School Committee Meeting - 12/11/2025

001Okay. Uh, good evening, Hollist, and welcome to the December 11th um, school committee meeting. Um, we're kind of excited to get started tonight. It's kind of a got some really exciting news um, to share. Uh, I'll just let everyone know, the whole community know that um we are thrilled that Hollist has officially been invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority eligibility period for a new Hollist or for Hollist High School and we'll we'll kind of go into the details on that soon, but um it's really exciting and we're we're thrilled. We also have um I'm going to kind of jump around on our agenda today. We've got Ben Sparrow from the select board joining us. So, if if you want to come, we'll start with you. Um uh because we're working very closely with the

002select board on all of this. So, we're happy to have your support here. >> Sure. I uh I have a statement. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Be so kind to uh read my statement. So, uh good evening. Um I'm speaking as the chair of the select board. Um, this is not official because we haven't met to actually vote on this statement, but you know, it's it it's not a lot here. Um, I just would like to congratulate the town of Hollist. Um, this is an exciting occasion that after many years of submissions, we are on the cusp of being accepted to the MSBA because technically the meeting is tomorrow, uh, to the MSBA program to find solutions for our aging high school. Uh the select board would like to take this time to formally invite

003the school committee to our meeting on December 22nd to begin talking about the process and next steps as we embark on module one of the MSBA process. And uh let's take a moment to celebrate this critical first step before we roll up our sleeves and start the work required to fulfill our commitments to the community. So thank you and you know if you have any questions I'm happy to answer or you know >> so so this is great. Thank you for for coming on such such short notice too. And >> um one thing I think maybe post so the full committee can can be there on the 22nd. It can be kind of not like a joint meeting but like Yeah. kind of kind of a a joint meeting. >> Yeah. >> And and I'm

004sure you'll be gracious enough to put a second f first, right? service. >> Well, uh I might have to put you second because um I think we're inviting the uh uh we're trying to invite somebody in who um I I don't want to say it because I don't want to >> Yep. >> Uh but there's uh there's somebody we're inviting in from the public that we want to uh make sure that they have first to get through. So it'll >> whenever you can make >> I'll tell you offline, but uh [laughter] uh but yeah, you would be very first 105 minutes. I promise. >> Thank you. Any other questions or anything? >> Exciting stuff. >> Yeah, >> it's very exciting. Yes, we got a lot of we got stuff due in 30 days. So, we

005we get wait [laughter] >> so we look forward to seeing you on the 22nd and uh Yay. >> But I think for just I mean the public to understand like this is, you know, while we've kind of been a little separate, the select word has obviously been supporting us the past six years in in the application. Now we're really, you know, >> merging together because the select word uh is is statutoily in charge of of appointing the the building committee >> and we're the the chief executive of the town and in many cases there's uh a role we have to >> sign stuff and be part of stuff as that role. So there's lots of but there's going to be lots of community input and opportunities for lots of different groups to participate. So it's

006>> a big whole town. >> It's a whole town thing is a big deal. So, I mean, it's a it's a it's a lot of moving parts and it's going to take years. So, [laughter] >> but this is just step one and this is a big >> important step. So, it's great. >> Um, thank you so much for coming. Really truly appreciate it. >> Appreciate it. >> We'll we'll chat. >> So, if anybody has any questions or any anything, uh, feel free to reach out and, uh, we can chat. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Have a great night. Thank you. >> Okay. >> See you on the 22nd. >> Yes. Do we want to talk about the communication now? >> I think since we're here >> since we're here. >> Um, so I know

007>> is that is it just what you sent out or is it is it in the packet? >> I didn't. >> Okay. >> I did not put it. Did you grab it? >> No, I didn't. >> Do you want to throw it in there? So >> I can put it in there. >> So I know. Okay. So the thought here is that we will just sort of put out something from the school committee I guess announcing this to the school community and then when we work when we meet with the select board there'll be a bigger sort of joint memo from everybody you know select board school committee superintendent town manager um >> that you know given timing of Um, do you want to talk through any edits on what Frank wrote? >> Sure. One

008thing I noticed is it did you mean steam or stem? >> STEM. >> Steam. >> There is steam, too. Yeah. >> Steam is a thing. >> Oh, the steam for sure. >> We do have a steam program. >> Do we? >> Say staff. >> No, no, no, no. I'm good with with everything. You're good with that? >> No, it's not. I'm but one the the the only thing is I mean I like the FAQ. Um I think may it might be a little premature just maybe that that comes after we have conversations with the select. >> That's totally fair. I only put the FAQs in there in case there were questions about what is MSBA and things like that. So if we want to hold on that for the broader communication absolutely and we'll probably

009need them for a number of scenarios going forward. So Can we wait to release this until after we meet with the select board? Because I think some of these are important like some of I had some of the question same questions that were answered here. So I think we'll have a lot of community members with similar questions. Like I'd be hesitant to lead them off like >> Well, I think the FAQ part. >> Yeah. >> Oh. Oh yeah. Yeah. >> You're saying leave it off. Are you >> put out the the statement after the vote tomorrow? >> Okay. >> And then the taking the FAQs off >> for tomorrow's. And then once we meet with the subboard, we have a word then for and I assume probably on the 22nd we're not going to form

010the building committee. That'll be something in January and then so then more work will be will be done and they can come up with a more robust um FAQ and and some answers. Or I mean the alternative is we could we could post the FAQ kind of on our website and link to it so it's not kind of part of it but at least there's some >> initial questions answered and we can edit them more on the fly too >> if if need be if there's some confusion over that. Um, >> I think we could take it off the communication, but I do agree like post like as now because we'll be talking multiple committees, we'll be talking about this going forward, having almost a running FAQ too as questions come up that we don't

011know now to make sure they're answered for the community going forward. >> Yeah. >> So, we could definitely work with Dan or so with Dan to get that posted. >> Probably is good to have a progress page, too, on this. Well, I mean, look, what most towns do is they have a dedicated website to this and that's, you know, sometimes it's even separate from the actual town or school website. It's it's a like its own URL and everything and it's just for the building project and that's more dynamic and updatable. But I think this the um what's included before the FAQ would probably answer some of the initial questions like um a little bit of information about the funding, the feasibility study, like that there are these steps that are going to happen. Um >>

012maybe we should add a link somewhere in here just to the MSBA website and and the steps. if you want to quickly click to it. Not that Ben and I have been talking not that the MSBA website is actually all that intuitive and hopefully I think there's a meeting set up between maybe they even have some more maybe like a PDF p you know packet that they can sort of provide with all that sort of put together. I don't I don't know if that's a >> we have we have a meeting on Tuesday for module one. So I think we'll know a little bit more. >> Do they have like you go on their website and it's like a hundred different like links and you have to click through. It's just it's very cumbersome to

013try to get to. They have like a you know now that you've been admitted you here's here's the >> they do have the one pager that kind of maps out just sort of the timeline and the different steps and the phases. That's something that could go into this. >> No, I'm not looking to I'm more I was more hoping just see for us to be able to sort of read a more >> I'll do some digging further. >> I will. >> Hi. Uh uh to to Susan's point, there's like a I I did find and I can send it to you. There's a module one that kind of like breaks it out into like here's what's this. It's this is when it's due and it's like there's a whole bunch of things we have to

014do within 270 days of being >> accepted in and it gives you a link to like the here's the document, this is what it's going to look like and you know that kind of thing. Um I can send it to you and that's that's probably the best one. It isn't easy to find. I I certainly admit that. But um I can send it to you if that would help. >> Sure. And they are going [clears throat] to want and provided we are officially approved tomorrow which we will be um they are going to want a commitment to vote for feasibility by the end of June 2026. So that would be the main tubing, >> right? We would look to the main town being and and this is, you know, this is going to be a

015big um um ask and and a big commitment from the town to to to going through this and that's sort of one of the things here is San Francisco, we've been excited accepted for for a new high school and that that is hopefully what we'll end up with, but that you first have to go through the process and then the state decides or the MSBA decides what what they're willing to to offer based upon the feasibility. So you have to spend before you can know what you're going to get. >> And there's a lot of touch points, too. There's a lot of opportunities. It's, you know, there's multiple town meeting votes. There'll probably be multiple ballot questions. There's going to be a lot of steps along the way where people will be able to uh

016chime in um either with at the ballot box or through other means. >> Well, Milis and um and Lexington just voted earlier this weekend and approved theirs, but they are three plus years from when they were accepted. So, it's this is >> it takes it takes this is a multi-year. >> No one is running anything, you know, under the cover of darkness quickly to, you know, >> I'll send you that link. >> Great. Thank you. >> Um, can I make one edit to the the paragraph after the bullet points? >> I'm not crazy about that specifically. Yeah, I think it should be more focused on the building itself as the milestone and I know that there have been a lot of changes at the school but and you know everyone's working hard to keep kind

017of improving things but >> I don't have editing. >> You Oh, you don't have it? You don't? I have >> Oh, on the the one that I just put out there. >> Yeah. >> I like that, but I understand your point. So, >> I think we'll have I we can take it off for let's keep it crisp for >> this announcing because it is like just the hot off the presses and then as we communicate more like obviously we can build some of that stuff in. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Um I like the bullet point section. I think that just communicates it a little bit more clearly. I'm wondering if we can in the second paragraph um just soften the language a little bit. >> The this achievement. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We

018can just take achievement. >> I would just say this achievement has been years in the making >> period. Yeah. >> Or this has been years in the making like >> milestone. >> Yeah. Milestone. >> Sure. >> I like that. >> Sure. I still can't. Oh, can I add it in? >> Um, we see milestone in the purse. >> No. >> Oh, so I also would take that out, but I would say the Holl School Committee is excited to share that Holl has been officially invited. >> Well, I mean, we can pro Why don't we take out that? >> I I take out the qualifying stuff, but >> yeah, we we can start. >> I am incredibly excited. >> I am excited, too. I'm I'm not saying take out excited. I think we are excited. I

019just >> But it's not just excited. I know. >> But >> I took out the first sentence because I feel it was done because we announced that we could say we submitted multiple. Is there anything within that paragraph we also want to omit andor update? Can we change where it says like each one grounded the same truth that our community has long understood? Can we change that to be like something like um uh with the goal of investing in a 21st century educational >> Okay. >> With a consistent goal. >> Okay. >> You want to take that one, Hillary? >> Okay. I edit well. >> Do you have edit access now? Okay. Yes, I have access, but it's not clicking. Consistent goal. Yes, Jack, you're going to have to kill that parent. >> Yeah. Can

020I? [snorts] >> All right. and then to me on the second page. See, I think it'd be great if we could get it on one page, but >> move the margin. Well, it's but it's going to be an email anyways. >> Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's Yeah, that's true. >> so this on the second page though, I don't know if we need this part. Okay, Sarah, the kumbaya, huh? >> Well, if we want to make it short, we could take out still in that second paragraph just the the last two sentences and then bring so go right from the first sentence to the being invited into >> Yeah. How about you have >> But I'm good taking that those two things out that Sarah highlighted. >> Yeah. If we I I would also rather leave

021that one in and get rid of what Sarah's highway. Okay, there it is. >> And a second. >> Okay. >> Is that all right? >> Yep. >> Yeah. It's a little squishy. >> Yeah. >> I'm very60s, >> you know, commune. >> All right. >> All of us. >> Other than that, I'm okay with >> Okay. >> Is that okay? >> Yeah. I mean, >> and do we want to look at the FAQs before? Are we putting the FAQs up? >> I I don't think we'll put them up yet. I think we'll wait because a lot of that will that's fine. >> More detail will come as we go through things with the select board. >> So, I don't want to add anymore because we just took out a little >> but I I liked the

022>> concept of the FAQs. If we're not going to post the FAQs, could we put there will be more information coming in this so that >> yeah, >> it's not like this is annual here. >> There more information coming after we we meet with the select board and you know officially sort of kick off >> end with that even that works. >> Did you delete that moment? >> Oh, sorry. Are you not? Yeah. There we go. So like last sentence will be >> oh and Frank uh >> just joined. >> Okay. >> Additional information will be forthcoming >> following additional information will be coming following the select board meeting on December 22nd. So we just noticed that uh Frank Javasio has joined as well. I just wanted to give Frank an opportunity to say something

023if he would like >> provided following the meeting >> or not. >> Oh sorry no no need to say anything. Just just check it in but >> I just left this commission meeting so I thought I'd just pop in. >> Okay. Thank you so much for joining please. >> Oh yeah of course. Sorry. Sorry to disturb. No, no. >> Okay. >> I just added one last line provider following stuck. >> Thank you. >> And just delete the FAQ for this version of the document. We'll have another so we can read. >> Yep. >> There's no confusion. >> You got it. >> At this point, can I entertain a motion to approve this communication to go out tomorrow, probably around 2:00 after the MSBA meeting happens in the morning. So second uh roll call vote. Sorry,

024Tracy. >> Oh, Don is trying to say something. >> Don, would you like to um approve this? >> Yes. >> Okay, Tracy. >> Yes. >> Did you have something else to say, John? >> We're just >> I did not. No, I I I thought you were asking me. >> Yes. Okay, thank you. Um you said Tracy? Yes. >> Frank? >> Yes. >> Joe? >> Yes. >> Hillary? >> Yes. >> Dan? >> Incredibly excitedly. Yes. Yes. And I'm a Yes. >> It's still in there. >> What is the FAQs? >> It still says incredibly excited. >> Oh, we are incredibly >> Okay, so moving on. Sorry. We're going to go back to our agenda. Thank you um students for waiting for through all of that. Um but we wanted to kind of start off with that

025really exciting news. Um so we are going to return to the agenda. Um let's see. We've got the consent agenda first. Um I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda at this point. >> So moved. Second. >> And we'll do another roll call vote. So Don, >> yes. >> Tracy, >> yes. >> Frank, >> yes. >> Joe, >> yes. >> Hillary, >> yes. >> Dan, >> incredibly excited. Yes. >> And I'm a yes. Okay. So now we can do our report from student representatives. >> Okay. Um, last week winter story sports started including triyouts and practices. So, hockey opened their season against Norwood today. The boys and girls track teams have their first meet against Westwood tonight. And then hopefully these teams can set off successful sports campaign for the high school this season.

026Um, many athletes including Max Harrington and Reese Pley for track and Grady Kylie, Skyler Rodenheiser, Henry Miguel God, and Ethan Anastasia for wrestling have been nominated for Metro West Daily News preseason awards. Um, Theater 370 put on four amazing shows of Into the Woods the weekend before Thanksgiving. Um, between students in the orchestra and the crew and performers, um, there was a lot of fun to be had and a lot of positive audience reviews. And then the student directed one acts have started up and the performances will be in February. Um, the regional student advisory council meetings are underway. Our two representatives are currently participating in the work group involved in approving improving all aspects of student teacher relationships in the classroom and beyond. >> Um, college representative meetings have wrapped up and college decisions

027are now rolling in week by week. >> Um, winter chorus and band concerts are next Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. They will feature both the middle school and high school groups that have been hard at work putting together their programs. Um the new and recently updated senior privilege of being able to leave in the event of teacher absence is very wellreceived and running smoothly. Um DECA the business club mock mock competition was held yesterday and it went very well. Um 112 students across all four grades competed in business categories ranging from hotel, lodging, management to finance and accounting. Um 15 community members all with either their own business experience or owning a local business. generously gave up their morning to assist in judging and two came from local banks. The event was held in preparation for

028the district's competition which will be January 8th and 9th. >> A multicultural night was a special night of diversity or celebrating the diversity in our community and it was amazing. There was a lot of great food. >> The pep [clears throat] rally went well and students had fun watching teachers do perform a dance and play games like relay races and tugof-war where the seniors retain their crown. Um, and then upcoming National Honor Society events. Next Thursday, students will be delivering gifts to um to senior citizens from the senior center. Um, and then also NHS is preparing baked goods and letters for teacher appreciation week and officers have been selected for the upcoming year. And addition in the moment, we're very excited about the possibility of a new high school building as well. >> Are you

029incredibly excited about >> incredibly excited? You guys can come back and visit in, you know, five, seven years. [laughter] I'm >> coming from like the band hallway. >> Very exciting. >> Spent a lot of money keeping that hallway dry. You know, we're they have to keep that building kind of like, you know, to keep that that wall uh you know, because we spent so much money on it. Memorialized to the um >> that might be the the new subtitle high school. Incredibly excited. >> Not quite like the Berlin Wall or you know, but school. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Um let's see. Okay. School committee individual comments. Tracy. >> Uh sure. I want to thank Dr. Kusca and the entire central office for all of your work with the high school.

030It is very exciting. Um I know I have many children in the school who will get to enjoy this. So that's it's great. my older two are a little jealous that they've likely missed out, but the younger ones are excited. Um, and also I want to thank um just all the teachers, support staff, everyone that's in the building right now. Um, I know there's a lot of energy and excitement and it's a lot to be working with children at this time of year. So, um, thank you to all of our teachers and support staff who are making it happen. >> Yep. Uh, December, I hope everyone enjoys time with their family. Um, I am incredibly excited uh for the new high school. Um, yeah. >> Uh, I just want to give a shout out to

031the Hollist Youth Chair 12 and under team uh for uh qualifying for nationals and making the trip down to Florida um while the rest of us froze up here in Massachusetts. But, uh, >> still freezing. >> They were top five, right? They came they didn't just travel there. They >> they they competed and they >> top four. Sorry. >> Um but yeah, they were state champions and and made the trip down. >> Um I wanted to thank CPAC. They have done um an outstanding job of of um fundraising this fall through a number of events that they've had um and have put together several gifts for and grants for our teachers to use for um different um uh products in their classrooms as well as some grants for families to use for educational services outside

032of school which is amazing. Um, and I also want to thank, so last night, um, here at the library, the HDAC, um, Hollston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition, um, put on a presentation about supporting um, uh, adolescence uh, with mental and health struggles and safety. Uh, they put um on around with the police department, fire department, our school resource officers, and even some of our students um, and HOL youth and family services. was really amazing. I really appreciate all the work that was put into coordinating that across all of those community organizations. Um, and it really spoke to how well our schools are collaborating um with all the community services uh in in Hollist. So, thank you Zoe Maro and the students um for putting that on. Uh, so um I had the opportunity to

033uh um go to one of the shows of of Into the Woods and and maybe Adele left because she knew I would say what a great job that she she did in it. She was one of the the stars and we just got a lot of great kids with a lot a lot of talent. Um I also had the privilege of uh being one of the judges yesterday at the DECA competition and uh again just very um very impressed by the the talent that our kids have and one one of the um the representatives from the local a local bank uh even was talking afterwards about how impressed you know he was um without having kids in the in the school district about how impressed he was with the kids that uh that presented to

034him. So I think everyone that participated there should be uh you know very uh proud of themselves and uh good luck uh with with with states. I I was a little dis for some reason they gave me hospitality. I don't know if they knew that I was just such a a great disgruntled customer. Um but uh you know somehow I didn't get the finance uh the finance ones but um I played a disgruntled customer very well um demanding refunds um and and they pushed back very well. Um so much to my grand but anyway no great job to everyone. And uh so there's something about a high school. >> Um no additional comment. >> Um I just have one comment. Our um Martha Ellis is our longstanding um crossing guard right at um Central and

035CVS. Is it Woodland or CVS? Um >> and she is retiring. So, we want to say thank you for her many years of service. She has helped many, many of our students cross those crazy streets safely, and we really appreciate all of her um her smiles, her kindness. Um she's just really taken care of our kids for so long. So, we appreciate her efforts immensely and wish her well. Um also want to put a word out that we're trying to hire for that position as well. Um, there's a posting on the the town website. I think the school also cross-osted it to just help get the word out because it's a super important position and um, we hope to get it filled soon. So, thank you to Martha and I think that's all I have.

036Um, so at this point, I think we just have Lori for public comment if you'd like to come up to the table. I'll ask you. [snorts] >> Hi everybody. Um, so it's always so weird that public comment comes before anything happens because probably this is completely unnecessary public comment, but I have to make it because I don't know what's coming next. So, um, I heard a rumor that some group in town is advocating for us only having days off on federal holidays. And um and I don't know much about it, but I just wanted to say that if that is ever going to be on the table, I hope there would be a long conversation about it and that all the people who would be impacted by that would have an opportunity to weigh in.

037Um I just I came today because it said school calendar was on the agenda and and you're going to vote. And so I just thought and I didn't know I thought I could get here and there could be 30 people lined up to um advocate for that and um I just want to make sure that there's plenty of time to consider if that ever comes to the table. That's all. So thank you and thank you for all your work. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. >> Should we jump to math just because we've got Karen? [cough and clears throat] Um, does that sound okay? We jump ahead, David >> and Dan. >> Yeah, let's get. >> All right. Um, so our next um, we'll move up. We have a discussion about the math leveling

038advisory update. Karen, if you want to just come to the table and we'll kind of talk through some of what the math advisory group worked on. Can we project the recommendation too? Um, so I'll just go into a little bit of background and then um Karen's also going to share some information, answer questions um from the school committee. So the Sarah and I were representatives from the school committee on the math advisory group. We met from June until November. Um we had um a nice group of representatives that included elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Um both Karen Manning and Ron Taylor as representatives as um administrators from the Adams Middle School as well as community representatives. Um, so first [clears throat] of all, just want to thank the representatives, Amanda Bigalow, Ashley Buchard, Kathy

039Chartier, Anne Canon, Lori Kzich, um, Carla Krauss, Karen Manning, Shannon Muler, Chris Stanick, and Ron Taylor for their participation. It was, um, many hours of volunteering their time. They were really engaged. Um, great conversations and just really want to appreciate, um, their engagement. So the process that we went through um we engaged in a lot of if you can see there a lot of research taking a look at the information that was already um been collected by Hollson public schools through the equity audit um the math study group the math curriculum review committee some additional research around middle school path pathways we looked at MCCAST math data I ready and Il math data and really looked at um historical trends, current trends, breaking it down by student groups, racial, demographic, demographic, and enrollment groups, including

040our students with disabilities and multilingual learners. We looked at high school math course enrollment trends by student group. Um, and also looked at different models from districts across the Metro West area and some other areas, looking at how they set up their middle school math pathways and what leveling looked like. And then finally, we also looked at some of the Desi math frameworks in grades six through 8 and algebra 1, the standards um and Desi guidance on math pathways. And so through kind of that process, um each of the kind of our research groups put together a number of different um recommendations which included looking uh recommendations for differentiated math pathways beginning in grade seven um with an option for algebra 8 in in grade 8. um differentiate math pathways beginning in grade eight with

041an option for algebra in grade 8 and then also um looking at no leveling. And so from that we took those three recommendations and we took a vote across the committee. Um there was very strong interest in uh the following recommendation which is differentiated math mathematics pathways beginning in grade seven including an option for students to take full algebra 1 and grade 8 with a vote of 11 to1 in support of that recommendation. >> Karen, anything you wanted to add about the process? Um yeah, I mean I want to publicly thank um Hillary and Sarah for taking a lot of um folks including myself with big emotions and passions around this subject and really uh using protocol and and directing our energy and did a great job with that. Um so thank you so much

042for kind of organizing that for us. Um so we're kind of you know excited to look at this with a different lens um in terms of leveling. Um two big things that kind of came out of it were equity and um just sort of access you know for all kids and fluidity. Uh, so I do think that we are going to be able to come up with a really cutting edge approach to um having kids be able to learn math um at their access points. But um we'll see, you know, what happens with the vote and then we begin our work and um I'll definitely have updates for everybody in I think we're we're back on the agenda in February. I'm always happy to answer questions. Um, but yeah, we're we're excited about continuing to

043serve all the kids in Hollist and and work with the community on just kind of making everybody happy. >> Any questions? So one thing I want to say I mean I think that this is a and I want to know a little bit more about the specifics of what sort of is it but before before I get to that I think that you know this is just looking over the the group of people involved in this there were there were 12 individuals on on this um committee that while it was formed by the school committee includes six educators so almost you know half of the half of the the the group and by educators I apologize I mean teachers curriculum uh specialists two administrator educators because you you I don't mean to to say you're

044not educators. Um three and I'm bubbling my words here and then three community members and I think all of them have some back a background in in education themselves. >> Yep. Almost everybody that volunteered from the community was an educator. So >> Right. So the and then two school committee members and so you know the collaboration here between the school committee between the administration between our educators and and the community. I think this is a really great example and and and Hillary, I don't want to put you on the spot, but I I really think that the community needs to understand how much you did um to help guide this group, not decide for it, but put together the structures for the conversations and the fact that you're an educator yourself. Um I mean, you

045just in my mind did a tremendous job in a very short period of time getting through a ton of stuff to get to a recommendation in time to allow for implementation for next year. So, I really want to thank you for all of your hard work. Um, regardless of the outcome, I think just the you put together a a a document last year for us about sort of the timeline and everything. I think you beat that um but still got all the same work done and um just incredibly uh grateful and and everyone from the community should just understand and recognize that. So anyway, >> but um so I so but back to I mean so we're differentiating math pathways beginning in grade seven. So, does that mean two different levels in grade seven? >>

046Yes. Okay. And at least two different levels in grade 8, including a full algebra one level. >> At least two or three. I mean, so we I think I know at one point we had three back in the >> teens. >> And the is the Desie um guidance still three or they have something laid out that that shows three? >> Um I believe so. Um and so there were a lot of as you can imagine a lot of discussion from um the group as we looked at different district models as we looked at the DESIE guidance um and [snorts] the research there was a lot of kind of discussion about not just what is going to be the recommendation but then how would it look and so ultimately thinking about the charge of our group

047um this is the recommendation we're putting forth is kind of within the purview of a a school committee subcommittee and then um that continued discussion of how and the implementation goes back to Karen and her team. >> No, that is important is that we sort of heard the big C and then we turn that over to the administration to to sort of do the implementation. Um that being said, I mean I I I think two is good for seventh grade. I I would prefer three in eighth grade only because I think it just provides for more opportunities for kids to sort of learn where they're at before getting thrown into into high school. But I think for for you the most important thing is that equity piece and I've been sort of saying it from

048from all from the very beginning and and I hate to sort of say that I've been saying it from the very beginning because it's annoying but um is making sure that we are providing and meeting kids where they're at but also keeping those pathways so that if you're in the if you're in the uh the second uh level in in seventh grade you have the opportunity to get to any of the levels in in eighth grade. and that some of them may be those that that cost money, but others are things that we're able to provide within school or sort of um opportunities that don't cost money and that can be offered. So, so we we're keeping in mind not just people's time but also sort of their their economic sort of capabilities because we

049we that so that's very important to me too as you you you go forward and think about this and I know it is to you as well. Yeah. >> The the plan is uh to do this without any additional cost. No, no, I don't mean cost of the district. I mean cost of the parents. >> Oh, tell me more. >> Well, like if for instance, if one way to get from seventh, so the the lower level in seventh grade to the algebra, full algebra one, these are the highest in in eighth grade would be to take a summer course and that would be, you know, a few hundred. So, so just finding ways that maybe that is one opportunity that is offered, but another opportunity is I don't something else within the school day or

050that is provided by the district. But >> yeah, that's one of the things we considered, you know, very very strongly in um the equity discussions, right? >> And there was a a local tutor who was part of the discussions and and she was able to give us like a lot of information and and thought um kind of around that topic. And she agreed that, you know, not everybody either has access to or can afford, you know, a private tutor. and and that was um you know we all agreed at the at the table that that was a concern um because we're here to serve all of the kids and not just the ones who can afford a private tutor. So we have some creative ways already in place where kids can access additional math during

051the school day and um I think we'll be able to continue with that um momentum. Is there a t I know might be jumping the gun here. Um congratulations by the way. The amount of professionalism here led by this committee uh subcommittee has been awesome. Um especially with all the emotion around it when we started off I remember um when [clears throat] can the community expect the next steps like what this will look like right this is the recommendation but to Dan's point what levels are there exactly how will we create that fluidity? um when can we expect not we but the community expect that to come out? >> So I think you know the next time I would probably officially unveil some the next steps that we are thinking of would be in I

052think February when we have our midyear um but certainly if anyone has questions about what we're doing in the meantime during the course of the school day which is when everyone who helps with this kind of work is available we have a lot of um busy other folks in our care. So, um, we we do have this, you know, it it's a big project. Um, so we do have this as a priority. Um, >> but it has to kind of fit into our day as well. So, we have some scheduled meeting times. We have some brains at the table. We have some really talented folks who work on schedules. And, um, it it's important to all of us that there's fluidity and equity in whatever we have to offer kids. >> And the plan would

053be for 26 27. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I just want to say thank you to you and to all of the teachers that were involved. I it was a pleasure to work with and hear how everyone's minds were kind of go getting, you know, approaching this. And um I mean again it I think we have wonderful teachers in our district and administrators and I just appreciate all of what goes into it. It's it's a lot. So thank you. Um, >> so can I echo that too? And I'll I'll just make a motion that we implement the uh recommendation of the math leveling uh advisory committee uh to implement differentiated mathematic mathematics pathways beginning in grade seven including an option for students to take algebra in grade 8 which includes and

054just as we talked about sort of which includes at least two level two levels in in grade no sorry includes two levels in grade seven and at least two levels in in grade eight and that'll be the end of my motion then as I said I prefer three But um >> second by Don. >> All in favor? >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you again to all the volunteers in there. Um >> is that nine months? Hillary working on that. >> Okay. >> June to >> Okay. Six months. >> November. Yeah. Yeah. Six months. >> Okay. Um so I know Dr. Jordan would you like to >> um I would ask whoever's driving to >> do you want me to present it? >> You want to? >> Yeah. Go ahead since

055Dan's gonna >> Yeah, I'll follow you. >> Perfect. There's a PDF that's in there. Pull that up. All right. Um, see if I can get everything. Um, why don't we go ahead and start with the bottom first? Oh, yeah. Reduce the size. That's fine. That's fine. >> Reduce. >> Yeah. See if we can reduce the size a little bit because I think this is more for folk. Everybody has this in their folder if they want to pull up and get a closer eye their eyes on it, but those who are on Zoom will be able to see this just uh just fine. Um so where we um where we are is uh the overarching impact um uh on part two is a 5.05% um increase. Um this is predominantly driven uh by a small number

056of factors but some costly factors that are that are in there. Um one is uh there is a 100% increase in legal fees. So an 800 or 8 $18,000 increase in legal fees. Uh this matches um next year we we are going into contract negotiations and I would say that the $18,000 that's currently been budgeted has not been matching the five-year trend of costs. Uh and as we go into um our budget negotiations, this is a realistic number um of what we're going to need to use uh and and likely we'll be using other revenue as well potentially to to cover those legal fees. This this is a realistic number for us as far as legal fees. Um technology uh this is just a 3% inflation. Um we we are we're lagging slightly behind our

057our expenses. Uh but we're uh we're holding on it. Um so a 3% increase is kind of matching um what our expense inflation uh would be within technology. Uh we have other things uh where we look at like uh and Dan's going to present on um some of our capital requests for some of our hardware. Um but we're in a world we've been in a world for the last seven or eight years that's kind of escalating of uh curriculum shifting to more technology based subscriptions and then um things being more online sub or year-to-year subscriptions. uh we get very accustomed to and beholden to and then they just kind of can increase those those rates on us. Um and we're we're kind of stuck with those being kind of fixed costs for us. Um the

058next piece um are down at uh the 3,300 line transportation services. Um we uh we are in the last year of our contract with homes transportation. We will go out to bid. Um this is just kind of planning for what those numbers uh will come kind of come back uh with. Um as well as kind of if you're look comparing that transportation line to our last line, the 9100 line, our tuition match schools. Um Norfolk Aggie. Uh I'm just kind of planning for transportation. We have transportation increases um for Norfolk Aggie. But also that last line is just our um our tuition that we pay for Norfolk Aggie is a $93,000 increase from the prior year. Um to give you some perspective um last year at this point when I was presenting it was a

059$99,000 reduction. Um we were bud in FY24 we were budgeted for uh 20 students. We ended up being uh we ended up budgeting uh for FY26 actually at 16 students. Um we are two students short. We ended up with 18 students this year and I'm projecting 18 students for for next year. We're averaging right around five and four students per class uh within Norfolk Aggie um that we have. And we also don't know um how uh with Norville Gaggi specifically how um the the new system from the state is going to work as far as the number of seats of Hollist residents they're going to accept into Norfolk Gaggy. Um this is kind of our conservative first pass at Norfolk Gaggy costs or whatever. So that may change uh as we go through the budget

060cycle. Um the um let's see the custodial supplies uh that's the 4110 um the year two uh sorry uh yeah custodial services um we're going to be going into uh our year two uh of our um contract um for that. Um and then uh let's see the um the 4120 just for our heating of our building. And then lastly uh 4130 um is our uh electricity um costs. Uh while our number amount of electricity used or kilowatts that we use within electricity is pretty stable uh for the most part um it's our delivery cost within the electricity that's been escalating at an exceptional rate. So this is um the town we are we all as a whole town are experiencing that that we're looking at 7 to 10% increases year over year over year. Um

061and this is to kind of match that and that's a 10% increase listed there. I guess at that um the overall delta is uh of of this is $276,830. Um all of part two, which is kind of everything that is not special education or payroll, [snorts] is would be 5,757 uh,000. Um just please note the entirety of our budget is is going to be just under $50 million. Um, and then we use some additional revenue there, we're going to be right around probably like 46 million uh for that. So, um, while it's at a 5.05%, it's still just only like a $276,000 hit, um, on the on the delta of the budget. >> Dr. Jordan, for any of the ones that are no increase, are we going to see any favorability on those that could

062bring down that the increase we're seeing now? We're not seeing anything that's going down. >> Yeah, potentially. So, this is a conservative look. This is our kind of first pass. Um what this is is really highlighting the things that are are going up. Um if I were to kind of like pull out these lines and show you last year's expenses and really and I and what I do between now and when we get further in the budget cycle, I will look at multi-year trends to see if we can kind of reduce the budgets in those zeroed out lines. Um, and that's like likely what we're going to see is so um everything that is at zero dollars um either I feel comfortable at that budget or we potentially could go down because we had savings

063from the prior year >> in on line 4120 heating of buildings. Can you explain what this correction is? Uh is it the anticipated uh increases in in energy costs or >> uh so we um this is oil uh we're at we're at a fixed cost. When we budgeted for FY26 at this point we didn't have what our new rates were going to be. Um so we projected what those were going to be and it wasn't until the summer that we got the actual rates for FY26. So that $12,000 is a correction actually from for the FY26 that then drives what we'll need for FY27. So that's that's kind of just an adjustment for it. What I the short is I was trying to explain that it's like we're really our cost from FY2 what we're

064anticipating the cost for FY27 is pretty much going to be the same as it was for FY26. Can we anticipate I mean we could all assume but rate increase because the rate increases is ahead of or after we budget or actually we get those at the end of the year. >> Um I I'm anticipating oil our oil usage and then then oil costs are down as far as that. So that's that's what I'm driving that from where we prior in prior years where we were budgeted. So anticipated as like what our rates are um are I'm I'm very comfortable with where we're going to be as far as that. The the the more wy out of control side of our utilities is our electricity. I just think it's important. So uh payroll came in what

065was it 5.8ish. eightish, something like that. >> And so we're five here and hope, you know, we were modeling for part three, which we haven't seen yet and isn't done, but you know, some decline, so that will help offset it. But we will be on the first pass above the 3 and a/4%. So we we definitely have some work to do, some some pencils to to to sharpen. Um but as a somewhat partially wise man uh you know used to say frequently you know the further away from you know you get to budgeting the bigger the number is. So you know as we get forward we we generally learn of of favorability but the um just Norfick AI is an is an incredible program but I I do think it's important for people to recognize

066that it's about 28 $30,000 per per student. Keith Tech is about 20,000ish or so per student and our average cost per pupil is about 16. So it is a is an expensive option for us. I mean it's something that benefits a lot of kids but it definitely you know has a has a impact to our budget. >> More work to do. Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um Dan technology. Right. Good evening everyone. So tonight I'm going to focus on three uh important topics. Um there's many more as you can imagine with technology, but these these seem to be uh you know right there right now. So um first we'll talk about title 2. There's some uh things where the district will need to become in compliance. So I'll kind of fill you

067on what the what that might look like. And then AI of course is everywhere. So we'll tell you what we're up to in Hollist public schools. And then finally just a preview of spring capital as uh Dr. Jordan mentioned earlier so you can um just understand the need. All right. So, title two, I realized after I made this presentation, I'm already out of compliance with my presentation. So, uh right there, ADA, I'm supposed to be defining that. And so, these are the changes that we need to start making as a district is defining all of our acronyms, uh because not everybody knows what they are. So, um, anyway, that's the American, uh, Disabilities Act, and this is a title two, uh, clause in that act. And so, this has been around for a while, but

068they're starting the enforcement process, uh, to make sure, uh, districts and municipalities are in compliance. And so, this is the definition of the requirement. Basically, all of our services, programs need to be accessible. So, not really anything shocking there. So, what are we doing right now [clears throat] to meet these standards? Um, which in our case would be April 26, 2027. So, some of the things we just started, and I'll I'll give credit to Dr. Jordan staff, Kim Ston, and Ashley Batton. We're starting to convert all of the school committee policies to web pages. So web pages are the most desirable and the most accessible of all the text that we can provide to uh our public. So we have the uh competency determination that Dr. Kusca sent out today. That's our first well we

069already have a couple um policies that are web pages, but we're going to start creating all of them as web pages. So we have Dr. Jordan staff and then possibly even a student intern is going to help us with that process. It's it's not quick. Um you have to take those Google Docs and PDFs and you have to put them in a website and then format it. And so we're having all these discussions right now. Also, if you recall, as part of the strategic plan, we were trying to move all of our non main platform sites to um the main platform. There's still some some out there like the school counseling site is still a Google site. Uh but we just uh Seth Golder, our librarian here, just moved his sites to our main platform.

070That is also part of being more accessible. We give one one-stop shopping for our public. Uh but it's more than just that. So we've already taken action steps, but this is really going to touch all parts of Hollist public schools. Um, and I'll give you some examples of some of the things that we need to start focusing on. I I attended a webinar yesterday. So, this slide you're seeing was an additional slide I added. It may not be in your presentation. So, I apologize for that. But basically, the the focus is going to be on everything we design moving forward needs to be accessible like I gave the ADA example. So, all the content that we create has to meet these requirements. So, we have to talk about as a district, again, this is fresh

071off the press, you know, how we're going to implement this with teachers and it's going to trickle down to teachers and students as well, the requirements. So, but the focus right now is on the public uh in in procurement, we have to embed all of the accessibility requirements. One of the big things uh that was discussed was all of our resources, digital resources need to be compliant. Are they right now? I I can't really answer that question, but anything moving forward, we need to make sure we list these as requirements. Do >> you have to go back home or >> uh it's a great question that they said the focus should be on um whatever you make moving forward and actually one of the things they mentioned was as a strategy is archiving. So if

072we have things out of compliance on the website, we need to actually archive them. We can still keep them, of course, but remove them from the public view. Uh, and again, we have till April 2027, so we have a little bit of time to do this. Uh, but just a couple of examples in case you're curious. Uh, some things that I didn't even know about. Um, you may have seen like some websites have read more on them. Uh, that's actually not compliant. It should say like read more about bus schedules. You have to give context to those links. Another example is color. So some people are color blind reading the website. So if you have a blue hyperlink, that's out of compliance. It has to be blue and underlined to be in compliance. So these

073are little changes I think that we just have to make and inform our staff. Uh communications, we um school committee sends quite a few emails. have one going one out tomorrow, right? We feel pretty good about the bright arrow system as far as translations. Uh but we just have to be aware of these other, you know, hyperlinks. Uh some of those requirements and then social media surveys all need to be in compliance and and it gets to be pretty detailed, but um we'll plan as leadership team how to implement this. Okay, moving on to AI and our steering committee. So, we formed a steering committee for those that um might remember back um two years ago actually at this time we formed a steering committee and we developed recommendations and we have implemented some of

074those recommendations but um AI just has not dissipated whatsoever. So, uh, this time around we're going to keep that steering committee. Uh, we're meeting four times, but we're going to keep it alive and well, just as a check-in because it's evolving so fast. Um, so right now we've had two meetings. Uh, we have three subgroups that have formed and um, we are going to develop a public-f facing site. I'm actually considering a Notebook LM as a potential site to host all of our resources. So, we're actually going to use AI to help us u keep everything together, but then the public site will probably be on the website. So, stay tuned for that. And I wish I had more to present tonight. I can give you some things we've been discussing, but um my plan

075is to come back in February after the last meeting and hopefully members of the committee will join me and share what we've been doing. Here's the makeup uh of the committee. So, we have um several students, which is awesome. For whatever reason, we have four sixth grade students. So, four out of the six uh we have two high schoolers on there, too. But we have a dedicated group of sixth graders and they are awesome to hear. Um it's actually interesting. They're telling us and this should not be a shock to anyone. They're using chat GPT. I mean they're being honest, right? And they're sharing how they're using it and it's not not making us feel any, you know, feel good. And so that's where um you know this committee needs to hear all this so

076we can plan for how we're going to teach students how to um navigate AI. Uh the five staff members, I just want to congratulate them and thank them. They're they're coming out on their own time. Uh sets Ally Curley. This is her second steering committee stint. So really dedicated a lot of time. Muja Patel. Jenny White is a new teacher. Uh she's done some awesome things with Gemini, really innovative. Um and she shared that with the committee which was really uh exciting. Um Karine from the high school here, language teacher, and then Kim Clifton from the middle school. Um she is she's an ELA teacher, which is awesome to have ELA represent on this committee. That's that's one of the subjects that's uh difficult to navigate. So I will bring um recommendations from the committee

077and hopefully more members um February if I can ask to be on the agenda and then we were going to meet probably quarterly after that committee. But it's a healthy group. It's a lively group. Um I should share one more thing. There's a there's a lot of discussion about the environmental impacts and and some of the committee are very cognizant of that. And you know, every every time you type in an LLM, you're you know, whatever. It's the same as three water bottles you're wasting. So that kind of we're having these conversations. Um it it's interesting. You hear all these all sides of it. You know, will AI eventually overcome all those environmental issues? Who knows? Um but there's a lot of uh great discussion. By the way, some of the parents um a lot

078of them are AI leaders in their workplace. Uh, one of the members is he heads AI for his or organization. It's a $3 billion company. Um, so we have some really high-end um expertise on the committee. Uh, and so we have these sixth graders [laughter] and we have these CEOs and and AI leaders. Uh, it's really interesting group. So, thank you to all of them. I really appreciate their time. We're meeting two more times in January. All right. Oh, one more thing about the AI committee. These are the two big things that we're wrestling with on the committee. Uh chat GPT, if you haven't heard, um they've released chat GPT for teachers and um that's actually for anybody with a Hollist public schools account. So that would include all of you as well. So it's

079a free uh license until June 2027. Chris Mayo and I, the town IT director, are currently configuring it so it's as easy as possible for folks to access this free license. But the great news is it meets our privacy requirements. So, similar to Gemini, you'll be able to safely enter um prompts into chat GPT because it's protected with enterprise security. So, that's huge. And this is only for staff, just to be clear, not for students. uh Gemini is approved for students but this is one of the things the committee needs to uh provide guidance on is when should we and who should we implement AI with will it be 6 to 12 will it be further down so we don't know the answer for this we're just going to provide some recommendations and then DESI

080released guidance in late August it was uh a little late for planning for us but we're trying to integrate their uh PD plans into our current plans as Dr. Manard knows. Okay. Finally, just a quick preview of capital swinging over to infrastructure to support all this AI and devices and Wi-Fi and all of this. And by the way, uh we're you're on Wi-Fi 7 in case you're wondering. Um Spencer Carlin, our network specialist, has upgraded this building entirely to Wi-Fi 7. So that's the latest and greatest as far as speed. However, our network switches are 14 years old in the high school. That means we can't maximize that Wi-Fi 7 yet. So once we upgrade these switches, then we are doing as much as we can for a public school district to maximize Wi-Fi speeds.

081And if you recall, I think um I shared it in a s'more, the students in fifth and eighth grade are getting Wi-Fi 7 devices. So the eighth graders when they come to the high school here, if this switch project goes through, the ninth graders next year would be sailing along with the new devices and the new Wi-Fi and the new infrastructure. In addition, we we need batteries. Uh so every closet, every network closet has battery power. super important to protect our equipment. And those are due, they only last three years, as you can imagine, just like a phone battery. And uh they need to be replaced. Finally, there's some cabling that we need to do. We we've added some displays in some areas, but we're kind of um hodge podgeing those. Uh it's it's kind

082of unprofessional how they're wired up, so we need some uh cable runs to help us get those looking decent. Uh so just if you recall this is all uh -atable. I know that's probably not a word. Um we use -ate um to reimburse us for it's called category one network access. And so this price tag 150 and this this goes out to bid by the way. So that's just a forecast. But it would only cost us 90,000. So we get 40% of that back from the federal government. And then [snorts] the Rams Music Studio is up for replacement. That's over 10 years old. We upgraded the high school last year, so we want to keep the middle school in alignment with that upgrade. And so they're due right now, and that's going to be about

08320,000. We will likely go with a similar model for the high that what the high school did, which has been very well received, which is Mac, Mini, desktops, monitors, and then all the necessary accessories. And then finally, Mr. Alfred went to the play as well, but um the lighting system that the town and and all of you helped usher through uh the capital last spring, I just uh they gave me some pictures to share with you in case you didn't make the play of the new lighting system in action back there. So, uh that's been really wellreceived. So any questions about um the AI the digital compliance or the capital? >> I had a question on the check GBT license no training we're not training obviously our information is not going to the public models

084but it is learning from internal like because otherwise it's not as I feel beneficial if it's not growing its knowledge. >> Correct. It does learn from your from your personal chats. Okay. Is that what you mean? >> Does it learn from your personal chats or does it learn from Hollist's public schools chats? >> Uh it's it's a good question. It's it should be personalized to you. It's it's basically you're still you're still going out to the web. >> Yep. >> Uh for the resources, but like your data is not >> enriching what everyone else can enter. Like you're getting benefit. >> Correct. [snorts] What would be interesting though is and I I don't know with the free license could it enrich our internal knowledge meaning if there's others sharing things around it pulls that in

085that is open and available obviously things that are private stay private need to um but having that internal enterprise level allows you to get smarter pull in information but not make the public models as smarter they're not leaking that information obviously to anyone else >> correct so that's a good question I'm trying to figure out how to explain as best I can. It's um so we're not whatever we put in there is not training the LLM. So it's not going to be used to whatever keep >> Yeah. Oh, gotcha. Okay. And is there I'm assuming I mean 27 is a pretty long time. Um yeah, we'll monitor how well it's being used, if it's impactful. Obviously, that then becomes potentially a licensed line item in a year and a half. >> And we're going to

086be um so it's interesting. Some people in the committee are um saying we probably don't want to do this. We should standardize on Gemini. However, um the other side of the coin is teachers are using a non-enterprisegrade license. We know teachers are using chat GPT right now and it's not privacy protected. So that's the other side of the coin is we want them on our enterprise license so that they are protected. So yes, it is a sort of a risk because we could have teachers that really love chat GPT and then June 2027 comes around and there's a bill. But we're going to be clear at the outset like it we're going to leverage this tool and we have a year and a half with it. So we want teachers to become AI literate and

087experts and then we'll we'll make that decision about you know the license. Do we do both or do we just keep Gemini because they're they're not >> change so much. >> I know everything it's going to change tomorrow morning. So, but um and we were not expecting the chat GPT thing, but um we we do think it'll improve staff literacy uh which should end up improving student literacy. >> With the number of community members talking publicly and reaching out about the dangers of AI and concerns I mean everywhere it is. How are we using this committee to communicate how you guys are thinking about it for Hollist public schools? Like where is that me? I know you said you're going to post regular updates, but more so like how do we handle the ongoing and

088growing concerns of AI in an educational environment? >> It's a great question. It's going to be part of the uh education we provide to students and families. Um so this committee there's there's a subcommittee working on the concerns, the environmental, the deep fakes, all of that. Um so out [snorts] of that subcommittee should come some recommendations probably going to be short-term and then long-term recommendations and then the leadership team and you know we will we will take a look at those and then figure out how to implement them. Um but it's it's a great great question. It's it's happening very fast. Um, we have as, and I'm sure folks at the table know this, like every day there's there's bits and pieces of AI popping up in incidents and it's it's and none of us

089are, you know, this is all new for us, too. And so, they can do that now. Interesting. Um, so >> yeah, one thing I'm positively driven by what you're doing and and hoping obviously with those things popping up, we don't shut the opportunities down. we figure out how to harness in the right way, right? And certain things we might need to keep at bay obviously, but certainly something that's not going away. So if we avoid it, I a lot of companies are dealing with this too. If you avoid it, you fall behind. So really excited to see what comes out of this. >> No, you're absolutely right. And the committee is I I told them at the outset, this is the struggle. We know we know the markets the world is expecting our kids to

090be AI literate but yeah we can't use it as a crutch you know so so how do we balance that so there's a lot of expertise and and actually a lot of those you know parents said the same thing their companies are still struggling with AI and how to navigate it we don't have any higher ed on the committee which we did at the last committee so uh if anyone's listening out there. Uh we we're kind of like open arms. If you want to join the committee, come on in and you know, January 7th and we will welcome you with open arms. Um but the higher ed is interesting, too, because you see some colleges embrace it. Others say you can't use it whatsoever. [cough] What do we do with Hollison High School students? You

091know, how do you prepare them for that? Some some say yes, we're all in and some say no way. So, another struggle. Couple things. Um, for our policies, when we're going to the web- based policies, how difficult or would it be possible to include a link to a PDF version of it? I I was just looking up the one that we did and it's it's like printing if you printed it, it's like six pages with the web-based version versus like five from, you know, Word or PDF. But I also really like PDF. >> Doesn't matter if you like a DDF. >> No, no, but if you have a link to the PDF within the within the web, then everybody wins. Unless it's like, you know, something >> What if No, that's 67. >> I know.

092How do you keep But also, how do you keep them make sure they're always in sync, too, but you've got two things you have to >> I don't know. There's so many. >> And they did not they were not huge on the webinar yesterday. PDS were not not good >> even links from the thing that's compliant to >> we could certainly >> consider we can check anything they consider then now you're creating another inequity when we're trying to get rid of the inequity so that everything's translatable so now you just >> the major the translation piece >> it's translation but it's it's all the other things you know folks that are color blind folks that are um >> is there a list of all of the compliance >> there is like Yeah, as a matter

093of fact, >> sorry, I forgot one thing. Folks that cannot hear, another thing we we will have to start doing if we ever create videos, we have to use closed captioning and we have to post the transcript as well. So again, another change to make sure everything's out there is completely available. But but it's not inequitable if you have the thing that that covers the equity piece of it and then in addition something that I like >> but is it is that is I mean >> I think that's fine. I think as long as you have you know >> it has to be the same >> at least the web page. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. Yeah. >> Sure. >> Something to think about. Okay. Um as far as the the steering committee goes, how does

094how do you feel? I mean 23 members is a lot for for the main committee. I mean is that is that working for you or is it >> it's similar to our other committee and felt like the other committee was very productive. Um and it's I will say the 23 not everybody can make it. The real one of the big struggles was how do you you want to encourage kids to come students to join but you also want to meet parents you know and their needs. So it was we're we're starting at 4:00. So it's a 4 to 5:30. Um so some parents can't do that because of work. Um so we actually have a hybrid model which is another wrinkle in it. But we have some parents like three or four parents joining by

095Zoom and then we break them we put them in a breakout room to go to their subcommittees. Um so it's it is a lot but I really wanted a lot of voices and you know if they're obviously if their students are in the district and they want a say in how AI is implemented then by all means join the committee we want to hear your voice. Yeah. No, I was just saying like do you have like a staff and administrator AI steering committee with then students and parents as advisory sort of members where you the committee comes up with stuff and then sends it to those groups. So that way at least there's more smaller groups sort of doing most of the work and then seeking the input from the 23. I mean 23 just

096seems if you're if you're if it's working for you then I'm not going to stop it. But 23 I know that what was it the envisioning of future housing was like 17 or something they could or some huge number they could ever get people together and it just >> Dr. Bernard is actually on the committee too. Sorry for not mentioning Joey but um >> so the subgroups are going to be where all the work occurs. So it's it's really just >> okay >> three large well they're not even large they're about five or six people each um in these subgroups and then I'm I'm just facilitating you know making sure the tech is working and then offering whatever I can as far as resources. Okay. And then um around the the capital requests um we

097do just need to have a conversation with hopefully a new high school. Um not a rebuild. You know, at what point do we stop putting my you know at this point we're probably 5 years or so away. So, you know, it definitely makes sense to continue on especially upgrading to ensure um that we have the the network and and Wi-Fi access. But at some point it's going to not make sense or or we're making sure that what the equipment we're buying is transferable or or whatever. So just just something to keep in the pack of yours and and Dr. Gordon's head. >> It's a great point because the cable lead is one thing that could um that's not going to be transferable. So that's something where I have to make make a decision there. Is

098that really worth it? Knowing the new high school's coming then maybe not. We just, you know, figure out how to do that, >> right? But at this point maybe it is. But in we need to change if we need other cables to be swapped out in 3 years then maybe not. >> Correct. And >> do we have it broken down in 150? It's pretty sizable. Um broken down between those three to understand like is cabling 10 grand of the 150. >> Sure. It's a great question. Uh the network switches are going to be probably 130 to 140,000. Yeah, the network switches are% >> of it. >> Yeah, that's that's the that's the brains of the operation. So, >> and the batteries aren't too bad and the cabling's not >> We'll see. It's it's going to

099have to bid. So, okay. questions. >> A lot of exciting stuff. >> Thank you. Um >> I'm thinking we might move the calendar up, talk about the calendar right now because I know Lori, you're here mostly for that, right? I know this this is all riveting. >> This has been a very interesting meeting [laughter] and I wasn't expecting so much. So maybe we'll we'll cover the calendar now so you can hear um that discussion and then we'll jump back to if that's okay with um okay so I think at this point we we're just we have a draft calendar for the 20 what are we in 25 uh 26 27 >> school year um I don't know if you >> close my All right. Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Down. Way down. >> Got it.

100Okay. on that a bit. >> Nothing has changed since the last meeting. to answer your question. Right now, um we are not changing anything with the holidays for the uh I keep getting the years 26 27 calendar year. Um we did talk about forming a group to talk about that. There there have been requests to kind of take a look at how the district handles holidays. Um we are not taking that on this year and the c the way the calendar falls next year. there are some holidays that um kind of are are falling on weekends or so it makes it a little easier to the calendar kind of naturally is a little easier than it is this year where we have a bunch of holidays that were midweek and it has extended the school

101year kind of longer than some people would like. So, um the the current draft of the calendar has um the opening day for staff on August 24th, which is the Monday. Um and then let's see, the last day [clears throat] would fall on June 16th if we had no um inclement weather days. And that's why it's not as um impactful to the heat and all of that. And that's why um this for next year this makes sense to keep this in place >> and it will be a broader discussion if we start making changes with things like that. So it it's not something we wanted to um rush through because it it is something we want to hear people's concerns and thoughts on. So um that discussion will be coming but not not for this

102next year and it will still be a discussion. So there's again no it's it's just do we want to look at this and make changes. How does the community feel about that? >> And and it won't be a religious holiday conversation. It will be a calendar conversation that includes religious holidays amongst different looking at different options including February and a break when when we you know implement PD days. I mean it's it's much more of a holistic look not targeting uh religious holidays specifically though I think they need to be part of the conversation. Um, >> at least that's my view. >> Yeah. No, I agree. I agree. >> So, are you planning on voting on? >> Um, so I think we would like to vote on >> So, I have a >> Yep. >>

103which is always dangerous. >> Do you have thoughts? >> I know. I have too many of them. Most of them aren't good. Um, one of the the um, you know, concerns I heard this year, you obviously were the that in the first 10 weeks of the school year, we only have three full weeks. And while that's not as much of an issue next year because of the way that the holidays fall, um, you know, there is that the the week of the 7th, which is Labor Day, and then also having a PD that Friday really makes it like only a three-day weekend time. My only thought was, do we have the 24th be the opening day for teachers, the 25th being a PD day and the 26th being a half day. It doesn't shorten the

104school year at all, but it does sort of >> limit, >> you know, kind of that it still be a broken up week that the week of the seventh week because of Labor Day, but it would at least be a 4 day week rather than than a three-day week. >> So more consecutive days. have proposed that in the past for other years and teachers really um when we had discussions really were concerned about having PD and when they when they're trying they're anxious about getting prepared for students. So that's why um we didn't go that route in the last few years. There was a lot of you know just feeling like they were so unfocused so doing PD on a day when they're so focused on trying to get ready for kids that they weren't

105really getting benefit from that PD. That was the issue we were hearing. Is there any time during those that first day where teachers are given space to >> spend time in their classrooms and or is it all district? >> Sure. So on the 24th on opening day half of that day is dead as part of contractual that the teachers get time in their classrooms and then on the 25th that the reason we made that a half day is because of the mandatory training. So teachers and um teachers get the second the 26th not the 26th sorry the 25th they get time to do their mandatory trainings that day so that they really don't have time on that day so that the half day on the 24th is the only time and then they're going right

106into school the next day >> and there's no way to combine those like I kind of agree with Dan the the breakup and having that PD that full day I mean I understand the your point about pushing it um but I also know as a parent that half day is it's a strange start for the the continuity of the kids. The little ones are going for a half day but not a full day. Like it's just it's really disruptive for the our students as well. >> To be clear, I would still have we would still have a half day and I was suggesting >> later. >> It would just No, it would be the 26th. >> Yeah, day later. >> Oh, day I thought you said week later. Sorry. Yes, it would be a day

107later. Um and there's a lot of reasons for for that half day. But um this would at least just get more longer weeks. >> That half day is required though. That's contractual with the teachers. >> That is Yeah. >> Similarly, a little different. November 3rd is a PD day. November 3rd is election day. >> Oh, okay. So, >> yeah, that's the reason. >> That's fair. >> And actually, because the last couple years we kept it on that day, Unified Arts has been able to get >> Yeah. >> PD much more rigorous than in the past. So, and other districts are coming in. We're actually offsetting costs because IDA has been bringing other >> Yeah. >> districts in to do it with us. >> Sorry, I didn't think about that before. >> March. >> Sorry. Yeah,

108I was looking at March 2nd next. >> But then you get one day and then two day. I mean that's like I don't know I don't know what's >> Oh. >> Yeah, >> that's rough. >> Neither option are great actually. >> Um yeah. Well, why was March 2nd chosen as a Tuesday instead of a Monday or Friday? >> We would we've been asked to try to not have all Fridays too. you know that we this is kind of we've tried to compromise between what administrators think is best, what teachers think is best and everybody has different soing a combination seems to have been the the way we compromise on some of that. >> What about February 22nd? Yeah. He wouldn't come back yet. Yeah. [clears throat] March is tough because >> it's also MCCAST month

109and then you have all those dates on >> and that's why I try to put the PD earlier in the month for that reason. I just really there's no good answer. At least May looks clear this year. Full monthly >> mile 31st. >> Yeah, but that's >> four full weeks of service. >> The full day PD, is that also a contractual requirement or is that something that we could look at in terms of how the community feels about partial day PD versus full day? >> So regardless of whether we have half day or full day, the teachers still have 185 days. So we there's no way to change when when when we had 185 days to make up the lost half days, students had 181 days. >> So that's part of the So it doesn't

110change the length of the school year in any way. >> But more time on learning >> actually. No, we get more time on learning this way with less half days. Yeah. >> So >> and it was more about trying to have less >> less half days for students with parents. it's such a challenge to get daycare. So by having the full days, before we were doing three full days and four half days, so now it's 7 days of child care, you know. So we >> this seems to be working best. And then the other thing is now that we have um having everybody on the same 8 to 2:30 schedule, we're able to get district YPD. I mean that, you know, trying to get counselors together. So anytime we have the half day that we

111can never get Paris together on a half day, we can never get all you whatever the group is. So this seems to be the most efficient and we'll be getting more meaningful PD as a result of >> we're using it a lot for curriculum reviews now >> just because the sub coverage is so hard >> the new schedule lends itself to actually make half these work better because you've got you know h you know two schools the elementary schools are now on the same schedule and the middle and high school are on the same schedule and they're only you know 45 50 minutes apart. I mean before when it was spread out you know 190 minutes between Yeah. that that was not feasible. But I would think now that we've really sort of condensed the

112overall district uh start and end >> our half days like 10:30 >> 11:30. >> Okay. >> They can't I mean >> over the middle >> even if it's only 90 minutes we can't run the PD or if it's a 2 and 1 half hour PD on a half day there's no way to do both schools together because they don't really run it just there just no I mean it doesn't work. They'd have to travel and everything. You know what I mean? So they just >> I I just heard there a lot you know there is a a thought that more half days and more consistent sort of PD and smaller bites um is more impactful and that that you know there's more learning that happens from from the teachers through that. So um rather than

113just kind of full onslaught days sort of sporadically [clears throat] around across the year >> there's research around all that I think we could we could put a case together for any of them. I think it's really about also capacity for when we when we're running PDs having also enough staff because a lot of the we run our own PD without hiring because we try to minimize costs. So when you have the same we put groups together like for example um doing our we have um peg do peg peg do coming doing executive skills and because we have all paras there the same time as all teachers throughout the district we can combine larger groups and we get much more cost benefit to it and and so I agree with you there's like pros and

114cons to all of it but we have found this model to be the most cost effective and also allowing us to get groups together in the last couple years >> would um the extended day be available on half days? Is extended day available for I because that's I know if we're talking child care as an a reason for doing the full days. Um if extended day is not available on those full days but could be on half that would give a lot of our families that rely on that. >> Um well they wouldn't be available I think but the issue is if they don't already have extended day and other you know what I mean like it's >> they available on some half days but not they also were trying to fit in some PD

115for them. So, I think if there's too many factors to have to figure, I'd have to dig into that a little bit more, but it wouldn't they wouldn't be able to accommodate more children, >> right? But all the kids who already the families who already rely on that could use it. >> For example, like some some employees for from extended day are going to be attending January's PD. So, I mean, we're trying to build PD for those people, too. So I you wouldn't be able to go to PD and provide services. >> And Dr. Dong extended day or for certain hours. How does that work on a half day? Because that you sign up for 5 days a week till 6:00 p.m. But school day ends at 2:30. >> So it's built in. Okay. And

116in the past, Tracy, there's parks and rack years ago, we would partner with them. They would sometimes offer programs on how to do these, too. >> The thing too to think about as we're doing curriculum reviews, we're going to be needing to look at vendor PDs and we cannot afford to do two PDs from the same vendor. And if you're having different PD start times and end times, you'd have to do two two sessions. We would not be able to have the November 4th PD like we normally have that would put a kibash on that. You couldn't do that. So there's a lot of things you cannot do by having half days. >> I feel like I need to speak for Cynthia. Should we talk about February or April vacations? >> I'll leave that. >>

117Not on this calendar. >> Okay. Just throw it out there. >> It's part of that whole discussion. Absolutely. >> Yeah. >> We got really lucky July. Oh my god. July. A few a few school days in July. This one's an easy one. Just wait till next year. I'm sorry. We need that conversation. >> I I guess the only other question I had was with September since we were picking selecting a Friday. Does it make sense to have it be Friday, September 4th? >> Right. >> Combine it with the Monday off versus the three days. >> Oh, yeah. both weeks you'll have four days as opposed to one with three. >> And then and then it's followed by the following week is a full week and then you have a series of full weeks um somewhat

118different than this year. So >> this is way better. >> So it's it's just a thought. Um >> sorry, >> if we're going to do a Friday PD, would it make more sense to make it Friday, September 4th >> where you have the Monday? The frustrating thing is from the PD end, a lot of people are going to be very frustrated because the attendance will be so low. >> Yeah, that's >> that a lot of energy is going to be put into it and people will not show up. >> Better off putting it the 18th if you're going to do that. >> That also breaks up that week. You have a full week, the first week of September, you know, 31st through the 4th. >> So, I would agree with Dr. Pusk if you're going

119to do it, do it on the 18th. So, at least give a 4K weekend. But I I still think do it the 25th. But and the other thing, you know, we don't necessarily need, I don't think, to decide that tonight. We could vote for like the sort of the the first day >> the first day 24th and the last day being the 16th. >> Yeah. >> And see if we want to survey teachers on that, but [snorts] at least get some more feedback on um >> why the 25th. It just bec it makes for you don't have a three-day week, you know. >> Move the 11th to the to the to the 25th. >> October. >> I thought we were saying move it to the 18th though. So the >> end of August. >> Oh,

120August. >> Sorry. Yeah. Yeah. >> You know, another possibility if it does push it out a little like um October 2nd could be a potential if you're trying to have more >> September time, >> longer days. Yeah, >> I think I think that would be something that could be managed because it's it's still early and we're trying to get stuff earlier in the year so they have time to practice what they're learning, but that would not be too disruptive. >> No earlier than in the year before the year starts. >> Um because I I'm trying to not break up another week while doing it. >> Okay. >> Let's vote the first. >> Okay. to entertain a motion to have to >> the first day of school >> first day for >> for staff >> opening

121day for staff on August 24th and um last day of school on June 16th that would be 180 days for students assuming there's no snow days. >> Moved by Don. Second. >> All in favor? >> And then just to be clear, the first day for students school will be the 25th or maybe the 26th, but right if anyone's planning that would [snorts] be the >> Yeah. >> And do we want to talk about forming a committee or when do we want to think about that? I can [clears throat] let's get through the superintendent search and maybe put it on our calendar for um late January. Well, really probably early February. >> I would agree with that. >> Does that >> Yeah, sure. >> That still gives us time to work on it. >> Yes. >>

122Yeah. >> Say thank you. Or is that out of protocol? I just want >> Thank you. Good night, Lori. Thank you for coming. Um, >> no. >> Okay. >> So, I You want to hop into policy? >> Sure. [laughter] >> Because we've got a bunch. >> Um, yeah, we have had a we've had a lot of policies this fall. And the reason is there's some that we've had to uh adopt or revise based on um state requirements like the competency uh determination that went out today and then the middle school pathways that we're going to read again for a second time today. Um and then others we are looking at to make sure that we are aligned with um MASC policy and kind of looking at where are we need to update policies or where

123do we need to uh resend or adopt new policies. So the first one is a first reading um this is a new policy um that is recommended from MASC but also is aligned with department of health regulations. Um, this is a physical examination of students. Uh, did you want to read it, Tracy? >> Sure. >> Thanks. >> All right. Uh, title physical examination of students code JLCA Hollist. Every student will be examined for screening in sight, hearing, BMI, and for other physical problems as provided in the law and regulation. A record of the results will be kept by the school nurse. Every student will provide evidence of or will be given a general physical examination four times upon entering school and upon admittance to the fourth, seventh, and 10th grades. The results of examinations will

124be a basis for determining what corrective measure me measures or modifications of school activities, if any, should be recommended. A record of all examinations and recommendations will be kept. Every candidate for a school athletic team will present the signed consent of a of parent or guardian in order to participate on squad and will with the signed consent of parent or guardian be thoroughly examined to determine physical fitness. The school physician will examine athletes except when a family wishes to have the examination done by their own doctor at their own expense. A written report stating the fitness of the student to participate signed by the physician will be sent to the school principal. The school physician will make a prompt examination of all children referred to them by the school nurse. They will examine school employees

125when in their opinion the protection of the student's health may require it. Except in an emergency, the school physician will not prescribe for or treat any student. Whenever the school nurse finds a child suffering from any disease or medical problem, the situation will be reported to the parent or guardian in writing or by personal visit. If remedial treatment is recommended, a copy of the report will be filed at the school. The school nurse will make a monthly report to the superintendent of the number of students examined, the number excluded, and the number recommended for treatment or special adjustment of work. In all cases of exclusion or recommendation, the causes will be included in the report. There's a note regarding the BMI. Department of Health regulations call for vision screenings in grades 1 through 5, once

126between 6 through 8, and once between 9 through 12, hearing screenings in grades 1 through three, once between 6 and 8, and once between 9 through 12, BMI in grades 1 4, 7, and 10, and this is the source of this is the MASC updated in 2021. >> What's driving this one at this point? Um we don't we just don't have this one. Um so we wanted to make sure we are aligned with yeah MASC and the department of health but yeah so this is all already happening in our schools but we want to just make it have a policy um to align with our protocol. >> So so given Dan's presentation do should we define BMI? >> Yeah. >> I think it's supposed to to be ADA compliant >> the first time it's used.

127stand for >> body mass index. >> Thank you. >> And I also kind of want to add about that the BMI actually we this a lot of conversation came around um the use of that as a tool in general. Um it is still a state requirement. So um although a number of us myself included had some strong feelings on the use of that. Um our hands are a little bit tied um because of the state policies that currently exist if I'm understanding conversation correctly. Can we put a link into it to a PDF? >> No PDFs. >> Drive me bonkers. >> The next policy is banning PDFs. >> No, we banned Canva. >> All right. Any other questions on this policy? You >> want me to take the next one? >> Sure. short and sweet.

128>> I know. Okay. So, this is another one where um this is an old 2022 MASC policy. Um and just going through our policy handbook realized that we don't have it. Um so, this is a new policy for Holl um but a current one for MASC. Want to go ahead and read it? >> Yep. Title staff conduct code GB policy. All staff members have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with and abide by the laws and regulations of the state as these affect their work, the policies of the Hollist School Committee, and the procedures designed to implement them. In the area of personal conduct, the committee expects that teachers and others will conduct themselves in a manner that not only reflects credit to the school district, but also sets forth a model worthy of emulation by

129students. All staff members will be expected to carry out the their assigned responsibilities with conscientious concern. >> Should we talk about this is staff contact and we say all staff members and then in the area of personal contact community expects that teachers and others. Should we change that to expect that staff and others or just staff? I >> think we can change it to staff. Sure. Yeah, wide staff. >> I don't need other stuff. >> Yeah. >> My only concern with this one, it's very vague. So, >> but I think it's still >> Yeah, I'm not saying it's damn it's just it's hard. There's obviously probably some very valid reasons or situations with it, but it's hard it's going to be hard, I think, >> to enforce. >> It's a recommended death policy. >> Yes.

130MC policy. Yes. >> Yeah. I'm not against it. just >> um the next one is a current policy GCQE special honors. Um we're actually voting to rescend this policy. So the reason is this is um a policy. Do I need to read the policy? >> Not the reason. >> Okay. Um, this is a policy for uh honoring retirees. Um, and it's we're voting we're looking at rescending it not because we don't want to honor our retirees. That is a practice um in Holl want to continue to uplift. Um, but this is an old policy from 1979 and um overlaps with some of our other policies and practices. I know no one was I don't think on the committee in April of 2019, right? You were elected in May of 2019, >> correct? >> Yeah. So,

131um so I don't think anyone at this table actually was was here. Um do we have any idea they reviewed it? Why did they keep just keep it? And at that point, >> I'm going to say is I'm not aware that >> this was being done. I know when I arrived there, there was no discussion that we were doing a plaque or displaying anything. Are you aware of anything, David? >> I'm kind of reading through >> and that's why we started doing um shortly after I arrived, we started doing a staff breakfast if we had a number of staff. And if we don't have a number, what we've been doing is um they get a a Holliston blank blanket with the H on it and if it's if it's a you know like we have

132retirement coming up, I bring it to the school and we they a certificate and we recognize them that way and then at the end of the year depending on the number of staff we do a breakfast in that. So that's our recognition but this I don't know when this how long ago this was being done. What other policies do you have? >> Let's see. >> Let me look back notes. And I think it was something that we had on a year ago, Teresa, when Cynthia was still doing policy. So she would have known that this was I think that's why cuz she knew that had not been done in a long time >> and she left in her notes that this was one to review this fall. Um, I'm just going to take a few

133minutes. >> No, I'm just sort of I I'm just as if we're doing it already. I mean, I get that, but I I worry that it it sort of sends a an awkward >> message. At the same time, I think it's a little bit too specific and maybe, you know, doesn't So, >> I I I'm almost more inclined [clears throat] to sort of shorten it, keep it to something like, you know, retiring employees who have worked for HPS for for a significant or, you know, for a significant period of time or have made other special contributions to the to the school district um you know, kind of um should be considered for some sort of special honors by, you know, the superintendent. >> I'm wondering that's where it overlaps potentially with another one. like this

134is the specific one and there's another one that calls out something similar to what you're saying. >> I don't know if there is or not. I don't remember seeing one, >> but leaving it more sort of more open-ended and giving more discretion and latitude to the superintendent, not only for who to to recognize, but um for what the recognition could be. Um I'd like to know like back in 1979 what they were thinking a permanent pass to school related events was. I mean that's, you know, is it like some golden golden ticket like a trump card? Um, no. But but but if you I don't like the the the specifics that are in there. >> Mhm. >> I think it's too sort of limiting, but at the same time, I think it's it's more of

135a it's more of a recognition on our part that we recognize, you know, service to the district by having a policy So we can put this on an agenda for the next policy meeting to go back and revise the language to be more >> I mean if I'm the only one then we can go ahead and we don't want to send a message we don't want to do this but we need to be there needs more latitude >> for like permanent passes >> well I mean good news is I don't think we were doing anything when I arrived and we actually doing I think a nice >> Yeah >> we didn't do you remember doing anything prior to >> uh this is for us that we're not following our own. >> I don't know when

136it stopped. >> Retirement Breakfast made that what the change was 2020 when you arrived during the CO. >> When I first arrived in Holl, we would actually have like a retirement banquet like there was like a a formal thing at a facility that we rented out or whatever. I mean that only stopped like probably in 2018 or 17 or whatever. Uh but prior to that the practice was a larger retirement banquet and I think the the union um didn't want there was some kind of having the scale and what that was as far as the number of retirees that we we had and whatever reason there was like a year or two years that we didn't do that. Um but the prior practices every year there was like a they would do like a large

137formal banquet and invite families of whatever and like I mean for instance I don't like the form of recognition shall be approved by the school committee. I don't think that that's particularly necessary unless it's a huge budgetary you know um expenditure or something. This is more just the the policy of the school committee is to recognize you know long-standing and exemplary uh you know um service to the district. I may even say that the part B is probably sufficient. Just updating it a bit to reflect retiring employees specifically except removing the black and permanent pass. Right. I'm just making notice. We we do I guess have like naming um a policy to to name certain things like the Nefield complex and there's there's that but but at the same time Bob wasn't a member of

138the was I mean quasi was because we we paid for um a portion of his salary but he he was they he was in DBW's highway which is very important that >> but but he also wasn't quite an employee of HPS so I mean I don't you you guys take it back and think about it and if at the end of the day it's still you figure out why we it was recommended for for recision then then fine but all right um the next one is tutoring for pay. Uh so we read this at the last meeting. Um at the last meeting we also made just a couple changes to it. Uh second reading we read the full thing again. >> No we don't have the messages just to change it. >> Um so in

139the last meeting we did change his and her to their and he and she to underline the B in. >> Okay. Are >> you supposed to underline the period? >> Also wave the third reading if you chose to do so. >> Would you like to wave the third reading on this? >> I'll entertain a motion to wave the third reading. >> We wait the third reading. We can wave the third. >> We have to do this. >> We have to do Can we >> This is the second wave. So you do the second. You can wave the third in both. >> Oh, okay. So you have to read for the second reading and then we can wave the third, right? >> No, just change >> just the changes. >> I thought you just had to

140do the changes and just >> in 1979 they waved the second reading. I'm just saying I'm sure everything's exactly >> probably another policy that says we can't wave the second reading. So >> we we should definitely resend that one. >> That's why Dan, you stay on budget, not policy. >> I am not good with policy. So, what do we say? >> Making a motion to approve. What's the >> Yeah. Can we make Can we >> make a motion? >> You can vote to wave the third reading and approve policy. GCRD has >> this is the second reading. Doesn't it have to come back for the third reading which we then wave and then we vote to approve it? >> Not the second reading. You can do the second and third. >> So, the second reading

141was just noting what the those changes were. >> Yes. And now we're waving the third meeting >> because you actually made the changes at the meeting. So there's no there were really no changes since October >> the last meeting. >> I'm not doing policy. So I entertain a motion to wave the third reading. Hands approve. >> Second and approve this policy. >> So move. >> Second. All in favor. >> Okay. That passes. >> Great. >> As long as there's PDF. >> Y. Yep. Um, >> okay. All right. The next one is also a second reading. Um, this is our middle school pathways. Uh, this is not middle school pathways in terms of leveling. I don't know what that is. >> What is the X? >> I have no idea. >> Somebody's on it. I don't

142know. Somebody's touching it probably. >> I don't know. And I don't know how to get rid of the big X. [laughter] Whoever's that color >> Tracy, sorrycri and it hit the watermark because the message says replace watermark. >> You're on the water mark. >> Now you added another one. [laughter] >> Can I reject your watermark? >> Okay, here we go. There you go. >> So technical question for English majors. If you're going to define a term, does the term need to be capitalized? >> So does C the career? >> I don't believe so because of the fact that it's not a proper noun and I was an English major. >> If it was Hollist career and tech educational, then it would. >> Okay. So does just need to note those changes this the second reading

143and >> yes just read any changes since the first reading. >> We can wait the third reading and approve this. >> Yes, that would be important because I do >> you need I do need to get it uploaded hopefully before the holiday. >> So the changes were just to spell out career and technical education. >> Yes, that's the only change. Yeah. Um, so I'll take a motion to wave the third reading and approve policy JC. >> Okay. >> Second by Don. >> All in favor? That passes. Okay. Last one. Last one is social media. Um, so this one we have reviewed for um, sorry I'm just looking back at the notes. Um, no sorry as a school committee was not reviewed since 2022 but this is one we have been updating. Um, so I will

144read the new language. We're adding the language. While the district recognizes that employees retain First Amendment rights to communicate outside of work, employees should be thoughtful in how they communicate on matters of local, state, and national concern such that their communication do not disrupt the workplace. We're also adding in language. All electronic contacts with schools should be through the district's computer and telephone system except in emergency situations. HPF HPS staff should be using their halls and email or other halls messaging systems to communicate with students. All contacts and messages by coaches and faculty advisers with team members shall be sent to all team members except for messageages concerning medical or academic privacy matters in which case the messages will be copied to the appropriate administrator. When necess messages can be sent oh sorry that should

145be taken out. Oh, sorry. When necessary, messages can be sent to subgroups, for example, team captains. Staff will not give out their private cell phone or home phone numbers without prior approval of the district. Pertinent content from coaches, faculty adviserss, and other staff leaders that must be done via teachers personal phone number should should be sent to the whole group and must be school appropriate. So, those are all the changes since we last discussed this um earlier this fall. Uh we also had Dan Mloud take a look at this and confirm that um there are messaging ways that students can communicate with teachers via messaging. So, it doesn't just have to go through email. Um [clears throat] and that way Hollston can kind of monitor and have a log of those contacts. >> Thank you.

146David List and Matt Baker in a couple meetings ago to kind of talk about that part as well. And and the sentence about [snorts] the district recognizes that employees retain First Amendment rights and such that the communications do not disrupt the workplace. I just I do find do not disrupt the workplace is really ambiguous. Is where did we get that language from? I think Andy that was from Andy. >> Yeah. Yeah. How would we define it? >> I I wouldn't include that language, but >> yeah, we I had sent it to him and that was his recommendation, but >> from some of the stuff that's gone on recently, >> not here nationwide. >> Yeah. No, I I understand. But >> um so as far as a staff giving out personal cell phones, so if a

147staff member is going to communicate with the team captains, they have to basically get prior approval to give them their personal cell phone before they can communicate with the team captains. Is that what >> No, they should be using um one of the Google platforms, the um Google chat that is accessible through anyone that has an HPS account. They're trying to kind of change the direction of how >> the messaging systems change. There you go. >> Yeah, we kept it intentionally open so we go away from Google or Google changes names or whatever it is that it's still a school based >> program. So Hollson's message systems should be put in there currently Google just but subject to ch I mean no >> no >> I'm not saying I want to >> it might be

148three or four more years before we get back to this and they may change the messages. Should we put the who is what the messaging pl cuz saying Hollist messaging platform somebody could say text messaging is so who's defining what is Hollist's messaging platformated by >> yes >> because [snorts] then you can change it and as long as >> that role's decided it it's good >> as provided >> yeah it's provided by the >> by the district >> so within this Under what circumstances would a staff member give out their personal cell phone numbers and that be approved? >> We just wanted to keep options open for a rare occasion >> because in an emergency for example they might not be able to get like the quicker way might to get a text message you

149know. Well, but in an emergency, they'd have to have that to begin with. >> What do you mean? >> True. They would have to have it. But >> emergency could be somewhere where they're texting someone your cell phone cuz I have got to text you maybe, >> you know, various. I don't know. I'm just hypothetically. >> But this says give out. So that means they couldn't even have it if they received prior approval. Some concern too is if someone signs up to be like a coach has their number already, >> right? How do you There's a lot of things you need to go through to get to like when did they get it? Or if a or if a high schooler's your is your babysitter and >> right >> your you know >> Yeah. [snorts]

150>> Yeah. >> But I guess that would be one maybe that's an instance where they you get approval, right? They be like I'm we're I'm so and so is Mike. I don't know. >> Yeah. Have all fun because there's like hundreds of scenarios you probably bring up. So like having a one pipeline of like they need to get approval regardless of the scenario. >> I guess they could still use a messenger app. >> Yeah. >> I don't know. Would we want would we want them using the messenger app to talk about can you babysit? It's I mean I guess it's fine, but it kind of muddies the waters now of like >> Well, I mean, if we're forcing things to do it, I guess we >> It's a tricky one. >> I hate this policy.

151I mean, no, I mean I mean not policy. I like having but just the it's it's ambiguous and it's >> who's also a teacher who has >> Yes. It's like coordinating a sleepover or something for their kids friends >> and we have some teachers in the district. >> Absolutely. So that's I don't know how >> there's a lot of overlap. >> The biggest the biggest thing that we've had issues with is the fratization on social media and trying to avoid that. That's this we've modified that a number of times because in making sure people understand that they really shouldn't be friending kids unless it's a specific account for just their students. >> Could we take out the the part about the phone number and just have inappropriate contact via phone or electronic devices prohibited to

152to get away from a little bit of the gray area, >> right? >> I don't know. And what's the point of even calling up just electronic devices cover it all? >> Yeah, I don't know. Well, >> some people have landslines or rotary. >> I stole the landline. >> Damn tricks. >> Um, >> yeah, I'm okay with taking out that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And it's a the other thing is you could add you know communication with between staff and students [cough] before reviewing it. Is there anything else we need to do in terms of like official approval of this policy? >> We just vote to agree to the change. I was just do we clarify in here for me for that this doesn't include volunteers or I mean or do we need to do we

153or is it clear enough that we're really just saying staff? >> We did ask Dan Mloud like if we have non staff members who are uh going to be coaches or assistant coaches they can get an HBS account. Yeah, >> but also then they're they're >> there may not be full-time employees, but they're not volunteers either, >> right? >> Volunteer coaches wouldn't necessarily have it, but assistant and coaches, regular coaches, and I don't think we want volunteers to be the ones communicating >> right. Are you okay with it as as as it stands at the moment? Yes. Is it I I guess it's it's entitled social media, but it goes a little farther than social media is the only other thing I would say. Right. >> Digital communication. >> Yeah. Social media, digital communication. >>

154Yeah. Okay. Like if I saw a policy term social media, I don't know that I would look to this to find out what limitations on my cell phone use are. >> Okay. Is everyone good? Um on 13. So this is this is we can just approve this at this point. >> Can we have a third reading actually? >> Yeah. What was I? Can we do a third reading on this one? >> You want to do a third reading? >> Well, it's an existing policy, so you don't want to be a reading. We just be holding until >> whatever. I I mean, >> we can always go back. >> Not even. >> No, I know. And >> entertain a motion to approve policy [laughter] I J N DD social media and digital communication. >> So move

155second. Um Bailey passes. Um before we move off of policy, can I just ask policy to maybe consider looking at JBB? It's educational equity J and then B as employee B as something to maybe consider reviewing for this year. Okay. We don't have that policy right now, but other schools do. >> Okay, great. >> Including Huffington and Westwood. >> All right, moving on. Um, central office administrators update. >> So, start Susan. >> Couple quick updates and then I'll just talk about the proposed [cough] timelines. um learning walks happened today at Placentino. It was our first um one for the year and we had all of our well almost all of our administrative team at Placentino and that was a lot of fun for especially for people that may only be at high school all day

156to be able to go down to preschool to grade two and this is something that we continue to try to improve upon each year and we'll have one in each building and we're also trying to build in some where um some of the staffing roles will start to join in some of those this year as well. And then um roundts I've had at all buildings and one of the themes that the theme I've been starting with this year is what does belonging look like at Pacetino or Rams or at Miller and I have to say the kids have been amazing. Um particularly I was impressed by our middle school students. It was um the group was very forthcoming, very just engaged and and you know, every year I've had some great kids, but this year

157they kind of really usually they're not as comfortable the first time they meet with me and then later in the year they get more comfortable, but they just jumped right in and it was nice to see how prek to I mean pre-K to 8 so far the students have really been talking about how belonging is a positive experience in most cases at all the buildings and then also ideas to improve upon it. And then obviously MSBA is a big um exciting piece of news and David and I and David List and Frank Javasio and James Kee will be popping in tomorrow to um hear the approval and then I'll be reading a brief statement at that time and um then followed by the meeting on the 16th. Yesterday I did um not yesterday, Tuesday I

158was mystery chef at the high school with our um our program with Ann King and we made holiday um Rice Krispie treats and they brought me mine today cuz it wasn't cool in time. So I was able to get mine today. It was a lot of fun and the kids were great. Um, and then I did certify the CD um, policy on the website through Desi today because it had to be done also before the holidays and I've already received some questions which you know it's hard this is a desi compliance requirement and then parents are asking what does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? And I will be working with David list to send out what it means a little bit more but I just had to get it certified

159right now. So, if you get questions, let people know more information will be coming and um he'll be going over that. But students that did already pass MCCAST and are doing their regular coursework, nothing will have changed. This off actually offers opportunities for students that didn't pass MCCAST to potentially still be able to get their full diploma this year and beyond. And then subject to changes in the future. That's the other piece is that the at the state level changes are being made and this could change next year. So, you know, this is really a snapshot in time at the moment that we have to do at the state level. And um I do have two potential timelines that I shared with you. Um because we know that we have the final uh the permanent

160student services director position and a permanent principal uh principal opening at this time. So I was trying to be mindful of the timeline that you have for your superintendent search process and with the hope that that person would be chosen. It's it appears you have end of February as that timeline. So thinking of that I was trying to find um time and Joanie and I worked on this thinking about how can we make this work and also have the opportunity for the the candidate chosen candidate to be the final selection of the person. And if you recall in these types of searches, it's typically the main interviews or the first round of interviews is done by a search committee, which I kind of proposed from our past searches what it would look like. And then

161by the time you get down to after the community forum and potentially site visits and all of that, then the final selection would be the the superintendent. and hopefully that would be the upcoming superintendent that would make that final selection and do an interview or potentially do it together if you know to help with that if necessary. Um so that's why I propose this timeline because we also don't want to go too late into the season. It's these challenging times particularly with a student services director role. Um those positions have been open quite a bit in the last few years and seem to be turning over more than ever before probably because of all the legal compliance and timelines making it a more challenging role. But you know that's kind of where we landed at

162this point. Um I did talk to Mr. Venet and forgetting that he's now doing the um superintendent search interviews. So, he did say he doesn't think he'd be able to participate into the director of student services role for that reason because they are pretty close in timeline and bandwidth. So, I would move to pull him off of that and be open to considering another um it could be potentially someone else at central office. I don't know if if David Jordan would be interested if that we go forward that route. >> No, thank you. because I did put for the principal one I did already put potentially Joanie some Oh no you're already on this sorry you're already on this potentially so >> we're running out of people >> and I I think [snorts] is there

163a job description that's available for us to review >> yeah if you go if you go on to the links as well it should be in your packet there were actually two proposals so I had Lisa put in the original one which was actually updated in 2020 that's the one we used for the last search so that should be linked on the agenda I believe my No, sorry. Hang on. Wrong wrong wrong link. >> Sorry. It should have been on. >> Where is it? >> I think it's in the packet. Sorry. Um and then Barbara and Lisa were working on trying to get something updated. if you wanted a potentially different um worst case scenario, if we were trying to get this posted that week of January 5th and we have a meeting on the

1648th, we could certainly post the one that's already approved and then we can still edit the other one if you wanted to go that route. So I guess my only concern about the time frame and the time frame has job posting January 5th to January 23rd or January 12th to January 30th whether there's any interest in um and I mean we [snorts] have the January 8th meeting to to approve the job description if we don't get there tonight and maybe we will get there tonight but if we if we were to post say January 9th if there would be any interest in um keeping it open until say February 13th. And the [laughter] reason I say that like January 9th to February 13th >> is how closely these positions also work um with the superintendent

165and there there may be people considering this position that want a little more clarity on who may, you know, who may be the next superintendent and we're that close, right? So, they may even consider applying once they know and and I think we will know by February 13th, which is just my thought on why we might push this back another two weeks. Um, >> and what is it push? You're still opening it 12th, right? I would >> I would open it. >> I would actually leave it open to the 20th >> of Jan of February. February. Yeah, we're leaving it open. >> But that's the vac that's the the vacation week. So, we have the decision. So, then people can apply because nothing's going to happen over over this the vacation. I think I had

166the wrong date on one of these. It was like >> Yeah, the Yeah, there were two two slightly different dates, but that might it it really is a matter of pushing it back by two weeks or by what? Three >> two in a phantom week. >> Yeah, two in a phantom week in order to there again we might get more candidates applying once they have clarity on who the next superintendent is. >> That makes sense. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I I don't disagree. I'm just >> putting it out there, you know, that >> the later we go, the challenge is that >> scooped up. So, I mean, I think, you know, there's no good answer. >> Then we sprint. Um, wait. Um, in the job description, the only thing I think that I personally would

167like to put out there as an idea is that somewhere, and granted, this is very thorough. I'm looking at the new one. um and detailed I think the new one uh job description but put out there somewhere that for the you know for the candidate with the right um experience and background you know an assistant superintendent title uh would be considered may be considered or or could be considered >> and then is that's interesting and then to >> wouldn't that be a different role then >> no well I mean well okay in theory it could be but this is more just saying hey like I mean and I think this this is a misconception by a lot of people while in general like if you look at it you know an assistant superintendent is paid

168more than a director >> it's it's just a title >> as well I mean there's licensing things but there's it's so I just in in effort to maybe attract some people who are already directors of of student services somewhere >> who maybe have significant experience maybe that's something that makes them say you know, for my career that that makes sense to to do that and and then they can let us know if that is why they're applying and and then at least I could be part of the committee's deliberations. >> Should we put that though in like as an or statement required because if you you do need additional certifications to be the assistant superintendent, correct? So, we'd have to stick >> you need assistant superintendent license. I believe you guys would know better. You

169do. >> Yeah. Um but so so right you would then add in there you know >> and there are other districts that have that now that isn't there are >> yeah it's just >> currently our salary is comparable to our assistant superintendent ranges so you we're not really salaries not >> well that's the thing you're right there's there's a whole mix between directors and assistant superintendent based on experience and and >> you know I I like the idea I want to think more about it um I have read over the job description and and and this is the one we most recently used, right? Is that >> the one that was in 2021? >> Okay. But with that potential addition of the assistant superintendent language, do we want to think about >> what would a

170change in here other potential thought maybe too? I was thinking you could also have an executive director title. I mean, there's other things you could potentially consider. >> I mean, I want to look into that a little bit and what districts are doing and maybe even try and chat why they with why they did that, right? And >> the only thing is maybe January is the one post. >> Well, we could get that posted. I mean, if we voted that night posted by the 9th >> or [snorts] by the what is that, the 11th? >> Um, if we're leaving it open until February 13th, we still have orth, [clears throat] >> you know, a significant amount of time. >> I just don't think much is going to happen the first week in January anyway. Of

171>> course not. Um sorry if we could put her on top of the agenda. >> Yeah, >> we get late in the night. These are the conversations that >> tail off and um >> but I think it makes like especially we should also look at neighboring districts what they're doing to marketability if the salary and and qualifications are similar >> why would he underplay the role? Um, >> is the person underplay though with the tight like underplay that this could be assistant superend. >> Well, I don't I don't want to lock ourselves into hiring assistant superintendent, >> but okay, we can >> we're basically saying this we're we're willing to negotiate title >> for student services. >> Let's give people a second to think about it too and revisit January. That's fine. I just My

172point is rather than I don't want to post it as an assistant super because then you're then you're >> locked in >> you're locked in >> and I don't necessarily >> then might be limiting the pool >> right and right um who the special ed coordinator I don't not familiar with that >> that's the Michelle we remember we had revised that okay thank you >> um so I'm I'm just going to talk from my four decades of experience and take it or leave it it's free so you can dispense with it however you want >> I think when people are applying for positions they want the title That is the title of the position. Um, you're right, Dan, to the the conversation. There might be somebody that comes along and says, "I'll take it if

173you change it, but those are so few and far between." And the one thing I want to make sure is that you capture as many people in your net that you can. This is a really deserving district and I want to make sure that there's somebody out there considering being coming here in this area, might even be in this area and is thinking I'd like to work closer to my house than where I currently work. Just I would decide either executive director, director or assistant superintendent as it goes up. You can always if somebody's really interested in being an assistant superintendent, I think they'll speak up in after the being after being interviewed, but I think if you leave it open, people are probably wondering, well, you're going to change the salary if you raise

174it to the assistant superintendent. Is this what it is as a director? I just don't want it to be too convoluted so that you suddenly have a great candidate and they went, I that's not what I expected and then walk up walk out on you. And we are required as of November 1st to post salary arranges. So that would be something we'd have to put on the um posting as well. >> I want you to have every opportunity possible. >> You need to approve some salary ranges. So actually >> Yes. And to be honest with you, David and I had already started to put together that we just >> we talked about a budget sub. >> Yes. And so we could bring that back for January 8th. Y >> I hear what you're you're you're

175saying. >> I'm not disagreeing with you. I just don't want you to lose. >> No, I don't want it to be like a highlight of it. I almost wanted it to be kind of like a like a thing at the bottom and then you know and then parenthesis afterwards you know for for those if you were to be chosen as an assistant superintendent you'd need the license. I mean, it's almost kind of like please apply to the director job if you're qualified as a director and maybe find a great candidate, but for someone who's content in their position as a director, but not seeing but maybe they have, you know, loftier that's a bad, but they have career aspirations to either be superintendent or or to take that sort of next step. Seeing knowing upfront

176that there's already that we're kind of already willing to negotiate that. Is there like a may consider section we can create? >> I just think about it. Yeah, >> we got to think through because there's like preferred qualifications to I'm just thinking about corporate postings, not >> and so if they were going to be if you did change it to assistant superintendent, they would also have to have the sped administrator license. >> Yes, definitely. But remember, my advice was free so you can do what you want with it. I just want to make sure you know that. >> No, appreciate it. They wouldn't have to have the sp administrator license. >> They do. They have to have both. If they're an assistant superintendent over student services, we have to have I had both. >> But

177they had but they had to have this bed >> administrator no matter what they >> and then you also have to have the assistant superintendent superintendent which I had both when I was in another district. >> Again, that's why I don't want to post it as an because I don't want to limit them. >> That's what's tricky about it, right? Because they might not have that much >> and then I don't want to lose candidates either. I'm just trying to think. You have to decide obviously, but free advice. put it where you want. >> And what would you're thinking in terms of the principal search has one school committee member versus the >> you typically we have two school committee members on there. >> I think I just went back to the last one that

178we done and we only had one on it. So, you know, certainly open to consideration on >> and if we're doing this in the latter part of February, it'll be we'll have gotten through some of the big lift of of getting through the superintendent search, which I I like that idea, too, because it's always this this is going to require significant amount of time, too. >> Just have they an official communication got out about Miller yet? Yes. >> Okay. >> Wait, did it go on districtwide or I don't know. Honestly, it's been until lunch. >> I remember he sent something up. Did it only go >> He's communicated something to his staff. I don't know if he sent I can't remember if he sent something. >> Something went out. It's been a while now. But

179yes, >> but I can't remember. I'll have to double check. Honestly, it's been it was like late September. So, I'll double check >> um what went out We didn't get any. We We kind of get sporadic things. We get most of the stuff from the high school, >> but some of the other schools it's more. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. We didn't get a communication. No. >> Um he sent something out to the school on the 30th of September. So like the parents got at least the parents of of Miller. Yeah. Sorry. >> Has he been with us 20 years? >> 28. >> So we got to that that policy stays. Got to get in the plaque and pass. >> Well, the uh was it Linda? We uh >> time's clicking over here. >> The Pleasantino

180principal. >> She she got a bench. So I mean >> Oh, she did get a bench. >> She did get a bench. So >> did she get a PL? But not before the the sidewalks and and paving are done because we don't want it to be destroyed. Um there was a there's a plaque on the bench. >> Anything else? Are we are we ready to move on >> with these or are you still looking at that? I >> I just want I think the timelines need to be even from the Miller principal also needs to be a little bit delayed. >> Push it a little further up. >> Yeah. >> Um >> and I mean I kind of the in the middle of principal obviously is the one that's furthest removed from our sort of

181jurisdiction if you will >> um despite the interest but >> okay >> can can I because we're still haven't on the agenda can we go back to social media Jnd I just need to to bounce one more thing off of group that did come up >> are we done with this >> okay so We'll we'll put this back on the agenda for the eth. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> IG, is that okay? >> This put Miller and SSD. >> Can I just clarify the dates that you wanted me to revise here again? >> To um I mean I I guess if we're back here on the 8th and we're approving it, we could open up open it up on January 11th, but with a closure date. >> I mean, I could even do it the

1829th, >> right? And with a closure date of February 20th. Just that. >> Oh, you want to go that far? for both of them. >> Okay, that's fine. I just I know that people sometimes will ask when you have such a long window. >> That's It's fine. I just I haven't usually seen that long of a window. So, >> you wanted till February 20th. >> Is it I mean I I think once >> I'd like to have the the superintendent decision made and then since it's next week it's vacation week. >> Sure. [snorts] It seems like nothing will happen, you know, just that gives people time to hear about it and then decide and and since we said it, no one will end up applying between this time. So, it won't matter. >> Yeah. >>

183So, why don't we do um January 12th to the 20th instead of on rushing on the Friday? >> Okay, that sounds good. >> And then I'll just revise the other weeks around that. my scenario on JNDD and just help me through this if if this would be allowed. You know, we we have sports like tennis or baseball or basketball and you're at a set location and the coach is present. What would you do with a sport like cross country? You may have upwards of 24 kids and they're going to run in groups. Right now, that means you're not sending a coach out with each of them. So you may have a group of three kids or a group of four kids that are out there running six miles. They they will be all the way

184out in Hopkin and sometimes people get hurt and the kids bring the phone with them. Who would you like them to call? Because in the Well, it doesn't it's not necessarily a 911. I mean, you're you're I I think you're being a little sarcastic, but it is there are times or someone gets sick or or has a headache or is dizzy, they would call the coach. So, have we provided something within this policy to allow for that emergency provision or there are there certain sports where we have to think about an exception that the the athletic director signs off on and that's the scenario is your coach isn't going to be with them for that time. >> Don any I get what you're saying cross country versus >> hockey or or basketball where you're at

185a set location >> but at any point they can come separated where that becomes an instance. No, >> it in a basketball court. >> In the confines of basketball court, no, but like the basketball >> traveling to an arena, >> like any sport they can become disconnected with. I I do agree with you. I think there needs to be some language that relates to health or safety reasons, but you can also use it numbers and stuff like that for you. You can actually do the same thing within like the Google chat app is that it's literally just app on each person's phone. You can get the same notifications as you would as text and it just pops up that way. >> Call though. >> No, Google chats not phone call though. That's just that's typing.

186>> Yeah, >> I think the issue is all twist. >> Yeah, we do. I mean, we do have some flexibility within um Zoom as well within like our Zoom numbers. I mean, I'm not necessarily prepared with Dan to speak on that, but like for example, on my cell phone, I can make workrelated calls using my cell phone, using a Zoom number that is my office number and and everybody in the district has that capacity on their their cell phone and that's something that could track we could track that conversation uh as well. >> I guess the challenge there though is if it's the student calling coach like going through Zoom and >> No, the student would just call the number. The freshman have no >> a regular phone number to that Zoom number that comes

187through with the >> Everybody has it as their own Zoom number. >> And then there's also this line. All electronic contacts with students should be through the district's computer and telephone system whenever possible. Is that enough? So maybe that would be it. >> But but if if the coach has a zoom zoom app with a zoom district zoom number and the student is calling that >> then that satisfies >> this does it not >> correct un but the student would have to have that saved or known to >> well yeah but they have to have their personal number. No, I >> I think there should be some leeway in terms of giving jurisdiction that just because they made a phone call in an emergency, they won't be held like liable automatically. There needs to be

188consideration. >> Yeah, I see that now too. >> But but it's also just having then that means they need to have the number which means >> we remove the phone number >> accept an emergency situation. >> Yeah. We have a little pause. >> Yeah, we removed the piece of giving. We're saying communication, right? >> I think so. >> From from a protection lens, >> okay, >> as a district, I I'd rather come And because those systems exist out there that can provide a number um for anybody [snorts] and for for a coach to for for an athlete to have somebody's personal number that it has to have been given and they can give a safe number. We can provide a safe number that is part of our school system [snorts] as the number that they

189can call and that doesn't even have to be in an emergency. they can call and use that number um for that back and forth communication if they if they need to and that's something that we can manage >> if we were to go down that path. >> Um I I I would say the texting back and forth we would want to use our Google chat system because we can that will run through like all of our our pieces but versus even in an emergency providing a cell phone I would I would rather find a method where we're provided some type of protected protected number. The only thing I will say is with the Zoom, we pay for all of those. So, we don't give those out to people like the the head coach doesn't even

190have them necessarily if they're not an employee. Those are right now they're so mean and I don't know how much. I just don't have enough knowledge of that. I think if if we're going down the path of like giving out cell phone numbers, you know, I think you can leave it leave it open-ended, but I think we would still want to explore the option of what those might alter. I think you know, do you want just to protect your coaches and anybody that is if someone has a phone number calls them like they're not what does that person that coach do? They got a phone number call from a student that's on a cross country somehow. They got a phone number. they didn't give it to them, but some other kid had it. How do

191you deal in that situation? Like, I just want to make sure you protect so it's not like I get a phone call from somewhere, I pick it up, it happens to be a student, now I'm going to be reprimanded for getting that call. What the can I now I'm remembering >> overly I think we talked about the reason we added that was because the what the approval might be is that for the captain only that they might have the cell phone >> because the kids can communicate and then get you one at the meeting. I think that's kind of why we went that route. >> That stops it a little bit but not all the way. say we'll welcome those groups. But David, I feel like maybe if if you can run to ground that

192numbers like that could be set up and set up soon and we talk about this again in January. Um so that we know we have the ability to to set something up like that, right? That >> Yeah, I mean >> I'm sure it can be done and it might not be necessarily Zoom too. Like Dan may have an answer for this. Yeah, I just I would want to run it through DAM because even like earlier systems that were, you know, seven or eight years ago, we were as a middle school principal, we were we were providing to teachers, especially during CO to be able to message with be able to call families from home. um but using a protect protected like number, not using their cell phone, but a protected number to be able to

193communicate back and forth with with families >> in a protected system. Um that was >> it used to be like star something. >> Thank you. >> Calling the I mean like an app that >> right >> provides like a a number or whatever that you can you can go back and forth. So, I I I I don't want to be overconfident in this moment, but I I feel like that that's something that we would want to look into. >> Sorry, if we could just bring it back to another time, too. I know we voted on it tonight, but I just think there might be >> Oh, I I think we should continue talking about it every >> meeting. There's certain protections of it again. I don't get a call from somewhere. It happens to be

194a student now that person. My guess is if we have an enterprise account for Zoom already that the increased cost is probably relatively nominal, but >> it's actually more than >> Yeah. No, they don't do enterprise every license. >> It's gotten it's gotten considerably more. >> My AI search tells me that Google chat allows voice and video calls directly with an integration with Google Meet. So that might be a way that Dan is aware of to put the two. >> I remember though um >> yeah, how to use that? Didn't ma'am beer say something about or somebody said >> never mind because every student has an email through the never mind. I thought that out as I was saying it. Sorry. Y >> we did talk about it and I remember then what you said.

195>> If it does integrate with Google chat, Google chat doesn't have to be face. It can also just be direct to phone. So that's that'd be interesting. Google Meet follow this one. >> What's that? >> It's gonna be one probably review a lot more than just I mean, you know, this isn't something that obviously we think that there's any issues now. It's just >> I just say being somebody who's been on both sides of protecting both the student in these situations and protecting the staff member, >> I think it's important to have protections for both. Yes, >> absolutely. >> You never know. >> So, are we good on the two timelines as well for now with >> those changes? >> I I'll make a couple of adjustments and um come back. >> So, did you

196have anything else? >> Not enough. >> That was funny. Um [laughter] Joanie, did you have an update? >> I do. Just very shortly. I just wanted to thank all the curriculum coordinators and uh teachers that have been hard at work at our various curriculum reviews. Uh just to remind you, we're look we're working on our elementary ELA curriculum review with school kit and um DESIE with the implement meetings. We're working on our science curriculum reviews and also MLL curriculum review will start later this month. So, I just want to do a huge shout out for all the people putting time and effort and giving their expertise to us. That's it. >> Um, the season where we're getting into um some swinging temperatures um with that uh with those swinging kind of pressure changes, our wind

197and things that happened there. So, we've had recently have had a lot of um fallen trees and power lines in the community um that have led to some bus delays, but also some just different traffic patterns there. Um looking at the weather ahead um is I just kind of see that um potentially happening. So, we've had a lot in the last couple weeks um and that potentially could persevere. Um that is just also just being everybody just being um a breast that we're kind of approaching the uh the school cancellization cancellation risk period of time of winter. um and you know those processes and and making sure everybody has their update contact updated contact information um within P school as as families uh so that when we do emergency message any cancellizations that that they're

198receiving um those um as everybody's been kind of chiming in and talking about uh I'm just very excited about uh extremely excited uh uh incredibly excited um about uh the potential of a new high school. I think for a community of this size, this is a once in nearly a hundred years uh type of thing that um you get to be a part of. And it's, you know, a high school is a flagship for a community and especially community of this size. um all of the decisions down to the types of tile to the corners and the turns and the bathroom locations and everything um is a is a is a privilege for all of us to get to be a part of over these next uh several years. So um just excited for for

199the years uh to come in uh putting together this uh beautiful opportunity for the community. >> So So you heard it all. David is going to choose a tile. I mean that's that's that's what I heard. choose the tile. It's going to be like that wood tile. Like it's going to >> Maybe David does not choose the tile. >> That's how we get to 600. >> No, >> I don't know. I got to We got to compete with Lexington. So, you know, we're going for a billion. >> Well, Lexington has a third floor courtyard. So, you know, that's >> now the most expensive high school in the country. >> In the country. >> And it passed like by the way, >> if we get, you know, our vote is going to be in December. I'm

200just >> Okay. to the city. >> You need a helicopter pad for all the amount of helicopters you can go around here. So add that [snorts] to the list. >> But no, but then we need to bring back the airport. >> Did you know that they're going to put an airport through Austin? >> That's great. Add it in. >> All right, we're going to time realize it was my turn. >> I wasn't obvious about it. I just stopped >> too too subtle at this hour of the night. I'm sorry. So, first of all, I just wanted to say um thank you to the CPAC. We met this week as a board and they of course had to a lot money for their grants and so 14 um it looks like Nope, sorry, I I think

201I lied. I think it's um 11 people from CPAC earned grants this year in the district. I we understand um Hillary and Tracer on the call with me. I think they said they had 24 applicants this year between families and school. Big chunk of people, you know, of our faculty applied and that really says something that everybody's so invested in our kids. So, I thank first I congratulate all these people who are um who earned these grants and I also thank the staff for the great work they're doing right now. We know it's gotten cold so quickly. The kids are indoors. Some of our kids really like to be exercising in the middle of the day and their exercise is quite limited right now because they can't be outside the building when it's this cold

202out. Uh, and I'd say everybody has great patience at this moment. So, I'm very happy about that. But I am thankful to the CPAC group. Uh, I wanted to say that last month I was able to attend the unified basketball game that they did. I did see Dan there. I did not have my shirt yet. My shirt just showed up. my spirit shirt. >> I didn't mean I bought one. >> I I meant to wear it. I will wear it on January 8th. You will all be so jealous that you don't have one of these shirts that you will want to run out and order one for yourself. I can only tell you if they're great colors and great fits. So, but I did want to say that um you know that's another opportunity to

203support the CPAC folks. I want to let you know that we're beginning our conversations for extended summer school year, the summer year, uh, program. And so, ESY dates will be coming out shortly for families. Uh, hopefully next week I will have things out. I realize we're breaking for the holiday, but I want to get it done so everybody knows where they stand and then we can be thinking about the number of students, the number of classes, the number of staff that we need in order to make this happen. I want everything in place as early as possible. So, whoever is chosen to be the next director or whatever title they might have, um, I will leave that to you. Uh, I want to make sure that there's a really solid transition period and when that

204person comes in on July 1st, summer school will start shortly after that. And it won't be where is it? What do I do? It will be, oh, this is old school. I'm really familiar with this. And that's important because that kind of transition makes it easier for a person who's trying to figure out where they're supposed to park as well. Uh I also want to say thank you to to Joanie because she let me come and talk at the new teachers institute today about special education. I presented one slide. I can't put it here because I didn't put it forward. But we talked all about how we teach children in all of our classes inclusive settings and settings where they might have to leave the inclusive setting. And we talked about how much we remember

205when we hear things, when we see things, when we do things. And so the remarkable number when we I'm going to read this very quickly because I know it's late, but it talked about the fact we remember 10% of what we read. So everything you've read tonight, you're only going to recall 10% of it, just so you're aware, 20% of what we hear, which you might want to tune me out sooner than that. 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss with others, 80% of what we personally experience. And this was the one we drove home for the teachers. We remember 95% of what we teach others. >> And I thought that was pretty remarkable fact. So that was one of the things that we highlighted

206during the new teachers institute today. Uh, I also want to let you know that I've been working with the continuums and understanding better how they process what we're doing, what the entrance and exit criteria will be so that we have that really um, down pat knowing that we're helping our students. We're looking at there other kinds of programs we might need in the foreseeable future. I won't be here, but I'll leave recommendations on my desk for the next person because that's something I definitely promise to do. So that is it in a nutshell and of course we've started to talk about the budget and I'm sure you'll hear more when we get back from the break in December. >> So we have an appearance coming up. >> Well I mean after you know after day

207we shut the door on part two and we start part three. So >> there you go. So and then in between rest up. >> So the the grants you're talking about from CPAC those are the ones that we approved tonight. >> Yes. And so, so just for the community that $1,700 was donated. >> Thank you. I did not have the number in my head. You are the numbers man. >> I just summed the column up, but yeah. >> Yes. Well, you just proved that you're the numbers man. >> Um, which is just fabulous. So, really appreciate that. >> And if you look at the assortment of things that they were approved for. >> Yep. >> I mean, it's such a diverse uh group of grants. I'm really pleased. >> Yeah. That's excellent. And I'm thankful

208to the CPAC because they've been so generous generous of their time and their effort and making sure this happens. >> So order your spirit shirts. >> Mine's supposed to be done the 26th of December. >> Okay. I just >> I'll be here in January. >> I mean it's going to be a much big upgrade from what you're wearing tonight. >> Okay. Um are we good with the job description for now? Yes. And yeah. All right. So, reports from subcommittees communications. >> We'll have one before the January 8th between all the holidays. Um, I think the purpose we'll want to discuss in that will be communications obviously of the superintendent as we learn more the search. Um, and then obviously this whole how we want to communicate. It's a little late breaking news on the SOI.

209So how we want to keep the um community informed throughout this process for the many years that will follow >> policy. I feel like time tonight. >> We've been very busy. >> Yeah. We meet again in between the the two January school committee meetings. So yeah. >> Budget. >> So uh budget met uh prior to our meeting tonight. Um just like to extend how much time we can we can spend on campus on on on a Thursday. Um we discussed a range of things including part two before we uh uh before Dr. Jordan uh presented to everyone tonight and uh as well as our current uh state of the operating budget. Uh we're going to get some more updates I think on a on a regular basis like we we had before on that. But

210to to sum up, we're we're in good shape for 2026. Um, and then we also talked about our MSBA roof application, which there's some um, have we talked about this yet at the full school committee? >> The roof or MSBA just as far as like the >> the increased sort of inefficiencies. >> No. >> Uh, no, we haven't. >> No. Yeah. So, um, as uh, Dr. Jordan, I mean, maybe you can do it. And James Keystart, our facilities director, uh, have have started working on that. Uh, we've learned a lot more about how, uh, the accelerated roof repair program is not so accelerated and comes with significant additional costs. Um, do you want to do this or you want >> Go for it. >> Okay. >> Um, so the preliminary look that, uh, uh, Mr.

211Keith has put together working with Dr. Jordan is at that the cost will be at least a half a million to $800,000 more than the $2.7 million that we uh had sort of we were very confident that our contractor that we use for Rams could could do it for and um part of this is because they require a CPO a project or CBM a project it's sort of like a project manager um that is very expensive and a lot of other things. So I've connected them with um our state representatives to also sort start sort of having some conversations about whether a lot of these sort of extra administrative costs uh by the state are are necessary. It won't sort of help us. Um but as they we do some work and as we have

212I think more conversations early next year uh with the MSBA, we may have to decide whether it makes sense to actually continue on down that road because it delays getting it done and it significantly increases the cost. So even at a half a million dollars more that means that the town is still going to have to come up with a4 million more at our roughly 50% reimbursement rate. So it's it's it's administrative and sort of bureaucratic. >> But on the opposite end of it, the town would have to do 1.3 million to cover the whole >> Well, the town's already done 1.35. >> Yep. >> And right if we Oh, sorry. If we went alone, if we went by ourselves, they have to come up, right? But then we would be able to do it

213next year faster and it it's $800,000 plus. It could be it could be even even more. So, >> right. So, at some point you're like if it got to, you know, a $4 million project and we needed to come up with an extra $650,000. Um, >> yeah, it seems very I'm sure I think you You can look on with the accelerated roof repair um agendas or even the S soi agendas and see communities like giving it back like no we're all set. We we don't we don't want it >> and that's they they go through the the process and realize what this is going to cost and what this how much time it's going to take and then they're like no thanks. Yeah. Um which it just increases the cost for everyone including just the

214taxpayers that are paying that the state then uses. Um so um more conversations to have about that. But um and then as far as our our solar project goes, I had thought we were going to need to review and sort of approve the lease by the end of this year. We've talked to our consultant and and that we've done everything we need to to keep the project sort of safe harbored put off to the side. Um, and we will be reviewing the lease in January, February, uh, for for approval. So, uh, we have a little more time there. Um, let's see. Oh, I think uh, we have anything else. Is that cover? >> 26 is looking good. 25 is looking good. >> 26. 26 is Yeah, 26 is looking good and we're we're working on

21527. [clears throat] >> Should just on the math advisory committee, we don't really need that anymore. We could we could vote to disband it. >> Uhhuh. >> Should we wait on that? >> We wait. >> Okay. >> Yeah, but we probably don't need to keep it on here for future agendas. Yeah. >> Or keep it on and just >> I I would say we probably don't need to keep it on for future. >> Okay. >> Um Super Eval. >> Yeah. Okay. Um I think the last thing is just a quick update on the superintendent search. Um, so we had been talking to Jerielle Bernier about the um helping with the uh screening team. There were some scheduling issues earlier on. Um, we worked out some things with him. So uh he is available to help

216us on that s screening team. >> So he'll be joining or consulting? >> He would be joining. Yes. So I guess I'd just like to um take a vote to add him. >> Yeah, I think that's a great idea. I'm glad the scheduling complex worked out and >> um and I you know look forward to working with them. >> Right. he can represent central office as part of that team. So, >> um, so I'll entertain a motion to add him. >> Moved by Don. >> Second. >> All in favor? That passes. Um, is there anything else? >> Just want to thank Jeriel now. It makes sense. It's It's better that we have a central office person on there, too. Yeah. >> Um I know we approached him initially early on and so >> glad that

217he make that appreciate his efforts to make that that work. >> Okay. At this point I will entertain a motion to adjourn open session. We do have an executive session scheduled um hopefully a quick one to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation of an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on bargaining or litigating position of the public body HFT. So I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn >> which will not return >> to executive session from which we will not return >> a second by D. Is this a roll call vote Tracy? >> Yes. Frank, >> yes. >> Joe, >> yes. >> Hillary, >> yes. >> Dan, >> yes. >> Don, >> yes. And Emma, yes. So, thank you and good night, Hollist. So