001on October 27th and I would like to convene this regularly scheduled meeting of the board of education. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance 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. Kathy, before you start roll call, I would like to add an agenda item. Uh board members, I would like to add an agenda item after my chair remarks, which would then be agenda item P. I would like to resign as board chair effective uh this evening at 900 p.m. In accordance with board bylaw 9065, an election for successor will need to also take place. Do I have a motion to accept my resignation as of 9:00 p.m. this evening and
002add an agenda item P to call for nominations for board chairperson? Yes, madam chair. The board will accept your resignation effective this evening at on October 27th and we'll add agenda item P to call for nominations for the board. Uh please make the time 7 p.m. >> Okay. And do I have a second? >> I second the motion. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstension. Motion passes. That is now agenda item. >> We opposed. >> Opposed. >> I opposed. >> Okay. Two opposed. >> Two opposed. Okay. Motion still passes. Okay. Moving on to roll call. >> Kareem Bellica >> here. >> Christine Pereza >> here. >> Amy Quinn >> here. >> Jason Malagudi here. >> Christa Palumba here. >> Karen Hoski here. >> Cindy Failen here. Elizabeth Law >> here.
003Okay, board members, you should have received your packets containing the minutes from the board of education meeting of October 14th, 2025. Does anyone have any questions? Seeing none, do I have a motion to approve the meeting minutes from October 14th, 2025? >> Yes, Madam Chair. I move to approve the minutes of the regular board of education meeting on October 14th, 2025. >> Do I have a second? >> I second the motion. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? I >> opposed. Abstension. Motion passes. Moving on to announcement of student council representatives. Giani please come up. Thank you. >> Good evening madam chair Palumba Superintendent Fcky uh members of the board of education and members of the Watertown public schools cabinet and all guests in attendance. I'm Giani Perigini principal of Watertown High School. It's my
004pleasure tonight to introduce two outstanding students who will serve as representatives uh to the Watertown uh board of education from Watertown High School. First, I'd like to recognize Miss Nicole RmIrez. Um would would you like them to come forward, stand like can we put them on the spot and like embarrass them? Is that okay? All right, Nicole, come around front and stand in front. >> Nicole represents the very best of Watertown High School. Nicole is a student who leads not just with intelligence but also with kindness. She makes everyone around her feel included, heard, and supported. And she brings the same spirit into everything that she does. Academically, Nicole has set the bar high. She's earned high honors every year, received the academic excellence award three years in a row, and has taken on some
005of the toughest classes we offer here, such as AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. And the AP is advanced placement for those of you that don't know. Um all while maintaining her trademark smile. Um there it is. All right. She's also part of the Post University High School Academy, holding um a 4.0 GPA and on track to earn her associates degree in accounting before she even graduates from Watertown High School. >> Yeah, that's awesome. Beyond academics, Nicole uh Nicole's presence is felt everywhere. She's uh been involved with theater, the National Honor Society, the Math and Science Honor Society, Student Council, the School Climate Committee, and she's also now a member of my principal's advisory board. Um she wanted to be a student um uh representative for the Watertown Board of
006Education because she believes every student deserves to be seen and heard, especially those who may not always speak up for themselves. She's looking forward to leading with integrity and representing her peers with pride. Please join me in recognizing and welcoming an incredible student leader, Nicole RmIrez. Yeah. Okay. Alongside Nicole, I'm equally proud to introduce Hunter Panzac. Hunter, come on up. It's your turn to be in the spotlight. Hunter is another exceptional senior who has literally grown up in the Watertown public schools. Hunter shared with me that he attended John Trumbull, uh, Pulk, Swift, and now is at Watertown High School. Hunter has embraced learning here and has challenged himself at every turn. By the end of this year, he would have com he will have completed more than 11 advanced placement courses, all from calculus
007to chemistry to government to language, all while maintaining an impressively high GPA. Hunter's true impact goes far beyond the classroom. For the past two years, he served as a lab assistant in our science department. He's been calibrating pH meters, setting up experiments, and helping with safety and cleanup long after everyone else has gone home. He's also a threeseason athlete, cross country, swimming, and tracked. And he has stepped up as an informer leader on all of his teams. Outside of school, Hunter is a life scout working toward an eagle rank. He's completed over 60 hours of community service and has even traveled the country on high adventure expeditions. He also has a passion for wildlife, especially grey wolves. That's a fun fact about Hunter. Um something that he's researched, studied, and traveled to observe firsthand. Uh
008Hunter wanted to serve as the student representative to the uh Watertown Board of Education because he believes in giving back in ensuring that every student has a voice and that our schools continue to improve and move in the right direction. Please join me in recognizing an exceptional student leader as well and a wonderful young man, Hunter Panzac. So together, Nicole and Hunter will be uh presenting at the board of education uh meetings. Uh they will be sharing uh updates and happenings from our um um all all of our schools and I'm just so incredibly proud and happy for both of them and uh I hope you enjoy their time on the board. >> Thank you. >> Okay guys, guess what? You're up. So first at John Turbo Primary School, the students have been working hard
009staying starting their I Ready math curriculum. All grades have been wrapping up their first unit building the solid foundation of math and counting. They've been exploring essentials tools to uh brighten these abilities. The second grade students are focusing on mental math strategies for adding and subtracting. They're using different strategies like making 10 and double plus ones which is helping them strengthen their adding and subtracting. Lastly, the students are learning the different relationships between addition and subtraction to help them solve problems. At Judson Elementary School, the students have been working hard on their CK CKLA the core knowledge language arts units de diving into different engaging topics and building strong reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. The students are continuing to make connections, share ideas, and progress through their curious and confident minds. The school is excited
010to work with I Ready Math Coach strengthening their math instruction while also exploring new strategies, student data, and support all learners to build understanding and confidence in math. They had their first trailmate session which is helping build friendships across the schools. Uh classes teamed up as buddies and did engaging activities to practice teamwork and strengthen the school community. The student council demonstrated leadership in school spirit through a pink out day and bracelet fundraising for breast cancer awareness. They're raising nearly $600 to support chemo comfort bags. Their PTO received a Watertown Foundation grant to purchase an large outdoor water table for the school's courtyard. This addition will enhance the hands-on experimental learning particularly benefiting the new horizon program. Lastly, they have some upcoming events including their stars assembly on October 31st, their parent teacher conferences on
011November 4th and 6th, Veterans Day assembly on November 10th, and Judson Jaguar Fun Run on November 14th. At Poke Elementary School, they're also on their CKL CKLA unit, Reptiles and Amphibians. The third grade students participated in engaging in an in-class field trip with the Institute of American Indian Studies featuring live animals. The students observed reptiles and amphibians up close, exploring key characteristics, similarities, and differences. The hands-on experience deepened understanding of life science concepts while fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Pulk continues its partnership with the child health and development institution to support the school-based diversion initiative program on the elementary level. Their focus area includes promoting student well-being, reducing disciplinary referrals, and enhancing schoolwide mental health supports. The initiative contributes to a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students. Lastly, they have their Paul
012assembly on Friday, October 31st, where there will be ne recognized monthly winners for being global citizens. The students were selected by their teachers for demonstrating and following the Paul's expectations. Lastly, they have their parent teacher conferences November 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and November 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Over at Swift Middle School, highlights. Swift in its opening weeks has been working diligently to establish the expectations and rules of the middle school functioning to create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment. Students at every grade level in Swift participated in an assembly enumerating the expectations of Swift. For those who wish to review these requirements, a slideshow with a copy of these expectations was sent home. Curriculum and instruction. Instructional practices continue to be updated at Swift Middle School as English language
013arts, math, and special education teachers cooperate with at Advanced instructors and within their own departments to revise and develop the curriculum. Under the school community, 54 Swift Middle School members have been able to maintain high honors for the last three trimesters, thus earning them a position in the National Junior Honor Society. Swift students were able to attend an assembly run by one of the Wizards basketball team players as well. Some of the upcoming events, November 5th, the PTSO has arranged a game between the Wizards basketball team and Watertown school staff members, which is the origin point of the assembly. November 16th, National Junior Honor Society induction is occurring for Swift. In no on November 20th, the Leo Club induction ceremony is occurring. Over at Watertown High School, the curriculum and instruction at this time are
014non-applicable. However, under the school community, school counselors continue to work with students on college applications and the post-secondary plans. College representatives, college representative visits continue through November. Juniors and seniors are eligible to sign up through score. On October 16th, students in grades 9 through 11 took the PSATs. WHS offers a support program called Quiet Calf, which is a more tranquil and controlled environment for individuals to eat at during their lunch. It is utilized by 15 individuals currently and is aptly monitored by WHS support staff. Miss Olivia Duca of the WHS PADS program has been awarded the prestigious effective school solutions marine despito award. This award has been granted for Olivia Duca's dedication to higher levels of professionalism, compassion, and service. Olivia Duca's years in the PADS program has been marked with clinical judgment, ethical clarity,
015and unwavering dedication to families and students. Olivia Duca performs exemplary in the fields of quality management and compliance as noted by thorough, timely, and clinically sound work. Olivia Duca is noted for work that goes above and beyond the given call to action, strongly advocating for students and supporting new clinicians. Duca's dedication gives rise to definitive solution centered work. The WHS World Language Society is active for the 2025 to 2026 year with officers with Liliana Orizoko as president, Lola Gardino as vice president, Olivia Guerrera as publicist, and Amelia Failen as secretary. Some of the upcoming events for WHS from October 28th to November 3rd, 2025. On Wednesday, October 28 9th, trunk or treat sponsored by the Watertown National Honor Society chapter is occurring from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot of WHS. On
016Thursday, October 20th, the end of marking period 1 occurs where all grades are entered for all assignments under WHS system. On Friday, October 31st, senior and staff dress up day at WHS occurs during the flex period in the gymnasium. some upcoming sports events. On Thursday, October 28th, girls swimming varsity meet at 6 p.m. located at the Woodland High School Pool. On Thursday, October 30th, there's a girls swimming varsity meet at 4:30 p.m. located at Kennedy High School or John Rearen pool. And on Saturday, November 1st, the boys football varsity game is occurring at 1 p.m. located at the Hatonic Valley Regional High School. Moving on to superintendent's recommendation and report. >> At this time, I don't have any specific recommendations, but I do have some updates to share later in the agenda. >> Thank you.
017Now, moving on to public participation in accordance with policy number 9050. Public participants will state their name and address for the record and limit statements to three minutes. The board encourages speakers not to express defamatory comments about Watertown Board of Education personnel or any other persons associated with Watertown Public Schools. Would anyone like to come up and speak? >> Please state your name and address for the record. >> Amanda 40, 225 Williamson Circle. I just wanted to circle back. I was here a couple weeks ago um talking about how thankful I am to all of you, the wonderful work you've done with the high school and everything and seeing my son be able to graduate this year and it's something that I can say confidently and not have to worry about. And I can't thank
018you all enough. Um I have been advocating fiercely for Lisa Fetty to be our superintendent um as he she's local to the community is very accessible to everybody and I again I can't thank you all enough for taking into account what parents feedback was student feedback was to invite her here and finally have the right person take this spot and I want to thank you all for that. Again, I'm also very aware that Christa Palumba, it is your last day. And I wanted to take a minute to thank you as well. As you know, I was your biggest foe and was actively trying to find a way to get you out of here before you were even here. And even though that was the case, anytime I had a question and had to come to
019you, you were very good at answering questions, commended me for being such an advocate for my children. And I can't thank you enough. I think that you're going to make an amazing asset to this town in your next position that I hope that you will be attaining soon. And I just want to say good luck and I appreciate everything you've done for us in the past four years. And I do have this for you. So if I can approach real quick. >> Yes. Thank you. >> I do have to leave. >> I appreciate that. >> Thank you so much. >> This is for you. Thank you so much for everything you've done. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to come up to the podium and speak? Please state your name and address for
020the record. >> My name is Shirley And pre uh 669 French Street, Oakville. Uh this is my first time ever coming to one of these things. I've never been to one before, but I had something happen um in the past year or two that caused me to have to come. So I teach um faith formation and I have for the last couple years. I've done it in the past many years ago. I teach fourth graders and sixth graders and I had a a serious concern about them in teaching. Um I found that I had fourth and sixth graders that had difficulty in reading. Um some of them very much so actually and thankfully had some good friends that would help them out. I had fourth and sixth graders and this year more the sixth graders
021actually in the fourth that had difficulty writing regular clear proper penmanship. Matter of fact, I do not recall any of them actually having any good penmanship. Uh I was of course make light of it with the kids when I go around and we go through the things and I'll say, "Is that a T? Is that an H?" and I'll just kind of tease them a little bit and just let me know what this says. I have a very concerned about that. I also had I wrote my name in cursive. Welcome and my name in cursive. And I had, you know, child say to me, I I we don't we're not taught cursive. We don't know how to read it. Can you write it in print? I said, sure, I can. But I do it every
022week, every excuse me, every month for each class so that they can just learn a little bit of something. I have a fourth I have many grandchild unfortunately, but I have a a fourth grader that in third grade self-taught herself uh cursive writing just so she can read her nana's book cuz it's going to be in cursive. It saddens me that these children can't do that because to me cursive is so personable compared to anybody could write a plain T, a plain S. But your cursive if which any handwriting expert can tell you is all about you and I like that. So, I'd like to see our kids do better at that spelling. I was very shocked that there were sixth graders that couldn't spell thinking that couldn't didn't know what generous and how to
023spell that was that had difficulty answering a little things like how do you irritate your parents and ask me what does irritate mean? It really bothered me that there was multiple words that they couldn't spell that they couldn't understand in very short simple questions. I found that the fourth graders had even as a group which I tried to have them do it as a group had difficulty in problem solving basic simple things of just like putting things in order of dates like it was right there in front of their face and tiny little paragraphs very easy to read simplified things and I kept giving them hints. Look at the date. Look at the date you and they still struggled with organization and problem solving. I taught the fourth grade last year. I saw a lot
024of this myself, especially the reading. Very, very poor reading skills. Really need to be upgraded great deal for these fourth graders. It's even harder when you see the fourth graders this year doing slightly better than the sixth graders which are not doing well at all and a lot of different levels. I had one some couple of my children um some of the answers were sad actually but by the end of the class you know one was slouching completely in the chair by middle of class was halfway up and by time it was talking and and out there they these kids need more encouragement they need more support and it's not everything needs to be special ed it's just a matter how you teach is what makes the difference and I see these kids are lacking
025and it bothers me and I had to come here to say something about what I'm seeing because I don't would never ever treat them less than anything. A matter of fact, I do everything to build them up which encourage them to actually practice. I actually send them home with little tiny little homework things and if they bring it back, they get like a little check mark and by the end of the year, I give them something special to acknowledge their hard work and their dedication and want to do better. But I thought it was really important that I came here tonight to just tell you about what I saw. Now, if I'm not mistaken, I know some of these children were caught up in that co nonsense and then everything with the mask and everything
026thereafter and the interruption of the education and my grandchildren. I saw my granddaughter suffer through it and my youngest grand second, I'm sorry, middle granddaughter because of the mask and having difficulty for many years with speech because of them having no mouths to be able to see. And I hope we never make that mistake again for our children because they suffered greatly and it took time and thankfully good parenting, good grandparenting and other people that would work in with these kids to get them caught up on their speech. I mean to this day her speech is not very clear and it saddens me. But I'd like you to really take notice to these at least I know of fourth and sixth graders. Please help them with their problem solving. Please teach them cursive. I think
027it's very important when my book comes out, it's not going to be in print. It's going to and it's for pre-teens and early teens. It needs it's in cursive. The way I wrote when I was in Swift, that's what I wrote when I went to Swift. And if my fourth grader, which was a third grader, taught herself how to do cursive, these children can learn it, too. They're good kids. They just are lacking. And it's so sad. And they're in sixth grade now, so before they hit high school. And congratulations both on everything you've succeeded at. We need these kids to do that. Okay, just take that all into consideration. I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to come up to the podium? >> Please state your name and
028address for the record. >> Hi, uh Jeff Dearis, uh 294 Neil Drive. Uh two points I wanted to make. Um the first one uh I wanted to thank Christa Palumba uh the chair of the board of ed for her hard work and dedication to Watertown schools, its students and its teachers and its staff. The last few years have been challenging not only for Watertown schools but school districts across the state. Costs have risen and resources have been strained. Christa has provided positive and open leadership during this time. If you had asked me four years ago that I would be standing here thanking her for her service, I would have seriously doubted it. But I would have been wrong. Her departure from the board is a loss for the town, but I believe this is not
029the end of her service to the town, but it's just the beginning. So, I thank you, Christa, and I'm glad to call you my friend. Thank you. Um, one other thing I wanted to mention too, and it's it sort of piggybacks on what was just spoken about. A lot of times we kind of view um, our kids through the through the lens of our experience when we grew up and that we grew up, you know, a lot of us are boomer age or gener generation X age. Um, and oftentimes I see sort of comments along the lines of, well, uh, back then we were tough. We could handle all this stuff. And I don't think that we appreciate enough the challenges that our students face today in the world that we have today with social
030media especially um and the event of COVID did affect a lot of students as they were growing up and coming of age. So I think that we should be paying particular attention as we go forward to the needs of the students beyond just the three Rs but also the social and emotional experience that they have to adjust to the pressures that they face on a peer basis is different than what we faced. It follows them home. It follows them into their rooms. It follows them wherever they go. And a lot of people here have have experience with with young children, have had experience with this themselves. So I would just encourage that as we move forward as a board of education and as a school district that we learn to keep that in mind that
031we keep our children's social and emotional education in mind. It is just as vital, just as vital as the three Rs. And in fact, even more so because that was just pointed out before. All of those things have a factor in allowing them to be successful and um and mature adults. And the more that we invest not simply money, but time and effort and planning into addressing those issues, the better off they will be and the better off our community will be. So, thank you. Would anyone else like to come to the podium? Please state your name and address for the record. Hi, Rose Soleski, 456 Davis Street. So tonight I want to recognize and thank an extraordinary leader, chairman, woman, excuse me, Christa Palumba for her four years of dedicated and truly bipartisan service.
032From the very start of her tenure, Chairwoman Palumba showed us what leadership can look like when it's rooted not in partisanship, but in partnership. She led with an open mind, a steady hand, and a deep respect for every voice at the table. Whether tackling tough budget decisions or spearheading new community initiatives, she brought people together, not apart. Her focus was always on results, on what was best for the community, not what was politically convenient. And that commitment to collaboration has strengthened our town and set an example for all of us who serve. as she looks ahead to bringing the that same spirit of unity and cooperation to the town council. We have every confidence that her leadership will continue to inspire progress built on common ground. Chairwoman Palumba, thank you for your four years of
033thoughtful bipartisan leadership and for reminding us that when we work together, there's no limit to what we can achieve. So, congratulations and we wish you all the best in this next chapter of service. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to come to the podium? >> Seeing Oh, a late a late addition. >> I'm sorry. I just want to say very quickly, I don't know if that's on. I'm Katherine Camera, 31 Cottage Place. I wanted to um welcome Lisa and congratulate you. Um, and I'm sorry, Christa, to see you leave here, but I hope you're going to be with me somewhere else. Um, and I just wanted to say that I really hope in the next budget season that we see a big difference because I was very disappointed in how you
034all were treated last year and I hope that that will change um with changes that are going to be coming down the pike hopefully. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Would anyone else like to come to the podium? Okay, seeing no one else, moving on to items of discussion. There are none for tonight. Then moving on to updates. So that would be me. Um I'd like to start off just by mentioning in u the board's packet this week there is a draft timeline for the fiscal year 2027 budget development process. Um I'm excited to report that we have officially commenced this year's budget cycle um which will be guided by a threeprong strategy. um a revised development process, creative cost-saving measures, and a vision to rethink revenue sources. Um a comprehensive bud budget packet
035has been developed to represent a conservative approach integrating zerobased budgeting and spending caps, which is a little different than how it's been approached in the past. This approach emphasizes direct alignment with district goals and priorities, a very strict prioritization process, and opportunities for collaboration among teachers, building administrators, cabinet members, and the superintendent. Expenditures will be vetted through a tiered process to ensure that they really reflect the authentic needs of our district. Throughout the budget season, I will communicate transparently with all stakeholders as outlined in the timeline. Um, budget guidelines have already been shared with the administrative team and administrators are now working with teachers and teacher leaders to build a fiscally responsible budget from the ground up. I very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with teachers, administrators, the board, and the community to
036develop an honest, transparent, and fiscally responsible budget. One that reflects our collective agency in budget development, cost savings, and revenue building. Um, so that timeline is there for you. You'll see there's a lot of to be determined there, but once those are ironed out, I will continue to update the board and I will um include a timeline in future updates. Um, secondly is this was already mentioned by my two former Poke students. I think they were in fifth grade was the last year that I was there before I left. So, we left Poke together. So, I'm very proud to see my two former Poke students over there. Um, parent teacher conferences are going to be November 4th and 6th. I think these conferences provide a wonderful opportunity for teachers to be able to strengthen their
037connections with families um through meaningful partnerships that support the best possible learning experiences for our students. We really look forward to this time of year and welcoming families to our schools. I'd like to end my update this evening um by just mentioning that tonight does mark an important moment for our district. It's a time of transition, reflection, and appreciation. I sincerely would like to thank each member of this current board for your partnership and your support throughout my years as director of operations and then again now um as your newly appointed superintendent. I'm very deeply grateful for the opportunity that you have given to me. This board, in my opinion, has demonstrated as a whole together as a unit remarkable dedication, always keeping our students and community at the forefront. I think that your willingness
038to engage in thoughtful dialogue in in a history of working together, as you have done, has set a high standard for collaborative leadership benefiting all of the children in Watertown. I have witnessed that even sometimes when opinions have differed, your shared commitment to what is best for the district has been both admirable and inspiring. I want to give a special thank thanks to our board chair this evening. Um, you have consistently led with passion and authenticity. Um, always grounded in your commitment to students. Um, I'm on a personal level, I'm very appreciative for your support and the trust that you have placed in me as we worked closely together in these past few months. So, thank you for that. Um, so to this board, I want to thank you for your service to Watertown and
039for the privilege that I've had to serve alongside you as a board. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to finance report, Miss Kisha. >> Good evening, everyone. Um, you'll find behind one of the tabs the finance report uh dated uh September 30th, 2025. So tonight's report uh reflects financial activity through September 30th, marking the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 26. At this point, a good portion of our incumbrances are in place and spending patterns are beginning to emerge. Overall, the budget remains stable with a few areas running slightly higher than expected, which are which we are closely monitoring as we move into the second quarter. Um, I just want to remind you all that this is as of September 30th, but as of today, I asked um my team
040where we were with incumbrances and we are at about 95% encumbered. So, my next report, which will cover through October 30th, um we'll tighten a lot of these numbers up, but it's I'm I'm very excited, as I reported to Lisa, to to know that most of our um anticipated expenses are already on the books as of um today. Okay. So I typically try to touch on the major um uh categories here and I will um do so briefly mentioning especially those areas that um do have some slight overages under salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits account for the largest portion of our of our budget representing roughly the majority of um annual expenditures to date. This is typical for this time of year. um under certified staff in this category. It is running slightly over
041budget about 1.3% which really is not an astronomical amount but anytime there's an overage um we draw attention to it obviously and try to monitor it to make sure and find reasons why. Um please know that the majority of the certified um overage right now is due to the fact that we've only now started applying recently started applying um salaries that are applicable to grants. we have to wait till the grants come through once we get them and then just with the transition everything going on um we're just starting to apply uh staff members who should be on um grant lines as opposed to regular general uh fund lines. So this number will hopefully continue to go down and of course we are always um getting reimbursed for expenses. We have to incur them first
042and then draw the funds down. That's a change uh recently in the past years with the way EGMS um handles expenses. Um, I will uh point out though that if you saw the report, if you remember the report from last month, that figure for certified staff was well over half a million. It was about $570,000. So, you can see um that it's already coming down with the application of um employees onto the correct grant lines. Okay. Um next under purchase services, uh professional technical services reflect incumbrances for district contracts including IT and instructional support services. Um in this category we have legal council costs that are um coming in slightly higher than budget at this stage primarily related to labor matters and contractual reviews. Um we tend to encumber very conservatively. I would rather over
043encumber at this point early in the stage and as we start to get our um our invoices in and we can tie down and close up the loop on some of our negotiations that recently closed I hope to see some um improvement in this line as well. We'll continue to monitor it. Next, under facilities, um software and telecommunication lines on this in this area are showing an overage tied to annual license renewals and front-loaded technology costs paid early in the year. Um we will as always always constantly revisit these lines. The majority line um overage on telephone and uh software is on our telephone one. We do have a new contract this year for um with the myel service going down. Have not closed the loop on those bills yet. So, as soon as we
044know that we've gotten the final bills and we know what our new ones are, we will close the loop on some of those incumbrances and hopefully see an improvement in that line as well. Um, under contracted services, um, transportation now reflects two months of invoicing and is slightly above average. This continues to be a key monitoring area given the volatility and vendor pricing as regards to special ed transportation. Um, I do not anticipate there to be a problem in this area. Um, it's important for me to point out that excess cost, the excess cost grant, um, is already credited on both the transportation line and tuition line. I start off the year by taking, um, the anticipated amount and splitting it 50/50. We can switch those and um, you know, move the amounts um, as
045as needed. So, if I see that transportation it, you know, cannot be tightened up and I have to move some from tuition up to that line, I will. It's also very important to note that um our past history here, if they were telling me we're getting, you know, 1.3 million, I sometimes only put 1.1 because they usually sometimes come back and give us less. So, I'm very conservative with that number. So, right now, I'm not extremely concerned about this. I just wanted to point out that right now we're showing an overage, but as we move forward, I think I'll have better numbers obviously and be able to report more accurately. Um, we prepaid um not prepaid uh for insurance premiums um and dues and fees. Uh these have been paid in full for the year.
046We receive our insurance bills early in the year. Um it does appear as though I may have uh not budgeted enough, but um less than 3% is actually a good a good range, but we'll see. I don't anticipate anything else in this line. And again, if we see um you know any areas where we can possibly move some funds to cover that, we will. Um lastly uh under supplies and equipment spending in instructional supplies and equipment reflects school startup needs um and is consistent with expectation custodial supplies remain slightly below budget but this is uh I hope due to the anticipated savings due to bulk ordering which we are um actively pursuing this year. Um equipment purchases are primarily tied to scheduled technology and facility replacements. So right now those lines are holding um in
047a good place and again next month will be better numbers because we're now at 95% encumbered for everything. So in summation as we close out the first quarter of fiscal year 26 the district's overall financial position remains steady. While a few areas particularly transportation, legal, utilities and certified salaries are trending higher than budget at this early stage. We are monitoring them closely and will continue to do so. With ongoing review and proactive management, we expect these variances to level up as the year progresses. Um, if any of you have any questions, I'm happy to answer as best I can. >> Okay. Okay. >> Thanks, Marie. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to communications. >> Nothing at this time. >> Committee reports, curriculum and instruction. Miss Hosking? >> No. No report at this time. >> A
048lot of things for you, my friend. Policy and labor. Mr. Melaguti. >> Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. Uh, Miss Fecky and I are working closely with a deep dive into our policies there, reviewing them with Shipman and Goodwin, and once we, uh, get everything reviewed by them, we're going to be planning, uh, of coming meetings there once the new board is established there to review the policies and bring new members up to speed. >> Budget and finance, Mr. Melody. Again, uh resonating what Miss Specade said that she's begun the process with Miss Kashuba. We have our timeline there and I'm honored to serve in that position there until the uh until Mr. Gabalisk can return. >> Thank you. Um facilities, Miss Quinn, >> no updates at this time. Thank you. >> Save your voice.
049>> I know. I'm sorry. >> Save your voice. >> Governance and community engagement. None at this time. Uh future agenda items and board member comments. >> Madam Chair, I have a comment. I just wanted to take a minute. This is the last regular board meeting that the board will look like this. And my last regular board meeting of my four-year term. And while I hope to be here after next Tuesday, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to thank my fellow board members. Um, a lot of us started four years ago in a very contentious time. And I think that we've come a tremendously long way in developing um collaborative working relationships, respectful discourse. We've made a lot of progress within the town. Um, it's been a privilege to serve the last four years with
050this community. I've learned a great deal from everybody that's here and built lasting friendships and relationships, which is probably the best the best takeaway that I have from this. Um, Miss Fecky, it's very clear that the community is excited for your arrival as our official superintendent, and I'm sure the district is in good hands moving forward. Both of you have very impressive resumes, so welcome. Um but I just wanted to thank my current fellow board members. Wish our future board the best of luck. Um hope you you know the big picture and the best interests of our students remains the top priority for the future working board and it's been a pleasure. >> Thank you >> through the chair. >> Yes. >> I just wanted to thank you for your service, Madam Chair, to our
051community. Uh it has been a pleasure working alongside of you. I've said this time and time again. you are the most gifted public speaker I have worked around and that that bar is pretty high after uh Mr. Ryel Harrison was here in the shoes. So you've done a great job in your capacity. Grateful to call you a friend. Thankful for your service to our district. Also to the other board members whose terms are up. It has been a true honor working with all of you. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. And uh my takeaway is that it was a resounding uh you know sendoff there with working together and appointing Miss Fecky there. It brought back to the good days where we all worked together collaboratively, openly there, and we got
052the perfect person for the job. So, thank you all for your service to our town. >> Agreed. Thanks, Jason. Anyone else? >> Okay, moving on. Report from the board chair. As I sit down to write this letter, I am filled with deep gratitude and reflection. Serving on the board of education for the past four years, three of them as chair, has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The time has now come for me to step aside, but not without expressing my profound appreciation for the many people who have shared this journey with me. To my fellow board members, thank you for your collaboration, your thoughtful dialogue, and your steadfast commitment to do what is right for our students. To our administrators, teachers, and staff, your dedication, professionalism, and passion for education continue
053to inspire me. To our families and community members, your trust, engagement, and advocacy have been the foundation of our success. Together, we have built a stronger, more dynamic school district, one that reflects the values and aspirations of our entire community. During my tenure, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless moments that remind me why public education is so vital. I have seen the creativity and curiosity of our students, the tireless efforts of our teachers, and the resilience of a community united by a shared belief in the power of learning. From enhancing educational opportunities and improving facilities to securing critical funding and fostering collaboration across all levels, the progress we have made is something we can all be proud of. Earlier this evening, I requested that an agenda item be added to call for nominations for
054a new chair. With five seats on the board set to be filled following the November 4th election, I believe it is in the best interest of Watertown Public Schools to have a designated leader in place to guide the board through this transition period. Continuity of leadership is essential to maintaining stability, ensuring a smooth handoff to incoming members, and keeping our focus on the important work of supporting our students, staff, and community. Establishing new leadership at this time will allow for thoughtful preparation and a seamless transition as the next chapter of the board's work begins. Four years ago, had someone told me that the board member I would communicate with most frequently would be Kathy Hillian, that Jason would become my left arm and Karen my right, or that Amanda Man 40 would emerge as one
055of my strongest supporters, I would have find it hard to believe. I am grateful to have recognized early on that the us versus them mindset served no one and only hindered our progress. Over the past several years, the board of education has made tremendous strides, learning to collaborate, build trust, and operate as a truly unified body. As I transition into the next chapter of my life, I do so with great optimism for the future of our schools. I have every confidence that the new lead leadership will continue to build on our shared accomplishments and guide our district toward even greater heights. I encourage everyone, parents, educators, and community members alike, to stay engaged, lend your voices, and remain active partners in shaping the educational experiences of our children. Serving this community as board chair has
056been both a privilege and a joy. The lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the relationships built during these years will stay with me always. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the opportunity to serve, to lead, and to grow alongside you. And for old times sake, politics does not belong on the board of education. Okay, moving on to agenda item P. I will call for nominations for chair to transition the board of education until after the election of November 4th, where the board must still hold an organizational meeting no later than one month after the upcoming election to elect new officers. Please note, a board member is free to nominate any board member for election as chairperson. Board members may not nominate themselves or second themselves. Do have do I have any
057nominations for a board chair to lead us through the transition period? >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a nomination for Mr. Jason Malagoodi. He is the longest sitting board member at the table here. He has served as um committee chair on our ne negotiation committee. He's shown to have skillful communication, multipartisan communication. He has experience serving as a chair on another board through contentious um situations. I think he would offer consistency to navigate a significant change that's upcoming with elections. >> Do I have a second? >> I I second. >> Are there any other nominations? >> Okay, seeing none. Nominations are now closed and I will call for a vote. Do I have an a motion to name Jason Malagudi as the board chairperson as of 9:00 p.m. this evening? >> Yes, Madam Chair.
058I'll make a motion to name Jason Malagoodi as board chairperson. >> Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Opposed. >> Any abstensions? Motion passes. Do I have a motion to adjourn this board of education meeting at 7:47 p.m.? >> Yes, Madam Chair. I move to adjourn this board of education meeting at 7:49 p.m. >> Okay. And do I have a second? >> I second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstension. Motion passes. My um my kids