BMR School Committee - December 11, 2025

001Good evening. I'll call our school committee meeting for December 11th, 2025 to order. Uh we'll stand 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. >> All right, we start with introduction of members. Jane uh Jane Reio, Milville, >> Terry Goddette, Blackstone. >> Minolano, Milville, Chuck Dun, Blackstone, >> Tara Larkin, Milville, and Kristen Donado, director of finance and operations. >> Maya Gier, student body president. Jill Pelarani, interim superintendent. All right. And update from student representative. >> So, our winter sports throughout the district are now underway. We've got girls varsity and JV basketball. We have boys varsity JV basketball. We have boys and girls indoor track teams. We have

002high school cheer which go to basketball all games as well as their own competitions having their own competitive season. And we have co-ops with Grafton for swimming and co-ops with hockey with Bellingham. And our girls team actually just won their second scrimmage very recently. I just saw an Instagram story of them on the bus. Congratulations to girls basketball. Our student council has just completed a service project. It was called meals in a bag and we were able to make over 90 meals for people in need for the Thanksgiving and holiday season and donate over a hundred extra food items. >> I wanted to mention too um they sent that up. We have our nutrition over the weekend for our families and it was a great addition. We're it was great. Yeah, we're really happy to

003be able to send those to our families. That's lovely. I'm very glad. But that was like a lovely project to see our school come together and bring in goods for that and to be able to give families meals that they need for the holiday season so that everyone can have a happy holiday. >> Our student council will also be attending the winter day of service looking ahead to January. And myself and Julia Corenzic who is on the regional student council board and I'm helping as part of the state board is prepping for this regional event. So, it is going to be at Tonto High School on January 31st. And that is when we participate in a regionwide service project, being able to put together whether that be baskets or perishable goods for families in need.

004Last year it was veterans, but either we work with schools over 36 throughout the region and do a regional service project. And our student council is very excited to be part of that. This Saturday, our StuCo members will also be volunteering for the hometown Christmas celebration that'll be right here in Blackstone with the Blackstone Parks and Recreation. And pep rally is coming up. I actually do have a meeting later tonight with the executive board of our council. This does pep rally. It'll be a Disney theme this year. We have some door decorating scheduled for the 17th in which our advisories, so basically home rooms for students, will be decorating the doors of their home rooms with Disney themes. I believe mine is doing a high school musical theme on our door. So that will be

005exciting. I think there's some talk about lights and we have our pep rally of course which will be on the half day. So that Tuesday right before break and every grade as I mentioned previously does have a Disney theme but right now we're just finishing up festivities for pep rally. We're coordinating what games we're going to be playing. The eighth graders will actually have a lip sync and be participating in the games this year. So that'll be really interesting to see. But everyone's finishing up their lips lip sync battles and yeah, everybody has their Disney themed and we are very excited to see what that will bring for everybody. Our performance literature class will also be performing a play in front of the entire school on the Monday before our half day. So, our whole

006school comes into the auditorium and they put on a play. Um, our AP literature and performance lit teacher, Miss Cruz, actually wrote out that whole play herself. So, we are all very excited to see it. And our mock trial team has just return received their tournament bracket for the region. They will have three scheduled trials during the month of January. Two will be in Westboroough. One will be in Milford. They will be against Hollist, Hopedale, and Hopington. They will also be attending a scrimmage tournament at Malden Catholic High School. This was an invitational, so we're very grateful to be have been invited there. And we also will have scrimmages throughout the season. And mock trial has also experienced exponential growth since its beginning last year, growing from about 10 to 12 members to almost 30

007active members in our club. Thank you. >> That's excellent. Thank you, Maya. >> Thank you for having All right. And just for the record, um Tara S and Aaron V are at the table. Um moving on to consent agenda A. Would anyone like to make a motion to approve? Actually, we don't have any warrants in front of us. So, I guess we don't have warrants. Um, minutes. >> They are here. >> Oh, they are. I'm sorry. There are there are warrants. I have a motion to approve the warrants. >> All right. Second by Carrie. Uh, any discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. All in favor? And minutes from June 12th. This is just to uh clarify the joint meeting between the school building committee and school committee.

008There anything else? >> No, it was on our vote. We just wanted to make sure that the school committee approved their uh minutes so we can >> Great. Uh so moved. >> All right, Jane. >> Second. >> And Chuck, any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? All in favor? It passes and minutes from November se 6th. >> So moved. >> Motion by Tara S. Second by Jane. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> All in fa. Any opposed? >> Abstain. And one abstension. That was carry. >> Yes. >> Um okay. And that that motion passes as well. Any public forum? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to school committee. Uh, we have our 26 27 school calendar. If you look on the back of the calendar,

009chair, we included for you because there was some question on Junth being a holiday. So, we included for you also the um the uh desulations. Junth falls on a Saturday. Um, so if you want to look at that, it says Saturday holidays are celebrated on Saturday. So we did our last day of school um on this calendar would be um the 18th because we would not have to >> Yeah. the holiday. So we just wanted that there for clarification for you in case you had any questions. >> That's interesting. >> All right. Does um anyone want to make a motion to approve the calendar? >> So moved. >> Motion by Chuck. A second. >> Second by Matt. Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll look for a vote. Uh, all in favor say I. >> Any opposed?

010All in favor? Motion passes. All right. And now we have our 2627 school committee calendar. And we try to create that being in line with the number of dates uh number of committee meetings we had per month this year and just kind of rolling them over to next year. And as always, we add our budget workshops and stuff >> separately. Okay. >> And we usually have >> All right. Would anyone make a a motion to approve this? >> So moved. >> Motion by Jane. A second. >> Second by Chuck. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> I. Uh. Any opposed? All right. Motion passes. All right. An update on our superintendent search. Um I would like to um propose that and make a motion that we um proceed with a superintendent appointment. And

011we proceed to negotiate with Jill Pill Galerani. Not close. It was kind of close. It >> was very close. >> Galerani. I'm gonna get a gal. Okay. >> Uh to become our permanent U superintendent of the Blackstone Millville Regional School District. Um and to bring that back at a later school committee meeting for an official appointment. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is that your >> That's my motion. You make the motion. Make a motion. Second by Aaron. You made the motion. >> Yeah. All right. Any discussion? Um, okay. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Opposed? Uh, Chuck and Tara S. That was it, right? No one over here. Sorry. All right. Um, any abstensions? All right. The motion does pass. Six to two. Uh, >> me five to two cuz

012>> I'm sorry, Dan's here. Five to two. >> Correct. All right. Thank you for that correction. Um, MEES water update. So, I do have the update. I know Jen Gil was planning on being here tonight. I know we started a little late. So, I do have an update. Um, the orders for the inspection of the system are in hand. Um, the survey will be done at the same time. This is scheduled to happen over the Christmas break, but they don't have the exact date yet. Um, the well will be turned on. Um, and post activation samples will be taken. U Mass DP may or may not allow the system to continue running. So, once they turn it on, they're going to see how it's going and they'll make all the decisions. Um, and Jen did

013want me to stress that all the work that they're doing is all supervised and everything either moves forward or doesn't. Um, whatever mass D tells them to do, and they're following all of those, um, uh, regulations. Um, they said they do want to see the results of the post activation samples before making any decision to keep the well turned on permanently, and no one feels comfortable speculating. The most important takeaway from the community is that they again are following mass D in requirements and instructions. Exactly. Um the earliest technology may be turned on is December 29th. Um and in the interim they will continue to provide bulk water as needed for hands, toilet flushing, etc. And they are continuing and will continue to provide bottle water for drinking and cooking throughout the for the rest

014of the school year. So thank you Jen for for sending that update along. >> Thank you Jill. Was there any discussion, comments, questions we want? >> Very good. MSBA update. So, we are um at the phase where next week we'll vote um the school building committee will vote to uh move forward with um presenting the PSR to MSBA. Um we had originally done that in August. We pulled it back a little bit to refine it. Um so this puts us on their >> What does the acronym stand for? Just so that public knows. >> Sorry. Preferred schematic report. Yep. So, it's the preferred design, which would be the 7 through 12 new building is um what's on the table. So, the school building committee will vote next Wednesday, the 17th, >> and then it would

015be submitted on the 18th >> to MSBA, and then they'll review and there's a bunch of meetings and processes and February 25th is the day that they'll let us know if we are approved to move to the next phase or not. Anything else on details? >> No, just more to come. We are planning another community forum in January. Um trying to get as much information as we can. Any new information I will definitely send out. I have been sending out in my community messages every week and we're also um continuing every month to have updates in um the enlightener. >> Yone has suggestions for >> how has the turnout been at the community forums? We had two members of the public >> which are also members that have been present at >> our school um

016building meetings themselves. So really the general public has not did not attend that last one. >> Um if people have suggestions on reaching these people our communities groups or just ideas send them our way because we want >> bring the presentation to them. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So being talked about Yeah. school building committee just had appointed I guess a small group um to kind of be a public relations outreach. So we are in process of kind of getting all those things together. How do we if people aren't coming to us how do we get it out to them? >> Honestly, I know it was behind the eightball but last night when I went to the band concert instead of the I was like >> should have done it here. >> You have an entire

017auditorium of parents and grandparents and >> unfortunately the next band concert is probably not till the spring but You just you have the crowd there. >> Mhm. >> I think actually fourth grade is in January. >> Oh, actually there's chorus next week. But >> yeah. >> Oh, the school's next week. >> Chorus next week. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yeah, we'll definitely get copies of our handouts to >> I think a full-on presentation up on the stage before the kids come out. >> Oh my goodness. >> We have a captive everyunt. >> We need to go to them. >> Well, and we did we did talk about that. We talked about not only like school people, we need to get to community people. We need to go to the senior centers. We need to

018go to the libraries. We need to go to the >> the Lions Club or the >> Polish Hall or whatever. We need to Chestnut Hill. I think somebody >> Yeah. Community center on the spring once like >> soccer is back on Saturdays like >> where there's tons of parents and >> on the field. >> I think people are interested. >> Sorry. Basketball's all all winter, you know. Y >> I agree with Aaron to to meet them on their own on their own turf if you know. >> But I don't mean stand there and hand papers when they walk in the door. There needs to be like a scheduled >> presentation. >> Absolutely. If we >> happy to be >> and open up the conversation. We had our Thanksgiving community meal and we had Tara makes

019great flyers. So we had our flyers there and I had an individual say to me, "My children went to the school. When are you getting a new school?" And it was they wanted this information. like coming >> coming soon. Actually, we're working on that. >> So, I think people are open to wanting to hear it. I think it's that we need to get it >> right, meet them where they are and get it out to them. >> I see a lot of folks daily um in all different all the many different hats I wear. >> Um I get a lot of questions. I'm not on the school building committee, but I take your updates and the updates that we hear from here from what I understand and try to give it, you know, in the

020best I can. >> But I can tell you, um, Thursday afternoons at the senior center, you know, they they try to plan meet, you know, some sort of event. They're very well attended. Y >> and they're they're very, >> you know, they need the information there very very much so. >> Absolutely. >> Um >> so I'm sure that if you reach out to the uh coordinators at least at the Blackstone, I can't speak for the Millville. >> I know that. Yeah, I'm sure it is. But I I know I I I work with them closely in Blackstone. >> They'd be happy, I'm sure, to have you. >> Great. Thank you. Yeah, definitely. All good stuff. More to come. Um, we do keep our website updated. We will be revamping it too to try to keep

021all the information there. So, um, that's kind of like on the flyer to direct them there as well as just additional info. All right, moving on to policy updates. So, you can see we have several. The policy subcommittee has been um hard at work. Um, so Matt, I I'll start with the first one, but feel free to jump in. Um, the first one, if you notice, we already brought this middle school pathways exploration policy to you. Um, we got it approved as we were supposed to by Desessie. We did submit and they gave us a little bit of feedback. So, if you look, there's the old policy in the front. And the second one is the new proposed policy with the updates that are in yellow. >> Aren't they in color, are they? >> Yeah.

022Yeah. You have the you have the current one and then we have the updated one right behind it and there's some highlights in there for you. >> So that was their recommendations that um we um >> clarify some of this information. So we did that. So we're looking for approval um >> to amend to amend. Yes. So, I'll move to amend the middle school pathway exploration policy to include um the recommendations that you want them read. Annually by October 15th, names and addresses of enrolled seventh and eighth grade students will be shared for the purposes of advertising CTE awareness events. And during the application process, information will be provided to CTE schools for students who have applied. information will include attendance and discipline records in accordance with desi guidance. >> Is there a second? >>

023I'll second. >> Second by Matt. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All in favor? Motion passes. Um the next one is gifts to uh gifts to and solicitation by staff which is GBBC. Um again the current policy is on top um and the red um language um from MASC is is attached on the um updated policy. And you'll notice it includes now the raffles in the games of chance. So what's in red is replacing. >> What's in red is an addition. >> It's new. >> Amended addition. >> So can we just clarify? >> I apologize. I know I missed this meeting. >> I missed this meeting as well. >> Oh, you did too? Okay. >> Can we just clarify the way it reads? >>

024Yes. >> Do you want me? I'll read it. Um, it says raffles and games of chance by state law and regulation. and raffles and games of chance may not be organized by schools as the sponsoring or organization. >> Employees are thus barred from participating in such activities unless doing so as a member of a sponsoring organization such as a parent or a booster organization as defined by state law regulation. At my first glance when I read this, it says employees are thus barred from participating. Does that mean they can't buy them and participate in in a raffle if it is run by outside of the school? I just don't know if that wording is the right way. Is this state wording or is this from >> So how do you interpret that? I I just

025how how does anyone interpret that? >> I would look at as participating like you are having the raffle, you are selling the raffles, you are >> you can't can they buy one? >> I do. you're participating if you purchase one. >> I didn't read it as that. I >> It's funny that you that you asked that because when I read when I read this from the last meeting, >> um the scouts have started the calendar raffle and we had a very um excited scout that was going to come and sell him to all of his teachers. And based pending on this, I said >> I don't know. Can we can ask get clarification? >> Can we get clarification from Kelly? Because Not that I don't support the state's but language, but I want to make

026sure it's clear >> on whatever the interpretation is >> purchasing it though necessarily as a representative of our school district. They're purchasing it as of their own person. the way this yeah it's not clear but I do take participating as you can't be part of the organiza organizers to put together the raffle sell the raffle you know because it's it's a fundraising piece um but I will tell you raffles and games of chance are coming up in every time there's a talk about money like yeah >> now that I guess we have legal gambling in the state we can't have illegal >> I guess it reads that they're barred participating unless they're a member of that organization. That's the part that >> so weird. >> It's just we need clarification. >> I can get clarification

027on that. Nobody. All right. So, we like the wording >> mistake on that. >> It's the same. >> Well, they should clarify. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Just so people just so nobody's caught without >> Yeah, >> I can absolutely get clarification on that one. Um, the next one is access to buildings and grounds, which originally was ECA. It's been updated in title and lettering to ECAB. Is it totally rewritten? >> There's a lot in there, though. >> Or is it new? No, this is not brand new. >> Oh, yeah. Rewritten 2025 at the bottom of that second page. >> Mhm. So it to me it it it combined a couple different >> um uh existing policies into one. Is that am I understanding that correctly? >> And this is very common that you know

028happens a lot. M >> well cuz the old one or the current one I should say >> also talks about security like funds and valuable records will be kept in a safe place >> where the new version is just kind of like the access to the building and who belongs on school grounds at certain times. Right. >> Yeah. >> Well and and locking stuff up is really a procedure not a policy. Correct. Would anyone like to make a motion to approve the amended motion by Tara to accept? Second, second by Carrie. Any discussion? >> So, just to clarify, this is school the building use request, >> right? >> Yep. that that would authorize people to be in the building with >> after school hours. Y >> and just to clarify, >> our athletics and band,

029they don't need to submit requests for practice days and >> the school building because those are scheduled activities. >> Yes. >> All right. All in favor say I. >> Any abstension? Um any opposed? Any abstensions? All in favor? Passes. The next one is student fundraising activities, JJ. So again, there's updates on the back. Um the red is the new information and I highlighted the yellow because that was a recommendation. However, it was not proposed um that we continue to to include that. Just so you know, the yellow one on the back has been a proposal in the past um that the committee decided not to include in that policy and I it's still there, but the the policy subcommittee is not recommending that yellow portion be inserted. Uh, the red one is the new >>

030I say. Yeah, that's part of >> getting these kids motivated is the fundraising uh competitions. >> So, that will not be included. Correct. >> We don't approve that. >> That's why I kept it highlighted. Just so you know, that's what they recommended, but we're not policy subcommittee is not recommending it. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve? >> I I think I'm not moving it. >> I I actually think we should hold this one until we have clarification on the >> same because that red is very similar. >> Yeah, it is the same, but it's actually barring the students from selling or purchasing. >> Mhm. It is that one is >> so at the school level as a student body. So the games of ra the games of chance and raffle should be

031held by a booster or parent organization >> but the students can't sell. >> So the junior class can't do a raffle. >> They can't create their own. >> Yeah. >> This says they can't participate in sale of So right now BMA has December calendar raffle. I know basketball has done it in the P. So the kids sold the calendars. >> The or the organization created the raffle. It's benefiting them, not the school district, >> but the kids sell it. >> The kids >> on behalf of the BMA. >> On behalf of BMA, >> right? >> So the way this word it says they can't >> is correct. It does. Um >> they can't organize it which they kids don't students cannot but it says they are barred from participating in the sales of >> purchasing

032of such games like >> it says they can't buy them either. Well, they can't I guess we should get more clarification because they can't buy them if a student if the junior class tries to do it, they can't do it and they other students can't buy it, >> right? >> That's where that red is. >> BMMA, you know, that organizes one and students sell it that they in order for them to even do one now, they have to go to the state to get a I don't I don't want to call it license. That's what they call >> in a permit. >> Permit to have a raffle and so then they can designate, you know, will be sold by Bubba. They have to say all that stuff. So they have a permit to do so.

033>> But I do understand how you're saying here that then can the kids actually sell it to >> and and buy it. It >> says they can't this one's clear, I think. But >> I think it could be any outside organization. It could be the scouts. It could be the whatever. I don't I don't think >> it's saying students are barred from participating in >> Well, but you got to of such games. >> Of such games, meaning raffles or games of chance. >> Yeah. >> So, we could either wait for clarification or we could vote to not accept those changes and leave it as is. >> So, I think we should wait. Um because this is now state law is not >> so we can't I I don't think it's one of those things we

034can decide we don't like it. >> We don't want Okay. >> Yeah. I can get I put that in my clarification pile. >> So yep. We'll table this. >> Okay. The next one is school nutrition. This is brand new. Oh, it's EFBA. >> Mhm. Just complying with the USDA. >> I just had two of the other one. I would >> a different one in between. >> This is just complying with the US state non-discrimination regulation for students who may need substitutions. >> Yeah. Like to make a motion to accept this policy. Um, sorry, um, yeah, policy motion by Tara S. and second. Uh, second by Matt. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Uh, motion passes. And the final policy is visitors to schools, which is KI. Um,

035this was discussed at the policy subcommittee. So, you'll notice in the back the visitors to school. It's updated. Um it's it's longer. Um we did um propose right now on the current one there's actually procedures in it. So um it was to take those out because it's a procedure not a policy. Um so they're propos we're proposing KI visitors to school. Um and if you look at the bottom of that um the the policy subcommittee didn't recommend um designated others anyone other than felt that anyone other than students staff anyone else to that building are considered visitors. So for example if we have people to come in to do the water they're always checking in. We need to know who's there. So, and then once we get approval for this, I will be reviewing the

036procedures um that we currently have in place with all our building principles to ensure they're up to date, accurate according to policy um and our safety procedures. >> Looking for a motion. >> So, moved. >> Motion by Matt. Second by Chuck. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All in favor? Motion passes. >> Could I just um when you check in with Kelly about the two that we held? >> Yes. >> Could you clarify if this is because I know what it's relating to. It's gambling, right? >> Is it a items of cash value or cash or it would it be different if it's donated items like tangible items or services or is is there a difference between what is on said raffle calendars >> like no cash

037pay >> because there there's different types of things happening right we have the calendars that the kids sell typically are don they're fully donated items that you that either the kids have gone into the community for or the or you know the organizers of the PTO's and such. There's also Super Bowl squares which is all cash like though there are differences in what is sold sometimes. So if Kelly could find that answer for us that would be >> sure you can ask for that. >> All right. And then we're looking at the mees field trip. Looks like they're going to first grade. Roger Williams. Um either June 1st or May 18th. Looking at three buses and a mini bus. >> Was it May 18th with a rain date of June 1st? >> It's opposite. So

038that's maybe they're trying to get the zoo to confirm. >> They are. >> Okay. So it looks like they prefer the first, >> but they'll take the 18th cuz Yeah. They can't have the rain date before Um, it looks like no cost to the school. >> Would anyone like to make a motion to approve? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Tara S. Second by Matt. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All in favor? They can go to Roger Williams. All right. And report of the superintendent. So, I am um very pleased to introduce you to Elizabeth. You want to come out up to the table to Elizabeth Barrage? She's our new athletic director of stu and of student life. Um she's only been here

039for a few short weeks. I feel like she's been here for for a very long time. She's done some great work. Um I know we get to speak frequently and meet frequently. So, we're very happy to have her. So, wanted to um introduce her and give her an opportunity to um share a little bit about um the start of winter sports cuz she jumped right in. >> Yeah. So, um it's wonderful being back. I'm excited to be back. Um it's it's I'm excited. So, um I've enjoyed working with the administration, getting to know the students and the community. Um and everyone's been so welcoming and supportive in this transition and um it's really been great. It's it's been an awesome start. So, I'm excited. Um, for the winter sports, I'll give you like a bird's

040eye view of overall enrollment and numbers for the athletic programs and then I can kind of dive into each sport specific just to give you a brief update. Um, so girls basketball, we have 28 student athletes involved in it and that's from middle school all the way through varsity. Um, boys basketball, again, middle school through varsity is 39 student athletes. Cheer, both middle school and high school is 30 student athletes total. indoor track, we have 14 student athletes participating this year. Um, and then we have two co-op opportunities. So, boys ice hockey with Bellingham and Milis. And then girls swim and dive, we have one student athlete participating in that. Um, so that gives a grand total of 114 kids participating in winter sports. And Elizabeth, I I wanted to mention too, we did have

041initially some numbers that were low, but um with your recruiting efforts along with some of our principles, we were able to increase some of those teams. >> Yeah. >> How many are playing hockey? >> Um we have two boys, two playing ice hockey. Yep. >> Um and I guess with that, I'll start with indoor track. So, um when I first got here, I dove right in and we got a middle level waiver for seventh graders to participate in indoor track. numbers were super low. Um, and I just think it's important to get the younger kids involved and help build the program, help them learn the skills now. It'll transfer over when they get to high school and even outdoor track. Um, or other sports, right? Just running and and it'll help you with strength, with

042speed, with everything. Um, so I got seventh graders involved in that. Again, there's 14 kids this year. They'll be competing at both Northridge and Tantasa for the regular season meets. Um, and then they'll have two opportunities to go into Boston. So, there's one at the Reggie Lewis Center, which is just like a small school invitational for the CMAC, and then they'll go to New Balance track for the Ultimate League Championship of the CMAC. Um, so that'll be a great experience for them, too. Um, and then the other one, kind of jumping around a little bit, was middle school cheer. So, numbers were very, very low. We started out with like four kids um for middle school cheer. So, I worked with Jenny and the principles and we kind of decided, hey, it's best to get

043fifth graders involved if they're ready. Um, that way we can help grow the program, get them involved now and and um start working on their fundamentals. So, we got a bunch of fifth graders actually. So, we're at um I mean numbers are great. They're at nine, which ultimately they can end up competing. So, they'll be able to go to three competitions. They'll go to basketball, middle school, basketball games, which will be awesome and exciting. Um, so I'm just excited that we were even able to have that program because it wasn't looking uh like it was going to happen in the beginning. Um, and then I'll start with girls and boys varsity basketball. So they are both entered into the Clark tournament. Um, so on their schedule they'll have 18 games and two TBAs just allowing

044them when they when they make the Clark tournament that they'll be eligible and they can go into them. Um, they'll both be competing this year in the CMAC D pod I like to call it. So, um, it's no longer the DVC, so they'll be competing with a group of schools that are similar to them in their power rankings. Ironically, they both fill into CactD, um, but they're not necessarily playing the same teams. Um, and then we'll be charging general admission for all varsity basketball games this year. We're going to use GoFan as an option as well as a cash option to families. So, all of December games have been created on GoFan. It's out there. Um, so people can go purchase their tickets now, but there's a cash option at the door as well, um,

045for varsity games only. Um, girls JV basketball, they have a 15 game schedule this year. Um, they lost a few games just because overall, like in our region, girls basketball numbers are a little low, so quite a few teams have had to collapse their JV team and just roll with a varsity team. So, they've lost a couple opportunities. Um, today I was actually able to get them one additional game to get them to that 15, which I think is great. Um, but overall, again, numbers are low. We got a seventh grade waiver for girls JV basketball. So, we have two seventh graders that are on the JV team kind of swinging back and forth from that in middle school. Um, which I think is awesome. They'll learn some leadership skills at the middle school level

046and then they'll be challenged at the JV level which will help for the future. Um, boys JV basketball, they have a 16 game schedule. Uh the challenge with that and why it doesn't match the 18 is varsity is in two tournaments this year for boy on the boys side of it. Uh and it's varsity only. So they lost those games um for the tournament, but they're going to go with the varsity team and watch and cheer them on and be a part of it, which I think is going to be great. Um and then high school cheer, we have 21 student athletes on the roster this year, which is huge is my understanding is that's not really normally the number. So um they'll have a comp team. They'll go to three competitions. They'll compete in

047the CMAC championship and then they'll go to a couple other invitationals and hopefully make regionals and states and things like that. Um and again they'll be at every home boys varsity and girls basketball game um on the sidelines. And then we have like I mentioned those co-op opportunities. So boys ice hockey is with Bellingham. It's also Milis is the group. Um and then swim and dive with Grafton. We unfortunately we only have one student but hopefully as we get the word out we'll get more more students involved. The program is great. Um, so that's kind of the winter update for you. And then I'm I'm finalizing now the spring schedules and the spring coaches and all of that. So the ball has um it's been rolling. Um, >> and spring coaches have been posted. >>

048Yes, they've been posted. Yep. Question. Do we still have the athletic trainer position posted or maybe Elizabeth could repost it? >> I think it's still up, but we can refresh it. We had approved a part-time athletic trainer for the district, but we >> struggled to find >> Yes. >> Okay. I know we were using a trainer like offsite website to for football and stuff like that to get the trainers. Um but we can I'll talk to um Jess and Claire. We could >> look at posting. I believe it's still posted. It just we you know >> you can repost it so people >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. We'll see it. >> Thank you. Anyone have any additional questions or comments? >> That was a great report. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Really was good. >>

049Good numbers. Good to see. >> Yeah, from my understanding. So, I mean 114 is pretty good. I think I don't know what it typically is for the winter. >> Um, >> yeah, I think it >> was great. You were able to run all teams. >> Yeah, all teams >> at all levels, which is going to help for the program in the future. >> Absolutely. Um, >> and I appreciate the recruitment efforts. >> Yeah, >> they do. >> Mhm. >> There was some creativity, too. I know on the girls basketball side, getting to fill three teams with the swing players and the individualized schedules to be able to get some to come up and so all the work that went into that. Thank you. Cuz that's >> it's crucial to keeping those teams. >> Yeah, of

050course. at the um at the varsity basketball games, boys and girls. Is it if you could try to work uh talk to the music director to see if they could provide like a brass band or something to uh >> Sutton has it. >> I've heard >> and it's really wonderful. >> It's actually called a pep band for the band. I reached out to Dr. Schaefer about this. Um cuz I think it'd be awesome whether it's a national anthem or just giving them a section in the in the fan. Like I I think our gym is small and I think if you can pack it and do something like a band, I think it'd be a really hard place to play. Um I reached out to him. >> You have to put them in the stands.

051>> Yeah. Right. It sounds like it's going to be a little challenging. I think there's a couple nuances to it um to finding the time or the volunteers really because they have I don't know what they have for band right now in the winter, but I think they're in groups and they have practices and things like that. So, I think finding K it seems to be a challenge. I'm looking >> I've been trying for years, but >> I promise you I'm already trying and I'll do my best. Um uh I can be pushy when I want to be. So, I'll do my best. I think it'd be cool to bring even if it's just a couple games this year to to start it. I totally agree and thank you for the point. >> Do you

052want to play a trombone? >> I was going to say I have a trumpet from when I was a student here. So, >> I hear a volunteer. >> It's like being Chicago with the brass and >> Yeah. So fun. >> Great idea. >> We'll try. Definitely. >> All right. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Next. Moving on. And I think Tim, we have a photo if you can put it up on the screen. So, we have some long awaited information for you regarding the playground. So, we know that the town had approved, I think it was $70,000 of capital expense for the playground. I know Joe and Scott had started this work when Kristen came on board. We almost restarted it. Um, we went out, got some additional quotes. We actually looked, Scott was great.

053Got some um folks in here to take a look at our field in the back to see could we move over the soccer field a bit. Where could this go? So, we could definitely expand on it cuz we wanted to be someplace safe. I know initially they're thinking about putting it like I don't know into the, you know, the the parking lot or whatever. So, we had Joe Nimsik involved talking about safety. We went through all of that. Um got again additional quotes. We I think we have someone who's going to be volunteering some work for us for the for the um ground. But um >> yes um our Brian paving is actually going to be doing the excavating. They've they said that they would donate the excavating of the site so that we would

054actually dig down I don't know if it's 9 in I forget what the what the actual ruling is so that you could put the mulch on top of it for the the playground. Um so that you don't have there was different discussions of putting some timbers around the edges and putting the mulch in but if we dig down it allows it um a little bit more accessibility >> correct >> and then the accessibility product. >> Absolutely. >> So if you look at this picture um this isn't the colors but these are the items. So I know Miss um I know Jenny also had conversations and Kristen with some families with some of our parents and our students have been involved in this as well. So, they are looking now at kind of finalizing, you know,

055some of these different colors, but these are the the four um >> What about our students with disabilities? Cuz it looks like the only thing here is the little sound thing that you can sit on the ground or the swing if somebody can lift you up. >> There is. But if you look, so the um when we looked at this, we can also expand. They did have one of our CPAC members was actually in the conversations as well. some of the the the main component they brought up was um the slide for some of our kiddos who may have um colear implants going down this type of a slide. So they said, you know, eventually could we get like a roll type of slide? So we talked about that, but they did have a conversation

056about this and there are some items on here that they could definitely access. This is our starting point um with the with the amount of money that we do have. Um but there are four um the four pieces that u start going along with this. So, um, so Kristen, I don't know if you want to just also talk about that. >> I we did talk to some of the parents, um, and members of CPAC and they looked at this, um, and I think they were happy with what we were able to do with the budget that we had. Um, I think where it is going to be located, um, we have the ability to add on to if we want to or add add more to it. So, there's more accessibility as far as they

057were talking about some of the rubber like the rubber what are they the um pathways to some of the um the um items on the on the um playground, but they seemed happy with what we were able to accomplish with the budget that we had. >> And one of the members actually um has a um some experience getting grant funding. I know they did it for the town, so definitely be able to support if we can reach out for any grants to continue to expand this. And you'll notice that this does come in um within budget. >> Yeah. >> Where did we land on the placement? >> It's in the um behind the um the middle school. If you're if you look at the fields, the soccer field in the back, it's going to be

058to the left. >> Mhm. >> Um >> No, the shed, I believe. To the right. >> This is to the left. They'll you see the um >> there's the parking lot there. There's actually basketball hoops there right now. >> So it's it's in from there before it drops down. >> So that was also along the wood line. >> Yeah. So the discussion was actually with the excavation we would be able to pull up the um the ground and actually almost fill in some of that that drop that's right there. >> And we also wanted to make sure that the field is still available >> for sports. And it definitely is. It would just shift a bit. Yeah, I think the way that we set it up or that they had um done all the the

059measurements was so that there was still the soccer field. Whether we had to caner the soccer field a little bit so that that was still available. Um but I think with the final design that we decided we didn't have to it would stay just as it is. >> I know the soccer field is pretty much stuck in the position it's in just because it gets very wet behind it. >> Yeah. >> Does this include installation? >> Yes. Yes, it does. >> Wow. >> Yes, it's right under the wire. >> It is. >> I think because again with the generous donation of doing our work, the the the ground work. >> Yes. >> That that changed things. That absolutely changed things. >> What was the date that we're expecting this? >> We don't have an exact

060date. We right now we're trying to finalize colors. Once we finalize colors, then they will put the order in and then they'll give us a date for the spring. >> Spring. Okay. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. uh Dr. Kama is getting some um input from her students regarding >> coloring. Yes. >> Curious what color options are. >> There are a lot of color options. You'd be can't imagine the color options. >> Purple and gold then. I mean, >> no, I think that I mean again purple needs to be in there, but they are have several colors for every little different piece of the swing set. So, she um she will be meeting with some from her students to get their input. >> Yes, she will. I just want to >> note that this uh I

061assume this is who we're going with is Ult. >> Yes. >> Um you know another local Blackstone business. So it's >> you know it's a great I know >> Mike over there he does a great job. Um you know if you look at his work he's done both the parks in Blackstone. >> Um they're amazing. They do amazing work. So um >> kudos to to us for find for being able to uh go with them. Um the only thing I would say is you know obviously this is for the community as well. Um but we have a we have who will be what grades I can't remember what grades is it fourth and fifth that use this on a regular basis. Sixth and seventh have >> um they don't have recess, right? >> They do.

062I do think they do have some time. I think they play but yeah they may go out at lunch. Not a specific recess time. >> Okay. All right. Just make sure it's age appropriate. >> Yes. Well, when we initially looked at these, they were sending us things that were like for really young kids. Yeah. >> Um, so yes, this the size and the activities would be appropriate for our fourth and fifth grade students. >> That's great. >> Definitely what this uh property needs. >> Y >> for a long time. Now, if I remember correctly, and maybe I don't, but I if I remember last budget season, we did have money earmarked for the complex. Am I wrong in that? >> For the complex playground, >> correct? >> We're discussing removing all that stone because of

063that. >> There was there was money concrete big concrete blocks under the ground there. the it's on the if you look at the 5-year capital plan, there was some money in there regarding sidewalk or some kind of pavement stuff and we'll get to that as well, but none of that has been done. Um, and money has not gone towards that right now. >> I was just wondering if >> we did have a conversation about it, but I think it came back to the how much money we wanted to put into it is a beyond district expense. became a town expense, but the we weren't going to ask the town because we are in the building project. I feel >> again, I'm not I'm just saying I don't I don't remember where I remember there being

064a conversation >> and I don't remember where it I'd have to look back in the notes. I just didn't know if it was on top of anybody else's mind. >> Feel like it was because it was more than our cost. >> But >> yeah, >> is there a cost to remove all of that? That's >> that's we had a we had a conversation with or Scott had a conversation with >> the family that that playground was donated in memory of. >> Correct. >> So I don't think that would be our place. >> Mhm. >> It's that's like town of Blackstone >> technically. We lease it from them. >> Right. But the school built it. The playground behind AFM is >> this. >> It's ours. That's not being used anymore. Actually, the smaller the green and

065tan equipment behind the AFM side near the basketball court. >> It's not used on a school basis, but it is used by by the kids. >> Yeah. >> I'm just wonder, and I'm not trying to take this too far off the rails, but >> I don't know, maybe we look into Was that our playground equipment that we put in? I feel like it was the uh a PTO part from AFM side. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Beyond my years. >> I remember years ago when we put the >> and the and then on the whole the whole community >> well on the JFK side it is that was >> the tires >> a community >> project in memory of >> um Mr. Bibbo's son. >> Correct. Yes. So >> that's why I just I I

066I fear that we're letting it go to >> I think what we had looked into was replacing some of the tire swings that were broken and being able to fix the equipment when we actually moved me over. If I think if I'm remembering the conversation you were speaking >> cuz we talked about um whether we had to ra uh redo the gravel or if we were going to do like the poured rubber, right? And we have that conversation >> and they took apart like some things that were broken that got removed afford to replace. >> I know. I'm looking at our 5-year um capital improvement plan and for this year what was on here was a JFK playground equipment and fence at the complex to replace aging equipment and bring into ADA compliance. So it

067was discussed I wasn't here at the time but I know it was discussed and it was added to the plan but nothing has been done at this point for >> so I think we're we're running two two different things here. Number one, out of respect for the family whose child it's named after, it's in deplorable condition. And also for the safety of anybody, any public that's going to be using that. I mean, it's I don't know. I have I think I'm the only one on the board who has a one that even cares to use it. Um, it's horrible. >> So, it's I don't know if it's a liability at this point, um, or what it is. and this is the right time to bring this up or if we put this on a future

068agenda. Um, but something should be done about this. I know the gravel is >> some places, you know, six or eight inches deep. I didn't say six, seven, six or six or eight inches deep. Um Um, it's it's it's pretty bad over there. If anybody if you take a walk through it, I actually Yeah. So, it's pretty bad. Scott would remember >> because he was working with the gravel and he was there there was definitely work >> I've had discussions with him too about it. Yeah. So >> and he had a conversation with the family. >> Yes. >> I just don't want to I don't remember it >> fair >> particularly. So >> so we can follow up with Scott and also have a conversation with the town just to see you know what are

069those next steps. I know our kiddos don't really use it that much um our littles during the school day but um >> but we can definitely find that out. >> So yeah. So, I don't know. Is that considered town property? >> There are you drive by there any given day, there are >> kids using it. >> Oh, yeah. >> You know, it's it's, you know, >> and you >> want to stop and tell them there's better ones, but >> it's definitely town property. >> Town property, but our our equipment that's >> under our but we're on we're leasing that property. So >> So where where does it fall? So, it's that round and round conversation that >> we're looking at 81,000 on the um fiveyear plan. >> An estimate on that project. >> We can

070definitely get some more information on that. >> But what happens with that five-year plan if our building projects approved, right? >> That's why some of that like kind of say due to >> old. >> Yep. All set. Moving on. Tim, do you want to put up the presentation? So, um Kristen and I are going to go through our initial FY26 budget update um presentation format's going to be a little bit different than we've done in the past, but and you do have this in your packets as well. >> So, again, this is our FY27 budget priorities. Um if you go on to the fir the um the next slide Tim um as we always do we always focus we have our our new blueprint our 3.0 up there which was our you know overarching goals

071um and our promise to the students and and our school community. One thing I do want to mention we are still in process of usually we get the blueprint in place and then we um really refine the work that we're going to do and what it's going to look like at the end of this three-year plan. and we are in the process of finalizing all of our over the next 3 years all the work that we need to do to get there whether it's professional development the work we're doing with ILT and PLC so those are being worked out but some of the things I just want to f let you know that we're focusing on is um highquality materials driving our learning um deep learning through rigorous questions and tasks the whole child support

072and integrated SEAL as well as strong community and family partnerships will all be in woven into this okay next slide So, our guiding structures, as I stated, we know that our strategic plan, our blueprint 3.0. Um, other things that we look at when we're setting our budget is we're looking at the end of the year data, our MCCAST accountability results as well. Um, we also are looking at our district assessments. And you know, in the district besides having the MCCAST information, we also look at um, we have our new IRA assessment system at the elementary schools. We also do dibbles and we're also implementing writing assessments. Um, we're also looking at the evaluation and impact of our instructional strategies and curriculum implementation. I've talked a little bit before about our work with the learning acceleration

073network. This is something we're doing across all buildings, all district uh across the entire district um to see the instructional strategies that we have in place. Are they working? Um, are there curriculum being implemented and what are those results? and also the school and community surveys that are sent out in the spring of every year are also things we continue to consider to to have our plans moving forward. What's driving our budget? Um so this year you can see we do have just over 1,400 students in preK through 12 and plus. Approximately 50% of our students are classified as high needs. Um I did go back just to give you an idea in our highne population was about 46 and 2526 school year of 48.4 um so we are seeing um some continued growth in

074that area. our special education population um student as well. We're at 94.54% which again is online with the state. But if you look at um the trajectory over the years um 2425 we were at 17.7 um 18.6 and currently we're at 19.4. We also have an increasing enrollment of our students with um English language learner needs. We're approximately at 4.7% and that has continued to grown over the years from a 3.2 to to a 4.5 and we're currently at 4.7. Um um our out of district placements um we've done we've worked really hard in this district and I think it's shown that our the numbers of our out of district students have decreased. What's happening within our audit district is the placements are changing. We may have students who are in a certain placement that

075placement isn't able to meet their needs and they may need to go to a different placement. So that's the difference we're seeing in our out of district right now. And of course, we know tuitions and transportation to those programs continue to increase. Um the implementation of our new uh the the strategic plan. Um we're continuing to refine our core prek through 12 literacy. Um we are in the process. Last year we did um year one implementation with payment of our literacy program which is in wonders, wonder works. um all of those in um this coming year that will still be in there for our second year to finalize that. We also have technology some technology needs. We'll get into a little bit more of that. Um and also the implementation of a five-year capital plan.

076Next slide, please. Yep, it's right there. All right. So, the other factors driving the FY27 budget, um the number one um item here is our health insurance increase. We met with our representatives in October and that projection is estimated to be between 11 and a half I think they said 11 or 11 and 22%. Um so we won't get an actual percentage until February. Um but that's a significant cost um to the district. >> Um >> and unfortunately I don't think we're looking at the 11 closer to the 11%. I think it's more going to be in the middle. >> And this comes after a 16% you know increase last year. Um, and we've already found out about the retirees going up 17%. So, um, the health insurance is really going to be a big

077factor on the expenses next year. Um, or the increased expenses. Um, our collaborative and private tuition increases. There's going to be annual cost increase. The OSD released a memo stating that there's going to they're estimating a 3% increase, which is actually lower than what it's been um, previous years, but again um, it's 3%. um on what we have um as well as the education, the population. We'll see what happens with the placement changes. Um >> and those require when they say 3% that could be for our private like programs. That does we have no idea what's going to happen with collaborative um tuition increases. We're hoping it's around that not more. Yeah. >> Because it has been double digits in the past increases. >> Um our facility needs is another driving factor. just we have

078the high school. There's been, you know, different things that have broken that we've had to fix and we're trying to not spend as much money as we as as try not to do too much because we have a new building coming, but it just seems that there's always things that have to happen or get fixed um within the schools. Um we do have the short-term capital projects that we just kind of touched on earlier um to work on. Um we have the the faculty and staff contractual obligations um which is a big part of our budget. Um I think staff is about 70% of our budget and that's part of drive a big driving factor of where we're going to end. Minimum local contribution we won't find that out until the end of January um

079to see you know what the state will be able to give us. I know we came out of hold harmless. So, um we don't think that we're going to get as much this year because of that. Um so, we have that and then transportation costs. Transportation costs have have gone up. We had um that includes just our regular transportation to school, athletic transportation, our out of district students. So, all of those um different factors in transportation. And when we talk about transportation, remember as a district we have we invested in our vans being used for those transportation. So we do have that. So that is a cost savings for us. So but we do have in addition to Tston, we have two of our vans that are um on the road that are transporting our

080students as well. when we do budget like a for athletics and transportation, can we get a comparison with the new CMAC league and how that has impacted our transportation cost as opposed to when it was just the DVC? >> And it has. Yeah. >> Well, just with how far I know the teams are going right now, >> we can absolutely get that. >> Thank you. Tim, you can go on to the next slide. >> So, the budget process to to date right now, um, we presented the FY27 timeline at the November school committee meeting. Um, we've now we've identified the best internal practices for reviewing, collecting, and uploading the 27 budget into our accounting system to ensure all pertinent information is captured. Um the principles and directors have all received a budget um budget document

081that they have worked on to look at where they've been from the last couple of years where their actual costs were as well as what the current budget is and what they're projecting for next year. Um they've gone through those, they've submitted them, we've received them, and now we're trying to go through them um just to see if it's in line with all of our objectives. in, you know, what we what we need and for our schools in our um in our district. So, we're now we've started meeting with the principles to go line by line >> um through these budgets of do we really need this? Did we buy it already this year? Can we, you know, do we need it again next year? You know, clean out the closets, where are we? Um

082so, we've been working through all of that with with the directors and the principles. Um so they've handed in their budgets um last week and now we're doing these follow-up meetings um with all of them and we are going to have an initial review of every line and compile our first draft for the January 8th school committee meeting. So our strategic priorities for materials and resources um again I've already mentioned our literacy curriculum and I again that was wonders our study sync our works our world of wonders um those are still this is our second year for that um we're doing an ongoing remember we started I ready this year so we have an ongoing review and use of that assessment system um our MTSS which is our multi-tered system of support so we want

083to make sure that's very solid and strong in each building um whether it's done through at the elementary school they call it the windb block or it's done through um remedial services or intervention services at the middle and the high school. Um the implementation of our oh go ahead Kristen. So the implementation of the year two of the 5-year capital plan I think really looking through to see what what capital projects have we talked about in the past and what what can we make happen for next year. Again after school programs is something we're always looking at and our summer program. And if you know over the last few years, we've continued to expand our summer program and offerings. So that's something we'd like to continue to do and get as many kids involved through

084the summer. Well, it's whether it's through academics or some of those extracurricular, we want to continue to plan and budget for those. Um we're also again support of our students social, emotional, behavioral needs. Um we've been able to do that within school. That is still a priority as well as having opportunities for students who may require something in it outside of the school. Um so we're doing that as well. And one of our big ones, >> this technology, our Chromebooks. So, we really need to see what what we need to do for replacement of Chromebooks. I we have an IT team that's working hard to replace screens, you know, boards, everything um on these these Chromebooks that are coming in damaged and we really need to get a new, >> you know, a new batch

085of them to replace what can't be fixed. Yeah. >> And um by saying that if you recall, you did have a policy that you put into place for re So that has been put into place. Um I we have replaced I know we just got over 35 screens just so far for the start of the year. So I know that our tech department, our buildings, and Kristen have been working really hard. Um I do include this in my community update every week. I'm sure people are sick of hearing it, but um we are we are getting a lot of Chromebooks um that are coming in damage for a variety of reasons. So, we're really trying to have our kids understand that they really need to take care and be responsible for these. Um you know,

086it's not just a quick, oh, I'll hand this in and get a new screen. So, we are working with that. I know Kristine's been reaching out families for that. So, we're we're still trying to stress um the importance of that when they're in school and they're taking them home with them. So, >> just a quick question about that. How are we communicating to the family when the Chromebook gets turned in or damaged? >> Um, an email. So, what happens is the tech department will get it if they will then add the damage in what what was damaged into a spreadsheet that is then updated and then I actually send out an email to the family saying that you know you're there was a screen broken, here's the charge and here's the link um in payment

087information. So we are getting emails back with you know questions regarding >> um the charge and at that point either it or the um the schools are responding to those. >> Okay. >> The IT department is just because something is broken doesn't necessarily mean it was done by a student. So the IT is actually looking at it to see is this something that happens you know with normal wear and tear or is this something that should have and could have been avoided. So we're looking at that as well. What grade do they start taking them home? >> Uh they don't start taking them home until uh upper middle school. >> It seems like middle school, I believe. We >> Yeah, the majority of our um challenges with Chromebooks are at high school. High school. Yeah,

088I think over >> Yeah. >> over a thousand um things have been had. >> Yeah, I think I've sent out over 60 emails already of different families. But I will say in my meeting with the technology department, they actually have seen even in the short period of time a bit of a decrease of some of the damage that's been going on. So we'll just we'll just keep >> and sometimes the families don't know, the parents don't know. So and I think once you send these emails out, it becomes more >> Yes. >> you know, they're more aware. >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> Um the next few slides, and I'm not going to go through every single number, but what we wanted to do was give you an understanding of where our class sizes are now.

089So for the school year 2526 and what they're anticipated to be for next year. Um so for and again when it comes to kindergarten you know it we're trying to predict what it could potentially be next year based on our census but this is what the numbers would look like this year and it's we wanted to show this to you because it could be some consideration moving forward if you feel that do you know I mean our numbers are higher or lower in different grades are the same number of teachers needed. So we wanted to be able to share this with you. So this is your elementary staffing for this year and next year which you have in your packets. Tim, the next slide. You also have your middle school staffing again for this year

090and for next year. Kim, the next next slide. And our high school staffing. You'll notice 8th grade is a pretty big class. Um and some of them kind of drop off a little bit but um again for current this year and next year for the numbers any questions with any of that so far? Okay. And then our budget next steps. So we'll have a detailed FY27 draft budget presentation like I said on January 8th um that we will present. Um we will have the principal and director presentations in January and in February where they'll come and talk about their specific budgets um and go over their information. Um then we'll have joint meetings with the board of selectmen finance subcommittees from each town and school committee and those will be scheduled in February. We'll have

091the um public hearing for the FY27 budget vote on March 5th and then the production and distri distribution of the certified budget book will immediately follow the certification. >> Again, broad overview, but any questions? >> Should we look at scheduling those presentations now? Just >> We do have that on the agenda. >> Okay. >> Yeah, perfect. >> Um I don't know, Kristen, if you wanted to just give a I know this is in your um your folders as well. Yes. So, we go into the 5-year capital plan. You'll see the um the first section is our current year. Um the items in the yellow at the bottom are those are the things that are in process. We have the playground equipment that we discussed earlier today. Um and we have a plow truck that is

092on order that should be coming in by the end of this month that's been ordered. So, um the items that we had in blue were kind of on a hold. Um, like we we talked about earlier, the JFK playground equipment and fence. Um, and the walkways. So, I believe the walkways, there was actually a piece that was done already. Um, and then we have the other items that I don't know that they're we have, let me go through the replace the cafeteria, floor tiles, the window replacement, roof replacement, and security system. So, those are not going to happen this year. So you'll see that we pushed that to next year as part of our capital plan. Um and then kind of pushed forward any any of the one through four years for the window replacement,

093the roof roof replacements um for next year. So again, you'll see in the FY27 some of the items that we could not get to this year pushed on and that's going to be part of our budget discussion of what what of these are a priority. I don't unfortunately I don't think that we can get to all of them. Um but I think it's something that we need to to decide what what can we get to and what is the priority for for this the district. >> Do we have that or is that >> it should be in your >> Yeah. Thank you. Um and again you have the FY28 29 and 30 and this was created last year um and some of the things will change obviously you depending on if we have a new

094school as well. >> I just I feel like we had already determined that we didn't have the need of a fence because of the guardrail. So I'm I'm confused at why that's on here. If you're saying this was last year, uh JFK >> and now and that was assuming the kids were still going to stay in the building, the full school. >> Well, I think this was created last year. So, I didn't we didn't take anything off that was this was the 5-year plan that was created last year. So, I don't know if in >> if it now it's determined that it's not needed. And you I believe that you didn't move it forward. >> We didn't move that forward >> to next year. So, it's not being done and it's not moving forward. >>

095And as I think just what we discussed a few minutes ago, it's worth talking to the town. >> Yes. >> Find out who actually is >> responsible for the equipment because it does need to be fixed if people are using it. >> I know for years I've asked about it. I've asked, you know, before I was on committee and I would ask the pox and wreck and >> I would ask the school and everybody would say the other. >> Not it. >> Yeah. The other. And it just increasingly got worse. And it just >> Yeah. You just don't want to I mean, there's a lot there. It's it's a it's a beautiful piece of land, too. It's just kind of >> I think both of us, both the parks and wreck and the school should

096look at it and >> realize that that's a point in town that needs to look nice >> in our community. So >> do whatever they want. >> Yeah. Whether we have it as a school, >> whatever whatever it is, it needs to get fixed. >> Correct. Absolutely. >> Or gone. >> Anything else? Any questions? Now, like you said, Erin, it's moving on to the next agenda item. Um, looking at some budget workshop dates. There are some proposed dates there for you to consider. And we definitely would need two workshops for presentations of our um cost center managers. All of those dates work for me. I I just hadn't checked my calendar. >> January 22nd works for me. >> Anyone else have >> I'm good on I'm good on everything. >> All right. >> Yeah. >>

09721st is a conflict. Carrie. >> Yeah. And the fourth, but and the fourth. >> Yeah. >> 22nd. >> Majority. >> Yeah. I mean, if Are you looking to have all three of those dates or are you looking for a date in those three? >> We would need a for for um presentations from cost center managers two would need and I'm assuming you would want another one to kind of review everything. >> So three is yes a good number. Chuck, >> I'm assuming the 21st and the 4th will also end up being conflicts for you too. >> Basketball nights. Yeah, definitely. Do >> you have another date that you can insert? >> Is it possible maybe move the meeting up earlier? >> Probably the night before. >> Oh yeah, cuz what time are games typically? >>

0986:30. >> Yeah, that's boys or girls play first or >> No, no, we're at separate different schools. >> Girls are at home, the boys are away. I'm sure staff would have no problem coming earlier than later. >> Mhm. >> What day? >> Cuz it does, you know, the later you pres, the later they have to come, the longer this >> You mean earlier in the day? >> Yeah. No, I mean like 5:00. >> What days are these? >> Right now, these are Wednesday, Thursday, Wednesday. >> But if Carrie and Chuck both think the Wednesdays are issues, >> can we do the 20th? 5:00 might be better. So, >> is there an issue with the 20th? 5:00 is really tough. >> I mean, I did all I could do to like literally get here by 6:00

099tonight. >> Oh, so maybe 5:30. Still pushing it. >> But if earlier, 5' be the earliest. >> Yeah. >> These are just proposed dates. If you have other dates you'd like to propose, feel free. >> Yeah. >> What's 20 look like? >> We have an away game. That's >> I have Sunday nights freaked about it. So, I should be in the pain on all of it. >> We already have 22. What about February 2? >> I'm looking at the >> I can't do a Monday. >> You said Tuesday. >> Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. >> Oh, >> I can't do a Monday. >> The 27th. >> What's the two? What's Tuesday? >> Third. >> The third. >> The 3rd. >> So, you're thinking January 20th? >> No. Think >> 27. Hold on, Chuck. I'm pulling up your

100schedule, too. >> 27 would work >> for both of us. >> So, what day of the week is it? >> Tuesday. >> Can you do that, Aaron? >> Mhm. >> I'm fine. January 27. I know you're not. >> No, I'm here. >> So, which one was good for you? 21. >> No, I can I can do that date. >> Y. >> So, 22nd, 27, and how about February 3rd? >> January 22nd. >> I can do the third. And Chuck, >> I'm pulling his up now. And he can also do the third. >> The third I cannot do. >> Cannot do the third. Apologize. >> Thank you, Carrie. >> Oh, we have a meeting on the 5th. 29th. >> Yeah, 5th is already our regular meeting. >> Chuck and I are both free on the 29th.

101What day of the week is that? >> As a Thursday, >> so can I just make us I know that Kristen won't be available. I know. I apologize. I'm away the >> What I'm wondering is there a date that you could potentially do before the 22nd because then we could do the presentations >> the 22nd, the one before and then >> when are they ready? When are the those are for the administrators, right? >> Correct. How about January? >> The 19th is the holiday. >> 20th. >> Is the 13th too early? >> The 13th might be too early. Too early. >> Yeah, but we could do the 20th. Oh, no. Someone said they couldn't do the Oh, can't do the >> 20th a Tuesday, but they >> 213rd. I don't know if we want to

102do a Friday. >> Monday the 26th. >> 26th. >> Aaron can't do Monday. >> Monday's no Aaron. >> Tuesday we already have. Wednesday was the 28th was a no. >> Yeah, I apologize. I'm away. >> We got February 4th. So 2nd, 3rd, and well, Monday. We already have a meeting on the >> now. Wait, >> the 15th. >> I think that week is so >> I think we shouldn't do anything more. So, but so can I again just a a suggestion if um weird. >> You want to Tara? We know we have two dates. Does do you want to just send out? Do you know what I mean? Potential. >> So, what do we have? The 22nd. >> We have the 22nd. >> 27th. >> The fourth was a no. >> The fourth too. We

103have right >> the fourth. >> Who's of the fourth? >> I thought you couldn't do it. >> Fourth is fine. Is that basketball? The fourth. You said you're ready. >> 21. Yes. >> Yeah. The fourth was a new. >> All right. So, yeah, let's go with the 22 and 27. >> And we have a meeting on the 5th. >> Yeah. Okay. >> We want to start that early if we needed. >> We can do that. I don't know. We could have an option >> at like 5:30 if needed. >> Yeah. Oh, before our >> regularations. What? No, we can. If that's a Thursday, we can try to shoot for five. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, I can do that. >> But what are we doing that night? That's the third night where you're saying that you

104would be working. >> Yeah, that's >> a working, right? It is more than >> Do we want to change that meeting to a workshop? >> Change the whole meeting to a workshop. >> Yeah, >> why not? >> Because that gives us >> done that in the past. >> No time. >> Exactly. We have done that. >> So then we're going to we believe we're settling on the 22nd, 27th, and then February 5th. >> Yes. Yep. >> Fifth to a workshop versus >> Got it. >> And the 22nd and 27th will be presentations. >> Yes. >> Workshops. But yes, presentations. Yep. >> And these are at 5:30 or we leaving them at 600? >> I would say the fifth is already at 6:00. So we're just turning that into a that meeting into a workshop. Then

105just keep it as six. >> Keep the other two at six. Also, >> if you think it's going to be long, we can start at 5:30. I think I can do that. I think so. Yeah. >> All right. Let's make them 5:30 then. >> All of them? >> Yeah. >> Why not? >> Sure. >> Well, the fifth one is the one that could really >> could use the Yeah, exactly. >> Let's start at noon. >> Take a vacation day from work. >> We just order the pizza so we can just keep going. >> Start at noon. >> All right. Anything else? All right, moving on to the business office. >> All right, we'll start with the personnel report. We have um six new appointments and two resignations. Um that's >> how do you pronounce that

106last name? >> I noticed. >> I don't even know. Yeah, not related. >> I met with her and we I No. >> Wow. Cute. >> I mean, maybe there is, but no, we we didn't But you knew how to say her name. >> Absolutely I did. Oh. Um on to the expenditure report and the budget transfers. So to start I guess with the budget transfers. Um the let me go in. So we had the budget journal entries. We had to I guess just to give you a breakdown of some of it. um is we had to move some expenses around within the school budgets. We were clearing some um expenses. I had cleared some expenses or some budgets out of the revolving funds just it was only to um allow the software to give me

107a correct budget balance is why that was there. Um we set up some new grants. We also had um our high school, we had a reacreditation team come out um and we had not budgeted for that. So, we just moved some money into that line. Um but everything else was um just reassigning um some expenses to cover some expenses that we could not expect. All right. So, we're looking questions. >> Looks like we need a motion to approve the budget budget journal entries. So move motion by Jane. >> Second by Chuck. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Any abstensions? Motion passes. So on to the expenditure report. Right now we are current we're still early but we are um running with a surplus of 137 or expected surplus of $137,000. um that

108really has to do with some salary savings. Um there are some some um staff that we hadn't hired yet and there was some salary savings there. Um however, we do have some um deficit for our um insurance that will come up. So that has balanced that out, but it's still early in the year to really say where we're going to land. But as of as of last week, we are we are in good shape. Um the next item was an MIA. I always I can't say Maya the every time I see it. So, the Maya grant that we um received, it was a grant for $10,000 and it was for repairs to a generator that was located in Millville um that we applied for and we were awarded. Um then we just need approval of

109that grant money. Looking for a motion to accept that grant money. >> So moved. >> Motion by Carrie. Is there a second? >> Second by Jane. All in favor say I. >> I. I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? All in favor? It passes. All right. On to the facility report which Scott is not here. So I will be reading off what he had um like Scott please. >> I know. Um so he had given me a print out of some of the projects that we had. So to start in the high school, we had a speed bump at the gym entrance installed in attempt to reduce the speed during the parent drop off for the safety of our students crossing to enter the building. I think it has helped. Um we'll say a little bit um

110>> the generator at the early village at early village received its routine maintenance on November 17th. The generator is part of our sewer pump station. And then the stage floor was damaged after a dance company removed tape that they used on the floor. We So he had written, "We are getting quotes to see what the best option may be to repair the floor." So since that we did have a company come out to give us a quote which um >> floor the gym floor. >> No, the stage the stage four. So and the stage floor was in rough shape. Um >> okay. but there was more damage done to it. So, we did have a company come out to see what they could do to sand it down and refinish it. >> Um, the quote

111came back. I It was high. Yeah. >> So, what Scott had said is that during Christmas break they can probably do it themselves. >> So, they are going to during Christmas break they'll be fixing that for themselves on that stage. >> We just think there's been a lot of activity on the stage. So there's a lot of wear and tear and you know the taping was more of you know it it lifted the the pieces of wood that were already kind of weak and splintering um and kind of the stain which if you look at the stage floor it's >> you know it needs some work anyway. So it's tape that we had put on to like >> the dance spots. >> Yeah. So, but the splintered the wood. >> I think the wood was

112splintered and I think pulling up the tape just >> pretty bad shape for the wood to do that. >> It was unfortunately and and they came out and they I think we had them look at it and they felt bad about it. >> Um but the floor was in disrepair already that it wasn't fair to say. >> So, will will we be refinishing the entire stage or just that spot? >> No, the entire stage. So, and that is where the band I guess practices and everything there too. >> There's not just a spot. There's >> spots. So, yeah. >> Old stage. >> It is. >> Needs a little TLC. So, we're going to take care of that over the break. >> So, at the middle school, there was an industrial pump that's been out or

113industrial, no industrial pump. The company has been out to inspect our current pump setup. They are putting together a quote to replace the system and stated that they work with the na they'll work with the national grid which could result in a grant for the replacement system. And there's a gasket located on the hot water circulator pump flange that is leaking and needs to be replaced. I am looking into getting the gasket and possible new flange for the Millville Elementary School FM generator was out on November 11th to diagnose an electrical issue. The unit kept tripping the circuit breaker. They found that mice had chewed through some wires. The wires were repaired and the unit is functioning as normal and Verizon was called out to service the phone inside the elevator. Inspection is scheduled for

114December. They found a loose wire at the phone panel and were able to fix that. And for the complex, the boiler number one was diagnosed with a bad touchcreen which will need to be replaced. Boilers number two and three are running as normal. >> Can I just ask a question about the high school the speed bump when the convers when he was here to talk about it? Was there any talk of painting a crosswalk on the speed bump? Okay. >> Because the the other part to obviously slowing the parent drop off down >> is the kids are coming >> from everywhere. >> Every part of that parking lot you don't know where they're going to cross. So, >> a more directed spot would definitely help that safety back there. >> Yes. >> I've also noticed

115if we can get this on Scott's list, the uh >> ever growing list >> was that? Yeah. The lines in the lot, >> you know, especially in the student lot. Um, and with the band on the student side where the band had to paint their lines to practice. Um, the the actual parking lot lines are barely visible. >> Uh, last night at the band concert, there was multiple there was some Cadillac SUV that was taking up two spots. I don't know. >> They probably parked in the band lines. cuz it's like if you don't know which ones are the van lines as opposed to the parking lines >> and but the parking lines are so undefined that that become and then there's the paintings the seniors have fun painting all their spots though you know

116where to park there but you know everywhere else it's kind of tough so um >> a little added to his >> yeah on top of that and the marching band lines could use a a paint >> yeah we're probably going to have to use a different color to define it >> so I noticed um during the functions like the dance company, they had cars lined up in the fire lane out in front. Okay. >> And so that's a problem here also on uh when we have functions. I find myself going into the crowd and saying whose cars are parked there if I'm here. Um and maybe the paint is faded for those >> that says no fire lane. >> Yeah. new stripes. >> I'll put that on there, too. >> Scott's gonna be like, "I

117didn't even come to the meeting, but yet I want to do what happens when you should have been painting in the winter when there's snow on the ground and nobody can see the lines anyway." >> Well, I'm sure I'm sure it could be a spring project. I just, >> you know, it's just uh >> I'm just get them like a big leaf blower. You can blow all the snow and the gravel right off of it. Just >> why not? >> All right. Um for the use of facilities request, we only have one request um at this meeting. It is for the grades six and seven winter dance um at the middle school gym put on by the student council. It is going to be next Friday night from 5:30 to 9:30. Um they are a

118group one and there is no charge for this. >> Holy smokes. Who's doing a 4-hour dance for those? >> That's exactly what I just looked at. >> Well, it's part of it set up though. Hopefully because that's a long time as PTO history hour and a half. >> Yeah. >> As someone as someone with a >> lot of the crowd >> they've lived it >> as someone with a sixth grader on a Friday night. I mean >> 4 hours by in favor of a 4hour >> getaway. Oh, I thought you were in favor of volunteer. >> All they have to do is >> have I not done enough? Have I not done enough? >> I missed it. >> We're looking for a motion to approve that request. >> So moved. Moved >> by Chuck. Second

119by Matt. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed. >> All right. Motion passes. >> And if it's anything low, it less than four hours. >> It's not approved. Yeah. That's kid sitting outside of the fire lane. >> Expos. We won't know if he's on the fire lane cuz they're not aging. >> All right, that's everything. Um, school committee. Anyone have anything for school? >> I do. I had the privilege of judging the Lions um speech competition and we had um a student who will move forward in that competition who was fabulous and talked about how history teaches us to be present in the day and age that we're in and we can learn from history and >> um really proud to move her forward and the group did a lovely job presenting

120that program and it was really nice. It's a 10. She's a 10th grader at Charlotte Cast. I don't know if >> Well, yeah. I'm not saying names anymore. So, 10th. Yes. So, we're really proud of her. Looking forward to her next next round. She did great. >> Great. Anyone else? Well, it's been a month, but you know, we haven't met. So, I just wanted to officially congratulate the um the marching band >> um on their second place win, which was a, you know, a quarter point away from first place. It it hurt at the time, but I think they've all kind of realized that, you know, it was a amazing season. Um, and uh, you know, everybody from top to bottom, all the instructors, all the kids, they just they had an amazing season. They

121they had a lot of fun and it was a great show and um, you know, look forward to next year. See what they can maybe uh, gain a quarter point. >> Sister Shaper going to bring out some bag pipes. I heard that could have been the >> I want to take it over the edge. That's it. >> I'm telling you, those bag pipes, it it I When they came out and we were in the stands, I was like, "What?" >> You knew. I love bag piping. But there's been other years where it's a violin. It's just something very different. >> Different because we got best music. Just so you know, >> we got best music and best visual. >> Best music, best visual, but >> that usually puts you in first place. Usually. >> Yeah.

122>> But there was that >> have the back. As an outside person who has watched the every year for probably the last 15 or so, it was by far the most exciting show, not only from the music and the the costumes and whatever, but just the students excitement to be in it. And it felt like the band of yester years. Like it felt like that like, okay, maybe more will come do this again. And >> I didn't know my sixth grader could do the jitterbug. >> There you go. And apparently he can. So >> listen, that's what I've been saying to Lucas. I'm like, between what he did this summer and that >> those visuals, I'm like, all you have to do at prom is go out on the floor and do those those visuals

123over and over and the people are going to circle you. He's like, I'm not going to prom. >> Yes, you are. >> By the way, >> just to do the jitterbug >> just next conversation. >> Yeah. Congrat congrats to them. now on to uh on to winter everything whatever they're doing and uh you know um looking forward to next year. So congrats to Mr. Schaefer and >> and and all of them. They're amazing. >> And I I'll just add and I don't want to throw anyone under a bus or anything, but the the disappointment for the kids because you you know, you weren't you weren't hearing them say, "We want to win. We're going to for they we're going to get a jacket. We want a jacket. >> Yes. >> And I just I I

124want to point out that >> what they won for state championships would really earn them the jacket under our policy. >> Um but our directors hold them to a higher standard >> for that last competition. So compared to the sports for winning I guess CMAC now versus the where they earn their jacket with us our state championship is comparable to to that. So >> the jacket is 0.25 away >> um or for that group of kids. So >> no bag punch. So >> yeah, >> just letting the kids know that they they they reached it in in policy standards, but >> you know >> that national championship is the patch that goes on the jacket. So it matches that's what matches the jacket for the band standards. But compared to sports >> Yeah. >> It

125would be the state. Yeah. All right. Well, congrats to them. Definitely. Next school committee meeting is January 8th and then we, as we just talked about, uh, workshops will be the 22nd, 27th, and February 5th. Looking for a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> A second. Second. Second by Jane. All in favor say I. I. I. Thanks everybody.