001Finance and Law Subcommittee will come to order. Attendance. Dr. Dlo >> present. >> Mrs. Shaves >> present. >> And Mr. Vie is present. Item one on the agenda, bills payable FY26 in the amount of 1,35,353.84. wishes of the committee >> to approve the war warrant with um I have some uh questions >> second on discussion >> discussion Mrs. Shaves. >> Um, page three. >> Sorry for one second. I need my glasses. Um, Anderson Maroon Sherry for $1,250. >> She has been providing speech and language services from uh throughout the district. >> Okay. And on that same page, the Barnes Tree Service, it's maintenance of grounds. Where was that? That was at the Jack Trip Field. >> Okay. >> Page eight. Dr. Jeff Dreer LLC testing. >> That is a neurosych testing for a student. Um
002page 14, MV Electrical Contractors, it says a um athletes clean repair equipment 9,65. >> Yep. It is to install two outlets for shot clocks and install two new hoop um motor receptacles. >> So two outlets for >> shot clocks. >> Shot clock. Yep. Basketball. And then install new hoop motor receptacles. >> Hoop. >> That's all at the high school. >> Oh, so that must make the hoop going up and down. Okay. >> Okay. And the last one is on page 20. S R P D >> um school security $47157. This is um another this is a vendor that we have been using and this one is for services through July uh through September security services >> and so what sign what kind of security services are they doing? >> So Serpent Serpent assists us with
003our uh emergency response protocols training. >> Oh so emergency response if there ever was a crisis situation the drills that we've attended in the past as a committee. >> Mhm. So that's a that that's a company that works very closely with Mrs. Hoy, the Carton Police Department, and our SRO's and all our first responders. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions from the subcommittee? >> Mr. Vier, if the maker of the motion could kindly amend to include uh an item on page 18, voucher number 26225 uh in the amount of $8,448. I'd like to recorded uh be recorded as voting present uh as I serve as a co-treasur and on the board of directors at Pride, Inc. >> Mr. Sh. Is that agreeable? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, the motion is amended. If
004there's uh no further questions, uh all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> The chair votes I. >> Motion passes three nothing. And that is it. Motion to adjurnn would be in order. >> Motion to >> so moved. >> Okay. Motion was made and seconded. All those in favor? >> Chair votes I. We are adjourned. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. Call to order the first regular December meeting of the Taton School Committee. Please stand and pledge allegiance. >> Ready? 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 [singing] by the dawn early light [singing] what so proudly we held [singing] at the twilight last
005gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous [singing] must fight. Or the ramparts we watch [singing] were so gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare. The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still [singing] there. Oh, say does that star spangled [singing] then [screaming] yet wave or the land of the free and the home of the brave. [applause] Lord, as we begin this session, let us acknowledge your goodness and mercy and ask your blessings on all our deliberation. We thank you for this opportunity to be of service to our community and to the young people entrusted in our care. If you could please remain standing for a moment of silence. Frank Grande, 76, of Lawingford, Connecticut, the love and husband of Deborah Smith Grande, passed away on
006November 18th, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 9th, 1949. Was the son of the late Sino and Amelia Mary Oaviano Grande. In addition to his wife Deborah, Frank is survived by his son Christopher Grande, his sister Elizabeth Camber who is a library media specialist Eolan Parker and her husband Peter and Ann Marie Fischer. Services are private at the convenience of Frank's family. So, if you could keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and uh a moment of silence. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Vieier, could you do the roll call, please? >> Yes, ma'am. Mr. Reinus is absent. Mrs. Shabs, >> present. >> Mr. Palowski, >> present. >> Mr. Vieier is present. Miss Santos, >> present. >> Mr. Laura, >> present. >> Mrs. Fagan,
007>> present. >> Dr. Dlo, >> present. >> Mayor O'Connell is absent. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Approval. Oh, I'm sorry. Um, we'd like to call Yeah. Miss um Mullen up to join us, please, for this meeting. >> Motion for >> Miss Mullen to join us at the table. seconded. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. The eyes have it. >> Next is the um there will be no student uh advisory committee report tonight. Oh, I'm sorry. The approval of the minutes for November 19th. >> Motion to approve the minutes of November 19th, 2025. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. The eyes have it. There will be no student advisory uh committee report this evening and there will be um the executive session um I'm going to refer to Mr.
008uh Cababro. >> Uh the matter regarding executive session I have discussed with all board members so they are well informed uh regarding the matters we were going to discuss in executive session this evening. So I would say we bypass executive session would be my recommendation. I'll make a motion to um bypass executive session, go straight into public input. >> And I will second that. >> All those in favor? I >> oppose. The eyes have it. >> Public input. I want to read this. Sorry, Mr. Fro. In accordance with Mass Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 39, section 23C. We kindly request that individuals wishing to provide public input sign up in advance. A copy of the regulation and guidelines will be provided upon sign up and individuals be asked to state their name and address for the
009record. The amount of time each registered individual will have to speak will be about five minutes. Is that right, Mr. Cabo? >> Three. Okay. Three minutes. Um, and who signed to register and it will be announced prior to the start of the public input portion of the meeting. >> Okay. Public input. Right. Forward. >> Mr. Vie has >> Oh, Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. Okay. Oh, you got it. That's right. >> So, 11 people signed up for public input tonight. First person on the list, David Ellis, 60 Grant Street. >> Okay. Good evening. >> Good evening. As a parent of three students currently enrolled in Taton public schools, I wanted to say a few words about the Taton Education Association's position on educator safety as currently shown that's in Taton uh local and uh regional media.
010As I say, I have three students in our schools, the high school level, middle school, and elementary with over 18 cumulative years in the district. In that time, we have run the gamut of experiences. We've received the worst phone call perhaps a parent could possibly receive and dealt with grace and effective communication that's at the elementary school level with the superintendent and the teachers and administrators that's of this building. We have seen, you know, exceptional teachers in these buildings shift out of the classroom and into developmental assistance, educator roles, title one and the like. We've seen talented administrators get burnt out. That's from in this district and leave to go ahead and work elsewhere. At the same time, we've seen bright young teachers run through proverbial walls. We've seen effective response to bully and inter
011bullying and inter student issues planned out by school counselors. At the same time, looking around this room, I see a lot of faces that I deal with on a daily basis as educators. So, please be aware that as I say these words, it's not necessarily that's you individually with those agreements and and action plans and management that we've dealt with with the superintendent's office and with the administrators at the schools. We've seen teachers fail to perform the most simple aspects of these response plans. We've had teach we've had teachers lie to us directly about violent situations at Lady Preschool. We've seen our own children that's become indifferent, disinterested, and be completely unengaged by teachers of this district for an entire school year by teachers who choose not to get out of a classroom seat at
012any time during that entire year. We've even gone as far as twice having to remove our students from field trips because of teachers that's failing to pay attention at two students in the classroom. Wouldn't want to bring our kid to a zoo there with with a teacher of that nature. I bring this up not because of the fact that I want to see teachers endangered. I don't I want this classroom, these classrooms to be safe. I recognize the district that has had 61 episodes last year in the first term and has had 37 episodes first term this year. I'll tell you what, if you had a 40% increase in the MCCAST scores in this district, the Taton Educational Association would be out there on the street picketing a night for a new CBA. You can
013look, you can doubt that, but that's exactly what would happen. And I bring this as well with these episodes that's of student endangerment out of my concern to you. At the same time, out of concern to the students in the classrooms as well. Because just six weeks ago in this building, a teacher assaulted a student. And we as of yet have received the final notification that's on the event that's from the principal's office and the superintendent's office as blocked by terms from TEA's CBA with the city. Ladies and gentlemen, the street goes both ways. you have an agreement that's with the CA, with the CBA, with the city to use the health and safety arrangements and protocols with the district, with the superintendent's office. You failed to meet your representatives failed to arrive to the
014first meeting. You canceled it. Again, this goes both ways. And missing that first appointment, that first, you know, scheduled meeting that's for this arrangement. That doesn't look good. And it looks disingenuous as a Taton parent to have skipped that meeting and then fill this room up tonight. That's I apologize. That's that's that's my position on the matter. So, thank you for the time. >> Thank you, Mr. Ellis. Next person signed up, Sarah Lincoln, 22 Crane A North. >> Good evening. My name is Sarah Lincoln. I reside reside at 22 Cranav North. I'm a Taton resident. My son attends Taton High School. I work as a secretary at a Taton Elementary School. And I am also the Tessa vice president. For those that don't know, the Tessa Union represents the educational assistants, lunch recess assistants, library
015assistants, security guards, and secretaries. I've gone back and forth on what I want to spend my time giving input on. Let's face it, there are so many areas to choose from. Safety inside the classroom, outside on the playgrounds, a living wage for my members, equitable pay for secretaries, diapering for general education students. So much to choose from in so little time. Today, I've decided to focus on our lowest paid staff, our lunch recess assistants. Our lunch recess assistants work three and a half hours a day. They are not eligible for benefits like city insurance, a pension, or FMLA. They accept this position knowing that and knowing they would start off making $17.81 an hour, which equals an annual gross pay of $11,968.32. just shy of what you, our school committee members, earn for a stipen
016per year. I don't say this to shame you, but to make you aware. Many may say that they don't have to work part-time. They could get another job that has better pay and more hours. And you're right, they could, but they shouldn't have to. I'd like to share a little bit about one of our lunch recess assistants we're lucky to have at Gallagan, Melissa Salaji. She started off as my coworker. She became my friend and is now my sister in life. For anybody that knows Melissa, they know she lights up a room. She's one of the strongest, most positive people I know. Her family, they're just amazing. Melissa has two sons. She took the job as a lunch recess assistant because both her boys, Jonathan and Sam, are autistic, and they needed her at home
017to get them on the school bus to set them up for a successful day. They needed her home to get them off the bus because not all kids, no matter what their age, can do that alone. She's grateful to have found a job that works for her family dynamic, allowed her to have the same days off as her children, and one that she truly loves. Then the unthinkable happened. Jonathan was diagnosed with leukemia. And wasn't she darn lucky she had this lunch recess gig so that she could take the time she needed to care for her son? No, she didn't qualify for FMLA, but the district was gracious enough to approve a long-term leave for her. She was able to be with her son when he need he needed her the most and be at
018the school to have a muchneeded escape. She will always be grateful to the district for allowing that. That was then, and this is now. Her sons are healthy and thriving at UMass Dartmouth, and for whatever reason, she doesn't have the heart to give up her lunch recess position. She loves her job, her fellow assistants, her school, her principles, and mostly her students. Melissa is one of our highest earning lunch recess assistants, earning a whopping $2142 an hour after nine years of service. Melissa often uses her own money to buy bubbles and chalk for the kids that are on physical restriction due to injury. The other day, she brought in a 12-pack of gloves gloves for the kids that complain their hands are cold while outside at recess. She is the first to give a donation
019for a staff member in need. Melissa brought home $12,22.34 last year. She does not make a living wage. Melissa, just like many of our lunch recess assistants, gives her literal blood, sweat, and tears to her job and her students. She often has to break up fights by putting her body in the way of kicks and punches between students. She has been bitten, punched, kicked, called the b- word, and much worse. Sure, they get disciplined and then they're right back at it. The same students day in and day out. And trust me, there are much worse incidents going on at our other schools. I urge you to come to our schools and see for yourself. Melissa plays with our kids when she can. It's hard to take time to do that these days with more and
020more students and the same amount of staff. She teaches them games that they've never been able to play before. She plays tag with kids that don't even have a backyard, and this is their only chance to run around like the kids that they should be. At Gallagghan, we don't have a gymnasium. Our kids are in the classroom for art and music. Their only chance to leave the classroom on most days is for lunch and recess. So she bundles up, sunscreens up, wears a neck fan or a scarf, layers, layers, and layers to deal with the New England weather we all know and mostly love. So these kids can have their one opportunity to get outside if possible. Melissa and I have literally shed tears about the things our students share with us. She cries for
021them because she deeply cares for them. They confide in her because they trust her, because she is there for them day in and day out. It's hard. It's a hard job, even if just for three and a half hours a day. On top of being an essential job for our schools and our students. As TESSA vice president, I feel our district can and must be better. Not our principles, our teachers, our support staff. We are all doing the best we can with what we have. We need the school committee support. We need you to hold our district's administration's feet to the fire. We need change and we need it now. We cannot keep revisiting these issues year after year after year without resolution. Which is why Tessa currently has multiple proposals on the bargaining table
022to address these issues. As TESSA vice president, as a Taton resident, as a mother of a school-aged child, as a school employee, I'm asking you for two things. The first is to come to an agreement at the bargaining table as soon as possible that will pay our members like Melissa a living wage and guarantee lunch recess staffing ratios that are safer for staff and students. The second is come to come visit our schools, see what's actually going on, not just what you're being told by district leadership. Thank you very much for taking the time to listen. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Lincoln. Next up is Robert Perry, 1531 Stanzion Drive, Dyon. The topic is student recognition. >> Good evening, members of the board, and thank you for your time or your time this
023evening. I have a letter from the Dyon Veteran Services uh addressed to Mr. uh subject is student recognition. Recently, Dyon was recognized as a Purple Heart town by the national headquarters of the military honor of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration. It is awarded to those veterans who have been wounded or lost their lives in defense of our nation. The town of Dyon formally accepted this honor on November 12th, 2025. The following members of the Taton High School Air Force Junior ROC color guard participated in the ceremony. Cadet Major Patricia Andred, Cadet First Lieutenant Mason Brandon, Cadet Second Lieutenant Abigail Knox, and Cadet Staff Sergeant Landon Sores. Their entrance into the venue, their presentation of the colors, and their military bearing clearly signal to those in attendance the significance of
024that ceremony. We thank them for their participation signed by Raymond Heg, Dyton Veteran Services Officer, and myself. And we'd also like to give kudos to the program director, um, Math Sergeant David Lelant. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Perry. Next person signed up, public input. Denise McGor, 183 Walker Street. Topic: Safety in schools. >> Hello, dear members of the Taton School Committee. I'm here this evening to express my deep and growing concern about the state of safety in our schools. As an educator and as president of the Taton Education Association, I care profoundly about the well-being of every student and every staff member who walks through our doors. A few years ago, the TEA launched our support our students campaign. We came to the school committee asking for help for critical services to be put
025in place. While we appreciate the actions that were taken, it is now clear that we must take a hard, honest look at the effectiveness and acknowledge where they are falling short. In recent months, we have witnessed a sharp rise in classroom evacuations and incidents that leave staff injured and students in unsafe situations. Every time this happens, learning stops. Every time this happens, every child in that classroom loses the instruction they deserve. And too often, these situations arise because students are not placed in settings that can appropriately meet their needs. We know that we cannot stop these behaviors from happening, but we can change how we react to them. We are asking for the services and support these students require and for the staffing levels necessary to keep all classrooms safe and functional. It is unacceptable
026to expect educators to manage increasingly complex needs without the tools, training and personal and personnel required to do so. We all agree that every child has the right to a free public education. But we must confront the reality. If a student is placed in a setting that does not meet their needs, we are not fulfilling that promise. Convenience cannot be the deciding factor when it comes to student placement. Safety, appropriateness, and adequate support must guide their decisions. We [snorts] are asking the students be placed in classrooms that are truly suited to their needs. We are asking that the district bring the appropriate services to those students. And we are asking each of you to consider how these daily realities impact the educators who are being asked to manage them with far too few resources. We
027need and deeply appreciate your continued help and support. Tonight, I would like to share a letter from one of our members. It offers a powerful reflection of what our most vulnerable students are experiencing and what our educators and their classmates are being asked to manage every single day. Dear Dr. Dlo and members of the school committee. I'm writing to express a deep and urgent concern regarding the increase in physical aggression towards teachers and peers within our schools. Throughout my 25 plus years as a taunt educator, this issue has grown significantly. Specifically within the last few years, this behavior has become normalized, often seen as part of the job. Yet, it threatens not only staff safety, but also the stability of our learning environments and the overall well-being of our students. Educators within inclusion classrooms across
028the district, including myself, are being hit, kicked, punched, pushed, bitten, and subjected to objects being thrown at them during the course of our workday. Given my experience, I understand that challenging behaviors are part of the profession. However, physical violence is not and it must never be treated as an acceptable or inevitable part of teaching. In [snorts] my classroom this school year, these incidents have occurred daily and persist throughout the entire school day. What is especially troubling is that many teachers feel these behaviors are becoming normalized by the district. Too often, incidents of aggression are downplayed, minimized, or dismissed with statements like, "That's just how children are now," or, "We own them or put them in for student support." A process that can take several weeks or even months to provide the student with the necessary
029support. This normalization places our staff in harm's way and sends a dangerous signal that their safety and the safety of their students is not being prioritized. When aggression is not taken seriously, safety becomes compromised, increasing risk not only for teachers but for all students. As a result, morale is deteriorating. Many many educators feel undervalued and unprotected which fuels feelings of despair and disillusionment. As we are all well aware, the recent Aby's Wernern case highlights the real devastating consequences when school leaders fail to act on clear warnings. It is a powerful example of why we cannot allow violence to become normalized in our classrooms. It is vital that things change before someone becomes seriously injured in Taton. Our teachers deserve to work in environments where they can teach without fear. We have a responsibility to ensure
030that such an environment exists now more than ever. I know that I'm not the only one who ends each day feeling completely exhausted both mentally and physically. Each day I am constantly anticipating or responding to violence, an expectation that causes myself, students, and other staff in my room stress and exhaustion. [snorts] In addition, meaningful learning has significantly decreased and lost instructional time has become routine in my classroom due to the frequent evacuations, ongoing safety concerns, and the need to manage emotional regulation of my students. In addition, our students deserve classrooms where respect, stability, and safety prevail. Many students in my classroom are beginning to feel unsafe and anxious because of the repeated aggressive behaviors they are witnessing. They have expressed fear about being in close proximity to a peer who frequently hits, throws objects, or
031lashes out unpredictably. Even when they are not the direct target, simply observing violent behavior creates a heightened sense of stress. During parent teacher conferences, several parents expressed concerns that the child is afraid to come to school out of fear they could be hurt. School is supposed to be safe space for all students to learn. And in some situation, it is the only safe place some of them know. We are exposing children to classroom environments where children lose their sense of security and trust in the school setting. This constant state of worry affects more than just their emotional well-being. It impacts their ability to focus, participate, and feel confident in their learning environment. Several students in my classroom have been avoiding certain activities, choosing seats farther from the incidentprone areas, having accidents, or asking adults for
032an escort around the classroom. These are not behaviors rooted in typical childhood anxiety. They are responses to a classroom environment that no longer feels safe to them. Children thrive when they feel protected, supported, and cared for. When violence occurs repeatedly and without effective intervention, students internalize the message that their safety cannot be guaranteed. This undermines both their trust in the school environment and the teachers who are meant to protect them. In closing, while FAPE and LRA aim for inclusion, a general education classroom may not always meet every student's needs. Some students require specialized instruction or supports that are better provided in alternative settings to ensure both academic progress and safety. If the Taton public schools do not have these programs, we must take responsibility to identify or provide settings where they can thrive and succeed.
033We need to do better. Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community. I'm hopeful that together we can take meaningful steps to protect all those who dedicate themselves in to education. For myself, [applause] for myself in closing, I want I want to be clear. Our educators are doing everything within their power. Our students are doing their best. But we cannot do this work alone. We have to continue to work together. Our request is simple. We ask the school committee to actively listen to the educators who work with these students every day. Engage with us. Ask us what we need. Together, we must take decisive steps to ensure that all students and staff are safe and supported. Thank you for your time. [applause] Thank you,
034Miss McGor. Next person signed up for public input. Karen Wera, 60 Puff and Way. Topic: Student safety. >> Good evening. >> My name is Corine Wera. I live at 60 Puffin Way in East Taton. I am the president of Tessa representing the dedicated secretaries, educational assistants, security guards, and lunch recess assistants who keep our schools running every day. We have been in negotiations since August. As part of our recent negotiations, we have requested additional staff recess for recess and lunch. Our current contract requires that no fewer than three staff members supervising as many as 160 children on a playground at recess. We recently proposed a ratio of 30 students per one adult which I still think is on the higher level. A request that was rejected by the negotiating committee. They offered us a 50
035to1 ratio which really isn't any different than what the existing contract says. It's just a spin. Just for context, a lifeguard cannot supervise more than 25 swimmers at a time. A daycare cannot f it has to follow strict staffing ratios. Classrooms operate under defined studentto staff limits. Why then are we unwilling to establish similar similar standards during lunch and recess? These are the times when the kids feel free to run around and get all their energy out. This is when injuries and emergencies are more likely. Do we really want to wait until a crisis occurs to act on this? I asked the committee plainly, how can three people safely remove 160 elementary students from a playground in emergency? The plain answer is you can't. So something needs to be done. The presence of a studentto
036staff ratio should be the foundation for our safety. Our members complete injury reports multiple times each week. Students are spitting, biting, kicking, throwing objects, breaking glass, and running out of the building. Just yesterday, a fifth grader bit an educational assistant. A fifth grader. This starts at the prek level. This is not just disruptive, it's traumatic for students and staff alike. As a part of our negotiations, I had requested to be copied on all injury reports. [clears throat] This request was denied. I want to emphasize that this is not a HIPPA violation. HIPPA [clears throat] is when you have sensitive medical information that's included on the report. I ask you to take a look at the form used. I sincerely hope that the school committee will request regular briefings that include the number of injuries each
037month, what schools, whether medical attention was required, and if they had to follow up. We have a [clears throat and snorts] lunch recess assistant that has had to have multiple follow-up visits, year-to-year comparisons. This data would help ensure that all parties fully understand the severity of the situation and we have a transparent, informed conversation about in which direction we're heading. We need to plan better and have a positive impact in our schools. Our unit is currently working without a contract. This means our members have not received their step increase or any raise. We are asking the committee and the district to prioritize a fair settlement, one that values the essential work of every employee ensures that no one in our schools must choose between supporting the children of this district and supporting their own families.
038Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss any of these issues any further and to work collaboratively towards making our school safer for everyone. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your attention and your commitment. We appreciate you and we hope that you will act on this. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Miss Sara. Next person up is Paula No, 25 Manadnok a Taunt, Mass. Topic is safety. >> Hi everyone, my [clears throat] name is Paula No, 25 Madnock AB here in Taton. I'm a library media assistant at Mohe Elementary School. This is my 11th school year uh in the district. Uh tonight I'm not reading a letter. um that I wrote. I am the uh Tessa building union rep in my building and one of our assistants uh wrote a letter and
039asked me to read it. [clears throat] I was outside for kindergarten recess with three teachers to seven classes. A child picked up something off the ground at the playground and started chasing three classmates, stating, "I'm going to stab you." I ran over and put my hand out, not seeing what was in his hand, and asked the student to hand me what he had. He quickly stabbed the needle he had found into my hand. This would not be the first time the student has acted out violently to students and teachers. I am currently still attending doctor's appointments to get my blood checked. These are unsafe conditions and are very concerning work environment [clears throat] for my co-workers and myself. Caitlyn Capello, Mohei kindergarten assistant. Thank you very much. [applause] Thank you, Miss Noah. Next speaker is
040Najib Kadish, second fourth a ton mass. Topic is um same safety. >> Hello everyone. My name is Najib Khib. I'm a Tan resident. I'm a husband of uh an assistant at Mahi and I'm a father of two kids attending um this um the school here which is the elementary school Mahi and uh uh Free Freeman uh school. Um I would like to highlight three three key points assistance. So which is including my wife perform critical skilled work. We manage classroom assist students with special needs. Support teachers and ensure the safety and stability of the school day. These responsibility are not extra. They are essential for our for our our uh kids. Second, current compensation and working conditions do not match the uh the responsibility. Excuse my emotional because I just heard the story right now
041which I think maybe a lot of us just heard it for the first time. >> Um someone just going to work um and getting stopped with the needle. That makes no sense to me. And I guess it makes no sense to every everybody. Imagine he stopped another kids. So what's gonna happen? Um just asking for a fair contract uh which is an investment not a costwise. Fair wages and safe working condition reduce turnover, improve students outcome and strengthen the overall stab stability of the district. Every strong school system is built on the people who support students uh uh students direct directly. I respectfully urge the committee to finalize a contract that reflects the real uh the reality of the work on that provides feel fear compensation and ensure a safe supportive environment for those who
042give so much to our children. Um so again so whatever way we're going to ask for as a parent uh um resident of Tatan and uh a husband of uh school worker just a fair contract and including the number of the assistants that are in for example in Mori there are more than 900 students there and there are only nine assistance. I don't think it's enough. I don't think it's enough. I don't want my kids to get involved in a situation where I have to stand up and go and fight. Fight who? Fight another kid. No, we need safety. And those people that are working there, they are given a lot. Thank you so much. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Kadesh. Next speaker is Elise Greavves, 25 Pawn Street, Rahobath, Mass. Topic is
043student staff safety. >> Good evening. I'm reading this letter on a behalf of a colleague in my school. I work at an elementary school in Taton. All right. She states, "I am writing to formally express my professional concerns as a school adjustment counselor regarding the significant behavioral and safety issues that have persisted within our school setting. Over the past four years, I have witnessed a notable increase in the intensity and frequency of unsafe behaviors. students and staff being kicked, punched, bitten, verbally threat threatened, just to name a few. I have witnessed students aloping classrooms and school buildings with myself and other school staff running after them. No individual in our school community should be subjected to physical harm, and the normalization of these incidents is deeply troubling. Despite my therapeutic background and commitment to supporting
044students social emotional needs, I believe that appropriate and consistent consequences are an essent essential component of a safe and structured learning environment. Currently, consequences are either lacking or inconsistently applied. As a result, students are becoming desensitized to harmful behaviors, and these behaviors have become the new norm. This environment compromises the safety, emotional well-being, and learning experience of all students and prevents teachers from engaging in meaningful instruction. Additionally, administrative responses have often been handsoff with limited follow-through and inconsistent communication. This has further contributed to the to an amount environment in which staff does not feel supported and students and staff are not being kept safe due to the lack of clear expectations or accountability. The school district is not providing an inclusive trauma-sensitive and instructionally focused environment when safety concerns overshadow the learning on a daily
045basis. This has been reality for the four years I have been in this position and it has significantly impacted my role. Instead of engaging in the therapeutic work I am trained to provide, the position has shifted almost entirely into behavior management and crisis containment. After four years of navigating these challenges without meaningful systematic change, I have made the difficult decision to leave my role. This decision comes from a place of professional and personal reflection as well as my concern for both student well-being and my ability to practice effectively within the scope of my training. I am hopeful that by sharing these concerns, the school district will consider the urgent need for con consistent e expectations, administrative support and practices that ensure the safety and dignity of every member of the school community. Thank you. [applause]
046[applause] >> Thank you, Miss Greavves. Next speaker, Juliana Ferrari, 464 County Road, born Mass. Student safety, staff safety, and mental health is the topic. >> Good evening. I My name is Juliana Ferrari. Many know me as Jules. I was an ABA therapist for 11 years for Taton Public Schools. My last day was October 31st, 2025. I would like to read the letter that I shared uh at my resignation. I don't want to do this anymore. That's what I said. my last sentence as an ABA therapist at Taton Public Schools. For 11 years, that line hasn't ever crossed my mind. And yet, it poured out of me with tears and the inability to catch my breath while holding the feet of a six-year-old boy under a car, fearing that if he let go, he would run
047into the woods. I don't want to do this anymore. While the staff stand above you, asking what to do, screaming, my face buried in my hands, lying on the cold pavement, nose bleeding in a puddle of tears. A hand of a friend, a co-orker rubbing my back, telling me to breathe. A 33-year-old lies there, drained, unsure of herself, her future unknown. And as the breaths low, what do you do? You get up and collect yourself. Sitting in an office chair, you hear the feet and voices of your co-workers. Some scrambling to help out your class. Others continuing with their duties as normal, except you don't feel normal. You replay the scene over and over in your mind, asking yourself, "How did we get here?" You realize you're sweating and your body aches. The nurse, this
048the school nurse for our students is walking in reported by the principal to complete a checkup on me. She takes my pulse oxygen and eye gaze. I feel embarrassed, nauseous. My heart aches in my chest. A friend, another coworker enters and states, "We are leaving." I follow. At the door, I stop. I look right down the hallway towards my classroom. I should go back to them. It's what I'm supposed to be doing. Except the thought of returning, trying to finish out the day, thinking of all the behaviors, data, parents request, questions, and needs sends a rush of panic over me. I turn left and leave. I aware I am aware that Taunt public schools is not struggling alone. The concerns have been expressed follow suit outside the Rice program and across all public schools nationwide.
049Teachers are caught between everyone and supported by no one. The behaviors of students have intensified along with mental health issues and parents concerns and understanding this new world of technology. When practicing lockdown drills, teachers make the statement now not if a school shooting happens, but when a school shooting happens. staff shortages, larger class sizes with greater needs, and teachers are training new teachers. Classroom management is no longer about building relationships, structure, routines, and connections. Instead, it's about deescalating trauma, being a teacher, a counselor, social worker, and crisis team allin one. A study found 44% of teachers leave within their first five years. Newer teachers being two and a half times more likely to quit than their tenur counterparts. A survey by the National Education Association revealed that 55% of teachers leave the education field sooner
050than they initially planned. 61% of teachers reported feeling burnt out, 21 experiencing poor mental health. The teaching profession is experiencing its lowest levels of employment in 50 years. The interest profession among incoming college students and historic low. In the 2024 2025 school year, schools were short 55,000 teachers and an additional 270,000 were not credentialed to work in K12 classrooms. In the last five years, there's been a increase a 30 38% increase in physical attacks, 60% increase in disruptive behavior and verbal abuse is up 40%. What happened to me isn't an isolated moment. It's part of a crisis that's unfolding across the country. So why am I writing this? I know that many of the areas discussed above may be beyond your control for change, but I'd like to think that Taunt Public Schools takes pride
051when a devoted staff member who has dedicated decades to this district leaves or retires with their head held high, satisfied with their achievements, and is ready for the next chapter of their life. That was not my case. I didn't leave bitter. I left broken. That's not leaving a job. That's totally reworking your brain again to believe in something, to become whole, and to find your purpose. You want to retain and attract new hires, then listen when I say I hear it in their voices when they call to check on me. I hear it now, something I didn't hear in myself. Depletion, exhaustion, and hopelessness. So, I may just be one person telling you their story, but I think it's one worth listening to. I fear what happened to me will happen to other staff members,
052and it will keep happening again and again and again. The people I work with are returning to work with their own story to tell, carrying emotional loads no one sees, struggles and traumas that need healing. Instead, they come and heal our students. Cancer, diabetes, heart problems, broken hand and foot, common cold, pregnancies, failing relationships, they come to school. The death of a friend, mother, father, sibling, spouse, or even the death of their own child, they come to school. A chair is thrown, a lotment out of the building, rooms destroyed, bit, scratched, spit, swat, sworn at, threatened, hair pulls, aggressions, a punch in the stomach, and we bury our struggles deep down inside to help this student, a child, deal with the crisis at hand. Just because we carry it well doesn't mean it isn't heavy.
053Taon has done many good things, including hiring amazing individuals. I write these words on the backs of their strength and support, lifting and believing me every day. The RISE program is more than just a job you can walk away from. It's a unit, a bond that is unlike any in the work field. What we have and what we go through daily, I would say, we work together as close of a unit in a military branch. We work collaboratively and achieve goals through teamwork along with having the skill set to be adaptable, quick thinking to handle unexpected situations. We are constantly having to juggle varying behavior plans, deescalation tools and techniques and always thinking three steps ahead being aware of all students at all times while alopement tantrums and attempts of school work are occurring. 12
054students who are unable to avoid themselves, use the bathroom, walk down the hallway or have any safe independence. There is no true individualized work being done. While one child is working on requesting bathroom, another safe body, another one is learning letter sounds, juggling it all the best we can for these students. Being in this constant heightened state of alertness, you rely on your team to survive. I don't share this out of bitterness, but out of hope. Hope that my words remind someone how extraordinary our educators are, even in the face of chaos. I want this letter to be seen by our district so we can grow and do better for the next person who becomes a part of Taton Public Schools. Right now, what is occurring in our schools is comparable to a wildfire raging
055out of control. And where we are now, we are in the ashes. But if this story reaches the ears of one person who will listen, who can heal, and who can create change, we can rise again. Thank you very much. [applause] [cheering] [applause] Thank you, Miss Ferrari. Next speaker, Carara Foster, 305 Scatteren Street. Topic is contract student safety. >> Hi, good evening. My name is Carara Foster and um at 305 Scatting Street in Taton and I work at Chamberlain Elementary School in the TLC program as an educational assistant. This is my third year working with my loving, amazing, kind, and compassionate staff. I see every day the hard work the staff does to give our students a happy, nurturing, learning, social and emotional driven agenda. I could not do my job without the support from
056my amazing co-workers that are never afraid to step up to help. So many of the TLC staff put in extra time either before or after the school day to make sure we start off smoothly and have the students ready for the dismissal. I feel that with the cost of living going up drastically, the rise in insurance and the amount of educational assistance are paid does not reflect all of these increases. >> [clears throat and cough] >> The behaviors and languages that we he exposed to each day takes a real toll on each of our staff members. I know in the time I have been in the program, I have a hard time taking a sick day knowing when knowing when staff members are absent, it affects the entire team. We each show up every day
057with open hearts, patience, and generosity. And I feel our new contract should reflect all of this. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Foster. Our next speaker is Katherine Trembley, 36 O Drive. Topic is contracts. It is unknown where the phrase about how you are only able to judge someone when you have walked a mile in their shoes comes from. However, this is what is being done to all of the members of the Tessa Union. We are being judged about our value without knowing what we experience on a day-to-day basis. Personally, I have worked in three different schools and I have been an educational assistant. It has also been said that the best way to learn about something is to experience it firsthand. That being said, I would say that my biggest challenge to Mr.
058Cabraw would be to stand toe-to-toe with the people that you think are only worth a $250 $2.50 an hour increase the lunch and recess assistance. I'm not talking about a random popin which you spend a minute chatting with someone right before recess begins or a lunch period ends. I am also not talking about a cute photo op with some students that becomes a public relations outing for the website. I'm talking about you clocking in and clocking out as a lunch or recess assistant for an entire week. Furthermore, you should also spend a few days as an educational assistant in each individual program that exists in the Taton School District. I am talking about not just spending a few minutes in a regular education classroom. I'm talking about spending an entire day in a regular education
059classroom, a RISE classroom, a TLC classroom, a preschool regular education classroom, an inclusion classroom, and a subsparate classroom. I would want you to truly see what a day in the life would be like. You could also spend the day in the life of a secretary and see what they experience. Now, I know that you actually completing the challenge that I've issued you today is highly unlikely due to your extremely busy schedule. The point that I'm trying to get across today is that you truly do not know what your staff experiences on a day-to-day basis. The lunch recesses assistants that stand out in the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer for three hours a day, 5 days a week, while trying to keep an eye on 50 children per person. The educational
060assistants that deal with more issues in one day than some do in months. the secretaries that are the first and last line of defense to keep all of our schools running like clockwork every day. Finally, I would like to say that I know your legacy and how you are viewed by the public is important to you, Mr. Cabraw. Now, if you really want to go down in the history books and be the superintendent that gave the staff what they are worth, a living wage. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Trembley. Thank you everybody for being here at this time. Madam Chair, that is everybody who has signed up for public input. >> Okay, >> motion to take a fivem minute recess. >> Second. >> Uh, just one moment, please. I just want
061you to know that all of these issues are going to be referred to administrations. We don't take questions or respond to what we do. That's always been our policy. It's not anything against you. You certainly all have the right to come down here and speak. And I thank you for taking the time to do that. Have a good night. [applause] Call meeting back to order. Steve, you ready? >> Okay. Uh, the humanities update presentation is going to is going to be pres rescheduled for a later date. Superintendent reports, >> excuse me, >> we're just are we doing >> No, we're not we're not going into that. >> Okay. Sorry. >> That is superintendent reports for information only. Uh move to place on file. Second, >> accepted and place on file. >> Second. >> All those
062in favor? >> I oppose. The eyes have it. >> Administrative business um staffing report. >> Again, information only on staffing reports one and two. >> Same procedure. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I opposed. The eyes have it. FY2 bud. So this is one and two, right? That's public schools and the other one. Okay. Uh FY27 budget timeline >> information purposes only for the school committee. >> Again, same procedure even place on file. >> All those in favor the eyes have it. Subcommittee reports high school advisory. >> I'll take this one, Mrs. Fagen, if you don't mind. >> Nope, I don't mind at all. >> Uh so on uh on November 19th, 2025, uh there were several high school advisory committee meetings. Uh the first one was at Taton High School. During this high
063school advisory committee meeting, 17 students were in attendance from Ton High School. The students reported a generally positive academic and social experience highlighting supportive teachers, strong hallway presence, a clean and safe building, and strong value in the college and career center and the chapter 74 programs at Ton High School. Seniors especially noted a smoother year with fewer hallway issues and an improved school climate. Areas for improvement included cost pla cost placement, earlier guidance on rigorous coursework, better identification in student support and early for early college participants, concerns around equity and security interactions or security guard interactions with students and desire for more collaborative instructional practices. Students also raised some concerns about math grading practices at the high school. They requested expanded arts and community service opportunities and asked for stronger staff student connections. Many students
064stated that the Yand pouches have helped their focus and improve their grades. Overall, students were proud of Taton High School and emphasized that the targeted improvements which were targeted improvements would further strengthen Taton High School. That was the high school advisory report from Taton High School. Uh the next advisory report is from the Taton Alternative High School which was also held on November 19th and this meeting took place at 2:30 at the Totten Alternative High School. Students describe Tartner Alternative High School as a respectful, supportive environment where teachers build strong relationships and treat them like adults. They value the flexible schedule, open campus, and individual individualized attention. Shovel students said the school has everything down to a science and credited principal Delaney and staff for creating a sense of belonging. Suggestions for improvement were minimal,
065though students expressed interest in adding healthcare related courses and possibly partnering with Manet Health, which is a local neighbor. No significant concerns were raised and the overall tone of the high school advisory meeting was pleasant. Three students were in attendance regiding counselor Kevin Brennan. And finally, uh this was our first advisory meeting with students and and the principal of the Taton Public Virtual Academy. In attendance was principal Isa Rodriguez as well as several students uh from the Taton Public Virtual Academy. Students share that the virtual environment allows them to do their best work, manage their anxiety, and access teachers when needed. They appreciate the self-paced structure and feel more comfortable, supported, and academically successful than they were in a brickandmortar setting. Several credited the program with helping them feel more connected and more confident despite
066being in a virtual setting. Students requested expanded course offerings including arts, literature and world languages and more extracurricular opportunities tailored to the virtual learners. Overall satisfaction with flexibility, autonomy and the staff support of nature was very was something that was commented on and made very strong by the students in attendance. That concludes the high school advisory report. >> Motion to accept the report. >> So move. >> Motion to accept the report. on discussion >> on discussion. I'm sorry, Mr. Madam Chair. >> Yeah, Dr. Dlo, >> may I ask why you had to report that off? Superintendent when the chair is in attendance tonight. >> I took the minutes. So, I said I would report it out because I'm familiar with the minutes. That's why >> I'm I'm sorry. >> I took the minutes and I
067typed the minutes. I'm more familiar with the minutes. So, therefore, I reported it out on behalf of the chair. >> And there was no other committee members present at that meeting? >> Mrs. Fagen was also present. >> I was present. Okay. Thank you. >> Anything else? All set. >> All right. Uh, >> did we vote? Did we vote? >> No. >> Motion made and seconded on that motion. >> Motion to accept the report. >> Seconded. >> All those in favor? I'm sorry. Talk. No. >> The eyes have it. >> Uh, Tessa Collective Bargaining. Mrs. Shabs. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fagan. Um, the TESSA Collective Bargaining Met on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. The meeting started at 2:34 p.m. In attendance was myself, was the chair, Mrs. Fagan, and Miss Santos was absent, along with um the
068leadership team and members of Tessa. Negotiations are still ongoing. Um, due to their lawyer being out of work the month of December for a medical reason, we will not meet again until January 6. The meeting concluded at 4:29 p.m. And that concludes my report. >> Motion to accept the report. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> oppose. The eyes have it. >> TAA collective bargaining. Are you going to take that, Dr. Dillo? >> Yes. Uh the TA collective bargaining uh subcommittee met on 11:24. Negotiations are ongoing. >> Uh no, we had a TA tenative agreement. Yes. >> Motion to accept that report from the chief. Second. >> All those in favor of agreement on that that those remarks. Yes, we do. >> I just want to congratulate the members of the
069TIA subcommittee on an excellent and a well bargained contract. Good great job everyone. >> Excellent job, Chairperson DLO. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, we've all voted to accept the report, right? We're all set. >> Correct. >> All right. Long range planning and public property subcommittee. [clears throat] Mr. Vieiraa. Thank you, Madam Chair. Long-range plan and public property subcommittee met on November 26, 2025. This was a meeting that was prompted from our last school committee meeting. So, the subcommittee consists of myself, Dr. Dlo, and Mr. Gillinus, district administrator, Superintendent Cabraw, Assistant Superintendent Brenda Moahan, Director of Facilities Mark Freighus were present. Uh item discussed were vestibules. Assistant superintendent Monahan and director Freighus presented a report outlining the FY26 capital improvement plan projects previously approved by the school committee including associated cost and funding sources.
070The summary aligned with the district's current capital improvement and vestibule project document. The subcommittee reviewed the list of completed vestibule projects across multiple school sites. Mrs. Mrs. Moan and Mr. Freighus provided updates on the 23 and 24 completion confirming that the work was finished as planned and within expected cost. Administration presented the remaining vestibule projects still requiring design and construction. The estimated cost to complete the remaining work is approximately 690,000. Mrs. Moahan and Mr. Freighus addressed numerous questions from the subcommittee regarding scope, timeline, and cost drivers. All questions were answered satisfactorily. Mr. Enus noted that the city of Taton has allocated 500,000 from the capital improvement funds to support this work. A motion was made by Dr. Dlo and seconded by Mr. arenas to authorize the administration to proceed to a bid for the remaining
071vestibule projects at a cost not to exceed 690,000 with 500,000 funded by the city of Taton capital improvement fund and the remaining balance financed from the Taton school department revolving account as a one-time expenditure. The motion passed 3 nothing and the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m. That concludes my report. >> Make the motion. >> Motion to accept the report. >> Oh, I just did that. >> I can't make a motion. >> Oh, I can't make I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Motion to accept place on file. >> We need to accept the recommend discussion. >> Yeah. And and accept. >> Yeah. Motion to accept the recommendation. >> Adopt the recommendation. >> Adopt. Yeah. >> Adopt the recommendation. >> All those in favor? >> I Dr. Dalo had a question. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> On
072discussion. >> Yeah, Mr. I think you failed to mention that these vestibu projects have been ongoing since our late member Joe Martin was on the school committee with us. And uh you know I don't know if it was a a issue with money and how this $500,000 miraculously just showed up but uh it should never hinder uh the safety of our faculty and staff. So uh you know going forward what I wish that the long-range plane subcommittee would be more pressed issues that are taking place that uh you know sometimes we don't know about and we find out at a meeting uh in a public forum of a safety issues going on and ongoing that should be addressed um in more of an executive type manner. So I just want to add that Mr. Chairman
073if you allow that I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Yeah absolutely. the the discussion was that um the it started when they and Superintendent Cabral you you stop me if I'm incorrect the discussion of vestibules and school safety started when they were building Mahayhei which was before I was on this committee um and has been progressing in accordance with the plan set forth by long range planning and the superintendent of schools >> superintendent anything you want to add >> you send it up Okay. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Are we on schedule from what the long range planning had set up? >> So the the motion the motion that you the recommendation that you made tonight was to authorize the administration to go out to bid for the remaining vestibules that hopefully should be
074completed before the end of the school year well before the start of the next year. We're taking a vote and we all set. >> All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. The eyes have it. >> Uh the next >> Can we do that one on a roll call vote because it involves money? >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shabs? >> Yes. >> Mr. Powski? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes? Yes. Miss Santos? >> Yes. >> And Mr. Bula? >> Yes. And Dr. Dr. Sorry. And Mr. Dr. Dlo, excuse me. >> Yes. Uh, who made the motion to have a roll call vote? >> I made the suggestion. >> Superintendent, do you think we would put our students, faculty, and staff in any danger? I mean, to have a roll
075call vote to be on record? I mean, >> only because it involves expending funds, Dr. Dlo, in case it gets questioned by the auditors that we have a roll call vote that the school committee authorized the expenditure to satisfy the auditors. That's all. I would never question the school committee when it comes to safety. Just putting on my business manager hat, which I walk. >> So, so we have a do we have a a minimum plateau that we must have a roll call vote because I've been there eight years and I I don't know what that number is. Is it 50,000 500,000? Apparently, it's only 190,000 because the city's kicking in the other 500,000 just for my, you know, edification going forward. Again, I think it's a good practice for the committee to have it
076on record that everyone voted in favor and to have it as a roll call vote. The committee wishes not to follow my recommendation. You don't have to follow my recommendation. I'm just a superintendent. >> Superintendent, it's not that. It it's just it just feels like, you know, uh that you you don't how how do I want to say this politely? uh we would never I don't think anybody sitting at that table would put any risk to our students, faculty and staff whether it was a million dollars, $100,000 or $2 million. Again, this has been ongoing. Like I said, when our late colleague Joe Martin was there, it was his motion at the time. Uh Chairman and you can correct me if I'm wrong, you were there. Uh and you know, I don't think we would
077put anybody at risk, especially over a measly $690,000. We spend so many millions of dollars on so many different programs and we would never risk the safety of our students, faculty and staff. >> I think I think we might be talking about two separate things. I agree that we would never risk the safety of our students and staff again to make sure that when Mrs. Moahan goes to process the invo the invoices that the auditor and the treasurer know that we officially voted on it on the record. That's all. Dr. Again, we we vote on a school warrant uh every two weeks in the millions of dollars. We never have a roll call vote. So, this is very unusual. Superintendent, with all due respect, >> perhaps we can best discuss this when you return from
078your trip and not continue to waste the board's time. >> This is not wasting anybody's time. It is 11:22 p.m. where I'm at, and I took the time to be here because I felt it was important to be there. So, I just want to make sure going forward, how do we handle the manner as far as a measly $190,000 spent on public safety? That's all. Thank you. >> Um, just can I add something just really quick? I serve on another board and there's been a lot of things about regulations [clears throat] with school committees and all kinds of committees that meet and we were apprised yesterday there's more changes in the way we have to do stuff. So I don't I you know we're careful about where we vote and voting on money things. So
079I I'm not upset with you asking for that just in case something like that would come up. I don't >> I just wanted to add that. >> All right. >> And again if I may I'm not upset with the superintendent. I just want to know what the practice is. What's the threshold? Because if that's if that's what we need to do going forward as chairman of finance and law I'll call for a roll call vote every time we have a finance and law subcommittee meeting. I think we're just it's a taking taking a little bit of caution. But we're going to move on to the next thing which I believe is me talking about. >> Now I misplaced everything. >> Committ >> high school subcommittee. >> Mr. Palos. >> There's my notes. All right. Uh
080we met this evening uh the high school subcommittee meeting myself and Mr. Vieira here. met with principal Byron about the state of PA middle school and he had some impressive things to show us this evening. Um he's t and some interesting things that we found out tonight that that are occurring in education too because a lot of things are changing. But he talked about the his school, his district, how his targets that he had, he's got four different things that he was following. His first one was double the amount of perfect scores within the MCCAST open response essays by spring of 20 27. I believe he said they did not did they not attain that because of something or >> he said they attained one the previous year. >> Yeah, they attained one the previous
081year but I guess they're doing different things now. They're using AI to read the the the things the open question responses and the stuff like that. So he said that it's that's kind of making the scores not look good, but that they've had perfect 10 perfect essays as a result of that. So it's a tremendous gain when compared to years before, but the other issue is they're doing it with AI. So I don't know how they program those computers. His one of his other things reduced the amount of blank responses on the MCCast ELA open responses by 50%. He said you're better off writing something than nothing because at least if you write something you might get one point but if you leave a big blank so they have to train retrain the kids how
082to do these things. The next thing he talked about was the mind up social emotional learning. He said they're really trying to get that going. He said they've had some difficulty with trying to get it done but they're working to improve that. Excuse me. >> Consistency. >> Yeah. The consistency in the program. and he says it hasn't been happening with all the best consistency, but it's it's been a difficult year for everybody. And the last thing he spoke about was um to do an attendance program to get the attendance up, which they've also managed to do in the city. He talked about the dynamics of the school he's in, how PA has um uh they've increased their number of lowincome and high need students. there's been a decrease in the newcomers program. I have to
083recalibrate their their scores and how they get the MCAST scores to go up. Even though they don't really count for anything right now, they still like to use them as a tool to see where they are because they're using AI to score and M but MCCAST is going in the right direction. And he said another issue with the school that you don't think about and he has a very transient population and he said there's a lot of new faces in the school every year because they got a whole bunch coming in and a whole bunch going. I remember him saying that. He said almost half of any class is new kids. So if you go back and look at and I remember stuff talking about what happens in schools where kids come in and out
084like a revolving door. There's often a decline in scores. But he very proudly pointed out that he exceeded in uh Parker exceeded the district 48 and 52 in math. Two years in a row they did that. He has the h PA has the highest teacher attendance rates of all the middle schools. And the PBIS intervention which is we had a tough time with this one. What was it again? [laughter] >> I'd have to check my notes. >> Yeah. was it positive um behavior >> behavioral intervention >> intervention scores and he said they they're doing well on that too. So he he presented a really nice thing with Parker School and how proud he is of it and how the numbers have done up and the behavior's also gotten better. There's fewer suspensions there. So he
085has a lot to be proud of. >> He does of the 13 categories that they're rated on. He improved on nine of them. >> Yeah. So he was very happy with what he did and very upbeat about it. So that's my report. >> Motion to accept the report. >> Second. >> All those in >> the subcommittee >> I as stated. >> Excuse me. >> Everybody all set. Everybody's eye. All those in favor? I >> We're ready. We're ready to vote. >> You're almost sick. >> I got here at 2 o'clock this afternoon. So >> I like the presentation. She did very well. Finance and law. >> No, no prepared statement. Just from here right off the top of her head. >> That's great. >> Finance and law. Dr. De. Oh, no. >> That's why she's
086our secretary. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. The Finance and Law Subcommittee met today at 5:45. The committee is myself, Dr. Dlo, Mrs. Shaves in attendance for the administration, Superintendent Cabraw, Assistant Superintendent Moahan. Uh, one item on our agenda was bills payable in the amount of $1,35 cents. A motion was made and seconded with Dr. Dlo voting president on Pride, Inc. as he serves on the board of directors. Questions were asked, uh, responses were given and the motion passed three nothing. That concludes my report. >> Motion to accept the report with the recommendations adopted. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. The eyes have it. >> See, >> new business. >> Any new business? >> Did we do Oh, I'm sorry. No, >> this might be some new business. Just I had in
087the packet a thing for the Christmas parade. I don't know. I don't see any way to respond here. I'm sure they might like to know if we'd come, but Dr. Cabraw said if you want to say whether or not you >> We got it. We got it in the packet. >> Oh, you got it. >> We got in the packet. Yes. >> Okay. So, I didn't know if you emailed some of it back, but >> email that said I can't remember who it was. >> Okay. So, >> if you haven't RSVP, feel free to connect with me or with Divine. We'll RSVP for you, too. >> Your margin with the reindeer? >> Turkeys. [laughter] Okay. Unfinished business action items update. Response from city council regarding request for joint meeting. C and closure. >> In your
088packet, I would ask ask that you refer to the third paragraph in the memo dated December 1st, 2025. Response from city council regarding request for joint meeting. In the third paragraph, you'll note it states that council President Martin replied via email on November 26th. In his response, he expressed appreciation for the outreach and shared that he believes it would be best, most beneficial to hold the joint meeting after the newly elected city council is sworn in. He noted that the incoming council will have a more meaningful role in any long-term decisions that may result from this discussion. So, we'll I'll wait further uh replies from the new city council once it's one in and communicate that with the school committee. motion to accept the uh report of the communication and to also extend that he
089recommend that we meet with the new newly elected council members. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. The eyes have it. Action item update. See in closure at this time? >> None at this time. >> Motion to receive and place all five. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> oppos the eyes have it. Press time. >> Oh, I don't think there's any press here. Is that here? Oh, back there. >> Ask the microphone. Can you go to the microphone? >> Please go to the microphone, please. >> Any uh reaction to the to the public input today? >> Excuse me. >> Any reaction to the public input today from >> No. May May I just say something? >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Okay. Usually in public input,
090we do not make any comments or or or com we don't discuss it. >> We take into account and then we we have the matter spoken to us as members. >> That that was my question. >> That's that's been a practice that we have to do with the group that was here. It's just that's what we do. Refer it to administration. So what happens is public input comes in a person may speak given 3 to 5 minutes. >> Okay. I I'll just I'll just ask afterwards. >> Thank you. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All those say I everybody. Good night everyone.