001Good evening everybody. The Finance and Law Subcommittee will come to order 215 Harrison Street Taunton, Mass. Um First order of business is attendance. Mrs. Shaw. >> Present. >> Dr. DeMello. >> Present. >> And Mr. Vierra is present. First order of business cafeteria bids opening Superintendent Cabral. >> Thank you, Mr. Vierra. So it's that time of year again where we are opening bids for cafeteria. I am joined by the fabulous Annie's Rebrik who's been carefully tracking and monitoring when the bids have arrived. So all the bids that we received, we received on time. So no bids were excluded because they were turned in after the fact. Thank you, Annie. So we have three bids that will be opening. We're going to start with cafeteria supplies for groceries. That'll be followed by cafeteria supplies for paper. And
002then the final bid opening will be food service equipment maintenance and repairs. So we're going to start with cafeteria supplies groceries. And the first bid and is from Is it Thurston Thurston Foods? And just sit back and get comfortable as we go through the bid and make sure all the contents are there. No, I'll take it. Do you want it at a time, Annie? >> Okay. Uh so bond check has been included. >> Your CORI is included. Certifications are included. And non-collusion is included. So, on the periphery it appears to be a good bid, but obviously we'll refer this to administration to perform our due diligence. Uh the items will have itemized so we don't have a total as they provided us with an itemized listing of all the food. So, we're going to have
003to go back and forth and cross-reference the three bids. Okay? So, that is so that is Thurston. They appear to have all their items in order. Okay, next bid should be Sysco Boston amp. >> Yep. Thank you. >> So, we have the bond. Very nice package. CORI certification and non-collusion. So, this on again, this appears to be a good bid, but this will be thoroughly reviewed by administration. So, Sysco appears to be a good bid. >> Thank you, Anne. >> Yeah, you can't talk. >> So so far, just to summarize it real quickly, Thurston Foods, Sysco Boston, and then Gordon Foods. Okay. Thank you, Suba. >> Lieutenant. >> Thank you, Anne. >> Thank you. >> Administration perform our due diligence? >> So moved. >> Okay. So then I will make the uh I will >>
004Go ahead. Uh Mrs. Chaves, absolutely. >> So we're going to move these to administration so they can review them and um pick the best bid. >> Okay. The chair will second the motion. So Motion [clears throat] has >> the motion, chair. >> Motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor? >> We got to do a roll >> Uh on a roll call vote. Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaves? >> Yes. >> The chair votes yes. The motion passes three nothing. >> Okay. Thank you. So the next bid that we are opening and there are five bidders. We have Unipack, Mansfield Paper, Conlin Products, Sysco Boston, and WB Mason. These are the paper bids. Ingarden. Yep. So the first one is Is this Unipack? >> Uh yes. >> Thank you, Ingarden. Unipack, u
005n i p a c Thank you. Yes. Sample. So, certificate of liability insurance. Bid bonds. And they only bid on some items. They didn't bid on all the items. Look like they're just bidding on the gloves, is what it appears. Non-collusion. Inquiry. And the tax affidavit is in order. Okay. So, this is just partial bid. >> And me, too. >> Next is Mansfield Paper. Thanks. Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Appreciate everyone's patience. >> You're doing a great job superintendent. >> It's been a while. All right. So, check is in order. >> So, they I they bid on every item. Certification Non-collusion is in order. And Corey is in order. So, this appears to be a good bid and again they bid on all items. Thank you, Anne. Where is the check? Mansfield >> Yeah,
006I'm the next one. >> Oh, sorry. Oh, thank you. Is this just Conlin? So, check is in order for Conlin. Uh they too bid on every product. Tax forms are in order. Non-collusion is included. And they have their Corey. So, it appears to be a good bid. Next is Cisco. >> Like a well-known machine running. Check is in order. Corey taxes and non-collusion. So, this appears to be a good bid, too. This is the envelope. Next is WB Mason. And then and then >> Mason. >> And then one more after that. So, they're bidding on all the products. So, taxes non-collusion Corey and they included a bid bond. So, it appears to be a good bid. Bid appears to be in order. Then the last one is Gordon. Gordon. You're welcome. Tax form. Non-collusion. Corey.
007Liability insurance. Bid bonds. That's right. Just wanted to make sure it was in here. Okay. This appears to be a good bid. Okay. Uh so, again, I'm on the periphery, it appears that all the bids are in order. Uh again, I think the appropriate motion would be to refer these to administration. >> Motion to refer the bids for cafeteria supplies paper to administration. >> Second on discussion. >> Okay. Motion made and seconded on discussion. Dr. De Mauro. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Vieira. I didn't hear any monetary amounts attached to these bids. Are we not adding that tonight? >> They were all itemized, Dr. Demello. So, they provided a per a per unit cost. They didn't provide a total cost because they didn't bid cuz the bidders uh they you can bid on only
008partial items or you can bid on all the items. So, we go through the bids and we can award based on the lowest costs. >> Okay. I just thought for the benefit of the bidders if they're watching at home or in the audience, uh they would want to know, but if that's okay, then I'm fine with it. Thank you. >> They they didn't include an overall cost in any of the bids. Okay, that wasn't required. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other any other comments, questions, discussions? Hearing none, uh on a roll call vote, Dr. Demello. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaves. >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. The motion passes three nothing. >> Thank you. Mr. Vieira, so the last bid is for equipment and maintenance repairs. There are three bidders. Uh the first bidder
009is Janco. Uh we also have a bid from Joe Warren and Sons from Norwood, Massachusetts and Marshall Food Equipment Service from Cranston, Rhode Island. This one is Janco. And they are located in Southeastern Massachusetts. So, bid bond is in order. >> [clears throat] >> Sure. Corby is in order. Certification is in The non-collusion is in order. And they bid on an an hourly rate of $127.50. Their overtime labor charge will be $191.25. Uh the number of people on site will be six. Material markup will be 20%. And the minimal minimum hourly charge $127 $127.50. So, for this bid, Dr. DeMello, we did include them to provide the itemized costs. You're welcome. Next is Joe Warman and Sons. This is their references. This is the bid. The deposit is in order. Okay. Corey is in order.
010Certification is in order. And collusion. And for this bid, uh the labor hour was a rate of $155 per hour. The overtime labor charge $232.50. Uh the number of persons sent to site will vary per job. The material markup fair market price. Other fees include a $20 truck charge plus a $193.75 travel charge. And minimum hourly charge will be 15 minutes on site. So, that is That is the second bid. And the bid appears to be in order. You can go ahead and open the next bid. Okay. And the third and final bid is from Marshall Food Equipment Service located in Cranston, Rhode Island. Okay. Bid bond is in order. Okay. Corey is in order. Taxes collusion. Uh so, Marshall Equipment, uh they've provided a bid. Labor hour $128 per hour. Overtime labor charge $192
011before 7:00 a.m. after 4:00 p.m. weekdays and holidays. Number of persons on site, one tech unless the job requires additional. The mock-up will be the factory list price except Hobart list cost plus 30%. And then minimum hourly charge will be $128. And then other fees A trip service call will be $92. A return trip charge to install parts, $55. A $15 shipping charge on all regular ground shipping and parts order and next-day air freight. So, those are the additional charges. So, it appears without going into doing further due diligence, it does appear on the periphery that Janak Janco may be the lowest bidder, but again, we'll we'll go through our due diligence and confirm that. And make the recommendations. >> Okay. A motion to refer this to administration to review the bids for food service
012equipment maintenance and repairs. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion uh been made and seconded. Uh discussion, questions, comments? Hearing none. Um on a roll call vote, Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaves. >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes, the motion passes. Thank you, Annie. Thank you, Superintendent. Next item on the agenda, special education services and expenses. See attached memo. Superintendent Cabral. >> Uh just providing you with an update. As we shared at one of our previous meetings, we are over budget on the student education side of the house when it comes to special education and student-related services. Our year-to-date we've spent $68,101.84. So, we are $18,000 over budget. Yeah, but I would still make the recommendation that the legal fees get paid out of our using part of our surplus as we discussed during our spending
013out meeting. >> Thank you, Superintendent. >> I make a motion that we pay this bill for contracted legal services so it's paid to date. Um, and the cost listed here would be for Is it the whole thing? Is it >> be January and February. >> January and February. So, $7,388.40 for January and $7,815.10 for February. >> Second. On discussion. >> Okay, a motion was made and seconded. On discussion, Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you so much, Chairman. Uh, any reason we don't have the March and April bills yet, Superintendent? >> No, we haven't received them yet. >> When do we expect them? Again, I I just didn't want to come into a situation where we're hit with a cost that we're unaware of. I mean, now that we're over budget, I'm very concerned how much over
014budget we're going to continue to progress until the fiscal year ends. So, I I've no idea why they're delaying the March and April bill since we're always already at the end of May. >> Yeah, we'll reach out to the attorney Bryant and his firm regarding our statements and it looks like we're averaging if you the last 2 months we're probably around $7,500 a month. So, for the next 4 months, I don't see our legal services coming in at 73, but if you use that as an average, you're probably looking at another another 30,000 potentially. If we come if we continue to come in $7,500 a month. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Mrs. Shawbs, any questions? >> No, thank you. >> Okay, a motion was made and second on a roll call vote. Uh, Dr.
015DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shawbs. >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. The motion passes three to nothing. Okay, um, last item on the agenda bills payable in the amount of 503,608 dollars and 89 cents. >> A motion to accept this amount on discussion. >> Second on discussion also. >> Okay, motion was made and seconded on discussion Mrs. Shaw. >> Thank you. Superintendent Cabral page six number clean and safe for maintenance of the grounds. Where was that and what was it for? >> Yeah, that is a asphalt patch mix that we use to repair our potholes. So that would be potholes located throughout the district and we're still in the process of collecting quotes and fees to primarily repair potholes and damaged curbs from this winter storm. >> Excellent. Thank you. The next question I have
016is page seven and eight. It starts on page seven number 31204 Dejana truck and utility equipment for 44,931 dollars and 85 cents. >> So the good news is this will be paid for by the city blizzard funds. >> Okay, that's what I >> So this was to repair a salt spreader to repair snow plows uh I believe to repair snow plows on our trucks. Yeah, that's all I have for backup. >> Okay. >> But again, that is not hitting the appropriation. >> Okay, excellent. The next one I have is on page 10 um number 27270 BI Studios for 6700. >> This is part of one of your favorite items Mrs. Shaw. It's part of the website rebuild. >> Oh, this is my favorite thing. >> so Mrs. uh So miss um oh, I'm having a
017brain freeze here. Miss Johnson has been working uh judiciously to try to get that website up and running for our launch on July 1st. >> Excellent. So, this is part of it. And the last question I have is on page 12, number 31172. Um H.M. Lopes, um repairs for $17,591.61. >> So, again, some more good news. Uh that is being paid for by the city's the city's blizzard funds. And that was to repair a catch basin and a great that was damaged by a front end loader at the Martin Middle School, and also to repair a drain that was damaged at the Bennett Elementary School by a front end loader removing the snow. >> Okay. Thank you. Those are all my questions. Thank you, chairperson. >> Thank you, Mrs. Shaw. Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you,
018Chairman Vieira. Uh just two items. First one is on page 20, uh voucher number 273470, amount of $10,000, Security Benefit Life. >> That is an annuity benefit uh for a tax-sheltered annuity that's in my contract, Dr. DeMello. That the School Committee agreed to when they extended my contract last round. >> Thank you. And the last item is on page 21. It's uh it's under a PO 2602151, uh in the amount of $14,898.71. I know that's to our law firm, but uh there's four different items. Do you know what those four items are? Cuz one is >> Yep, those are those are those are I apologize for interrupting. Uh those are legal Those are monthly legal charges for services rendered in March and in April. And I held off putting this on the warrant until we
019had our closeout meeting to ensure that uh legal legal fees would be paid with that because the accounts are overdrawn. >> Uh would would this put us over the 50,000, Superintendent, on this the 14,898.71? >> Yeah, today we because of all the contracts we negotiated, uh legal counsel with Stoneham is at 83,000. Year to date. >> Got you. Great. Okay, that's all I have. Thank you. >> Okay. Um seeing that there are no other questions, a motion has been made and seconded. On a roll call vote, Dr. Demello? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaw? >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. The motion passes 3-0. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Seconded. >> Okay, motion made and seconded. Dr. Demello? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaw? >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you, everybody.
020>> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Okay. All right. Good evening everyone and welcome. I call the meeting to order. If you could please join us in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Oh, say can you see by the dawn's >> [singing] >> what so proudly we hailed [singing] at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous [singing] fight, were the ramparts we watched were so gallantly [singing] streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night [singing] that our flag was still there. Oh, say [singing] does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the
021land of the free and the home of the brave? >> Mrs. Fagan, if you could lead us in the invocation. >> Yes. Lord, as we begin this session, let us acknowledge your goodness and mercy and ask your blessings on all our deliberations. We thank you for this opportunity to be of service to our community and to the young people entrusted to our care. And if you could please remain standing, we're going to have a moment of silence for Memorial Day. At this time, we ask everyone to pause for a moment of silence in honor of Memorial Day. We remember and give thanks for the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we enjoy, including the opportunity to educate, learn, serve,
022and lead in our community. God bless America. Please join us in a moment of silence in their memory. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fagan. >> All right. All right. Roll call, please. >> Yes. Mr. Pulaski? >> Present. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Present. >> Mr. Santos? >> Present. >> Um Mr. Laura? >> Present. >> Mr. Uh Mrs. Mrs. Smullen? >> Present. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Present. >> Mrs. Fagan's present. Madam Chair's present and present as is Mayor O'Connell. >> Present. Okay. Thank you. Um so, Dr. DeMello is joining us via Zoom. Uh so, votes that have to be taken will be taken on a roll call. However, I am going to use the term without objection. So, when there's a motion and a second, if it doesn't have to be a roll call, I'm going
023to say without objection, whatever the motion was. Okay? If anybody has a question at that time or an objection or wants a roll call, just let me know and we'll we'll do the roll call. >> Let me just make that >> Oh, yes. >> Pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, this meeting is being recorded and live streamed via YouTube. The recording will be made available to the public on YouTube via a link on the district website as soon as practicable. I also ask if anyone else is present and is recording this meeting, please notify the chair now. >> Okay, thank you. >> Okay. All right. All right, thank you. Uh next we have approval of the minutes of May 6th. >> Motion to approve the minutes of May 6th, 2026. >> Second. >> Uh
024there's a motion and a second to approve the minutes. Without objection, the minutes are approved by the committee. Uh next we have Student Advisory Committee Report with Isaiah Windell. >> Thank you. As Mary O'Connell said, my name is Isaiah Windell and I'm part of the Taunton High School Student Advisory Committee. This week at Taunton High School, we are continuing to move through a very busy and important time in the school year. Today we held session two of the 10th grade MCAS, following session one yesterday. We wish all students testing the best of luck as they complete their exams. Tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m., the chorus concert will take place in the Taunton High School auditorium. We wish all students performing tomorrow the best of luck. This upcoming Friday, term four progress reports will close. In
025addition, Friday will also mark the seniors' last day of classes. Next week, May 26th and 7th, will be seniors' final exam days with D, E, and F block finals taking place on the 26th and A, B, C block finals taking place on the 27th. May 28th will serve as a makeup finals day for students unable to attend either testing day, as well as senior scholarship night in the auditorium at 6:00 p.m., which is always a great opportunity to celebrate accomplishments of our seniors. Then on Friday, the 29th, seniors who signed up will participate in the senior walk by visiting their elementary schools wearing their caps and gowns. This marks the second year Taunton High School has held this event. So, these next 2 weeks will definitely be a busy and emotional time in our high
026school, filled with a lot of built bittersweet moments as the class of 2026 prepares to close this chapter. On a personal note, this will be my final student advisory report. As you all know, I am a senior this year, and it has been truly a privilege to serve the students of Taunton High School while working aside all of you. I have been giving these reports for 5 years now, beginning as an 8th grader and continuing all the way through my senior year. Being part of the Taunton High School advisory committee um since 8th grade has given me a perspective that I truly do not take for granted. I've had the opportunity to bring student concerns, ideas, and feedback directly to the table. Sometimes that meant sharing what was going well, other times that meant asking
027difficult questions or challenging decisions. But, that is what this role is meant to be. Over the years, I have had there have been many changes throughout our schools, some that students supported and others that were more difficult to adjust to. But, through it all, one thing has always remained clear to me. Student voice matters. When students feel like they are part of the conversation instead of just affected by decisions, it truly makes a difference. I hope that continues moving forward, not just in meetings like this, but in everyday decisions. I hope sorry. More than anything else, this role has meant a lot to me personally. It is something that I've grown up with and helped shape who I am as a leader and a person. Sitting here has always and being trusted with the opportunity
028to speak on behalf of my fellow students is something that I have always tried to do with my whole heart and never take I took that responsibility for granted. I have been a student with Taunton Public Schools for my entire education from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade. Um so, 13 years in these schools, classrooms, and people have become a second home to me. I am incredibly thankful for every moment I have shared with this district, every opportunity I have been given, and every person who I've met along the way. Um I also want to take a moment to thank all the staff, educators, administrators, and school committee members uh who have helped me throughout the years. Every conversation, every piece of guidance, and even just a simple smile or moment of encouragement has
029meant more than you probably realize, and I am truly grateful. And to those students, both current and future, do not wait for the opportunity to speak up. Sometimes you really have to push the door open. Your voice matters more than you think it does. It has been truly an honor to serve in this role and represent the students of Taunton High School. And who knows, maybe this will not be my last time sitting at this table, in just a different seat next time. Um lastly, I want to congratulate my fellow classmates of the class of 2026. You did it. We made it. As you continue through your journey, whether that be college, careers, trades, or anything in between, remember, once a tiger, always a tiger. With that, that concludes my final student advisory report. And
030as always, thank you for your continued support. >> [applause] [applause] >> We'll see you soon, back there, Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Great job, Isaiah. You have been an amazing student representative and have really been an extraordinary role model role model for your peers and for those students who are coming up behind you. And I hope we do see you in another seat somewhere in the city someday. All right. Uh is there any public input this >> There was no public >> No public input. We will move on to E Superintendent's Report. >> I hope I can speak as eloquently as Isaiah just did. Uh so this evening uh I'm going to kind of uh not follow script on my supervisor's report and just provide you with a quick summary.
031So first, I'm very pleased to announce that Katie Dacunha has been appointed as our next preschool coordinator effective July 1st, 2026. This is an important role as we continue expanding access to early childhood education including the launch of free full-day pre-K next school year. Katie brings a tremendous amount of experience to this position. She has served the Taunton Public Schools as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Most recently, her leadership at the Mulcahy Elementary School helped guide the school community through major changes including the move into a new building, the challenges of COVID and hybrid learning, and continued work around student attendance, school culture, and academic improvement. Under her leadership, Mulcahy has made progress including moving out of the bottom 10% of schools in Massachusetts and returning student attendance to pre-pandemic levels.
032Katie understands uh Taunton. She understands our families and she brings the right combination of experience, care, and leadership to help strengthen our preschool and our pre-K programs. So, very excited to have Principal Takoudis in this new role. Uh second, I'd like to invite uh someone in the audience to the podium. Uh with us this evening is Kevin Avitable. Uh Kevin Avitable has been appointed principal of the alternative learning for Taunton Public Schools. Kevin comes to us with strong experience in alternative education, student services, counseling, special education, and the district level system supports. Most recently, he serves as the director of student services in Middleborough, where he oversaw alternative high school programming along with counseling, special education, health services, and social work initiatives. I think you wear more hats than Stephanie Hoy. Earlier in his career,
033Kevin served as a school counselor and later as the principal director of alternative programs in Plymouth. In that role, he helped move a traditional credit recovery program toward a more student-centered, career-focused, emotionally supportive, and project-based learning model, which I'm very excited to see uh come to fruition in time at the Taunton Alternative High School under your leadership. So, as we as we continue strengthening alternative pathways for students in Taunton, Kevin's background and leadership will be a strong fit. His experience aligns well with our goal of making sure every student has access to the support, structure, and opportunity they need to be successful. So, please well join me in welcoming Kevin to the team. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Superintendent Superintendent Cabral. Uh I just want to say a quick thank you to the hiring committee,
034uh as well as Principal Rodriguez and Principal uh Delaney, uh as they've already reached out to me a couple times at to help the transition. Um so, I'm meeting with them on Monday. I met with them again this week on Friday uh to make sure that there's a a quick transition, uh and making sure that we're able to meet the needs of all the kids. So, uh like Superintendent Cabral said, um alternative ed is my passion. I've kind of dabbled in a lot of different things in in education, public ed, principal, assistant principal at a middle school, but alternative ed and creative solutions to to academic problems that don't fit all students is really where I find the most passion. So, I'm really excited. I'm connected to Taunton. Family members in this community. I've grown
035up grown up around it and in it and so I feel really comfortable coming here. And I'm really excited to be able to, you know, hopefully solve a lot of problems for a lot of our students and and really focus on what's important for Taunton and and our students. So. I thank you very much. >> [applause] [applause] >> Lastly, I am very excited to share that we have been recognized with an exciting opportunity for the district. The Taunton Public Schools has been selected by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as one of only 11 Massachusetts district invited to participate in the 2026 Harvard Public Education Leadership Project Summer Institute, also known as PELP. This is a significant honor. PELP is a joint initiative between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Business
036School and it typically includes large urban districts from across the country. The program value is approximately $39,000 for an eight-member district leadership team. And DESE has agreed to fully fund the cost for the Taunton Public Schools. Our only responsibility, and I do hope that the committee will authorize these payments. The only responsibility to the district would be to cover transportation, lodging, and any related travels for the eight-person team from the from the district attending this one-week workshop. The focus of the institute is strategic leadership, organized coherence, and improving student outcomes. Our district team will focus on a problem of practice connected to improving achievement for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and overlapping student subgroups, which aligns directly with our district strategic plan. This is another strong opportunity for the Taunton Public Schools to invest in
037leadership development, strengthen systems, and continue doing the long-term work needed to improve outcomes for all our students. And with that, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Superintendent Cabral. Mr. Waring. >> Motion to approve the program for the educators that are going to Chicago. >> Harvard. But they're going to says here they're going to Chic- Where am I Oh, I'm sorry. I read it wrong. I'm sorry. But I have motion to approve that program. >> The The related expenditures? >> The expenditures, correct. >> Second. Okay. >> On discussion, Mayor? >> There is a motion and a second. On discussion, Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh have you identified the eight uh staff members from Taunton Public Schools, Superintendent? >> Uh we are close to finalizing the team. We just uh there are a couple
038of staff members that still need to look at their summer schedules and make arrangements with their families uh because we will be staying overnight. >> And the uh last question is, I know that DESE is picking up the 39,000. Do you have a budget on the lodging and transportation for the eight staff members? >> Uh once I could solidify the team, I will be happy to bring that forward to the committee so you have a rough idea how much the cost will be. And Mr. Barada has identified the Title 2A grant, which allows for professional uh costs to be covered through the grant, so it doesn't impact the appropriation. >> Okay. Cuz my concern is, of course, you want us to approve a budget item with no budget, but I'm okay with it. Thank you
039so much. >> Okay, so there's a motion and a second to approve without objection. The request will be approved is approved by the committee. Okay, no objection. All right, next we will go to F which is SkillsUSA and DECA program updates. Superintendent Cabral. >> So my favorite part of being a superintendent is getting to hear from our amazing staff and from our amazing students. So at this point I would like Sarah Gibson to go to the podium. >> [applause] >> Good evening. Good evening. Um I think a year ago last summer um superintendent assistant superintendent Cabral asked us to present and so we're very excited to share a little bit about where we've come from and where we are now and what's next for Tantasqua SkillsUSA. Okay. So if you don't know SkillsUSA is one
040of the it's a career and technical student organization the same umbrella that DECA falls under as well and it's the number one workforce development for students and there's over >> 444,000 members. >> Across the country. Where we've come from. So 12 years ago when I started SkillsUSA we were in 2014 um we had no red jackets and um Donna Mrs. Shaw she remembers. Um I kind of solicited a bunch of career and tech programs to participate for our inaugural year and we had we had success. We took nine students to our first district level competition and we started out as a bronze level chapter and now um our first nationals trip was 2017 and in 2018 we had our first state officer candidate. We didn't have a first state officer until 2 years ago, and
041he's standing to my left. Um so, I'm going to let um Logan take over, and then Sophia, who um both will be attending Nationals in Atlanta, so. >> [applause] >> Yeah, uh thank you, Ms. Gibson. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Logan Arabello, and I'm a senior in the culinary arts program here at Taunton Public Schools. Uh and to talk a little bit about where we are now, uh this past year at our state conference, we had 21 state competitors across nine different skill-based contests. Uh and we've also received a increase in membership award, which is getting significantly harder to do every year as our membership grows, but we are a total participation chapter. That means every student that's enrolled in a vocational program or a Chapter 74 program at
042Taunton High School is a member of SkillsUSA. Uh I SkillsUSA offers that as a bundle to pay. Makes it a lot cheaper for our membership. Uh cuz costs a little bit, but it also provides opportunities like SkillsUSA Pathways, which is a professional development course that's offered to all vocational students within Taunton Public Schools. Uh so, as our vocational programs grow, as you all know, uh our membership goes up at SkillsUSA as well. The past 2 years we have become a gold-level chapter, which puts us in the top 8% of chapters in the nation, which is over 14,000, as well as being Models of Excellence nominees. So, the past 2 years we've been nominated to be a part of the top eight chapters in the nation, which is the goal for next year is to be
043be received as a Models of Excellence chapter. And as Ms. Gibson mentioned, the past 2 years we had our first state officer and now national officer. And our results. So, this year we had a silver medal at the state conference for our career pathway showcase human services, which is a group of contests that picks a career cluster and students will present different opportunities within that career cluster outside of human services. For example, it's early childhood education, but also counseling, um any like community outreach programs. They present everything that has to do with that career cluster. Other awards we got was a total participation award, which I touched upon earlier, a membership increase, gold level chapter, and an advisor of the year nominee, which is Ms. Newly wed, Ms. Sarah Heald behind me, uh was nominated
044to be one of the three advisor of the year nominees. >> [applause] >> And coming with uh us to nationals this year is also behind me, Sophia Nickerson, who has been elected as a national voting delegate, who will be voting on the new national officer team for next year, as well as providing input for the national organization uh things she would like to see coming up in the next year for programming. And with that, I'm going to pass it over to her. >> [applause] >> And then next, we'll talk about chapter highlights. So, the top 12 finished by all national competitors. And then a national officer. And then seven at nationals. And then two gold chapter and models of excellence nominees. And then two advisor of the year nominees. And then increasing district and state
045level contest and contest contestants, uh 20 or more. And then national contests, uh five or five or more different areas. And then we have a new SkillsUSA scholarship. And then uh chapter activities such as Tiger Tots, experiencing CTE shops. And then now, what's next? The national conference is June uh 1st to 5th. It's in Atlanta, Georgia. And then who will be going is the national voting delegate. It's through application and then selection process, which is Sophia Nickerson. And then uh Logan and Bella too, which is a presiding officer over closing ceremony ceremony. And that's all we have for you. Thank you all so much. >> [applause] >> I just want to add that Logan Rebello is presiding over closing ceremony in front of 20,000 people at June 5th at 5:00 p.m. And if that date
046rings a bell, it's because he's missing his high school graduation. So, um we will be there to support him. Um and he is also unable to attend scholarship night, so he is also the recipient of the SkillsUSA scholarship, which we presented at our mini a little awards night cuz he won't be there to attend. Um but I'd like to recognize both Logan and Sophia for all their hard work. Um and this is Logan's culminating um conference for all his hard work and travel all year long. Um so, congratulations. You earned it. >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Much success in his experience. Best of luck. >> [applause] >> Continuing right along, I'd like to welcome uh no stranger to the school committee, uh Jesse McPhail, who who oversees uh DECA. >> [applause] >> I'd also like
047to introduce my co-advisor Molly Sullivan who'll be joining me at the podium here. And I'm afraid this is going to slide off. Thank you, Adam. Thank you. Um thank you all for having us tonight. Um it's always a great time to showcase our students. Um I want to uh give uh my accolades and recognition to Sarah Gibson. I've seen her build this program for Skills since 2012 and she's done an amazing job building it. We have many of the same students that cross over a little bit and I think that at that type of um convergence uh adds value to the Taunton High School community and the these kids. And it's not just Skills and DECA, it's all the other clubs that intertwine. And these kids, when you hear them tonight, you're going to know
048that they are basically cross-pollinated into so many different areas. I think that they should or receive an award on time management cuz I don't know how they do it at this young age. They do an amazing job. But uh another round of applause for Sarah Gibson and Bailey Melo and our team. >> [applause] >> So, before we get started, I I just want to say um special thank you uh to Mrs. Fagan. It was a surprise to me that you acknowledged my my mom in our obituary. Um I didn't know really you guys did that and I really appreciate all the school committee and their acknowledgement toward that. My family for from them to you, thank you. Um as we move forward, uh tonight we're going to be hearing from a lot of the DECA
049students that are going to explain some of our success from this year. You saw what they had asked uh they they had planned to do in the fall and they're going to talk about how they did it and met their goals um and maybe didn't meet their goals, but they're going to discuss exactly what they did. Um in addition, we'll be recognizing some of our DECA students that were not able to get to on the recognition night and I appreciate you guys giving us a little bit of time to be able to do that. Um and now I'm going to pass it over to Ms. Sullivan. >> Hi. Um I'd like to thank you for inviting us to share all of our successes and the goals that we have coming up with all of you.
050Um none of this would be possible without your um, support. So, thank you for inviting us and always being supportive. Um, we're proud of this team who's working tirelessly all year to build our DECA program. They're going to tell you all about it when they get up here. Um, they're very excited to share all these points with you and what's to come in the future. And I'd like to now introduce our 2025-2026 DECA President, Shelby German, to kick us off. >> [applause] >> Okay. Hello everyone. Thank you so much for having us. I know you probably remember us presenting back in the fall about all of our goals that we have for the upcoming year. And I'm really excited to share with you all the achievements that we've been able to reach this year with
051the help of our entire officer team. So, yeah. Okay. First, a competition recap. This year at districts, we had 162 competitors. At states, we had 45 state competitors. And at our International Career Development Conference, we had 11 competitors, which is really awesome numbers to see. Um, and I want to point out that we had people going to ICDC for all the sorts of different things. We had people presenting for our SBE, which is school-based enterprise, where we were presenting our goals so gold certified um, school store and our school restaurant, which was really awesome. We had people competing in role plays and we had students who were attending different leadership conferences there and were able to bring back all the knowledge that they learned there back to the school, which I think was really awesome.
052And then next, a activities recap. We got to attend two leadership conferences. First, Fall State at the DCU Center, where we got to learn different leadership skills from workshops taught by business professionals or fellow students. And then we attended DECA Day on the Hill, which is at the State House, where we got to see a little bit of what they do in the State House. We got a tour, and we just got to meet and network with a lot of different people while we were there, which was really cool. And then we had our induction ceremony, which we were very luck to lucky to have a bunch of alumni from Taunton High School and Taunton High School DECA who are now entrepreneurs and have their own businesses. So, at our induction ceremony this year, we
053had our own entrepreneurs come back and share with us about their experiences of starting up their own businesses, and I think that got to inspire a lot of kids in the audience about giving them the courage to start their own business. And then we held two mock competitions. We had a mock districts competition to help prepare kids for DECA districts before going. And then we also had a mock quiz bowl competition which helped us select our kids who would go compete in our actual quiz bowl at states. And then lastly, our biggest event of the year I think is Miles for MDA. We host it on the track and field every year at Taunton High and we do it to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. And then I'm going to try to go
054really fastly through this, but we have a list of some of our DECA seniors that I want to highlight this year. Next year I'm going to be going to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for Aerospace Engineering. A couple of our officers, Melissa Torinos going to Western New England for mechanical engineering. Don Medeiros is going to UMass Amherst for mechanical engineering. Layla Eugene is going to Bridgewater State University for accounting. Brian Bueno is going to Williams College. Leona Moore is going to BCC for psychology. Julia Lauria DeRosa is going to UMass Boston for biology. Madison Andrews is going to UMass Amherst for political science. And Holly Brennan is going to Meredith College for economics and political science. A couple other people that we didn't include here, but I do want to shout out our very own Madeline Cabral
055who's going to the University of Texas next year for hydrogeology. Is it right? Yes. And then we also have Jeffrey Medeiros who's going to UMass Boston next year for finance. And you might notice as I'm listing out all of these names that while this is a business club, not everyone who does it is interested in pursuing business further. But I think it just goes to show that no matter what you want to pursue, the skills that you learn in DECA are truly transferable into any career that you want to pursue. So, yeah. And now, I would like to pass it over to our very special VP, Amelia Lovett, while she keeps talking about some of our highlights and achievements from this year. >> [applause] >> All right, thank you school committee for having us, and
056thank you, Shelby. So, I know we focus a lot on our competition earlier, but I want to highlight some of our non-competitive events in this photo. So, I know you see our state event and our trophies, but we also have um our fundraisers, such as our summer school street fundraiser that happened earlier this year, and our Miles for um MDA fundraiser. And in that bottom left photo, we have a um a photo with our North Atlantic Region Vice President. So, she represents all of the North Atlantic Region, as well as two state officers from Massachusetts. So, we were able to get these um student representatives from all over the state and all over the region to come to our event. And we also, in the corner, have um a very dark photo of the Women's
057History Month event that a lot of our members were able to attend and interact with the community and meet other um entrepreneurs um in the community. As for what we've accomplished so far, we were ranked number one in Massachusetts for raising the most money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and then top 10 internationally for raising money for the the MDA Association. Um we also secured over five business sponsorships, and we streamlined our registration process, which made it more efficient than ever to recruit members to our team. And we recruited over 250 members through these events. And we were also, as Shelby mentioned earlier, gold recertified for our school-based enterprises in both retail and food, so that's the Tiger Den and the Tiger Shack, where we were we were able to represent those student organization those
058student um entrepreneurial efforts on an international stage. And then, I would like to hand this over to our Vice President of Career Development, Melissa Torino. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Amelia. Um earlier this year, we got the pleasure to come here and explain a little bit to you about what DECA is and what what each team does in DECA. And as I said earlier, my name is Melissa Torino. I'm the Vice President of Career Development, and I'm responsible for overseeing the the team within DECA that uh helps our students study and better prepare for our competition season. Um and this year, we were I would I'm really grateful for the team that I had and for all the accomplishments that we had. And we were able to host, as Shelby said earlier, both mock districts
059and mock Bowl. So, the mock districts is an event in which we create an environment that is very similar to our district competition, so then unexperienced members can have this first feeling of how uh the district competition looks like, and they can feel better prepared uh and more confident to compete at the district level. And the mock Quiz Bowl is another chance for all of the students that unfortunately didn't pass on to the state level to have this other opportunity to now compete at the state level is the Quiz Bowl competition. We host a mock Quiz Bowl in which uh we evaluate the students that are uh looking to move on to the state level through the Quiz Bowl competition, and we give them an opportunity to compete against each other um and prepare for
060the for the state part that is the Quiz Bowl part of our competition. Um beyond that, we also had over 20 study sessions throughout the year, and I would like to highlight that this number reflects how we were very consistent every week. Uh our study sessions uh were happening on a weekly basis, sometimes even more than once a week. Most weeks it was twice, sometimes even three times a week. We had study sessions for all of our students to attend in which, uh, we had focus time for them, uh, to prepare for competition, but not only just focus on competition. Our students had time with our officers and experienced people that were able to give them guidance so they could learn and feel confident. So, when they had to step up on the stage, when
061they had to step up for, uh, competition time, they felt prepared and they felt supported, uh, by our older, um, members and by our more experienced members. Um, and something that I'm really proud of for accomplishing this year is our one-on-one study program because we know that even though a lot of students, uh, benefit from the study sessions, uh, we also have many members [snorts] that are very shy and don't thrive in those, um, group environments and would rather have this one-on-one conversation. So, luckily we got to implement this, uh, program this year and students just had to fill out a quick form and say, uh, what their name was, what the area, the category that they competed in was and what kind of help they were looking for and, uh, my team connected them
062to an experienced member that, um, had already gone through similar problems or has already experience in the area and this experienced member was, uh, able to support this other member and this was a program that helped us, uh, see a lot of improvement within our club. We saw not only, uh, competitors thriving this state level this year, we had, um, many more, uh, state competitors pass on to the international level than we had last year. Um, but not only that, we also saw a lot of engagement within the club of students knowing other students more and students knowing faces and knowing names. And we know that we are a really big club at Ton High. I believe that SCOSAS the only other club that is bigger than, uh, it's the only club that is bigger
063than DECA. Um so it it can get really easy um to not know your members and not know everyone's names and everyone's faces. So having this one-on-one study program uh helped a lot of our members get to know each other uh in the personal level. So up next I would like to pass it on to uh Gio Giovanni Magnan who is our vice president of hospitality. >> [applause] >> Uh good afternoon. I'd like to thank you all for having us. Like Melissa said, my name is Giovanni Magnan. I'm the vice president of hospitality at Diamond DECA. And our main you know focus of the team is making sure that DECA is a you know comfortable and welcoming environment for all students and members that may join. And one of our biggest goals going into the
064year with making sure that all students, even if they may not succeed as much in competition, they feel engaged even when they're not going to Boston, going to the Cape to compete. And I think we achieved this goal extremely well. One of the biggest thing that we were able to uh achieve this year was having uh numerous and multiple non-competitive events and meetings with students were able to engage with DECA while also you know being able to decompress and relax with their friends while still being in a DECA environment like our ice cream social and our seasonal activities like our Halloween party and our Christmas party. And we were also able to participate in many community community events as our tailgate event where we were able to support our high school football team in uh
065event before one of our games this fall. We were able to achieve multiple business sponsorships where we were they were many restaurants restaurants came and donated food and supplies to us where we were able to have just a great time with families and students in the community. And we also participated in Cards for Kids where this winter during the Valentine's season, we created Valentine's Day cards and donated them to the local nursing home as just a surprise for them during the holiday season. And we also made great strides um in uniting all of the middle schools in the uh in Taunton as we able to implement middle school DECA in Parker and Friedman. Thank you. And I'd like to pass it back to our president, Shelby Germain. >> [applause] >> Unfortunately, our VP of Finance
066was not able to be here today. So, I won't to be talking on his behalf on all of the strides he made towards bringing us to being number one in top 10 internationally for raising money for Muscular Dystrophy Association. So, some of the biggest fundraisers that we held this year was the Summer Street Yard Sale where we got to sell different furniture from the Summer Street School and raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. We had a Boo Grams fundraiser where we made Boo Grams and we let people write little notes to each other and then we delivered them out to classrooms. We had a Home Plate fundraiser and biggest of all we had Miles for MDA this year which as we already said is an event that we have on the track and field every year
067where different clubs can come and kind of bring attention to their club. And through all of these fundraisers we were able to raise over or through Miles for MDA alone I believe we raised over 2,000 just in that day for Muscular Dystrophy Association which was such a big accomplishment for us. And I'm just really proud of all the work that our team, our VP of Finance Dylan Medeiros, and just all of our officers put in for us to be able to raise so much money for Muscular Dystrophy. And I would like to note that for being in top 10 internationally for raising money in high schools for Muscular Dystrophy Association we were awarded or like acknowledged at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta which was a super cool experience for our students. So, yeah. And next I'm
068going to pass it to Vansh Patel who is our VP of Marketing. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much, Shelby. I'm sorry. I feel like I'm supposed to talk for this. My name is Vansh Patel and I'm the vice president of marketing here at time. Hi Decca. I know we spoke before in the fall about like our plans in the beginning of the year and now as the 2025-2026 school year has concluded, we have a lot of achievements this year and most of them have not been listed on this slide as marketing is a main core of our whole DECA team. So marketing works all three teams making sure that we succeed all together this year. So our main focus is to promote chapter events, recruit new members, enhance communication with our community. Our main
069primary focus is communicate to parents and students alongside our full DECA community and our Taunton community. So our achievements was increasing interaction with the Tantasqua DECA team by 20%. Now 20% might not seem a lot but for for numbers we were able to reach at least 150,000 100,000 views for most of our Instagram posts which helped us reach out with many Massachusetts and national DECA chapters to help us with inspiring us with new DECA events that we can hold at our chapter and having them come to our events such as our Miles for MDA event where chapters Plymouth South DECA and Norton DECA were able to join us and come and support our Miles for MDA fundraiser. And we also maintained a lively social media presence throughout the school year. So maintaining a lively social
070media presence helps connect our our parents and students and most most importantly our community to DECA. And this would be shown through Instagram posts, fun videos, and informative posts, and kind of a fundraisers that we'd be doing just to help the community know what we're we're doing as DECA other than like our business our kind of business focus where rather we have more other things that we do. And we'd be And now I'll be passing it back to our president, Shelby German. Or our vice president, Amelia Lovett. So sorry. >> Thank you so much, Abansh. And as the school year like wraps up, we have looked at our strengths and weaknesses for this past year, and we've assessed where we might have fallen short of our goals, and we've reestablished what we want to do
071for the next school year. And we plan on meeting over the summer, um just like we did last year, to make sure we really refine these goals and refine our team. But this is what we have right now for our membership goal. We hope to see a 10% growth from this year. And for career development, we hope to have at least 10 finalists at states. And for hospitality, we hope to have middle school DECA in all three schools and expand our involvement within those middle school chapters. For finance, we hope to become number one internationally for raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which we had achieved in the past, um last time we were in Atlanta. And for marketing, we hope to see an increase in social media engagement by another 25%. And before
072I hand this back to our president, Shelby German, I just want to highlight all of the hard work she's done this year in really running our chapter and making sure that we are the best that we can be. The structure that you see now and the things that we've accomplished wouldn't have been possible without her leadership. And in the past four years that I've worked alongside her, I've really seen her grow as a leader and as a person. And so, I'm really proud of all that she's done. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Hello again. I just want to give a really big thank you to the school committee for giving us so much support. All the success that you guys saw in the presentation today wouldn't have been possible without your help. So, we appreciate
073it so much. I want to thank our advisers for making it all possible and I also want to give a big thanks to our officer team this year. Our officers have been working so tirelessly all year meeting every single week doing FaceTime calls outside of school to work on stuff and I just I appreciate it so much. Everything that we did this year wouldn't have been possible without our officers and I'm just very grateful for everyone here. So, yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Shelby and team. A phenomenal report. Thank you. Just grab that, please. Okay. So, without further ado, uh we are going to actually introduce to you our award recipients. Uh we have two awards that we're going to be giving that DECA has recognized these students for. Um the
074first one is for the DECA Emerging Leader Award. This award is given to graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.2 cumulative GPA, completed at least one business class, and participated in a variety of variety of activities that helped them become community oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. Um in addition, you will all receive a certificate from Taunton Public Schools on their from school committee. So, that will be in the folder, as well. So, thank you. Um at this time when you hear your name, please come on up. Madison Andrews. We're going to see all the names of the people that received them. Uh some of the kids could not be here today, but it's a quick list. Yep. This Here you go. Braden Blinnell. Antonio Brandao. Holly Brennan. Madeline Cabral. Calvin Dway. Layla Eugene. Daniel
075Freeze. Layla's here. Logan Gallinger. Shelby German. Jewel Julia Lurie DeRosa. Jeff Medard. Thank you. It is tough, yeah. >> Della Medeiros Liana Mora Moyin Odebumi Andrew Peppin and Melissa Torino >> [applause] >> Those students who aren't here will receive them at our banquet next Tuesday. Which you're all invited to on October 26th as September 20th October 26th my brother. Uh May 26th. All right, thank you. Thank you so much. I'm sorry that was fast, sorry. >> [applause] >> In addition, we'd like to recognize the following students for earning an industry-recognized credential. The certificate demonstrates career-ready skills and help members gain a competitive edge when choosing to enter the workforce directly or continue their education marketing and business. This award comes from DECA's partner, the American Marketing Association, and is awarded to students who scored a
07670% or higher on the marketing cluster exam at the state level or the international level. Please come up to be recognized. Della Medeiros, Alicia Joannis Denzel Chuku, Julia Lory De Rosa, Shelby German, Sonita Blanchard, Briana Mondiere, and Brooklyn Vieira >> [applause] >> Good job. Congratulations. >> [snorts] >> Wonderful job. >> [applause] >> Thank you for your continued support. As always, we appreciate you and your patience tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. Thank you, everyone. I just want to say those were excellent presentations by all of our students. Um so impressive and we're so proud that we have such extraordinary leaders among our students. So, thank you all. All right. We will move on to administrative business. Staffing report. No business there. Just information. >> on
077file. >> Um don't even have to do that. It's already on file, so no action necessary on that. Taunton Public Schools staffing update, no action necessary either. Unless anyone has any questions or comments. Okay, seeing none. >> The only comment is this is the this is the last report until August. >> Okay. All right. Um school choice participation votes. Superintendent Cabral? >> Yeah. This is our annual vote that the school board must take that we that we file with the state to continue to serve as a school board as a school choice district. So, with the appropriate act would be for someone to make a motion to uh to file the Taunton Public Schools as a Taunton Public Schools to remain as a school choice district. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> So, there's a
078motion and a second. I'm sorry, could you just repeat the motion, Superintendent Cabral? >> Taunton Public Schools to remain a school choice district. >> For the Taunton Public Schools to remain a school choice district. I'm thinking we'll do that one on a roll call vote. Uh if you don't mind, Mrs. Fagan. All right. Bye, everybody. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Polansky, on a roll call vote to terminate. Did you hear what the motion was? Okay. >> Yes. >> Ms. Santos? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> I have not voted. >> Dr. DeMello. >> Excuse me. I did I wasn't I did not vote. Can I vote, please?
079>> I apologize. This Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. I apologize. >> Thank you. Motion passes. And next we have REEDS Collaborative Board of Directors appointment. >> So, again, this is another annual vote that's be taken every year for me to continue serving as a board member on the REEDS Collaborative. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion and second to appoint uh Superintendent Cabral as a member of REEDS Collaborative board. Um, on a roll call, please. >> I think since it's an appointment >> DeMello so I don't forget him. Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mr. Polansky? >> Yes. >> Ms. Santos votes yes. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan? >> I'm sorry. I said that for you. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira?
080>> Yes. >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Motion passes. Then we have a field trip request. >> Mr. Barada provided us with a cover memo requesting approval for this field trip uh by for for our SkillsUSA kids. Uh this is a flight to Atlanta for national for I believe international. >> So, is that for approval this evening? >> Final >> approval? >> Okay. >> Motion to approve as presented. >> Second. >> Motion and second to approve the field trip as presented. If there be no objection, um the field trip is approved by the members. Okay, seeing no objection, field trip is approved. Okay. Um hang on, I've got my All right, so let's see. Now we have um vote on union and non-union pay increases for FY26, 20 FY27, and FY28. And
081there are enclosures in the packet. All right, so um if you guys could just state that you need to recuse yourselves, please. >> here for using the individual. I have to recuse myself. >> Uh okay, are there just certain ones that you need to recuse yourself for? >> Yes. Yes. The first one that's being presented is the TEA. I have to recuse myself for that one. I'll be back. >> Okay, hang on. I've got to find Okay, here, I've got it. Okay, so um the first one we have um there is a So, I'm sorry, there's a recom- recommended motion for the Town Educators Association? >> Yes, so based on the legal guidance that we received from our legal counsel, uh it would be to read the motion, and then to report out on the
082unit that we are voting on one at a time. >> Okay. Um Mrs. Fiegenson, you're the chair of that subcommittee, would you like to read the motion? >> Is there room for questions? >> Uh sure, as soon as there's a motion made and a second, then we can have discussion. Yeah. >> Uh a recommended motion for fiscal year 2026 a 3% increase effective day one of the school/work year, a 1% increase effective on the 91st day, and movement on step where applicable. For fiscal year 2027, a 3% increase and movement on step where applicable, and for fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase and movement on step where applicable. >> Okay. All right, so there's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second on >> All right, so there's a motion and a second on discussion.
083Ms. Santos? >> Yes, thank you. Um and so just questions concerns on both this one and the next one. I can make it again if we need to do it on the second motion as well, too, but um so I just first preface this with saying that I have absolutely no issue whether the vote is public or whether it happened in executive session. My vote would never change either way. Um I'm my concern is my understanding at this point that this has never happened before is where we had these votes already some last year. Um these contracts have been ratified already. Um so I'm curious as to the intent and timing of needing to to vote on things that we've already negotiated. Um so as far as these right here, these union bargaining agreements, I
084read through um the the letter that uh Superintendent Cabral had provided us through email um about a case study um about Lexington School Committee. Uh and I just made a couple of notes and I think this is reference here because the Lexington School Committee had an open meeting violation um about a superintendent's contract, which this obviously is not about, but they talked to their council, um and at that time the council said this, and this is on page four of the document that you provided us is if you feel it would be a more transparent process to vote in public at this point, you're certainly free to do that as a community, but do it with the understanding that you are in fact formalizing or ceremonially ceremonially approving a contract that has already been approved
085by the committee. So, I guess my question is why we are voting on this again. >> Okay. >> Since these contracts have been ratified. >> Okay, and I will I will pass that over to Superintendent Cabral. I believe it was at the um um uh um What's the word I'm looking for? >> recommendation of uh the um the school committee's attorney uh but I think um Superintendent Cabral could probably explain it. >> Correct. Attorney Brown, uh she advised that the committee uh vote in public [snorts] on each of the collective bargaining units and the guy and what I won't discuss the non-union cuz we're not there yet. But for the union groups that we vote that the committee voted on in executive session, they should also be voted on in public in open session on
086a roll call vote was the recommendation. >> Does that answer your question? >> doesn't answer my question because again, some of these have been ratified already and on page six, it says a contract does not become effective until till it is publicly ratified. So, because we did not have those votes at the time in which we ended contract negotiations, does that mean the ratified was nullified? Does that nullify the ratification if there was no public vote after? >> We were advised that it's more of a formality that we do it this way. >> So, it's just ceremonial? >> Ceremonial as like it says on page four. >> Can we put it as simple as dotting our eyes and crossing our t's? >> And preventing preventing anyone in the future claiming that we had an open
087meeting violate violation. >> So. >> May I may >> But excellent questions. >> That's all I'm saying. >> Mr. Lauria. >> the subcommittee came up with a favorable recommendation relative to this contract. So, therefore it's it's it's a ceremonial vote to make sure the legalities are all in balance. >> No, I understand that. I just then this will refer more to the next one. Uh Um I just it I think the timing is interesting based on the next one that we're going to vote on. So, I just wanted to say that. >> Okay. The The timing has to do with the fact that I don't want to discuss the other piece we're going to you are going to be voting on tonight, but when this was brought to the attorney's attention uh during executive session,
088her guidance was that we follow the same procedure with our collective bargaining agreements, and that's what this committee is doing. >> Yeah, so I I think the timing is due to the fact that we had an executive session where we won't discuss what was discussed, but that it just so happened that the attorney um gave us the that recommendation at that time, which nobody was aware of. So, Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh as my colleague pointed out, uh the has the retro pay been paid to the TEA members starting with the 91st day? >> All the collective bargaining units that you will be voting on tonight have received their >> No, just let's you Superintendent, just the TA. Let's work one at a time. Has the All the >> bargaining >> All the
089units have received their pay. >> Okay. So, there is no way in heaven we need to ratify anything. The pay exchange has already happened. We do not need to do it ceremonial. If the exchange of payment has been made, there is nothing that needs to be done in public session. I'm sorry, it's not accurate. >> It's has not has nothing to do with pay, has more to do with procedure and vio- I I'm speaking, so I will allow me to finish my thought, please. It has nothing to do with the pay at this point, Dr. DeMello. Based on the guidance of legal counsel to avoid a open meeting law violation, that the vote be done in public. It has nothing to do with the finances, has more to do with the procedure and having the
090vote in open session. That was the guidance of our attorney. >> Okay. >> Madam Mayor, if I may. >> Yes, Dr. Nolan. >> that's all good and dandy, Superintendent, but once an exchange of money has been made, uh it it's it's solidified. There's nothing we can do to change it. I I So, if there was a vote today that nullified this increase, let's say there were five members that voted no, what would happen today if that was the vote? Just just just throwing it out there. I know it's not going to happen, but that's the problem that we're we're facing. >> No, if if that were to happen and the committee wanted to take that action, then all the paychecks would be adjusted retroactively moving forward and the balloon checks would be impacted. It's it's
091happened before when when staff exhaust their time and they owe us money, we just adjust their paychecks based on the remaining balance of the school year. If that's the if that's the if that's the vote that this committee wanted to take, which I agree with you, I don't think they would. >> Yeah. And Mayor, that's what that's what we're faced with. I mean, that could happen. So, again, you know, these contracts have been ratified by the members, an exchange of payment has been made based on that ratification, and an agreement signed by the school committee and the members. That we're open to a whole can of worms here, honestly. >> All right. So, uh just to kind of bring this full circle, uh this has been a recommendation by the school committee's attorney. Uh if
092any school committee members wish to not not agree with that recommendation, uh and do not, you know, wish to vote or wish to change your vote, they can do that. Uh but, the recommendation is from the attorney. It's a vote. Uh there's been a motion and a second. We're going to take that vote, and the members may do what they wish. So, if we could uh start with the roll call, Mrs. Fagan. >> Didn't we just do this one? >> We haven't done the roll call yet. There was a motion and a second on this first motion that you that you made. And now we're doing the roll call on that. So, it's just the roll call. >> Mr. Pulaski? >> Yes. >> Uh I'm sorry. Ms. Santos? Ms. Santos? >> Uh I vote yes
093only because I do want want to indent any of the union members that fought for these contracts. >> Ms. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Ms. Smaller? >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. Viera? >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Thank you. On to the next one, which is Taunton Administrators Association. And Dr. DeMello, you are the chair of that subcommittee. I don't know if you would like to read that motion or would you would like to have someone else do that. >> I shall. Thank you, Mayor. Move that the Taunton School Committee approve the negotiated wage and salary increase, step movement, cost of living adjustments, related wage schedule adjustments, and other terms and conditions of the agreements for fiscal year 2026, a 3% increase effective day one of the
094school {slash} work year, a 1% increase effective on the 91st day, and movement on step where applicable. For fiscal year 2027, a 3% increase and movement on step where applicable. And for fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase and movement on step where applicable. >> Okay. There's the motion. >> Move recommendation. >> Is there a second? >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion and a second. Any discussion? This is Ms. Santos. >> Um thank you. Um so, I'm going to just echo my earlier comments for the previous one because I think they're still um valid. Um one of the main things that was the difference on the example that was given to us from Colby for from our attorney was not quite the same as what we're discussing right here. Their open meeting law violation was because it
095it stated in the executive session that they were just negotiating non-union contracts and they went in there to vote for the superintendent's contract, which is not what we did during that time. I read through this very intently this morning, this afternoon, and so that is one of the glaring things that I saw that was just different. So to me it was really difficult for me to see how there was an open meeting violation when this is not necessarily connected in that same way. However, towards the end there is that what I had pointed out is that it doesn't become effective until it's publicly ratified. Obviously, we haven't ratified this contract, no money has been paid out. So that obviously is one thing that that we have to take into account. But also because of their
096violation, and this is on page seven, it said despite the violation, however, we do not believe notification is appropriate here. At the time of the meeting our office had only just recently issued a determination interpreting the meeting law. Therefore, they didn't believe the committee had to have been aware of the determination at the time of the violation. Seeing as that we were not aware that there was a violation, I think this kind of bears resemblance on this. I'm going to bring up again I think the intent and timing is questionable at this point because this and and this is just going to come to a very simple question. Was there an open meeting law violation filed for that meeting on April 15th? Did someone file >> Superintendent Cabello, are you aware? No one has filed
097an open meeting law violation, but it doesn't mean that they cannot file an open meeting. So by doing what we're doing today, we are eliminating the potential of someone filing an open meeting law violation. That's why the That's why legal counsel Colby Bronte is advising us advising you, the school board, to go through this process. That's what was discussed in the executive session that you unfortunately were unable to attend. >> I wasn't and I I received an update as as far as what happened. Um it still didn't make sense to me at that point. >> memo that you the memo that you're referencing is is in relationship to non-union employees. That's why that memo was shared with you all because of the non-union piece. >> And this is why I'm This is why I'm talking
098about it right now because we're talking about non-union motion. We're talking about non-union right now. >> No, we're talking about these are These are collective bargaining groups. >> No, we're on the non-union non-aligned personnel. >> We're on TEA. >> not. >> Oh, we're on TEA. >> I apologize. I will bring all that back up when we get to that. >> Yeah, we have several more to go. >> Okay, so the motion was made and seconded. On a roll call, please. Mrs. Fagan. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Polowsky. >> Yes. >> Ms. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. >> Mr. Laura. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Uh Chairman. >> Chavez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. The next one is TESSA uh
099Mrs. Chavez is the chair of that subcommittee. >> And so >> Okay. For fiscal, this is for um Taunton education L secretaries and administrative assistants that are known as TESSA. For fiscal year 2026, a 3% increase and secretary lunch recess alignment adjustment for the fiscal year 2027, a 3-year percent increase and movement on step where applicable. And for fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase and movement on step where applicable. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh uh just a question. Superintendent O'Malley >> It I'm sorry, just one moment, please. Is this top piece the the the first part of the motion for every single one? Okay. All right, I'm sorry, Mrs. Chavez. Yes, if you could. Um uh Dr. DeMello, did you >> Okay. >> That That was my point, Mayor. I think that we need to
100move the motion. Yes. >> So, we'll move the motion that the Taunton School Committee approve the negotiated wage salary increases, step movement, cost of living adjustments, related wage schedule adjustments, and other terms and conditions of the agreement for fiscal year 2026, 2027, and 2028 for the following collective bargaining units, which I'm representing TASA, as presented and subject to appropriation with all fiscal year 2026 increases and adjustments retroactive to July 1st, 2025, or for the first applicable work day of the fiscal year 2026, as applicable. And again, this is for TASA, the Taunton Educational Secretary and Administrative Assistants. For fiscal year 2026, a 3% increase in secretary lunch recess alignment adjustment. For fiscal year 2027, a 3% increase in movement on step where applicable. And for fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase in movement on step
101where applicable. >> Second on that. >> So, motion and a second. No further If there's no further discussion on a roll call vote, please, Mrs. Fagan. >> Yep. Mr. Pulaski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santos? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. LeBeau? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Smallen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Uh Chairman? >> Mrs. Shaw? >> Yes. >> Oh, and I'm sorry, Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. The next one is Local 1144 Cafeteria Workers. Mr. Vieira is the chair of that. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh Local 1144 Cafeteria Workers, move the motion Taunton Public School Committee approve the negotiated wages and salary increases, step movement, cost of living adjustment, related wage schedule adjustment, and other terms and conditions of the agreement fiscal year 2026, 2027, and
1022028 for the following collective bargaining units as presented and subject to appropriation with all fiscal year 2026 increases and adjustments retroactive to July 1, 2025 or the first applicable work day of fiscal year 2026 as applicable. Fiscal year 2026 a 75 cent wage adjustment and a 3% increase for fiscal year 2027, 3% increase for fiscal year increase. >> Second on that. >> Okay, there's a motion and a second. If there is no further discussion, could we please have a roll call vote, Mrs. Fagan? >> Mr. Palowski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santos? Mrs. Santos? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Uh Chairman Chaves? >> Yes. >> And I'm sorry, Dr. [clears throat] DeMello? >> Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. On
103to the next one is local 1144 custodial workers and Mr. Palowski is the chair. >> Move that the Taunton School Committee approve the negotiated wage and salary increases, step movement, cost of living adjustments, related wage schedule adjustments, and other terms and conditions of the agreements for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 for the following collective bargaining units as presented and subject to appropriation with all fiscal year 2026 increases and adjustments retroactive to July 1, 2025 or the first applicable work day of fiscal year 2026 as applicable. For fiscal year 2026, a 75 cent wage adjustment and a 3% increase for fiscal year 2027, a 3% increase and for fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase. >> Second on that motion. >> Uh motion and a second. If there's no further discussion, could we please have a
104roll call, Mrs. Fagan? >> Sure. >> Mr. Palowski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Santos? >> Yes. Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Mr. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMelo? >> Yes. >> Chair- Chairwoman Sharps? >> Yes. >> Okay. The next one is the Mass Nurses Association and Mr. Laura is the chair. >> Move that the Town School Committee approve the negotiated wage and salary increases, step movement, cost of living adjustments, related wage schedule adjustments, and other terms and conditions of the agreements for fiscal year years 2026, 2027, and 2028 for the following collective bargaining units as presented and subject to appropriation with all fiscal year 2026 increases and adjustment retroactive to July 1st, 2025 or the first applicable work day for fiscal year 2026 is applicable. For Therefore,
105the motion for fiscal year 2026, a 3% increase effective day one of the school year work year, 1% increase effective on the 91st day, and movement one step where applicable. For fiscal year 2027, a 3% increase and movement movement on step where applicable. And for the fiscal year 2028, a 3% increase and movement and step where applicable. >> And a second, please. >> Second. >> So, there's a motion and a second. On a roll call, please, Mrs. Fagan. >> Mr. Polowsky. >> Yes. >> Ms. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laura. >> Yes. >> And chairman, Mrs. Shaw. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Uh, the next one is Taunton Therapy Assistants Association, and Ms. Santos is
106the chair. >> School Committee move that the the Taunton School Committee approve the negotiated wage and salary increases, step movement, cost of living adjustments, related wage select schedule adjustments, and other terms and conditions of the agreements for fiscal years 26, 27, 28 for the following collective bargaining units. For this one, it is the Taunton Therapy Assistants Association, as presented and subject to appropriation with all fiscal year 2026 increases and adjustments retroactive to July 1st, 2025, or the first applicable work day of fiscal year 2026, as applicable. Uh, for the TTAA, for fiscal year 2026, a 3% cost of living adjustment. For fiscal year 2027, a 3% cost of living adjustment. And for fiscal 2028, a 3% cost of living adjustment. >> Second. >> There is a motion and a second. With no further discussion, roll
107call, please, Mrs. Fagan. >> Sure. Mr. Polowsky. >> Yes. >> Ms. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laura. >> Yes. >> Chairman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaw. >> Thanks. >> Okay. All right. And then, there is one last paragraph there that I am not clear on. Oh. >> I fear I must recuse myself. >> All right. Um, and Mrs. Fagan, I believe do you also need to recuse yourself? >> Yes. >> Okay, so we have one more and I will throw it out there. I don't know if anybody's going to make a motion or what we're going to do here. Any >> Motion to present as we're looking at the bottom paragraph, correct? >> Yes. So Superintendent
108>> Right. Well, we're still here. We have >> Superintendent Cabral, are you able to give a brief explanation on this vote. >> Right over here, if I may. See, at the bottom right here. >> No, so further you're also so further you're authorizing me or my designate to finalize and execute, which is the business office, implement all applicable collective bargaining agreements, memoranda, letters of agreement, salary schedules, wage schedules, step movement, retro payments for fiscal 26 where applicable, enumerated compensation adjustments consistent with the term presented to the school committee subject to appropriation. >> Thank you. >> So, is that just in general or is that related to the >> make that as part of a motion. For all of these. >> Okay, so that's a motion to cover everything they just did? >> Yes. No, the
109No. Yeah, to authorize me to do all that. >> So you we gave you the power to to So, it should be a member. >> Okay. >> One second, we have to switch. >> Okay. >> Ma- Madam Mayor >> Dr. DeMauro >> Since this Since FY26 started July 1st of 2025, I asked the question earlier, have these folks been paid retro? Superintendent answered yes. Why are we voting on this again? >> I've part of the record. >> It's part of the record and I would uh think the same conversation applies to this that we had at the beginning of this process. >> Yeah. >> This makes absolutely no sense. I >> Okay, so >> Mr. Laura made the motion. >> The I think the motion Oh. >> So, I made the motion. >> Okay. >>
110We got it into the record. >> All right. >> Seconded, right? >> So, there's a motion and a second. If there's no further discussion, could So, [laughter] the motion >> I'm going to be dreaming about this tonight. >> So, the motion is on the floor. >> calls though. >> I'm making motions in my sleep. >> Um and so, we just need a roll call. >> Nathan, do you know what you're voting on? Do you know what you're voting on? >> Yeah. It's Yeah, the last >> Yes, he does. Yes. >> Yeah, I know. >> Yes. >> I know. >> Yeah. >> The authorization piece. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pulaski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mr. Viera. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Marlon. >> Yes.
111>> Mr. Laura. >> Yes. >> Oh, she's not here. So, I guess we're all set. >> Motion passes. >> You got everybody? I just >> Well, she's not here. She's ill. >> Okay. All right, got it. Okay, so we are all done with this memo. All right, we're all set again. All right. >> Now, I shall recuse myself. >> So, what do we have next? Um Vote on number six. Vote on non-union pay increases. >> way, non-union. >> Okay. Okay, so how are we going to tackle this one, guys? >> Do you want me to read it? >> Are you making the motion? >> Well, I'll read it. As the motion. We need >> So, the appropriate course of action would be to read this entire On the first paragraph and then read through the
112last paragraph. One thing in the motion >> Can you do like >> Well, >> list as read or list as >> Presented on this document, so you don't have to read every single thing on the list. I mean, we often do that at City Council meetings, but it totally up to you guys. >> I think it's important to mention where this is where there's 16 subgroups and there's a lot of different employees and job descriptions in here. I think it's important to read. >> Okay. Um >> That's my opinion. I don't know. >> No problem. Mr. Vieira, would you like to read the >> If that's your pleasure, Madam Mayor, absolutely. So, I'm going to read just this page. >> It's Yeah, the whole entire thing, correct, Superintendent? >> Okay. All right. Um [clears throat]
113move that the Titan School Committee approve a 3% annual raise and or salary increase for fiscal year 2026, 2027, and 2028 for all non-union, non-aligned school department personnel by position title and or employee group as presented retroactive to July 1, 2025 fiscal year 2026 and effective July 1 of each applicable fiscal year thereafter. This approval includes, but is not limited to the following positions, titles, and employment groups. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operation, Director of Special Education, Director of Student Services and Transportation, uh Title IX Coordinator, Director of Human Resources, Director of Humanities, Director of STEM, Director of Technologies, uh Pre-K to 12 Director of School Counseling and Therapeutic Support, Director of Facilities and Operations, Director of Food Services, Nurse Manager, Out of District Placement Coordinator, Coordinator of Grants,
114internship coordinator, communications coordinator, coordinator of testing and research, crossing guards, academic tutors, CVTE tutors, permanent tutors, everyday substitutes, truancy officers, network operations coordinator, network specialist, technologies integration specialist, technology level one computer technicians, substitute custodians, substitute cafeteria workers, substitute clerks, athletic trainers, student support and peer mediation coordinators, human resource specialist, human resource managers, store clerk, storekeeper, operational support, community facilitators, administrative assistants, administrative secretaries, secretary, secretary to the superintendent of schools, and extended day personnel including director, assistant director, site coordinator, storekeeper, group leader, secretary, assistant group leader, custodian, seasonal employees, and junior aides. Further, the school committee authorizes the superintendent or designees to implement the approved increase including any retroactive payments owed for fiscal year 2026 subject to the appropriation and consistent with the supporting salary schedule on file with the school department. >> Thank you, Mr.
115Vieira. >> My pleasure. >> Okay, so there's the motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. Motion and second on discussion. Uh Chair Shaw. >> Thank you. Um I just want to say that I'm opposed to um this 3% um raise. I'm not opposed to the actual 3% which is the cost of living. What I'm opposed to is giving it blanketed across all these non-union people. Um I agree with Ms. Malloy on about reading the the positions because there are 17 subgroups here with over 50 different positions. And they range from administrators who work all year to hourly part-time employees to various substitute positions throughout the district. And so there's different roles, there's different responsibilities, there's different expectations that they have. I would have liked to have been able to see some adjustments
116for some of our lower paying individuals that are closer to minimum wage. And so taking a vote where we're putting them all together doesn't give consideration to and discussion to each of the individual groups. And I feel like we owe them to have really voted on each individual subgroup to make sure that we're giving them the best thing that we can. And I think doing the 3% again, I agree 3% is a cost of living, but I would have liked in some of the subgroups to have been able to give them a little bit more based on what getting for individual pay. So I will be voting no on this. And again, it's not because of the 3%, it's just because I don't think that we're giving due diligence to each of our subgroups that
117are there. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Any further discussion? Mr. Laura. >> So with that statement being made by the chairperson, um what is the next move? If we if we voted it tonight and we don't have any discussion on that, um why wasn't this discussed before? >> This was discussed in executive session. >> Right, but I'm just saying that, you know, as far as the the breakdown by categories. >> We asked for it and it there there was discussion, but there was a blanket 3% across the board. And it was voted. Um and I'm in agreement with Chairwoman Chavez on this. >> So you know, the committee can vote yes or no on this. Um and depending on the outcome of the vote, uh we'll um lay out our net your next steps for
118you. Ms. Santos? >> Thank you. Um I'm not going to repeat all of the the the questions and concerns that I had before cuz I've already stated them. I am still kind of curious as to who requested this open meeting violation. Again, I'm equally concerned that you're you're forcing a vote in in public, something that we've already voted and now we're opening it seems like we're trying to open for discussion again when we already had these discussions. I have no problem with you saying why you voted no, that's fine. But to Mr. Laura's Laura's point, why wasn't discussed before? It was discussed before and as a group we voted Chairperson Chavez came out and she recorded the vote for the public. It was four to two, okay? Um so, I've made my concerns known so
119I just wanted to put that on the record. Ms. Chavez? >> I just want to make it clear that my no vote is not saying anything that went on during executive session. I'm just clarifying why today I'm voting no. >> Superintendent has a comment? >> Uh sure, Superintendent. >> So, again, prior to the night that the committee voted in executive >> Excuse me, Madam Chair, excuse me. The superintendent has no bearing on school committee actions. I'm sorry, it's not allowed. I'm sorry, it's like we excluded two members. I don't think the the superintendent should be weighing in his opinion on a school committee vote that's already been voted on like Ms. Santos said, once again. >> It helps to go to >> As the chair, I will allow the superintendent to make his comments. >>
120I think it helps to go to Mr. Laura's part our point. You may remember prior to the night you took the vote, the committee requested an abundant amount of information for me to prepare for that night for that executive session. Job descriptions, history of increases, uh backup of the history of increases, and also to provide you with the group by group by group so that you could take the action group by group by group. And I think to Mrs. Shaw's point for some reason a blanket adjustment was made versus going group by group by group. I think that's where the discussion wasn't had Mr. Lara that that you raised. So you asked me to prepare a lot of material. The material's prepared. Not a lot of time was spent on the material to to allow
121the committee to perform their due diligence like going group by group. Miss Santos? >> I'm sorry. That felt like a judgment on what we we negotiated and I don't think that's your place to to judge what we did in that session. Thank you. >> I I Miss Mellan. >> I would disagree. I think it's clarification. I think it's important when you look at this group of employees and some of them are our lowest wage earners that we would have liked to take more of the time and we're just stating publicly that that's what we would like to do. We're not looking to change a vote. Everyone has their their vote that they're coming to the table with. We're not looking for that. We're just looking so people understand where we're at. >> Mr. Viera. >>
122Thank you, Madam Mayor. I I just want to state too there was um all the information that was presented to us. At no point did anybody mention that there should be a um a an adjustment of the salary. >> talk about exactly >> We can't talk about >> the content but it's >> You can say you know what you need to say but you need to be careful about it. >> I just I just think that we spent an appropriate amount of time and we took a vote and the vote was taken based on the information we had and I do believe everybody had an appropriate amount of time and an abundant amount of information um to to process in front of them. So thank you and I apologize for getting off track. >> Oh
123no, that's okay. That's okay. All right. If there's no further comment, um I think I will just do the roll call. Okay, and I will start with you, Ms. Santos. >> Um, maintaining my yes vote. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mr. Viera? >> The the same as then, yes. >> Ms. Mullen? >> I am maintaining my no vote in what we discussed earlier that I would like to see this looked at by subgroups. >> Okay. Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chaves? >> I'm maintaining my no vote. >> Okay, it is four to two, the motion passes. All right. Okay, um, we do not Okay. Okay, moving on to committee subcommittee reports, we have curriculum and instruction, Ms. Santos. From May 7th. >> Thank you. Uh, the curriculum and instruction subcommittee met on Thursday,
124May 7th, 2026. On attendance was Ms. Jacqueline Francisco, who is the coordinator for visual arts, um, Mrs. Donna Chaves, Mrs. Cara Mullen, Mr. Chris Barada, and Superintendent John Cabral. The meeting was called to order at 5:00. Uh, bear with me cuz we discussed a lot during this meeting. Um, the first item on the agenda was, uh, Mrs. Francisco was providing us with an update on the art of curriculum instruction, which was implemented last academic calendar, and this year they are in the monitor phase, which will be followed by a reflection phase. Um, this will make my more sense in a in a minute with the next agenda item. Uh, before launching the curriculum as Francis as Francisco stated that the educators took part in two days of PD where they took part on how to
125use the curriculum and currently they also partake in collaboration lesson planning during department meetings and or PD days. The curriculum is focused on culturally responsive HQMI and that is high quality instructional materials and is built on rigorous and engaging projects, foundational skills building and diverse creative expression. Uh, she provided us with a packet which anybody can view. It's part of the packet that is online. Uh, but she did talk about some of the things that they do. Um, one of the things that she highlighted was this curriculum has propack PDs integrated into the curriculum. So, these are PDs that teachers can pick and choose when they take them and whenever which ones they want to take so on and so forth. Um, they did talk about how they celebrated success. One thing is that they
126have a weekly arts wrap-up blog which showcases teachers tasks but they also have podcasts for students K through 12. Well, I don't know if they K through do podcasts. I'm not sure. I can't remember that one but um, but how to that focus on how to assess art and creativity. Um, but they also talk about how to use visual arts language to assess and defend their artistic choices. Um, they talked about, you know, the standard base planning that comes I previously there was no art standards that were relatively based on national uh, the state standards so we are now focused on national standards as well. Um, they have uh, they she gave us an example of a blog post from uh, Mr. Shawn Brady with his sixth grade students as well and it it talked
127about how they focus on identity skill and intellect um, in those blog posts. Um, one other things she talked about was uh, they do learning walks. These are unannounced and unannounced learning walks. Uh, these are observations to track what is going on in the classroom. They are based on core and they there are ones that also completed their quarterly reports based on these walks. Finalizing all of it, the goals for next year is to better align curriculum teaching strategies across all grade levels so students have similar experiences. Uh the next part of the agenda was a review of the Taunton Public Schools Curriculum Review Process with Mr. Barata uh kindly went through with us. Um again, this packet was pretty large. Um it is on view. It's online for anybody who wants to look at
128it. Uh just a couple of things um to note. Something This is something that every district is required to have. Um it is on the curriculum page as well, but there are plans to make it more visible for the public. So there is basically a 6-year revision cycle. Uh it's implement, monitor, reflect, study, plan, and present. Uh the central tenant of this work is to identify and implement HQMI, which is again high-quality instructional materials that are aligned with mass curriculum frameworks. Uh the tools that are used are curate, which is curriculum ratings by mass teachers platform, and EdReports, that is a a national independent clearinghouse. Um basically, who does this work? There's a curriculum uh review committees and there's community advisory committees, which students, parents, business leaders, teachers, all of these people can um apply
129to take part. Um and once they they go through the process, once they complete the formal presentation to the school committee for approval of said curriculum. Um the the next thing that was part of that agenda item um Superintendent Cabral offered us a Taunton Teacher Survey Report, which was a grant supported by John Hopkins uh School of Education and the purpose of it was to take an objective look at Atlas, which is essentially an online portal website that teachers share their lesson plans, And you can take, choose whatever you like. Based on the survey, most teachers didn't use it very often, and Mrs. Shaw has talked about her own experience with it as well, too. Results were comprehensive, but overall, it showed it was not consistently used by educators. It deteriorated over the years because
130of lack of participation, and there was really no oversight and no real consistency across all schools. The survey itself is actually really interesting if anybody's really interested in that kind of thing. They talked about like how much planning time each teacher does, and that depends on the grade level and and the subject area, and so on and so forth. And there's quite a striking difference between them, but I'm not going to call out the teachers on that. Um but one of the things that was also interesting is that teachers and I can I can relate. I get my curriculum and ideas from a variety of sources. So, they the most often used is actual Google. Uh that was the most cited one. After that was Teachers Pay Teachers, and then Pinterest, which I thought was
131actually really interesting cuz I did not know Pinterest gave you lesson plan ideas. So. Um So, yeah. So, that was that part of it. Um and the last part was I had requested the curriculum budget. Um and so, I just want to to to you know, to to finalize or formalize this so the public knows as far as the costs goes. I will say that for the most part, a lot of the uh content area curriculums are open source, so there's actually no cost. This is true for science. OpenSciEd is open source, so there's no cost. Uh social studies, um for most part, all of them are open source, so there's no cost. The same for world languages, the same for CTE. Um the same for performing arts, and the same for wellness and PE.
132So, there's no cost to that because it's all open resources, which is great. Uh but there are some that have significant costs. The one that has the most significant cost is Illustrative Mathematics, which cost $1.5 million. That was paid mostly through SR3 funds, I will say. So that was funds from COVID. But this is ending in fiscal year 29. So they will have to discuss whether they will renew or not, and that's a that's a high ticket item. The other one that has a cost is the visual arts. That one's under $100,000, but it came straight out of the school budget. That one's up for revision in FYs 31. That's the one that I just gave a report on. And then the last one is the Wonders curriculum. So I believe in the finance and
133law committee can validate this, but I think there was already a pre-purchase of the Wonders curriculum for 3 years for FY 26, and that was $700,000. I think that was just recently voted on. It is lesser, but there was a a need for more support for writing, so this new edition addresses that. Study Sync is a cost of and this is for ELA as a cost of about $500,000 as well, too. And that one ends in FY 30. And I think that concludes my report. We adjourned. Hold on. 6:18. Okay. We'll turn at 6:18, and then it concludes my report. Okay. Thank you. Is there a >> Motion to accept the report. >> Second. >> Motion and second to accept the report. Without objection, the report is accepted. Number two, Rules Committee is also Ms.
134Santos. >> Okay. So the Rules Subcommittee met on May 12th, 2026. In attendance were myself, Mrs. Shaw, and Mr. Laura, as well as Superintendent Cabral, uh, Mr. Barada, and Mrs. Hoy. Um, for this, and as I've been telling you, we've been reviewing the policy manual. For this section, we focused on section E, which is support services, and ex- section F, which is facilities, I believe. They're actually These were actually not that long, so there wasn't really that much discussion. Some things that Mrs. Shaw brought up was that um, as far as student support services, there was missing anything about SROs, and whether there was an MG, uh, mass journal law for that, and if there was any other support services that were missing from that. But, other than that, some things were just language changes,
135um, missing ones. Uh, so, the one thing that it is is is the most relevant here is part of what we began the meeting with is talking about, um, getting representation of the MASC, which is for everybody is the Massachusetts Association of school committees. Way too many acronyms tonight. Um, and so, basically, what um, there is a cost to this, so, uh, I just want to be clear with that. But, there we are hoping to obtain an associate from the MASC to help us through this process of revising these policies. Just as a note for other people, this hasn't been done for 9 years. Um, 9 years ago, there was this same cost attached to it, so this is a common practice. This is not us just reinventing the wheel here. Um, and one thing
136that was noted, it is really to make sure that we're in compliance. A lot of these policies have mass general laws attached to them. A lot of them do. And in MASC, they they they have more of the knowledge of it, and they have the the updates and all of those other things. So, this is really about making sure that we're staying compliant with mass general laws. So, the subcommittee, um, the three of us voted, uh, to recommend the retention of MSA MASC supervisor and our review of the policy manual. There is a cost. All of you have should gotten this manual um in your packet. It was at the end of the packet. Um but it's the a proposal for a policy manual development. So this is essentially their laying out what they'll do
137for us, what the cost is, okay? Um so there is a professional fee and it is $10,500. Uh they break it up for services rendered to complete and customize policy service. Upon receipt of signed contract, they will be paid $3,500 July 1st, well, 2025. That was That's must be wrong cuz that was last year. Right? Um and then upon completion, but no later than July 1st, 2027, which is another 3,500. Um So it and it also notes that the payment schedule doesn't accommodate the committee's budget schedule payment dates can be adjusted accordingly. So I am making a rec- recommendation as chair of the subcommittee for this the rest of the school committee to adopt this budget item so that we can have the assista- assistance of the MASC while we revise these policies. >> All
138right. Thank you, Santa. >> um And the meeting was adjourned at 5:45. Can I go please, Mary? Oh, no, I Can I conclude it now or do we still have to vote? So I don't know. >> Well, motion to approve >> Okay. >> subcommittee's recommendation. >> Okay. >> Second. >> So there's a motion second to >> On discussion, Ms. Uh Mullen has her hand up, so I'll call on her and then Dr. DeMello. >> I apologize if I missed it. Um two questions. How often do we have to update this? >> This is not an update. We're >> So this is this is where fully implemented. Like we don't have >> Like we are already halfway through all of the policy manuals. So we're up to F. It goes to letter L. So we have
139about six more policies that we have to review. So their cost this cost is for them to to review what we reviewed and make sure it aligns with the national laws to make sure that we're all up to date with other school committee policies. >> a common practice? I'm just asking. I have no >> As far as what I knew, the last group that did it was 9 years ago and I asked superintendent of this and they they did the same, exactly. >> Okay, and do we know where it comes out of in the budget? >> That's a superintendent question. >> Okay. >> That would come out That would come out of the school committee school committee line item. >> Okay. >> Same line item we used for the Chromebook not Chromebooks, the iPads. >>
140Okay. Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you, Mayor. For the last four terms now going on my five terms, I know that we've been a member of the MASC and we pay annual dues. Could you remind us, Superintendent, how much we paid to become a dues-paying member of the MASC? >> I'd have to research that. I don't know that number off the top of my head. >> Could you say it's more than 5,000, less than 10, in that range? >> I don't want to publicly put a false or inaccurate number out without doing my due diligence. >> I can I can confirm it's more than five and less than 10. So, I'm asking, as a member, I thought that was included in our subscription to update our policy manuals, the online version, and all that stuff. So,
141I I just want to make sure that we're paying 10,500 for a service we're already paying for that they're not providing us. That's my That's my problem. That's my question. >> I believe part >> And if we don't >> I believe part >> I'm sorry, go ahead. Sorry. >> I apologize. It's a little awkward. I'm sorry, I apologize. I believe part of that fee, which I'll email the committee on, is to host our manual on their website. It's also It's part of the fee that we pay annually. >> And and with that, Mayor, if I may, with all the investments in a website that we've approved earlier today that Mrs. Shaw has actually questioned on the warrant, Uh wouldn't that be, you know, better for us to have it on our website and for our
142folks to see it not the MASC because I don't, you know, other school districts may not need to know what taught public schools district is. So, before we take a vote, I would recommend, and I I apologize Ms. Santos, you've done a lot of work on this, that we better understand what our dues are, how much they are, and what they're what the dues are paid for, you know, what what what what is what are we paying the dues for? Cuz I think it's quite a few thousand dollars. That's my recommendation. >> Okay. Thank you. Chair Shavs? >> I just wanted to clear up two for the for the school committee that any of the changes that the subcommittee has recommended, none of those changes will happen until we bring them to you. So, you
143know, we're going through them, looking at ones that are missing that we don't have. Some of the wording doesn't align with our types of administrators. You know, some of the things we've found that could possibly be missing, but we will be bringing it to you prior to making any changes. So, if we go with MASC, they will do the alignment. They will look at all of the questions that we have, all of our suggestions, and then re-align it, but we still will not do any changes until it it it gets approved. And we'll have a discussion on how we're going to bring it to you because What did you say? It goes up to L, so there's a lot of sections. >> Yeah, you're we're not going to ask you all to read it all
144in one sitting. >> we may come section by section for a while and just say, "Hey, this section and these are the types of changes." But but we're not experts at this, so I think having MASC with their eyes looking at it and making sure that the the suggestions that we have are correct. And Ms. Santos is right, there is a lot of legal uh addendments to it. Um and they reference a lot of legal um that we have to make sure we have on ours. This is to keep us from being protected. So. >> Okay. And >> Yeah, if I may one more more more to the apple, Mayor. >> Yes, please, Dr. DeMello. >> Thank you. Uh so, there is no sense of urgency of committing to $10,500 because it still has to
145come to the school committee to approve. So, again, I I would recommend uh because it's quite a bit of money that the superintendent find out what our dues are, what they're what what the what the inclusions of our dues, what are we paying for uh to to be maybe better understand. And once we get that back, then take a formal vote to spend $10,500 that we still have to approve anyways on the policy updates on the uh school committee policy updates. Thank you, Mayor. >> You're welcome. Dr. Mr. Laura. >> Just just for clarification, in the subcommittee meeting, it was presented to the subcommittee past practice. This has always been done. We've always sought the legal expertise of MS uh the MASC to guide us to insert any uh Mass. General Laws additions and addendums
146to the booklet to make sure that we are in full compliance with our policies and procedures. And that is why I supported it. Past practice, been done before, and it's just a continuation to guarantee us our that we're within with the legal bounds of our duties. >> Okay. All right, so there there is a motion I I Ms. Mullen, did you make the motion? >> I did not. >> I'm sorry, who >> I believe I made the motion to accept the report. >> And with the recommendation. >> Um can I ask >> to approve the report. To approve the report. >> Yeah. >> And >> Well, and the recommendations. >> And the recommendations cuz there was [clears throat] a recommendation set. >> Okay. >> Um can I just ask a question? Um to Dr. D'Mello's
147point, is there a sense of urgency on this? Is there something like >> the chair of that. >> Uh I wouldn't say a sense of urgency, but I mean we are we're doing pretty well as far as time goes, and we're probably going to finish this by June. >> Oh wow. Okay. >> So, not a sense of urgency, but I mean especially they're going to have to go through everything that we went through over the past five or six months. How long that will take, I'm not really sure. Um obviously we would want to try to implement this sooner versus later. We had talked about maybe just doing some of this over the summer as well, too. Is it something that needs to be done right away? No. But again, I think to err on
148the side of caution, it would be really kind of dangerous for us to include policies without having somebody who has the expertise to looking at it, because then we could possibly face litigation, so on and so forth if these policies are not today. I understand the costs. I understand it. Mr. Laura brought up concerns about the cost as well, and I I I share your concerns, Dr. D'Mello. I don't mind postponing the vote if you want to wait for that. I actually have no I I don't care if we wait, because I think that's a fair point that you're making, cuz I don't know what we pay for dues, um and what's included in that. So, I think that's an important question. But I mean I I do think council is really, really important one
149way or another. >> Okay, so at this point the count the council the school committee can either go forward or the motion can be withdrawn, and there could be a motion to just accept the >> I will >> other recommendations in the report, and further that. Mr. Vieira, did you have something? >> yeah, I I I would >> just say accept the report and not adopt the recommendations at this time. >> I want to change my >> Okay. >> my motion to accept the report taking out the voting for the recommendation of the fee. >> And would that be brought again like >> And then brought up again after we get the details from the superintendent. >> Okay. So so the motion is withdrawn. The new motion is to accept the report and uh I
150mean I guess let's suggest some language in the motion so it's very clear. So um to accept the report and >> for clarification of the fees. And then come back once more for approval. >> Okay. Doc So there's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. Motion second. Dr. DeMello. >> Discussion. Thank you, Mayor. And And when they send us an exhibit D, uh they're they're asking for $3,500 upon signature of the contract, and they state July 1, 2025, $3,500 upon completion, July 1, 2027, $3,500. I I believe we're in 2026. So uh you know, at least present us with a a document that aligns with the dates uh according to our contract. >> Yes. >> If If the >> Noted. >> If you If Please. Thank you. >> Okay. Um okay.
151And then And I'm sure this will be corrected. This is a draft, but it also refers to a different school committee as well. But So. Uh Uh okay. So there's a motion. There's a second. Um without objection, uh the motion passes as stated by Mr. Lara. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Excellent. Okay. So let's move on. We are just about through here. Committee of the whole, Miss Miss Mrs. Shops. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Taunton School Committee met on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 to present the School Committee recognitions. The meeting began at 6:05 p.m. with Dr. DeMello, Mrs. Fagan, Mr. Lara, Mrs. Mullen, and myself in attendance along with Superintendent Cabral and members of his leadership team. The theme of the evening quickly emerged as pioneers, capturing the spirit of dedication, compassion, and service
152that was evident throughout the recognitions. Students and staff from Leddy Preschool, Chamberlain, Galligan, and Mulcahey Elementary Schools, Friedman and Parker Middle Schools, Taunton Public Virtual Academy, Taunton Alternative High School, and Taunton High School were recognized for their leadership, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond. These pioneers exemplified the values that make a meaningful difference across our schools. The superintendent also recognized two outstanding administrators, Principal Isa Rodriguez and Principal Bert Delaney. Ms. Rodriguez has been a true pioneer in building the Virtual Academy from the ground up without a blueprint and with minimum guidance. She embraced the challenge of designing a school to serve our most vulnerable learners, ensuring that they have access to high-quality education delivered with a personal and supportive approach. Ms. Rodriguez and her staff have accomplished this and much more. Principal
153Delaney, the first principal of the Taunton Alternative High School, has also been a pioneer in establishing programming that provides students with a meaningful alternatives to the traditional high school setting. With the over the past 13 years, Principal Delaney and his staff have supported more than 900 students in earning their high school diplomas. He has been deeply committed to building students up and preparing them to become successful, contributing members of our community. Together, the students and staff recognized this evening reflected the very best of our school community and the shared commitment to supporting one another and making a lasting difference across our schools. The meeting concluded at 7:06. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Ms. O'Leary. So, it sounds like that was just an update, no recommendations to adopt. Okay. >> First motion to accept
154the report of the >> Oh, okay. >> Second. >> Motion and second to accept the report without objection. The report is accepted. Next is curriculum and instruction, Ms. Santos. >> Um so, we are going to reschedule that meeting. Um I had realized um in the in the morning that Lilia uh Jillian Lucchetti, who is the early uh college coordinator, wasn't able to attend, so we're going to reschedule when she is able to. >> Okay, thank you. And finance and law, Mr. Vieira, will be doing that one? >> Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. The finance and law subcommittee met today, Wednesday, May 20th, 5:45 p.m. Subcommittee is myself, Dr. DeMello, Mrs. Chaves, Superintendent Cabral was also in attendance, and the amazing and Zarembach. First item on the agenda was cafeteria bid openings. Um >> [clears throat]
155>> it's broken down into three categories. The first category is groceries. We received three bids. Um all bids uh upon open appeared to be good bids. Uh motion was made to refer the bids three bids to administration. That passed three nothing. Second was paper supplies. There were six bids that were opened. All six bids uh upon open appeared to be good. Those were also referred to uh administration for further evaluation. That vote passed three nothing. The last item for the cafeteria bid openings was the maintenance and service of equipment and repairs. We received three bids. All three bids also appeared um to be good bids, and they were also referred to administration. The second item on the agenda was a special education expenses and services. Superintendent Cabral did note today we are over budget by
15618,000. Uh Dr. DeMello had questions about bills, why we don't have bills yet for April March. Superintendent is going to look into that. The bills that were received for services rendered for January 2026 was $7,388.40. February 2026 $7,815.10. Total year-to-date spend $68,101 and $0.84. Motion was made to accept the report. Not passed three nothing. Final item on the agenda was bills payable in the amount of $503,608.89. Questions were asked and were answered by the superintendent and motion was made and seconded to pay the bills in the amounts stated. That passed three nothing. We adjourned at 6:17. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Viera. >> Motion to accept the report and recommendations adopted to refer to the appropriate uh >> Second. >> persons. >> All right. Motion and second to accept the report and
157make the appropriate referrals. >> referrals to the >> Uh without objection those things are done. >> Mayor Mayor may I recommend a roll call since it's >> finances since we're spending $503,000. >> Sure can. Roll call, please. >> Um that motion and second on a roll call, please, Mrs. Fagan. Mr. Polawski. >> Yes. >> Miss Santos. >> Yes. >> Fagan votes yes. Mr. Lora. >> Yes. >> Miss Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Viera. >> Yes. >> And chairman >> I'm sorry. We're missing Greg. Yeah, I'm sorry. Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> And chairman chairwoman Donna Shops. >> Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. Next is new business, Taunton Public Schools summer school 2026 update. >> No, just an annual update on programming for the summer and what we're planning to do. >> All right, included in
158everyone's packet. And then we have um unfinished business action item update. I'm not sure if there's any business with that. >> time, thank you. >> No action at this time. Um we have press time. We do have press here. Are there any No comments from the press? All right, without objection, we are adjourned. >> Okay. >> All right, thank you everyone. >> Have a great long weekend coming