you know going back to the perspective I would bring why I'm interested um because we want to minimize any sort of impact that we have to have or you know in the event of making other decisions we want to maximize future impacts and you know that's something that I hope I could bring to the committee. Um, I also have a brother who is in fifth grade, so Scott is not
024a super common name. So, usually people make the association even though there's a bit of an age gap, but you know, doing that for him. and you know bringing the district into the future especially you know with so many advances in technology and artificial intelligence. I was happy to see that listed on Superintendent Shannon's strategic plan under teaching and learning that that's part of something the district's considering because it's really important to be able to use that. So you know just a lot of those perspectives I thought you know especially in such a challenging time I would like to be able to bring these eight months. Thank you all. >> Thank you. I just have two quick questions for um because Mr. um already answered it in his initial offering uh or introduction. Um just
025have a couple questions for um or one question, excuse me, for Mr. Tanzy and Mr. Nolton. Um Mr. Scorito had indicated that he doesn't intend to seek election um at the end of the interim um term. So, I guess I'd go to Mr. Anthony first and then uh Mr. Nolton, you can answer the same question. Uh if you have trouble hearing me, let me know. Um would you consider running for the elected position? And if you don't know, you don't know. >> Yeah, I mean I I it's not something that's, you know, off the table. It's it's something that I would consider just depending on how things evolve and if that's of benefit to the currents committee. Um, and that was a conversation. I I would gladly welcome it. I am really a team player
026in the sense of like it's more con continuity for everybody else. I'm not going anywhere and I'm truly committed to this town in any way I can be. So I yes, I wouldn't I wouldn't take it off the table. >> Thank you, Mr. Tone. Yeah, I think uh from my perspective, I think if if I were to get the opportunity if I if I'm additive um and I feel that there's continu like continual business, I would certainly be looking to continue. Um you know, I think it totally depends on um you know, I think the how the effectiveness if I were to have the opportunity that I would provide um and if I would be the best candidate at that time. But I would be looking for reelection if if uh if I were to
027be effective. >> Okay. >> I'd like to give a voice to any of our select um select board members that would would like to speak um or have questions. >> Chances first. >> Oh um actually Mr. Mlullen asked the question that um I was going to ask about you know running um for the seat. If you if you don't I think Mr. Nolton, you said that if you were um if you if you were assigned the interimm position and you found that you had additive value, then you would consider running. >> Okay. But if you're not assigned the position is running in, you know, for the the term that's up in May, is that off the table or >> I don't it wouldn't be off the table. I think it depends on um I think
028what the key issues are at the time of the election and obviously things take a little bit of time. Um I would be open for running. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Per. >> Thank you. Thank you for everyone tonight. Thank you for the school committee for hosting this as well. Um and superintendent who's here as well. Um Coasset Schools mean a lot to me because I'm a multigenerational um graduate uh from Cohasset High. My mother graduated here. I graduate here. All three of my kids attended here one time or another. Um, and something which the school committee has upheld is that at Cohassid, we don't just implore the state standards or administer those. We have a Cohasset standard and that's something which is a lot different than any other any other town which is a
029higher standard uh that we hold and and I think um the students that come out of Cohasset the schools that they're able to go to the test scores all show what that Cohassid standard is um and I and I thank the school committee for keeping up that standard through the years which is kind of passed down um through the years. But I got I have three uh quick questions if um for all the candidates and if they could you know try and just say succinctly as possible. Um the first one is um how would you how would you put students first and try and make sure that the money in the school budget is is spent the most in the classroom? Do you have any thoughts on that? >> Maybe you should slide to those.
030Okay, I'll start with the Andrew, Mr. Nolton because he's on he's over there on Zoom with me. >> Great question. I mean, I think um to be fair, I don't have a a solid understanding of the existing budget allocation. Um but I think obviously prioritization of within the classroom um would be most important. I think understanding the um I'll call it the ongoing maintenance requirements you know in determining what the the b cost benefit of foregoing some of those required maintenance requirements that may not be exciting um you know I think plays into longer term challenges which I think in certain aspects you know we're facing in the town um but I think obviously you know doing a full assessment of understanding where the funding is coming from, determining where the allocations currently are and
031where they could be redeployed, um, you know, is something that I think I can help with. Obviously, committing to to putting most of the money in the classroom is a is a is a great idea in in principle. I think making sure that we have the ability to do so in the most effective and measured way um would be how I would approach it. But I like I like the idea of three kids obviously. So, >> thank you. happy to go next. So, yes, I mean, you know, when you think about in the classroom, you're thinking like maybe books, pencils, all of the resources that an instructor needs to to carry out their day and and work with the children and educate the children. But to to Andrew's point, I think it extends beyond that,
032right? It's it's the infrastructure, it's the space, um the maintenance of the ongoing facilities, everything that gets them to school that includes the school buses. So it is quite the microcosm of all of the pieces fitting together seamlessly to get the job done. Um and so to answer that it has to be a welloiled machine. I think it has to one be one that talks very closely with the town the select board and the overall town budget and understanding the overall health of that budget and how the schools feed into that and and really looking at what what the balances are and the needs. Um and and I know you know very um closely is that we are potentially looking at a new school um and what that potentially means for the operating budget to
033continue to educate kids and get that center of excellence that higher standard of education that we all expect you know it's not even something we we aspire to we expect it at base minimum. Um and also get those other infrastructured pieces done. Um, so it really it relies on making sure we're a welloiled machine at every level. Making sure we we meet all the demands that needed. >> Yeah, I mean ultimately I think a lot of it comes down to teachers. I know that that's the vast majority of the school's budget is salaries, especially related to teachers. And I think, you know, that's really where you have the most impact. I'll say it again, like the amount of high school teachers that I can still hear in my head when I'm in a certain class.
034It's, you know, they've really left such an impact. I think that's, you know, a ma a major reason that the district excels is because, you know, we do draw some of the best teachers. And I think, you know, promoting a culture that puts students first but knows that right behind them as teachers is, you know, obviously really important. Um and again just you know as a recent student I think you know as we you know make decisions about potential changes um I know something that was brought up in the last committee meeting was the idea of long-term subs and you know building long-term relationships with students and um you know having more productive you know substitute teacher days. Um, and you know, as a recent student, I was thinking, you know, in middle and high
035school, I felt like substitute teacher periods were always decently productive, but you know, in the elementary schools, that's harder to do because you're with them the full day. You have to cross a variety of subjects rather than just one. Um, so you know, just examples like that where there are opportunities um in the eyes of student where those decisions can be made. Um the next question is is um and this is not uh has not happened with our our current school committee or superintendent, but in the history cohassent for um those candidates that have children, um it can it can be a double-edged sword to have your kids in the schools while you're on the school committee. Um, so how how can you remain uh independent uh and not just simply go along to get
036along uh and and when you're trying to uh enforce policies in the schools. Um so for the you can all answer it even though you don't have kids in schools yet but but how you >> not yet. Um so we'll start with the answer please. Yes. >> Yeah certainly. I think um the the one thing I'll say about with my profession and being in client service is a lot of times you have to give unpopular opinions to the people who are paying you. Um and so I think that um I think ethics and integrity to me are more important and trying to do the right thing. I think trying to find a way to explain it in an unbiased way is going to be important, but but agreeing to agree is never really the right
037solution. Um so I'd say, you know, my wife is probably going to have some questions for me, but um but outside of that, I think making sure that we're uh you know, equitable in the way that we approach it. And I think as long as there's logic behind, you know, the conversation decision, um you know, I have an unwavering commitment to perspective and if it's done in a in the appropriate fashion, it will allow us to to have a constructive conversation as opposed to combative or just agreeable. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I mean, I I kind of take part of that through a spin of that is, you know, not wanting to rock the boat because you have, you know, skin in the game, right? So, I could see that as
038potential thought for favoritism in certain ways, too. And and I think it it actually goes the other way, right? When you're looking at the collective whole and we're just all part of that. So, it's the community view. Um, and I think that's really important. And I think it's important for all of us. And I I don't think any of us any of you would be here if if that wasn't um what kept you going. Um just trying to go for that overall what's best for the best interest of of our student body um and our teachers and all those that that work within. Um, and yes, I mean, just from a professional standpoint, there's always the uncomfortableness of of having to to be part of something that may not necessarily be what people want to
039hear or, you know, it's uncomfortable for an individual perhaps that didn't agree with that decision- making. Um, but you you still have to deliver that news and just move forward together and and and figure out how you and make it all work together. I think that's fundamentally what everyone's here to do and and that that's what I would do too. >> Yeah, you you could answer in the sense of how do you keep independent decisions? >> No. And it's definitely a delicate balance especially you know having a lot of you know um relationships with teachers and everything. Um I think you know always emphasizing in communications that the role of the committee is to put students first and that the goal of the district as a whole is to put students first and maximize student
040outcomes be that college or the workforce whatever it may be um has to be the central message of a lot of communications and I think um even when difficult decisions will be made and it's a difficult time for the town committee as a whole always putting that empas emphasis on doing what is best for students. Explaining what outcomes we are trying to um attain or obtain for students is you know always the first position and as a recent student I think I would have a particular ethos or trustworthiness on that topic. Um you know with those recent experiences and not my child but my brother in fifth grade I guess >> brother thank thank you. Um, I just have and the last question. I I'd be remissed if I didn't ask it because there'll be
041a lot of parents who either see this live tonight or see it on YouTube afterwards or it'll be clipped and sent around or on Facebook or something. Um, but I get they call it the $64,000 question, but I guess it's a $300,000 question and it it's easier said than done obviously, but um do you support um having full day kindergarten and and trying to work it into the long-term budget of the schools because again it's not for one year. It would have to be in there um in perpetuity. So, do you support that and would you and would you try to fit that into the long long-term uh budget for the schools? And I'll start with Andrew. >> Great question. Um I think I would what I would say is I think that there are
042certain people that should not be forced to pay for full day kindergarten. I think that there are different levels of um you know economics within the town and I think that that needs to be taken into consideration for those that should and shouldn't have to pay. Um, and I think that a full sale kind of let's just put $300,000 is something that needs to be analyzed as opposed a commitment without the the right diligence. >> Great. Thank you. >> So this is in reference to the petition to the town. >> No, no, in general. >> Oh, in general. Okay. So I just want to make sure because I think there are two different questions. >> Yep. No, more than this year it's going to be perpetuity. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, I think that comes back
043to us having a holistic view of our town budget and potential need for reallocation back to the schools um perhaps to offset to meet that need for 300,000 or even to supplement um where needed um knowing where we put such a high standard and benchmark for ourselves as a center of excellence when it comes to education. Um I I think that is something that we all have to work towards together to figure out how that works and and that involves some shuffling. Um and that's certainly from the student perspective of putting them first and our teachers. I think they're close closely first together um to keep that whole. So um I think it ma it's a matter of just working together to find it. But I would support finding that $300,000 to make that a
044something that's in perpetuity um afforded to our our community. >> Right. So, I guess the perspective I take is if $300,000 were to come into the school committee from one way or another as a permanent part of the budget and we think about the recent fee increases or adjustments to the budget as a stack, I think that kindergarten would be the first thing on the stack and it should likely be the first thing to come off um at least, you know, with the speed at which it was implemented and it, you know, really put a shock. I know that one particular concern was the number of families with twins in the current kindergarten class. And I thought back and I realized I think we had like six sets of twins in my graduating class. So,
045you know, realizing that that sudden fee increase is, you know, a big issue, especially if you have two kids in the same year. But, you know, I think it's absolutely something that should be an overall goal of the committee. And while I understand that it's not entirely their decision and there are hard choices to be made and it also is, you know, $300,000 a substantial amount of last year's deficit. Um, I do think that it certainly should be the top priority and, you know, the first thing that we reinstate if possible. >> Great. Thank you. Um, those are my three questions and I'll pass it on. But I would say to all three candidates, um, you know, you all have great different skill sets and I'll just remind everyone that unfortunately we can only pick
046one. Um, so for the other two, whoever that may be, um, you know, it was announced last night that there's a number of different positions in the town uh that are open um for different committees. So um, we we can get those uh to you and we'll we post them anyway. Um, but if for the other two who don't necessarily make it tonight, um, there are the positions. So, if those are are things that you're interested in, um the town the town runs on people power. So, um we need we need to fill those positions uh with with everyone that we can get. So, thank you so much and I'll pass on to Chris. >> A couple questions. I'll start with Mr. Nolton since something you said triggered me up a little bit. >> Um
047what do you see because mentioned when the chair asked you if you run again and >> Yes. And I know it's a little bit of hesitation and that's not an accusation just >> certainly. >> What do you see what do you see as the hot button items right now that is making you want to step in for eight months or so? I think a lot of it ties around the the budgeting process and I think that there's what I'm hearing just both what I'm reading and what I'm hearing is a variety of understanding of where certain funding comes from and what and how it's being allocated. Um, and what I believe that I can help with is kind of bringing clarity in a more cohesive way um to explaining kind of the the perspectives whether
048you know certain folks disagree on certain allocation points. I think getting an understanding of the amount and then kind of the other challenges that the the committees face with and kind of allocating that budget across the the variety of buckets. Um, I guess maybe referencing the the point around hesitation. I think um, in my view in in my experience, committees are only as effective as as the folks that work together. And I think that I'm I'm committed to doing everything in my power to being supportive and um, adding as much value as possible. I think that if if I'm not meeting the the requirement and I feel that you know it's as a collective group right if I'm if I'm adding value and committing and uh contributing to the group in a positive way then
049by all means I want to continue in in supporting that if if I'm not effective and I'm not contributing in a positive way my view would be that there would be there must be someone more qualified or better suited for that opportunity. So that's really in the way that I say this where this is a unique opportunity um you know to come in and try to help as much as possible and and there's no lack of commitment or trying that I would provide on my end. Um it's just you know certain certain roles are are are fit different ways and that was really the the only hesitation I had with that. If you know if folks aren't happy with what I'm providing or inputting in um you know then it's not the I'm not the
050right person for that role. Okay, part B. Now, once you run on the inside and you're looking at the budgetary process, u I think all boards we aim to be as transparent as possible. It's not always easy to relay that information understood and misconstrued and put out just in different avenues just human nature. How would you want to relay your findings to the public? >> Yeah. So, I mean, I would say that I'm used to having to, I'll call it, withhold certain information to certain parties. Um, and I think it's it's one of those delicate balances of of explaining what you can and trying to um I think provide the the clearest description of what the intention is for the what the committee is working through, where the funds have been allocated, um, and what
051information you can provide, um, while maintaining the integrity of of what we can and cannot. say um obviously it's it's I'm sure very frustrating um with not being able to provide everyone the full perspective of of what you're seeing. Um but I'd be committed to to helping shape that um you know overview and narrative on on what we can and cannot provide. >> Thank you. >> I'll ask you Jay. >> Same questions. how to communicate >> communicate and >> you're my father. >> Yeah. Um so over the you know the past two weeks learning what I can I think that it's clear that the kindergarten fee is definitely an important one and you know not one that I personally have a stake in at the moment but you know thinking you know about how many
052twins were in my grade it was something that I was thinking about. But one of the really important ones I thought about were the fee increases in particular to athletics considerations for um for sports games and transportation as well. And you know obviously the tricky balance there is you know dealing with the laws of supply and demand and any fee increase you you enact could you know result in reduced demand which could ultimately produce revenue. So, you know, trying to think about what would really impact students in particular on athletics. I was not actually in many sports in middle and high school, but I know that that's something that the community cares about a lot and is probably a place um that was, you know, a relatively safe fee increase. Um, and especially considering, you
053know, the equitable nature of it, you know, with students who actually do after school activities at other organizations. Um, so I think really those two would be the top issues in terms of communication on these. I think you know obviously you're not always able to disseminate all the information you would like to and there's tricky moments but I think always addressing how a situation came about describing the decision made and providing future plans I think is really important. Um, you know, I think the path forward in fiscal year 26 is a little bit uncertain and even in my research, I had a little bit of trouble figuring out what the current, you know, state of the district was at the beginning of the year. So, I think always showing that not only have you made
054a decision, providing a rationale for it, but also showing that you're prepared and thinking about, you know, as many reasonable future situations as you can is something that I would always keep in mind. >> Okay. How are we going to communicate that to the public? We run that difficulty all the time. I'm sure every one of our boards does try and get that information to the public possible but and and after that it's public realm and comes back to you in many different forms. >> Yeah, I think trying to answer your um question there. I kind of merged them a little together, but um you did well. But also adding on that, um, like at Nor Eastern co-ops, I've spent, you know, roughly a year total in the workforce on on co-ops. And from both
055of them, um, it's very hard to overcommunicate. And, you know, obviously I only have one year of experience. I'm not trying to act all senior about this, but there were so many moments that I had wished I communicated something rather than thinking I I overshared and I didn't, you know, need to say that to my manager or co-orker or something. I think that's a similar philosophy I would bring. I think the town's in a moment where they are looking for more communication even though I think both the committee and the board probably believe they're communicating a lot and I would say are communicating a lot. I think people are always looking for more avenues of information, especially in the 21st century when information is both so accessible and spreads so rapidly but also, you know,
056can be dangerous and can be misconstrued just as quickly. Um, you know, I think it'll be a long time before we reach that overcommunication level, but I would like to run closer towards that. >> Yeah. So, I think I'm going to go in reverse if that's okay with you. Um, the piece about communication and really what you said there just about that lesson that you had for yourself, right? That inward lesson is where you learn the most, right? Like whether it was from a mistake or whatever is um, you know, just self-reflection and and I think when you say communication, there's also a part of that is collaboration, right? So I think to communicate something and you just are funneling information that's not necessarily consumable in a way that is applicable to the people that
057it's meant for. So there's a consumption piece to that as well as a call to action to see especially you know in in today's world where you know not that many people perhaps go to public meeting as they should or come to school meeting. We have 13 of us, maybe three of those are us right on this call here. So to really get the buy in of the people and get your communication across starts at the beginning in a very planned systematic way that engages folks. And I mean that's fundamental PR in a way, but I think for us as a community, it's so important, especially at this point of inflection I think we're in. Um when we do have some eyes, maybe more than a few, um looking at the next step of what
058we do collaboratively at the town level and the school level to come together and use our resources in our own town, our own town's people to make that happen for us all. um and we can only do it together. So I I don't think it's necessarily one voice communicating outward what the school committee is doing or the select um committee is doing. It's what we're doing together um and how that all comes together in in a way that's I guess approachable and consumable for everybody. That's not to say everybody is going to like what the decision is, but if they had skin in the game or had their voice being heard as part of that in a receptive way, I think that goes a long long way. My hot topics, I think that was the
059first question, right? Um, I think for me it's really transparency. I think it's transparency in our budgeting across the board. Um, and that we don't have surprises. And I think it's really the instances where there were surprises where things perhaps were missed or overlooked and and and then we have to go without something. I think that was certainly eye opening or I think caught people off guard. And so I think it's really coming back to basics and I think that is fundamentally where the next step needs to be as a group is to come back to basics to figure out what we're perhaps missing at the base level and then build upon that. um knowing that we have this high level, this high bar for ourselves when it comes to education, but at you know
060at the base is just figuring out how you operate and and how you make it all happen. And sometimes that doesn't necessarily involve education, doesn't involve the books, it doesn't involve the the curriculum. It involves just the infrastructure. >> Thank you so much. >> Is that it? >> Um I have one more brief one just I'll start with not since I'm going around the table how do you handle adversary adversity Mr. Nathan the reason I'm asking is as we sit at this table and I'm sure both boards are aware uh different times people run for boards or they sit on boards as you all are uh stepping up again my thanks as well um but you do boards do try to get the information out there's no perfect science in that and to work collaboratively
061and but I will say collaboration is two-way street we need the input from the town they've got to step up they've got to come to meetings They've got to come to forums and things like that. You can only put out as much as you can. We don't have a mariner anymore. We have 43s. We have town web page. It's just the avenues aren't very broad. Put it out as much as you can. But regardless of that fact is is despite best intentions uh arrows are thrown at different times some rightly some wrong because of misunderstanding or perceived misunderstanding because people did not join those meetings or watch the uh forum or come or partake until a board or committee is forced to make a decision. So, how do you handle that when those arrows are
062thrown? And if you watched live board last night, you probably saw that the um So, how do you handle that, Mr. Nolton? >> Yeah, great question. Um, so I think I think consistency is key um with with messaging as well as um continued teamwork I think within the committee. Um from, you know, from a professional side, right? You know, I've had many times where um you know, certain programs or projects or transactions have not gone the way that we had hoped. Um where we are pointed as the reason why uh it did not go well. Um you know, pointing fingers as a as a consultant is not successful in the business world. And so I would say over the last 20 years built a lot of uh leather skin with regard to um you know
063trying to again find common ground and be clear on the intention and um I think coming to uh you know an equitable outcome. Um I think being measured um takes a lot of time. I would say that I've learned a lot from from my boys. Um, and trying to just be, I think, uh, level and measured and trying to continue to, you know, use the inner strength to guide you as far as like what the right answer is. Um, but yeah, I mean, it's it's not fun. Um, but I would say I've I've experienced that a lot, you know, personally and professionally. Um, and I think just trying to be measured is probably the best way that I would respond to that. Thanks so much, Jake. >> Yeah, I think always remembering that in most
064situations there are shared values even though there are disagreements um or frustrations with the committee. Um I think that you know both parties need to remember that the ultimate goal is the success of the district and that these decisions are not made you know out of malice or you know to extract from certain people but ultimately to do what is needed to support the district like the $300,000 obviously it has to come from somewhere and an example like that you know the other option would be staff reductions which not only would harm district morale and be harmful to those who are affected, but it would also really negatively impact students. It would result in, you know, larger class sizes. It, you know, in the middle and high school, it could cause abrupt changes to certain
065classes or um certain subjects. Um but, you know, to echo Mr. Nolson, I think the idea of consistency being key, I think an example of that is the kindergarten funding. Um, as I said, I you know, viewed the select board meeting last night and um, you know, based on the studies I've done, it's a, from my understanding, the fee was provided by the town for a year with the expectation that once it was returned, chapter 70 funding would make up for a significant a significant amount of it or if not all of it. And that didn't happen due to, you know, some quirk in the formula used by the state. and that's why we are where we are. Um, now I might have a misunderstanding of that and I definitely had to dig for that
066information. So, I understand why others don't have it and that's part of communication, but you know, just being consistent about that message and even though I'm sure it's been said by many committee members and many select board members many times, um just understanding that that piece of information as small as small not small but you know as short as it is um also how impactful that could be. Just letting you know certain people know that So, you mentioned arrows and I feel like the greatest arrows that have ever been hurled at me are by my own children. Um, I think honestly it professionally you always have to remember and I see this as a professional yet a family space too because we're all part of the same community. So, there's a blend. Um, but certainly
067I think part of it is knowing that in the end if you can leave this room and know that you left it giving it your all to work collaboratively in the best interest of our community, then you did your job. And no matter whether it was because of miscommunication or they just didn't like how things went and you happened to be the recipient of said hurling, it's okay. Um, and it wouldn't never take that personally, but perhaps use it as B for trying to figure out a way to better communicate so that doesn't happen if it was a miscommunication issue or understand where we could work better as a group to fix a forward-looking problem if that's what it was on the horizon of an issue. It it really is dependent on the given scenario,
068but I think if you come at it together um and really are looking at it from the totality of the the the issue at hand or you know bringing that person's voice into the fold somehow to say yes, we acknowledge and we hear and we're going to adapt the ways we can. You got to meet people in the middle. Otherwise, you're going one way and everyone else is going the other way and then we're never able to come together. Thank you so much. Yes. U Mr. Flex, do you have any questions? >> I do have one. Thank you. Uh so I'm going to stick with the budget theme, but first I want to thank all of you for stepping up. It it's folks like you, extremely wellqualified, better than I or any of my colleagues
069on the select board stepping up and offering to be constructive. We need more of that. So I appreciate and thank you. Uh but sticking with the budget challenge questions, it it's perennial. You just look around in every town. We just had a bunch of bud budget overrides in other towns that failed last year and then we had our own school committee working through a budget shock and they did an incredible job of getting through it constructively. They made a lot of hard decisions uh but to the point that was made earlier that they found a middle. Everybody was a little upset with where they landed but it was a constructive solution and they worked through it. So, if you're on the school committee and you end up in a similar situation, uh, but it's more
070expensive than what our school committee had to work through last year, like a major renovation. So, we're talking about a tax increase, but it's the right thing to do and it's big enough that we have to go to town meeting to move it. You got to talk to your skeptical neighbors. You got to talk to people on the street. They know you're on the school committee. How do you talk to the people who are skeptical about whether going through that tax increase, going through with that major renovation for the high school or dear Hiller Ozgood, how do you explain to them that that's the right thing to do even though it's expensive? >> Mike, you can go first. I think it's been the order. Um, no, I think the the hardest um I think the
071hardest folks to to talk to would be the folks whose either children have already gone through the school system wouldn't necessarily personally benefit. um are those are those without children within the district, right? Um I think the most important thing that we have in this world is is the future of our children. Um and I think just explaining the you know making the the generations that come after us um have an an excellent opportunity like a lot of those afforded um throughout the years. Um I think as far as you know changing individual's mind who may not believe that that's where they want to put the funding um is something that will probably happen and and you won't change individual's mind but I think if you have the conviction and and that is what we're
072presented with um I think you have to go full force and and make sure that you're getting the right allocation to you know fund the required enhancements. I mean without schools um you know you won't you know that the town wouldn't be what it is today. Um I mean that that was one of the main reasons why we picked Cohasset was based on um the school district and kind of the the perception of that and I think you know any town will tell you that you know the school district is you know the the foundation of a lot of uh I'll call it new families and new entrance within the towns. Um, so I think he's just trying to explain that and you know being committed to what the right answer is. >> Next, so
073I kind of want to take it from a different approach and that is before it even gets to the point where you're requesting an override because I think it's because there's multiple facets across the town that are probably under consideration for overrides as well. And so I think it's within all of everyone at this table's role is to figure out collaboratively what you can do to pivot across all of the different needs to somehow meet in the middle. So the final package as a taxpayer would seem to be less of a shock than it would be if you were doing it in silos. So understanding, you know, in our town that we have a public safety building, that we have um the RTF, that we have this this impending um middle high school rebuild. What
074could the town committees do to bridge the potential, you know, projects across the board to minimize and down scope where needed just to cover the basic minimum of what is needed? So that when you present it to the town's people, it seems like the due diligence was done before than just asking for these large sums of money. And if you can show that you did that, I think you you win the graces over the people that perhaps were on the fence that you actually did the hard work across the board collaboratively across committees to make that happen. Um but fundamentally and and what what Drew said is that you know people come to this town because of the education the school committee the district uh the sorry the school system and for you guys too.
075Um but for the education their children are going to get and the future of of you know what their lives look like after that and hopefully they come back here and want to raise their children here. Um so you're building a legacy. So that needs to be the voice and I think there are other towns too. I think it's important for the committee to do the research of other towns that were successful in passing overrides in the past because they are out there and they were research driven, data driven, um, and they did their homework and were able to turn the tide. So, I think it's important to also follow the success stories there and leverage those. >> Yeah. So, unoriginal answer, but obviously the school is an important part of the community. Um, my
076family moved here at the end of 2012 and maybe my mom is one of those 14. I'm not sure. I'm sure that >> um maybe she can leave a public comment, but I'm sure that they would attest that, you know, the school system was a big part of why they chose this town. There were we looked at a lot of houses if I remember correctly and I think that's a big part of the reason why. But going back specifically to Mr. complex question. Um, ultimately I think there's two key arguments that you have to press. One is, you know, in the event that we have to make a decision like that, the first argument you have to make is it will be it will be beneficial to students. It is something that is important in
077the long term, right? There's no reason to do it if that's not the case. And as a student, I would hope to be able to bring a balanced perspect perspective to something like that. I wouldn't just, you know, want to suddenly, you know, add a swimming pool to the school just because it would be nice. You know, I think I could take a balanced approach um to this was my experience in the district, you know, three, four, five years ago. Here's why I think it would be beneficial. You know, something like the learning commons. I know that that was a big effort by the CF, but it definitely did make a difference in the school community in terms of how this space is used. um you know how people learn here, how collaborative it is
078and how that's how curriculum is shifting. That's the first part. But the second part being relating it back to that individual, you know, maybe they don't have children in the school, maybe they um don't have children, but emphasizing that a school is is an important part of the community and there will be indirect benefits that you know would ultimately help everybody in the long run and you know build up the community further. any more, Mr. >> No, that was all. Thank you. >> Okay, thank you. >> And my question actually, Mr. Grady, you asked my question about I'm always interested in what people's sort of hot button um topics are. So, I appreciate your answering of that. I am very appreciative to the select board for being here this evening. um as well as our
079our small audience um our superintendent is here and of course our candidates. Um I actually feel like moments like these are actually very heartwarming in a way um because we are so um incredibly um gifted as a community to have so many people within our community that are are talented, committed um and willing to share their perspectives and their time. Um so thank you to our candidates for being amongst that esteemed group. Um and of course um our committee board members here um as well. Um it is part of what really makes Cohassid special. Um so at this point I think we'll move to a a sort of deliberative or even just a name call vote um at this point. We are at the the hour mark here and I know everyone has to do
080>> another meeting to go to. >> All right. So we could start with um would you like to start with the school comm school? Okay. Um sorry I started >> all of you had just great things to say across the board. Um I I appreciate um really all the perspectives and you know as I appro I reflect a lot on on this whole conversation right questions to ask what's important and you know there are a lot of kind of policy questions a lot of discussions we have to have uh and I firmly believe the only people that can have that are the voters so I come to this with a decision- making I'm not looking at anybody about what their policies are cuz I'm looking purely at the next 6 months, what I think I
081could use as a school member. And and I think Jake, the thing that you kind of threw in that really kind of um bumped me was when you talked about how much the learning comments changed the building, how much that was important. and as we go through this school process, I want to hear everything you have to say about, well, yeah, that's really going to help. Or, you know, I didn't really use that because I hear a lot I got a lot of OPMs. I got a lot of architects. I got a lot of parents. I got a lot of people that want, you know, gyms and cafeteria. But I don't know, you in this room have spent more time in this building than probably everyone else put together. You put six years of your
082life in this overall building, right? So like I I just and for this short period of time that's what we're looking in front of us right now. How do we voice give voice to students um and what the students need on this project. So my nomination would be for Mr. Squatrinoto and for Mr. Nolton and Mr. Mr. Latanzi. I really hope you guys run for election one year from now. Like I the reason I run I ran was because no one else did. I hate that we have uncontested elections. People say elections matter. They don't if people don't run, right? So like, you know, I love all my colleagues here. I love all the colleagues in the select board, but you know, there should be more people running. We should be having these conversations about
083what our budget priorities are in elections, right? If we don't take those seriously, then we're going to end up going in circles. So, I implore you and I expect both of you to be on the ballot one year from now. Um, so with that said, I will nominate Mr. Jake Squatrio for the position. >> I I can go next. That's kind of win. Um I I'll I'll also say that that I'm here because we had uncontested elections. Um but I did beat out blank space by 30 votes. Um so I think that's that's a testament to me. So uh I agree you guys are are all are all fantastic. And I look at this the same way that that Mr. Evans does is is where what what do we need for our school committee and
084our school governance right now and we do have a building issue. But the thing that is I'm most worried about is our budget situation, our financial situation. How do we plan for that? How do we make that solid? How do we shore this up? How do we come to the town and ask for money to have a sustainable long-term budget? I worry about that more than I worry about even though I worry about building an expansion. I worry about that more because that that can be going concern stuff and even the over the past year we've had to make very difficult decisions about kindergarten parking fees, staff reductions and that was jarring for me and I don't want us to be in that position again. So I want to be able to think about the
085next six months, next year, how we look at our budget, how we uh build our maintenance fees. Uh so and then as far as your candidates, Jake, I have to say I'm I am amazed with you. You have come out of our you're exactly what we want our kids to come out of this this district to be ambitious coming to school committee taking an interest. This is this is the model of the student, the model of the graduate. So you should be incredibly proud. Your mom, one of the 14 should be >> should be hugely proud. So thank you for for for living up to that. I hope you are a role model for all of our all of our students. Um and Just I'm going to use your name. Latani. >> Latanzi. Latanzi. Your
086passion for what you're bringing to the table here and your enthusiasm um is is unquestioned. Uh and I think if we were at different times, all three candidates would be would be ideal. But for for me, what I see we need right now, uh Mr. Nolton, your professional experience with with budgeting, with looking at things from from a deal perspective, figuring out to make these hard trades all the time. I think that perspective would be really helpful for us where we are. So my nomination would be for Mr. Nolton, but that is not a that is not a um a negative on any of the other nominees. It's just where I see we are at the point in time. So I I do encourage everybody to uh to run and I agree your Jake, your
087perspective, please as we go through these other process, please stay involved. Uh we do need that in order to make the right decisions. So thank you. Um, I think that prior two members made it clear that, you know, this can be fairly awkward and we're not trying to hurt anyone's feelings and we're happy stepped up. So, I'm not going to belabor that issue. Um, I'm just going to say that I think that we've been uh met with a very unique opportunity here um where Miss Latanzi and Mr. Nolton have, you know, indicated they're going to be in the community. They're they're parents raising children in the schools uh and hopefully they will have the opportunity to step up in an election. Um, Mr. uh, Squatrio, however, uh, is not going to have the opportunity, but
088he is does have the opportunity right now, um, to serve as an interim school committee member, which I think is um, would be a really nice tribute to our students who we uh, who we like to empower to improve communities. And, um, I think it's, you know, uh, for me, uh, Mr. Squattrito, now an adult, was formerly known as Jake on the SSAC. and um I I I would like to see uh what he can provide and what value he can give to the committee and um I'm excited to um see him or at least give him the opportunity and support him in his uh candidacy here. So that's who I nominate for the position of the interim committee member until next late May or June. >> Um I am also going to nominate Madric
089Commission. Um because the school committee is a um representative body and I think that you come that you represent a constituency that is not on our board. Um having a voice that's not a parent voice um is really interesting. Having a voice that's an alumni voice is very interesting. Um and I think we also have young people in town um that I hope we can engage further um in being involved in our community. Um there I am sure you are not the only college student living um in in Cohasset right now. Um and that many young people return to Cohasset for a period of time perhaps after college. And I think um though that that constituency having a voice um on our board um is is very helpful and appropriate. >> Mr. Grady, >> I'm
090not going to do it again. I think you guys are all fantastic. Um Jake, I think you're going to be an asset to any community and it's not cohassing. I hope this goes stepping up and Mr. Nolan, I'm hoping that you run again when it comes up. just going to say that because we need people like you and I firmly believe that and I like your knowledge of negotiation and u getting out there. I'm going to go with Miss Latanzi legacy grandparents coming in the kids even though as well I think you could bring a lot to the table. I think that uh it'd be interesting to see you know you know like me once you're on the inside you know looking up it's a different it's a completely different game it's not a game
091actually it's trying to grapple with all the days I think you have a handle on that one for you >> Mr. Great. Thank you. Um again, I'll just everyone's doing a quick overview. I think um I I think uh um our most recent graduate um has has done a lot of great things and will certainly do a lot more and I'm very excited that he picked the right university uh Northeastern to go to uh which is where I'm going to alumnist from as well. >> What about your shirt right now? >> Well, I've gone I've gone I've gone to every one in Boston. and I've gone to northeastern SuffK in and Harvard. So So I've probably only got BC to go, I guess. But uh we got a good chance. Yeah. >> Be you next
092week. But anyway, the long and the short is um I I I think it's he's he's got a great experience and I think that there's uh certainly if it's not this board, there's there's other uh boards in town that he could certainly plug into um during his time and then you know moving on to where green pastures and hopefully he'll he'll return here to go pass it. But I thank him for all of his comments because I think all of us learned from uh your interview as as much as we asked you questions. Um and Mr. Nolton, I think his experience is great um regarding all of his background and having kids in the schools and and that will be something to be look look forward to and I hope that he does run um
093in the future. And his experience is is close with Latanzi. And I think that that what kind of put me over the top was is that because you're you teach um and you're able to deliver those services, you'll understand the delivery system of education. And so many of us don't necessarily know that. I do because I teach on the side myself. But I mean, uh I think that's an important thing of the pressures in in in in how we're going to budget and how it's it's we dealing with people with a delivery system that delivers the education of the kids and and brings them uh to bear so they can go through the system. So I thought that point would be something u that the school committee uh could use and get that perspective. So
094long and short my vote is >> Mr. Plex. >> Uh so I'll do my best to keep it brief. Uh Jake, you bring an incredible perspective and I assure you there are much more fun ways to spend your evenings. I I hope you've learned that much, but uh you're stepping up and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Uh Drew, we're sitting here talking about budgets and you're the finance guy and I mean that as a compliment. I'm a CFA. People call me a finance guy. It's a compliment. Uh but Miss Latanzi, your comment about the importance of bringing people along from the beginning and getting that engagement early so that everybody understands the trade-offs involved and every everybody understands how hard it is. that is so critical, but it is also so
095hard to do. So, that comment is why I'm going to be voting for you. But I I have to say everyone wants to do it, but it's it's really hard. We've got kids, we've got jobs, we've got competing priorities. If we could do it, this would be easy. So, it it's that effort that I hope you will help us uh move forward to get more people engaged earlier so that we can have constructive conversations instead of arrows slinging. So, I I'm voting for Miss Latanzi. >> Okay. Same seat, different room a while ago. Um, so, uh, I'm not going to regurgitate what everybody said. I concur with all all of the comments. Um and um if I look at if I look at how the voting went the vote the voting from the school committee
096which is the board that has to you know work with the person and and um utilize their skills and talents that weighs has a lot of weight with me um because um they're not sitting with us they're going to be sitting with you and filling that fifth seat and I can't disre regard that. Um and um I so I would I would support the school committee's position for Jake um on the school committee. Um, I was very compelled, Miss Latanzy, by everything that you said and I was most heartened by the fact that you said that you would run and I hope that you do um for next year and if you do, whether it means anything to you or not, you would have my support because I think that you do bring a lot
097to the table. Um, if it were a decision for this board, I would make a different decision. But it's clear to me that the majority of of the school committee ha has a preference and I have to respect that. Um, so being the tiebreaker yet again, I I would vote for I would vote for Jake. >> Um, do we do a a roll call vote? Um, >> yeah. Um, so I'm seeking a motion um to approve um Mr. Jacobs as the new um school committee um chair. >> I have totally just showed my cards to everyone. >> Excuse me. The new uh this school committee seat. >> Absolutely. I'll second. >> Thank you. Um we'll do a roll call vote. Um Mr. I >> Mr. Evans >> I >> Mr. Coleman >> I miss >>
098I Okay, can I have a motion to approve Mr. Sports? >> Okay. Um as the interim school committee member until the next election motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Uh we'll have a roll call. Mr. Grady. >> Hi. >> Mr. Farog. >> Hi. >> Mr. Lex >> I >> LMR I Okay. Thank you. >> Um congratulations Mr. >> Um thank you again Mr. Milton and Miss Lanzi. Um this is I mean it's tough a very difficult choice. Um and and really I think all of us have said in one way or another that we hope um that our two candidates that are not moving forward tonight do um engage in um public service um in our next election because there will be open seats. Um so at this point we'll
099um thank you Cohasset. Um we will take a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> So move second. >> U Mr. Adams. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dial. >> Hi. >> Miss McCull. >> Hi. >> Miss Ley. I have a motion to adjourn the um school the select board meeting. >> So move. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I Mr. I >> I had a 40 slip there. >> All right. Good night. Thank you very much. >> Oh happy heart. >> Good to see you. Relax.