001All right. So, we're recording now. All right. So, good evening. Welcome to this remote meeting of the Sixtown Regional Planning Board being held on November 4th, 2025. And seeing we have a quorum, this meeting is being called to order at 6:33. um >> in accordance with House Bill 62 of the 19 uh 194 General Courts. Um so all votes will be re uh by roll call and uh I'm going to start with uh Jane Dutcher could respond with present or something. So, >> yes, >> thank you, Jane. Uh, Deb Bloomer. Deb, I see you. >> Can hear you, Deb. >> Okay, got a thumbs up. So, Deb is um Thank you, Deb. >> Um having complications. >> You're fine. We can hear you. >> Yeah, you're fine. Bill Toumb. >> Yes. Here. >> Uh Karen
002O'Neal >> here. >> Eve Richtor. >> I'm here. >> Uh Raina. I see her. Raina is here. >> I'm present. >> Oh, thank you. She's >> I'm here. >> Alan Genevies is present. And I think I have everyone. Oh, oh, and Dinda joined us. Hi, Dire. >> Hi. Here. >> And she's here. And Debbay joined us. So, this is great. Uh, Deb >> here. >> Present. >> And I'm here. >> And yeah. And so, I just want to note we have u Mike Jackson joining us. We also have um >> it says David, but it's actually Lindsay. Oh, there we go. Lindsay McCarthy. She had been working on a brochure. And so we're ready to go. Um I don't see Kelly uh from uh Irving, so she may be joining us later. All right. So
003this uh meeting is being held in public and we welcome those who have joined us uh this evening to watch. We have a full agenda, >> but it's pretty focused. So let's just get started. Do we have the minutes? Did were those able to go out? Okay. So I know I've seen a draft of them. They're being finalized. So, um you should be getting those in the next day or two. The um meeting with Desi, this isformational. Uh Greg and I, Jay Barry, I think Steve >> Hammond will be meeting with Michelle >> uh Griffin and um Christine Lynch. And so we'll go over what's left on the region agreement. So, that'sformational and I'll probably just uh send something out to give you an update on how that went in a in between cover letter.
004The um I had raised the issue about uh a five town six town and I'm just curious um if that's feasible on a ballot question and without causing confusion. So, I've just gonna just ask them about that if it's ever been done and what that might look like and see what they have to say and share that with you if that's all right. Um the um community forums, Leiden is the last one in the series. Uh then we would start the next round in the spring. Um we had a meeting with the Gil Monagu uh regional school committee and um that that was there were a lot of really thoughtful questions and uh they had been following the progress. So it was a fairly quick review of uh an update of what our work was,
005but I think they appreciated uh being brought up to speed on uh the progress to date and having that opportunity to ask questions. Greg, did you have any comments on that? >> Uh, no. I I thought it went very well and uh they asked, you know, I just reiterate what you just said. They asked a lot of really good questions and made a lot of good comments as well. >> Yep. All right. So, moving down to during Oh, yes. Yes. >> I just wanted to let let you know I'm not going to be able to attend the Leiden Forum tomorrow evening. I'm actually going to be on vacation. >> Okay. Well, thank you very much for letting us know. Um, if you ever want to follow up, you know, you can give me a call
006or I can reach out and just let you uh, you know, give you an update if there's anything notable that you might want to know about, you know, during that uh, meeting. Um, at the Gil Monagu meeting, I um brought up uh a I guess I don't know if it's a concern or suggestion that uh Jane Ducher had brought to my attention and um about uh having ballot questions in all the towns instead of just one uh for several reasons. And they seemed uh immediately pretty much supportive of that idea. The more people that were voting, the better. This is a pretty important decision. So Jane, if you don't mind, if I could just pause here for a minute to um have you speak to this because you're the one that brought it to my
007attention and as soon as you did and I, you know, thought about it, it was a I think a great point. So I'm going to turn it over to you. got up one morning and I decided that I was disenfranchised because one town was going to be able to go to the polls between what 11 and 7, whatever their hours are. So if I had to go to work, I had plenty of opportunity before or after work to vote. But since I don't live in that town, I had one slotted time to vote. And if anything caused me to miss that time slot, I couldn't vote. So I felt disenfranchised. And so I came up with the idea of asking for special legislation that when a new district is being formed, if any one me
008town that's involved in that district has to go to the polls for any reason, then all towns have to. And I have um I talked with our senator. I've talked with everybody I can think of to call and I haven't called all of you, but I hope the word was getting around. I've not spoken to anyone who didn't like the idea. Um, and now I have a question for all of you. Um, we might not need special legislation. Maybe we need a CMR. And how are those created and who creates them? I never I never thought about that. In all the years I've been doing stuff for this town, I never thought about where CMRs come from. >> Has anybody else thought about that and answered the question? >> Silence. >> Oh, well got her
009hand up. Maybe she knows. >> Yeah. So I I think my experience with in health care because the one of the CM there's a CMR related to public health and healthcare. Um those are pretty complicated to change. They don't change very quickly or easily. Do we actually need legislation to ask for a ballot for that it be sent to the polls? >> Well, my reading of the >> beginning >> Yeah. Okay. my understanding that would go to vote. So, >> yeah, I can I can answer that, Jane. Um because when you brought it to my attention, I I followed it up uh in a in a couple of uh areas. Um first of all, to support what Rea just said, uh that's basically what I heard from uh the attorney Kevin Brazzahham. He said uh
010if you if you want to do it that route, that's a pretty long process. and he said so his suggestion is don't try to do that and and and also his suggestion was don't try to have special legislation to amend it because amending it would take a long process as well. So when I when I posed it to with the language that you had mentioned to me Jane about you know if one or more towns you know uh has that then then um the other town should have that opportunity. He rephrased it and he said that um yes uh going forward with special legislation uh uh can be done and it can be done more timely if you make it specific to uh not broaden it for you know someone coming forward after the fact
011and and and trying to amend it because when I proposed a couple things he said no that sounds like you're amending it. It would have to be around um the towns, the the six towns in the um Great River Regional School District in the proposed Great Regional School District um would uh would be required to have a ballot question in voting for a proposed regional agreement. So, that was the gist of it. and he said if um you know the planning board's uh interested in doing that then uh that would be the way to go. Special legislation specific to our situation and um >> so so that was his response Jane uh from from the way that you posted to me. Well, the way I've got it worded, it can easily be um I'm not
012referring to an in your agenda, um you specifically mentioned representative town meeting and I didn't want to tie it to any one thing. If for any reason a town has to go and vote at the polls, then everybody should have that privilege. Um if we have to tie it to to this specific region regional attempt um fine then we'll if that's what gets it passed. No one has said that to me. Um so it's something to explore. >> Yeah. And I only spoke to one attorney and he and he was pretty pretty quick with uh with his response in terms of you got to be careful that it doesn't look like you're trying to amend uh the CNR or or make a suggestion that would would indicate that. And he also mentioned that, you know,
013being specific would help legislators to know the the issue which is one town would have that option and the other five towns would not. And so, you know, the legislators, the other legislators seeing that would hopefully say, "Well, that doesn't seem right. Let's support it." >> Okay. Well, I I am in touch with um our representatives and uh they're interested in knowing that there's more people out here than me that are interested in this question. >> All right, Greg. >> Yeah. And I think it is it would be much easier to get uh just a special legislation because if you're trying to change the actual MGL then you want >> I didn't ask that. I >> again it's a procedural thing Jane when you go to change with through special legislation it because it's specific
014it it becomes a much easier vote for the legislature to to put through it's sort of like when you're trying to transfer you know land or something like that it because it's so specific they can get it through very quickly um once it it broadens to the estate then it becomes a whole you know whole another matter So, Jane, I'm really glad that you had that epiphany at night or whenever you had [laughter] it because I I think a lot of people um I've run up by a number of people and like you, Jane, everyone seemed to think, well, that makes so much sense. Why wouldn't you do it? So, um, I'm thinking that the way for us to move forward, and by the way, when I mention it at the Gil Monagu School District,
015I I had said, "If this is something you're interested in, please write to your legislators, and they began writing uh the the framework for um what this special legislation would be. I'm thinking our next step would be to have the planning board vote to support this special legislation and and then I guess authorize me to send a communication to the select boards uh explaining this and asking for their support and to also uh forward letters supporting this. Um Jane, I'm going to pause there. Does that make does that seem to >> If you want to take it over, I guess I can step aside and let you take it over. >> I would rather not. Would you be willing to continue with it if the planning board votes to uh do this? >> I have
016been in touch with um not with not with Gil or Monu. I've been in touch with the three towns in Pioneer and uh my next effort was going to be to get in touch with Gil and and Monagu. >> I would love you to do that, Jane. >> You don't need to get in touch with Gil. You just did, so you're fine. [laughter] >> I can I can I can uh I can make it I can put it on our next uh agenda. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I don't see any issues though, Jane. It's a great idea. So then I will put it on the Warwick agenda and um Jane, you're you're requesting the town the select boards to put it on theirs so that uh we can uh move. >> Well, Bernard has already
017heard from me. I I presented this at their meeting. In fact, I presented it the day I had the epiphany. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Uh and I've talked to Joe [clears throat] Cmerford. Um, and I'll be seeing her again this week. So, I'll be reinforcing it. >> So, can I ask you, Jane, to make the motion since this was your um you initiated this? >> Um, yeah. May I move that the um board support requesting special legislation um to allow the towns in the in this effort um to all go to the polls since one town legally must go to the polls. Is the polls the word I'm on? >> Yeah, it's a special election. >> They have a special election. Yeah. >> Well, I don't want to use the word special election because town
018elections are coming up in the spring and it could be on there, which >> would mean it a savings of up to $1,000 for running an election. >> So, you might want to word it, if I could just suggest this, you might want to say at an annual or special election so the towns have that option. >> Does that make sense? >> Yep. >> Is there a second? Second. >> All right, I will. Any other discussion? All right, roll call v vote. Uh, Greg, >> yes. >> Alan Genevies, yes. Bill, >> yes. >> Steve, >> yes. >> Deb Loomer, that's a yes. Um, Jane, >> yes. >> She's having technical difficulties, but she gave the approval. Uh Karen, >> yes. >> Dinda, >> yes. >> Debate, >> yes. >> Raina, >> yes. >> And Cliff
019has joined us. Cliff, >> yes. >> Perfect. Okay. Thank you, Jane. >> You're welcome. >> Hope it passes. Hope it gets adopted or whatever the word is. >> Yeah. Well, let's keep working on it because that's that's good stuff. Um >> fortunately we have more time now. >> Yes. Yeah. Okay. The next item. So we did the community for special legislation. So now um we have with us uh Lindseay McCarthy who had been working on uh a number of iterations for the brochure. Adam's printing >> re uh received uh the uh the the check >> in order to secure the posting uh the postage. So, he is now ready to go. He's got uh all the mailing lists and everything all set. He's waiting for the final uh brochure, which I told him we were
020meeting this evening. And Lindsay was kind enough to join us. if you have suggestions. Um, she can literally because we've done this a bunch of times together, Lindsay, she can throw it up on the to the screen and you can actually watch her make any edits if you feel that you'd like to see some changes. >> Did Did everyone get the f the I'll call it the >> the last >> one that came along with the agenda? There were a few minor changes. Did you want Lindsay to put it up on the screen or >> Sure. >> That'd be great. I >> mean, I can do it Lindsay if you don't have it readily available. >> Boy, that's small. Can you make it bigger? >> I make it bigger. Hold on. I can make it
021bigger. Maybe. >> We've looked at this so many times, Lindsay. I you you always were able to make it bigger. I don't know how you did. >> Well, it's not letting me go to the bottom here. Let's see. [clears throat and cough] >> Yeah. Looks like you Yeah, I was going to say you got a scroll bar at the bottom, I think. Yeah, I do. I gotta try to catch it. >> You got a percentage there, too. >> Yeah, it does. It's just that my screen share is covering it up, so I can't get to it. >> I can see it, but I can't here. Maybe if I move you guys. No. Oh, stop. I can't get to it. [laughter] [snorts] >> There we go. >> There. There you go. >> Keep going. Yeah, keep
022going. That's good. That's better. We can scroll up and down. >> That's a little too big >> right there. Yeah, that's >> too big now. >> No, that's okay. That's great. >> Okay. >> Want to scroll up on it? >> Yeah. Well, that's okay. So, here's the first page. >> There were no edits to the first page, right? Did anyone have any other suggestions on the first page? >> Um, Alan, did you turn in my suggestions? I did not. I think we didn't. Do you have them in front of you? >> Um, under the problem. >> Are we in the other page? Oh, okay. The problem >> first page right at the top. The problem. >> Uhhuh. >> Local budgets increase. School budgets are are roughly half. >> Right. >> And my comment when I
023gave that was that we all belong to two school districts. three. >> Um, see what was >> just going to put that space between the ARV and the Yep. Nice. >> You want that centered? Yes. >> Yes. That better? >> Nice. Yes. Nice. >> Okay. >> I have a question. >> Um and at the >> at the bottom of that column. >> Uhhuh. >> Where it says a Pioneer building would house grades six through eight. This was a question. Should we say middle school there and should we say high school fraternities falls because we don't know what the school committee will decide is middle school. >> Yeah, I thought the same thing, Jay. I think that's a good idea. >> Yeah. >> Oh, good point. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We might have discussed this and
024once again I'm having technical difficulties. Were we going for alliteration when we said problem plan? >> It just struck me when when it popped up. >> Oh. >> When you call it the problem. I mean, I know it's a negative thing, but it really sounds bad. >> The challenge, the challenge. >> I've always used challenge. >> There you go. The challenge, the concern. Problem just really >> challenge is good. >> And I went, >> you know, >> yeah, I always use the word challenge. [laughter] >> Okay, >> we printed a sample of this. I have some concerns just about like, you know, the gradients and the font colors and stuff like I just want to confirm that we've printed this and it looks good on paper. I know it looks okay on the screen, but
025I just want to make sure it's it's printing real well. >> A good >> What does the red [clears throat and cough] I'm sorry. What does the red ink look like? What's do you mean just [snorts] when it is in print? Is the red ink easy to read or is it >> more difficult? Well, I have a >> I'm just I'm thinking photograph, you know, when you print something at Shutterfly, the red never shows up as well as navy blue, brown, black type thing. I don't know if under the challenge it was red because once again it was the negative and you really wanted to bring their attention to it. I just asking. >> Yeah. So, Deb, I think that's a good point. I'm actually looking at a um a hard copy of this. And
026the red isn't as pronounced as the as the um the black. And I don't know if you can do this, Lindsay, but if you were to make that blue on on those two, I [snorts] red is probably it looks a little more washed out than the other colors when I'm looking at this. So, I think that's a a good point. either black or >> Well, that's good. >> You like blue? >> Yeah, that's pretty pronounced. >> I was also wondering about the text that's on the gradient like the there's like a light brown on a gradient and just that that is in print that that is appearing. >> Yeah, I'll have to Yeah. See, that's >> Are you suggesting a different color than the brown? Um, >> it depends if it's printing like some, you
027know, depending on the quality of printing will affect what the gradient is like and then we'll affect whether the color on top is is showing up enough. So, it's just like wherever we're getting it printed through if we can see like one before. Um, >> well, I'm looking at one and >> but yeah, if you're seeing it and it looks fine and you can read it with, you know, adult eyes, then good, good to go. >> Yeah. I mean, I don't know if a different color I mean, it it seems to >> I don't know. It's an earth color. It it seems to blend in because we have the >> you don't know what other color what what would be uh what >> are you talking about this background color? Do you want me to
028take is that what you're asking? Um this color >> I don't know if I'd start putting backgrounds to it but what's the complement? >> I'm talking about the elementary students remain in their hometown schools. So that is that is on a gradient, right? And it's like it goes it has a big change in the gradient, but it also has like a medium color. So it it points it to my it might be more challenging to read that paragraph. >> Okay. Okay. Do you want >> if you make it bold >> or make or make it black or whatever. It's just like I'm not I bold I just want to confirm that works in print. Sorry. >> I see what you're say. Yeah. Yeah, I see what you're saying. Um, do you want me to take
029I'm kind of new at Canvas, so I'll have to I can take the gradient out. I'll just have to take a minute after we're done to to figure out how to do that. But that I'm fine to do that. >> Yeah, I don't want to be >> the are in bold and so that's the one thing that isn't in bold. >> Yeah. >> So, >> do you want do you Okay. So, do you want me to take the gradient out and leave that little background box? >> I think she's right about the gradient because I'm looking at I'm looking at a hard copy of it >> and it makes it a little hard to read because it's blending the words are blending into that background. That's kind of a good catch. >> Yeah, I'll have
030to figure out. >> I like I said, I'm kind of new at Canva, so I Oh, here we go. Maybe it's because it's that >> there. Okay, I took the gradient out of the background. Now, do you want Whoops. See, >> how about if it's bold? >> Okay, see if I can do that. Oh, why is it not doing that? Or maybe the is the box above the >> Yeah, >> font. >> It is. >> Yeah. So, then if you just send it back, it should be fine. >> Yeah. Let's see. Sorry, I'm even canvaing right now over here. Maybe this >> I don't know. That's fine. I appreciate um >> I don't want to live graphic design too much. >> I'm gonna email you some stuff. >> Oh, here we go. It's position, right?
031>> Position. >> Do we want red print also? >> Yeah, I would think we'd want that in blue as well. The combined enrollment. >> Okay, Helen. Sorry. Where is it? Anyway, um I'll do it the hard to have you guys watch this [laughter] brand new girl trying to do this. >> You got this, Lindsay. I have faith. [laughter] >> Oh, thank you. >> Better you than me. >> Yeah, right. >> Yeah. Or you could share me on it and I'll do it. >> Oh, okay. How do I share you? um with the share like Yeah. >> on the screen. No, I have to share it to you in Canva. >> Yeah. >> Uh or just can you just or can you tell me how to where am I? I need to send it back. Oh,
032position >> arrange. Yeah. I don't I mean I don't >> How do you pass the torch? >> Dang it. I know how to do it. I just don't at the at this exact moment. Do you want this blue as well? >> Yes. >> Anyway, we can just give notes and then you can you don't we don't you don't have to do it live necessarily. >> Thank you. [laughter] I'm starting to sweat. Yeah. Okay. I will make So, you want this to be black bold? Is that what you're asking? Or what do you want the print to be? >> The print. I think if the print was black was bold, that would be helpful. >> Okay. >> Because you have the blue, then you could have the black. >> Yeah, >> any of the any of
033the print is in bold that wasn't bold. like even the statement up above it to be consistent with the bold text throughout because it really does make it easier to read and I and I don't need you to have to once again work on it. I just >> Okay. No, I understand. Okay. So, you want this just to be bold the print, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Or if it's below the six box, it'll just be in front of it. >> I think just black >> black bold. Okay. I I'll I'll figure it out. I'm sorry. I don't know how to do it right now, but Okay, got it. >> I have one more suggestion. >> Okay. >> And it's on the next page under learning, >> the fifth bullet down. >> Okay. This one.
034Okay. >> Yeah. The expand electives. >> Okay. >> Um enhanced or additional outdoor learning. We we need to qualify that because two two of our um entities in this group already have outdoor learning. So, we need to say additional outdoor learning curriculum or enhanced or some some word that you're all happy with so that we don't imply that there is none existent. Do you want to just take that example out or use a different example? So, are you suggesting, Jane, that it would say um additional electives and enhanced programs? >> No, it's saying expanded Alexa and en enhanced programs, eg outdoor learning curriculum. And I want to say Eg. >> Yeah. >> There's too much negative feedback about their their outdoor learning. >> Yeah. And there's no point in in in in poking that bear.
035Um I think we should just if you want to give an example, you could talk about um do we talk about 504 or um um >> someplace else, don't we? >> Okay. So, yeah. So, it could just be um enriching 504 IEP um services. >> Thought we had that. Well, it's in here some place. >> It's already in here. >> It already is. Okay. Then we can say expanding programs. They could be anything from >> from clubs, uh, JV sports teams. Um, >> yeah, I think I think we can do activities, anything. I would say away from outdoor learning because they get >> What about additional additional um u languages? Yeah, that that's perfectly a good idea, right? Sustain sustainable um um uh foreign languages. >> Part of expanding your electives and enhanced programs is
036that they would be inhouse rather than online. >> Which seems >> I wouldn't say anything would be online. No, >> I'm sorry. >> I don't think we're talking about anything that would be online. No, but I'm saying if you look at the syllabus of either Pioneer or um Gil Monagu, there are an and particularly in Pioneer I looked at when they were setting up their budget and they offer a lot of courses but and especially advanced ones, but they're all online. So if you have one student, >> you have issues with how are they absorbing the information? Can they feed it back as opposed to an inclass an in-house >> capability? And I think that's the the expanded and electives and enhanced programs are in fact the ones that that we're promoting. larger numbers allows
037for better um inst >> you know scheduling. So, you're talking about direct >> foreign languages. It could be AP classes, you know, in-person foreign languages or AP classes. I think that would be very smart to say >> in person >> or direct instruction. >> Direct instruction is what you're doing. >> AP is in the first. >> Okay. I think we should have nothing because then it won't touch the It's too close to the map at the bottom right now. So, if we have nothing, it'll be better. >> Okay, that's fine, too. >> Yeah, >> I do have one other comment on that bullet. >> We We need to have the same voice in both elected >> Yes. >> and programs. We're saying >> expanded expanded. >> Yes. It's expanded and enhanced. >> Right. >> I
038go for >> direct instruction, >> expanded electives and enhanced programs through direct instruction >> or with direct instruction. I would just take that out because Pioneer eliminated VHS this year. >> Yeah, I'm fine with that. >> Yeah, take it out. >> Perfect. >> Yep, that's great. Thank you. >> Yeah, that is good. Now um Darrena you had mentioned uh and this is forward thinking and and going to touch on the uh next subject but you had mentioned that if we had a logo like we have that we have that um map that that has the towns which I think is good because they can see how contiguous they are. But you had mentioned something about if we had a logo that went out on postcards or additional flyers that the people could could see as
039soon as they received something that they would see that logo and that would let them know it was the six town regional planning board. Do you do you want to expand on that because you had mentioned it to me and I thought that was intriguing. >> I'm not sure that I had. I think it was just more about like keeping consistent branding if like if our website is is representative of our branding um than just being consistent with it when we do other things like using the same colors and using >> you know the same graphics and stuff. So, so this has a lot of that. When you move the text box down, if you then go back, if you when you move the gradient down, if you click the text box, if you cut
040it and then paste it again, it'll be on top. >> So, click the black text >> and then cut it and then paste it, it'll go back. It'll be on top. >> So, Lindsay, >> yeah, >> on that um page, I I don't like the repetition of expand, expand, expand. So it says expand diverse relation diverse um peer relations. If you can just put more diverse peer relationship opportunities. >> This one. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Change it to more. >> Expanded. >> Not not expanded. Just replace expanded with the word more. >> Oh, okay. >> Or create. >> Or or >> no. create is in a different voice. >> Okay. >> Um and then it says more next below that. Um I would just say uh >> opportunity for more diverse. >> Oh you
041have opportunity. >> No I don't think we need to have opportunity but now we have to change the the one below that. Um >> just start it with students >> students. Yes. Yes. >> Or or or greater participation in arts, sports and other activities. >> Yes. Excellent. >> Yeah, that is good. So does the does the verb provides is that the right one now there? >> Yeah. >> Okay. and Lindsay, can you go up to the one that um was special education? I I don't remember. Um was that on the top >> bullet two? >> Okay, thank you. >> This one? >> Yeah, that's the one. increased resources, strengthening IEPs, support special education service, and greater Yeah, that's a Yeah, that's a good one. Okay? All right, everyone happy with that? Because once I send
042it to Ken and he does the screening, we are it's going out. [snorts] It'll take a few weeks. where it says a more comprehensive um it's I think it's back up >> on the other page. >> It's in the teaching section here. >> Okay. >> M. >> Yes. I just like a comprehensive middle school model will get rid of more. >> Mhm. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> I I just have a question. under six town benefits. Central office is capitalized. Why is that? >> It was the name of a special office. >> So, I thought it was a pronoun. I mean a uh yeah >> pronoun. >> Not a pronoun. A proper noun. Proper noun. >> Okay. >> It's a particular office. back up in teaching. Um, under that third bullet,
043the second item down, expand. I don't think it is necessary in there. Expand, integrated, and diverse curriculum. It that verbiage matches the other two points, but >> it's in there. It kind of throws me off for some reason. Throws me off. Well, the diversity of perspectives on this is rather amazing. It's it's indicative of what can happen when you bring diverse students together. [laughter] Um like where it goes um about health and uh offer health and um wellness Lindsay like in the middle. >> Oh this one >> support health wellness and social emotional competence. I don't know what that means. Social emotional competence. Um, let me just think. >> All I know is that um, social emotional learning is part of many schools curriculum for their >> No, I know. But I just don't like
044the word. I know that I'm a school adjustment counselor. I'm talking about the word competence. >> It's the word. Okay. >> Yeah. >> I just don't like that word. >> Yeah. So, >> learning is fine. >> Learning. Yeah. And and Deb, just so you know, so when we had [clears throat] looked at blue ribbon schools and blue ribbon middle schools and they were talking about, you know, what the what models have that are successful, that's where that word came from. And what it was intended to mean is that the staff is is competent in that in that area through their training and they can embed it in their curriculum. >> Yeah. I I I don't >> But if you don't know what it means, I just don't like I don't like that word. It doesn't
045make >> And I I I agree. I mean, >> learning is learning is fine. Um >> well-being. How about a 10? >> It says wellness already. I understand what it means. A social might have a social emotional um Yeah, I guess curriculum, but learning is fine. Social emotional learning in curricula. >> That's that's fine. >> Yeah. I mean, >> I don't want to get in the weeds about it has to be a specific word, but it has to make sense to me. And that makes >> No, no. >> No, that's excellent. That's a good point because that's not going to mean a much to much to to many people. Bill, what what did you say? I heard something in the background. >> Oh, no. I think uh what you've got from Deb is better. >>
046Okay. >> Nice. >> What I said was the word attention. >> Mhm. But I like learning. >> Well, if when people are comfortable, I would entertain a motion to um >> approve the brochure as amended and send it off to Adam's direct mailing service. >> I'll make the motion. Second. >> Okay. Any other discussion? All right. Um I can't see the screen, but I'll do my best. Uh roll call vote. Jane Dutcher. >> Yes. >> Deb Loomer. >> Uh probably that's a yes. You can come back after when she has technical difficulties. Greg, if you called my name. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Greg Sneder. >> Yes. Alan, there's a there's a if you go up to the top of your screen, you can see there's it'll say Lindsay's screen or meeting screen. I think
047you can click on meeting screen and see everybody. >> You can also click participants and see a text list. >> Yeah, >> that's an alt. Either way. >> All right. I did that, but it still has um the the document in front. >> Do you want me to stop sharing? >> Yeah, why don't you stop sharing just so it's easier for him. Thanks. >> Oh. Oh, I see on the right hand. You don't have to stop sharing. I just see the list. Thank you. So, let's see. Alan Genevies. Yes. Greg, >> I already said yes, but the >> Okay. Bill, >> yes. Deb Loomer, she said yes. Derinda, >> yes. >> Dane, >> yes. >> Karen, >> yes. >> Uh, it just jumped all around. Uh, Raina, >> yes. >> Um, Steve, is Steve there?
048>> I am here. Yes. >> And also there was Cliff. Is he here? >> Yes. >> Thank you. It's not showing up on this. Oh, maybe I have to scroll up and down. Did I miss anyone? >> Um, I joined late. >> Oh, good. Pat. >> Yep. >> I would say yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Somebody else they missed. >> You missed me, too. >> Who's Who's talking? Oh, Debbot. Thank you. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Thank you. I I realize I had to scroll down to catch other people. All right, perfect. And then they were bouncing around. Okay, great. Um, okay. And then we're on basically the last kind of meaty topic, >> which is uh Did everyone >> I can't see everybody. >> Yeah, she's got to close that. >> How do I
049I stopped sharing, but >> can you close the box? >> I don't know. How do I close the box? >> The X in the corner. >> I don't have it. You guys are just a There we go. >> There you go. Yeah, I see everybody again. Wow. Looks like a lot. >> I revoked your co-host. >> Thank [laughter] you. Fair enough. >> And Kelly, >> thanks Lindsay for all your hard work. Very great. My >> pleasure. My pleasure. Of course. >> Yeah. And I see Kelly Skikes has uh joined us from the um Irving representative. So, thank you, Kelly. And >> yes, I joined a little bit ago. Thank you for acknowledging that. >> Yeah. No, thank you. Um, all right. So, then we're on the uh Did people get the scope of works that
050uh the draft proposal that uh Matt Lord and Dire worked on? Uh Dinda, do you mind if I just move this over to you? I I had your email that had some suggestions. I don't know if you know you want to just offer those as well. Uh in terms of moving forward, I also just to let you know um have a call into the finance uh campaign and finance uh because I want to have a conversation around the guard rails that uh we need to have in place as we move forward in our outreach efforts. So um that's just kind offormational. I wanted to I need to tap into that to be clear on uh our outreach efforts that were staying within our purview. So Dinda >> sure yeah so the high level is basically
051we have what eight weeks less fewer I don't know um we have some money left over and it I thought it would make sense to sort of get someone who is an experienced communications expert to just figure out like you know review our materials potentially give edits to our FAQ to make sure our message is solidified and then you know edit the incoming FAQ. You know, obviously we can edit, we can all edit in terms of grammar and stuff, but like >> grammar >> uh making it concise, making it accessible and then also watching the PowerPoint and or the slide deck and seeing if like what we want to what we might want to turn into a mailer, what we might want to turn into posts or expand upon because I think we have our
052materials. we've sort of like seen our material so many times we don't we might not know what what the accessible message is to to a set of fresh eyes. >> So whether people think you know people might not think that we need this or or may think that we do but like the idea was we have some money left but if we just sent out mailers like what would those mailers be? What? Um, you know, >> I think it's a good idea. I mean, you know, I to get fresh eyes on it, I think, is is not a bad idea, especially now, >> right? I think it's a great idea. I think you did a good job in writing up this description. Mhm. >> Um and later on on the agenda someplace it says that
053u Karen Kelly, our our town administrator, had volunteered to um do some work on this and I meant to check with Karen today because the agenda says that she volunteered to do it for Bernardston. Yeah, >> I heard her say she was volunteering to do it for the six town district. So, because that's what I heard her say, um, and because I told her that this was being written up, she would be willing to work with this person and then do the administrative work after this person is gone. I want to I want to say that to her specifically before I promise anything. But that's what I think I heard her volunteer and that would be great because somebody needs to if we can hire somebody till December 31st or two weeks into January, however
054it works out. Um that's great. We need that direction. We need that stuff. >> Agreed. >> We're tired of writing it. >> Yeah. and we're frustrated at saying the same thing over and over to obviously to different people, but still to our ears it sounds the same. Um, so I'll check with her and make sure that that's what she meant. Um, I was also thinking about asking her to uh get appointed to this board since Bernardson still has an empty seat. Um, but I I didn't say that here. Okay. You didn't hear that. [laughter] >> And and Jane, I I I put that in there because I guess I'm I'm glad you're following up because I I thought I heard her say when when I was doing the town meeting in Berneston. I thought I
055heard her say for Berneston and I could have totally not heard that correctly. Well, that she might have said that to you, but my discussion with her was after those meetings. >> Okay. >> So, um you know, she might have had some more thoughts about it. >> All right. Please pursue that. Uh Karen. >> Yeah. Um >> Karen. >> Yeah. >> In your second background paragraph, um I don't agree that there was almost no member turnover. There have been seven or eight people that have come and gone since I've been on it. And I was new about four months into the project. So I don't think we should have that. I think we should just say and we met monthly or they met monthly. >> Well, you've been us for five and a half years,
056right, Karen? I um started in uh January or February and you guys got started in the fall, I believe. Anyway, yeah, I've been with you for five years, five and a half years. >> You're still with us, so I don't know. >> And I've seen seven or eight people come or go during that time. So, I don't think we can say that. I think you can say very few you know you can change >> equivalent to half our membership >> I over course of six years >> right but why do you have to say it almost no member turnover >> or you could say very little member turnover just so that's cons so so that uh I think it does show that there's a consistent commitment to doing this work amongst the members I've been
057on it >> I I have question. >> Yeah. My question is is it may have been the same seats turning over which means the majority have stayed. I I mean I know most I think the people in here know have have stayed on. >> No. Nobody from Bernardston. >> Jane has been on and then was off for a while and is back on. and she was on only because there wasn't a representative and she's came forward and was appointed. Yeah. And so she's >> and I think that's wonderful. But >> you know, >> so I mean as I look at this I don't I see Raina and Pat and Greg and Jane and you Karen for the majority and um Deb Potay and Deb Lumer and Bill Tum and Steve. That's a lot of people.
058That is a lot of people. It's more than half. Just slightly more than half that were here when I joined. So, >> and Michelle, >> they're the ones that keep showing up for >> I think we should stop fighting about this because why is it important? >> Yeah. >> You should just not have that sentence. I don't think the consultant >> needs to know. I don't think it matters. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And my other question, >> I don't know where that came from, Alan. [laughter] Hey. >> Oh yeah. No. >> Is that on our website? I had just copied the paragraph from our website. >> Okay. So, my other question was, do you want grammatical things brought up now? >> No way. Because if they say we're bad at grammar, they're going to want
059to come help us, right? Just kidding. I can share you on the doc. >> Can you edit a Google doc? I maybe not at this point in my whatever evening or life. >> Yeah. >> No, it's very they're all in the same paragraph. It's the last one before previous outreach. So, just >> check your it's not between it's among the six towns and stuff like that. there's a left out verb somewhere etc. So just reread it. Okay. >> This is the main reason we need this person is because I'm not an editor and >> yes I make mistakes and then I'm the only person who's putting things live. >> [laughter] >> So a couple of your suggestions were um Direinda which I thought were good ones. This person would advise committee on best um the
060best routes to solicit community volunteers for support. Edit the brochure and the graphics. Anything else that would be going out. Um create an outline for the outreach plan for the spring. >> Uh review existing outreach slide deck. So maybe do some some updating on that. you had a review uh the front page of the website which you talked about in the um frequently asked questions um and then you had there were other things that you had in the scope. So I'm wondering if we want to so in order to move this forward >> should we establish like we did with the um district regional uh agreement committee. Should we establish a a working group to um move this along so we're not having multiple meetings with whomever is if we we have someone who is
061interested in doing this work for us so that they can have a group that helps to work with them and advise and get information because we're we have limited time and we want this whoever this is is doing this or group that's doing this can move fairly quickly uh within this time frame. If not, then I think we're going to have to have some frequent meetings. >> Are you you're planning to hire somebody to do this, right? >> That's the idea. Yes. And this is the job description. >> Yeah, it's sort of the scope of work. And then it's open-ended. So because they may have uh suggestions they come in with and say, "Okay, you know, these are some starters, but uh here's really what you want to be doing." And and so we want
062to give that kind of flexibility to let them bring their expertise to this. and we we let them u use their expertise to help us and if there's a working group they can concur that that fits our town or that's a good idea and and they're moving forward and and otherwise we got to be bringing things back to the planning board and that's going to impede I think the progress we want to make in the six weeks eight weeks that we have. I move that this person report to Greg and Alen >> as opposed to a working group. >> Well, that's a working group. And Derinda, now you got a group. [laughter] Basically, are you asking that we propose that this this committee that the the subcommittee can engage the services and negotiate the contract
063with a with this person? >> No, I was going beyond that. I was saying after this person is hired, you you are the people that that would oversee and answer the questions for that that that person has and approve what they submit. Say this is what we're looking for. Some of it you might want to bring back to the whole board. >> Yeah. So the working group >> the final product you're going to bring back to the whole board. But the steps getting to the final product seems like the three of you could handle. >> Yeah, that that was sort of the intent of the working group is to help uh to to coordinate and to and to let this whoever's doing this to move along. Um and of course when they have their final
064strategic plan that would come back to the group to um to vote to implement all parts or you know whatever. Um, so you mentioned though hiring. Uh, I guess I was thinking that it like we do at boards of selectment time sometimes we authorize the u the coordinator to you know do something. I was hoping that that would be part of your motion that you're authorizing the uh this working group to uh actually hire whomever to begin this work so that it can start as fast as possible. Dinda, is that something that you were thinking would make sense to move things? That's what I was asking essentially if I was asking if you were asking that that that you would that everybody would authorize the subcommittee to negotiate a contract with a communications expert. >>
065Yeah. And get get things going. Now >> I can amend my motion to say um to contract with a person or an entity to do this work and to be the layers on for that individual until um it's you bring it to the full committee full board. Is that is that good wording or else somebody else give it a shot? >> I'll second it. >> Okay. So, for the discussion piece, I'm thinking that if we had a range um in that conversation somewhere between, you know, six and 9,000 um then in those discussions, you know, How much could you get accomplished? Yes, >> it's it's easier to if we're going to make a motion to not exceed an amount. >> Well, I know I that's but I would just leave it at that. I wouldn't
066say a range. I would just say not to exceed. It's just easier. Yeah. >> Yeah, I would agree. Then I would say 9,000 as a number and then it may be less spinning. So, we want to make an amendment to the motion that we uh that they uh the board will authorize the three of us to enter into ne negotiations and a contract not to exceed 9,000. >> I'm good with that. >> Okay, I'll make that uh >> a friendly amendment >> that amendment to the motion. >> Jane, do you accept that friendly amendment? I absolutely um does the motion doesn't need to include the December 31st date or does it? >> No, >> we don't have any choice. >> Yeah. Well, we do. We Yeah. >> To a certain degree. >> Yeah. The the
067Yeah. Okay. We'll leave it at that. No, don't include it. [snorts] >> I'll second the amendment. >> Okay. So, um I guess let's do a roll call vote then >> of the amendment. [clears throat] You got to have two votes here. One for the amendment and one for the amended motion. >> Okay. So, in terms of the So, we had Okay. >> I think you just accept the motion as amended. It's not like tell me that's fine. Yeah, that's where I was going with it because we had a motion. We had a friendly amendment to the motion. So, I think we can >> if uh the person that offered the motion and the person that seconded the motion, if you're in agreement that that we can just vote on uh the uh >> the motion
068as amended. >> You were all you all are right. [laughter] >> Okay. Um Bill, >> yes. and Alan Genevies. Yes. Steve, >> yes. >> Dad Loomer, >> yes. >> Jane Dutcher, >> yes. >> Darren O'Neal, >> yes. >> Dinda Bellup, >> yes. >> Dei, >> I think I don't know if she heard me. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh, Raina Dice. >> Yes. and Pat Sheer and >> yes >> Pat and Craig. >> Yes. >> And Cliff. >> Yes. >> Did I miss anyone? >> Okay. So, that motion carries. Um I think I've Have we covered everything on our agenda? Mhm. >> So the last thing soformational item uh as you know tomorrow there's a at 4:30 there's a uh meeting with I think Senator Cmerford is going to be there. >> No, that's not
069that's not tomorrow. That's Thursday. Thursday is the Greenfield >> Thursday, right? >> Yeah. >> And that's at 4:30 at Greenfield. Um, >> tomorrow is Leiden. Tomorrow is Leiden, >> right? >> In the evening. Yep. >> Yeah. So, and that's our last one in the series. And then we have, you know, if people want to go to that to hear about chapter 70 and what their thoughts are on that, that would be helpful. Uh, and I think that's it. Now, what about our next meeting? I threw out believe it. >> That Thursday meeting is a hearing. So, if people have >> thoughts that they want to share with the state, they should be ready to speak. >> Yeah, >> I I've got something. >> I'm ready. >> I have something prepared, Jane. >> I'll bet you
070do. [laughter] >> Good for you. >> Oh, boy. >> It's funny because they call a listening session and then they say, "But we want to hear from you." [laughter] >> Uh, >> all right. So we have we had uh potential dates here >> somewhere. Oh, so I had November 18th, which is a Tuesday, not too far away. Um, and I guess that that the focus of that might be around the any questions we have uh regarding the um outreach efforts and who might be leading that. And then just because we're getting close to the end of the grant cycle, although remember we can encumber money going past that as long as it's not a service. So the working group could be talking about um I mean one suggestion was postcards and uh having them printed
071and ready to go and then we would look at the postage part because that can't couldn't be done in advance. Um >> let's just stick to the dates for now. Well, I just want to put that out there because there may be that followup of, you know, why would we have a meeting >> there? There may be a need to around things like that. >> So, we okay with uh the November 18th Tuesday? >> Yes. To meet our new helper. >> Yeah. And then you're going to get back Jane regarding um Karen's uh >> Yeah. I'll make sure that that um >> um I'll make sure that she knows that I heard it one way and that she [clears throat] agrees to that. >> And okay, and the reason I'm bringing that up is because
072if we have meetings, even though we have a three of us, then I would want to probably have her part of that those conversations with whomever we're we're looking at. Well, if that's what she means, she needs to meet whoever that is so that she works directly with them through this process and she would, you know, >> agreed. >> What she said to me was that she would assist with that, do the administrative work for that person. >> Good. Agreed. >> Okay. Um, >> okay. So, we have >> I have a conflict. >> Pardon? >> 18th. I have a conflict. I have a school committee meeting. >> All right. Um >> 20th. >> And that would impact Cliff, too, if he >> Yes. Yeah, that would be there, too. Yeah. >> Yeah. How about the
07320th? Thursday the 20th. >> That's fine for me. I don't know about everyone else. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I'm just questionable, but it's okay. >> Pioneer school committee meeting that night. >> Oh. the 20. >> Yeah, that's not going to work then. And why are we avoiding >> the 25th? >> We may have to choose a, you know, something that doesn't necessarily fit everyone. >> Yeah. Well, yeah, but we're we're eliminating people on school committees, either one district or another. And I want to be fair. What about the 19th, which is a Wednesday? >> Can't do that. >> I can't either. >> No. >> Okay. And how about Monday? Do you have uh Greg? I We meet every other week. How about Monday, November 17th? >> I have another meeting. >> Okay. Other folks? >>
074Um >> I have a selection. Yes, I have another meeting on that date. >> Okay. So, let's go to the 25th. >> No, that's that's that's that's Thanksgiving week. I think that's going to be tough for a lot of people. >> All right, Greg, you throw something out. I I think we're going to have to I'm just thinking, you know, in terms of if we want to do it two weeks from now, the 18th or the 20th, I mean, how many I mean, I I hate to, you know, exclude, but I think for just choosing to get the most people we can, um, Randy, I how many people are left on the Pioneer School Committee? >> You got Michelle >> on our board, Michelle and you, and then we got two on the other side.
075So, I guess it's the same, right? >> Right. That's why I said I was trying to be >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> So, the 19th be out. I mean, if we try not to have either of the school committees, then what about the 19th and it won't affect the people on the school committees if we want to be fair? Yeah. >> To those people. >> I mean, I I Yeah, I don't have to be there. I I definitely can't make it, but I don't have to be there. >> I can't make it. >> Anyone interested on a Friday on the 21st? >> [laughter] >> I mean, if we have a quorum on the 18th, I think, you know, and we inform >> Yeah. >> Bill and Cliff, it's probably fine. >> You know, Tuesday's
076sort of our day. >> How How long How late does your school committee meeting last, Bill? >> Usually around 8:00. >> Okay. Suppose we don't meet at 6:30, we meet at 8:00. You know, I just read I just uh had to do some research uh here in Bernardston, and I wound up reading the minutes from a 1970 town meeting. >> That town meeting was called to order at either 8 or 8:30 p.m. >> And it ended at quarter of midnight. And then the headcount was 375. >> That must have been something important. >> I looked at a couple other meetings after that and that was pretty normal for those days. >> Wow. >> Which is which makes today kind of disgusting. >> Yeah. >> So, does anyone have any appetite for the Friday the 21st?
077No, I say just I think go with the 18th and and if we >> All right. So, we'll go to Sixtown Regional Planning Board on the 18th at Do we want to look at 8 o'clock? >> No, that's not an issue that night. >> I would just say let's let's try to keep it at 6:30 and >> yeah, >> see if we can make sure we have a quorum. >> Okay. I um Okay. I I'm just concerned that, you know, December 31st is coming quickly if we don't have a quorum and we have some really important stuff to do. Um but it is what it is, I guess. >> It won't be the first time we didn't have a quorum. >> All right. On that note, [laughter] I'll move to a >> Let me ask
078this. How about if we have the 18th and the backup date is the 20th so that if we don't have a quorum on the 18th, we're going to try again on the 20th and we'll put both those on our calendars. Can we do that? >> Sounds good to me. >> Okay, >> then I can sleep a little better. [laughter] >> I think we'll have a quorum. We had great attendance tonight. >> Alan, do you >> Yeah, we did. >> Ellen, do you really lose sleep over quorums? >> Not over quorums. Just my mind is always moving and it's I just have uh it's hard to sleep when your mind's racing. [laughter] I'm sure I'm not alone. I You guys You guys just don't want to admit it. [laughter] >> Do you have epiphies like Jane,
079though? >> I do. I unfortunately I've had a number of them and you know about some of them. [laughter] >> Okay. So I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn and really appreciate your um >> your cooperation your participation. So Karen made the motion seconded by Greg and we have Bill Tomb. >> Yes. >> Alan Genevies. Yes. Uh Steve Richtor. >> Yes. >> And Deb Lumer. >> Yes. and Jane Dutcher. >> Yes. >> Aaron O'Neal. >> Yes. Dinda. >> Yes. >> Uh Deb Pay, >> yes. >> I abstain. [laughter] >> You want to keep meeting? And >> Yes. And Cliff. [laughter] >> Yes. And that is it. So, Greg, you stay on for a few minutes. Thank you everyone for participating. We're gonna end the recording. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Y Thank
080you. Oh, good night.