001Please. >> All right. This is the Shasheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District School Committee meeting of December 16th, 2025. All of our members are present. And you want to start us in pledge of allegiance? Sure. >> The teacher. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [snorts] [clears throat] >> All right. Um there is no one has signed up for public comment representing. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. I had this really nice paragraph that I wrote out, but Mr. C seems like he's here anyways, so I guess I'm not going to go. >> No, do your thing. >> No, no, no. >> You prepare. You do your thing. >>
002So, um, last weekend we had our Rams football team at Gillette Stadium. We had a nice 14 to7 victory against the Foxboro High School. And this contributes to our closed year and our flawless 13 to zero record. So congrats for congrats for coc and we also have our freshman currently going on to their eighth week of their explore cycle. And our skills USA team collected 384 toys for our toys for tots this year to donate to the Marine Corps. So I would like to thank everyone for that uh generous donations. And we have the applications of the class of 2030 are now open through February 1st. And we also have the eighth graders from the Marshall Simmons Middle School in Burlington visiting last week. And the students toured all of our programs, our academics, and
003a few of our facilities and experience a snapshot of the campus life here. And lastly, we have the Shashi Adult Educational Winter and Spring 2026 classes now live and open for adults to sign up. That's all I have. [laughter] >> You stole some of the superintendent stuff. >> Don't let [clears throat] Don't let him crack you. [laughter] Simon, [laughter] >> hi everybody. >> How's everybody doing? >> Thank you for having me. I apologize for the attire. We have a triple header going on in basketball down at the gym. Okay. >> So, we've been running around. We have Lintech in town. So, we're just tapping off the varsity game now. Um, so it's been a great crowd. I brought a little friend with me because I know some people have not seen it just so you'd
004have a chance to see uh the work of or the reward for our hard work. And um I couldn't be prouder. Um before we get to that, just to give you a quick fall update. Uh we had three league champions. We had our volleyball team was league champions. Our golf team had a very as usual successful fall and were champions. And our football team was champions. And currently we hold the state record with 27 wins in a row as far as football is concerned. And uh we're very proud of that. But we're very proud of all our athletes. Um it was a successful fall winter, great turnout of athletes for the winter and uh we hopefully will keep things going. We're planning on it and I know the players and the coaches are optimistic going
005into the winter season that things will things will remain on the upswing so to speak. Um so that is a quick update. Um I don't think Foxboro scored a touchdown to be [laughter] I'm just going to be honest. Um, everybody I've met, everybody still has to >> I haven't found anybody that thought they did. >> I watch the referee official. I watched that several times. Slowed it down. >> I don't know what they saw. >> I don't know. >> You know, the official [clears throat] closer to the play. He looked at the other. I don't know. The guy had money. I think the guy had money on Foxboro. [laughter] [clears throat] >> The official that made the call is no longer working for that assigner. That's the assigner thought it was that >> that a
006call. >> Yeah. Yeah. Hopefully it didn't it didn't influence the game. >> It didn't affect the game. We were able to regain momentum then. >> Well, you did a nice job. >> Finished the job. Thank you very much. >> Um most importantly, it it's been an absolute real real real pleasure representing this district. Um I know many of you have come to games, many of you have supported us all our sports and believe me it doesn't go unnoticed. It's extremely appreciative and without your support a lot of what is happening would not happen. And right now we are experiencing really like the golden age of of athletics, our our winning situation and and uh athletes going on to college as well. So we appreciate all the support. We know that prices go up all the
007time with everything and you've been very supportive and believe me it has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Believe me, we appreciate it very much. Um, I came here tonight because we did have a blimp in the in the uh fall season. Um, I'm just going to be real quick because Tony did a great job explaining it. Um, I heard Tony's explanation and he was on the money as far as what happened. Um, to put it in a nutshell, the MIAA is not supportive to our tournaments. Um, when they went with the power rating system a few years back, right after COVID, our tournament presented some issues for them. That began the negative follow that has existed for a few years now. And right before our March meeting, we were told verbally by a high ranking
008representative of the MIAA that we could no longer have twoame [clears throat] tournaments, semifinals and finals. And if we do, we have to ask our teams if they have the maximum amount of games to really get rid of one of the games, for lack of a better term, to call the school. It's embarrassing to call them and say, "We can't play. A new rule has been handed down." So that gives you an example of how this all came down the pike without without warning and quickly. And it was decided, and here's the problem I have and many of [clears throat] the AGS have. When the MIAA runs their tournament, if there is any team that has in their eyes made a mistake, omitted something, done something that needs to be changed. they call right up
009until the day of the bracket brackets and allow that school to change it to accommodate them. So they have had a policy where they proofread they proofread everything and they if they see something out of that is distorted and it's not what they want. They've given the school a chance to change it right up until the day that they do the brackets. They call it the work day. the work day when really it's cleanup day. Well, we thought all along because when the changes were made that we had to make a clerical designation, it was we were only given 72 hours and it was the first week of school and many schools did not receive it. It was not high importance. It wasn't addressed from the MIAA. It came from just a particular whoever was
010the group leader of that group. [clears throat] And there wasn't a whole lot of time or explanation given and over 30% as Tony mentioned last meeting over 30% of the vocational schools in the entire state were in in violation. According to them, they could have turned around at that point. It was only a clerical that nobody played an extra game. Nobody did anything dishonest and they've allowed mistakes to be corrected before. They decided to take a hard line on the vocational tournament because they're not fans of it to begin with. And if they had their way, it would either go away or all vocational tournaments would be one game, the top two teams, which is the way it was when we started. They're allowing us to play one game over the limit. So, a semifinal
011final tournament, which are the majority of ours, are no longer allowed. We abided, dropped a game. It was an, you know, you never want to call a school that you book a game with, but we did it. But a number of us were late in implementing the new the new clerical designation that they wanted. And when I say late, it was well before the end of the season, well before the tournaments began. >> [snorts] >> It was in ample time as far as be not affecting anything. Well, they said, "No, if you didn't do it by September 9th, [clears throat] you're out of luck." Well, September 9th, people have played like one game at that point. So, it left many of us in a bad situation. In fact, there was one tournament that had only
012one team that qualified. Only one team out of seven. Six made did not do what they asked. So, they crowned that team a champion without them even playing a game. Um, that's kind of making a mockery out of things. many of the other sports were operating with 50 60% of the teams not there. Uh they didn't care because they're not going to be compassionate toward our tournaments. They really didn't. And this is a bad quote, but Lintech who were playing in basketball was very upset and they were threatening a a lawyer, an injunction, a whole legal process. The answer that they received from a high ranking MIAA person was in time this will pass. people will forget about this. This will pass. Yes. So that's what we're dealing with. That's what we're dealing with. So
013I suggested at our last meeting where we have a surplus of money that we hire, we pay a stipen each of the three seasons to a couple people that are very experienced and that they proofread the forms. So, we have another set of eyes on them much like the MIAA does with their own tournaments. So, we have that in place. I've also Jessica Cook, our principal, has been working with Jamie and I. Um, we lost sleep for a week over the decision. Jamie and I, I mean, we could not believe that they couldn't find compassion to say to all the schools, which were many, many, um, this was a widespread problem, maybe we should let it go. And this was a trial run, first time we ever did it. That never came. And we were
014really shocked by it. We were really shocked. I mean, if you're for the kids and that's your mantra and your mantra is for inclusion and equity and for the kids, live what you say. Walk the talk. And unfortunately, dozens of vocational schools were in a bad situation. So, we feel moving forward that with what's in place as far as proofreading and checking that we will be able to nip in the bud this from ever happening again. But if we don't do it for ourselves, nobody else is going to do it. So I do have the board on board as far as providing a stipen for two or three people each each of the three seasons to overlook this and make sure that nobody gets left out. So I know Tony explained it and that's basically
015what happened and it's very unfortunate, very very unfortunate. Um, you know, at the MIAA tournament, there were a couple teams that didn't do things that they wanted. They called them up, they were able to do it, and they were able to play. Um, our teams that were affected were not affected with the MIA tournament. They participated in that the following week. So, um, we feel badly about it. Never want to go through it again. Never. Um, I think those of you that know me know I never grew up. I was involved in sports my entire life. And you know, it's it's I'm so one way. It's it's it's all I've ever done my professional life. And and the last thing I want is for an athlete to pay a price that isn't fair. That's the
016last thing I want. and I take it to heart and I won't get those nights of sleep back, but it'll be something else to worry about in the future. But that's basically what happened. So, we feel quite confident moving forward that we have the mechanisms in place to really stop that from happening again. I hope. >> Okay. >> Thank you. So, [laughter] I hope that helps. >> I hope it helps. >> I just I I know many of you for many, many years, and I thank you from the [clears throat] bottom of my heart for for the support you've given us, and >> how you make us feel. I really do. Thank you, >> Coach C. I just felt bad for the kids. >> Me, too, Ronnie. >> Were involved, the teams. I know. It
017broke my heart. >> Oh, me too. >> I know. And I know this vocational journalist started. I was educating the board. This was started years ago for our kids to get a a chance to play, >> a chance to play. >> So, here we are 2025. They want it to go bye-bye. I know the US AD your AD group is like no it's not >> right. >> So, I let's I know it's I know that's let's hope we >> and you know when you're dealing with the MIA it's >> how many times I've been sued. >> Brian and I were talking about it, >> right? Anyway, >> I think the fact that it came in the wake of the incident in the spring where there was an insensitivity to safety concerns for one of our
018teams was particularly problematic. >> Could not agree more, Brian. Could not agree more. >> Thanks, coach. >> Um, the all scholastics haven't been announced yet. the Low Sun Allstars uh hockey team is practicing and we have things going on, but I didn't have anybody that's received any notoriety yet. The newspapers, I don't know, you know, and I know it's a tough business and there there's people working for two or three different newspapers. So, all that stuff is ready to come out. So, if you'd like us to come back, I'd be glad to come back with the athletes, okay? To receive notoriety. >> I personally would like to, you know, acknowledge the kids. They weren't so >> this team, I know you got to the you got to the mountain top twice. You did it. This
019team is incredible. And uh losing quite a few seniors this year. >> We'll talk about next year, but just >> the Herald came out and ranked us number six. >> Coach, people are grabbing me. People are grabbing your markabases. Hey, that's great. She'll have >> right St. John's Prep and Searian and Catholic Memorial were right behind all of them. >> Right behind them. I mean, >> right there in the same conversation. >> Yes. >> Thanks, coach. >> Okay. Thank you for inviting me. >> Thank you. >> Anytime >> and everyone, great to see you all. Okay. Merry Christmas. Okay. Happy new year >> and we'll see you all soon. >> Take care. Okay, I'll take my friend with me and go back to the [laughter] basketball game. Okay. >> It's always like Bob Crab. >>
020Thank you everyone. Thank you very much. >> Okay. The consent agenda. >> So we have the approval of bills and payroll, the approval of minutes and the warrants. I get a doesn't have any comments. >> I want to thank Nicole for putting this all together. >> Yeah, actually I agree. Totally agree. It's great. >> And uh shout out to Mr. Moffett. Uh this is should have been many years ago. So um thank you for putting this all in the packet and making it all visible to the public. >> Thank you. >> Make a motion to accept the consent agenda as >> second. All those in favor? Any against? All right. >> I will note there's been less open meeting. >> What? >> There's less open meetings. [laughter] >> Okay. Superintendent Street, >> I would just
021like to begin by introducing um I Paul introduced himself to a number of the budget subcommittee people. Paul Livingston is joining us tonight. Paul has [clears throat] been serving in the role of interim. Um Paul works for TMS. Um I know I know he get a little a little more into background with some of the budget subcommittee members. Um and Paul will be with us through the budget subcommittee report to answer any questions for the rest of the board and stuff that people may have um about the budget process and where we stand. But um I do want to acknowledge him so that people know who he is and those of you that haven't met him. Always here. Good to see you all. Thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> On to the update
022for December 16th. Uh again, as a reminder, budget planning timeline. We did have a uh joint budget and capital facilities planning meeting before tonight's. Um we do have another one scheduled uh January 20th. There was some conversation tonight about potentially having another one in the middle there. Um if that for some reason changes, that information will be sent out to the rest of the committee. Um but for right now we still are on track with our plan. Um we expect numbers from the state uh probably the last week in January which again it's what we use to finalize our assessments to each of the communities. Um and we we are um targeting that the February school committee meeting to have the final approval from this board for us to then bring forward um to the
023Senate community finance committees um fin ways and means committees um to work our way through the process of getting this approved in the spring just like we typically do. class of 2030 applications. These are as of last week. Um I did look this morning we are somewhere around 425 430. So that number is up a little bit. But again just pulling a comparison from the last three years. Uh you can see we did uh December 12th of 22 um December 8th of 23, December 2nd of 24, December 8th of 25. Um the Burlington numbers uh did bounce after we had Marshall Simons Middle School in. So those numbers are up by probably 10 or 12 students as well. Um to date, I mean as as of the 8th, uh almost 28% of the eighth graders
024from our Senate communities have already applied for admission here for next year. Um we are you can see we are a little behind where we were last year. Last year at this time we had you know like 460 between 460 and 470. Um please remember we did start a month later with the changes to the admissions process. We didn't open admissions to November 1st and this is also a transition year for us as well because by this time last year we had gone out and done the road show at all six sending middle schools. Um, now that we're bringing kids over here, um, we are doing kind of an abbreviated version of that when they visit the building. Um, so we haven't had that push out into those schools. Um, Mr. Pigeon and I have
025discussed this. His plan is to do a seventh grade road show uh, in the spring to potentially catch them before they go into eighth grade to lay the groundwork to say, "This is what you can expect. This is what the process looks like. You'll be in our building next year to visit us." So, it is a transition year. Um, but um I still think we've we've seen some solid numbers to date. They are just a little bit behind where we were last year. Christmas skills. >> How many of the towns have visited us? >> Um, we've had Bedford, Burlington, I think Bedford and Burlington are the two that have been here. [cough] [clears throat] Um, I know Mr. Pigeon and I believe Mr. McGrath went out to Bill Ricka and did kind of a an
026abbreviated um presentation to their eighth graders. Um Hansum is I believe scheduled and I believe Wilmington in as well. I don't have the exact dates from from him. I know he was working to finalize a couple of things. We're working towards getting every every eighth grader in here this year. So that's our goal. >> And there's an open house in about a month per [clears throat] 16. >> Yeah. >> We'd like to have all the eighth graders in here before the open house. So again, they want to come back with their parents, they want to, you know, come ask questions and visit programs, we'll be able to host that. Uh enrollment, um again, uh we we're holding pretty steady here. Uh we 1284 when I pulled again, these numbers are probably a week week and
027a half old. Um I know we have had some withdrawals in the past. um in the past week or 10 days, that number is probably going to dip um in the January numbers. Again, students, we have some students that have moved out of district. Um we have some students that, you know, we have a couple of nth graders that have made the decision that this, you know, is isn't necessarily the best fit for them. Um I believe our grade 12 total as of today is down at 299. We've had a couple of students, one that moved um one that withdrew and and went um to pursue a different option at this point in time. So stay tuned on that. But we have been pretty steady. So I think we're going to see a little dip
028in January, but um nothing nothing super significant. [snorts] Co-op update. Uh and again, this is uh I think we only had three weeks between the last meeting and this week. This meeting um 46,474 hours worked. We're up to 188 students or 62% of the senior class participating. uh supporting 153 employers and students have earned $749,860 to date as of this school year. I know Mr. Smith is still processing students as they go out. Um some students that weren't eligible quarter one are now working their way through the process to get out on co-op. Um and again, as we get through quarter two, I'm assuming more students will also become eligible after quarter two as well. So, I believe I don't think it was last year, I think it was the year before, we were close
029to 70% um for our graduating class. It would be nice to be back there. And I think that's kind of our goal is is to get to that to get to that number if possible. Um breakdown, we have two two students from Bedford, 77 from Bill Rick, 15 from Burlington, 43 from Tuksbury, and 51 from Wilmington. Like I said, when I when I pulled these numbers last week, it was 301 students. I do believe we're down to 299 now, but um it's approximately 62% of the classes participating. Uh MSBA, um there's really nothing that has been updated on this. I I do keep including this as a reminder. We did have a little bit of a conversation at the budget subcommittee meeting. Um we do have a report due January 28th, which is on our
030capital and routine maintenance. um they want to know how many people we employ uh in the maintenance department, how much money we spend on cleaning the building every year, how much money we have budgeted for uh facilities upgrades. So um [clears throat] Bob Lawler, our facilities director, and myself have been working through that. Um our plan is to have that done um probably the first week in January and get that submitted. Um we may have it done before then. uh both of us [clears throat] are going to be in between Christmas and New Year's and plan to work on it that week as well. So, and that at that point that would be the last thing that we need to submit to MSPA before our feasibility funding rule. [cough] >> Yes, I'm sorry. I can
031see >> we were asking for an extension on I believe because it was before all the towns had their town meetings. Have we heard whether we get that extension or is that still in limbo? >> They haven't made a decision on that and and reading between the lines it was kind of like they're waiting for us to submit all the documentation and then they'll they'll make their decision about whether they're going to send a timeline. >> Yeah, I reached out to the authority as well. She basically I was asking like want to get that. She [snorts] said well they'll vote the board their board will vote like the middle of January or so. I mean >> is it >> well we can't control you know I tried to you know probably so we know we
032reached out to we can't demand that they tell us in a certain by a certain date it's >> going to go through what they [clears throat] want and what they how they do it. you kind of touched on in the budget meeting, but I guess what's the plan basically for like because you're going to go like you go to town meeting, but I guess is there a discussion to I know you said you talked to town managers, but is there a plan to go before the select board? >> That's a that's a future agenda item. Not it's a little further down the agenda if you wait. We can do it on the budget meeting. Again, [clears throat] just keeping people updated on social media uh with our with our new uh vendor here. Um Facebook,
033Instagram. Um both views, reach, and interactions are all up. Um over our October numbers, um uh Greg Bendle, who is a staff member here, and myself meet with the two representatives from Merton Hill every two weeks. Um we talk about events that are going on in the school. Greg has really been a great conduit for collecting information and photos and other pieces like that to submit to them. Um we do have another newsletter uh coming out Friday. Um the December one will be out a little bit early with the holiday. Um but that again those of you that are on the distribution list, if you look for that, that'll that'll come out this week. Um some of the trends or the takeaways that they shared with Greg and I um at our last meeting were
034um athletics is a you know key engagement driver. consistently produces the month's top posts. Um, I think Greg Greg does a great job of working with all of the coaches and and coach Costal in getting that content and making sure that that's out on social media. Um, that it's that it's it's out there where it's exposing us to um different demographics, different people in the community. Career and technical program features uh resonate strongly. um there seems to be a real uptick when we show student work and or some of the staff introductions we've done. So um we're trying to balance it when you look at that newsletter. We typically do a co-op spotlight. Um sometimes we'll do an alumni spotlight. Sometimes we'll do something around staff. So again, we don't we don't want to dump
035a staff introduction, a student piece of this or that and and make that that monthly s'more this this huge document. So, we're trying to be strategic about what we push out and how we push it out. But, um, you know, getting a staff introductions out there, getting the alumni updates out there, all this stuff kind of works together. Um, organic reach on Facebook indicates community interest and sharing or are increasing. Um, we haven't paid for any of that. There have been times in the past that we've done ad campaigns through Facebook. They're they're not expensive. It's it's it's usually like four or 500 bucks. Um, and they will push it to a specific demographic that we identify. We've typically done that um like right before the application deadline. So you target households that have stu
036you know kids between 12 and 15 in in our ascending catchment area. Um we haven't done any of that this year. That may be something we do coming up. But um all of these increases are without us spending advertising dollars on those platforms which is I think is positive. Uh November had steady sustained activity um rather than just um what we saw what they saw in September and October. There was some spikes. um November seems to be more consistent and they're hoping that that is is a trend that we see as we continue forward with this. Um I just wanted to share uh with the committee, I don't know if everybody had heard this or not. Uh on December 3rd, uh Jim McGrevy, who had been a longtime HBAC instructor here at the school, unfortunately
037passed away. Um, I didn't know if if everybody was was privy to that information or not, but I did want to just update the committee members that we did lose a a former staff member um who was obviously well known by the staff. And I I believe our senior class would have been the last group of students that had him as a teacher. Um, so there were we we put some things in place and and try to support them. >> My son was uh in that program >> and he really spoke highly of Jimmy. >> Yeah. and heard the news. New news traveled fast through their class, but uh yeah, so Joe was uh really one of his favorite instructors. I'm sad to hear that. I know he had a long battle with cancer. >>
038Yes, he did. Yeah. Yeah. Unfortunately. Yeah. Um and I apologize. It felt kind of weird to put the Freedom Energy logistics on this, but I didn't want to do two separate slides either. Um I had mentioned this in an earlier meeting. Um based on a recommendation from um from our interim business manager and and that firm, we went out uh and found an energy uh consultant to work with. Um I had reached out to all the town managers. Uh the one that was highly recommended was Burlington is currently using uh Freedom Energy Logistics. Um, we have been able to lock in our electricity rate through December of 2030 at this point in time. Um, we had a contract uh up through the end of 27. Um, it was it was literally fractional pennies on a
039dollar for us to extend it for another three years. Freedom made the recommendation that that that was a strong position and that we should probably do that, which we've done. Uh we also had them look at our natural gas purchases. Uh unfortunately that's not as favorable of a market right now and their recommendation to us is that we were better off staying with the market price. Um Freedom the service that Freedom provides is through a service charge that all of us pay um to utility companies as consumers. The school pays it. We pay it as individuals. Um so what is the current plan moving forward is is quarterly. uh they plan to reach out, touch base with us, let us know about any trends that they see, if there's any spikes, if there's anything coming
040up, if for some reason the natural gas market switches and becomes very favorable, we can also look at locking in some pricing on that as well. Um, one of the other things that he brought up that I had never even thought about, but uh it does kind of make sense. Um, he said there are occasionally opportunities for um schools, hospitals, other things like that to join community solar farms. Um, so essentially if you're a energy company, you want to build a solar farm, um, you kind of need like an anchor sponsor. So they look to a school or a hospital or a municipality to sign on to buy the majority of the power that that facility would create. Um, so he said that they also monitor that market and they'll they'll keep us informed as
041we move forward if any of those opportunities pop up. So that may be something that down the road comes back to the committee to see if people want to sign on for that. Um, and what they said is typically because they do need those anchor sponsors to get their projects through the pipeline, a lot of times they'll offer you a discounted rate or they'll give you they'll give you a good price on power. Um, because it's it's kind of a handshake relationship. They they need us, we need them to make that stuff work. Um, one last thing I I just want to throw out here before we get to questions. Um, we've been working with our graphic arts department. Uh Nicole and I have had some conversations with them. Uh Mr. Strers who really took
042the lead on this. I know he has a couple of students. I believe they're juniors that have been working on this. We are going to update the display, the school committee display out here in the main hallway. Um pictures are beautiful. Everybody looks great. There's no names or communities associated with that thing. So it's it's it's basically the the tic-tac-toe board of of just photographs. Um so what Mr. brothers has come up with with his students. Um, [clears throat] I got I [laughter] got Mr. Fiori front and center here. >> I got to get a new face. >> Um, each one of the committee members will have your own little stand standalone uh display here. >> It has your name. It has the community you represent and it also has the year that you joined
043the board. Um, so over overre u mudy and I had talked about or reorganizing that. I know Mr. Brothers is working on kind of a banner or a some type of drape at the top to to kind of dress that cabinet up. Um the nice thing about these is we'll also be able to put the chair, the vice chair, the secretary, the treasurer. Um you know, and as people change roles and move into different positions, we can move these things around. And um the ultimate price when you finally decide that you are done with the school committee, this could be your rolling away [laughter] president. So, um, >> I'll mail I'll mail mine to you. >> I appreciate that. So, again, that's that's something that's coming. So, just as you know, as members come in
044and you see some of the changes that display, >> they're all gone. [laughter] I just I didn't bring all 10 of them in to line up on the table. I just I just grabbed the first. >> Um, and at this point, are there any other questions or anything that people would like? So I guess the answer is no. Charlie, you can't have a nuclear [laughter] >> 9 a.m. Thank you. Anybody have any questions? >> Subcommittee [clears throat] reports curriculum subcommittee. >> So the subcommittee met on November 25th. Uh we reviewed three items. The competency determination grad requirements for the class of 2026. Uh Jess Cook reviewed went through all that with us. [laughter] Um and we did approve and we had a discussion and voted to move it to the full committee. And you'll see
045in a packet um Tony's memo here that outlines basically what we're looking to do and what the um changes were and we're looking to vote on that tonight. the program of studies update that was the other item we reviewed. We reviewed that with Miss Johnston and there's some changes to that also um that the committee approved and wanted to move forward to the full committee and you'll see Tony's memo there that you can read through all the changes as a big packet. Um, [snorts] and we're looking to move that for forward to you guys for a vote. And the last item was the master schedule, which again, we did touch on it last meeting, but we are looking to move that to push that out to September of 2027. And if you read Tony's memo,
046you'll see why we're recommending that. Um we had a full discussion about it at our meeting, but we would also like you to approve um pushing the master schedule out to September 2007. [clears throat] Individual motions. >> Okay. I I move that well I move that the school committee vote to adopt the competency and graduation requirements for the class of 2026 as proposed. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Any opposed? Unanimous program of study. So does anybody have any questions, comments? I didn't ask that >> the last one before. Yeah, on the last one there. I know we had a good discussion the um on the competency grad. >> Okay. >> They used a template and added stuff in there. So she explained that to us on that. So that was a good >>
047Yeah. And that's just so people know that's something we're supposed to submit before I think it's December 31st to the state um as to as to what our plans are. That's why we're trying to get it through the the committee at this meeting. the program of studies. Um there's some changes coming down if you saw all the highlighted areas. Uh moving some class, taking out some classes, moving everything up. Science because I'll speak uh in the area that I feel comfortable with is that we are um started biology this year, the ninth graders. It used to be a two-year program. It will be a one-year program and next year they'll take chemistry moving up and that'll just kind of roll up. So, that's one big thing that's happening with that program. It's going to allow
048some classes to be added down the road. So, and then um yeah, we're waiting to see what the state says on what we actually need to to graduate high school. >> So, are you making a motion? >> I'll make a motion uh that we approve the program of studies. We need a motion for this to move it until September. >> Make a motion that we postpone the implementation of the new master schedule until September 202 discussion. All those in favor unanimous. >> Okay. budget subcommittee met um this evening before tonight is a memo from it's already on the request for the vote on the physibility studying formula and in that memo is the purpose the background recommendation based on the uh we go back and forth on 1.5 million. Um, and that was kind of
049Tony's estimate about because they don't really tell you a lot. You kind of got to do a lot of guessing. >> MSBA just sent us a list of recent projects and what was what was um appropriated for each one of them for the feasibility study. >> Yeah. So using 1.5 million as a as a figure divided among the amount students we have as of October 1st, we came out with um per student share of $1,159 per and so the um the motion that Tony u put together here is that we approve the physibility study formula allocating costs proportionally to each sending town based on student enrollment as of October 1st, 2025. That'll be my motion. >> So, can I ask a question? >> Second. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Okay. So, if the enrollment changes, I
050know that October 1st is always used for schools in terms of enrollment, but if it changes by the time we submit something, will this 1159 change? >> So, this is just for the feasibility study. >> I know. Yeah. But it has to go to each of the towns, right? based on the number of students >> the October 1st 2025 numbers have already been captured. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, we do see some >> flux if you will. You know, kids will leave. >> Right. Right. Right. That's what I was wondering. >> But even like our assessments for FY27 will be based on that October 1st number. So we were just trying to be consistent with the the point in time that we used as a catch >> even though this changes. >> And again as
051this this is not for project funding. This is not for anything like this is just >> feasibility. No I totally understand that. Anybody else? >> Can you touch upon it? Can you just comment on you said you'd contacted the town administrators like their input? Um, but there's other people in the Can you just comment on what that's going to look like because that's fine that we talked to the town administrators, but there's a lot of other players here like financial committees, town meeting, I think. Can we just comment on what that's going to look like? >> Yeah. So, um, we're we're kind of we're kind of approaching this from two different ways. Um, we are working hard to get E and D certified as soon as we can to see if we can offset part
052of this cost so that we don't have to ask for the whole amount from the sending communities. Um, ideally that would be the way for us to go forward and fund this. We don't have that answer yet. Um, I don't know that that if that's realistic to think that we're going to have that much money in END to be able to [clears throat] do that. But in parallel to that, what what we're doing and what I'm asking for people to vote on here tonight is um we will have a like not to exceed number for each one of our communities based on the October 1st enrollment so that then um you know over over breaking into the first week in January, Miss Study and I can start to work with the town managers. In some
053communities, the town managers can add it as a warrant article on their own. uh you know the community we've heard from one community that has already requested that we bring this to their select board to explain >> well that that's my point is we from I can speak for our town like I would like to see if that's the town manager works for the select board so at the end of the day if we talk to the town manager I would like to see that it goes before the select board and I like we could attend the meeting and and then discuss that because it's going to pull more weight if you're basically on the town warrant for April if you have the backing of the select board and town almost you should do separate.
054So I'd like to see when that is get out there >> and the reason that I asked to do this now is because we don't the committee doesn't meet again till January 26 or 27th but that's too late in the process. So that's why I'm asking but again I can't go to the town managers and say you know please put us on a blank warn article we'll tell you what the number is at some point in time in the spring. So I I we Nicole and I worked on this and kind of went back and did some calculations based on that enrollment number and what we needed for a total what we think we need for a total dollar figure. Um so again that's that's why we're asking we move this forward at this time.
055>> But yes, there's defin there's definitely more work to be done. >> Yeah. [snorts] >> All right. All those in favor we have a motion, right? >> Yes. Motion second. Yeah. I opposed check and facilities the same thing you have. Yeah, we jointly met and I was kind of all went through the same stuff >> different account and there capital [cough] to meet all of you. >> Thank you very much. >> Another meeting in New Hampshire tomorrow night. If you'd all like to join me with another school, you're welcome to come. Thank you. Have a good night. >> Any new business? >> Where did I miss it? >> Old business internal. I like to run down here first. >> Old business internal audit. >> Um, so again, this was I believe this was brought up
056at the last committee meeting. Um, we had had a proposal that had come forward and the comm and we had a a conversation the committee had asked for us to go back. What I'm what I would like to recommend at this time is that we engage the audit subcommittee to meet directly with uh the representatives from CBIS. Um when we went back and described what the committee was looking for again, we kind of got a well, we don't really do that. This is what we do instead. Um there's been some back and forth. I know there was a discussion about putting something out as an RFP or an RFQ. I think we need to really hone in on exactly what it is that the committee wants out of that process because um it could be
057this, it could be this. Um so at this point in time um I did I did follow up with uh Julia Fentos from the [clears throat] business office. Um Julia did reach out uh had a conversation with CBiz. It actually led to more questions than it did answers. Um and again just trying to process through this whole thing. Um, we don't necessarily have to have a formal meeting. I think it's something we probably do over Zoom. Um, but that is my recommendation at this time because I think CBZiz needs to hear directly from the audit subcommittee what the desired outcome is so that they know kind of how to structure this and then once once we get um a proposal from them, we can use that to kind of organize how we're going to post
058this and and how it's going to be put out for bid. So I think that's way how you want to basically position it because I mean it's separate from other known it's basically like uh as an internal audit doing the public sector they're coming in at a point in time to basically review that. So it's like the example I gave you before in Burlington just in my opinion and it's just my opinion that's not at play here. So you don't really need a forensic audit. >> Yeah. >> But it's more of a internal audit. So basically it's a point in time that's basically we need to hammer out. But if they can do there is a look back that they can do as part of that that's what we need to discuss. I think it's
059basically like if you're going to do the internal audit it's basically saying okay policies and procedures haven't changed in two decades but they're still in play now it's basically them coming in and giving best practices but if there is some functionality to go back if that's part of it but there I guess that's the rationale to talk to them why we would need to do that look back. Um, >> and I mean the proposal that we had looked at at the last meeting was based on a one-year >> shot and then based on the conversation here, people had asked for multi-year. We went back to them and again some of this may be terminology because what we're calling it is not what they call but again instead of this back and forth once a month
060me saying well they call it this. Is that what you want? Um again my recommendation is going to be to get the the audit subcommittee members together um and just have that conversation with them directly because they may say oh yeah we do do that that's a whatever I mean the end goal here is basically depend on what it is basically end of the day you get a publicly available document that's produced by an accounting firm that basically says we went through all this stuff and if anybody wants it's posted on the website that's what it is and then they work and that's available and then that's so people can reference refence back. Putting aside all the other stuff, but it's a uh golden copy or whatever you want to call it to reference back
061to. That's like you said the guy that was just here talking about like time slip still or stuff being done on, you know, like you know part of that. Yeah. Like so to move into the 25th 21st century. So we'll figure out some Yeah. I'll uh I'll get together with the other subcommittee members and we'll figure and I'll pass it on to you and you can talk to them about what might be convenient for them to after we know what's convenient for us. >> Okay. >> Well, then now we go to new business. >> Now, new business. [clears throat] >> Calendar update. >> Um I'm gonna I'm going to mash this and the GPA update together if you don't mind. They're on the same sheet that people are doing. >> Um calendar update. Typically, we
062do not have the MCCAST dates um when we vote on the calendar in in the early spring. Um we've looked at um and our new director of uh curriculum instruction and assessment has weighed in on this as well. Uh him and Mr. Pigeon are kind of working collaboratively this year uh to plan this out. [clears throat] We were given a window um which is also kind of a change in practice from the state which actually works in our favor where we have our week one week two schedule. uh things didn't always follow our calendar when they posted the MCCAST dates. Um so this is actually a better um format approach for us. Um one thing I will point out uh and Ron talked about this earlier due to the changes in how we're structuring biology.
063Um we're actually going to have four testing dates for biology this spring because we're testing all the ninth graders and we're testing all the tenth graders. That's a one-time thing. Um next year it'll just be ninth grade. Um but we had to get we had to clean up both of those groups essentially is is the way this goes through. And then um one thing that uh Miss Cook had picked up on that was not on the original calendar was the graduation rehearsal uh vocational awards date which she asked that we had at the same time. Um and then just the um the the GPA piece here is just for to for qualify for National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Um the committee had voted I think back in the spring to adopt a
064new um GPA scale moving forward. Um the way that this was explained to me by Mr. McGrath was that every year until that G that new GPA scale is fully in effect for every grade level. There'll be some minor adjustments here. Um this doesn't hurt anybody. It actually opens up opportunities for about half a dozen kids. Um and based on you know again he's done a lot of leg work around that. he's really taken a hard look at at what those impacts are as we implement that. Um so his recommendation was um you can see there's a little there's a little bump up for uh class of 26 is a little bump up for the class of 27. I have a motion to >> Well, that would be the motion number two, right? Well, it's
065you get two different [laughter] separate vote. >> Well, well, it's listed on the agenda as a separate motion. >> Yeah. >> Move that we approve the school calendar as presented for 2526. [snorts] >> Second. >> Anybody have any? >> All those in favor? I >> Any opposed? Unanimous vote. Okay. And second motion. >> I'll move it. I move to approve the proposed changes to the National Honor Society National Technical Honor Society GPA requirements for the classes of 2026 and 2027 as presented. >> Senator, >> any discussion? All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Unity. um admissions. I know I know this group has already looked at this before, but just to quickly give an update. Um we did submit um after the I think it was the October meeting where we voted on it. >>
066Um we did get some feedback. Uh the Department of Education has has contracted with the American Institutes for Research U which I believe are out of Virginia, North Carolina. Um they sent us some some feedback based on their initial review of this. Um we uh actually made modifications to the three or three out of the four recommendations. Um Mr. Pigeon and I have worked through some of this stuff. Um I will say I'm a little frustrated. Recommendation one, we actually used the language in the template that the department of ed provided us and then their third party evaluator told us that we couldn't include it in the proposal. Whatever. uh we'll take it out. Not a big deal. Um they did not like the language that we had in the appeal piece where we said
067that lottery results were final. Um their contention was, you know, a parent could argue that their their student missed out on the lottery and should have been in the lottery. Uh that we didn't conduct the lottery according to the guidelines and the regulations. So we just took out that statement that said all our results are final. Um, and then the last thing, and I'll be honest, this was something uh that Mr. Pigeon and I had a draft of and just, for whatever reason, missed in the in the final submission. We're supposed to have something in there about retention policies. Uh, we just basically we codified all the things that we currently have in place here. Most of you know, we have two freshman counselors for a class of 350. We try to keep the counselor
068to student ratio low. Um there are a lot of schoolwide um supports around attendance and grades and discipline things. Um we highlighted the orientation leaders and the work that they do welcoming freshmen in and then serving as mentors and home rooms. So basically we just looked at all the things that we already do as a district to support our incoming ninth graders um and include that in the policy. Uh the one thing that I'm going to recommend that we don't change um is we had put in there that um we defined eligible for promotion as receiving a 60 in those core subjects. Um the feedback from the American Institute for Research was that that was some type of violation. Um I've asked them multiple times to to provide us where that violation exists and why
069we can't clarify that for our sending districts. Um, I have not got what I would consider an appropriate response from them. Um, personally, I think we hold the line on that. I mean, that is to me that is a basic expectation. That's it's not we're not being discriminatory. Um, we're just saying to pass your academic classes in order to be considered eligible for promotion. Um, but again, I will defer if the board has a has a different idea on that. And and just so people understand what we'll what we'll end up doing is whatever's approved will get resubmitted back through the portal and then we'll see what they what they came back to us. >> So you're looking for us to approve recommendations one, three, and four. >> Yes. >> Well, I mean it's it's
070all it's all codified in here. Two was in here which says no changes to the policy >> to go with their recommendation. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. And the recommendation for is the retention strategies that was not in the original document. >> Is is the 60 possibly that there's some school district that might consider somebody to have passed a course or be have part of eliminated grade to the point for some particular category. >> There's a lot of social promotion among students. So based on what is in the state's guidelines, as long as the sending district says the kid is eligible for the next grade, they could have a 12 or a zero, >> right? >> Or a 52. Um, so again, and Mr. Pigeon and I have had multiple conversations around this. I don't
071think that's a high bar. You know, we're not saying you need to be an honorroll student. We're not saying you need, you know, you need a 3.5 GPA. It's just and the way it's it's it's worded in the in the original document was or completion of credit recovery. So even if they fail, as long as they go to summer school and they complete a summer school program, you're in. >> Um but again, we just the the state was was a lot of their stuff they provided was very wide open. >> And again, this is a big change for us. Um you know, we've given points for attendance and grades and all this other stuff in the past. We just wanted to say, hey, you want to come to school here, we expect you to get
072a 60. >> Any other discussion? I have a motion. >> I make a motion to vote to approve the revised admissions policy as presented. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? The chair is opposed because of the lottery. >> She can [laughter] >> Did you know that Desi was gonna contract out with that AIR group? >> Okay. [snorts] >> Because that was a surprise. >> That was a surprise. Totally. >> And it's again, it's it's pretty ironic because the opening paragraph says, "We do not review or approve policies." >> Yeah. But then they give you specific feedback about things that you have to change. And then the last paragraph is, "Please make sure you resubmit this through our portal so we can review and approve it. >> It's it's really it's really
073weird." >> So they could still come back and say, "We need you to change that one." Right. >> Okay. The operating protocol workshop. >> Um this was Yeah, this was brought up I believe at the last meeting. Uh Miss Stouty had reached out um to Alicia Min who is our uh MSC representative. Alicia says they absolutely do these things. Um, you know, [clears throat] she said we they can do in person, they can do virtual. Um, she said basically, you know, she just needs to know from the membership, is this something that people looking at trying to do during the summer? Is it something u she said they do weekend workshops as well? Um, basically she just needs some more >> some more guidance, some more parameters around when when this would take place. Um
074and then um they'll come out and they'll be in training for the whole how long the work I was going to say how many hours. >> Um she she didn't email I don't see it but >> when when we met her at the school um at the conference she said that um it was like a one it it's it's a one day thing. It's quick. So, she should be able to come to the summer retreat meeting. >> So, a full day kind of thing. A full day kind of thing. >> Yeah. I mean, I don't know if we'll have time to cover anything else, but at least we'd get that. >> Out of the way. I think it's >> what I was thinking if it was a one day or less. >> That's a good
075idea. >> That's good time. >> I'd like to do it, but I'd like to know the timing before we determine when to do it. >> If we could ask the next My point is if you wait till I'm not saying to jam another meeting in but like if you're waiting till like July doesn't give you a whole lot of time to put something together for the fall if your plan is like that's one things you can ask is what are you going to do for the fall if you're doing this in July it doesn't give you a whole lot of time to kind of implement implement so it's almost like a >> well we can let's just find out from how long it is >> it's a twoour it's going to depend on whether it's
076a two-hour meeting or a 10-hour meeting >> exactly No, I get that. But my point is whether it's a two-hour meeting [cough] could be [clears throat] earlier. If you're not in July, looking to roll this out in September, it doesn't give you a whole lot of time to kind of >> I'm sure if we can do it earlier, we will. Well, again, I think once we get once we get a better idea of how how involved this is, how much time it then we can start talking about um you know, we we don't typically have an August school committee meeting, but if we do this in July and the committee wants to wants to reconvene the last week in August to kind of like finalize the I think there's some things we can talk about.
077>> So, is the preference in person then? I don't know if it'll make it to this time longer in person or virtual but definitely in person director. >> Yeah, there there's nothing in here. I I know this was brought up at the last meeting. Um I'm I'm of the mindset at this point in time there there's obviously a lot of stuff that's in transition. Um, I think this is something we should kind of pause on instead of just adding another person. I think we need to really stop and look at the roles and responsibilities that are currently there. Um, who owns what I mean? Kent and I had a conversation a little bit earlier um over email about about the district treasurer and what responsibilities lie with the district treasurer versus who they used to
078lie with. Um, I'm not saying that this is not something that we we need or we should move forward with. I just think we really need to be um very intentional instead of just hiring somebody and then trying to figure out how they fit to the fact. So at this point I I think we make direct I know uh Miss Stouty has been doing some research in sister schools >> reaching out finding we we've gotten some some feedback. We don't I don't think we've got an exhaustive response at this point in time. >> Yeah. But just a challenge Tony like if you're in a budget cycle and you basically now have to wait now we're deferring this another year. So, I get what you're saying about that. So, it's just like the thing like I
079get what you're saying, but if we do this and it's not in now you're almost in another year cycle. So, I get what you're saying. It's it's a catch 22 about timing and all that, but it's like >> So, it's my understanding that that not too long before I got here, we hired an HR person, which had never been a role in that office. And now we're three and a half years later, four years later, we're going to add an HR director. My question is going to be does that now eliminate the position of the HR coordinator? I I mean we we have a couple hundred employees. Do we need an HR coordinator and an HR director working in the same office? So while I understand the ramifications of the budget cycle, I don't also
080think you want to add an administrative level position as an HR director that's going to duplicate work or >> No, I I get I get what you're saying. It's it's a rock and a hard place, but it's like I think it's >> something we need to continue I Yeah, it's the financial impact plus like trying to figure out. But I mean the way I look at it is it's going to be a separate because there's going to be things that you know you're that you're getting caught up with this stuff, the business office that just need to be carved out and as a separate department almost. And over time that could grow to be where that other position is repurposed under the HR director and there could be a need to add because I mean
081I tell you for 200 employees like not having somebody like yeah if somebody hires like you're hiring a staff that reports up through the business office but really probably shouldn't be but that person is just doing like maybe benefits a whole lot more to HR functions than just that. >> But I think that I think that's a bigger conversation. I don't I don't want to rush this and add, you know, $150,000 a year position >> without really taking a good >> No, I get what you're saying, but I think that that's fine, but I think there still needs to be as a taken seriously with the fact that we continue to move forward with this as a plan that this is going to get implemented and just doesn't get dropped off like something. >> No,
082I think we should do some additional research. >> That's what I was going to say. I think we need the research to find out what's important. I personally would like to know more about what is our current HR coordinator doing >> and what HR responsibilities need to happen that she's not doing and for example maybe benefits and if so who is doing that and then I'm not on budget but I believe budget is going to be meeting again before we vote on it so they can always put in a placeholder that then in Jan January, we say, "Okay, this is what the current HR coordinator does and gets paid this. This is what's not covered and needs to be covered, and this is what's covered by somebody else." And then we can have a conversation.
083And there's a placeholder for an HR director and a proposal from budget replacing the HR coordinator in addition to the HR coordinator. I don't know. >> And then we can make a final decision. But I agree with all of you that we need more information. We we have an HR person. what are they doing and what aren't they doing and what is missing? You know, yes, we don't have a director, but what is missing? >> I think that's the key takeaway here is for everybody to realize >> if we do it in the next month, but I can tell you that that should be its own separate long-term what we look at should be its own separate thing because that is something I mean, I've been on this committee for six years and I can
084tell you that's not the first time that's been raised. And you can have an HR coordinator to do functions and tasks, but it's very different from having a director level person. I can tell you the company I work for now is a private company. We have 60,000 employees. That's the smallest company I've ever worked for. I go in and I we have HR people that do recruiting, uh, evaluations, benefits, like all that stuff. So, that is something that is a long-term thing that needs to be updated, that needs to be carved out in my opinion. I may be wrong. I'm only one vote, but I can tell you as long as I'm on this committee, I will 100% gun for that. That has to be a separate thing to do that because that puts the
085business office doing things they're doing that they should not be doing and just you as well. And I think that puts the school at risk not having that. That's just my opinion that we get information for the January meeting from assignment to whomever. >> This is information we need because Kent's right. this if we don't do anything about it now and we approve a budget that has no room for it, we are potentially waiting another year and we don't want to do that. But I don't think we can make a decision today >> because I know I don't have enough information to h to make an intelligent decision. >> I will tell you I worked for school department for 25 years [clears throat] >> and this is a regular town school department. So they have
086three times as many students, three times many employees. They did not hire any HR uh person till I don't know maybe six or seven years ago. >> Well to counter that I can tell you in our town meeting this year there was a proposal basically to hire an HR person from the town and the school. >> So I mean that may have been back then but times are changing. And even now there are still only four people working in a business office including the HR person. >> Yep. >> Whereas we have six people in our business office. >> So I mean maybe we can ch change around the way things are done. >> So let me ask a question of the group. We do have that organizational development subcommittee that I believe was originally kind
087of carved out >> to to do some of these things to research these things and to make recommendations. Is this something that we should push back to that committee and ask them to >> that? >> Oh man, you're hoping there'd be a different sub chair for that one, right? [laughter] >> Oh man. Okay. Organizational [laughter] development is Kent, Sarah, me, and Brian. >> Do that. >> Okay. Kent, set a meeting. >> A date. [laughter] >> All right. Um, capital budget update. >> Yeah. So, uh, Mr. Fiori had pointed out uh, I believe at the November meeting that this this particular document hadn't been included for the full committee. So, I just wanted to make sure that everybody got it and saw it. Um, we have been working um to spend our capital budget money. Um,
088again, I'm not going to go through this line item by line item, but you can see what the original appropriations were, uh, what's been uh, awarded or spent so far and then what the fund balances are. Um, the fieldhouse completion is the one that that kind of stands out here. Um, we have been doing a lot of leg work around getting pricing for plumbing fixtures, for electrical materials, uh, for wall finishes, for uh, stall petitions, for all of the stuff that we're going to need to finish that project. Um, that is ongoing. I did I did see one of the electrical PO requests earlier today. um our point and and I' I've met with um the chair of our construction program um programs, excuse me, not programs. Uh and he is he is um on
089board with having this done and open for graduation in 2026. So, uh unless we run into some type of major hurdle here, which I don't anticipate, that is our plan. Um so, we are moving forward with that now. Um once we get those proposals in, we'll have a much better idea as to uh what it what we have in that budget, what if there's any additional funds left over or not. Um and then we'll come to those funds and make sure that we get that stuff ordered and we get those those programs out there and working on that. Uh as you go down through this list, a lot of this stuff is already done. Um you know, as far as uh carpentry, uh cosmo, culinary arts, edtech, um engineering. Uh, so all of the Perkins
090funds have been expended. All of that stuff has been ordered. Um, I believe it was on social media, but if it wasn't, I guess I'm going to let the cat out of the bag. Uh, we actually had the opportunity to purchase the component parts for our ISSN program, and the students down there actually built their own computers for their workstations, which again, uh, nice nice hands-on learning kind of thing that we were able to do. So, uh, I know they were super excited about that. Um uh um I can't Kelly's last name escapes me at the moment, but I know Kelly has caught me in the hallway a couple of times and talked about what a Kelly Coran, thank you. Um has caught me in the hallway and said what a great experience it was
091for the students. So I'm glad we were able to do that. Um again, maintenance, we have a few things that we're still working for. Uh but the vast majority of the stuff has been is is either ordered uh or has been delivered already. >> I don't think they change the school board out. I looked in the gym. Um, I know the PO was issued for it. I I don't know if the work itself has actually been done yet or not. >> The other one's still Yeah. Okay. >> So, they voted it. >> Yeah. >> 42,000. Okay. >> And then we are still um I know I've said this a couple times, we're still waiting for our e-ate reimbursement. Um, again, that's a federal program. We do have to pay for the stuff up front and
092then they give us they give us the uh [sighs] stipen subsidy, whatever you want to call it, after the fact. So, um, but again, we're off and running. Um, you know, see, we're about halfway through the fiscal year and I think we've made a made a pretty significant dent in that stuff. >> Any other questions? >> Contract term recommendation. >> Uh, so at the last at the last meeting, um, I believe Mr. O'Donnell had had we had some questions around extend we did extend this through January. um Julia Fentrell in the business office did go back do some additional research. I had some follow-up conversations with um Inspector General's office. Um and essentially um what we were told was we can extend this for 25% of the value which would get us through uh the
093end of February with TMS as our interim firm. Um what was also recommended to Julia was that we also go back out for an RFQ RFP um and basically rebid this um for any additional time that we think we may need um as a transition period moving forward. So, what I'm looking for here, just like um I think it was back in June or July when the committee had authorized us to move forward with this to put this out as a bid to get quotes for this, uh it'll be done the same way, which is a month-to-month fee. Um either one of the parties can cancel the contract with 30 days notice. Um so, we are not locked in, but it is also there as an option if we need it uh to continue to
094move forward. >> I just one additional thing. Um, when I talked to Julia about this and I think she also anticipated that possibly by the time it would be going out that the scope of services in terms of may change. So, it would be even more appropriate to do a a new proposal, but that might depend on exactly where TMS is in >> at in the month of January. >> They're asking for two motions here. >> Just one. I mean, we could we could do it as two. I mean, do the contract extension as one or we can just roll it into one and have us move forward. >> All right. Um, [clears throat] can I get a motion? Does anybody have any questions? >> I Okay. Um, I move that we um vote to
095extend the contract with an additional 25% to go through February of 2026 and um ask the business office to prepare an RFP for any additional services that are needed. >> [laughter] >> RFP. I mean, it's going to depend on it's going to depend on the price threshold is really what's going to determine the difference. >> Okay. Can I have a second? >> Oh, you got a question? >> No, I said second. >> Oh, all right. >> Anybody have any discussion? All those in favor? I >> opposed. You're opposed. Okay. One opposed. All right. Future agenda. He had something. You know, bring it up. Come on. >> Um, >> there you go. >> What do you say to me when I'm not around here? Come on. I always have nice things to say about you. >>
096It's almost Christmas. >> Uh, one of the things I noticed on Burlington school committee sites they have is actually an interesting one. It actually did come up at the conference. and probably butcher what they said, but it says other topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting. They have that as a standing item on their regular school committee meeting and then any of their ad hoc like because they're going through well flushed on their the high school but it's a separate issue and then the box that's a standing committee that's a standing item. Um so I think that may be a good thing to add add to the agenda because there is things that come up that >> are important every month. >> Yeah. just as a standing so stuff can go wonder
097that um that line item >> that would just be a standing they have it like at the end of their agenda before. >> Anybody else have anything for future agenda items? >> This is sort of just a future event, not an agenda item. The billish scholarship foundation does a trivia night every year. We have had a a team for a number of years of me, Brian, Ron, and a fourth person who isn't always a school committee member, sometimes his spouse. Um, we have a good time. We don't do terribly, although we frequently do beat the school committees. >> We've done quite well. We get to the playoffs. >> Um, we get to the playoffs. It is Friday, February 6th. So, starting about 6:45, 7 o'clock. The theme this year is food. really don't know what
098they're going to do with that, but it should be fine. >> Um, and it's $40 a person because we do not ask the the commit we do not ask the school to cover that fee. We cover ourselves. I would be interested in doing it again. Obviously, it [cough] supports the Ricker Scholarship Foundation. Um, but if you're interested >> and you want to join me and Ron, please let me know. What time did you say that was? >> It is Friday, February 6th at about 6:45 p.m. >> 6:45. >> Where is it? It is at the brook elk. >> Yeah. >> And the shasheen um they do a pretty big raffle. >> Yes. >> And um they provide bill shasheen provides quite a few um raffle items and um they have an ad book and we've
099been invited to um include an ad in the ad book and there are I will say there are some businesses that have started from shashing graduates who advertise in the ad book. So >> any related to [laughter] We uh before we go, just FYI, we Taran and I we on logo cable recently. >> Yes, we did. >> We had talked about this and we both know the uh Sandy Jeru talking to town is called >> the old Bernie horse show. Rest in peace Bernie. >> So Taran mentioned uh she reached out to us and we were able last week was it? >> I think last week it beginning of December. >> It was a good discussion. We talked about the lottery. We talked about uh >> MSBA and kind of >> it's a very friendly
100conversation. So if you have local B local community access television, >> it's a great way to sort of say who you are and what's going on and >> see my millions. I think [laughter] >> at least by 10 >> said we look good. So, um, we >> get to go on TV again. Can Stacy and I have >> I think closer to it was good time to get out there. >> We'll be invited back. >> Um, I spoke to Charlie Ellis today who's the division 8 coordinator or division 8 guy. So, I talked to him about meeting with them to review. Um, I didn't realize they're in the MSBA pipeline, but I did mention we hired a district treasurer. So, I had mentioned to them about me, Charlie, maybe Ron, like on the finance. If
101you're more welcome to meet up with them to review soup and nuts, what they do for their audit, their budget process, like from a because we're trying from this level, but we need from an oversight level. So, and then you know like with the MSBA coming so we're going to try and schedule something with him to kind of go over that process. >> He had mentioned at one time that they had almost like a school committee handbook. >> Yeah. >> And I've searched their website from top to bottom and I can't find it. So if if you do connect with them you can ask them to share that resource because I'd love to look at that as well. Me and Tony did exchange emails too about also for the whole committee to get an update
102on with the hiring of the district treasurer what that's going to look like as far as like um you know the district treasures doing all the banking stuff the oversight of the all that stuff opeds like what that would look like that's going to be carved out from whatever roles that that's currently being covered so it's like what that's going to be and what the timeline if it's been completed so um I think he'll share that with the whole committ which I think will be a good update. Um, one last thing, the the woman at the last meeting did make a good request. Um, as far as the I mean, I'm only one person, but I can tell you high school's awful, but in Burlington, but they do have a good setup as far as
103like the way that the room is set up. So, I think that's something the committee should take under advisement. I think that's a good I think that's a good um recommendation in my opinion. I I mean I'm just one person but I think if you go to Burl I don't know Bedford or other towns everybody but it's like it's like they're up front. It's like if you go before the select board there's a table where you sit and then there's basically like people where they sit. It is if you're trying to be more open. It is something to think about. Again, I'm just one person, but I think that was a valid I forget the woman from Bel Raa that brought it up, but I think that's something the committee should consider to take under
104advisement for future meetings because if you are coming up and you're talking even when Al was here, it is awkward that you're kind of like staring at people. It's just it's just I don't know. I think that's something we should >> I do have a question. How many members were on Burlington? >> Five. >> Yeah. Same with Bedford. I mean, it's a smaller number issue. >> Well, this is really going to make me go do work, Patty. I will go call the other folks if you want me to find out. I can bring it up with Charlie Ellis if you want me to. >> I think what Patty's saying is you got 10. You couldn't do it in this room, >> right? You can't do it. >> Well, no, that's my point is and I
105think that's the woman was bringing up. I think that's what she was bringing up in the auditorium. >> Yeah. >> I think the other thing is to consider is while this is not conducive to the audience, it is conducive for us seeing each other each other. >> Yeah, that's that's fine. Find a way. It's also conducive if you're trying to have an open if it's not select and whatever. If I'm like if I'm going to talk about the MSBA and I'm staring around like that. I mean like it's weird and awkward if they're out front. >> It's also awkward if we're in a row of 10. Um Bob's at one end, Stacy's at the other. Bob has to do this to see what Stacy's saying because it's such a long row. Maybe we look at
106like two rows and we take turns. I'm just saying it >> when we have a conversation about it. >> This one was just >> the point is whether you have 10 members, five members, 20 members, there needs to be a better setup to be open. That's my point. >> I I don't feel like I mean I just don't disagree, but if they're standing there, they are speaking to all of us. They're if I mean, yes, these people aren't looking at our faces, but they're not speaking to us either. >> Select board meeting. Do you want us to set this up like the select board? If I'm speaking, [laughter] if I'm speaking for them though, I'd be standing. I'm just saying like we're not saying don't like I don't like we're not not don't speak to
107us. Like you are speaking and looking at us. >> No, that's not my point, Stacey. My point is is basically we're the outlier of any other. If you go to our select board, you go to our school committee, it's all set up in that same fashion. I'm just stating >> you're not wrong. It's just like there's a lot. It's just a different amount of members versus I don't think that we're we're saying don't come up here and speak. >> I bet you if you talked in the showa I bet you they would have I would I bet you talked to a lot of we can find out good to see what some have some bigger communities say some stuff >> just a quick question you would sit down email this afternoon this morning >> when
108did that come in you know >> to me I got it yes yesterday afternoon It's just by the time I get around to seeing it this afternoon, I just I only had a chance to skim it. >> Yeah. >> Didn't know if it come before that stated dated, >> but I got it from Monday. >> Just wasn't a whole lot of time to go over it, >> right? >> Okay. All right. Motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> unanimous vote. All right. >> Merry Christmas. >> Don't forget your cookies. >> Cookies. >> Thank you, Nicole. Nice.