001Good afternoon. The uh finance and law subcommittee shall come to order. I'll start with roll call. Mr. Shavs, >> present. >> Mr. Vieira, >> present. >> Chairman Dlo present. First up, we have bills payable for FY25 in the amount of $51,3762. >> Wish to the committee. >> Motion to approve in the amount stated. >> Um seconded on discussion. Yes, Mrs. Shaves. >> Okay. Um, so the first warrant on page one, um, two questions. The inlined fence for the $7,845. Where was that? >> That's here at Eole. We had to replace the fence as there's been some damage with playground and all of that stuff. But yes, that's right here in the McGra Hill right below it. Um, instructional software. What curriculum is that for? >> That's Study Sync for grades 8 through excuse me, grades
0026 through 11. >> 6 through 11. >> Okay. On the second warrant, >> I think we're doing the first time. >> Um, we're still sorry. >> Okay. Anything further, Mr. Vera? Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question on page one. Comtronics, uh, Bearcom Company in the amount of $4,641. >> That is for, um, the walkie-talkie radios. There's five of them that we had to purchase. >> And is that districtwide or school specific? >> Usually what happens is that will go for school specific. Um, I don't know exactly which school it is, but I can get back to you to let you know if that's what you would like. >> Yeah, that would be great. And then the question, do we have those at all schools? >> Yes, they are definitely. And
003there's um it depends on the size of the school will also mean the number of uh of radios that are in the school as well. >> All right. Awesome. Thank you so much. >> All righty. So motion was made and seconded. All in favor? I opposed. Eyes have it. Thank you. Next up we have FY26 bills payable in the amount of $499,39269. Wishes of the committee. >> Motion to approve in the amount stated. >> Seconded on discussion. >> Mrs. Shves. >> Okay. Um I have a couple. The first question I have is on page two. Um the the Mason Andrew for this police fee membership. There's one, two, three, four other people that have the same thing. >> Mason Andrews. Here it is. Um they are game officials. >> Okay, that's what I was wondering.
004Okay, because it just seemed weird. It said police fees. I wasn't. So those all must be game officials, correct? >> That are throughout the thing. Okay. The other one I had was on page six. The explore learning for 21,000. What software was that? >> That is Gizmo license um for it's a science um curriculum and it's a license for the district. >> Science for the whole district. >> Correct. >> Okay. So K through 12. And the last one I had was on page 16 that Colin Sports Medicine. It says athletic first aid. So that's all I have right here for my notes. I can go ahead and look into it to say to specifically see what that is. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Of course. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome, Mr. Vera. >> Thank
005you, Mr. Chairman. My my first question is on page three and it is similarly to the last one, school security contracted services again 13,860. >> So that one's a little different. Correct. the right company, same company, but this one is the software that we um that we have to have to have the walkies um be able to work within our schools. So, it's like in other words, it's the air time for the walkies. >> All right. So, one I know they're two separate items, but similar in topic. One is software and one is device specific. Okay. Page, thank you for the clarification. Page seven, uh, at the bottom of the page, miscellaneous expense, $32,225, >> right? >> Page seven. Yeah. Is that Habib and this is the schematic design that we have for um the
006architects for the two Hamilton Street kitchen. So, that's the cost for the the architect to do the work. >> Okay. Just the miscellaneous just threw me off a little. So, um, okay. >> Because it's coming out of the food service. >> All right, that would make sense. Thank you for clarifying. Um, page nine and bioproclean LLC 25,866. >> That is um our rug cleaning for all of our schools. We had about 188 rugs that were being cleaned and uh deodorized by this company. >> Did it was just Wasn't furniture too? just all the um area the school classroom rugs that we have um that the many students sit down in during the school day. So, we took those and got them professionally cleaned. >> Okay. And then my last but not least question, page 14,
007and again it's more cur curiosity than anything. Thirstston Foods, there's a bunch of credits. So what will happen is that depending upon the rates that they get um could be that when they purchased it, it depends upon um the contract. So what they will do is if there is a difference, they will issue you um credits for the invoices that they had initially had put through. >> All right, those are all my questions. Thank you so much. Of >> course. >> Thank you, Mr. Vieira. Thank you, Mrs. Monahan. I just have two items. Uh first one is page number five. Uh again, I I see this name Pillar Construction keeps coming up. $10,500. >> Correct. >> They are a local vendor that we use. Um that has been contracted through the city as well. And
008they in this in this one here, they did all of the power washing of our schools that we had u done some murals on. >> Okay. So, um I mean I I don't know who these folks are. It doesn't matter. I just uh I I just see the same folks keeping up. So powerwashing is their duties and responsibilities. >> That is one of the many things that they do. They do the buildings, they paint, they do multiple things, but this is what they did for this for this invoice. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> And the last one I have is uh page 13 uh serpent 7182. Um this is the meetings for PD for um the hostile event meetings. It is usually through um some type of a PD with the active shooters.
009>> So this goes from the southeastern regional planning. >> Correct. >> Yes. They have we have done multiple contracts with them. Um we've done some software. They had done our plans that we had discussed before. >> Okay. Good. >> And this is just just to give a little more context there. This is anticipation. October 8th training the temperature date at the high school. >> Okay, great. Thank you. And and I just going back to Mr. Vieira's comment on the Habib uh the 32225 on the kitchen for two Hamilton Street. So that's just architectural design. >> Oh yes. So, is this in our budget for FY26, the expenses to I know you mentioned revolving, but um what what is the true number on on the kitchen for to Hamilton Street? >> That was >> I have
010not. So, we just received they just received the bids just came in um and they are the city is currently working um and reviewing the bids. So, we'll get the exact amount how much that will be for the renovation of the kitchen at two Hamilton. Um, but please know when we talking about an architectural work, they are not just providing drawings. It's stamped drawings that they have to do quite a bit of extensive work that must be done right and working with the building. >> I'm not doubting that they're not doing their job. I'm just saying I'm I'm concerned what the total number is going to be for the kitchen. How much we have in the revolving account for food services? >> Absolutely. Okay. And this has all been vetted through um the department of
011ed to confirm that these are all um al allowable expenses through um the food services revolving. >> Okay. Maybe uh next meeting we get a food services revolving update. See where we're at. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. If you don't mind. >> Not at all. Dr. I think it also should be noted that when we initially toured um to Hamilton that the kitchen was um wiped clean of everything. So, just so that people at home know, it's not like we are redoing a kitchen because we just want a new kitchen. There literally is nothing in that kitchen. So, everything has to be redone in order to to run a school there. >> I I appreciate that. But also, for the people at home, since you mentioned it, when we took possession of the building, I thought
012we were going to get a fully done kitchen uh when we took possession of the building from the city. That's why it was I thought it was premature to take on the two Hamilton Street before we had everything what we called turnkey I think is the term we use Mr. VR in real estate turnkey where you just walk in and everything's there. So all these unknowns is something that preoccupies me and I'm sure it does all my other colleagues of what that true number is because we don't have an unlimited resources or money in the bank. So I appreciate that. So motion was made and second. All in favor? >> I opposed. Eyes have it. Thank you. Uh, anything else? >> Motion to adjourn. >> Seconded. >> All in favor? >> I. We are adjourned.
013Thank you. >> Right. >> Good evening everyone. Welcome and thank you for joining us. Call the meeting to order. If you could please uh join us in the pledge and remain standing for uh the national anthem. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early light what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perils last fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallently streaming and the rockets red glare. The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled then wave or the land
014of the free and the home of the brave. 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 the young people entrusted to our care. And if we could remain standing, I have two obituaries here. The first one is Janice B. Noak. Um was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, teacher, and community advocate. passed away on Sunday, August 24th, surrounded by her family. She was born in Holio, graduated from Holio High School and received an English degree from the University of Mass in Amherst. It's also when she married her high school sweetheart, Edward G. Nova Noak. Together, they refurbished an old farmhouse in Taton where they raised their family and
015lived for 50 years. She spent over 10 years teaching English at Taton High, known for her intelligence, humor, and high expectations of her students. And she also served with us on the school committee where her strong voice and steadfast commitment to public education left a lasting impact. And I can certainly vouch for vouch for that because I served with her. She she was filled with wit, energy, and face loyalty. Loved her family and her home and filled it with gardens, animals of every kind. This is quite an assortment. Dogs, horses, cats, sheep, pigs, birds, and a steady stream of family and friends. She cherished Thanksgiving dinners. Her corgis were games with daily with those she loved. Summers in York Beach and winter escapes to Key West. Her presence was larger than life. And her funeral
016service were held at the uh end of August. And please keep her thought your thoughts and prayers with her family. She she really was a wonderful colleague to work with. And when I heard this, I I I felt really bad about it. And my oldest son had her as a substitute teacher before she got an English position at the high school and said she was one of the best teachers he ever had. So there's nothing more better you can say than that. So please keep that family in your thoughts and prayers. We also lost on August 30th, 2025, Linda M. Miller, formerly of Glee Street, Taton, passed away in August 30 30th this year with her children by her side. Beloved wife of the late James Miller, who passed away in 1999. She was born
017in Taton and before retiring, Mrs. Miller was employed by the Taton public school system as a librarian. She enjoyed lighouses. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. And most of all, she was a loving and caring person who was devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving children John Miller. John Miller Miller senior and his wife Jessica Robert Miller and life partner and a life partner Leah Estie James Miller Jr. of Connecticut Michael Nunes of Middleboro Candy Jacino of Mass and Kristen from Middbor of James John Jr. Kora and Cruz. She also leaves our brothers and sisters visiting hours will already will be held this Friday and also please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. Moment of silence please. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fagan. Roll call now, right? >>
018Yes, please. Madame Mayor, >> Mr. Enus, >> present. >> Mrs. Shabs, >> present. >> Mr. Palowski, >> present. >> Mrs. Fagens, present. Miss Santos, >> present. >> Mr. Vieiraa, >> present. >> Mr. Laura, >> present. >> Chairman, Dr. Dlo, >> present. >> And Mayor Okonnell here also. >> Thank you, Mrs. Fagan. Approval of the minutes of August 20th. >> Motion to approve minutes of August 20th, 2025. Second >> motion and second to approve the minutes of August 20th. Seeing no discussion, all those in favor? Opposed? None opposed. So voted. >> Uh we do not have a student advisory committee report this evening. Uh no public input this evening either. Thank you. >> And we will go to E Boys and Girls Club 21st century community learning program presentation. So we're pleased to have you with
019us uh this evening. you can join us at the podium. Superintendent Cabal, do you need to do any introductions or >> No, I just want to welcome our guests here this evening and I just want to remind the committee uh that this presentation was a presentation that the the school committee voted on at the last meeting uh based on the recommendation the email read at the table by chair uh committee member Melissa Santos. So, the floor is yours. We're very eager to learn more about the impact that the grant has had at the Parker Middle School. Thank you for being with us this evening. >> All right. Thank you. if you just want to take a moment to introduce yourselves and then go on with your presentation. >> Thank you so much for having us.
020My name is Audria Rivera. I am the youth development director based out of the Taton Clubhouse with the Boys and Girls Metro South. So, part of my duties are overseeing the 21st Century Community Learning Center. My name is Britney Ortiz. I'm the Taunt Clubhouse executive director. So, I oversee Audrey and the grant itself. >> First and foremost, I thought we'd touch a little bit on what a 21st century community learning center is. It's a grant-f funded program. Desi provides these grant funds to provide academic enrichment opportunities specifically to schools that are high poverty and low performing um specifically with MCCAST scores. Um these programs are intended to help students meet state and local academic standards and they offer a broad array of enrichment activities including um academic programs. At BGCMS, we use those funds to
021provide afterchool programming to Parker Middle School families at no cost to the families whatsoever. This includes 30 weeks of afterchool programming, vacation week programming, and then six weeks of summer camp programming out at our Camp Riverside location. Um, includes transportation as well at no cost to families. Um, often we get asked why Parker Middle School specifically. Um when we applied to the program in 2021, Parker had the lowest percentage of students out of any taton school that were successful in meeting expectations on math MCAST. Um though this numbers increased slightly, the need for academic support is still prevalent. Um for comparison, the state average in 2021 was 33% and uh 33% of meeting expectations and it was currently 40. So they've gone up slightly. Um but there is still a need there. We also as
022part of the grant application surveyed parents and teachers. 75% of parents um surveyed reported that their children rely on them or their siblings for academic support that they aren't getting at school. Um and 37% reported that their children participate in after school programs, but only 68% um said that their children attends those programs infrequently due to either transportation um requirements or a lack of interest in the program in general. teachers reported that they believe 71% of teachers specifically reported that they believe that their students need academic support outside of the classroom. Our impact specifically at PGCMS um when it comes to 21st century programming um how we measure that impact is based on our surveys of academic youth outcomes. These surveys are a requirement um for grant funding and they involve teacher surveys, student surveys
023and staff surveys at programming. Our areas specifically at BGCMS are engagement in learning which is a required grant process, relationships with adults, relationships with peers and leadership. I've posted here a bar graph of our 2024 to 2025 school year results. Um, if you look closely, you will show that we see an increase in all surveyed areas. Problem solving in math specifically received a 17% increase. Relationships with peers saw an average of a 10 and a half% increase. There was also a 10 and a half% increase with relationships with adults and an 11 and a half% increase in leadership. And we saw an 8% average increase in engagement in learning. Just a little bit of an insight about the demographic of students that we're serving specifically from the Parker Middle School. Um our capacity for this
024program is 50. We actually overenrolled 58 last school year and 54 of those 58 kids completed um after school programming with us. 79.6% of those students were economically disadvantaged. 22% of the students enrolled received special education services. And 16.7% of those students were multil- language learners. just to give an insight of the demographic we're seeing after school. We we talk a lot about numbers. This next bit is to give you a little bit of the impact that we've had on individual kiddos and families. So, I want to introduce you to a couple of our kiddos. Um this is Jordan. Jordan is going into the seventh grade this year. We asked our families specifically how the loss of 21st century funding might affect them. And Jordan's mom told me that she's come out of her shell
025with our program. She's a social butterfly. She's made friendships and that loss of funding would affect them because she would lose her friends and access to activity she enjoys. Um, and she just noted it's expensive to pay for childare when you're a struggling single parent. This is Justice. Justice has since graduated from Parker Middle School, is now an eighth grader at Taton High School and is in our teen program, which we are able to provide um to teens at no cost as well. Um Justin's mom noticed that um our program has helped them specifically with this family. I think we provided um help with Christmas gifts and some Thanksgiving um dinner things outside of programming. And this is Nensley. No Wenley is a sixth grader this year at Parker. She came to the US from
026Haiti about two years ago. She lives with her older sister and her family. Um her sister stated that she feels as though this program is life-saving for low-income families who work after school. Um she said that Nancy calls the program her happy place. She's not missed a single day, and I can vouch for that. She's been there every single day, including through summer programming. Um, she also noted that Noi was depressed when she first came to this country. Um, and she's doing well emotionally and academically thanks to access to 21st century programming. The next big question is how you can help. Obviously, we all have seen that um 21st century funds are at risk of being cut in the federal budget. Um, so program partnership is going to be the first step, collaborating with us
027to develop and implement programs. Um, we've had several people come in to do presentations to talk about different career paths with kiddos. Um, so that's always something we're looking for and that directly ties into sharing your expertise. Um, we're always open to having a visitor. We're always open to have someone come in and talk about um, how you got to where you are today to help mentor these kiddos. Um, you can work with us to bridge programming gaps. Um, you can promote open communication. I think that I have gotten very close with the Parker Middle School faculty specifically. Um, I talked to Mr. Weaver almost on a daily basis just so we're on the same page about the kiddos that we're both servicing. So help promoting that open communication. Transportation services is probably the most
028important. Um for a little bit of insight, it is a one line um item in the budget for 21st century that is capped um it is capped at 35,000 and we go over that almost every year. We provide transportation from Parker Middle School to the clubhouse. We also provide transportation home via the late bus and then we provide transportation at no cost for the six weeks of summer camp programming um to and from. So we go over that almost every year. Um sharing student data. I shared a little bit of our numbers. I shared a little bit of our stories um from our kiddos and we have several more where that comes from. and then supporting our grant applications, advocating for our mission, highlighting the importance of the Boys and Girls Club in our city
029um and to our local businesses and civic leaders and just really supporting us as we move our mission forward. That's what I have for you. Any questions? >> All right. Thank you very much for your presentation. You know, I will say that the Boys and Girls Club is an important presence in our community and fills so many needs for so many families and children. And uh we really enjoy partnering with Boys and Girls Club and how involved and active uh they are in the community. Looking forward next week to the ribbon cutting for the new kitchen. It's going to be excellent. >> So um always thinking, always innovative, always trying to do more. All right. So, I'll open up to school committee. Mr. Laura, >> Madame Mayor, thank you. Uh, so and knowing that the
030future now with federal grants and and monies available are going to be limited according to what we hear on a daily basis, uh, how participant are the, uh, the outside private companies involved knowing that this is going to happen? Have you had any discussion? >> There hasn't been too much discussion. I think that most of the discussion around grant funds starting to be limited has just started. I think that it came not out of nowhere but a little bit out of nowhere. And so um people are just learning and I think that the fact that we're here now after this has kind of come to a head is indic indicative of that. Um so we are here now while we still have funds to kind of push the message forward and let everyone know how
031they can support and help. Now >> good. Thank you. Now, as far as one-on-one instruction for for a student who has challenges in math or any other course, how much time is spent with each individual student on a weekly basis? >> There is not too much one-on-one instruction. There is small group instruction. Um Nancy Peterson, who is one of the STEM teachers over at Parker Middle School, works for me after school. So, Nancy has a very unique ability to connect with each children's each child's teacher um and figure out those low points and where they need support. Um, there have only been a few parents who have come to me and said specifically, "My child needs one-on-one support." And we're able to provide that in some capacities, but most of it is small groupoup instruction
032um through the help of Nancy Peterson. >> Thank you. You know, historically, we know the value of the Boys and Clubs organization, what they've done for the community. So, I I I'm always been supportive. I go to many functions as I can and I will continue to do so. >> We appreciate >> continue your good work. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Laura. Dr. Dilla. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you so much for the presentation. So, just a couple of I guess I need to get a little bit more educated. So, when we talk about the 21st century community learning centers, that's not unique to the Boys and Girls Club. Correct. >> No, it isn't. At one point, um, Parker Middle School held the grant themselves through Taton Public Schools. Um, so most times a
033school themselves will hold the grant. Um we're what the what Desi considers to be a community- based organization. So every now and then um a community based organization can apply and receive those grant funds to collaborate with the school. Um so they're not unique. Um Brockton Public Schools holds their own 21st century um grants. Um many locations have them. Um there are quite a few YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs surrounding us that also hold CBO grants. Um but they're not unique to the Boys and Girls Club. >> Okay. And and it's it's not limited just Parker. >> Nope, it's not limited. Um we worked last year to put in an application for Freriedman. Um it did not get accepted through Desi. Um that's out of our control. >> And how about Bennett? Was Bennett
034part of the discussion too? >> Yes. So essentially any school that falls under that lowinccome low test scoring guideline we can push through and apply for. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. Now the next question I have so this $35,000 budget um and you supported 54 students I believe it is. Is is that the ratio? Is it maxed out at 35,000? >> So that cap is just for transportation grant fund award for a school year and a summer program is $29,000. >> So 209 for summer >> for 30 weeks of school year programming and then six weeks of summer programming. >> 36 weeks. Okay. Gotcha. Thank you so much. So that 54 number wasn't limited to budget constraints. >> Nope. So we had to limit our goal due to just capacity of the building. So we
035serve 50 children at the most during the school year and then 45 children during the summer. So in total we could we could support 95 individual students throughout the school year and summer. That 54 was just our school year number. >> Okay. >> All right. So just want to make sure all these dots are connecting because you know the money is the concern, capacity is a concern and you know we want to make sure that we can utilize the maximum capacity based on the dollars that this grants absolutely you know applicable for and and the last thing is I don't know if this is a question for you or the superintendent on the MCCAST scores the 2024 where it went to 17% of students achieved meeting or exceeding expectations in the math MCCAST. Is that
036specific to the 54 students or the Parker Middle School? >> The entire >> That was the entire school demographic. >> Just want to make sure. Great. Because they went from 13 to 17% and that's all part of helping our students. Great. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you, Dr. M. I just I have a a question too. So, >> is your funding fiscal year? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So, so did you get all of your funding already for the start of this fiscal year or is it throughout the year? So far, 40% of the fiscal year's funding has been released. That was due to Massachusetts having a reserve essentially whenever funds were frozen. And we are in the process um it's due at the end of this month, our continuation grant
037when we put in that continuation grant with the budgeted with the budget for the other 60% those funds will be released as well. >> Okay. So, this year you'll be all right. That was where I was going with that. Okay. Great. Thank you, Mr. Laura. >> Just one one more quick question if I may. How many of these clubs are affiliated with the Metro South? >> So we the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro South are Camp Riverside, the Totten clubhouse and then the Brockton clubhouse. >> Okay. No, not Easton or anywhere else. Just >> no. Boys and Girls Metro South are just the three sites. >> So whenever whenever you're shot say for transportation costs, who makes up the rest of the funds? The Brockton chapter or? >> No. So our other Taton grants
038or funds would support that for the Taton clubhouse. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. All right, Mr. Pilowski. >> Uh, real quick, thank you guys so much for the presentation and just really thank you for everything that you do. Um, seeing the kids' faces up there, uh, really shows you how important this is. Like if if if a kid that feels depressed about being in school or anything like that is shown that like any group of adults cares about them and is invested in their their success, it's going to have such ripple effects. And you can just see it in their faces and really appreciate what you guys do and I really hope that we can support uh this program in any way possible in the future. Thank you. >> Feel free to come
039out. Um we are available to have anyone walk through the clubhouse. Melissa came out to camp and got to see some of the kids in action and it was a really unique experience. So feel free to reach out and we will make time to let you see what we do in real time. >> Okay. All right. Excellent. Thank you, Mrs. Santos. >> Hi. Nice to see you again. I'm glad it worked out that you could come. I know it was kind of short notice. So, um I just have one question and there's just a comment. So the the survey of academic youth right >> with the the staff and teachers. So are those teachers saying that this is what they observe with the students and then staff what they observe with the students. Okay. >>
040Um so is there any survey of like the actual students or anything like that? >> So they get I had not I have not received the post results yet. Those are due a little bit later in the school year and then NYOS puts these um results together for us and sends out our aggregate scores. >> Okay. Um, and I just want to thank you because one of my was like, "How can I help?" And you have the whole page. It's fine, you know. Um, and I'll just say that after meeting with you and Mora. Um, and I had this open conversation with you about the issues with federal funding, which I know that we're all feeling on one way or another, especially with the school systems, whe whether it's this or special education programs and
041things like that. Um I had a certain well I had expressed a desire to find out ways that we could be more advocates in that way um as a school committee especially because these federal fundings are directly impacting our students in our schools. It's not really something that we can ignore anymore um and however much it facilitates back and forth due to the whim of whoever is in charge. Um I think that um my thought as a responsibility of the school committee that we can maybe start doing a little bit more as far as advocacy for not only these programs but you know obviously these are things that protect our teachers and our students as well too. So I think it's obviously committed to our mission as a public schools as well too. So that
042was one of the big reasons why I wanted to have you here because I think that that's really important that people are aware that these are the things that are impacting us in a real way because sometimes we hear of what's happening and it feels far away from us but we see kind of the real consequences of it on an everyday basis and I think that we need to start paying closer attention to that. So I just I I really appreciate the work that you're doing. Um and it was really great going there. The place is enormous and I walked through most of it and it was a pretty hot day. Um, but I mean even just besides that, I mean the the cooking stations and the kayaks and the canoes even though the the
043stream is what it is, right? Um, it was just really great to see the students there. They were playing kickball when I had gotten there and it was really sweet to see. So, it was it was nice because it was something that I've passed by numerous times and never had gone in to actually see it. Um, so I just I was I really appreciate being able to see that. So, thank you so much for everything that you do and for coming. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Uh, thank you everyone. Uh, thank you so much for the presentation. Uh, it was very informational and really gives us uh, a nice understanding of uh, all the work that you're doing there at the Boys and Girls Club with our families and our kids. >> Thank
044you. [Applause] >> Okay, we'll move on to the superintendent's report. So, thank you, Madam Mayor. So, in your packet, there are two items I'd like to quickly discuss with you. Uh, one, uh, we kick we officially kicked off our school year last Thursday with students, but prior to last Thursday, we had three, uh, robust days which included a professional development and we also had a convocation day. So, I want to thank Mr. Barada and Amy Moyahan and the professional development curriculum team for putting on again three robust days of professional development which included mandated professional development and opportunities for staff to sign up for areas in which they're interested in. On August 27th, we all gathered at Taton High School for convocation day in a jam-packed auditorium. This year's theme was a continuation of Taton
045public schools where you belong as well as leading with dignity and so that leading with dignity is set the stage for our belief that every student should be included innovation in the classrooms and we are stronger when we collaborate. So also during convocation day, I was very proud to share our new five-year strategic plan which will lead the district and be the vision of the district for the next five years as well as launch our rebranding our new Tom Public Schools logo. So again, very excited on what the next five years has in front of us. In addition to uh convocation and leading with dignity in our themes, all guests, all 900 attendees were greeted to a Taton High School jazz band consisting of five four high school seniors called the Good Fellas. They performed
046as staff were entering convocation and also performed uh during during their lunch. We only had this year s sadly we only had one uh staff member who celebrated their 35th year of service in the Tom public schools and very proud that we're able to launch our first ever legacy awards that honored six uh recipients again covering all different aspects of the Tom public schools from custodians to educators to crossing guards. It was a really truly momentous celebration of our staff. Uh I'm very proud that we had keynote speaker Dr. Buddy B Dr. Buddy Bry who is a superintendent of the Eminence Independent Schools in Kentucky. He delivered a very inspiring uh address based on his philosophy of surprise and delight which means driving innovation and inspiring student learning in the classroom. His message also emphasized
047the that the powerful connections and the impact that staff connections have on student learning as well as cultivating a positive school culture and environment. So after those three days of professional development and convocation, I had the pleasure of visiting all 13 schools on August 27th. Anyone want to take a guess how many steps it takes to visit 13 schools? I'm happy you asked. It was 16,000 steps and about seven miles to cover all our schools. And I plan on spending tomorrow and Friday visiting the high school. I didn't get to spend as much time in the high school. So on August 27th, we welcome back a little over 8,000 kids. Again, be mindful prek and kindergarten have not started yet. They start on September 8th. So, we'll have about another thousand students, sorry, another 8,500
048students starting next week. Uh, despite a few hiccups, uh, yonder pouches after three days of implementation have gone over really well thanks to the careful and thoughtful planning of Dr. Harrison and his team. Our transportation concerns were minimal. So, I want to thank Doc uh Stephanie Hoy and her admin assistant Courtney Austin and all our principles who worked tirelessly over the summer and the days leading up to the start of school to make sure that all our students could get to and from school safely. Uh I think as I shared with the committee via text that we started the year with only four classroom vacancies. So, with over 700 educators that have four vacancies, Dr. Shannon Turner, the human resource department, our hiring managers did an outstanding job. I thought our grounds and our buildings
049look pristine. So, special thanks to Mark Freighus and assistant superintendent for finance and operations, Brenda Moahan, in getting our buildings and grounds ready. And I cannot thank the school committee enough for your trust in support of me and my leadership team to make sure that we did everything that we needed to do to uh launch the 2025 2026 year. I think we're off to a very strong start. So, again, thank you for your continued support. And last but not least, I won't go into all the details. has got already shared this with the committee, but I'm very proud to announce that we received early uh we received an early college design early education designation for our early childhood child care education program. So we now have nine chapter 70 vocational programs. We'll have close to,00
050students out of 2900 students coded at Taton High School in certified chapter 74 programs. These are pro programs that meet the same standard as the vocational schools in our region. So again, very proud of the work that has done been done at the high school. Hats off to Mike Laosa, Dalahhatung, princip assistant principal Carolyn Beno, and principal Dr. Harrison because this is exhaustive work. And again, cannot state how proud we are to make sure that kids who wish to go into a trade will have those opportunities. Students who wish to go on the college track. We're going to have about 450 kids signed up for early college this year. So, we're making great strides at Talent High School and again very proud of the work and the support that you continue to provide the school
051system. Thank you all. >> Thank you, Superintendent Corall. >> Mrs. Shuffs, >> Mr. Carroll, do you have the um list of the people that got the legacy award because I think it would be nice to publicly um say their names. >> I'll do that at the next meeting and we'll also make sure on our website that we post the link for people to watch on YouTube. >> That'd be nice. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> If I may, mayor, thank you. So, uh, just to follow up on a convocation, it was one of the, uh, one most wonderful convocations I've ever attended. Uh, took a while to understand Dr. Buddy Bry. Uh, I guess a few seconds or minutes, but then after it was fine and dandy. Uh, and I think the message
052was loud and clear and I didn't hear one negative comment from our teachers and folks that were in the audience. Uh, everybody enjoyed it and, uh, thank you, Superintendent, for bringing Dr. Buddy Barry to to us. So, thank you for a job well done. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Great. Moving on to administrative business. We have the staffing report. >> Can we take one and two on at the same time, Mayor? >> Sure. >> All right. So, the first staffing report again just provides you with a list of all the new hires, new positions, part-time, full-time, and any grant funded positions. And I believe we also provided you with anyone who resigns. And we also provided you with a list of retirements. And I'm not sure if the error was caught on
053your staffing report, but if you look right above retirements, uh there was just a typo. Should have been Carolyn Woods. It should be her versus his. Just want to make sure you caught that typo. And then on the next staffing report, as I uh shared with you, um we are 96% staffed where we did start the school year with only four vacant uh four vacancies in the classroom. So I'm very proud of the work that's being done at out of the human resource office. >> And I also provided you with the backup of the positions that are still to be filled. >> Thank you. And then we have a field trip pre-approval. So, uh, moving forward, we're going to provide you with a cover page so you know exactly what's going on with the, uh,
054field trip forms. We think that'll make things a little more transparent and a little easier to process. So, this is just seeking a prior approval so they can begin advertising and fundraising for an overseas trip scheduled uh, for Ireland in April 2027. So, just seeking initial approval. >> Need a motion for that. Move a motion to approve the scheduled trip for next year. Um well, could we make the motion, please, to They're requesting approval for this um to begin advertising and fundraising. >> That's it. >> So, part of the motion. >> Okay. >> Second. All right. Motion and second on discussion. Dr. Dlo. >> Thank you, Mayor. So, uh as customary, even though we're already initiating this, I'd like to u just put a a contingency on this that we get a 180day and a
05590-day and a 60-day review as we approach uh April of 2027. So, if we could just make that as part of the motion. So, we never forget that. So, be it. >> I apologize, Madam Mayor. I didn't give you guys an opportunity to accept reports. I went right over it. >> Oh, all right. I didn't know if that was necessary. We can we can go back to >> motion to accept the reports. >> Well, we have a motion on the table, so why don't we dispose of that one? Yeah. >> Is everyone clear on the motion? >> Yes. >> Motion and seconded. All those in favor? Opposed? None opposed? So, voted. >> Motion to accept the reports and place on file. >> Second. >> Motion second. All those in favor? I opposed. None opposed. So
056voted. Okay. Subcommittee reports. We have collective bargaining teesa. Mrs. Shaws. >> Thank you, madam mayor. Um Tessa collective bargaining subcommittee met on August 21st, 2025. Mrs. Fagan and I were present along with representatives from the administration and the bargaining team. Miss Santos was absent. The meeting opened with introductions after which the subcommittee confirmed ground rules and established upcoming meeting dates. Negotiations remain ongoing. This concludes my report. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sh. >> Motion to accept the report. >> Second. >> Motion and second. All those in favor? Opposed? None opposed. So voted. >> And then we have finance and law. Dr. Dlo. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh earlier this evening, the finance and law subcommittee met uh consisting of Mrs. Shaw, Mr. Vier, and myself. Uh the first item was FY25 approval in the amount
057of $51,3762. Uh there were numerous questions asked and answered by assistant superintendent Monahan and Superintendent Cabraw. That motion passed unanimously. And the second was bills payable for FY26 in the amount of 499,392 thou I'm sorry, let me repeat that. $499,39269. Again, numerous questions asked by Mrs. Shaz, Mr. Vieira, and myself. All answered and also voted and passed unanimously. >> Is there a motion to accept? >> Uh, well, is it I'm sorry. Is it to adopt the motion to approve on file? Sorry. >> So, motion to wait a minute. Is it accept and adopt the recommendation? >> Accept and adopt. Is that the This is why I don't do it at all. >> That's okay. You got it. You got it. >> All right. So, we've got the motion. We've got the second. All those in
058favor? >> Opposed? None opposed. So, voted. >> Do have one item. >> New business. >> Yes, we do have one item. Mayor, thank you so much. As a follow-up to Superintendent Cabraw on the um the greetings of our fellow students, uh called the Good Fellas Jazz. They did write a letter to Superintendent Cabraw and to the school committee. if you allow me to read it publicly. Hello, Mr. Cabraw. Could you please forward this email to the school committee? Dear members of the school committee, I want to thank you for giving the Good Fellows Jazz Group the chance to perform at both the Taton Schools convocation and the administrator's retreat. We appreciated being able to be part of these events. We really enjoyed being able to share our music. The encouragement we felt from everyone made
059the experience even more meaningful to us. We are very grateful for the opportunity and would be happy to perform again for the district in the future. Adam Pereira, Benjamin Rebel, Matthew Patello, and Tyler Poe. The Good Fellas Jazz Group. >> Nice. >> And they accepted recommendations. I asked them to play a certain song, and they did it. >> Quite good. They're looking for more gigs, so let's hurry. >> They were very talented. It was really thoughtful of them to write that. >> It was >> Okay, so uh we'll go to unfinished business. Any any business on the action item update? Uh, none at this time, but I thought um maybe I don't know if it's appropriate to have a motion or just direct me to add this item. Uh, I just was reminded that we
060never scheduled the Hamilton Street visits and the Parker visit. So, I'm going to add that to the action item so I don't forget to schedule it. >> Okay. >> Motion to accept the recommendation of the superintendent. >> Motion and second. All those in favor? Opposed? None opposed? So voted. No press here this evening. And then I I believe we just need a motion to >> So if I may read the motion, uh the appropriate motion would be to go into executive session discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the taunt educated association, taunt therapy assistance association and superintendent pursuant to exemption three general laws chapter 38 section 21A3 and to reconvene in open session. >> Someone wants to move that motion. >> Motion to roll adopt and a roll call. >> Motion and second
061on a roll call, please. Mrs. Fagan, >> Mr. Enus, >> yes. >> Mrs. Shabs, >> yes. >> Mr. Palowski, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fagan, yes. Miss Santos, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa, >> yes. >> Mr. Laura, >> yes. >> And chairman, Dr. Dlo. >> Yes. >> And do you vote on that too, Mayor Okonnell? >> Yes. Okay. Motion passes. a motion to uh move out of executive >> I so move with the motion >> out of executive session on a roll call vote Mrs. Fagan please Mrs. Jobs >> present. >> Powski. >> You want say yes? Yes. Sorry. Yes. >> Present and yes. >> Mr. Powski. >> Yes. >> Mrs. votes. Yes. Miss. Santos. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laura. >> Yes. Thank you so much, Mrs. Fagan. First item uh
062was uh in respect to the collective bargaining with the town education educators association. I'll turn it over to you. Uh, Chair Fagan. >> Yes. So, with the TEA contract >> microphone on, please. >> I apologize. Uh, I'm going to make a motion to extend the contract according to the conditions of the committee decided upon which would be v which we're going to vote on in open session. >> So, motion to >> what are the wishes of the committee on a roll call vote? >> Motion to approve >> based on the roll call. >> Second. All those Oh, I got to go. Can I just You made a motion. Does someone second her motion? >> Yes. So, Mr. I'm sorry. You made the motion. Was it in the form of the motion? >> No. Recommendation. I
063made the motion. We need another person to second it. >> Okay. >> Cuz you're >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, could we uh just restate the motion so that it's clear and according we accept the agreement as uh bargained? Is that how how it reads? that we have to accept, right? >> To extend the contract according to the conditions the committee decided upon. >> Okay. Wonderful. >> Mr. Laura, >> I make that as a motion as presented by the chairperson of the committee. >> Okay. >> Second by Mrs. Shabs. On a roll call, Secretary Fagan. >> Mrs. Shabs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Powski. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Miss Santos. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Laura, >> yes. >> And Dr. Dlo. >> Yes. Uh, second
064item of business was uh the uh collective bargaining with the Taunt Therapy Assistance Association. Chair Santos. >> Um, in regards to the Taunt Therapy Assistance Association, I make a motion to extend the contract according to the conditions that the subcommittee decided. >> Motion to accept as presented by the chair of the committee. >> Second. >> On a roll call, Secretary Fagan. >> Mrs. Shabs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Powski. >> Yes. Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Miss Santos, >> yes. >> Mr. Vieiraa, >> yes. >> Mr. Laura, >> yes. >> And Dr. Dilla, >> yes. Thank you so much. And the last item, uh, collective bargaining, uh, with the superintendent pursuant to exemption three. Um, we know that already. I'm sorry. Uh, negotiations are ongoing. Anything else for the order of the business? Motion to >> Motion
065to a second. >> All in favor? I opposed. Eyes have. We are adjourned. Thank you everyone.