001Good evening everybody. It is uh Wednesday, August 20, 205. The time is 6:39 p.m. We are going to start our building grounds and transportation committee meeting. Uh present in the meeting is myself board president Gazal Bora Kate Ratner and we have um facilities director Jerry Tig uh acting superintendent Adam Layman we have supervisor our administrator Zach Moralda and director and martyr from transportation. So we will start the meeting off with um first off Mr. Tay could you go over the Applegarth rag grant and where we are with that project. >> Do you want to go in reverse order of those status here? That's at the end transportation. >> Want to do transportation first? We can do that. >> Sure. >> So is that fine? All right. So what we would like is uh first overview
002of where we stand in September. How many um out of district buses? How many in do we do we increase our in district busting where we are with this? >> Um this year we have four single high school contracted runs and we have five triple triple meaning a high school, middle school and elementary contracted routes. Last year we had four high school uh contracted runs and 10 triple contracted routes. But what we did a little different this year also is we did the bid ourselves. >> Okay. And so we have direct contra uh contact with all these bus companies. I had the owners of each of the bus companies come in and meet with us. I went over everything we expect from them, what we want, how we want things handled. Um I went over
003the seating charts. I went over the safety protocols. And um I think it'll work out a lot better not having a middleman to deal with. I pick up the phone and I'm in touch with them immediately. >> And plus we're not paying the commission every the their money that they get every month. So we'll have a direct So the the busing that's coming from out of district. >> Yes. >> Do they have their own radio system? So >> they do have their own radio system. >> So if you call their office, they could communicate while you're on the phone with >> immediately instead going through a commission waiting for somebody to reach out and call. So we'll pretty much have direct contact with the buses. >> Yes. Yes. I feel more comfortable with that instead
004of there's you know there's not a middleman because there was a whole waiting process last year. >> Um >> I can first >> I'm practicing um so with utilizing different companies that you know we're not going direct through um the commission. >> Um I'm assuming that like is there a vetting process that you're using and then are we approving them? >> Could you tell us please? >> Yes I can. Um okay >> I think we approved them. It's the same for the high school routes, it's the same bus company that did them last year. We had zero issues. >> Okay. >> Um for the uh the triple routes, which I I didn't mention, but it includes uh the high school, three of the middle school routes, two Woodland, and 5 mil Lake. I kept Oak
005Tree and Applegarth inhouse because it's our drivers and I don't know how it's going to switch around or whatever >> for now. So, I wanted our drivers doing it this way if it extends longer, if it's, you know, it's quicker. I I wanted our drivers to do it. Um, and the other companies that are doing it is Irving Raphael. >> They're a big company. >> Yes. Uh, Garris Bus. >> Okay. >> And I'm drawing a blank. Give me a second. I'm so sorry. >> Garrisial. >> No, no, no, no. It's not presidential. >> That's the only one that we didn't go with. >> I am so sorry. I am so sorry. It's okay. All right. You have to do the alphabet and it'll come to you. >> Yeah, that's what I usually do. I am
006so sorry. >> Well, we're thinking or she's looking it up. The I remember last year there was there was a reason that I I cannot recall. We're all having to say I guess that we tried to keep all of the mill like busing in house. I don't know if it was because of the higher level of uh walkers or because this came up when we were discussing the possible pilot for the app that we had all in house last year for Milt Lake. So, did something change? >> I wasn't here last year when the school year started. I started shortly after No, I think she's talking about we talked about piloting the bus app and we were going to after the spring break we were supposed to do it with Mil Lake and Woodland since
007those I think it was 10 buses at the time were all our buses. There was no out of district buses. I think that's what >> I also because that's when I remember us discussing it but I remember that there was a reason brought up that LA typically had all like >> they were all in house. just I don't remember what >> oftentimes some of the factors to consider is where the students like if they were students at a certain school they needed to drive across town or something like that so maybe that was the case but again you know the >> the assignment of routes now is all about efficiency and you know it made sense for these to uh >> so I think with the Apple or the uh yeah Apple middle school thing
008it would make more sense to have at this point >> our own busing right >> until we figure this all out. >> Excuse me for one second. I remember the other bus. Garris, I'm so sorry about that. >> Okay. >> Emanuel, presidential, Garris, and Urban Republic. You >> No, Presidential. >> Presidential. We didn't approve. >> I'm reading the resolution from >> Oh, >> then we did something wrong in this where Okay. No, sorry. I I'm reading. We received bits from them. Yes. >> Yes. The next sentence is urban rifle, garment. >> Yes, the three. >> All right. >> There were four. >> There was four and then we the only one that we didn't go with was present. >> Yes. Y >> I had a question. So >> I I know that sometime during the
009planning period Dr. Shanley and you were meeting often to discuss if we need to change our routes also because we know we've been doing the same and we were trying to see if we can opt it. Has any changes happened? What I was so we I know that we went down from 32 contracted buses to 19. That's the number I remember from the board meeting. >> Last year >> contracted routes from 32. Did we reduce the number of routes or uh change them? Have you done any of that? Would you want to give us like an update on >> if I could give you that update at the next meeting because I know we did consolidate a few routes. It wasn't a lot, but I know we were able to consolidate a few elementary schools,
010but I don't want to give you the wrong number. >> Perfect. Actually, Mr. Superior, we could put that on the agenda for the next because by the time the schools would have opened, >> we could get some feedback on those. Not just that, it was >> I believe that we were >> consolidating some routes. >> I mean, if we go back to the way what you kicked off with, we had 10 and four 10 run 10 three tier runs and four high school runs last year. This year we had five and four. That's >> We're down five runs. >> Five runs in the contracted world. >> In the contracted world. Are those runs being just, you know, handled internally or do >> we hired bus drivers? Correct. >> We didn't hire. >> Yes, we did.
011>> We did hire some bus drivers. We also had drivers retire. So, >> I think what you were asking is are we just contracting less or do we have less overhaul routes? I think has there been some sort of a change in our maps and and I think next meeting is a perfect time where you can not just share what changes were done but also what is the feedback coming >> okay >> you know from the parents because you would have had enough phone calls by then >> so just one more quick thing because you just sort of reminded me I remember last year we had created um I believe it was an email address that there were any concerns because especially at the beginning of the year which we're approaching a lot of you
012we don't want to over like overwhelm the you know the people working in the office and there are certain times where you need to speak to someone quickly but there's other times where it's not an emergency um so I don't know if we're communicating that >> I can look at so Elliot to make sure he can tweak so what we had is a transportation at Monroek12 that ended at us so in times where it wasn't where's my son or daughter the bus is not here yet or the bus dropped off and my son didn't son or daughter didn't get off the if it's a non-immed immediate concern, they could email that email address, but it would also go to all the staff in your in your office. That way, you you guys can divide and
013conquer the response, but you can also prioritize. You know, there's only so many of you. So, even if you're all receiving calls and it's a couple minutes on the phone, >> it helps take the non-emergent issues and you can deal with them. >> Yep. >> After you know you've dealt with the where's my son or daughter or the bus is late, where's my bus, that kind of thing. >> Very good. and and also the first couple days of school um it's very important like there's going to be delays >> but them delays have to get out to the parents. Um in the past they weren't always relayed right away and um so we we need like we need to just so the parents know so then they're not bombarded with calls and emails. Hey, send
014out a a connect that you know, Mil Lake schools is 10 minutes leaving 10 minutes later than usual, whatever, just so we could let the parents know because that was that's always been a problem in the first week of school is, you know, they're making sure every kid gets on the right bus and in the right seat and where they need to be. And, you know, if if the middle school is five minutes behind or 10 minutes behind, by the time they get to their elementary school, now they're 20 minutes behind. >> Yes. and then they're another 10 minutes behind. So, I mean, at some points we're like leaving sometimes like a half hour later the first week. >> And that was always a big thing that parents would be calling because they're at the
015bus stop at 4:00 and the bus isn't there at 4:20. So, if we could just, you know, at least get something out, if we know, like maybe have some kind of contact with administration, school to see like when they're actually leaving compared to the time they're scheduled to leave. >> So then maybe if we could send something out >> and we can coordinate with building principles to see typically transportation would originate like, hey, this bus is coming, you know, in the morning. It's going to be 15 minutes late. >> Yes. Um, I would think you guys are going to be jamming on the phone the first couple days of school and the building principles as they're dismissing the buses know when they're leaving better than you would, right? So I almost think we can work
016with the principles and say the first couple days of school, you know, we can send an email that says the buses have left the middle school >> that you guys send an email the buses have just left Oak Tree or the buses are 20 minute anticipating 20 minutes leaving Oak Tree or Applegarth or whatever just to kind of give you know >> a little bit of reassurance to the parents that hey >> it's not on the road and missing for 30 minutes they're still here known. >> Yeah, that's what I mean. So they they'll know. And then my only other question is in reference to the Apple Middle School thing. Since Otri and Apple use the same bus for the children, >> will they be going to what school first to get the kids and
017then will they be going to like will they pick kids up at Oak Tree and then go to the middle school or will they pick the school and then go to Oak Tree and then do the route >> in the morning? They'll go to Oak Tree first, drop off the students, and then we're going to have a separate bus to pick up the Falcon Care students. >> Okay? >> Then the buses will leave and go to the middle school and they'll drop off the students and the Falcon Care students. And then the afternoon they'll be at the middle school first and I'll have the Falcon Care bus there also. Okay. >> Just for the then they'll all go over to Oak Tree. >> Oak Tree, which would make more sense. That's what I know because
018that'll be a big question with parents is >> so drop off is oak tree and then apple and pickup is our oak tree middle school then a pickup middle school right >> right and the whole process here should be when we undo and go back to Applegarth the bus pickup and drop off times in the morning and the afternoon should be very similar >> yes >> as they were >> from the first day of school well >> after the first couple days of school once we get in routines once we get in track. >> So, >> um that's the that's the whole, you know, the the kids are on the same bus, they don't have to be reassigned new buses or anything like that. So, everything is consistent um no matter where the students are
019going to. >> If I could just follow with what you mentioned about the communication. Um so, the first thing I just wanted to clarify which I saw on Genesis is that's where you'll find the bus information. We're probably we're not mailing it any longer, right? It's all Genesis. >> Yep. >> Um, and then I remember was probably two years ago where we learned this. There's a certain notification on Genesis that parents have to select in order to receive certain information under um I just had it up and then I lost it. uh under the settings there's like general and then email alerts because I remember like I was I think you also weren't getting it which um you know we learned so I don't know if the bus communication for the specific routes would be
020going through that but if that's the case I either way I feel like it's important for parents to just look at those email alerts is what it's under as settings um and then I also know we have like a new notification system so um what you said is true. So if if if you don't have a particular setting um but you just like in any thing on your cell phone on an app or an email, you can toggle what you would be alerted to and what you won't be. Um >> by default it's set on. >> Correct. >> So you've opted out or unsubscribed at some point. >> Um >> you're not going to get it, right? >> There are some instances where like let's say a primary contact may be receiving alerts and a
021secondary emergency may not. It all depends on how information was entered. That said, um the new system that we're actually having an online meeting about next week. >> Yep. >> Uh the Messenger XR program is supposed to improve not only our end on the back end to help you like if you were to email saying, "Hey, I didn't get the text." It should just be an easy fix, but it also is supposed to improve our ability to give parents the uh access on their end to where if they need to change uh settings. There was a time where people with AOL uh suffixes were having difficulty emailing us. So sometimes like things like that happen. This is something in the back end that you're getting next week on Genesis. >> Uh what I'm sorry, this
022is part of our new website overhaul. This is like the second phase of that. We featured a little bit last year. So the the the the dusty emails that you guys get in in mass from us that all look the same. We're hoping that, you know, a lot of times important information gets lost in the yearbook sales email that you may be getting. >> Um so we think that this will be a solution to that. So important emails will cut right to the top and and you should be able to do that. But the other thing I would advise parents to do um particularly when it comes to the emergency settings is to activate that text message often. Uh so when we do send out like an emergency um you know god forbid something like
023that there is an ability to also push information to your phone. And in my opinion uh something like a bus running beyond a normal tardiness would be something that would warrant that. particularly in bad weather, if the bus is running late, we would have the ability to push that out to the user's phone as well as as the email. And that tends to be while everyone gets the phone has their email on the phone, that alert uh tends to be the best way to to let someone know. And we should we will have that feature in the new software. Uh I would just advise the public to be patient with it. Um and we will most likely stick to our traditional means of uh communication just to get the school year off the ground so
024nothing gets lost. off the BCNT agenda, but because we're talking about Can I make a suggestion to you, Mr. Moralda, if we could have it pushed out on our social media sometime before the school opens, like a day or two, asking all to check Genesis. >> Yeah. >> You know, even if you've not gotten an email alert, just go and check and then maybe put a little infographic there. >> I think that's fantastic. >> Putting it on our district Facebook page would get recognized on it and people do tend to share information, >> right? So they might have changed, but I remember the default was that my like my son or daughter was the one like that was set to be the one getting notifications that their phone numbers like my you know my kindergarters
025is not getting that. So I had to change it. So I definitely agree like we can just have everyone double check it. Um you know hopefully it prevents some issues. >> Uh I will uh I will work with Mr. development to make sure that whatever infographic we put out is is concise and we'll get that out for specific. I think that's I think we may have actually suggested that last year at one point too. >> Yeah, >> I keep doing that. >> You know, it's not >> in terms of like notifications. Blackboard Connect is our tool and it's suns setting and being replaced by messages XR. So whether we like blackboard connected or not it's going away and we're naturally going to message XR but message XR is going to be much more graphical in
026nature interactive as opposed to >> the same font and we're attaching a lot of files to we can embed some graphics and stuff now >> and we can target our communications more effectively too right now we're kind of subjected to grade level bands building bands and and >> and regions really of the town whereas this would allow us to create more specific lists and things >> so we have all the tools to make sure the communication goes out. >> Yep. Could we make sure too that these bus charts are done and in like a copy in your office within like the first couple weeks of school? >> Bus charts >> like the seating charts. >> Yes. Yes. >> That that's a serious issue. >> That was that was a big thing especially with >> especially
027contract that needs to be done and that needs to be updated and then maybe store with you and also with Mr. Chris Polley. >> Yes. So, God forbid we have an emergency. Um, everybody including the police, first aid, fire will have access >> right away. >> So, that was that was core to your conversation with the contractor specifically. >> It was all right. And then another thing that was a part of our bid package I believe a part of our bid package was that they have a dispatcher on >> call >> when we have buses out on the road. So, and that's so that means there's somebody on the other end of the line to pick up the phone while our kids are still in the >> but also the bus chart needs to be
028done and done in a legible manner, not by I mean granted if you want to ask the kid to write their name on it and then the bus driver redo it. So it's I agree >> it it's legible printed so that you know we we seen the one bus chart where >> you couldn't even make out what the names were because they had the first grader >> right that's what I was thinking like >> yeah so >> high school had the kids write it but >> stuff like that >> in high school there I've had kids who don't know how to write them so >> but yeah um I think and then we'll get a a briefing from you next month and >> okay >> let us know where we're at where understand what you
029need, what you don't need, what what's working, what's not working, so we could uh make any corrections that we need right off the bat. >> Sure. >> All right. And we can give a little we'll give an update now on the bus app if you wanted to. >> Sure. So um last uh I believe it was last March we had uh discussed install or piloting a bus app program that allowed parents to track becoming and students. and um you know really it was the precursor to a larger inquiry of of the overall utility of such a project and whether or not it fit well with our district based on what parents were looking for but also infrastructural sustainability um and foster management things like that. uh through our inquiry, we were fortunate enough to come
030across uh a vendor uh that was willing to partner with us in this inquiry and uh they they've been talking with them and courting them and they've been courting us for a couple years now and we saw a potential opportunity to pilot this program at the Mil Lake uh Woodland side of town because of some of those things you just mentioned um you know the absence of out of district busing um or contracted busing just proximity and things like that. and it just seemed to kind of work. Um, as we were preparing for it to initiate that, there were some environmental um, uh, variables that we were considering both with and without federal control. Also really considering uh, the sustainability of such a program if it was to be well received and whether or not
031we could assimilate to the district within a responsible and cost-effective manner. While we were exploring that, we also uh became aware of some of the options that existed with our current system uh, Transfinder. um which is the GPS system that we use uh to track the coming and going of our buses but just not at the intricate level that a bus tracking app would offer. Uh so basically what we did was um through that inquiry some we leaped into the summer and then we decided to put that project on hiatus as we considered those variables such as the apple dart middle school logistical uh onion that we were going to try to unravel and some other things with regards mainly cost and sustainability if we were to roll it out in a macro um in
032a macro uh concept mainly to the entire district. So, here's where we're at now. Uh, uh, fortunately, we do have the opportunity to continue to roll this out. At this point, we would probably look at a different section of town, uh, just because we would prefer to stay away from the contract and buses. Um, uh, the Right Spot, which is the organization that offered to pilot this, uh, program through us, uh, had indicated that if we'd like to pilot and we were planning to adopt it, they would charge us about $6 per student, which given our fluctuating, you know, give or take $41,000 for the installation of this service annually for the district. Uh, Transfinder, which is the current system that we have, offers two potential solutions to this request. um they had a tracking
033system that would be delivered that could be delivered to parents if they were to download an app that would just simply track the coming and going of the bus. So basically from point of origin to destination um that would be approximately about $7,000 annually uh and it would assimilate with the already existing technologies and hardware that was already and please forgive me if I misspe that that already exists on our buses. Um there is a more comprehensive offering that uh transponder transfinder excuse me offers uh which is significantly more expensive than both of those other options. Um but that would offer the comprehensive tracking turn style servicing swiping and swiping off the bus like you would do in an urban center and that's pretty much what what bright spot was offering us as well. >>
034So the question comes to and so this is the nexus point here. Um certainly uh we could proceed with the pilot to just simply see how it works, see if the parents like it to see if uh this is something that fits with Monroe and and I'm grateful and humbled by the right spot still be willing to partner with us. I spoke with that organization as recently as today. Uh then we could explore sustainability, you know, in perpetuity. If this is something that one we want to adopt and we can afford and two whether it's not something that we need in the district. Um, the other option would be to uh see how it works with already existing hardware and software. It would you'd have to incur a cost, but we'd be able to do
035it throughout the entire district. Um, and that would not be it it would, you know, it would most likely, and I want to speak for transportation, there would be some sort of transitionary period that we would have to prepare for. >> Have a the transponder, the in-house thing. Is that going to work with the three private contractors? >> Right. >> If it's not going to work with them buses, >> what this um program could do is we could give them the tablet and it would hook up to their bus. It's a whole system that they have. This one, it's not a tablet that gets removed from the bus. It's stays in the bus. We would they would program it into that bus and all our routing software and everything is on that bus. >> But
036we would need we wouldn't need a a cost like a cost thing for the contracted buses like we're going to have to provide them with >> Well, it's per bus. That's how they >> just follow up with contracted routes. Those buses are not exclusively for our needs, right? So >> we want to put our data on that. The thing is is it could be with one of our buses. Buses sometimes have to be serviced. Buses sometimes are taken off the road because of the repair. At that point, you take the device off and you can use it. >> We wouldn't have it on every bus of ours. >> Oh yeah, we would. But I'm just saying it's, you know, there are times. I can learn is if with that is that if you're not knowing
037if that contracted bus doesn't start in the morning and goes to school and then they're bringing a secondary bus >> to use that day. So I'm not for anything that's not comparable for every bus we're using. Like I >> we're going to do something. It's got to be like this has to be guaranteed. >> Yep. Right. that that bus from Garrison or Irving Raphael or >> right >> whoever. >> Yeah. And those those are the things that we probably as we would >> explore this we would because even our own buses bus 23 that does whatever school Yeah. if they're getting state inspections today it's going to be another bus right there. >> Right. So, and I I think what Donna was saying was if it's a contract of us, we would have the same
038equipment installed in theirs, but we would have to coordinate with them to make sure that just like we would have our equipment to be flexible, they would have to have that commitment to us. >> But is it something that's hardwired into the bus? if we do every one of our buses >> likely in this in this scenario what we would have to do and and and to your point uh and when I when I reference like some of these environmental concerns that could simply as be as like we need to move a contracted bus over to Mil Lake and and at the time when we were looking at onboarding this we were starting to have those discussions about what transportation was going to look like in the next three six weeks um which gave us
039a little bit of pause and then to your point Mr. appear up when we if there was a unforeseen let's say bus breaks down then what we would have to do is and uh uh the gentleman that was with us the other day explained this to we would then have to bring a separate device onto that contracted bus which presumably would already be pre-loaded with all that data so there would be an extra layer >> we wouldn't know that that >> probably until the 11th hour >> like yep >> if we if Irving Raphael has four buses and that morning three don't start we're getting >> three so I I feel more comfortable >> with something that's beneficial to everybody instead of especially when you're you're dealing with younger children like it's not like we're
040dealing with high school >> but if I could just the the right spot software because that's like I like the the QR sign all of that is that something that I mean we still have potentially the same issue like for me I I agree with you I think we need to be able to do it districtwide. I don't necessarily think we need to do it K to 12, but if we're going to do it, let's say all the elementary schools, right? All K to five need to be able to get that or we include middle schools. Like that's, you know, where I would feel. Um, but I guess would the same concerns arise from either of what right spot is offering with their program which is a little different than going through transfinder right now.
041We're all >> what is it? It's trans or it's transfinder and and really so if my understanding is correct transfinder is is we're going to use that regardless because that's how you know where your buses are for for your purposes of managing drivers and and rules. >> I didn't want to correct you before. We use Zonar. >> We use Zonar to track our buses. >> Transfinder what that has currently has all our busing information, all our routes, all our directions, all the students. >> Yeah, it has the bulk of everything. All including contracted. >> No. What has right now what we the services we use with transfinder right now has our routes the student information the route information the directions. >> Zonar is something we use separate right now and that tracks our buses. >>
042So it is two different uh programs. If we were to go with Transfinder, then Transfinder would in addition have the um GPS software where we could do it all in in one and you know with the one >> Yeah. We'd have to use their That's what I mean. It'll be cost because we'd have to use their >> software in in transponder for the GPS part of it. >> Yes. Yes. Yeah, because I I I know like um in camera car cameras, one company does the camera, the GPS and everything, >> where the second company only does the camera and you have to provide your own GPS. >> Correct. So that's where my concern is is that if we're going to do something, it's got to be beneficial for us, especially in the elementary schools, >>
043that we have a a system without flaws that could provide elementary parents with data, not not wondering if, >> you know, they they sign on Transfinder and now their kids buses there >> because it's a different bus with no Transfinder. I'm more worried than initial. >> It'll it'll cause more alarm and worry than >> like it's got to be something that is going to cover everybody, especially elementary. >> I appreciate >> because elementary is is the big thing, >> right? Because others have >> and I I know it's almost impossible to not contract elementary because you have to do three, which I I understand that totally. So, I mean, this is something that we need to >> and that would be something really seriously consider. >> Yeah. If I can say, so that pilot didn't
044work out. We're back to square one. I think we're all in agreement that we do need something as a solution for um elementary school level at least. >> I think I don't know that everybody's in agreement, but I think there's there's an interest from >> there's interest from the community, at least elementary schools. And if we want a solution, we want it to be um um looking for the right word here, but something that works for contracted buses. Yes. >> Our buses, buses that break down like it it needs to be robust enough to >> and the idea of the pilot is is an opportunity to look at something in a controlled environment. >> In a controlled envir and and just to to circle back to last spring, that that controlled environment was becoming less
045and less controlled. Not through anyone's fault. It was just as as the the district evolves uh populations as centered grade level. We were really we found ourselves in a situation we were trying to put a square peg into a round hole. No fault of the vendor or the transportation. It just the stars weren't aligned in that moment. I think that's what bridge but I think at this point what we are getting in terms of the transfinder and the zono that you just mentioned I feel like we need on on paper comparison before we even decide whether we want to Dr. we could do a study of what capability and I know you said $7,000 for the youth but how is that $7,000 different from what right squad is giving us for 41 right it's only
046telling you where the bus >> looking at just looking at it what's nice for the buses it's when it's at a destination and when it gets to its next destination. Nothing start finish. >> The other ones are tracking this are >> it's not tracking. It's >> it's not tracking them. >> It's as if your student son or daughter swipes off the bus. You as the parent know that they swiped off the bus. Again, none of this is >> live road locations for buses. >> It's kids on and off. We have Right. But I've got you see the live location of the bus. I've got >> you you can provided that that child has swiped it on that bus. >> Right. Right. Right. So once the kids on the bus, they'll >> and it can show
047you like how long approximately it's >> just need a comparison before we make a decision as to whether we've had it or we >> and and and if I could I could make an offer to the community because it's August and and so uh I would be and while we're doing that, you know, we we will very aggressively and ambitiously really try to leverage this new messenger. I'm going to call it our expedit XR to to to Mr. Shapiro's original point was to for timely communications, more targeted alerts, looking ways to to really fully optimize the technologies that we already have that maybe have been underutilized >> to in the meantime while we do this inquiry, we'll make a commitment to to really doubling down on making sure >> and I think also that if
048we're going to do any kind of trial, >> we should include at least two or three out of district. >> That's what I was going to say. Just so we know how it's working with in district and out of district. Trying it in district's great. We know how our system works, but then you're throwing a wrench. >> So if we're going to do it and say we pick 20 routes or 15 routes to try it >> and we could just do it and even if it's at multiple schools like if it's possible to do like maybe five middle school, maybe two woodland, maybe uh >> so we are, you know what I mean? Just >> you can correct me if I'm wrong. We are I say rare but relatively unique in the sense that the
049vast majority of our buses are our own. So >> a conversation with how do we manage a district versus contracted buses is a hurdle that anyone in this business has >> has tackled. So we can provide some context about the tiers of our runs. Yeah. >> Some are just high school, some are three tiered runs. How does that fit in? what's your experience in, you know, those contracted buses are switched or not switched or drivers call and say, how does that impact >> he spoke to that briefly and it really just becomes a matter of what's the point of origin for the contracted bus because at some point that device and they use T-Mobile tablets, right? >> That T-Mobile tablet needs to find its way onto the contracted bus. Y >> and one of the
050one of the pauses that we had with that was that our buses and I actually left in my notes some of our buses are housed at Oak Tree. So that there are some that there were some of those logistical things that was really starting to pop up. That said, um if we once we factf find and if there's a determination that we'd like to proceed, um you know, we're we're positioned where if we decide to go with right spot, we're just at a point where we just need to turn over the student information >> and the route information. Uh but there would definitely likely need to be more data collection on maybe some of these other services that we we had mentioned. So >> so just go back to the beginning you had mentioned that
051was the the triple route outside was middle. It was Woodland and Mil Lake right middle school. Woodland Middle Lake I think those were the ones >> No. Not Mil Lake. >> Not Mil Lake. >> No. Okay. >> Contracted out. Oh contracted out. Yes. had cheese from four single high school runs and then five triple >> five triple three middle school >> right >> two wood uh woodland and five military >> okay just knowing that you know Mrs. Garcia had already, you know, graciously agreed to run the pilot. That's when we had, you know, said like it would be better because they were all in house. But now still it might make sense to go there knowing like she had agreed to bring this on. Listen, I'm biased. My kids are but I still think it
052makes sense because then we can see the contracted like all the buses. Exactly. We have some districts, some out of district come in >> just to give us a a feel of if it's even going to work >> and how it'll work for us. >> Yeah. I mean, we can certainly have conversations with all the administrators and see where, you know, where we land. Yep. And LA was 100% prepared to execute. >> Yes. The >> even the pilot >> 100% ready. >> I said we would probably have a month of using just a new messaging system to see it. situation. >> We we're we're committed to improving communication regardless, but I'm hoping that that'll certainly show that commit one will will show through these next couple months as we >> through the messenger XR system.
053>> Uh is that it for transportation? Good. >> Move on to building ground zep. This is what I do. Um just one quick thing bringing things on to >> bus. Um I know there were issues last year um I had friends who like with instruments bringing on the bus and things of that nature. Um I know it was certain buses like because maybe they were at capacity this and that but is there any um I guess set of procedures that maybe can be shared so that parents are aware of like what isn't is not allowed. I mean, I know also like when we used to get the letter, it said to be outside 15 minutes before. Right now, I just looked at Genesis, it has the route and the time, but I don't know if
054that's the time that I'm supposed my child is supposed to be out there or the time that they're bus. Um, so I don't know if any of that information is going to be sort of shared like >> it usually says 10 minutes prior to your actual bus route. >> That's their actual bus stop time. >> Okay. >> So, >> we need to put something out saying that please the first week of school or something. Yeah, we could send something out >> because once once a couple weeks go by, then the bus driver knows exactly what time to be there. >> You're right. And as far as uh sports equipment, instruments has to fit underneath the seat. >> Okay. >> Because a lot of times it'll they try to block the aisles and it's a safety
055concern. >> Yeah. So that's as long as it fits underneath the seat, we're fine with it. >> We um last year, if you may recall um we actually help because this issue especially as the buses get founded. So what we do and I'll speak for Mr. Snider on this one. >> We had our instructors, our band directors actually go onto the bus and show the kids because pretty much every instrument can fit under the seat saber >> if but you know it's usually a user error, >> right? >> So So we we will have the I'm sure Mr. Sn will have the band directors go on the bus and show the students how to stow the equipment safely. If not they they they can't let it stick out into the seats and stuff. >> Sporting
056equipment, too. Like I think most of it wouldn't be a problem. I think of like sticks maybe or things of that nature. >> Got to get it under there safely. That's why. >> Okay. All right. >> Sounds good. >> Okay. >> All right. I'm really good now. I >> move on with where we at with the project. >> You want to go just keep going first? >> Whatever. Yeah, that's fine. You want to do snow removal first? >> Item four, snow removal contract. Committee members were provided with the bid results from last year's bid opening where we awarded to a new contractor, custom landscaping and lawn care. >> We need to renew or rebid for this upcoming year. I recommend that we renew with custom by contract. They are entitled to a believe a 2%
057increase. They've agreed to renew for 0% increase. Remember one thing with this contract is that there is no money guaranteed. So if there's no snow, we pay zero. It's only paid based on what falls. >> And using them last year, we had no issues. Correct. >> Correct. So we went through the learning curve with them. It's a process for them to learn the lots and and so on. They performed well. We're pleased with how they performed. When they bid, they came in about 10% under the bidder, which was substantial. >> So, I would recommend that we renew. >> And they want to stay at the same price. They're not even asking for an increase. I mean, I think that's awesome. >> Nothing better. Nothing better. >> Okay. >> Next item is lead and water grant.
058So, under the state of New Jersey grant program, securing our children's future bond act, the water water infrastructure improvement, uh I see an opportunity here where we may be able to recoup some funds. You'll recall we have as required been retesting for lead and water at the schools. Any areas that failed and require remediation were allowed to apply for a grant for this. I wanted to alert you that I'll be putting a resolution forward for the next board report that I need in order to pursue this. >> Are you are you writing the grant or do we have a grant? Do we have a grant writer in district? >> Yep. And she she writes a tremendous amount. There's a Mr. K does a lot of the grant work on his >> safety. There's some safety
059grants, facility specific, you know, lighting specific grants that um actually come through his department and his view as opposed to the instructional piece. >> Who is who is the grant? >> Miss Christie. >> Yeah. Y >> and and the grants also include the title one funding and tremendous amount of uh oversight for their funds. Okay. >> Okay. Next item is the ESIP projects update. So committee members were provided with two schedules this time. Uh last meeting I've been providing you with what is called the twoe look ahead. I believe Miss Bar asked asked for additional information. So the second schedule that is included there shows the long range vision through 2026. Okay. Um, as I've been reporting in the weekly reports, the building envelope work is now 100% complete throughout the district. Lighting has been
060ongoing. If you take a look at the schedule, you'll see couple schools left in yellow. That's we're basically 99% done at these schools. There's a handful of fixtures where they're waiting a specialty bulb or fixture or so on wrap those up, but they're continuing to work through the district. Um, the work is satisfactory and it's moving ahead. As far as the larger projects, the HAC projects, the boilers, chillers, etc. As I've noted, we've been working with our engineering department, processing submitts, reviewing, so on. We're actually ahead of schedule with that, and we anticipate that the middle school boilers will be able to get changed out this season before this upcoming heating season, which would be fantastic. Uh, very optimistic for that to happen. And um along the late it items like the chillers and some
061of the rooftop units, they're slated out further which would be next spring, maybe next summer, some of those. So things are progressing well and um no issues at this time. >> Questions? >> Not a question. Just want to, you know, please convey my gratitude to the team at Honeywell. That one page attachment shows that we're either on schedule or ahead of schedule and a lot of things. So which is great. Just wanted to clarify every single project is in that list of 21. >> Yes. >> So it's it's a and they will keep updating it for us to see. Um I I just I feel like between last month and this month there's a lot more clarity and I appreciate it. Um for for the other attachment though the start date is TBD but I
062do see that it it is part of the previous attachment and there like a schedule but is the TBD like a window in that quarter or >> Yeah. So the fellow is going to TDB. He is their site guy. He only looks ahead two weeks. That's kind of his tool, but just two weeks. So if it's beyond two weeks, >> he doesn't have the >> Yeah. No, I do see that he put some dates in 2026 like he put April of 26 out there like he does have some of these dates. >> Some of the stuff that we have finalized the middle designs they bid awarded or in that process they will commit to those state. >> It's a big improvement from last month. So I am very satisfied. Thank you so much. Uh Mr.
063T. It looks great. uh the way one question on the grants here though um are you seeing any changes to what we were hoping to get on some of these projects like is Honeywell is there any >> don't want to >> conversation >> commit to anything but we will be more cash positive than we >> on energy savings or on grant money >> the total package >> that's even better >> nothing better than that to hear thank you >> the only piece that's not reflected here obviously is the solar you recall the district contracted separately for the solar. So that is still going through the process. There's a lot of regulatory work involved with solar in terms of we had applications to the utility port of public utilities shakesparious approvals and permissions to tie into
064the grid. So it's a much more administrative heavy piece up front and our board attorney is still working with them to finalize the contract which we've been pushing hard on because um we should have had a contract by now. >> We need the contract. >> Yes, we need the contract. Good luck. I hope you are able to wrap that up quick. >> Um if I can sort of combine the two um when we were talking about the water. So we actually yesterday at the lease committee were discussing some of the past legislation which I think is partially where is where that that grant came from. So I had looked it up um which was the S4632. So half part of that was the big fil what were discussed like the lead and you know upgrading
065those things but then there was also an additional component that um was um replacing um water fountains with the filtered bottle filling stations. Is that even for I guess those locations that were not having concerns regarding that is that >> we're doing a total I think 18 units we're doing this summer. >> Okay. >> Yes. going to try and apply those where applicable to this grant. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Perfect. >> There's always something that we suggest to Mr. Pig, but he's already been working on it. Like that's my biggest takeaway from the four years here that every time I suggest something to Mr. Check is about to come in now. It's a good thing. >> Thanks. >> Okay, moving to item one on the agenda. Applegarth rod grant projects, roof projects, electric
066service, and HVAC projects update. The roof projects as we know the 1936 building was completed last summer that is completely wrapped up and done. This summer we've been working on the 60 building, 1979 building and 1983 building. 60 building roof removal and replacement is complete as is the 79 and on the 83 we're probably about 90% complete now. As previously discussed, uh there's a very challenging coordination effort between that and the HBAC piece. that has been going very well. Um, we're on target for the roofs to be wrapped up. Um, if you drive by the school, you'll see the new kind of white roof and hanging over the edge. So, after they do the roof replacement, they measure for what's called the per preliminary perimeter uh cap leaders, all that kind of stuff. So, that's
067all being fabricated. That'll be snapped into place and those roofs wrapped up. The roofer is also responsible for a couple windows on the upper area because the flashing detail needs to come up higher. So, we had to raise a couple windows, elevate an HVAC unit. That's something that's being coordinated between the trays. We're waiting for the delivery of those windows. But all in all, very pleased with this roofing contractor and progress to date. The electric service uh as we know is u kind of the backbone of this project and we have a commitment of a start ship date of August 29th for the switch gear component that we're waiting for which that then allows for about a month for that entire component to be installed JCPNL connection local utility signals code signals all those kind
068of things so we have a factory commitment and a commitment from the contractor for that date which obviously we'll be tracking very closely. Um, that being said, that would wrap the project up at around October 1st. What this does allow, as we know, we we have decided to move to plan B and students will be housed at the middle school while we await the completion of the electric. This does allow for the HBAC contractor to really push more thoroughly and harder while the school is unoccupied. So the scope of the project previously was that when school starts he had to move to the second shift and you know work above ceilings put ceilings back a lot more labor involved um kind of gets an open window for an extra three weeks here which is advantageous
069to us in the sense that when we move back we're not going to have an extended period where we have contractors working the second shift and the obvious concern with contractors working the second shift is our students are out at three contractors working 3 to 11 you hope that everything is back together and functional for the next morning. And there's always the possibility that there could be hiccups. >> So, this window at least lessens that aggravation for us. >> And and the the part we're waiting, >> am I correct that it's like a part that's like on a national back order? Like that's something that >> um we ordered it and we were then >> so the board contracted for this in March of 24 >> and And then the project started. We were notified
070by what are we at? We're in 25 now. So in June of 24, JCP and now we need a new service um notified us that hey the transformer for your job is going to be 18 months out. And that's when we let the board know that hey 18 months from now is December of 25. We're not going to be able to open the school. So it was the transformer from JCPNL that was always the concern, >> right? Um >> and we were able to >> get that uh thankfully that came in um >> as you know on moving up day and not >> so that made it the challenging piece is that in November of 24 the electrical contractor who we had contracted with in March and who processes submittals ordered everything was notified by
071the national distributor hey we have a national back order issue here we cannot ship this until October 29th of 25. Obviously, that doesn't work for us. So, at that point, we're thinking we're not even going to have a transform for the building. Now, this component, they then later in I want to say around March of 25 and say, "Hey, we've improved it to end of August and we may be able to do better than that." >> Um then in the interim, JCPNL comes in and grants us the the transformer. So during that period um we have worked with design ideas group several other contractors, Epic Management who's one of the biggest construction management firms in the state actually a principal with the firm as a resident of Monroe Docastello. We reached out to Bill to
072see what he could do and he got back to us and he said we're in the same jam you are with $150 million job. We're offering premium pay and everything. We can't get these kind of things. So it's a national um the delivery chain issue. So, we're at that point now where the chip date, >> if it ships on that date, then we're on target. >> Just to make it clear, like we've dialed our eyes and crossed our tees from the inception of this job. We're not we haven't delayed anything. We didn't forget to order anything. >> So, the people, you know, the irony is >> saying that we're not, you know, like we're delaying these things. We're not delaying anything. We're working as fast as we can to complete the task to make the
073school a better place. >> So, the board awarded the contract. The approach we took, it's kind of ironic. We had a job meeting today and the engineer was kind of laughing about it. They said this setup that we have here is the most ideal we've ever been involved with in that the board had the foresight here to award the electric contract ahead of the HAC contract and the others as a separate prime contract so that we'd be in great shape because we awarded the um electric contract way before the other contracts for this exact reason. >> Well, we we got the right recommendations at the right time to act on a matter of something. >> Thank you. We've got a great team offer. >> Yeah. I I mean, I want to commend you and I
074just think you've done a fabulous job from the start of this project and see how far we've come up to this state and you know, unfortunately, we're not going to be be able to open a first day of school, but if we could get these kids in there first week October, to me, that's huge considering the the the massive size of this job and and the delay we had seen from not being able to get certain stuff. >> Yeah. We'll be I think we'll be in good shape. We're set for and Miss Graziano and her team have done an outstanding job of planning the transition >> and we are set for next Monday this coming Monday following Monday the 25th teachers to actually visit Alvar and they'll see classrooms in the 60 wing and the
07536 wing have been rehabbed clean floors racks ready to go. I think they'll be excited. Uh it's kind of the pieces they don't see that >> good luck. So that's the Monday teachers and then >> typ teachers typically start coming into they're anxious to come in all summer long and this isn't just all the schools. So, uh, for the most part, other than scheduled meetings and stuff, um, next week is a busy week for everybody to come in and see, you know, sort their school supplies and things and the target goal was to have basically the classrooms at Albador and the majority of them are in a really good position that floors are waxed, reconfigured like they would come in on a normal normal piece and the work that is still to be done uh
076is primarily the electric work and that's what's preventing us from stepping in the the door. But the other work that's still to be done in those rooms um can now be done during dayshift instead >> silver lining in the cloud. That's our silver lining in the cloud. >> Yeah. And then when the teachers get back, they're going to be entering a building at essential air conditioning. They've never had Apple has been the one school that on hot days it is >> hot be in a gym class and with a gymnasium that has no air conditioning and >> Yeah. So, it's going to be a nice treat for when they get back. >> Yes. >> Um, so if I could just ask the teachers who like when they're coming over here for that month, um, are
077they bringing a majority of their materials? Is it >> So, so they're so they're identif so they're going to the middle school, right? Right. So, >> Oh, right. Sorry. >> So, they're uh right now all their recently uh delivered supplies are being sorted and they'll be available to them just like they would be normal. they'll identify some of the stuff that they uh they would need to bring over. Um you know, we're certainly not moving an entire classroom over there for a temporary period of time. Um so they'll they'll operate with the materials that they need. So all the textbooks and the the consumable supplies that they typically get. Um we will now bring from Abarth over to the middle school so they can distribute their math and their language arts and all the technology
078is already brought over there. Um the office is being set up uh in its office location outside the pack. Actually that's already set up. Um their office staff will transition over there. Um the technology team has done an amazing job. Um and Dr. Graciano will be sharing with the parents at the uh information evening and the students will get a view of the building if they choose to come and and engage. That's Tuesday night, a week from yesterday, 6:30 over at the middle school. Um she's going to share a lot of information. A lot of the questions you've asked the past couple weeks will be reshared again. Um just reassuring that, you know, this is the educational environment that they expect at Avalorth will occur no matter where we are. Um they're all going to
079be in classrooms. Um the technology in the classrooms is equivalent to what they have at Avalorth. Um access to technology is the same in terms of parent contact. uh they could call the Apple number. All those calls are going to be forwarded to the office space at the middle school. We can do that because we just updated our phone system. Very simple. >> I think you're lining up perfectly. >> They can also call the middle school and we can right >> transfer them to the to the phones they need to go to. So um you know daily operational should be very very smooth and and seamless ones. >> This was my actually sort of my other question which you know I'm sure Dr. Barzaniano and Dr. ans have you know discussed but I know there's
080certain things that like are required at the middle school that aren't necessary required at Applegard for example like students have to wear an ID at the middle school um if they don't you know administrators don't see an ID then you know if there's certain infractions but it might be hard to differentiate >> so if you think about think about daily kind of movements in the buildings um >> the fifth graders and the fourth graders they're not switching classes every period like the middle schoolers do so there's There's definitely different uh amount of movement even in their natural schedules. Uh oftentimes when they move in the building, they're moving as a class, right? >> But if they're going to the bathroom and things, the middle school staff is has been notified. Um and the whole team,
081both Applegart team and the middle school teams are aware of, you know, there's other students in the building. So um certainly a fourth and fifth grader is not going to receive the the infraction because they actually don't have IDs. Right. >> Right. That's what I would do the sixth graders when they first walk in the building either. So you know there is transitional time but um you know all the ste all the teams are aware whether it's middle schoolarth um the beginning of the school year the orientation times are going to loop everybody in. Um, one thing we're working on is not working on, one thing that's planned is the periods that the fifth graders typically switch. Um, the classrooms have been oriented in such that um, we're actually going to have the teacher switch.
082So, we don't have to have that movement um, from the fifth grade students. >> That's great. >> Um, so it's it's really a nice opportunity to um, actually get our fourth and fifth graders an early preview of the middle school. We did speak with middle school team and say, "Hey, your sixth grade orientation for next year is going to be a little different because you're going to have students that >> so in two years to the fourth graders, you know, you remember you hear the fourth grader." So, >> um there will be things that we will work through. Obviously, there's been a a tremendous amount of planning and forethought in what's in front of us. Um every every situation is unique, >> right? And there's certain things that will just come up out of you
083know the school year like I'm thinking of the bathroom like because the students usually have this there's the what they call that they check out >> right which >> the the fourth graders have bathrooms in the trailers that's going to be their primary location. The fifth graders um will be encouraged to use the bathrooms that are closest to them. >> Bathrooms are open and when they're monitored all anybody that's monitoring a bathroom is going to be aware that there's other students around. So it's this you know tremendous amount >> is quick. It's just a matter of you >> Yeah. Maybe they could just use one boy William for >> Yeah. And where the closets are located, they tend to be actually uh more specific to when you're in that part of the building, you use
084those kind of bathrooms and stuff. So, um, >> but I'm just saying we're at like maybe the whatever teacher on duty that only Apple use these two and you know, makes >> what I'm getting at is in many cases those bathrooms are only open when certain areas are around. So, they will be open and it will be primarily fourth and fifth grade, fourth, fifth grade really in in those areas. The other thing that's clear is they're eating lunch in the lunchrooms. Um, maybe the first day or two at the middle school and their transition time takes a little extra time to clear it and get in. Um, they may be taking their lunches back to their classrooms, but they'll be eating um in the lunchrooms. Uh, elementary lunches are 22 minutes long with the 22-minute
085recess. That's the way it works. The gap between middle school lunches is 30 minutes. So, we have time to fit into the middle school schedule without any changes to their operations. Um, it actually works out really well. Um, if this happened last year or it happened next year, we would be managing this with a different situation. This is >> the trailers. >> This is just >> right. >> It's all the stars are aligned. It's it's a less than ideal situation, but the plan >> and working through the details is uh, you know, well thought out and >> it's great. Yep. >> Kudos to everybody for uh >> Yes. Yes. >> taking care of this and between administration, relatives, everybody. I I think it's >> I think it'll work out well. And I'll be honest with
086you, I think the Apple kids are going to be kind of happy they spent a month in middle school. >> Yeah. Well, I I definitely uh I think I hear positive things about the cafeteria and the food is >> the comments are the food is always if they're in middle school and they get to high school, food's already there in high school. >> Oh my god, they're going to have a different >> go because the prices are Did we change that? >> Elementary is going through the line as an elementary solution. So >> it's different. So yeah, >> you guys have thought of everything. >> Anything else underground? No. >> Any any other questions? Are we good? >> Very good. >> All right. Uh we're going to conclude this meeting.