BMR School Committee - May 21, 2026

001Good evening everyone and welcome to the [clears throat] May 21st School Committee meeting. I'll this time I'll call to order and ask everyone please to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [clears throat] >> Next we have introduction of members. I'll start with you, Jane. Jane Reggio, Millville. Carrie Gauthier, Blackstone. Erin Vinacco, Millville. Matt Catalano, Millville. Chuck Dunton, Blackstone. Dan Keefe, Blackstone. Tara Scobie reached out. She will be momentarily a few minutes late. And now we have our student representative. Maya Gagner, student body president. >> we'll enter with that. In time. My My apologies. My >> [laughter] >> Okay, sure. We're going to roll

002you right into it. And Kristen Dedonato, director of finance and operations. >> And Jill Pilla Galarani, interim superintendent. Now on to Maya. On to Maya. >> [laughter] >> All right, so election season is upon us at BMR. Our National Honor Society and Student Council have just elected their new officers for next year. Off the top of my head, for Student Council, our new president is Jocelyn Haggerty, vice president Cole Over Maloney, our secretary Sarah Corenzik, historian Rosalie Bryer, solicitor Ivy Maloney, and our treasurer will be AC Shea, and our public relations officer will be Charlotte Cassingay. Our eighth graders have also elected their officers for ninth grade. Math MCAS just wrapped up this week, and we have our senior events. Our senior banquet was last night from 5:00 to 8:00 at 12 Acres. We had

003ice cream sundaes catered from Wright's Farm, and preceding that we had our obviously our community service day at the Boys & Girls Club. Students arrived around 8:30 and we finished up around 11:30, 12:00. We finished up early because we did a job well done. Tasks included weeding, planting flowers, of course mulching all the playgrounds, and setting up all of the American flag decorations that you see around the Boys & Girls Clubs for their 50th anniversary this year. Tomorrow is actually the seniors' last day. My class of 2026 will be having their senior parade in the morning arriving at the complex by 6:30, bright and early, and parents are welcome to come, but they must arrive to the school on 7:10 if they'd like to be there because the roads are going to be closed. So,

004get there if you want to be there. Following the parade is going to be senior signing in which each senior has a slide which is displayed in the auditorium depicting their future plans, some advice for the underclassmen, as well as their favorite teachers and a faculty sponsor which will present them with a certificate certifying that they've graduated from Blackstone Valley Regional High School. At the end of the day, there is going to be a natural ball tournament which will be sponsored by student council, and all students were notified that they were able to register for teams and that is going to run in the gym. In between all of that, in the courtyard of course, the seniors are going to have some yard games and they are going to have a special lunch catered by

005Baja's which is like Chipotle and I heard it's really good. Our civic showcase is going to be taking place on May 27th as well as our senior trip. The senior trip is going to be crabapple water white water rafting, and our civic showcase will have presentations from both our eighth and ninth graders and will be run by Ms. Conti. If you drive into the high school all today, you're going to see all of the graduation signs. They've just been put up this afternoon. Honestly, I got a little bit of a jump scare when I was pulling out of the school parking lot and I face. I was like, "Ugh." But those are there now. So, if you want to see a certain senior drive in or drive out and they will be there. This weekend

006our mock trial team will be participating in the invitational of the Apple Blossom Mock Trial Tournament hosted by Westford Academy in Westford, Massachusetts. The first day of the tournament is this Friday and the second day is going to be the Sunday and I'm grateful to have been invited to judge on both days. So, that will be a great experience as our new team leadership is taking over and their bigger roles and all of the seniors are judging. And that's it for my final update. So, that is Maya's your final update. So, I think as committee we want to thank you for all your very thoughtful and detailed um, you know, updates to the committee. You've done a wonderful job. Um, congrats on all your accomplishments, you know, this year and we want to wish you

007the best of luck as you move on from high school to whatever your adventures are. You definitely will miss your updates. We'll definitely be missed. Does anyone else have anything else for Maya? With that I'll I'll take a um, if there's no objection we'll go to the report of the superintendent and we'll recognize Maya and Marissa at this time. Yeah. All right. So, Maya again we want to thank you very much for all that you've done. We have just something little for you. I'll give that to Maya. Just to say thank you. Yeah, for all of your updates. Um, we're glad you helped get [applause] And thank you for being a great model when we had our middle school students who came to present. It was nice that they were able to see you in

008action. So, they'll be hopefully continuing to come in the future. Well, I'm grateful that we have middle school representatives as well. Now, I would have loved to do that in middle school. So, I think this is so fun and speaking is honestly such a great experience that you can get like growing up because once I started doing it I got more comfortable. Mhm. I'd be hard pressed to order a coffee 3 years ago. I'll be so real. >> [laughter] >> I'd tell my friend to do it. I was like, Emily, can you please talk for me? I'm scared. You've done a great job. You've done a great job. You're inspiring, you're well-spoken, you're confident, the way you speak, and just your presentation skills are are commendable. Thank you for having me all these years. Thank

009you, Maya. It's our pleasure. Yeah. What What are you studying when you Astrophysics. You're going You're going to do amazing. Thank you. Mhm. Keep us updated. I Okay. Um we do have another student recognition tonight. So, I think it was back in March that um we had the Worcester County Superintendent's Annual Scholar um uh presentation, and um we had Marissa come in tonight. If you can come on up to the table. >> [applause] >> So, I know I went through when she was chosen as a scholar, but I just wanted to read a little blurb about Melissa um Marissa. Keep calling her Melissa, but I know it's Marissa. Um among a graduating class filled with accomplished students, Marissa Patarrello stands out for her exceptional academic achievement, leadership, service, and dedication to her community. Through a

010rigorous course load that included AP classes and advanced Spanish studies, she developed strong independent learning skills and earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Um you balance athletics, leadership, and work and service um with remarkable commitment. You served as treasurer of the Honor Society, solicitor for student council, editor of the uh paper, and your commitment to helping others is evident through your volunteering at the food pantry, mentoring younger students, and coaching for Special Olympics. Um inspired by your hospital intern experiences, Marissa, you plan to go a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Is that correct? Um and then we hope you continue um with your compassion, uh perseverance, and leadership. And we again want to congratulate Marissa on her recognition as the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Representative for the Worcester County Superintendent Award this year. Congratulations. >> [applause] >>

011We want you to tell us a little bit about, you know, your plans for the future. Yes, so in the fall I'll be attending Providence College for nursing and I'll also be minoring in Spanish. They have a minor in Spanish specifically for the health professions and I was admitted to their honors program and I received a merit scholarship which I'm so grateful for. And I plan on joining the club swim team. They are division one, so I'm going to [snorts] stay at the club level and I'm interested in other clubs like the faith in nursing club as well as the friar club. And I'm super excited to stay close to my family but also explore a new city. That's great. Do we have any questions for Marissa? Best of luck. Yes, thank you. Go friars.

012Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] OKAY. NOW WE WILL MOVE on to um approve minutes uh from May 7th, 2026. So moved. Motion by Jane. Second. Second by Carrie. Any further discussion? I. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Uh next up is public forum. Anyone wishing to address the committee, uh please come to the table and state your name. And welcome. Good evening, members of school committee. My name is Jenny Chan Ramka. I am a proud principal at Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School. I felt compelled to to tonight because I believe it is important that you hear directly from someone who has worked closely with Jill for the last 7 years. And who has experienced firsthand the impact of her leadership. Through

013all my career, 28 years in education, I have worked with under many superintendents and district leaders. I can honestly say that nothing compares to the leadership, support, and professionalism I have experienced under Jill's leadership this year. What Jill has brought to the district go far beyond simply managing day-to-day operations. She brought stability during a time of transition. She brought focus, organization, accountability, and vision. Most importantly, she brought people together around the work that matter matter most, the students. This year was not easy work. Yet, the transition transition felt seamless because Jill led with clarity, consistency, and purpose. Under her leadership, we refocus our work through district blueprint, implement new assessment system, strengthen instructional practices, expand our work around writing, student ownership, continue our partnership with TNTP, and keep moving forward with major district initiatives including

014new building project. At the same time, Jill never lost sight of the people doing the work, us. She support principals, teachers, staff, students both professionally and personally. And I can give you an example. I don't cry. I had a really tough childhood. I was forced to buy my aunt, abused by my aunt. So, I don't cry. I cried this year. I broke down because I just I was burned out. And I call her. I say I just want to resign. I can't do it anymore. She dropped everything and say come to my office. And I went and she spent one hour with me and she was so busy. Sorry Christina she was with you. And she talked to me and she encouraged me. I felt so supported. So supported. I left districts that I was

015not supported. I left a district because of a superintendent. I love my school that I was at. My daughter would say "Mommy for someday you die I'm going to spread your ashes over that school." I'm not going to say what school. And I left and I called a superintendent I'm leaving. Why? Because of you. I'm not afraid to speak up even with consequence. I really not. I have courage. At this point I'm going to be 58 I really don't care what's going on. So I strongly believe in accountability and that's how I run my building. And you might hear some horrible story about me because I'm holding people accountable. But because of that without accountability there's no growth. Do you understand that balance? She gets she sets high expectations while also providing support needed for

016people to meet them. That combination is rare. Strong leadership is not always easy because true accountability require difficult conversation high expectations and willingness to push people to our growth. Not everyone is always comfortable with that process. However meaningful improvement in school only happens when leaders are willing to hold people accountable. In other district where I work leadership and district culture did not always felt grounded in collaboration trust and shared purpose purpose purpose. I remember one time I sat in a meeting all the women sat in the back and all the men sat in the front. That was how my superintendent went it went the meetings. What has stood out to me about BMR and about Joe's leadership specifically is the focus has consistently remain on students, staff support, instructional growth, doing what is best for

017the district as a whole. And the kind of culture does not happen by accident. It require hard work. For those reason, I was deeply disappointed to learn that her decision to return to assistant superintendent role, I respect her decision, but I also believe it is important and acknowledge what the district is losing is not having her continue as superintendent. In closing, I want to say in 2018 in January of that this district made a right choice in selecting Dr. DeFalco. I know that because I was one of the candidates that you did not select. And good job. I didn't deserve the job. Jason did. Look at the district. But then in 2025 you made another right choice in selecting Joe as interim superintendent. I hope when you go through this process put our students in

018the very center of your decision. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Uh Christina Shafer, Mill Hill Elementary. Um I've actually known Joe for a long time. I've >> [laughter] >> I've been in the district a long time with her. We actually did our master's program together. Um we were teacher team chair, special ed, and principal. Um assistant superintendent, principal, and now superintendent and I'm principal. Jill has provided consistency this year when things have not been necessarily we were unsure of where we were going to go. She's continued the focus on teaching and learning, helping our staff, personally me, >> [snorts] >> and our students grow. She keeps high expectations and accountability for our students, staff, and everyone in that comes into our doors. We are headed in the right direction right now, and we need

019someone to keep that right work going. So, I ask that you reconsider as well. Jill will be the next best person in our seat. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Mary Colaninno. I'm the district lead coach. I just wanted to take a few moments tonight to express my sincere appreciation for Jill and the impact that she's had on both our district and on me personally as an educator. I truly love my job and I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District community. Before coming here, I spent many years as a teacher in Rhode Island and I valued those experience greatly. However, in the past few years working in this district, I have grown tremendously as an educator and as a leader and a great deal of that growth is because

020of Jill. She is the consummate educator, thoughtful, knowledgeable, student-centered, and deeply committed to doing what's best for for children and staff. She leads with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. And she consistently brings out the best in the people around her. When she moved into the role of interim superintendent, the transition was seamless. We were able to continue the important work of the district without interruption. And that is largely due to Jill's steady leadership, her organization, and commitment to our schools and community. Her ability to guide the district through a leadership transition with such professionalism and calm speaks volumes of the kind of leader that she is. She's been a wonderful leader, mentor, and colleague. She has created a culture of collaboration, support, and continuous learning. And I know I'm not the only person in this district

021who has benefited from her guidance and from her encouragement. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside her, to learn from her, and to grow because of her leadership. [clears throat] Her impact on this district will continue long after and through many educators she's supported and through many of us that she has supported and inspired. So tonight, I actually want to say thank you, Jill, for your leadership and for your dedication and all that you've done for the schools and for our staff, but especially for the for the children and students. Thank you. Hello. I'm Jennifer as you know, I'm just a parent. I do not work for the district. I do not work for Jill. Um but I wanted to speak on behalf of a parent point of view. There's

022been a lot of items and that I've been able to have the support as well. So, I'm going to echo a lot of the um sentiments that have already been spoken. Through some personal tough times in regards to my child in the district and dealing with it, Jill's been very supportive and active in being able to be reachable and has moved towards being able to move towards progress in addressing the items. The other big portion that Jill has been tremendous in doing is the continuous support. She had been there previously, she has been there continuously supporting the community. And when you volunteer, you need someone to help back you up and she's right there to do it the all the way through from the beginning to the end and she's very very active in that

023role. That says a lot for somebody who has to take care of a lot of different items throughout the district, not just her staff, not just her own personal items, but the district and getting the bombardment of all the parents in the district constantly. And she's able to make that time still for all of us. It was a huge impact and a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that I was supported when the students really needed it the most. So, just wanted to echo all of that and say thank you. Try it again. Um my name is Jessica Sinclair and I've been a resident of Blackstone since June of 2020. I have two girls in the district, one in seventh grade and one in fifth grade. Both girls are very active in the school participating

024in cross country, soccer, track, student ambassador, NJHS, band and soon to be marching band kissing my Saturdays goodbye. Um their grades aren't so bad either. Full transparency, as you know, I'm also the district's HR specialist and have been since February of 2024. We moved to the district, it was the height of pandemic, not what we had planned and it worked out just as well. My youngest was starting kindergarten, my oldest was in the second grade. The minute we switched schools, I was instantly impressed with the amount of communication from the superintendent and the school in general. Both girls have had amazing teachers, administrators, and support staff through their years here, and my husband and I have been very happy. This doesn't happen by accident. We started under the DeFalco administration, both personally and professionally, and

025I'll admit I was apprehensive when I found out he wasn't returning. I really enjoyed working with him, and every decision he made was with the kids in mind. A change like that can be really disruptive. But, when Jill took over, it was seamless. They're very different people. Their vision and work ethic are identical. She works tirelessly to leave nothing not addressed, holds people accountable, all in the name of the students. I know this is time to address the school committee, but Jill, thank you for a great year, and I hope I get to work for you as long as I'm able to. Thank you. Hi. Hi. Ask Cody. Um graduate of the district. Retired educator of the district. Uh lifelong resident of Blackstone, and uh CCLC after-school director. Um I'm here to tonight to speak

026in support of our interim superintendent, Jill. I've known Jill for a long time, 34 years. And throughout those years, I have watched her dedicate herself wholeheartedly to our school community. She has worn many hats in the district and has consistently put students, staff, and families first. Her commitment to Blackstone-Millville has never wavered. When Jason left the district, there was uncertainty and concern about how such a major transition might impact our schools. Thanks to Jill's leadership, that transition was seamless. She stepped into the role with professionalism, confidence, and a deep understanding of the district's needs. Rather than allowing the district to lose momentum, she worked hard to ensure that we continued moving forward. Jill has also been an integral part of the high school building project. This is one of the most significant projects our district

027has undertaken, and it requires strong leadership, consistency, and someone who understands both the both the history of the project and the needs of our community. Continuing with someone who has already built relationships and work collaboratively with staff, families, and town leaders, and the school community to see this project through to completion is extremely important. What I admired most about Jill is that her leadership is grounded in relationships and trust. She knows our community because she has been part of it for decades. She understands our students, our staff, and the unique strengths and challenges of our district. That knowledge cannot be replaced, and it has made a tremendous difference during this transition time. Jill has remained visible, approachable, and focused on what matters most, our students. She has supported staff, celebrated student achievements. Best uh cotton

028candy maker at the district of one event. That was awesome. Ella had [laughter] about 17 bags. Thank you for that cuz she was at my house for the weekend. And continued initiatives that strengthen our schools and opportunities for children. Her steady leadership has brought stability during a time when stability was exactly what this district needed. Leadership is not always about grand gestures. Often it's about showing up every day, listening, solving problems, and keeping people moving forward together. Jill has done exactly that throughout her career and especially during this year of transition. Tonight I want to publicly acknowledge and thank you, Jill, for your dedication, your leadership, and your continued commitment to our district. Our schools and community have benefited greatly from your service, and I truly believe your leadership has helped position our district for

029continued success moving forward. Thanks, Jill. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Hi, my name is Renee Christie. I'm a parent in the district. Third and fifth grade. Um I recently lost my dad about a week ago. I promised that I wouldn't do this. And Jill was so kind and reached out to me. Um So I'm sorry. I'm just going to say that. I feel much better if I just say it. I'm here because I'm really truly shocked that this is even a conversation that we wouldn't be strongly considering and giving her really whatever she would need or want to continue. I think just as everyone had said, I was, you know, certainly um uncertain when Jason had left and seeing the seamless is the word that everyone's used and it seems so appropriate that um

030so seamless and to seeing an interim superintendent step up and not just get through the year, but really to grow and to walk into the position of needing to continue building a new school, which is pretty tremendous and taking that challenge and seeing how well she's done supporting all of the staff, the students, myself as a parent. Keep saying she won't cry, but I keep crying. So I looked on the street at Uxbridge and see what they're going through having a different superintendent every single year. There's no way that you can take 34 years of experience that you can have these transitions be seamless without the dedication of someone that's here and it seems just honestly crazy. Like I can't believe that this is really a conversation. I thought it was really a slam dunk

031and was happy to hear that she would be considered, so just as a parent, um um I just hope yeah that people really see the future and not be so short-sighted in whatever kind of personal or professional issues that there may be that you can look at Blackstone in Millville moving forward and not have, you know, one year but looking at, you know, multiple years. Um Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Um because I I just don't think that there's any way that you bring someone else into the position and get them up to speed and not lose an entire year. And again, as an interim, I think often it's just trying to tread water and keep your head above water and learning everything. We're just so fortunate that that's the case that we wouldn't have

032to do that in this position, so I personally thank you and I thank everyone uh for just listening to this cuz I'm mad at myself [laughter] for that. But thank you. Sorry for your loss. Is there anyone else for a public forum this evening? Okay, thank you. Uh next up is uh School Committee MSBA update. So I have a quick update uh for MSBA. Um we are still in our schematic design phase. Um we will be submitting our uh submission to at the end of June. Our at our last School Building Committee meeting on the 13th, we talked about our exterior design and materials, which um some of them are very surprising. The brick, the metal panels, and the concrete bricks, and we talked about different sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes. Um we do have

033ongoing community outreach. We plan a hope to plan to have representatives at our uh Blackstone town meeting, which is on the 26th. We are scheduled to go and visit some of our seniors at the Blackstone Senior Center on June 4th. Um the ice cream social on the 20th, and the the Bimbo Color Run is coming up. And then, of course, the Blackstone 250th celebration. I will encourage those with any questions to reach out, visit our webpage, you can reach out directly. You can watch our meetings, our community presentations are there, and review any information that is there. And our next meeting is scheduled for June 10th. Okay, any questions or anything to be followed up on the MSBA update? Moving on, user fees, athletics and music. Okay. Um so, the last school committee we had

034discussed user fees and some proposed increases. I have put together a grid just to get a sense or or to easily show what the differences would be um based on those proposals. Um just to reiterate what was discussed at that meeting is that we would do a $25 increase for fall sports. Um and for the high school sports, for middle school sports, we would keep the fee of $200 the same. So, you would see that the $200 is the same there. We also talked about keeping athletics user cap separate from the the music. Um I'm sorry, completely separate as family caps. And marching band would increase by $25. Winter guard would increase by $10. And we would remove the fees for middle school jazz band in woodwind choir. So, if you look at the grid

035that we have here with the proposed changes, you'll see for athletics, the increase of the $25 for all the high school sports would give us an increase of $6,850. And then the difference whether we did a family cap of $750 or $900 [snorts] is listed there as well. Um as far as the music fees, because we're proposing to take away the middle school jazz band and the woodwind choir, we would actually decrease our fees collected because of those those two changes there. >> [snorts] >> Um >> [clears throat] >> but if we increase the family cap, it would go those numbers are there as well. Um Does And And I do have it set up on the screen so that if you wanted me to change any of those numbers or wanted to propose anything

036else, we could make some changes on the fly to see what the changes would do. Um And wanted to know if there's any questions or discussion on those different changes. I'm going to take a minute to kind of look to see what what is here. Down at the bottom, the note, only six families reach the cap combining music and athletics. Lot this year? This year, everything is based on 2016. And you will notice the way we had done the increase with the family cap of 750 or 900, if you look there in I guess the high school spring sports, there were 15 families that reached that family cap. However, there would only be six students that would increase up to the $900 and the 750 because some of those students are multiple students in the

037same family. So, not all 15 students would actually have their um we wouldn't be collecting money from all 15 [snorts] students because of that. And the same on the bottom there with the um jazz bands, the high school jazz band, even though we had four families reach the family cap, none of those students would actually the family cap wouldn't affect any of those students because they are involved um in other music or sports. So, there is a new see at the bottom the difference in going between $750 for a family cap or $900, the difference is approximately $1,500 more you would collect. It's not a significant amount of money there. I would say truth be told, none of this is a is you know, a significant amount of money when it comes to the overall

038budget. Mhm. Um I think I've made it clear that I'm not in support of any increase. Um looking at the numbers from how they offset, and I've said it la- last meeting, the way the numbers offset towards our budget, towards our transportation costs alone doesn't even cover that on either side, music or or sports. So, I'm going to pose the question of is it even necessary to have user fees at all? If to the point made last meeting that we have a significant amount of money in our E&D, um does it make sense for us to really be charging families more to be taking part in the district extracurricular as it is? I mean, this is what we want families to do. This is This is what we're asking This is All these families, all

039these students are what makes Blackstone-Millville Blackstone-Millville. The sports, the football, the marching band, everything. And we're charging them and it's not even really putting a a dent in in anything, really. I mean, it's >> Well, it is. It's $85,000. to $121,000 transportation budget. So, that doesn't cover any sort of stipends for, you know, extra coaches or anything like that. >> you're saying, but it is a significant I also think there's the piece too, though, that like when a child has made a commitment to a sport or a music group Mhm. with a monetary amount attached to it, there's a little bit more of that drive of no, you are going to practice every day. >> Less than what you're saying. I I do agree on a certain level, though. To do away with it now

040because our E&D looks wonderful and great, let's help let's let these kids participate. You It would be a hard sell to ever get it back. But, I sit here and say, do we really need the 6,000? Like, we're going to go through all this paperwork and >> Yeah. They're going to be figuring out the family cap and the [clears throat] like the increased amounts and we're six plus 6,000 here. Why are we Why are we even looking at this if if it's if it was doubling it, which I would never support doing to our families. And I don't know why we're looking at this for $6,000 when we have an E&D right now. Not saying in the future we won't have to do something else, but leaving it in place as minimal as possible and,

041you know, letting these families that may maybe they're not reaching the family cap with sports and music, but they're reaching the family cap with one or the other. These numbers aren't small. So, I don't I don't I don't support raising it, but I don't support eliminating it because once it's gone, you And my only my only thought in on this is expenses are increasing. So, like we've said that transportation, all of that is increasing. Our budget is not increasing significantly. So, as our budget can only go up a certain percentage and our costs for athletics and some of the other things continue to go up, something's got to give. So, our focus should be with, you know, our our focus is is is all of it, but educating the children, making sure the money's in

042the classrooms. This is an offset for those extra items. Um and as things keep increasing, if you increase a little as you go, we have not increased fees in over 10 years. I love the fact that we don't charge as much as the the people in the surrounding towns are not are paying much more than than we are. Um so, we have been able to keep it low, but I think doing nothing is your decision, but my opinion would be that even if we increase it a little bit, it makes a difference when we are trying to budget to keep teachers, to keep everything we want, to keep our schools getting better um for all for all the pieces that we have in the schools. >> [cough] >> I don't like it. I don't like

043that we charge user fees, and I wish we didn't have to. But, I I do support the small increase before we get to a point where it needs to be a large increase the way we see surrounding towns doing it. I don't ever want us to have to have the conversation where we're going from $200 to $400 a sport. And if we're only adding $25, and I know like when you do compare what we take in compared to our overall budget, it it is pennies to it, but it's something. Good. Are you you Um I will say that a lot of those districts that we're looking at are also the same districts that are looking for overrides. So, I don't think that, you know, it's a case of their user fees, you know, really they're

044actually probably necessary to run their their sports and music programs. A lot of those, you know, programs are they're losing. They're they're losing kids. They're losing not kids, but [clears throat] they're losing the ability to have certain programs within the within the district. We heard it from the music director last week our last meeting that there's, you know, you know, music programs that aren't competing anymore, not, you know, not showing up to things. And yes, I'd hate to see that happen here as well, but I don't think we're in that that position. I think we're in a a very healthy position as a district, and kudos to everybody that's that's put us in that position. Our towns are not looking for an override this this year. Doesn't seem like, you know, Blackstone has a need

045for it. Millville is another conversation, but that's the story of Millville for many, many years. Um that situation probably not going to change, but we say that prices are increasing, so so we should, too. We're a public institution. Prices are increasing on things that are that are, you know, everywhere. You know, why do we need to Why do we need to be the ones Why do we need to follow suit? Why can't keep it the same? I would say, you know, suspend them for 1 year. See what participation looks like for for the next year. See if increase in participation participation increases. I would love to see it. Love to see it, you know, a fact where I know we didn't have enough kids going out for certain sports so there were no, you know,

046no cut I don't want to see cuts, but I'd like to see more teams, maybe club teams and all that kind of stuff. I don't know. It's just To me it seems like where putting more on the backs of the of the families of the district who are and I'll repeat it who are doing the things that we're looking for them to do. They're part of our community. They're part of our and we're saying, "Well, since you're doing it, you get to pay." And it's a percentage of our overall population. Um refresh my memory on this. Um The revenue that we receive from this does that end up going into E&D, correct? No, no, it isn't. The the revenue that comes in here actually has its own separate revolving fund. The money that comes in

047then is offsets the transportation cost for the athletics and the music program. So it's directly the this for example so this 85,000 would go into a revolving account. >> Correct. Okay, and And when we budget, we budget for the offset that we're only budgeting that even though if if it's $110,000, we're only budgeting for $40,000 because we know that this money is going to offset that. So we don't we don't budget for the full amount of transportation knowing that this fee is going to um go against that. Yeah, I I um I've so this since I first got on this committee and those fees I I've had trouble with um I look at it as uh and I appreciate that you know students want to get involved and and and there's a a certain cost

048to these activities but it's activities we offer and I look at who's paying for it and it's the people that are paying for the operation. >> [clears throat] >> And the you know I What was the E&D this year? 250 was used to offset. Correct. >> And it was started at 750. What's that Well those are some of the numbers that were Right? >> Yes, that's what for next year's budget, correct. We started at >> That's what I mean for next year. We started at 750 and I believe we ended up at 500. 500. >> right. 250 was reduced. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And and same and so and and this current year's budget we put in 250 I think and we don't we're not using it. >> We're not using it right now. Um We

049will. We We're still in a circle. I'm not supposed to I'm not supposed to say that word either. Yeah. I didn't say it. No, I didn't. I started to I got halfway to it and stopped it. So I'm definitely not I I just I just You know it's 85,000 or so with the the current with that would that's used it's used to offset. Correct. But we have the funding also the revenue is generated that could be used to offset. But that might not be sustain That is not sustainable year over year. I think that's going you know that's going to change. You know just because right now we have it doesn't mean >> consistent for the last three or four years. That that the the E&D we've been at that at that number almost as

050as long as I've been on the committee. And I will say this year we've actually in and to get our budget where we needed to get to there was money that we had in revolving funds that we had to use that are not getting replenished. So those are one-time funds that are not going to exist. So yes, are we getting through this year and we should be able to get through next year. We were able to build a a pretty solid budget, but that's using one-time funds that are not going to exist that I don't know that we can continue at the pace keeping our budgets as low as we are. We're trying really hard. We know we're we're in the middle of trying to build a new school and we're doing everything we can

051to be sensitive and fiscally responsible. I think all of a sudden now taking this away is going to make it very difficult to first of all, like you said, to all of a sudden now you're going to take it away and now what do we do in the future years to reinstate it? You're reinstating it is just going to be a battle. It's also putting the onus on every taxpayer as opposed to just those who are participating. Because we also charge for things like AP tests and that we're not going to waive that. It like there's so many or summer school fees that Well, we weren't charging for summer school until that last meeting. But we are now. Yes. Um That's That's not That's That's a choice, though. That was That was a lack of

052participation. That was like on the other side. But I And so I'm I'm I am not um supportive of doing away with user fees. I think that there I don't you know, the idea of pay-to-play is a horrible idea, but that is an idea that's been around for for quite some time. But um I think if the current fees [snorts] are manageable and they are what we use to offset the budget, then it would make sense to keep that. I am very supportive of removing the middle school jazz band and woodwind fees because they are more a club than they are any kind of traveling participating team or musical group. So, um that would probably decrease the total, but um I would support removing those fees. My opinion, I would support [clears throat] these modest

053increases in the fees. And I would not uh remove the combination of sports and music. Mhm. And we haven't Like you said, we haven't increased the fees in 10 years. It needs to be done. Modest increase. I haven't spoken yet. >> [laughter] >> Okay, is that a motion? >> I just said I'm on the fence. Um cuz I see I see Matt's points and Aaron's points and Carrie's points, but I see Kristen's points, too, and I don't think like personally myself would take it as a big hit to pay an extra $25 for a sport. Um I do pay attention to all the districts around us, so I'd be okay with the minimal increase. And agree with Charles, don't take away that cap on sports. I I'm I'm not saying I'm hap- like happy to

054do it, but I do think any little bit helps. So. So, can I make a motion? Mhm. To >> Yes, ma'am. increase user fees by the $25 and I think it's $10 in other instances, waving the middle school jazz band and woodwind choir fees, and increasing our family cap to 750. So, it's small changes across so that we don't have to have a big change. Second. Motion made by Carrie, seconded by Tara. Any further discussion? I just think we're >> [snorts] >> Again, I'm going to make the point again. We're doing this on the backs of families of the town who are already paying taxes. Regardless we're we're possibly disenfranchising families from participating. We don't have to be like the other districts. Matter of fact, that's what sets us apart of other districts. You know,

055when we're I always think we're better than other districts, I I think. Um but if we want to chase their money, you know, let's let's do it, but I think this is a I I will not be on record as uh raising fees on the backs of taxpayers. Um Jane. Current cap is 600. Correct. Yes. And if we raise $25 and there's three sports in a season, what is it if we raise the cap to 675? There's a little bit more math in this than that. 675. >> Just remind me to stall motion in a second. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> I would have to change all that numbers. Yeah, it's unfortunately that is not going to but my guess is in this was 4200, [snorts] it's probably half. I would say 2200. So

056does that make more sense? So it I think so. Otherwise, we're making it unreachable in a sense. >> What are we going to pay for with 22 2200 extra dollars? Are we Is the Is the district really in that much No. Are we really in that much bad shape? >> support keeping the cap the same that it is, but >> God. >> Um but I'm just trying to say >> We were We were arguing last week last meeting that we had to spend down the E&D. We We That was said in this meeting that we had to spend down the E and D. We had too much in E and D and now we're looking for more money. And I get it to what the business, you know, finance director says that it might not

057always be there. But to the chairman's, you know, point, it's been there. I've been on this committee since 2023 and every year our business and finance director has sat there and went is this right? Do we have Do we actually have this much money? And it it's been every year. It just seems like we're I get that at some point things have to go up. I don't believe that it has to go up on our on our taxpayers. But to really nickel and dime them for $2,200. What are we going to pay for for $2,200? A helmet? >> waving this though, that puts the onus on every taxpayer. Not just those who are participating. >> that we expect to have extracurriculars in a school district. If we didn't, we we would lose school choice kids.

058We would lose. But maybe we'll gain some by having lower fees. Do we have a lot of school choice kids in I think it's like 22. We actually we've had quite a few over the last few weeks for next year are requesting. But we don't have a giant population of school choice. >> It has been increasing [snorts] every year for the last four years. 12:30. When is the deadline for fall sport? This would be for next year. >> The low fees could be attracting them. The no fees is even more attractive. >> [sighs] >> I would say so. Could And I know there's a motion and a second on the floor. >> Jana, are you still waiting for an answer? No, no, no. No, I just I'm I'm Yeah, yeah. But in terms of the

059motion, I'm not supportive of raising the cap. >> And we'll continue to discuss. I'll just It's an amendment. Well, I didn't make an amendment cuz I didn't know what the but I'm just I I'm not supportive of raising the cap. You know what I mean? So, the question again, Chad? So, I think I just little plot twist. Correct me if I'm wrong, Elizabeth, but if we're looking to change this for For fall, registrations have already been open. Registrations are open, but you don't have to pay to register. Okay, so okay. That's a quick question I had when this come come up. So, if someone applies applies or registers to be on a team, I would imagine they don't pay until they're picked for the team, correct? Okay. We if I'll just jump in just to

060that. So, we give You come up. Come on up this side, please. Thanks. Got to get you on the microphone. We need evidence. [snorts] >> [laughter] >> Um so, the first week we consider to be tryouts, so we set rosters, and then we give all families the following week before they have to pay user fees. So, they have 2 weeks from the start of the fall season before we ask for that user fee. Okay. I paid. Good. And that's in all the sports. Also, yeah. Excellent. All right. So, I mean where I I I mean I am not interested in increasing it whatsoever. >> [clears throat] >> Um and I would argue that um to a point of being on the heavy side of E&D year over year over year. Um and and that this

061this revenue is in a revolving fund. So, it's revenue um that would typically go into E&D and E&D would then be used a portion of that to offset the budget. This is a revolving fund specifically designed to offset the budget regarding transportation. Um but I'm I I know that if I'm put up if if in June in the June meeting, if I'm asked to pre-purchase certain things, I I and I would be hard-pressed to find um items that would be more valuable than giving the opportunity of and of unburdening the families of uh user fees before other items. So, I mean I am definitely not a in agreement to increasing it uh because the the the district is uh financially in in a strong position unlike the district districts that may have been compared to

062and many of them going for overrides as Matt said earlier. So, with that I understand certain accountability as well as the point that was brought up and and things of that nature, but We also There was When I first got on the committee, we did waive user fees. We did for It was COVID and the year after. We had 2 years of no >> And that did not change. And when I was on the committee, we didn't have E&D to think we could even make our minimum. >> Right. Exactly. So, there have been year I mean it's not I'm >> we increased user fees. >> [clears throat] >> We increased user fees. We we said as as was I on the committee when we did But we did eliminate user fees and then reinstate them.

063Yes. Yeah. Which is a matter of select It's just a quick committee vote. That's all that is. No. We we just Yeah. You you >> Yeah. You reduced them to zero and then you reinstated them. And then you really >> We've waived With the intent that they would be reinstated. >> Yes. It was still out there, but there was a zero. That was Fair enough. Fair enough. So, do we wait to touch these until >> we're in some No. Place where we need to touch them? I really don't know what is the right thing to do. Well, there is a motion and a second. We also Oh, it's got to be a second. The gas, the transportation fees, they're not going away. They're going to continue to rise. We have to go for the money

064somewhere. >> Write that down. Yes. You got to revisit those gas prices coming Well, for our feelings our feelings, we want to keep things really great and no user fees, but practically uh financially uh I've had lots of kids in paying the sports. I had to pay the price for them to participate. Everybody does it. We should just put it out there more. Uh make people aware if if you're struggling and you can't do it, we're going to help you do it. Absolutely. >> Right. >> [snorts] >> If anything if anything we should be doing is teaching our kids peer pressure. Uh everybody is doing it. But to that point as far as transportation costs am I am I wrong or am I right that there's some sort of governor as far as um what

065they charge us uh for gas? So there's like a level set and then if it goes below it goes above we exchange money back and forth with with the bus company. As far as So there's a set up on price for gas that's kind of the level, correct? For yes, for the for our vehicles, not the bus you're talking about the busing For transport for Telstone. So we have we don't pay their gas, we pay for the contract to use their their bus per >> Within the But within the contract isn't there a gas um There's a mileage as far as how many miles they go. So it has nothing to do with gas, it's just basically built into the contract of I go so many miles and this is the cost per mile. So

066they build it in. >> Not sure about to there, right? There Like their prices are going to matter on the gas. Yeah, as far as I might not be a clause. As far as I recall when I read that contract it was based on we have they give us mileage and the cost per mile for when they're wherever they're traveling. Um and that is our cost. There's different pieces. So there's we do a bus calculator so that we can understand how much transportation does cost. So mileage is a part of it, time is a part of it. So we get charged a certain amount based on how long the bus is actually there for the for the trip Um and then there's a bus minimum as well and I do want to share that bus

067minimum does increase every year. Um and with the new conference we have maybe hit the bus minimum since I've been here maybe two or three times. It's a low number in comparison to where we're traveling in the mileage and the wait time and I know we haven't looked at this we keep saying 10 years. My fear that I just really want to make known is in order to provide the kids what they deserve in a special experience. I don't want anyone to have to pay extra but I just don't know what will happen if we do not make a move to move in a direction so that we're financially at least helping offset these costs so we can provide these kids the opportunity to go to all these games and have this experience. It is

068something that can be looked at every year by us. It doesn't we we know what our outlook our forecast is for the next year. Our budget from one town already. We know where our E&D is landing so it is something that can be circle back and we could say we'll look at it every February that way we're not missing the fall registration and you know we could keep it as a revolving agenda item. Okay. Um so we also yeah so we'll get a we'll have a town meeting what next week and we'll have a Um so that'll finalize [snorts] the school budget. Um and then next month we'll probably be looking at um our E&D is the the purchases. Yes the next the next meeting will I thought it was July. >> July will be

069the first meeting in July. Yeah. Okay. We'll know We have to we have to have it authorized Yeah so authorize it in that Yeah yeah E&D close out is Yeah yeah so the encumbrance if we're going to encumber anything. Such as user fees. I don't think you can encumber it. No, I'm kidding. I was kidding. I made it clear [laughter] I was kidding. Tara, you and I have made the motion second. Yeah, we moved the question. Yeah, well, I'm just clarifying. Amend it and split it so that there's one motion on user fees and then one motion on Are you fine if I amend it? You can amend it, yeah. Okay, so just withdraw your motion. Yeah. And you withdraw your second. So Carrie withdraws her motion, Tara withdraws her second, and Carrie's going to

070come back with a new motion. Yeah, to just do the user fee increase, the 25 and 10, and wave the jazz band and woodwind choir. And then the family cap can be a separate conversation. Okay, so the motion and second >> Second. is What? Okay. is to, as Carrie stated, but the family cap is not included in the motion. Raising the family cap would be a separate conversation. >> does it keep it where it is? I don't know. It would for now. It would for now. Okay, so leaving the So you're leaving the Your motion is to accept the 10 and 25 dollar increase. Did I say that right? Yes. And essentially not and leaving the family cap as it is. Well, no, she's not mentioning family So you want to vote a vote on

071part of the Okay. >> Half of it. So there's a vote a motion and a second on on a portion of the proposed increase fee increase. And that is Carrie help me out with that. That's the 10 and 25. Yeah, I think they were all summed up in 10 and 25. And then waving And waving And waving The ja- What was it? The jazz band? >> jazz band and the woodwind choir. >> woodwind choir. Okay, there's a motion and a second on that. Any further discussion? Can I just sorry. Go ahead. So Can we uh uh This means no family cap. No. >> I think that's right. It's not It's just not It's not It's $600. We haven't addressed it. It's >> It's still >> This passes and nothing the family cap is still $600.

072Essentially, unless there's another motion on this. >> this If this passes >> increase cuz when Jane mentioned the 675 that would be the 25 So I feel like the motion really needs to include a statement like leaving the family cap in place. Because otherwise I feel like we're >> Essentially by omission it is staying in place. Cuz it hasn't been removed. Yes. Yep. It is. It It It is. So that's why I'm assuming we may come back to a motion with the cap. But right now, if this is the motion with the 10 and the 25, the $600 which is which is the current cap would remain. Does that make sense? >> In combination. >> It does, but the way >> In combination. It was In combination. Without the 25 and but the six the

073cap is still the 600. >> As it exists now. As it exists, yep. Any further discussion? There's a motion and a second on the floor. >> [snorts] >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. I. Any opposed? Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Three. Okay, so it's one to Oh, come on. How many There's four of us Four to three. Oh, Tyree, you showed up. Thank god. Okay, so the motion passes. Okay. Can I just Matt. >> Sure. Um the music director, athletic director, can we just get numbers at the May meeting next year? I know I'm putting it way out of overall um participation so that we can start tracking that. I know we probably already have those numbers and you can probably get it like year over but year over year so

074we can start seeing, you know, if user fees up, down, um You want to see the impact. Correct. Yeah. Correct. >> Okay. And if we can let the music director And we will. That's in a revolving account. So that's all the fees are going to put some in that one account. >> We'll we'll see that the fees are correct. Right. It's not necessarily a one-for-one because there's families that don't pay because of free lunches, families that get the cap, and all that kind of stuff. So if we see actual participation >> complete participation as well. break down to you know, each sport, each, you know, a plus and minus. >> Yeah. Each musical group. Each Everything. Yeah, absolutely. Yep. Okay, moving on. Policy review No. No. Uh-oh. So then that brings us to a conversation

075of the family cap because a $600 family cap does not make sense with $225 sports. Actually, I think it does. It just keeps it lower. It will in It would support more families cuz they're paying more. But that Yeah. If that's how it the difference If that's how it would be calculated, I don't know. I've always assumed the 600 was derived from like 246. Right. >> Yeah. Three sports, 246. One child, right. Right. When you have more in So that's why I was thinking if we if we're talking small incremental changes, we change [clears throat] that to the just to keep that same line moving forward. So I'll make a motion. >> it the same, they're getting a discount. Correct. for the cap. If you kept it at six >> it at 600, you paid

076225, you paid 225, now you only have to pay the difference for that third sport. >> Yep. You know, less. That's what I thought to be That's what I thought you were That's a great idea. [clears throat] >> [laughter] >> Not much. I agree with Chuck that we should uh keep it at, you know, 600. That way we can offer more discounts to families. Does that become a nightmare to track? That's what I'm asking. I think it's all a nightmare to Yeah. Too many rules. >> do the >> [snorts] >> family cap. >> Yeah, rules, I guess. We're inviting you. >> [laughter] >> Um No, I don't think it becomes an issue because I have that issue this year. Also, there are families who play football and then they pay for two more. So, there's

077sometimes I have to say, "You only owe $20. or when you add in band, the 140 plus 200 cause some some weird numbers to be made. At 67 At 675, that means three sports. So, a family with two children will pay for three sports and get the fourth free. Which is how you take that to 200. And if you don't do that now, we're also not We're also If we don't do the 675, we're also decreasing it. >> Right. Like the word the overall >> Yeah, we'd be getting a discount. Yeah. We'd be getting the same money we got this year. Yes, essentially. Yes, but if you have a a kid one child I'm I'm on the one child family. I'm I'm always on the one child, which is why really hesitant when we were

078going up way high. Um and they only do band. You're never hitting it. You're never hitting it. Basically. Possibly at 600 now. You could. >> With the incre If they do Well, then I >> all of it. But then if we don't increase it, we're not offsetting us taking away the user fees for jazz and choir Correct. Correct. We weren't anyway. It was already in negative $610 from removing them. She is She is There is still a motion. Yeah. Well, what's a motion? 675 It's a 675. There hasn't been a second yet because of this All right. So, a motion I carry second in my tower. Um yep. And so Still this guy any further discussion? So, the motion is to increase um the cap at to 675. But to Jane's point, it if you

079were only a music family, you're never hitting 675. You're never You're never unless you're multiple kids, which Or if you're only a It's just takes more activities. >> spring sport family, yeah. But you have But you have that. Now, if I have one kid who's a three-sport athlete, I pay all three sports. True. Which is why the music numbers are lower with the family number the second column. Cuz there's more. There's It's less money. If it does go up to 750, it does raise our revenues by the 4200 7500 between music and sports. So, the 670 if we went to 675 675, I don't think you're going to change everybody who hit it this year will hit it next year. Keeping it Keeping everything the same and I know kids graduate and everything like that.

080The same families will hit it at the same time this coming year. Which means we'll We won't make any There'll be no difference. I was thinking that like the total fee increase where it's the 4200 that that maybe we'd be be at like 2100. Which is like pennies, but but it kind of offsets the middle school about like this. And I think that's what we were trying to do with the numbers is we knew that keeping the middle school sports at 200 and taking away the fees for the the jazz band and the woodwind choir were going to lessen it, and I think we were trying to right-size all the user fees and the slight increase and the slight increase in user fees were going to offset that's right-sizing the other Yeah. other pieces. Mhm.

081Okay. Any further discussion? Okay, there's a motion and a second. Uh all those in favor of the user fees at 675 signify by saying I. I. >> I. I. Anyone oppose? Nay. Nay. Nay. So, 4-3 again? Yeah. I. Motion passes. All right. Uh thank you very much. And now we can move on to the work. Policy revisit and review. So, if you look in your packet, there are um policies with that have the red um line new language as well, which is KBE GBEBC and JJE. Um after our last meeting when Kelly was here, um she took the information that she received from all of you and updated the language based on the feedback she received. So, for those three items, I know this is our I think our third time reviewing, but she updated

082um the language in those three policies. >> [snorts] >> The only thing I'll have to say is the KBE is really wishy-washy. It's It seems a little bit um doesn't really keep with the like the original essence of it. I think we were going to under We were trying We brought Kelly in to understand her legal interpretation of a parent booster parent organization booster organization and what ended up coming from it seems to be like you can you don't have to >> feel like it's very clarifying. I read it and I'm like, "Okay, we can still have Yeah, I mean >> of three parents that are going to stand at outside and sell water bottles or you know, without being an official. Because that was our hold up, right? Was every single person that wants

083to try to raise a little bit of money had to be 501c3 and this kind of clarifies. And we've definitely come a far long way from that and you know Just the last statement in red, "This policy does not prevent parents, guardians or community members from creating informal groups in support of students." Right. >> That's clarifying. that I say I disagree cuz I think that that is kind of negates everything above it. Cuz it says, "Oh, you do all of this, but But hey, go raise some money anyway." >> but what Kelly explained It actually doesn't say that. It says it supports informal groups. Doesn't say that they can raise money. But what Kelly explained is that if it's a with long-standing group and they want to they want to be able to do the

084raffles of chance, they have to be a 501c3. That's clear. So, this this needed clarification so we can approve all these others. Huh? You just confused me more. >> [laughter] >> Shake. This said every the the KBE says everyone has to be a 501c3 the way it was written. So, then we couldn't get past our our JJE and GBEBC because >> [snorts] >> we were circling back to saying we parent the parents that are doing the little the little bit to get the jerseys or the the matching t-shirts can't afford to be a 501c3. So, Kelly was asked to clarify can that still happen? Yes, that can still happen. But, if you want to do all the other big stuff, you have to be a 501c3. Cuz you have to be able to get the

085permit. You have to be able to prove that you're an organized group. I think it's more clear than it ever was. I went back and watched it because I missed Yeah. >> that before you got And that's how I take it. So, I guess my I guess my question is if you have a a parent that's not part of this wants to do a road race or some kind of big event that they raise $20,000. Do they not They can just put it in their personal checking account and that's okay? They're going to come to the school and they can >> BMR road race. They can. That's my only concern is that If there's There's still a policy outside of this that yeah, get uh It's gifts um I don't I don't think it's the

086GBEBC. I think there's another one that that It's not in here. It's There's another one that covers gifts to the to the indoor >> is. Yeah. >> gifts and donations to the district. There is. So, if there's a if there's a entity out there that has a fundraiser, I'll just use Good Stuff as an example cuz every I don't think there's a Thursday night that goes by that's not one of us at Good Stuff trying to raise money for our kids. That does that need to be then donated to the district? You know, and I think we're we're getting too far off topic with this. I'll I'll submit this first, but to your point is like something like that that would be a donation to the district. But would we not know that the money

087came in cuz it went to mom and dad and now they're using the money however they wish for whatever purpose that they want. >> I think Kelly said and I can go back and watch it, but I believe she said that it would be a donation to the school committee for a specific reason. Because remember that question was asked, what if it's a donation to the school committee and the school committee could decide to use it for anything, but I think she specifically said it could be for a specific purpose. But the donation would be made for that. Agreed. In good faith we would accept it upon, you know, for whatever and I would imagine that's a >> this this policy is regarding having relationships with organizations that support money for school groups or school

088>> Official organizations that we recognize who say we are BMR whatever. Yes. >> Hockey club, whatever. That what did I use last time? Lacrosse. Um BMR parents of Lacrosse. So, she changed it all to officially recognized groups. >> Well, >> [snorts] >> she and they're the ones that shall obtain and the officially recognized ones are the ones that come before us and present themselves. Is the way I understood it. >> [snorts] >> I think the officially recognized she also mentioned are officially representing our school, our teams. >> They're the ones that can use the charger. Yes. >> Name and signage. But that's another thing you need to consider. If we have these, are these the organizations that are going to be allowed to sell snacks at the basketball games or do events during our events?

089I don't know. Are those the official groups? Because right now I I don't I don't know. Well, that's just something for you to consider. I don't I would say no, it's the >> If you reflect on what this year was, it's going to be the same thing next year. So, that is why we have the clarifying language because it needs to be able to be the unofficial groups because that's what we've had. We have one or two 501c3s. I believe we have one. >> One, three. Well, I'm sorry. We have band and we have the parent groups. Two parent groups and volleyball. >> [clears throat] >> Uh They're not 501c3, but they they are registered with the state as um So, we have more than one. So, [snorts] we have three. Oh, oh. Two official,

090two 501c3s, the band and a the PTO. Okay. And then the volleyball team has registered with the state as a legal entity. They just don't have their 501c3. And football that does a golf tournament doesn't just does it on their own and has for years. >> They used to be a 501c3. They're not even an entity. Yeah, no, they're not and they're not a legal entity. They were. They were, but it it's last year. When all of that started They were and they were spending their money on Honestly, I don't know when it stopped, but the they when we were doing it. Right, those 501c3s presented to us once a year with their budget, with their spending, and they would come to these meetings and present their financials. But just I mean just the topic

091that Jill just brought up is who's who's selling the candy and the water at the like I don't I don't I don't want to do anything that changes the momentum of what this year was, last year, the year before, the like next year should be fluid. And we're not locking any groups out by approving these. And I believe that's why there's so much clarification in here. >> I think it's going to be a semantics game at some point because they're going to they're like instead of saying BMR, you know, whatever >> Lacrosse club. Yeah, thank you. Lacrosse club. BMR parents of BMR Lacrosse it should say parents of Blackstone-Millville Lacrosse. >> Lacrosse. Cuz that takes out the district, right? Do you know what I'm saying? Like Trying to Our clubs and our teams are so

092small that it's a turnover of people. That's why they don't The football team ended up not being continued with this year. 501c3. >> turnover [snorts] and there was that lacrosse >> and there is that hostile >> point. We've bemoaned that point that that's every organization. I just spoke with the PT you know, PTO that that you know, and I spoke with I just had another organization come in it's their third time, you know, at the bank this year that they've changed, you know, leadership. It just it happens with especially with volunteers cuz it's like I'm done, you know, and and you know, that's the first thing to go. So it it's What I'm saying though what I'm saying though is not that they can't do it, but how are they portraying themselves? So, we know

093that it's the lacrosse parents of Black Sun and Millville and it's the lacrosse team at Black Sun and Millville. But, if they're going to say it's BMR, then they're saying that they're, you know, part of the that they're representing a district entity. So, does that make sense? It's It's kind of semantics where you just kind of like you know, Do we know what Can I give you an example? So, basketball, the group that sells the things out in the hallway, >> [clears throat] >> just a some mothers, they call themselves I I don't I don't even know what their name is. >> [laughter] >> My wife is one of them. The mothers. The mothers. They just, you know, they keep track of the money They're not a 501c3. They collect a little bit of money

094just to put us pay for this banquet at the end of the season. And, you know, would you because of this new policy, would you not let them do that unless they became a It just seems unreasonable. >> That's why we asked for that clarifying this last time. Because we don't want to see that go away. [clears throat] Right. >> Next year it's And there's something like that for mostly every sport. And I think that's that's cleared up in, you know, saying that if they're not officially recognized, they can still do these things. Um But, they don't report to the school. Like, we raised this, you know, It's none of the you know, they are doing it on school grounds, but they're not reporting to the creating extra responsibility for the superintendent to keep track

095of these. I think it's Let them do it. >> going to be told that they are they can't do it anymore. But, other >> get a chance of money and the big things, that's different. So, then other organizations stepping in saying, "Oh, well >> 50 >> can we be there? You know, can we go sell our thing and you know which I personally wouldn't have a problem if other, you know I mean, we go out to the, you know, for just for information, we have the, you know, the the school building committee go out and do that stuff, which is great. They're going to other people's events, you know, they're going to, you know, they're they've been at scout events, they've been at other events, so which is great. You know, but can other organizations

096come in and now say, "Well good for the goose is good for the gander." and put in a facilities request. Or just You can deny it. We can, yeah, we can. I I move we um accept policy KBE as amended in red. Second. Uh motion by Bet Mike motion by Jane seconded by Aaron. Um any further discussion on uh um on the motion? >> KBE. Thank you. Any further hearing none, I'll call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. What did I say? What did I say? I don't know. [laughter] I said all those Who wants this motion to be as it's written down with the red? What did I just call for the vote correctly? Okay, cuz it was very quiet when I did. All those in favor of

097the motion signify by saying I. I. I. As as it's written in red. As Jane's motion, yes. As amended. As amended. Those were the amendments. All right, so all those in favor signify by saying I. I. Can [laughter] I I Is that always Carrie and Aaron? >> Carrie. I only heard Aaron. No, I don't know. Actually, I made the motion. >> I It was a Chuck says three. All those opposed? One, me. Everyone else voted >> I will abstain. I did. How many How many of us? Seven of us here? Yeah, and I called for a vote, no one seconded it. So, you you threw me off. I started the whole meeting off with just stopping at my my and not going for the rest of the You you made a twist and you you

098weren't here. >> I know. >> [laughter] >> Okay, so the motion passes. Um next next um next item. Well, that was difficult. That was JJE. We still have to We still have two more policies. >> Yes, next item. BBEBC >> No, I thought J- Oh, it doesn't matter. >> Oh, I don't know. >> [laughter] >> Which one do you want? I don't care. I'm done. Eenie meenie miny moe. ABCDEFG, like The next one would be um Which I told you. JJEBC, right? That's what's in my folder. That's what's in my folder. All right. All right, raffles and games of chance. No one's getting fired. I'll take a motion to approve the amendment on this. I so move. Second. Motion made by Jane, seconded by Matt. Any further discussion? I'll just say that this this one

099absolutely clears up that, you know, everything that was the concern of this board. I think it I think that it clears it up. Um Agreed. More so than than previously. So, I support this. Okay, any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? Unanimous. And then next one is JJE. I'll make a motion to approve JJE as written. Matt makes a motion to approve approve JJE as amended. Do I have a second? Second. Seconded by Jane. Any further discussion? I'll just make a point on this one, too, that this really didn't change much uh other than explaining that students can't have uh to do raffles a game of chance. Um but it it This does encompass like I you know Like prom tickets and all that kind of stuff. So

100there maybe I don't know if they still do that. But there's going to be a change and this is >> include prom What? >> It would It would cuz it's annual. >> We're not allowed to sell tickets. You're not allowed to raffle anything. >> cookie dough? No no no. Raffles. So no. But they're collecting the money and bringing it They're selling I'm just using as an example cuz I seven years. God, I've been wishing it away. So much work. It's so much cookie dough. But it is the biggest fundraiser they have. They do an hour or 45 minutes during band camp where they do a telethon. You have to bring your sheet. Call everybody you know and sell as much cookie dough in that short time and then you collect the money and you bring

101it back to BMMA. That's Why is that any different than selling prom tickets? Raffling prom tickets. I was I was talking about raffle. >> Raffle. Raffle. Not selling It doesn't have anything to do with I think it's I didn't hear the raffle part. Do they have raffles for prom tickets? >> No. But No. My When I was at NHS NHS raffles off >> empty bowl. Yeah. >> Buy this bread. They cannot do that. >> That is a huge fundraiser. >> And that was a huge Yeah. Yeah. >> That's That's So they can still sell things. They can sell things out of a catalog. They can sell food and Is that Is that state law or is that recommended policy? Raffles are games of chance. >> Or no. The that the students may not sell or

102handle tickets, collect money or conduct drawings. We need Kelly to answer that. Well, no. We just need somebody to look up That's not like the selling law. >> It's for raffles. It's If you look at the red line above, student groups that are not separately incorporated are not eligible to organize, sponsor, or conduct raffles or other games of chance. That's just what we just approved. So, is NHS separately incorporated? >> hallway. Oh, yeah. There's M cast raffles out in the hallway. >> Mhm. >> Are they paying money or they earning tickets? Don't know. It's still a game of chance. But it's students and student So, we're talking about students and student groups. May not sell or handle tickets, collect money. No, that red that first red line, Jill, is Yes. separating what we just approved

103in the it's saying if they're not incorporated non-profit organization they are not eligible to organize, sponsor, or conduct raffles cuz the other groups can pay their permit fee. This one concerns me with our school groups. If StuGo is doing something, if NHS is doing something, when the like the students themselves are doing a raffle for whatever. That's I'm pretty sure Kelly made it clear that students [clears throat] cannot handle money or sell. >> Yep. And that's what I'm asking. Is that Mass General Law on that? Can I just ask something? For NHS, are they an incorporate Is it National Honor Society? I assume it's a national thing, right? So, they're chapter of the National Honor Society. Does that have its own thing? Like like does that Is that Well, I can tell you that the

104kids sell the tickets to the events. The kids are selling those tickets to the events. They may be a student group that's separately incorporated. That's that's yeah. Uh for the National Honor Society? >> Yeah, for the But they may be a student group that's separately incorporated. If it's a National Honor Society, that's what I'm asking. Is the NHS separately incorporated? >> there's a separate piece as that Kelly said like kids under 18, but that's gambling, right? Raffles are That's the gambling piece of versus the still the handling of the money. My kid is giving you a ticket and you're giving them cash for that event. I mean, that's where the prom tickets would come in. They can't sell them in the cafeteria. I feel like we're confusing this. Yeah, no. I think that that's separate.

105They're you know, they're they're selling them >> National Honor Society is a premier nonprofit student organization American high schools that recognize outstanding students in the sponsored, managed, and supported by National Association of Secondary School Principals, which is a recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization. So, anything that goes on through the National Honor Society would be backed by that. So, that would be considered a a a student uh a recognized >> separately incorporated nonprofit organization. So, anything national we got a national Honor Society would be recognized as that. Student groups that are not separately recognized as a nonprofit are not eligible to organize sponsor National Honor Society is not one of those groups. They are authorized to do So, what you're saying what they they're they're protected to do those things. >> They just have to follow They

106just have to follow local law and get the permit like they like anybody else would have to get. >> concern is the second part. Students and student groups may not sell or handle tickets, collect money. That is what they do. In every graduating class group, in NHS, in everything. They do do that. >> [laughter] >> For such activities. I think what you're saying for such activities >> activities? The line above it. Games of chance. So, the games of chance. Yeah, so that's for the gambling. That's not I'm buying a ticket. That's a games of chance then. Okay. So, Thursday nights at good stuff. You It was already pointed out. We always have a group there. You walk in the door, the kids are sitting here selling raffles and you're buying your food. Is that not

107allowed anymore? Or is because it's not at BHS? If they're the National Honor Society, it is. Because there are They raffle off um I want a Keurig once. Like they raffle off items and Right, like the senior class holds a fundraiser there. >> And they have raffles to boost the revenue. I know we've we've actually had some organizations within the school that have done raffles, but they've gotten their permits. So we have had PTOs come to us to do something in the last couple of months and they've gotten a permit so they can do it. So the students aren't doing it. No, it's the students, the parents doing that. >> Right, but I'm I think what Erin is getting at too, like say the senior class actually I think the upcoming senior class is hosting

108a fundraiser at Good Stuff coming up. There will be raffle prizes I'm sure donated by community members and it's the students who sit there and sell the tickets to the people walking in the door. I don't believe they're supposed to be doing that, no. As matter of policy or matter of Mass General Law? I believe all of these policies were updated because of Mass General Law. I believe that's what Kelly is saying. >> Yeah, that's right there. It's the Mass General Law reference is right there. Yeah. Cuz this is the first time it came in because of the updated law. >> But I will tell you the Mass General Law says the raffle needs to be for something above $10,000 or tickets more than $10 each. Yeah, typically like when I when we having this

109conversation before >> [laughter] >> Change just put a ticket exact change $9.99. Not typically going to be a 501c3 if you're raising less than $5,000 a year. You're just going to be registered with the Secretary of State. Like these smaller ones there's no there's no need to be a 501c3. Because you're not hitting that level of of revenue. You know, it's not These small groups would love to hit that level. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I don't think the issue is with the adult small groups doing that. Yeah, I think like like if say if I'll use a hockey team cuz we don't have one, right? Because but say if there's a group of parents and they're getting fundraising for sweatshirts or jackets for the for the hockey team and they raised enough money

110and then they wanted to donate it to the players of the team, they would come in and it would already be purchased and everything. We'd like to donate we'd donate we'd like you the school to accept these jackets for these players. That's one way of of getting us to accept it without we don't know where it came from. We just know this group of parents purchased these and want us to accept them for the teammates type of thing. Why would they even ask for permission to give it to Well, they're going to use our likeness. You know, BMR on the You know what I mean? Yeah, that's That's existing policy. So, under state gaming laws and regulations, students cannot legally sell raffle tickets themselves. >> Right. What [clears throat] is that the 271.7? Yes. So,

111whether they're officially recognized or not officially recognized, It's the age gambling thing. You can't legally gamble until you're Now without the state getting its way taught. Which is just Yeah, that's what it is. >> ridiculous cuz it's just harming the kids that are trying to pay for their senior class trip or their Same same argument. The same ones that are being discussed. >> deed goes unpunished. They're getting, you know, Yeah, so the advisor who takes on a group to raise money for a food pantry has to stand there and take the money. >> Right. Like or the or the the lacrosse team parents while the lacrosse team members say, "Hey, come to Good Stuff." The parent has to take the $10 in hand. Hey, you know what? It doesn't say anything about child labor. We

112can just start babysitting. Like [laughter] they can work for it instead. No, it specifically says that they can do that. I Okay. JJIE specifically says that they can work for they can only in non-monetary ways. Set up, clean up, decorating, attendance. Yeah. So, that they can do labor as stuff. The labors can't. We can have child labor, but we can't have them take $10 in their hand. So, I also think that once we finish working through this, we need to communicate this very clearly to our current like any group that operated this past school year. Just so the clarity is there and they know that that there's no surprises next year when they try to do a 50/50 raffle because that's super common and the kids sell the tickets. And you can't I I There

113isn't a high school I went to during basketball season that wasn't doing it. It's not It wasn't just BMR. It was And it's a huge thing at band home band shows and Didn't you get around that with your game of skill? It's but it also says in here But actually it also says in here which we used to do in um at MESPA all the time. Fundraising activities may not include involve competitions among students. Students may not be rewarded with additional recess, snacks, activities of any type or uh type of prize for having raised larger amounts of funds for reaching the fund Used to be pizza party for the class. >> They do the penny thing here. So, That was the PTO. So, So, so, we'd have to get all the 18-year-olds. So, is a

114policy >> cuz there are some. It's a policy that's under the revised under the letter of the law. >> Correct. >> And that we have on file. >> Correct. That's all That's That's the way I look at it. >> We all wanted to just make sure that we're not Yeah, that's not getting people in trouble. That's why I asked Kelly to come in. That was Nobody's going to be fired. Nobody's going to >> us, but it doesn't mean that anybody is there to police it. It's the way I look at it. >> Well, I wasn't trying I wasn't going to say that part out loud. Well, I said it. I said it. These are policies the towns update their policy That way there if anything ever came about was it Well, Yeah, but it takes

115one person that's upset and comes here and or reports it wherever that BMMA was selling 50/50 raffle tickets. They make That's how they make their money. They have to go to the authorities. state or federal that's going to prosecute that. We We don't have that ability. >> They can come to us with their questions. We can clarify it for them that we can get our legal counsel to clarify it for them and they can continue on their business to fund-raise and support our kids. Parents can hold the money bag. Keeping money with their kids. They just can't be running casinos on these band shows. That's all. And typically like the these Well, like I don't want to use band because I went to that the show and it was the power >> But you raffled

116off the one more, man. >> [laughter] >> There There was a purple and yellow one more. >> I was an independent >> I know. >> business in town. I had nothing to do with the business. >> you. And then I gifted it to the Yes, you did. I don't mean you. I don't mean you. But the kids can't, right? Yeah, so the tickets were sold. Who sold the tickets? So, that Who sold the tickets? So, that This is what I'm saying is I don't That's This was a long time ago. The lawn mower's dead now. It's okay. No. It's still there, but it's No, I'm joking. I don't even use it. But I had that custom painted. Yes. >> It was. It's pretty cool. >> it was donated back to the band, which is a

117beautiful thing. Like whoever won it gave it back to the >> Then Vin Gattery Vin Gattery won that lawn mower and he donated But guess who sold those tickets? The band members, the kids. >> The raffle tickets. >> Yeah, no. I We No, we I sold them. So So did I. Well, then I don't know where you got those tickets from unless a but a relative of mine may have had those tickets I didn't realize the band was selling it. It was a lot I'm just using it as an example. People want to do gestures like that. We just want to All I'm saying is I want to clarify so nobody feels like they're that they're without explanation they just say, "Oh, we can't do that anymore." >> [snorts] >> And that was a total

118of >> [cough] >> $199. I did not go over the $5,000. >> There you go. >> [laughter] >> It wasn't worth $10,000. >> For the record. Is there a motion on the floor? I I don't remember. I'll I'll make a motion. >> [laughter] >> Do we get a motion? Is that what we had? No? Yes? JJE I'll make a motion to accept JJJ JJE as amended. JJE as amended. Motion made by Matt. Second. Seconded by Jane. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Unanimous. I abstain. >> Okay. I abstain. >> Get two abstentions? I abstain. All right. So Well, you didn't open for discussion, but I just wanted to say >> any further discussion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I just wanted to say

119it. I'm comfortable with Kelly's presentation. And I um people can get crafty and that's all I want to say. And I just want to make sure that this is cleaned up and we're inserting it into a policy, but it is shared to any group that operated this year recognized or not. They need to have this in their hands. So, everything is done that can be done. It has to be done So, it would be really [clears throat] helpful if there's any groups out there who have never recognized or something. >> vote. The motion passes 5-0-2. Okay, and now I'll just throw this on the record with with with Tara's comments and Ellen's comments and sorry Joe, go ahead what were I just want to say absolutely we can get information out, but there are probably

120groups that we're not aware of. So, I mean once it's approved goes into our booklet it can go in a community update. We know the PTOs will send out whoever we know, but if anyone has any groups out there that we're not aware of and you'd like us to share with please let us know. And we can get that out. Okay. Now on to policy ooh, update review. More to come. >> yes, these policies are all having to do with Title 9. We couldn't do redline because Kelly revised so much in them. So, you'll notice there are three policies ACAB-A, ACA-R, and ACA. What we did was we put the current policy on top and the new brand new policy from Kelly is right behind that. What she did was she updated all of these

121based on the regulations. >> [clears throat] >> Well, see we went through these on our last policy committee meeting. Correct? Correct. And we like passed over the changes real quickly cuz it wasn't There wasn't There was some language changes, but it's it's the regulation. It's correct. They're federal regulations. They're not even state, they're federal. Correct. Yeah, this is this is all so and the big thing was aligning the names correctly cuz we had we still had Aaron Worth on there. Yeah, so once these are sent back to M M S B A to I mean MASC to update all of those names will be updated. Not because I have to have a problem with everything, but But you do. Let me Let me get my wet blanket. Let me get my wet blanket. >> Someone

122said it was going to be quick tonight. The only thing that it makes totally my >> [laughter] >> It wasn't me. Number three on the second page of the revised. It's on both. >> Which ACABA I'm sorry. ACABA abracadabra If either party is a student under the age of 18, facilitator will notify the student's parents, guardians if after initial consultation with the student, it is determined to be in the best interest of the student. >> Right down here. So I'm sorry that I didn't catch this in sub policy. Um but I'm catching it now. When do we not notify a parent of harassment or or an investigation or anything like that? Well, I can't imagine I mean there may be times I can't give you an exact situation, um but when we've had instances with

123this situation, we as far as I know we've had communication, but you know that these regulations also come because of the regulations and what students students' rights, I guess I'll put it that way. It just concerned me that a parent wouldn't know of something affecting their child in school. I think it's just a simple I've never had a situation when it came to this where I've been aware I wonder if I wonder if that adds precedent for other I wonder if the I wonder if that adds precedent for other things that the school district could withhold from parents. So, I'm going to make a motion to accept ACABA um with the a striking that line if either party is a student under the age of 18 uh and replacing it with with um uh excuse

124me, I had this had it written, I left it at just the facilitator will notify, right? >> Uh the facility yeah. Is it just the last chunk of that sentence that if after initial conversation with the student it is determined to be in the best interest of the student >> strike. Yeah. >> Yep, to strike if after initial consultation so that it it compels the school district to notify. And this is both the um complainant and the respondent. So, can I want to ask a question when it comes to Title 9 or regulations, I know there are certain policies that MASC sends out. This is a This is from Kelly that we can amend. I I mean we this could be amendable or not, I don't I don't know that answer. That you're saying we

125can't amend? >> know. For example, you can't amend Title 9, right? So, I I'm not 100% sure that what Kelly gave us for these if there are certain areas that are amendable or not cuz there are like the ones that she amended um before with the red lines with the other three policies cuz she said that you know, some of these are just suggestions for MASC. This didn't come from MASC this suggestion. This we asked Kelly to update our policies and procedures in relation to And this is a this is a child abuse reference. This one in partic this this yeah. This part in particular. If you read the top part it says in certain cases of harassment of a student may constitute child abuse under state law. But this also has to do with

126notification like I I am absolutely reaching here, but I'm I'm guessing that like I'm trying to envision why you wouldn't contact a parent. Maybe you wouldn't contact a parent if some of the abuse was tied to a parent. >> Mhm. See, I'm reading this as in- intra-student, but with between students or inside the school district. I don't see Title IX as reaching into the home. Yeah, I took it as as part of that whole like when you have to report, why you have to report. And following up on this, but maybe I I I >> more clarification from Kelly. >> I read them all at the same time and I'm Right. >> it's all >> Dan, can I make a motion that we Can I make a motion that we table this to get more

127clarification from Kelly and to even see >> My motion wasn't seconded. >> Oh, so no, it's fine. and see if if it even can be amended. And it could be. We just want to make sure we do it Yeah. Correctly. If you'd like me to do that, I can absolutely do that. So this So So Sorry. No, no, and that's fine. Or we could Yeah. We can do that. We can do that or we could Or we could approve the amendment and Kelly will let us know if it's uh approved or not. It will let us know if it's legal or not. It will it can be done. So This is a pleasure. So Matt, you you weren't seconded and Tara is asking to table ACA >> AD A ACAB abracadabra Yeah. um until we

128get further clarification. So it's a seconded by Matt. Uh any further And let's just be to be specific specific. It's clarification on um item number three. Yeah, it's clarification on that, but also clarification on is this student to student or is this It says right I think Jane's right. It says It says child It says in certain cases the harassment of a student may constitute child abuse under state law. Okay. But it says the district will comply with all legal requirements governing the It's within [clears throat] the district. So Title IX does not I thought I just referenced more than just school. >> not govern a home. >> within the district? So the >> If a child comes here and tells a teacher that they're being that something's happening at home, that teacher has an

129obligation to If a child Okay, yeah, I agree agreed, but that's what Title IX Title IX I don't believe reaches into the home. Where is Title IX? So it's a This is non-discre- This is except the time. >> harassment and discrimination is banned not just at school during school hours, but also before and after school hours and all school programs and school excluding the bus, school functions, the school events. The policy also applies to any off-campus conduct that causes or threaten to cause a substantial and material disruption at school or interferes with the rights of students or employees to be free from hostile school environment, blah blah blah, problems, blah blah blah, blah blah regarding discrimination and harassment should be resolved in problems. And then it talks about reporting. So if there's And again, I'm

130grasping. Like I don't know of a specific, but if there's a child who comes to school and they're acting up in school because they're being harassed at home, but it's causing issues at school, reporting that to the parents at home may not be something you want to do. I mean I I'm just >> I think that that is a different That's a wholly different situation. That's not covered by Title IX. >> But it does say in here covered by this policy. It's It's The The school district will comply with all legal requirements governing the reporting of suspected cases. >> we'll get that clarification. And then 1 2 3 is under that. All right. This happens inside of schools, too. We'll get We'll get that clarification. But before So there's a motion and a second. >>

131Motion to table. And to table, yep. There's already a motion and a second. Is there anything else that's highlighted that is uh that uh this particular uh policy that has anybody has any quite cuz if we're going to reach out to Kelly, I just want to make sure we don't you know get that clarification then two pages later we have anything else on it. You uh everybody with the policy um committee was good? With the rest of it? And yeah, I believe so. Okay, so there's a motion and a second to table um uh um file ACABA until getting further food clarification from Kelly on item number three on this um all those in favor can reply by saying I. I. Any opposed? unanimous Okay. Next item. Call us I make a motion to accept

132the changes to ACA-R and ACA. Okay, two of them. You're going to whack them. I'm going to whack them both. Whack them both. All right. Any Any comments? Questions? Conspiracies or whatever we have on ACAB ACBC? >> [laughter] >> Matt, you have anything to add on this? I know that you were not looking to uh close any issues tonight. Not at all. So uh in the you know I I wouldn't want to lead into any more conspiracies, Mr. Chair. So >> [laughter] >> I was just running out of things to say. I will uh forego any sort of comment on that one. >> you're I think you're doing a fine job, Mr. Catalano. Uh are we good on this? Yeah, I'll make a motion to approve. No, it's already been moved. Oh, you did? I

133didn't know he did. Yeah. All right. Second? Or did Matt second? Or did I miss that? I don't know who seconded it, Jane. Tara just did. Tara did, that's what I thought. Yeah. It's on both. Yep, both. Um any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. It is unanimous. Okay, moving along. In your packets, you have the um Unit B contract. With all of the changes and recommendations. Okay, and so this essentially we we discussed in We did. Yeah. executive session, um and this is essentially what we what was agreed to. Everything's And Unit B has reviewed this as well. And they're all set. >> Yes. Um any I'll take a motion to approve the agreement between Blackstone Millville Regional District and the

134Blackstone Millville Regional School District Administrators Association Unit B for July 1, 2025 to June 30th, 2028. I'll move. Motion made by Tara Scobie, seconded by Carrie Godette. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes Do we have one for signatures? I do. The ayes have it. It is unanimous. [clears throat] Just one needs signatures? Yes. Okay. School Committee packets. >> Yep, so we discussed um the last time we said we'd bring a proposal, and this is totally your choice. So right now, um for every School Committee meeting, every piece of paper that is presented is copied and delivered to you prior to the meeting. Um and I know there was some discussion about um, you know, looking at, you know, paper and the time. Um, so I

135think the proposal would be, you know, to send everything to you electronically prior to the meeting. And if anyone requires a hand a packet, we will have that available to you when you come on that evening. And again, that is your discussion and decisions, but um, I think that's what we would like to propose. If we have it as email document, should we also should like when we're here, should we have Chromebooks or should like something set up to have access to it right in front of us as well? >> if your personal devices are on the table, it becomes public like yep, and everything on request your phone, that's why our phones are on the table. >> you would like a paper copy, we will have it here for you when you come. >>

136that was going to be my request. I'm happy with getting it electronically. I mean, I always feel bad that somebody's like come to my house in the rain and whatever and didn't need to. Like I'm happy to get it electronically, but I'm a if you look at these, there's notes all over them. So I prefer having paper when we get here. And I do know like for example for Tara, Al would prefer probably not to have anything in paper. So if we could send it to you electronically prior to the meeting and if you are someone who would like the packet when you come, um, they will be available for you. Typically that's what you you know, in in in Blackstone boys life and you'll get an email to you and then on the in

137the You'll have a >> seat there's a packet as well. Well, I'm fully capable of printing that. I I felt the same way. I was very surprised that it's it was kind of cool when you first get on the school committee and they're delivering the packets. It's weird. It's but it's it's not cool. It's cool for the I always know when the packet arrives cuz the dogs let me know. I'll say this like years ago when I learned and when I when the Blackstone police used to deliver the Board of Selectmen. This was long before but they would deliver the packets to the Board of Selectmen which I thought was crazy that that That's nuts. Yeah. And my understanding Matt is the Pony Express is still delivering in Millville too. >> [laughter] >> I'm just

138giving Matt a hard time. It's a It's a inside jokes. Okay, moving on. Okay, so did we get a vote did we take a vote on that yet? We need to vote. The packets? Oh, we're good. We're good. We're good with that. Okay, beautiful. Okay, next on uh Superintendent search um Uh we have an update on how that We are we are we have posted the position for Superintendent of the the MRSD. We have a quick um expedited search process. And we have um a few items that we need to discuss today. Uh first and foremost is um a an initial screening committee. It's We're calling it a paper screening committee. It won't be on paper, it'll be electronic but a review of the applicants to whittle it down to people we would like to

139bring for formal uh interviews. And that would be a committee that has to be less than quorum. Um And I would recommend that it be two. Um Tracy told us it could be three. Um but the reason I think two makes sense is it could be one from each community and then you have equal like we have in other things but it could be three. But we need to um decide if that's the way we want to go. Well, we already decided that was the way we want to go. So we need to decide who those people should be. And so you you recommend two two is so it would be one from each community is suggesting and Tracy, right? Tracy and Tracy and I think one other person from her staff is also reviewing

140or from MASC is also reviewing. Yeah, cuz she said ideally it would be less than a quorum but an odd number as well. Yeah, she said three. I think she said it could be three. She said four she worries would be questioned because that's half but our quorum is five. Yeah. Yeah, but it's still less than four is still less I mean I you know I this is this is literally a group that will have to have the time probably next weekend to really dig in and delve in and and make make quick turnaround decisions. So it's got to be people who have the commitment and the time. So I don't I mean if it's three great. And what did she say that she'd be asking each person to bring a certain number? She She

141didn't say what number but she said to bring at least three or depending on how many applicants >> No, that referred to how many we bring to final interviews. Like how many we bring on She She recommended that we don't just bring one person to the district. That's not a search. That's just a hiring. So that we you know her minimum was that we look to bring in at least three. But that's what the group would ultimately decide on. This is to decide on who's who's reviewing the applicants. When you say the group you mean the school committee? Would determine what number of applicants that you bring? >> No. No, you have the paper screening. The paper screening. We'll determine So the small group's going to determine if there's 100 applicants, what three So So

142then the school committee should be determining how many applicants there are, a minimum or a maximum then, I would imagine. If you want to, you can. I don't know. I would think that So we'll we'll appoint two people then two people are going to determine if it's two candidates, three candidates, four candidates. But it could come down to Dan that that's who has what we're looking for, right? When you say we, you mean the two people? >> No, the committee knows so it needs to be So we decided what we were looking for when we approved the job description. >> Right. Job description. >> So we So based on the job description, if people meet that I think I just signed on the wrong There are some automatic applications that go out through I I

143don't Our superintendent of a building or an apartment, you know, so those have to be kind of weeded out too. Because what was it? Because we're doing the expedited search. Every single person that is offered an interview except sorry to view is going to be a public Essentially a like a finalist where their name is going to be public because we have to do everything in public. So you're not going to call You get 10, you're not going to have 10 interviews and But essentially we'd have to if we were doing it as a public meeting. Right. >> Or we'd have to at least talk about them publicly. Yeah. Okay. So [sighs] Jane, you're say So >> [snorts] >> We would be looking for someone member who wants to volunteer. Who wants to vol Yeah,

144who And if we We more than than four that want or three that want to volunteer, we'll have to >> do a vote. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, so who's interested in volunteering? Just one more time on the dates. It closes on the 29th? Closes on the 29th. She said 29th. On the 29th. So, Friday? Yeah. Which is a And the group will Yes. So, but the group would independently review them Who would The group would receive all of the people and then they all review, review, review. They'll meet as a group. And and >> week. The following The week of June 1st you have to meet as a group. You're saying you Oh. You would You would tap Yeah, I would imagine you would The small group would meet as a group. Yeah, I mean, we

145probably have like a you know So, nowadays with HR processes, there's like you read an interview, you check yes, they met yes, they have a uh master's degree. Yes, they're certified to be a superintendent. Yes, they're and you know, you get a star for each of those and if you got four stars you know, you move on, but the group the paper screening committee will likely meet and say, "Yeah, we all gave them four stars. Yes, this person should move over." No, I only gave them two because I think, you know, they have green hair and green hair is not a criteria. >> say in person? Are they meeting in person? >> in person? >> No, I don't >> Would it be virtual? I don't know. I think it would depend on the group. But

146I I would believe it would be virtual. And then those name then those people would be contacted to see if they were still interested to the group is interested in bringing them to the district um for formal interview and that's when they would go public if they accept continuing in the process. As an employee of can I have ask a question on this? Yes. Are there levels? Like is there going to be I know that you're talking about that there's going to be a screening and if you find six candidates, will you be bringing six candidates forward that you have a panel interview that includes staff members and school committee? Yes. And then you have two or three candidates that then move forward? Nope. That's the end. So you >> said interview process. Panel interview?

147>> a we will have an interview process that will include staff, community members. We're going to talk about that in a few minutes, but >> Okay, I apologize. I'm sorry. [laughter] >> Nope, that's okay. But they'll be at like a whole day. Like come for a whole day, tour the district, do the and then end at the school committee with your interview. [cough] Somebody might come on Monday, somebody might come on Tuesday, somebody might come on Wednesday. People will have an opportunity to submit one of those Google forms. >> Got it. Like we like we didn't like we thought whatever and then the committee will make a decision based on who was invited to come and Got it. That was for example. But there'll be opportunity for input. But it'll >> Okay. not in a

148phase one, phase two, phase three. >> Perfect. Thank you. Okay, getting back to the original question. >> Original question. Uh so who's interested in serving on this uh committee? Let me ask this. Who's interested from Blackstone? Uh Gina, are you interested are you are I am happy to to continue in this process. >> And Blackstone? I would do it. Carrie, anyone else? I could possibly do it. I'm going to be away at a conference. So So where we are right now is that if we'd have to vote for either you or Carrie. I'm comfortable with giving it to Carrie because I'm going to be at a conference. I I'm I'm kind of in favor of having three people just >> so you know. Like you're saying vote between but No, well, no, no, if if

149Yeah, that's okay. >> point where if Okay, so [snorts] let's back it up. So, how many people representatives of the school committee um does the school committee would like to would the school committee like to have on this panel? I think an odd number is where I was heading. >> don't disagree with that. I think as long as we have one from Blackstone, one from Millville. I'm also okay with being three, but I want a minimum of three from each town. Yeah. Yep. I'm good with that. Okay. Okay, so we're three is fine? It's Aaron, I don't know where you're feeling on it. >> I just I felt an odd number. I agree with Carrie on the one from each town and then an odd number just >> Yeah. We could do it virtually. I

150can do it virtually depending if it's after like 5:00 p.m. But it sounds like it would be screening on the weekend. >> Jane, you can say it if that's not working. No, I I I I think it's going to depend on who the the group is. I >> I mean, my guess is that the MASC people work during the day. >> Oh, yes. No, no, no, when they come out here, they come out at night. Like Is there [snorts] somebody else that >> work during the day, so I would prefer night. >> Right. Aaron, do you have capability on I do, but I'm I would like fresh new [snorts] eyes out there. I've done I've I've I'm I am available, I'm willing, and I've done it four times, so I think there's pros to that,

151but I think it would be good for other people to be part of it. So, they're going to review the paper. Um you're going to review after the 29th, so the the after the 29th. But then that that next week is when That next day like the 1st or 2nd, whatever Monday and Tuesday is. >> Monday and Tuesday. Is your conference on the weekend or the week? My my conference is Sunday through Wednesday. So that may be hard for you. >> Yeah, and it's But it is the week after that we need to make sure our schedules are >> can't leave the Mhm, right. It's not like I'm at my desk and I can, you know, zoom in. Yeah, I can't do that. But if we were doing it at night, you're saying you're free?

152Yeah. We just tell them that it has to be in person. >> else who's available for that. You free? I'm that Monday the 1st, I can make absolutely any time that day work. Tuesday the 2nd and Wednesday the 3rd are a different story. >> [snorts] >> Is there anybody else who would like to do this? I have already done it and I've already interviewed a qualified candidate and I'll leave it at that. So. I hope you have three. Mhm. Yeah. So we good? Next step. Next step is to talk about the week of the 8th and the week of the 15th. Are there any dates that people could absolutely not be available for interviews? And that includes things that might be happening in the school district. >> [snorts] >> Is this for the entire committee?

153Yeah. This is for the entire committee and the the towns, the district and the >> Okay. So the of the 8th and the 15th I would >> [sighs] >> I think you're just going to have to set up dates. Right? I mean We need all of us. We need We So, we will in the evening have actual interviews with us. So, we need So, that So, for the week of the 8th and 15th, are we talking during the day availability or evening availability? So, so Day availability. Ideally, what we would do, let's assume there are four candidates. I'm picking a number out of the blue. We would have four days where they might come in the morning and uh start at the Blackstone Town Hall meeting the Blackstone town administrator. And then they'd go to

154with a school committee member as their uh representative, who will not be Jack Keith, and take them to Betty's Donuts. Um Dan Keith can do that. >> Dan Keith can do that. Dan Keith might get stuck there longer than Jack Keith does. >> there longer, exactly. Um take them to the high school, meet the principal, get a tour of the school, whatever, whatever, whatever. Um then they might go to the middle school, then they might go to the elementary school, then they might at 3:00 in the afternoon have a half an hour uh somewhere in the media center with staff. Um they would certainly during the their tour of the day have a meeting with the administration administrative offices and the staff there. Um and then a few people might take them to dinner, and

155then they would come to school committee meeting for their formal interview with the questions we will determine next. Now, we can do a half day. We can do a But, we need to I believe it's important, and I think we representation [cough and clears throat] today about why it's very important that we include that we include people because that matters. So, we need to have a process that not only people have an opportunity to see and hear from these people, but to ask them questions and to give feedback based on that. So, we need to be looking to clear up some days. So, I guess I'm saying, is there a like you don't have to be available all day long? You you would just not be a person who would say, "I'll take them from

156point A to point B, or I'll take them from point B to point C." But, that was also the time where um for me in the process when I've done it, I've had the time to chat with that person individually. Like, you know, like, "Hey, you know, do you like Chinese food?" No, whatever. But, um so, it's great if you are available, but if you're not I mean, I know some of us work, and just not you know, days off and >> available that for the actual interview, which will be on the day that they're visiting, is critical. is critical. Critical. So, that's why I guess I'm saying that from the 8th to the When does school end? 18th. The 18th. From the 8th to the 18th, are there any days, any evenings that people

157absolutely we have to avoid? Well, we have a meeting on the 11th. As a many We have [clears throat] a school committee meeting >> on the 9th. You're what? >> I'm unavailable on the 9th, 16th, 18th. I'm unavailable >> is tough for me as well. Yeah, meet the coach night. 9, 16, and 18, and you said no 12? Yep. Anybody else? Going once. I'm good in the 16th. I'm no good on the 16th. Okay, we already got the 16th. >> Yeah. I got 9, 12, 16, 18. Which means we could do 8, 10, 15. >> 11, oh. We could change our meeting if we have to. Yeah, we could. >> a finance committee on the 10th at 11:00 a.m. getting my notification. On the 10th is a school building committee meeting at 5:00 o'clock. They

158could See 11. Could. Here you go. The school committee meeting. Uh 8. So, I have 8, 10, 11, 15. Were you just suggesting moving the school committee meeting on the 11th? Potentially. >> If we have to. >> Well, the only reason I'm saying is staff knows that as the date for our EOY. Just throwing that out there. They've been notified that that was our next school committee meeting for their attendance. Okay. That's important. And you're just asking for the two weeks. >> a 4:00 p.m. interview. Yeah, but you were asking for the two weeks of availability because but she did really say we should do it the 8th through the 12th. We're just trying to make sure we not knowing what's out there, what we're going to get that we have the days to do

159what we need to do. The half-day option might be since we're already doing expedited. I I I'm trying to remember the dinner part. Did we ever We had already met like I don't know if I want to go to dinner with >> [laughter] >> every applicant that you're meeting that day. Not saying, but we could have something in a conference room, you know, to make it a short day. >> somebody to come here at You have to feed them. >> You have to feed them. But it doesn't Yeah. >> No, I'm not saying it has to be all No, it doesn't wasn't all of us. It could have just been a couple people. Like >> We did it with finalists at one point and I don't but I remember where where that was in the

160process. >> did it. Okay. So, the 8th and the 10th are what we have available at night. >> 8 8 10 15. But we don't even know how many days we actually need. It could be more than what Well, we might we [clears throat] might bring two on the same day and not have them cross. Sorry, one more time. What days are you you're saying 8 8 10 15. 15 is a kindergarten graduation in the morning. Just Yeah, I can't do that. You can't do What do you mean? >> 15th? Definitely >> you can't do the night? No, I can't do it. >> one of the ones you gave me, Matt. Sorry, I can't do that. Now that you reminded me, thank you. >> What was wrong with night? Did someone say nine? No, 9th

161I'm out. Okay. Yeah, not So, I got 9 12 16 and 18. Oh, what about 17? What was 17? Nothing. Uh school building committee. I thought that was the 10th. >> That's on the 10th and 17th, isn't it? Um unless I don't have it in my notes. I think we have two quick ones because of the submission for the I do think we have two quick ones. And that's a virtual vote, I think, the 17th. Yeah. >> [snorts] >> So, but you you are no more you're not good for the 15th anymore? Don't believe so. Okay. I'm leaving it there for right now. So, 8 10 15 17? 8 10 11 15 17. Okay, perfect. 8 10 11. No, I thought we said no to the 11th cuz that's our school committee meeting with end

162Yeah. We can we can we can end it before Oh, okay. Before 6:00 p.m. >> have to come at 5:00 for an interview and have our meeting at 6:00. We just need I mean, we can make that be the last day we pick, but we need If we're committed to this process, Yes. we need to commit to the process. So, now members from the staff and and public, how does that What do they reach out to? How does that work? Volunteers, how do we find those people? Yeah, the Volunteers for what for what? For the town representatives that want to interview them. We we we The three people that just volunteered to be on the paper screening committee will be setting that up. We're the the only people that are participating in the interviews are

163us eight. They can be present when the interview's happening. We will have a scheduled meet and greet time, but there won't be a panel of PTO members, staff members participating in the interview process. No, no, but they will but they so so they so Jane will take John Jane Doe candidate Jane Doe to meet with the administrative staff over at AFM Jeffco school What building? Complex. The complex. Right? And and introduce them and let those people talk. They're going to ask them questions. It's not It's an interview process. It's not a And then those people who did that will have an opportunity to provide the committee with feedback. Um but and then they'll leave the complex and they'll go to the elementary school and meet the principal of the elementary school and walk around the

164school and chat for a few minutes that and the principal can certainly ask questions and give feedback and >> I'm assuming it's the principal who will kind of like lead >> Correct. >> the tour of that building and go to the next building and >> in the past we've also brought them to the town to meet the town administrators. Now, the town administrators may or may not be available. Last time they were available for some but not all. So, some of our candidates met Blackstone [snorts] and not Millville or some met Millville and not Blackstone like some did it virtual. We may give that option like but the three people that agreed to earlier will be figuring out how to and and Aaron, you did a beautiful Google form that had here's the candidate coming

165on this date, here's the person oh, I'm free. I can take them here and I can pick them up here and take them here. Um That was the document that you had shared. >> Correct. And then um they come to the school committee at the end and we do the interview with the questions that are public questions. They all get asked the exact same question. And it's open to the public so anyone who wants to can sit >> and listen and it'll be and we'll have to make sure uh Tim, you available on those dates? >> [laughter] >> Um [snorts] that somebody is cuz it's it's and after the very last one we will have an open meeting where we have open discussion. And appoint somebody to negotiate with that person if there is a

166person. I said, do we have three people?" Mhm. Right now? Mhm. And that is Carrie, Jane Mhm. And and Tara. Okay. Anybody else want to be on this? Okay, so that's clear. So, you clarified that. That's that's clear. Clarify the dates. Like, what what were cuz it kind of went all over the place. >> 8th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 17th. Okay. And as you will confirm as Well, you guys will meet up and cover. Um And so, I am curious in how the the how people will be All right, so it's not really going to be Some people expressed wanting to So, that'll be wanting to have input and that's the way it's going to be throughout that day and visit. You'll get feedback. >> And so, in the last one, if you looked at the

167schedule, I think there was like a 3:00 end of school day like presenta- I think one time we did it in the media center, like the media [snorts] center. I think one time we did it here, where if staff wanted to come and the we asked the candidates to give a little presentation and people got to ask questions. So, really the length of time we need is going to be determined by how many candidates we're moving to that phase. Okay. Is that everything? Uh no, we have to choose the questions that we want to ask the people. Questions who wants to ask the people? >> The school committee. Oh, no. No, I I don't What do you mean to ask when we're interviewing them? Mhm. But that doesn't We can send out a Google Doc.

168Yeah, I ask. I And they can We can all submit our questions stack. Tailored questions. I ask questions based on the candidates' uh Uh yeah, no, that's not Oh, that's how you interview. I You can every town administrative interview I've done, I've had questions based on the their history and how they would fit into the district. I mean, when an interview giving the questions in advance is not an interview. It's a dog and pony show. It is a dog and pony show. It's a public dog and pony show. >> I'm not I will not participate in that. I as a member of the the representative of the Blackstone Millville Regional School District as a Blackstone rep, I will ask questions that I would for any individual candidate that I think is pertinent to the district

169and the communities, but I will not >> You can ask a question that follows up on a question? Sure. So, you can absolutely do that and they can be different, but every person needs to get the same questions. And there's a form from MASC with >> I I don't care about any of that. I will I am not going to be dictated on how I'm going to interview. >> to pick the There's There's hundreds of questions you can pick from. >> We didn't do that in the in the last set of negotiations. I'm not going to do it in this set. So, I'm not going to have scripted I You guys can do what you want, but I assure you that I am not going to hand off my questions in advance. I don't even

170I mean, they don't even know what my questions are depending on like you said, the response questions, but there's that's like calling for a united front. Uh which I It's got to be based on the individual based on my individual thoughts of the needs of the district, your individual thoughts of the need of your individual thoughts. So, I I It's I I will be who I am. >> I believe the way we did this last time was everyone had the sample questions because you can curate them for yourself. Um they don't have to be the MS MASC questions, but then they were all sent, I believe, to me because I was running the search and put into a form that everyone had in front of them. Um, they weren't given to the candidates ahead of

171time. However, what happens when you just mentioned Tim, if we start recording these, they can be done in public. Those other applicants can come watch, but we don't have to have a recording. The The If you're asking the same questions at every interview, which is how it has been done, then they already know the questions, but there's definitely some spontaneity in it because of the personal experience of each person. There's nothing You can absolutely go off script, but for each of us sitting here knowing we're that we want to talk about MSBA, we want to talk about budget and finance, we want to talk about their personal experiences, and those are absolutely part of the conversation, but we also need to keep it on a time limit. Um, it can't be a 4-hour interview. So,

172it's structured more than dictated. It's >> why I recommend you be one of the hosts that take the people around and you can ask any questions you >> Oh, absolutely, yeah. You can talk to them one-on-one and ask them a question about it when in public, too. It's not forbidden, it's just for structure of the process. So, are we able to everyone's going to take a look at your email and submit questions they would like to ask or they would like to hear? I mean, >> Sure. it could be either way. Right? >> Yep. Yep, and you can create your own. >> have to do that tonight. It's It's something >> Sarah sent hers and she created some of her own based on the MSBA process. I would just probably have a hard deadline of

173of June 5th, personally, if we're starting [clears throat] if we could start anytime on the 8th or later. Okay. I can do that. That's it. Okay. Thank you, Jane. Okay, we pass the report of the superintendent on to nothing else said on to the business office credit recovery revolving account. >> Yes, so on the last meeting we discussed the credit recovery during the summer that we're going to be doing and that there is a fee that is going to be charged for that. So, I am just requesting that we set up an account for those funds that we can deposit into and that the money will then be used to go against the cost of that those those classes that were were hosting during the summer. But, I do need school committee approval to set

174up an account that that money will fall into. Okay. Motion made to set up a credit recovery revolving account. >> Motion by Carrie. Second. Seconded by Chuck. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? It's unanimous. Uh, I'll abstain from that. >> Oh, Matt. Okay. So, it is We've got 7 6 0 1, right? Is the vote. All right. >> And donations. So, there are a few donations that we've gotten since the last time we had we had met. Um Ohio Pile Prints and they are the company that sells BMR gear in the um CVS's or the um local stores. Um when they sell anything at those stores, the school does get some money back for um those sales. So, it was $4.75 that was um brought into the

175district. Um so, we had that money come in and you'll see here a listing. I had spoken last week or last meeting regarding some um stale checks that um we are working on and we're looking through over the years some checks that have never cleared. Um Kathy had done a letter and we sent to everybody um telling these people that there is a check still outstanding. Um and we gave them the option of reissuing the check or if they would like to, they could donate the money back to the school and we could use it for in we an angel fund that if there are any students that cannot afford something and we could use that um with principal's discretion or or if there's anything recommended that we have some students that are in financial

176need that we could use that money towards something that they have. So, here's a listing of the checks which total $1,943.31 and that is um for the angel fund that that money is going into as a donation. Kristen, what is JE to clear voided checks? What's JE? Journal entry. Huh, okay. >> [laughter] >> I was trying to come up with >> say initials I couldn't No. That's just a journal entry. And you said $1,940? Correct. Correct. And we are still working on that list. There are still some more checks that um we're waiting to hear back from people that we we have not heard back from. So, we will reach out to I I said this before, we'll keep reaching out a few more times to any of these um different companies. Um and if

177we can't reach personals or company, it will end up going to the state as unclaimed funds. Look at Scott Hebert kicking in 50 bucks. >> Yeah, look at that. Oh, there's two more donations. A lot of stuff on there. Yeah. So, thank you to to all of these people. Absolutely. Generous donations. Staff, retired staff. >> Mhm. Yes. Nice. So. Um I just I can't believe you >> And we got to we do have to accept these. Yes, you do. So, I'll take a motion to accept the new BMRSD donations to date 5 14 26 as motion made by Matt. Second. Seconded by Jane. Any further discussion? Do we need to create an angel fund? My as we're creating I think we have It is in a donation account, so we do have a donation fund

178and we've done a subset of that fund [snorts] in there. Is that's where the gear is being sold? I Am I missing it somewhere? >> CVS. Yeah, the clip that says BMR. Very back of the store. I've never gone to CVS. You can't tell me that. I have to run in there on Mother's Day for the last minute. >> It's in the very back of the store. It's in the back of the store. Yep. Can we ask CVS to put it in the front of the store so we can increase upon that 475? >> [laughter] >> I mean I don't know. I'd rather have them buy it from our kids. Selling the It's It's not the same gear. Have you ever seen anyone Have you ever seen them Have the kids go to CVS I

179have a big hat that just says BMR. I'm like, it's not even our It's not Okay, I Yeah. Okay. It's purple and black, maybe maybe purple and something. It's for all those guy people who don't plan at a time have to run in and get a mother's birthday card or something like that at the end and say, "Oh, I'll get my mom a Chargers shirt." >> [laughter] >> Just I'm speaking of someone else. Yeah, you of course you are. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Okay. We still have to vote. So, we have a motion and a second. Somewhere in there, I know we do. Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Any further discussion? All those favor in favor signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Okay, our next meeting is June 11th at

1802026 at 6:00 p.m. Uh school committee forum. Can I just say something before we go into that? So, we have our Special Olympics tomorrow. We have students who are going there. This is our third year. I >> [clears throat] >> Shout out to Bellingham for inviting us, but I did want to give a shout out to Neil Tellstone because this year I had asked I had an ask for Neil and a big ask ask for Neil. He always donates to us for that day a mini bus to take some of our kids there, but I had a big ask this year and I asked for a big bus because we're going to be taking some student fans with us this year. So, I think that's And this is total donations, the drivers, the buses. So,

181I wanted to say thank you to Neil for doing that because this will be our first year of having some fans. Bellingham because they're right there able to bring their fans over so this year we have a a bus going and we have some representative from every building. So, they'll be they'll be heading over. So, I just wanted to say thank you. Are you filming it again? So, they film it. We do take pictures and I will share those. So, we're heading over at 9:30. I believe the ceremony starts that they have an opening ceremony which is great. The kids all march in together Blackstone and Bellingham and Millville. Um and we're thinking this there's a ceremony and then events start around 10:00 and they're usually done by probably 11:30. They do the track events

182first and then they do the field events. So, yeah. So, we're looking forward to that and I I don't really want to say this about the weather, but hopefully it's a nice day. I think it's going to be. So, >> Tomorrow? It's tomorrow. Yes. Yes, but again, thank you to Neil for doing that. >> Weather's going to be good for you tomorrow. It has to be good tomorrow. Yeah. Okay. Thank you for that update and thank you um Mr. Tellstone for your generous donation. School committee forum, does anyone have I have a question for another school committee member. It's um I just wanted to know I cuz I came in late. I wasn't sure if the student reps said it. What time is the start time for the parade? >> Start of the senior parade

183tomorrow morning is be there Small kids have to arrive at 6:30. But if you want to watch the senior parade, you have to be at BMR before the road is closed at 7:10. So it's an early morning with coffee on the sidewalk. >> [clears throat] >> That works. [laughter] The buses are rolling in at 7:00. I asked my senior that question and she said, "Mom, just be there at 7:00." So I stopped questioning it at that point. We'll be there at 7:00. With your coffee. Yep. There's this one Jane I would like to thank the staff and the community members that came to speak with us today. I heard their words. I thought they were very important. I also thank Jill for the effort that she has given in the interim position. Uh the work

184has not [snorts] been unnoticed. I It is unfortunate. We um are moving in a different direction. From my perspective, that's my I'm one person. um But I do appreciate the work that you've done and I do appreciate hearing from folks and I'm glad it was a good transition and I'm hoping as we move forward, we can continue to have a smooth transition. Very good. Thank you. Anyone else have anything to add to school committee forum? I have a question Well, I had a question for Scott, but now my question's going to be for Jill instead. There was um a post made on social media with concerns about ticks at um I believe both the complex and the elementary school. Can we like are we treating are we >> the middle school. So you will see

185in your weekly update tomorrow and parents will be getting some notification of some um spraying that will be taking place. Um we will make sure our notifications go out in time, but that's actually part of both the community and the school committee update tomorrow. Thank you. They're really bad this year. Mhm. Yeah, they are. Okay, anyone Anyone else for I know that >> I have a couple things. I know Scott wasn't here again, but um the flag at the high school needs to be retired. It was that was there this morning. It's tattered and should not be there for It should be pulled down immediately. Um and replaced. It for Memorial Day and for the ceremonies next week. I know we just purchased some I think in the last week and they probably just haven't

186been put up yet, but I do know that was brought to my attention last week, I believe it was. >> some in my truck, too. He has some. He brought >> And and POW flags, too. I don't think you put those in the school. Big flag transition day in the next 2 days in the area. So, thank you, Matt, for catching. And I got a bunch of old flags that can go to the scouts when you have your burning ceremony. Sooner or later, I hope. Uh okay, anything else? I just wanted to echo Jane's sentiments with everybody that came today. It takes a lot of passion and and and guts to for employees to come and and speak in that way and and I applaud them and thank them and I too feel the same

187way as them and you know and it's unfortunate the way that things went and you know, um you know I would like to personally say, you know, it wasn't in any way what I felt to be an inappropriate way for us to go as a committee. Um the way that our employee was treated should not have ever been a way an employee was treated anywhere. So, you know, I will say that and you know, again I hope the best for the district. I think that we made wrong decision. And uh that's where I'll leave it. Okay, thank you. Anyone else? So, I'll just add to that because Matt opened the door that the decisions that were made were on offers that were made. Mhm. And that's where I'll say that I'll I'll I'll leave it

188there. Okay. I'll Okay, anyone else? Okay, and so I will I will concur with I appreciate the people that came in and spoke, the employees, parents, and and retirees, and lifelong residents, and employees of the school districts school district. [clears throat] Um as Jane you would know, Aaron you would know, as chairman, I spent a tremendous amount of time over the last year communicating with you as I did with Jason the year before and the the common theme was this evening and I can attest to it a seamless transition. It It truly was. It was as seamless as possible. You know, I couldn't It couldn't have been expected to be that seamless. But with that being said, um um the >> [gasps] >> the district the the district overall um uh could not um reach

189a amicable agree- amicable agreement uh and um I appreciate I have more to say as next month um in as my experience with you working with you in a positive way um at the appropriate time, but I I concur with these people. I appreciate their passion. I appreciate everyone's passion on this matter. um And I'll and I'll and I'll leave it at that as well. >> [snorts] >> And with that, I'll take a motion to adjourn. So Motion made Matt. Second. Seconded by Chuck. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you very much.