001this regularly scheduled meeting of the Watertown Board of Education at 7:00 p.m. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. Cindy Balon, >> Karen Hosking >> here, >> Christine Faressa >> here, >> Jason Malibuti >> here, >> Karine Bellica >> here, >> Mindy Davidson >> here, >> Elizabeth Lton >> here, >> Sher Martino >> here. >> Moving on to item C. Roll call. Board members should have received the meeting packet which includes the minutes from our meeting dated uh May 11th. Do board members have any questions regarding the minutes? >> Seeing none, do I have a motion to approve the
002minutes? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, I motion to approve the minutes of the regular board of education meeting minute minutes from May 11th, 2026 as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions? Oh cares. >> Moving on to item E, student recognition E1, Judson Elementary School Student Council. I'd like to call up Miss Raymond, please. Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to highlight Judson's student council. This evening I am proud to recognize a group of students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, responsibility, and commitment to our school community. This year's student council has been an incredibly hardworking group. They have approached their role with genuine care for others and a strong desire to make Judson an even better place for all students. Through their efforts,
003they have supported school initiatives, helped build school spirit, and contributed to a positive and inclusive environment. I'm truly pr proud of the way they have represented our school. At this time, I'd like to invite Miss Kale Schmer, our student council adviser, to share more about the projects and accomplishments from this year and introduce the students who made it all happen. [applause] Good evening everyone. As mentioned by Mrs. Raymond. My name is Miss Schmer and I have had the honor and privilege of being this year's student council moderator at Judson. Judson students are chosen via election process at the beginning of the year and work alongside peers from all three grade levels on various projects, fundraisers, and school events throughout the year. This year, student council has raised over $500 for CCMC's PJ day, raised over
004$600 for breast cancer bags that we put together and donated to cancer patients, supported our local Watertown Food Bank, hosted spirit weeks for ESPA testing, and worked alongside our recycling club to beautify our two gardens. All 33 of the students on student council represent Judson's values of responsibility, respect, and safety through all they do. It is my honor and privilege to take a moment to recognize all of these students for all their hard work and dedication to Judson Student Council. Starting with our president, JACKSON KABALO [applause] going the other way. >> Okay. >> Sorry. We're gonna go backwards order. [laughter] >> You can you can stay up there. Uh, Jacob Saku, >> Jackson, >> Walter Auna, Grace Newman. >> Oh, [applause] sorry. >> Sorry. A lot of orders going on here. My bad. [laughter] >>
005All right. Walter Akuna, [applause] Emma Asf, Maddie Croft, [applause] Jacob Saraku, Olivia Saku, Joseph D'Angelico. Please stand right over here once you get your word. Mila Fitzpatrick, Allison Kenny, [applause] Grace Newman, Aiden Zuma, Shauna Akuna, Alexander Brooks, Emma Cooper, William Ben, Gary Kovaleleski, Evie Laflam, Mia Marorrow, [applause] Kyle O'Brien, Charlotte Robinson, [applause] Amelia Samoas, our public relations chair, Emma Azro, Liam Bickl, our president, Jackson Cavalo, our treasurer, Juliana Cavalo. >> Here we go. Laya Kristoff, [applause] Chelsea Krebier, Maggie D'Angelico, Bobby Egan, Aaron Fitzpatrick, our Secretary Sophia Hutchko, [applause] Kaden Salvatore, our vice president, Nyla Stallings, and Emma Whitetley. Board members like to stand. Parents want to get pictures. Um, so start it off. Everybody face to the right over there. >> Try to make it easy. All right. Hold them up proud. Ready? Everybody facing
006right. So your mom take a picture out. >> Should we Should we try to shoot them over because they're saying it's hard to see. >> Um I'll get we'll send them from the board, too. Uh people in the center, look look straight ahead now. Any parents in the center. >> Thank you. And over to the left side. >> Can you hear? >> There we go. Oh yeah, M. Get in here. Might >> be a good one for a panoramic shot. >> Got it. >> Awesome. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you all for coming. I think I should probably [clears throat] >> Moving on to E2, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Cave Student Leadership Award. I'd like to call up Mr. Naldi, please. >> Good evening, everybody. I'm so happy to be here. I love when we
007can celebrate the amazing things that our kids do. So, I'll announce both of the CABE winners. Correct. Okay. So, Swift has selected two students to be awarded with um a prestigious award, the CABE scholar Leadership Award. The first recipient is Kareem Ozba. if you want to come on UP [applause] to you and you get to stand up here while I say wonderful things about you so that you hear all the amazing things you do. You're deserving recipient of the CAB leadership award recognized for your strong leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving our school community. As an active member of the Swift School climate committee, Kareem consistently used his voice to advocate for the needs of students. You thoughtfully shared ideas, provided honest feedback, and worked collaboratively with peers and staff to help strengthen our school
008community. Your willingness to speak up, listen to others, and help move initiatives forward reflects true leadership rooted in respect and responsibility. Your commitment to teamwork and perseverance is always evident in your long-standing dedication to soccer. You proudly represented Swift on the boys soccer team in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Your passion for the sport began began at a young age playing on town soccer team from age three through eight, continuing with ways travel soccer and competing on premier level teams. And you continue to play today. Your years of dedication demonstrate discipline, resilience, and the ability to work toward long-term goals. Whether on the field or within our school community, you lead by example. Your determination, commitment, and advocacy for others make you a positive influence and a welldeserving recipient [clears throat] of the CA student
009leadership award. We are proud of your leadership and of the example that you have set for all the all of your peers at school. THANK YOU. IF YOU WANT TO GO RIGHT IN FRONT UP THERE. The second recipient is Selena Baron. If you want to come on up. [applause] Selena, are you here? I don't see you. Okay. I'm still going to read some wonderful things about you. Selena is a proud recipient of the Kate Student Leadership Award, recognized for her initiative, creativity, and positive impact on our school community. You are selected alongside other 8th grade students to represent Swift at a chorus event, an honor that reflects your talent and your ability to represent our school. This year, Selena demonstrated outstanding leadership by helping to organize the Swift Winter Festival School Dances. These events marked
010the first time our school hosted a dance of this kind, and your dedication played an important role in making them successful and memorable for students across all grades. Her willing willingness to take on something new and help bring it to life speaks to her initiative, teamwork, and commitment. Outside of school, Selena enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in family debates, highlighting her thoughtful and confident nature. She also babysits for friends, relatives, and close family members, just demonstrating responsibility and maturity. Selena's leadership, initiative, and positive influence make her a truly deserving recipient of this award. [applause] >> Board members like to stand up. >> Kareem, it's just you and us. [laughter] >> Bring it in. >> You're right in front of the other Kareem. Start with Miss Oaks to the left >> here. Hey,
011look into the back over there. I see some Oh, yeah. >> I'll wait till uh clear clear line of sight for them. All right, there we go. >> Awesome. I don't think there's anybody over to the right. >> Congratulations. [applause] GOOD JOB. THE SECOND AWARD that we have is the CAPS award. And the first recipient for the CAPS award is Nora Stenford. Come on up. [applause] Nora is truly deserving recipient of this word award. She exemplifies the qualities of service, academic dedication, and leadership that this honor represents. As an active member of the yearbook club, newspaper club, and the junior honor society, she consistently demonstr demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for learning. Her love of reading and writing across all types of literature highlights both her creativity and academic strength. Beyond the classroom,
012Nora is deeply involved in athletics and the arts. She is a member of the eighth grade orchestra and played on the Swift girls soccer team. She also competes in with ways U14 travel soccer, the intercon uh Connecticut football club and the Watertown recreational swim team. Her ability to balance academics, music, and multiple athletic commitments speaks to her strong work ethic and dedication. Nora's commitment to service further distinguishes her as a leader. Through her participation in CCD, supporting church donations, organizing book drives, and helping to fund and build Polyater Garden for Judson, she actively works to strengthen both her school and her community. Norah's positive contributions, character, and enthusiasm for learning make her an outstanding role model and a very deserving CAPS award recipient. CONGRATULATIONS. The second recipient for this award is Aiden Cadet. Come on
013up, Aiden. Aiden is an eighth grade student at Swift Middle School who is talented and motivated learner excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. Aiden is accomplished musician and proudly performs as a violin one member of the string of the school string ensemble under the direction of Miss Lauria. His musical talent has been recognized beyond school, earning an impressive score of 27 out of 28 at the New York State Music Association Festival. Wow. >> In addition to his musical achievements, Aiden Aiden is an exceptional athlete. He is currently a secondyear wrestler at Amnney High School in Woodsbridge, an opportunity he earned when he was selected to join the high school team as a seventh grade student during his first year in the sport. He also parti participates in both travel seven on seven football and
014tackle football where he plays running back. Aiden values his community and faith attending the House of Prayer in in Waterberry. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike and dirt biking. After moving from Long Island, New York just a year ago, Aiden has quickly made a positive impact through his determination, strong work ethic, and willingness to challenge himself in new environments. Congratulations, AIDEN. [applause] She has a photo op that makes it all worth it. >> That's right. >> Miss Kathy first over there. We'll start left center >> and to the right maybe over there. >> Nor. >> Great job guys. >> Congratulations guys. >> Congratulations [applause] probably. Congratulations. >> Okay. And for the last of our prestigious awards, we have the CAS Scholar Leader Award recipients. So, the first recipient for this is Miss
015Ivy Marcelo. >> [applause] >> Ivy is an eighth grade student at Swift Middle School whose dedication to learning, leadership, and service makes her a deserving recipient of this award. At Swift, Ivy is actively involved in numerous organizations including Leo Club, Student Council, Newspaper Club, Select Choir, National Junior Honor Society, Yearbook Editors Club, and WA Club. Her willingness to participate across academic, artistic, and leadership opportunities reflects both her curiosity and her strong sense of responsibility to her school community. Beyond school, Ivy pursues her passions with the same level of dedication. She studies both guitar and piano, participates in figure skating through the Watertown Skating Club, and is actively involved in her church community through her youth group, Bible study, and volunteer service at church events. Ivy also demonstrates an exceptional commitment to academic growth by studying
016Latin and Chinese outside of school. Ivy's love of learning extends into her summers where she has participated in the Taft PAL summer enrichment program for three consecutive years. During that time, she earned the Honorable Citizen Award in 2025, recognizing her character and leadership. Earlier in her academic career, she was also recognized with the Superintendence Award from Waterberry Public Schools in fifth grade. Iivey's intellectual curiosity, leadership, and dedication to serving others embody the qualities of a true scholar. She is an outstanding role model for her peers, and we are proud to recognize her for all of her accomplishments. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> And we have Chawapan Bunlu. Come on up. [applause] All right. Chawapan is our second recipient for the Cass Scholar Leader Award. She is an eighth grade student at Swift Middle School whose
017leadership, creativity, and strong work ethic makes her a deserving recipient of this award. at Swift. She is actively involved in student council, Leo Club, string ensemble, orchestra, and yearbook club, where she serves as editor-inchief. She previously held the role of treasure in Leo Club, demonstrating her responsibility and commitment to service leadership within our school community. Her interests extend well beyond the classroom. She participates in both volleyball and cheerleading and is also involved in competitive dance. In addition to her athletic and artistic pursuits, she plays both the guitar and the ukulele. Reflecting her creativity to developing her talents. Service and responsibility are important parts of her life. She has volunteered her time donating hygiene products and canned goods to support the local food bank, showing compassion for others in her community. She also helps at her
018family's business three days each week where she has developed a strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, and real world problem-solving skills. Her ability to balance her academics, leadership, the arts, athletics, service, and family responsibilities reflect maturity well beyond her years. She is truly a positive role model for all of the students at Swift, and we are proud to recognize her. ANOTHER [applause] PHOTO. >> OKAY, start over. Looking at Miss Oaks to the left there over to the SL just left center. Looks over to the right side. >> See if you can >> Great. CONGRATULATIONS. >> YEP. >> Moving on to E5, Swift Middle School student athletic achievement. Miss Korea, if you could please come up. Miss >> Korea. Okay. Hi everyone. I'm Mrs. Koreah. Um we are here today to honor um Will Gayy for um
019over a thousand points in middle school. I have been at the school for seven years. My dad's been the coach for before I was born and he's never seen anyone score over 1,000 points. So, the total we have is um 1,229 points, WHICH IS [cheering] [applause] [laughter] >> You're not getting out of the beach. >> No. >> And we're all going to make sure that you're going to go to the high school. >> Yeah. Going to the high school, right? [laughter] >> We're recruiting. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> All right, looking over to the left with Miss Oaks. >> Uh, left center there. I see your family right there. >> You anybody over to the right? I think so. Good. >> Congratulations. >> That's amazing. >> What a great achievement. Uh, members of the public are
020free to leave at this time if they so please. >> Yeah, that's cool. Eighth grade. Yeah, be awesome. >> I hope in high school. >> All right. >> Yeah, it's definitely hot. All right, moving on to item F, PTO recognition. >> Thank you. Uh, nice that now we have the PTO gets our full and front and center attention now that we can see everybody who's in the room because up here you can't see who's in the back there. I have the privilege of taking on this section. The Watertown Board of Education would like to honor the parent teacher organizations PTO for their outstanding service to the school community. In order to support our students, they have created strong working relationships between our parents and our teachers. Their volunteer efforts in planning activities, events, fundraisers, and
021much more are greatly appreciated. We sincerely thank you for your hard work and your dedication to our schools. And to add on to that a little bit, I have a great privilege. I've spoken to this many times I serve as a liaison to Judson and I get to work also closely with the others, but I see how much boots on the ground goes into the PTO. So many things we all take for granted. Those things like the the haunted hallways and any of these events, it's all due to the hard work of these people and they are selfless in the buildings at 7:00 a.m. at times. there till nighttime and we've been in meetings past 900 pm before enjoying it though and they do it from a great place. It's all from the heart there
022and it's good dedication and it really rallies all the children, teachers, administrators and we just want you to know how deeply we appreciate all of you. So, uh we'll call up uh the nominee winners. Um do we have are the the participants? I'll I'll hand them out too. Thank you. All right. So starting with John Trumbull Primary School, Nicole Pereira, President >> Jason, >> you're following us. >> It's the PTL leazison. >> Is the although the are doing I'm sorry I'm not yet. >> Not [laughter] you. >> Not me. >> I don't see the John Trumbull school reps, but Nicole Pereira is a president. Danielle Finnegan is is vice president. If I had to guess, they're probably running around town because I know I'm seeing them crossing paths at fields and sidelines. But just to
023um Jason's point, for many years I've benefited from the works of the PTO's and didn't realize until a few years ago when I started attending the meetings the magnitude of what they're doing behind the scenes and making it look effortlessly while balancing everything else. But the ability to plan everything, engage the community, raise tens of thousands of dollars for these schools for smartboards, playground equipment, recess [clears throat] equipment, supplies, staff appreciation is really incredible and impressive. So we thank you to let them know but we here BUT >> now me now you [laughter] >> sorry um we had a 5:30 meeting before this so you start to get jumbly a little bit but um okay I'm the lean for Judson so I have the privilege of announcing the president Miss Jenna Krevier Walsh COME UP
024THANK YOU. Appreciate all you do. >> And vice president, Miss Nicole Manion. [applause] >> It's like the [laughter] mayor. I know. You want to get in the picture, too? Yeah. Go ahead. >> A big part of it. >> Poke school. I see Alex in the audience. We have um [clears throat] Alex Webster, our president at Poke School PTO AND [applause] and Dagmara Babalo. I don't see her here tonight, but they they've done a wonderful job. I was able to attend some of the meetings um if we didn't have a meeting before our board meeting and I was very impressed. Also great work, raised a lot of money and it was just it was good to be there in the meetings. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Okay, I have the pleasure of announcing Swift Middle School
025um President Amy Quinn. Thank you so much for your hard work. [applause] [laughter] >> Vice President Laura Denapoli, thank you so much for YOUR HARD WORK. >> [applause] >> HE HAS THE CERTIFICATES. [laughter] >> Incredible work that you do. Thank you. >> Yeah, we should call them. >> Yeah, we're going to call them at the end. Yeah. >> Um for Watertown High School, um I just want to take a second and say, um thank you to all of the presidents of the PTO's. I have been one in the past for most of the schools, um in the district. And you know, you start at John Trumbull and it's like your kids starting school and and it's so much fun and you want to do so much fundraising and you get to the elementaryaries and it
026gets going, it gets going, it keeps going and it's so much fun. And then you get to middle school and you're kind of like, let's slow it down a little bit. Like it's okay. And then you have somebody like Amy who brings in um tons and tons and tons of money with these big fundraisers she does. She's tireless. And they get to the high school and everybody just stops. like it halts >> and there's the clubs and then there's the sports and there's everything else that everybody's vying for the money for and the PTO here um their one main huge function is their project grad and um that's coming up so I want to thank them for all their hard work for project grad because it is the only time that our entire school gets
027together in one auditorium or one whole school and they do a safe graduation party at the end of the school year for these kids and it is a lot of work. It is a lot of planning. It is a lot of donations. It is a lot of everything. It's kind of taking all of your time all rolling it all into one. And these girls are tireless in what they do. Um, so thank you very much to the Watertown High School team. Shannon McDonald who is co-president with Kimber Verdo and Cheryl Johnstone as the vice president. And I see Michelle and um I'm sorry right there as well. Aette right there as well. Thank you so much to everybody. >> Thank you. >> We'd like to call all the PTO up for one picture with the
028board please if you would. >> Hi. How you doing? >> Nobody wants to stand in front of me. [laughter] >> Perfect. Nicole and I just >> Yeah, we're good. >> Thank you guys again. Thanks for coming out. [applause] Yes, we was here for her award. >> Oh, she left the >> Oh, we can read it though. Isn't it >> award? It is. It's here. >> We have her bio in here. Okay, >> perfect. >> So, who wants to Which school? >> Swift. Do you want to go for the bio? Is this for Selena? >> Okay. Yeah. >> Who is it? >> Yeah, we could. Yeah. And moving back, we have Selena Baron here who is one of the CABE student leadership award recipients from Swift Middle School. So, come on up so we can recognize
029you. Um, and Mrs. Raldi had some words about you. So, she Selena is an eighth grade student at Swift Middle School and a proud recipient of the Cab Student Leadership Award. Recognized for her initiative, creativity, and positive impact on the school community, Selena was selected to represent Swift at a chorus event alongside three peers, demonstrating both her talent and her ability to represent her school with confidence and poise. She also showed outstanding leadership by helping organize the Swift Winter Festival dance for grades six, seven, and eight, the first event of its kind at the school. Her dedication and teamwork helped create memorable experiences for students across all grade levels. Outside of school, Selena enjoys spending time with family and babysitting, reflecting her responsibility and maturity. Selena leads with positivity and purpose. So, congratulations, SELENA. >>
030CERTIFICATE. >> You'll get it tomorrow, honey. >> Uh, head around front, guys. >> Okay. >> Three months. >> We'll head around. do two [laughter] for any other one. [laughter] >> It does. >> Okay. >> Ready? >> Good job. Glad you [applause] cut Jason. Excellent. >> Thank you over there. Not here. >> Okay. I'm sorry. [laughter] >> I'm scared all my stuff. >> All right. Moving on to item G. Before you start, Hunter and Nicole, to my understanding with us today, we have a new Eagle Scout, >> Hunter Panther. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] >> I know I'm putting you on the spot right now, but would you like to say anything? >> I'M ALL SET. THANK YOU. [laughter] WELL SAID. >> WELL, EVEN IF YOU DON'T have Well, even if you don't have anything to say about that,
031we do need your report, though. Both of your awards. >> Okay. >> I just want to say before I start, he worked endlessly for this. Like, every day in school, we be like, I'm just this much closer. >> So, it's a big accomplishment. It really is. It really is. >> All right. For John Primary School under curriculum and instruction, JTPS students participated in a schoolwide vote for their favorite candy as a part of a community connection activity tied to this week's budget vote. The activity helped primary students learn about civic civic engagement and the importance of community involvement. Several students achieved 100% fluency in their addition and subtraction facts, and these accomplishments demonstrated outstanding growth in mathematic proficiency. for school and community. The annual gratitude breakfast was held to recognize and celebrate more than 50
032volunteers. Volunteers were honored for generously giving their time and support to the schools. Appreciation was expressed for their dedication and the important role they play in maintaining a successful school community. For upcoming events on June 1st, yellow two field trip on June 2nd, blue two field trip. On June 3rd, green two field trip. On June 15th, the flag day ceremony at 2:30 outback for Poke Elementary School under school community. Recent music perform performance at Pulk celebrated student growth and talent. The fourth grade band and string students impressed families with how much they learned and developed throughout this year. Third grade students showcased their recorder skills during their during their performance. Parents and grandparents attended the performance and showed enthu enthusiastic support and applause. Special thanks were given to Miss Borbis and Miss Cummings for their
033dedication, guidance, and encouragement in helping students succeed. And for Judson Elementary School under curriculum and instruction, grade the grade three students recently completed their CKLA human body unit with an immersive end of unit celebration. Classrooms and hallways were transformed into full functioning surgical suits. Students took on roles of medical professionals and applied their knowledge of the body system through hands-on creative activities. The experience brought students learning to life in an engaging and interactive way. Under school community, parent day. Family day at Judson on May 19th celebrated connection and community. Grade three families enjoyed lunch with their children during the school day. Grade four families participated in outdoor recess activities filled with laughter and play. The event concluded with a grade five parents vers students kickball game showcasing the school spirit and friendly competition. The day
034highlighted the strong partnerships between families and the school community. Recess ambassadors. A new recess ambassador initiative was introduced during grade 5 recess. Five trained fifth graders fifth grade students now support peers using restorative practice and peer meditation strategies. Ambassadors officially launched on the playground last week after several weeks of participation. or preparation. I apologize. Student ambassadors are easily recognized by their vest and use a problem-solving wheel to guide positive interactions. The initiative helps promote a more inclusive and supportive recess environment. Appreciation was extended to Nathan G, Julie G, Liam B, Juliana C, and McKenzie M for serving the first recess ambassadors. A special drink thanks was also given to Miss Chezzic, Miss Albaneseise, Miss Machog, and Miss Mar >> Maruchini. There we go. Thank you guys [laughter] for their dedication in developing the initiative over
035the past two years. >> For Swift Middle School and their curriculum and instruction, students in culinary classes are learning about the USDA food pyramid guidelines and how to read food labels. Students in grade seven science classes are learning about heredity through research on dog breeds. Under school community, the Swift production of High School Musical was successful. On May 19th, students enjoyed their annual Quasi field trip. Students and staff equally enjoyed the activities. Swift raised over $6,000 in their bash. The PTSO were extremely helpful in keeping the project successful. Swift will be using this money to inspire a kindness mural for this school year. The Swift PTSO have invested over $19,000 back into the school community. For upcoming events, on May 29th, there are the elementary visits to the middle school. On June 2nd is Steam
036Night at Swift. And on June 10th, there is at the 8th grade dance. For Watertown High School under school community, Watertown High School hosted its 29th annual World Language Honor Society induction and awards ceremony on Thursday, May 21st, 2026. At the event, WHS inducted 20 Spanish students and six French students while also recognizing the accomplishments of returning second and thirdyear members. The event celebrated student dedication and passion for world languages and culture. >> Thank you both. Moving on to item H, superintendent recommendations report and updates. >> U so good evening everybody. Just a a couple of quick things to share. Um, first, I think that uh Nicole and Hunter have covered all of the million and 10 events that are happening at the schools because there are literally a million in 10 of them at
037this time of year. I was able to take in several and everyone was just great. A few I missed which I was sorry to miss, but um I was able to attend uh the Swift musical which somebody mentioned. Um I was struck by how much fun those kids had. It was really great. Actually, M. Oaks and I went together and sat in the back. We said we were sitting in the little Muppet seats in the back. But it was so great. Um, and I'm so glad that we now have a pipeline for music and theater right up from elementary school finally at Swift now to feed into the high school program. So, it was really, really great. Um, I went to the senior scholarship um and awards ceremony. Um, I was supposed to sit in
038a seat in the front row and messed up and sat on the stage. So, that was fun. But, you know, you live and learn. Year two of superintendent. I'll know where I'm supposed to sit for some of these things. So, that was funny. Um, I went to the top 10 breakfast where both Hunter and Nicole, um, along with the other students spoke about their teachers. Um, and you know, it was one of those really hot days where we were all just kind of clunking along and it was just so uplifting. You both spoke beautifully, as did your peers. Um it's it's probably one of my favorite things that I attend all year because the kids just take a minute to really talk about the teachers that inspire them. Um so it was it was quite
039lovely. Miss Gaylick and I were able to attend that together. Um we were at the Memorial Day parade Monday with sever several board members here and it it actually stopped raining so that was good. Um and then I did also go with a couple board members as well to the Judson end of uh human body unit their celebration there and the John Trumbull volunteer breakfast. Um, so I've been getting around to as many things as I can. Um, but every event just shows, you know, how wonderful our kids are and how many great things we have going on in our district. So, they're really a pleasure to attend. Um, secondly, I just wanted to very quickly just mention um the budget. I wanted to personally, and I'm so glad that some of the PTO um
040members here stayed um because you are so helpful for us in in getting people and out to vote. Um, but I'd like to thank anybody and everybody who came out to vote, whether you voted yes for the budget, whether you voted no for the budget. I appreciate when the community comes out and and makes their voice heard. Um, in particular, I'd like to thank um there were several community members, parents, and staff staff members that had questions about the budget and I really appreciate those opportunities to kind of share the thinking around the budget. Um, sometimes I'm able to clarify um things that weren't necessarily, you know, translated maybe correctly. Um, and sometimes it's just an opportunity for me to share my rationale maybe with somebody that disagrees, which is fine, too. Um, but I
041welcome those opportunities. Everything is on the website if people are interested in looking, you know, again, at that information, and I'm always available to answer questions. Um, because I know that we're now gearing up for um, another budget referendum in a few weeks. And I welcome the opportunity to to continue to put our message out there. Um, I'd like to say also that we're very grateful for every dollar that we get from the taxpayers and it's not lost on us that that is a burden that taxpayers carry for our schools. Um, and I I would just like to say that really this year I feel like we've designed a budget that's fiscally responsible and forward thinking. We started with a 4.54 um and then the reduction to the 4.19. Um, and just as a reminder,
042our baseline increase for just contractual salaries and fixed costs was 7.83. So, we already came in significantly less than what our just regular carrying over costs are. Um, I do have some concerns about future reductions in the board of ed budget, but we're very invested in working with the town council and our community because we want to move forward um as a unified front and do what's right by our community members and our students. Um so I I thank you for taking the time to listen. And the last piece that I wanted to just mention um is that at this juncture there is not a teacher or a PAR educator that has lost a job. Any reductions or changes in the budget have been accomplished through either attrition um or through reallocation and it's important
043to us because our people are important to us. Um so thank you very much. That's it for me tonight unless the board has any questions for me. >> Are there any questions for the superintendent? [clears throat] Seeing none, moving on to Thank you, Lisa. >> You're welcome. >> Moving on to item I, public participation. In accordance with policy number 9050, participants must state their name and address for the record and limit comments to three minutes. The board encourages speakers to refrain from making defamatory remarks about staff members or individuals associated with the Watertown Public Schools. Please note that questions or issues raised during public comment are not typically addressed during the meeting. However, a member of the board or administration will follow up or respond as appropriate. Would anybody from the public like to speak?
044Seeing none, moving on to item J, items of discussion, FY27, fuel contract, bus and heating fuel. Miss Kisha, please. >> Hi everyone. Um, so I just really wanted to uh Miss Beckett and I both agreed that this was something that we probably just needed to bring to the board's attention. It's uh an area of concern and warrants attention and some consideration. Um, so as you know, I I believe it was one or two months ago, um, someone here on the board, I don't remember who it was, and I apologize, had mentioned whether we had locked down fuel price. Yep. Thanks, Kareem. Um, and it wasn't that it was forgotten. It was just one of those things where we kind of kept kicking the can down the road because obviously with the condition of our world
045and the way it is and the current gas prices, um, I had just kept crossing my fingers hoping there was going to be a day where we just saw some miracle and it dropped and I was just going to, you know, lock down or at least put something out. So, um I just wanted to read uh uh a situation that we're considering um that we're a fuel contract update. So, historically, our district has typically locked in fuel pricing by this point in the year for the upcoming fiscal year in an effort to secure budget stability and protect against market increases. However, due to the current volatility in both the domestic and global energy markets along with the elevated pricing levels, we are currently seeing um our administration has been hesitant to lock into fixed pricing
046too early. um although it's really not even early just in general in locking in um you know for the 2627 uh fiscal year because of the prices that we're currently seeing. As a result um we have considered evaluating an alternative proposal from Dime Oil who is our current supplier in the state of Connecticut. Um and they're also a state of Connecticut contracted vendor for Lichville County. So Dime Oil was the who we went under contract for this current fiscal year and of course they've been reaching out to me because of course they want our business again and they know that we normally put this out to RFP. But what I appreciated about um Miss Seir and her email was that she had told us about because I'm sure we're not the only district under this
047situation about a situation that she thought would be beneficial for us to consider. So basically the proposal under consideration would allow our district to purchase fuel using a floating market rate structure tied to the daily OPIS pricing um while still preserving the option to lock in fixed pricing later should the market conditions improve. This approach would provide the district with additional flexibility during a highly unpredictable pricing environment. Another important benefit to this um opportunity is to maintain a contractual relationship in ensuring reliable access and availability of fuel supply throughout the school year particularly during uh peak winter months andor periods of market disruption. If we were not to have some sort of contract in place, um they cannot guarantee that we we will have the oil or the gas diesel fuel at the day that
048we need it. And of course, we can't really afford not to do that, but certainly locking it at the rates that are today um is not necessarily beneficial. Today's rates that I received um from Missir were literally um I believe it was 380 for bus fuel and 387 today for the heating fuel. And that's one of the lowest prices I've seen in the past few weeks. I literally get an email from her first thing in the morning that tells me what today's rates are. Um to give you some context of what we're currently paying um we had managed to lock in a really great price last year and and early on I might add and it was like 240 for bus fuel and 230 for heating fuel. Now if you consider the fact that we
049average about 193,000 gallons both between heat and fuel even at just a dollar more per gallon you can see how that's a concern for us for the coming budget. So what this proposal offers us is that I guess to some extent it will be variable. We lock in for the number of gallons that we need. So no matter what day we need fuel, heat or busing fuel, it will be there available to us. We would pay whatever the price is um at the harbor rate. So literally that day, whatever the state has set as the rate at the harbor is what we would pay. The good thing about it is while it guarantees us the price, at any point in a day, in a week, in a month, if that price were to drop, some
050miracle happens, you know, and um you know, suddenly it looks like we're going to be in negotiations because, you know, the crisis over in Iran is not what it is. and the price drops let's say to even 50 cents 70 cents below that we can lock in on that day for 25% 10% for three months whatever so we can take advantage of when we see a budget drop a price drop I mean for a short period of time or even for the whole year but what it allows us to do is to have some control because at the price as it is right now I think we're just better off waiting because to lock in at the prices we are now if something were to drop later on there's no benefit So basically administration is
051continuing to monitor the pricing trends closely and we'll continue discussions with the vendor before making a final re recommendation moving forward. But obviously I do need to lock in at least the gallons of prices certainly before June 30th. But I wanted to make the board aware and I'm certainly open to any suggestions that any of you may have um or answer any questions that you might have. >> So I do I do have an initial question. Sure. >> Is it essentially locking in at a specific number because I heard like a floating rate like whatever comes in and then whatever the harbor cost is it would that change how much fuel costs for us on the network. >> So basically if I called if if um Michelle um Panella [clears throat] called from um the
052bus company and said this Tuesday we need you to come and wet fuel the buses. Whatever the price is that day at the harbor is what we would pay with I think it's like a one cent there. there is a little bit of an increase for obviously for the provider. Um, but what it allows us is is, you know, maybe maybe Tuesday it's going to be $4, but maybe the following Tuesday it's going to be, you know, $3. You know what I mean? But at least we're not locking in to the high rate it is. Now, what it guarantees us is that they're committing to having the fuel ready to go because we've committed to them being our supplier for the entire year. if we see a drop in the price at any point that
053we think is worth jumping on. Um, we can do so for 10%, you know, we we can do it for the whole year or we can do it for small periods of time. Um, I've never been faced with this before, so it's going to be a learn as we go type thing. But I think um the fact that they are willing to give me a price every morning is certainly going to be beneficial because it is the first thing at the top of my mailbox and if we see that there's a drop we can lock in for a month even if we want just to capture some savings and then hopefully if it drops again we continue to do the same. So um I do think it's something that we need to consider. Um I
054don't think at this point we have any other options unless we want to lock into the astronomical price that it is right now. And then for trends purposes on the daily, I guess when that number comes in, is it like steadily going up or is it one day high or one day low? >> One day high, one day low. It literally jumps all over the place. Got it. >> Um, and I have been literally watching this since February, just crossing our fingers that it would be a reasonable number. And um, you know, certainly I can't predict what's going to happen in the world, but I don't think I I don't think like anyone we anticipated that we would have the jumps that we have. So hopefully something gives way and we start to see some
055improvement, but it is an area of concern. Um, we certainly budgeted for a percentage increase on the fuel, but nowhere near this amount. I'm just being completely transparent and honest. So it's something that Lisa and I know is probably going to be our uh our most volatile um budget line right now based off of uh you know the economy and where we are with the >> Sure. You go. >> And I know also the board has discussed in the past I mean the buses are the buses. We can't determine what type of fuel they use, but I know we've analyzed buildings there to see if there's gas available, which certain facilities may have access to it, others may not. So, it's just a challenging dynamic because of the volativility and because of the tremendous impact
056to our budget. So, thanks for staying on top of it. >> Yeah. And my hope is that maybe we won't have such a cold winter. Maybe it'll make up for a little bit because this was a cold winter, right? So, I mean, you know, maybe any any little, >> you know, brief, you know, savings that we can get at this point would be beneficial. So, we'll we're going to do our best. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other questions? >> Thank you, Marie. >> You're welcome. >> Moving on to item K, board policy first reads. So, tonight Oh, during subcommittee. >> Yeah. So uh earlier this evening we had our policy and labor subcommittee meeting there with uh two main topics there. We focused on series 1000 use of school facilities which has been
057a uh it's 1500 and 1500R which has been a policy which hasn't been revisited in many years. So many of our uh pricing models were way out of date um and just our processes and procedures have been a little more challenging to keep up with. So we collectively as a board, I'm just the spokesperson put together what is a uh a very good model of a policy proceeding forward. It has our actual policy and then it has our regulations which are more like the procedural aspects there that go out to the community. So uh maybe Miss Becky will probably comment more here. We do have some minor changes that will be made there with the first reading based upon our prior meeting earlier for policy and labor subcommittee. Uh and then the second part of
058that was the series 5000 uh which is the residency which is our policy 5033R. Uh had no concerns at all after going through that based upon Miss Becky and Miss Ritter's guidance there with crafting a very strong policy that will go uh probably forward for a second read at our next meeting without any revisions needed to it. So would you like to just share some of the minor things we did on the uh the 1000 that the changes that are going to be made? >> Sure. >> If you could backtrack into your notes. Yeah, absolutely. So, I I think you know, one of the pieces um as a board that we took it is a little bit connected also to the budget and to the fact that we have beautiful new facilities um turf fields
059and such. Um was really looking at our facility usage um from community organizations and outside organizations and what it costs the district to run those things. And there's a mismatch there. Um, and when you're trying to be good fiscal stewards, um, and you're paying as a district for facility use and then also for upkeep, it makes it very challenging. Um, so one of the things that we did add, there has always been a fee structure in our facilities policy, but for whatever reason, it wasn't being enacted or or moved forward. So, we took the time as a board to really sit and look at those numbers and to look at all of our circumstances, to look at how much it's costing us to run our lights, to pay our custodians, to clean up after um
060people use our spaces. And what we're going to put forward in our policy once we're finished with it is what we think is a very fair um kind of stance on just even just to be able to kind of break even with what it costs us um to run the fields and the buildings after hours for not even our own organizations but really for lots of other organizations that utilize our spaces. Um so we still have a little work to do. We have another read coming up and then it will be finalized and then we look forward to engaging with the community and having conversations specifically taking feedback. Um and so that that communication plan will be to come. Um basically we just took our existing policy and modernized it and what we have to
061really do is actually enact enact the policy that we have created. So, um, and then as far as the residency policy, um, I believe the biggest substantive change in that policy is that it's I think it's clearer, um, for people that are trying to come to our district. It spells out all of the procedures very clearly, um, for people. And I think that that was another kind of piece that that was missing. I think people would come to register their students and struggle because I think the policy wasn't as clear as it needed to be. Um, so that that's pretty much what what the change in that policy is. >> Thank you. And thank you to the board members who worked very closely on series 1000. I know that's, you know, a topic that we've
062been discussing since evidently the beginning of the year, but we had so much other stuff to get through first before we got to it. So, thank you guys for all your hard work, research, and the meetings that we've had so far and then the meetings upcoming as well. Thank you. >> Moving [clears throat] on to item L, communication secretary. >> Yes, Mr. Mr. Chairman, we received two communications this week. The first was from Mr. Eric Marowitz regarding the upkeep and timeline of the lawns and fields at Judson School. The second was from Miss Lasha Lagus regarding the temperatures in the classrooms at John Trumbull Primary School and what our plans were that week to keep the temperatures down and the children comfortable. >> Thank you. Moving on to item M, report from the board chair.
063[clears throat] The results of last week's referendum saw both the townside and boardside budgets go down. It is not the result we had hoped for, but as is important in all great democratic societies, accepting and learning from said results is imperative for future action towards progress. The failure of the education budget by 63 votes falls solely on my shoulders as the chair. I strongly believe that accountability needs to be taken and as a leader that ultimately lay with me. There will be improvements made, feedback taken, and a new plan of action set in place for the next referendum. Though, I'd like to comment positively on a few areas first. Starting with our superintendent, Lisa Fecky, and her team of professionals who did an excellent job taking what the budget was at the beginning of this
064entire process and transforming it into the most transparent, fiscally responsible, and well structured budget that we had seen probably since before the turn of the century. I am [laughter] >> You're trying to say I'm old and you're young. >> I don't know if I was born. [laughter] I know. Anyway, >> I am also proud of all the work. >> Yes, I'm also proud of all the work members of our board put into engage with community members to get the word out. There was a lot we learned from our first collective goaround as a team. I'd like to make it evidently clear that this result is not a reflection of all of your efforts. With all the difficulties we are facing as a town, it's hard for a lot of the good work to shine through.
065While there were many lessons to take away from this referendum, the one that I continued to circle late at night following the results being made known to us was the low turnout uh we saw and what we can do to remedy that. Local government is the most important level of our federal system you can be involved in uh involved with because the actions made here shape and impact your lives on the daily more than any policy coming down from Harford or Washington DC. The budgets at this level shape the quality of the education students are receiving, the opportunities made available to them, and so much more than any line item could ever tell you. I hope we do see a larger turnout at the next referendum, regardless of one's intentions, is at it, as it
066is healthy for our democracy. I do acknowledge that with rising inflation, rising gas prices as we discussed tonight um uh water and sewer and so many other economic factors, it is a hard ass to make of residents uh whenever there is an increase. Even with all the great work that has been done up to this point, it's not easy when you're sitting around the dinner table and making tough decisions for you and your family while seeing your taxes continue to rise. Some of the same some of those same factors you experience in your homes, we also experience as well. And during the process to get the budget to where it is, we ourselves have had to make some difficult decisions to present what we believed was respectful to the taxpayers and families which balanced providing
067a quality education to our students in what taxpayers can feasibly handle during these difficult economic times. With the results of the referendum, we will more than likely have to we will more than likely have to go back to the drawing board. Though with the support from the state on its way, it should help make the process a lot more manageable than in years past when a referendum failed. Which I'd like to take a moment to thank Representative Petta for his advocacy and negotiations up in Hartford. We've been in communications the entire session and I constantly made it a sticking point that we needed more support for education and he delivered for our town in a very large way compared to similar towns across the state. And when I tell you I was on the phone
068with him every single week going to his office and talking to him. I literally was he got sick of me. He [laughter] learned more about education this year than he has ever done in all his years up in Hartford. Honestly, I was like, you might as well just go on the education committee at this point with how much he knows. So, he really did fight hard for us and to get us that that support and that money. And I'm really really thankful um you know for for the work that he has put in. While the town side has yet to meet to set a new referendum date, we've been in communication to negotiate what we believe is appropriate given the results. And I am optimistic that we will be able to work through this together
069as a town. Thank you. >> Moving on to item N, committee reports, curriculum and instruction. Miss Hosking, >> no report at this time. >> Policy and labor. Mr. Malagoti. >> Thank you. As we just spoke to earlier, uh we had our policy labor subcommittee meeting uh prior to this meeting at 5:30. Spent a good deal of the meeting discussing the series 1000 use of school facilities, making some tweaks to it for our first read tonight and confident that we'll get a second read and get working with the public at our right after our next meeting when we put it when we vote it in. Uh then the 5,000 I just want to stress the importance of a good residency policy. It's it's the main goal is to protect [snorts] students that don't live in town
070from attending our schools. And yes, unfortunately, it does happen and unless you really stay on top of it with strong processes and procedures there, it can really cost the district a lot of money which falls on us as taxpayers as the burden. Uh we also had a a good discussion of our next policy which we'll be looking into which is the 5120 which is the student discipline and part of the reason for that and it's also in conjunction with the use of school facilities is we're experiencing damage to our facilities and unfortunately it could be uh our own people from town students it could be out of town groups coming to use our fields. Unfortunately, our fields cost a tremendous amount money more now to obviously we heard about inflation. So, the people we have
071to pay to take care of them, the facilities themselves being turf versus grass. So, when people are dragging things or are riding things they shouldn't be, they they cost us a lot more. So, we're going to dive into that policy, see what we could do to tighten it up and really stress to the public that make it open communication. The town also owns these facilities with us. If you see something, say something. you know, if someone's violating something posted on a sign or one of our things, report it to an administrator, a board member, a police officer, something like that. We really have to be on top of this more to uh protect our fields and facilities. But, uh, that's going to be the next policy we dive into, though. So, that's all. >> Yes,
072sir. >> One more. >> Uh, one more. >> The thing we discuss afterwards, those policies with the stuff. >> The what? >> Vandalism. >> Oh, the vandalism. Yeah, that's part of the 5120. >> Yeah. Yeah. So then what he's speaking to is the vandalism there and also having like if there's any repercussions that we could put in place if a community member, a student or obviously an outside of town member comes in and causes any damages to the field because we feel bad. It's a burden directly on our district and it's very expensive to cover it. >> Thank you sir. >> You're welcome. >> Moving on to budget and finance. Miss Davidson. >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. Um as both um Miss Becketty and you spoke about the budget did fail in referendum on the 19th.
073The board of education and the town council are actively collaborating on a balanced budget for the upcoming refer referendum which state is to be determined. By aligning educational needs with municipal financial realities, both the board of education and the town council are dedicated to finalizing a responsible spending plan that delivers essential community services while respecting the tax burden of our residents. >> Thank you. Moving on to facilities, Miss Martino. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Uh Luigi and I had discussion regarding work that's being done inhouse versus um to reduce cost versus um limiting the needs for outside services. Work has been done to John Trumbull parking lot and it takes a little longer than bringing a service in but it's saving money. Um he's also has maintenance um trying to line up the playgrounds and sidewalks.
074>> More work being done inhouse once again to save money on cost. >> That's good. >> Okay. She's not giving you a hard time, right? [laughter] >> I'm saying good job. >> Moving on to uh governance and community engagement. Miss Lton, >> no report at this time. >> Moving on to item O, monthly finance report. Miss Kashub again. >> Hi everyone. So tonight I'm going to give you uh the year-to- date report as of April 30th, 2026. Hard to believe because it's already the end of May, but um some good news on the horizon. So, as of April 30th, 2026, the district is reflecting an overall negative variance of approximately 387,000 or less than 1% 67% um of the budget. Uh why is this good news? Because um as of March 31st, due to the
075new incumbrance of uh benefits and whatnot, we were at um 564,000 in the negative. Um we're continuing to look at POS. We still have some revenue coming in, but basically um I'm happy to report that I'm very confident we should be able to come in at budget. This reflects an improvement from the prior month and continues to place the district at a manageable financial position as we move forward towards fiscal year end. Um I'm going to touch on a couple of topics again like I normally do. Salaries and benefits. We still have an overall variance of 1.67%. Uh largest variance within this category continues to be employee benefits. And again, um just so you know, while we did encumber all of we were able to I was finally able to figure out through the help
076of our vendor um how to encumber the hourly uh employees and their benefits. We do still have um revenue that we receive for uh retirees for benefits that help to offset this line. Not this full amount, but a good portion of it. So you'll continue to see a drop there. As discussed last month, this variance reflect reflects the implementation of the fullear encumbrancing of employee benefits within the accounting system. Um non-certified salaries uh are showing negative balance as well, continue to reflect just staffing coverage needs. A good chunk of this um is in fact uh both um substitute coverages and whatnot. And then certified salary has remained stable and currently is now um looking as though it's a positive, which is a good thing as well. again using um grants to offset stuff. We're getting
077to that end where all the grants need to be expended by year end. So I'm able to apply. Normally grants have to be uh applied as um a reimbursement. So you actually have to expend file a report. They do allow for the last month for you to put in for what you expense for the prior month and what you intend to show in incumbrances for acrudeed payroll if you will. So that you'll see an offset on that as well. um purchase services uh legal counsel uh continues to exceed uh our budget projections due to ongoing and anticipated legal matters this fiscal year. I will be revisiting these POS to see um hopefully we're up to date. Again, we can we always budget conservatively. I'm hoping that with our um last set of bills, we can
078trim that down a little bit. But again, I I want to leave um money on the books if in fact it was the expense was incurred this year and has to be paid in the following month. But we'll keep uh continuing to watch that as well. Facilities repairs and maintenance reflects higher than anticipated maintenance and repair activity districtwide. Uh Luigi is finally starting to put that construction uh repair budget into place a little at a time, but [snorts] needs to be done. Um he needs to uh get some of these things done. He's always held off and um it's starting to unfortunately cost us more in the long run when when we don't patch up things and do what we need to do. Utilities remain slightly higher over budget due to seasonal consumption and obviously
079um energy pricing fluctuation and we know it was a rough winter. Majority of uh the overages on um some of the utilities um just has to do with the cold winter that we had. Telephones and software continues to reflect technology and software related costs that exceeded the original budget allocation. Um we are still looking to close the loop on some frontier um bills that we have and I'm I'm confident that we're going to be able to do that in the next few weeks. We have been doing it a little at a time. It would just be nice if we could just turn the whole darn bill off, but it's just it's not that easy because we have to do it line by line to make sure that we're not cutting off phone lines that are
080still needed. Um, so we're we're working on that. Contracted services. Um, transportation continues to be impacted by specialized and out of district transportation needs. Um, the liability insurance is slightly over budget. That was primarily due to my underestimation of the um, broker's fees and I apologize for that lesson learned. Uh tuition continues to be a significant b budget pressure point during this year. Um and then I'm I'm not going to jump into the excess cost yet. I'll give you the good news at the end. Uh supplies and equipment, custodial supplies continues to run over budget. Again, I think this was um primarily we we've been doing bulk ordering. We've done and we're going to continue to to grow that. So I know we will see some savings going forward, but right now it's just due
081to the winter that we had. We could not buy enough salt. We could not buy enough cleaning equipment. You know, people are tracking in mud, dirt. Um it was just a rough winter. We all know that. Okay. Um closing statement. Although several categories continue to reflect negative balances or variances, these are largely known in anticipated areas of pressure, including tuition, transportation, legal services, facilities maintenance, and employee benefits. The district continues to closely monitor all spending and open incumbrances as we approach year end. At this time, I still anticipate the ability to close the fiscal year within budget based upon outstanding revenue still to be received. And I'm happy to report that now that it's the end of May, the excess cost, second payment hit. And I'm happy to report it was not less than we
082were anticipating. It was almost right on par. So with this negative 387, we are actually in the black. But again, every day it toggles back and forth if there's a bill that came in a little higher, if there's a PO that I can close out. But basically, I'm feeling very confident. you'll see um um with May's bill that this number is it's it's going to be if if we're going to be off, it's going to be hundreds of dollars at this point. I'm I'm pretty confident with that. I'm going to continue to monitor and I will report back like I always do. Um overall, the district's financial position has improved from the prior month and we'll continue to carefully monitor through fiscal year end. And as I already stated, I I'm confident that we'll be
083able to close in that budget. So, if I may before the board asks questions, I actually as I'm looking at this tonight, I think some of the conversation that we've had about the budget, I think this particular budget report demonstrates some pieces that we've talked about that I want to highlight. Um, so case in point, I I think when I have said in open session many times that Marie and I and our team has gone through 1300 lines, we really have, right? So there were lines like legal counsel um which to no fault of Miss Kosuba but that line was not necessarily tred up right. So there's a line that we know that we needed to look at and true up for next year. There are some lines that you're kind of never going to
084know. So if the board would just look at repairs and maintenance, you don't know what's going to break in any given year. So that's a really hard line to to true up. Um, but I would like to point your attention to some of the positive balances because this is the phenomena that we've had for the past five, four or five years in our budget cycle. So, if you take a look at construction projects, you can see that Luigi has only spent in his construction projects about $12,000 of that money. It's because he won't spend it because he's afraid that we're going to not come in at budget. So, he waits till the very end in case we need to scoop up that $62,000 and put it towards the hole that's at the bottom of our
085budget. And this is one of the reasons why in my budget presentation, I've said over and over again that we need to give Luigi the money that he needs to take care of our facilities and and not have this this kind of shenanigans that we've we've been doing. Same with dues and fees. when we come out in the beginning of the year and we're a little concerned about coming in on budget, we just don't refill any of those subscriptions or or we cancel things that we belong to. Same with travel and conferences. Um and then if you take a look at supplies instructional 611, this is the line that really tells the story of the past four to five years. This is where school budgets they were only allowed to spend 50% of their money
086because this is money that we're going to need to swoop up to cover our bottom line. Um, so I think that as you get towards the end of any budget cycle and the numbers start to become really rare, real and accurate, it tells that story. Same thing with equipment. Luigi needs to buy equipment. He's leaving that $17,000 in there because we will likely need to swoop it up. Um, so for what it's worth, in particular as we're moving into the second referendum, um, but it just really is a good example that kind of speaks to what we've been saying in this budget cycle as we've worked really hard to be really transparent and to true up as many lines as possible. >> And our process isn't done. Miss Becketty and I every um month I
087true up the year-to- date expenses and I update the sheet and we go back and look again and say, was there a spike in anything that we didn't contemplate so that we can make adjustments before July 1st as needed. Obviously, we can't change the bottom line. Whatever the bottom line budget's going to be, it's going to be. But we can certainly tweak things and we're trying to be proactive with that. I'm looking forward to next year with the budget. I just feel like um everything makes sense like in terms of even I can understand why decisions were made. Does that make sense? Like, you know, without Yeah, I just I'm I'm looking forward to it. Not that it's going to be an easy year cuz it's not because we we don't have a lot of
088room. But I just feel like in terms of chewing up the lines, it's either it's either we've really missed something for not knowing better or there's going to be a very, you know, plausible excuse. >> There's some things that are volatile like the fuel. Who could have predicted that, right? But for the most part, I mean, I think we tred up what we could. I don't want to overpromise either. >> Yeah. Oh, things are wrong and everyone's like um but anyway, I just thought it was it was very interesting as I looked at this because I think it's a very good illustration of what we've been talking about. >> No, for sure. >> Any questions for Miss Kosuba? >> I have a question. Legal expenses just so people understand it's not just it's partially from
089contractual like if you have a new contractor, you need an attorney involved. So that's the cost. So we try to keep that number low. So, prior to Lisa coming on board, there was some grievances and other issues that you didn't realize we were going to be coming up. So, you budget a certain amount and then we need more legal counsel. >> So, that's that's part of it. Part of it and I think that there was a lot of negotiation >> um that we negotiated several contracts and >> balances that were carried over. Yeah. So, that was a little bit of a piece of it as well that >> that you know, >> I don't know that we it was anticipated how much negotiating those contracts were going to cost. And then we do have things
090that have come up that needed to be litigated, which has caused the spike in our legal case. >> We're hoping to kind of rein that in >> moving forward. Thank you. >> All right. >> Any other questions? >> I just think it's interesting the dynamic of uh the explosive variables. you know, I'm used to special ed and um you know, high claims with health insurance and now we could throw fuel into that mix. So, when the community wonders why it's very challenging for us, these are things that are completely out of our control. Yeah, >> we can't control war in Iran and how it impacts us and uh the situation in Iran. But uh thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions from the board? >> Okay, moving on to item P, future agenda
091items and board member comments. Is there anybody who would like to speak? >> Yes, sir. Uh, just one thing. It was a great meeting this evening. Enjoyed seeing all the kids there. And one thing that I will not take for granted is the cooling temperatures in the room. And [laughter] it's due to the gentleman on the roof [applause] before they're getting the AC. So, thank you, Luigi. It made it a lot easier for us to finish the second half of the meeting. >> Thank you. >> Let me know what the roll of duct tape's going to go. [laughter] >> Is there anyone else? Go ahead. >> Um, I just wanted to thank the teachers in the third grade hallway at Judson. Um, we got to tour the um human body element, their final of that
092and it was so great to see all these little kids in scrubs and um masks and >> playing games and and learning about the the human body and and taking each other's pulses. I mean, these are third graders and it was an amazing thing to see and um I just thought that was great. And I just also want to just do a little quick pitch. We're taking um about 50 kids to the Halos tomorrow night um for Watertown High School. So um hopefully we come out with a couple of wins. >> And how many nominations? >> 11. I see. >> Nice. So >> that's amazing. >> Any other comments? asking. So, so [clears throat] as you know, um we had held a special board meeting last week and one of the people who had hoped
093to speak um had an unfortunate circumstance happen prior just prior to coming in. So um she spoke with Kareem and asked that what she would have said that night be um read this evening. So I am going to read these remarks on behalf of Christa Palumba. Tonight we are here to honor John Gavales. Many of you are here to share your stories and cherish memories of the chief. But that is not how I came to know him. To me, he was Tim's dad, Tigant Tai's proud grandfather, my esteemed colleague on the board of ed, and most importantly, my friend. Serving on a board of education is not glamorous work. It requires patience, resilience, and incredible sense of responsibility. Decisions are rarely easy, and they are rarely unanimous. Yet through it all, he brought thoughtfulness, integrity,
094and a genuine love for this town and its children. He understood that every vote, every discussion, and every budget line ultimately came down to one thing, giving students the best possible opportunity to succeed. His service was never about recognition or politics. It was about people. It was about making sure the next generation in Watertown had the support, education, and opportunities they deserve. And I know firsthand that he never sought the spotlight. In fact, when his term was coming to an end, he was ready to step away. He felt he had done his part. He was prepared to hand the responsibility to someone else. But I also know how valuable your voice was. how ex much experience, balance, and dedication you still brought to the table. So, yes, I'll admit publicly tonight, I coerced you into
095running again, and I have absolutely no regrets about it because communication like ours need people like you. Oh, sorry. Communities like ours need people like you. People who care deeply. People who show up even when it's difficult. people willing to make rough decisions, not for personal gain, but for the greater good. Your service has been invaluable to our schools and to this town. You helped guide our district through challenges and change with steadiness and compassion. You earned the respect of colleagues, educators, parents, and residents alike because you always approach the role with sincerity and humility. John, thank you for every meeting attended, every phone call returned, every difficult vote cast, and every hour spent working behind the scenes for the betterment of our schools. Thank you, Tim and family, for loaning us your father and
096grandfather. The time he dedicated to Watertown Public Schools was time away from you. We greatly appreciate your sacrifice. John Gavales, your legacy in this community will be measured not only in policies or budgets, but in the lasting impact you made on generations of students and families in Watertown. And for that, we are deeply grateful. >> Thank you, Miss. All right. Moving on to item two, adjournment. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Yes, Mr. Sorry. >> Yes, Mr. Chair, I motion to adjourn this meeting at 8:22 p.m. Do >> I have a second? >> I second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? I post protection.