001to the Worcester School Committee, the budget hearing. Uh we're going to pick up where we left off. And we're going to start off the hold items, miscellaneous education non-salary, miscell- miscellaneous education capital, and rentals. Um member Johnson. >> Thank you um to the chair. Thanks for holding this item um last meeting um after doing some work and um speaking with um administrations, I would like to make a motion to transfer $225,000 from >> [clears throat] >> the miscellaneous educational account, instructional technology line E, um and add that to the teacher salary elementary school teacher account, $200 on that, um which is line huh? $200,000, I'm sorry, on that that it which is line A, um and then um take $25,000 of and add to instructional materials um the instructional materials district-wide, which is line B,
002uh making that motion in regards to um working with working with some of our um elementary schools in regards to um principal assistant principal positions along with um some teacher positions um and then also taking uh with the $25,000, looking to use that as some funding towards our um schools that are coming on board with their um libraries in the school throughout the district. So, that would be my motion um tonight, Mr. Chair. Thank you. >> Okay, so uh $225,000 come from line E, miscellaneous account, education account, and you just put that between teacher salaries, $200,000 will go there. I think you mentioned assistant principals for that purpose. And $25,000 will go to um instructional materials at the for the libraries. >> Correct. >> For books. For >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. This is motion.
003Okay. Madam Mayor, may I ask? >> I don't know if this is the proper time, but I Oh, do we don't stand? Um to um make an alternative motion to take the 225,000 from instructional on the Chromebooks and the iPads and the technology and move 225,000 to books for the schools. Um my concern is and and I guess I have one question about the former motion, but I'll that would be my motion that we take 225,000 and move that all to books. Um I'm concerned about salary positions that we have talked about incessantly over this budget preparation time. Um adding additional salary dollars when we know that next year we're in a heap of trouble in the next couple of years. Um assistant principals, are they teacher salaries or are they administrative under [snorts] Isn't
004that a different category through the chair? >> Uh Mr. Allen. >> Uh through the chair, they are a budgeted in the teacher salary account, line A. >> Okay. Okay, assistant principals are not part of administrative building. >> Mr. Allen, go ahead. >> Through the chair, it's the elementary assistant principals that are budgeted in line A of the teacher account. >> Okay, so assistant principals at the high school level are um administration, but at the elementary Through the chair, is there a Why would that be? >> Through the chair >> Mr. Allen Mr. Allen did that. Go ahead. >> Through the chair, that's been a historical practice of the district that goes back even before my time. >> Is there logic there? Just through the chair. >> I'm sorry. >> Is there logic there? Like what's
005the difference between an AP at the elementary level and the AP at the secondary level? It's administrative, right? >> It's Certainly, it's two separate salary schedules. Um I think that was the premise 30-plus years ago of why it was in the teacher account. I think back then there was more combination of teaching and non-teaching assistant principals, and they were all in one account. >> Okay. Um so, through through the chair, can I also ask a question as to how many assistant principals we don't have in the elementary schools at this time? >> Through the chair, after this will be one. >> So, you're looking to fill two positions with $200,000, and then how many teacher positions? I don't think it's up to us. I think it's up to you guys. Where this money go Right?
006So, is the entire Well, I We talked about teachers and assistant principals. Is this really just assistant principals? Through the chair. >> Well, it's really up I think it's up to Mr. Allen and the $400,000 to go there, and he's got to >> Through the chair, the administration, after conversations with members of the School Committee, would recommend an assistant principal at May Street and assistant principal at Church Street. >> Okay. And so, through the chair, who's the school that doesn't get one? >> Uh through the chair, uh Warwick is >> Okay. Is that our smallest school through the chair? >> Through the chair, yes. >> Or Lincoln Street? >> They Through the chair, they are both small. I think Warwick is >> two small, but Lincoln Street has one and the other school doesn't have
007one. Uh you know, I just so I just through the chair would make the point again that we're at taking salaries, we're adding it to salaries when I think we have this amazing opportunity as we recognize maybe that that we do have to look at technology a little bit differently and um that we have an opportunity when we have made a great decision to invest in our schools and our books and our libraries that we could actually get some books to these libraries. We know there's three libraries in particular that don't have strong PTO funds and there's going to have to be community fundraising for that and um if we use those these dollars for that for those means, then we would not have to go out and fundraise for that and there's still plenty
008of fundraising that has to happen. Um so, I'd make that secondary motion. Thank you. >> Okay. Councilor Howmis Councilor Member Johnson? >> Yeah, Mr. Chairman, just in regards to that, Mr. Chairman, I I I I guess I I I guess in regards to this decision that I'm motion that I'm I'm making uh in regards to the the system principal positions in elementary school. Again, that helps support our our schools in regards to those positions, helps support kids on um IEPs, 504 plans and the work that is done in elementary schools to kind of get those things done to ensure that things are taken care of and that we're following our guidelines and our protocols around that. That that helps free up the principal of the school to do other things. And in regards to that,
009um in some of those positions, you know, um we would need to fill those fill the classroom where some of those assistant principals are at with teachers or whatever. So, we'll also be gaining a teacher in the classroom um within those schools. So, it's just not about supporting administrative salaries or whatever. It's about supporting the school, the elementary schools or whatever that have been We've been talking about this and have been asking for this for a long time. So, I'm trying to support that in regards to also trying to support the start of the seven schools within the district in regards to library specials. That's my motion, Mr. Chairman. >> Okay. Anybody else? Remember Roberts? >> Thank you. Through the chair, do you have a question for this um to go through it? Will this
010also help I believe Woodland Academy has doesn't have a principal. Um is this going to help fulfill that role or can you just please help me understand? Thank you. >> On Woodland? Um Mr. Superintendent? >> Through the chair, this recommendation does not. >> And do we have a plan on what will? >> Through the chair, I'll come forward to with a recommendation at some point in the future. >> Okay. And my last question is is Woodland um the principal at Woodland is covering both Woodland and Claremont. Um is that school bigger or smaller than what we guess? >> Um Mr. Allen? >> Or at least for this Excuse me. Or at least for the school that we do want to fulfill this role for. >> Through the chair, so Claremont and Woodland are bigger than
011Wawa Gessner significantly. There's a principal and four assistant principals between the two schools. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Remember Mayorquin? I'm sorry, member of being Karen and not being heard. >> Thank you. I have some other questions as far as we're on page 213, correct? So we have >> Yes. >> Thank you. So I'm when I look at um school safety equipment and that would be L. I just had a couple questions in reference to that. When we have a climate and culture um are they all carrying radios at this time? >> Ms. Consalvo or Ms. Allen or >> Through the chair, Dr. Morris >> Dr. Morris >> respond to that one. >> Sure. Good evening. If you could repeat the question, please. >> Sure. It would be on on page 215 in the um
012budget book and it's school safety equipment L. >> And the question was >> in reference to climate and culture folks that are in our schools do they are they do they have radios? >> So through the chair uh Thank you. Through the chair uh radios are available. Um we have plenty of radios for schools, climate and culture, assistant principals, office, nurses. >> Okay. >> Great. Additional radios are needed. They can absolutely reach out and we'll get them radios. >> Okay. It the reason I'm asking that is at times um the radio is the most important tool you're going to have in the school. Um and also um I'm not sure if you would be Through to administration through the chair. Um radios are supplied when students are out on recess. Uh and I just want
013to ensure that all of our schools at this time um I would hope that we would have radios that are working and ready um for whatever incident may occur, whatever the uh need at that time. So, they're they're all prepared. >> Yes, and and through the chair the radios are um distributed by the school administration. We provide the radios to the school. The school determines who um and at what time. So, if there's ever a question, they should uh reach out to the building level administrator and they can always access radios. We will order radios and we also order supplies for radios. So, we have a process in place for uh procurement and distribution of batteries uh as well. >> Okay. Um and then when we look at um the description of safety equipment, it
014talks about the access controls, intercoms, door alarms. >> [clears throat] >> Those are pretty much um what we have always been able to say that um whether they're updated or not, if they need to be updated, facilities is informed so they're up to date, they're they're working, and so on. And then the last piece on this talks about the ongoing staff training. Do we have anything that will be coming up this coming year for staff training? Through the >> Yes, um >> Dr. Moore. >> Through the chair, we actually conducted uh two sessions today of the uh standard response protocol facilitated by the I Love You Guys Foundation. Um and we include >> Facilitated by whom? I'm sorry. >> The I Love You Guys Foundation. >> Okay. >> And they are the uh providers of
015the standard response protocol. >> Okay. >> So, we had uh two sessions today. We have two in August and our training will be ongoing. >> And the sessions include what staff members? >> Uh today the first session included facilities and custodial staff. The afternoon late morning session included clerical staff. >> Clerical. Okay. And then we will be following up in the August session? >> Yes. So, in August we'll have a nutrition staff. >> Okay. >> And transportation staff. >> Okay. Does this include under safety equipment the transportation piece? We had spoken of monitors and so on on buses. Um and they wanted to be equipped with cameras and Are we looking at that as as something that we're working towards? >> Through the chair. So, all of our buses have our camera installed and I
016know there's been conversations about the stop arm camera which we're working on separately with the Worcester Police Department on those. That would be a different contract. >> Yes. >> At no cost to us. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh member Roy. >> Thank you. Through the chair to the superintendent, it's my understanding that the two schools you mentioned currently there's uh the assistant principals are also teaching. Is that correct? >> Um Mr. Allen. >> Through the chair, technically uh yes, both May Street and Heard Street would have teaching assistant principals. This would create non-teaching assistant principals. >> And if we approve this funding, they would only have the one job as assistant principal, correct? >> chair, that was the intent, yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Member Millman. >> Yep.
017>> Thank you. Um I appreciate the question about the principal at Woodland because that's actually something that we talked about last year as well. And I it seems to me that that's our only elementary school without a principal. I do appreciate that Woodland has two APs. Um it's a big school. There's a lot of need there in terms of equity. Um I think that's appropriate as it should be, but I think we are missing the boat on that principal slot. I also want to say one more time that, you know, as far as I think that the effort by parents in this district has moved the ball on these dollars from instructional um Chromebooks, iPads, whatever. And I think that their effort has allowed this discussion on the 225. And I think many of these
018same we actually we have all received emails, I assume, from a bunch of parents about books. And I would still say that the stronger match from taking Chromebooks and iPads to um books is a is a good match. And I think that the effort that these um families have put forth to get us to this place is really um could be rewarded by the same those same folks trying to raise money for books for these kids, which is significant if we really look at how much we're going to have to raise for this. So, again, I just want to make those points and thank um Member Alvarez for bringing up the um principal at Woodland. >> Mhm. Who else? Okay. >> [clears throat] >> I just agree with uh Member Johnson. I think uh we've
019been talking about this for a while and I think it's a good motion for the assistant principals and uh and to address the budget, I know we'll probably go through some tough times later on this year. We could, but we've always said you just don't panic, you take care of the budget. We've done that in two early 2000, we laid off people, and in 2008, we had budget issues, and we got through them by working together, and uh we'll get through this budget process, too. Um so and I vote So, the motion, if I get this right, will take 225,000 from line E, count 500136, miscellaneous education, and move it to count uh 5091111, line A, teacher salaries, to 200,000, and 25,000 for line B, 9 5092204, instructional materials. That's the first motion. Roll call.
020>> Member Alvarez? >> No. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Brenneman? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Mem- uh member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. >> Okay, so that makes the other motion mute. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay, so motion to approve those items. All those in favor? Also voted. We are now going down to page 156, administrative salaries, for $23 million. Uh anybody motions to approve? Questions? Member Mailman? >> Through the chair, um there's a lot of discussion always about our administrative numbers versus Springfield, for example, and Superintendent I for or or um Sarkin Salvo. Um whoever can respond to the like numbers, I think that's really important for us to talk
021about as a district. Um what you found when you've actually done the analysis for Springfield versus Worcester. >> Miss Salvo. Uh uh Alan, through the chair. So, just simply I took the Springfield's table of organization, which I think is the most appropriate way to compare positions. >> Yep. >> And matched like titles to Worcester. And Springfield had 62 positions of like titles of what would be in the our administrative account to our 49. So, it's 62 to 49 for Springfield. And they're the most closest district for comparison to Worcester in Massachusetts in terms of size of students and dollars. >> Totally agree with that. And through the chair, why why So, when we look it up on DESE's website, it's just because they classify them like why how come that's not apples and apples and
022apples? >> Mr. Allen. Through the chair. So, I'm not sure necessarily what particularly what you're refer- referencing to DESE, but in terms of my information from DESE, if you look at it on a per pupil basis, uh we spend in the middle of the pack as it relates to urban districts um for administration. We've always consistently spent middle to lower end administrative on a per pupil basis. And in terms of foundation budget spending, we also spend less than the foundation budget. We've talked about that over the years um for administrative salaries compared with the foundation budget otherwise provides. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. And um lastly, through the chair, um the administrative So, we've come we've come up some because we were I think we were low, and now you put us in the mid-range.
023I don't have the spreadsheet in front of me, but um Through the chair, do I assume that's the budget we're putting forth, and we feel that that's the comfortable place for us to be right now. >> Through the chair, yes. Uh my budget recommendation um really reflects positions that have existed or reallocated administrative positions from prior uh budget years. Correct. >> Yep. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, motions to approve. Those in favor, so ordered. >> No. >> We are on >> Mi- Through the chair, Mr. Mayor, sorry. I don't I don't want to approve it. So, I don't know if that makes you forces you into a roll call every time or >> It really doesn't mean much, but we'll do a roll call. >> you say that all the time, but
024I don't I I looked at the minutes, and I don't like that we weren't approving it. I don't like that we're approving it. >> mystery salaries? Did I miss something? Okay. >> [sighs] >> Yes, we >> No. So, however you it can be recorded, I just don't want to be recorded as approved. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> is administrative salaries, so right? Member Melmear? >> On probably all the items today till we get to the end. >> Oh, this is administrative >> We're just getting started, right? >> Okay, so we're going to do administrative salaries. >> Just for today. I can't fix last week. >> Yeah. Okay, administrative salaries. We were one of the lowest in the state of Massachusetts when it came to administrative salaries. We moved up a little bit
025in that chart, but uh we will roll call it. >> Member Alvarez? No. Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Beneda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Melmear? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCullah? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. We are uh on We missed I'm sorry, we went by facilities department non-salary capital page 220. Do we do that one? Okay, we did it last time. Okay, never mind. Teacher salaries, page 159. >> Mr. Mr. Chairman. >> Oh, we're going to recuse uh, this is on teacher salaries. No, Paris is later on. Paraeducators is three more down. Okay. So, please note for the record that uh, Kathy Roy and Marven Bennett have recused themselves on teacher salaries. Any Anybody? Okay, we'll do
026a roll call. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Joe. >> I have a question? >> Yes, through the chair. Um, the three chapter 74 positions are through the chair. >> [clears throat] >> Miss Consalvo. >> Through the chair, those positions are located at Doherty High School. Um, and if you give me 1 minute, >> Through the chair, it's a expansion of because of enrollment, um, a phasing in of the chapter 74 program. So, we have to add teachers to accommodate the increase in enrollment now that the school will be open for the third year. >> Yeah, okay. >> So, it's the it's the growth of students in that program. >> And [clears throat] so, through the chair, that would be like three different programs, one for each. Okay. >> Thank you. Okay. Nobody else? Roll call.
027>> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Benenda, member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chairwoman Cullinane? >> Yes. >> Member Roy, Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Okay, school committee salaries, page 164. What's that? I'll come back in, yeah. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Member Mailman? >> Thank you. Through the chair, I just um I understand there's a little movement on the city side to start talking about the charter and I applaud every effort for them to um open up the charter, get a home rule petition, whatever we need to do. And I think that things like structure of local government is super important in that discussion. So, that's all. Thank you. >> Okay. So, we'll do a roll call. Roll call. >>
028Member Alvarez? This is for the School Committee. >> Salaries, yes. >> Yes. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Banenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCullough? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes, classroom substitute salaries. >> [snorts] >> That's pretty straightforward. Anything on that? Okay. Uh Member Biancheria? >> Thank you. >> Followed by Member Banenda. >> Okay. When we're looking at um we're on page 165 and we talk about long-term, short-term, and so on. So, can we just What are the salaries for the long-term and the short-term subs? >> Ms. Consolvo? >> Through the chair, the long-term subs are at the contractual rate of the EAW salary schedule. >> So, that would make it >>
029Uh it's range one, step one. >> Okay. And then what do we have for the day-to-day? >> Uh, the day-to-day subs are, I believe, $110 per day. >> Is that Okay. 110. Does that work for us at this time? I'm asking through the chair. >> Mr. Consalvo. >> So, through the chair, through the chair, I'll have Dr. Cue answer. >> Dr. Cue. >> So, through the chair, we do have this posting up all of the time, and we continue to hire day-to-day subs. However, what we have found is by adding the building subs, we have less of a need for our day-to-day subs. So, we do track those numbers, but that's why you see the shift because we do see a significant change by adding our building subs. >> So, now that you brought that
030up, so we're looking at we we did have 18, and now the new number is 24. >> Dr. Cue. >> Through the chair, that is correct. >> And if they were needed in another school, are we able to move them, or do we just keep them at that particular school? >> Through the chair, they stay at the school in which they're assigned to. >> Okay. >> Through the chair, if I if I may just add, if you remember a couple years ago, every school had a building sub, but because of the $22 million budget cut, we got to reduce them. >> Right. >> We're trying to build them back up. We believe the building sub is the most effective way to provide coverage at the schools. It's just a matter of dollars that we have
031available. So, if we can slowly add building subs, um, that is our plan. We know that it's Some schools have success getting day-by-day subs, some schools do not. Um, we generally are providing the building subs to our largest schools with the largest number of staff. Um, and the the more we can build up the the of building subs over the next couple of years. It would be our plan Um, so going forward. >> And it seems to be advantageous. It benefits everyone at this point in time. Not just the student but even the staff that they are looking at what what occurs. I would ask um that we receive a list of the schools that do have building subs. Whether we put it in a Friday letter. Um would you need that to be in
032a motion ma'am? >> No no ma'am. >> No need to do a motion. >> Okay. All right. That's fine. >> Okay. >> We'll have an opportunity to do that certainly in the next couple of weeks so we know what we're looking for in the fall. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. Um member Benavidez followed by member Johnson. >> I just want to say that I was I wrote great increase in building subs with exclamation >> marks on that page. Uh that's really important um position to have. You know in large high schools you at least have four people that call in sick a day. It's it's very common for that to happen because your staff is over 150. So we used uh you know I think we got up to three or four building subs in
033large high schools. You know that we could use for coverage. So one of the way you keep schools safe is there is somebody that's substituting that that the students know and that person knows the students so keeps your school safer. And um you they know the classroom. They know the teacher. You can continue with the curriculum so um I would love if there is any extra money at you know sometime during the year uh for us to make a motion to put some of that money into increasing building subs. >> Okay. Thank you. Member Johnson. >> Actually I I was going to say the same thing my brother member Banuelos said. >> Okay, so we're all set then. So, on those two motions, I was in favor of both, so ordered. On uh on the
034subs- on the budget item itself, roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Ben-Carina? >> Yes. >> Member Banuelos? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Melendez? >> No. >> Vice Chairman >> Hollar? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Okay, we are on paraeducator salaries. Please, for the record, Ms. McCollum has recused herself. And uh It's on page 166. Member Roy? >> Yes, through the chair. I'd like to make a motion to for our paras that end up acting in a sub capacity that we are able to increase their stipend um when they are going to be alone in the classroom where they usually a para, there's two people, and many times they end up being alone. I'd like to see,
035I don't know where the money's would come from um or where we could move it, but I'd like to see an increase in their stipend for acting in a sub capacity. Thank you. >> Member Guardiola? >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. I I just want to uh to my colleague's point, um I don't know if we're allowed to vote on it. I believe it's a contract negotiation through the chair to the uh administration. >> I'm not sure, Ms. Allen. To the chair. >> That would be subject to contract negotiations. >> Okay. Okay. >> Member Alvarez, followed by member Ben-Carina. >> Thank you. Um I just had a question if you can please through the administration to the superintendent, if you can please just explain what um why we have for E, positive youth development, if
036you can just explain to us why got cut by 100% and where it's going and how that's going to be helpful and how um if Yeah, a little bit more on that, please. >> Dr. Q. >> So, through the chair, the positive youth development powers was something we put in this past year to support students, but what we realized is that the need was in a different place. So, the line is cut there, but all of those powers have been reallocated into other areas in which we needed them for. >> Also, uh Ms. member being carried. >> Thank you. Um could you give a quick uh piece on the climate and culture assistance? Are they closer with the bullying program? Are they working with the bullying program? And what is the attachment do they have
037with that? >> [snorts] >> What's that? Mr. Tony. >> Uh through the chair, uh culture and climate assistants would support in uh supporting the bullying um strategies and resources, but it that would be uh mostly uh adjustment counselors and principals who are leading that work. But those uh culture and climate assistants are integrated in supporting the plan and supporting the students involved in the bullying. >> So, they do through the chair, are they working towards when something occurs or are they educating the kids as they're going through the halls? >> Yeah, so through the chair, they are working with that preventive preventative stuff with making relationships with the kids and understanding what's going on in those uh transition areas and other parts of that school day uh to support those kids. >> And the way
038this reads at this particular time in column C on 167 is the it gives a listing of 46. So, I I'm looking at that is a higher number of staff members that would be in middle and high schools. Correct? >> Mr. Wayne. >> Yes, to the chair. Yes, that's correct. >> Okay, because looking in the back of the book, it actually lists the number that are at each site. Um Okay, thank you. I I just Um additionally involved in anything to do with the bullying program, I think is um something we need to really look to see how we can continue to not only support it, but bring it to light and make sure that they have a better idea of what um the the process is and how much that affects what they're doing
039in school. So, I'd I'd like to see some programs um that we whether we call an assembly or or um do it um in grade levels assembly style, but to have it brought to light that we continue to discuss that because it is a priority. Everything we seem to pick up today and um it has something to do with that. So, I'm just trying to enforce that we are looking at taking the best avenues for that. Um I did have a question on the positive youth, but that's been explained. Thank you. And then um lastly, we have the special ed. And I see that we have 546. So, every year we try to work that where some of our positions are paid and funded through um grants. So, we have this this time around we
040have 166 positions. Is that on an annual basis [snorts] that we have to review that for those positions for the grant or is it a term grant? >> Through the chair. Mr. Gonzalez, answer the question. >> Through the chair, we do review it annually. Um but it typically the amount has been for the last several years, excuse me, several years 166 positions funded from the IDEA grant. >> Okay. Okay. That's what I was looking at when I looked at that grant because it certainly is a valuable dollar amount. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, the motion is to approve. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> No. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Bonanno? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Melmear? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCullah?
041Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. >> Okay, this brings us to transportation salaries on page 170. Motion is to approve. And Melmear. >> Through the chair, um maybe I'll make maybe I guess this is maybe a motion for more information or um how what do I transport can we compare transportation salaries from Worcester to Springfield. >> Uh Mr. Allen. >> I'm sorry Mr. Gonzalo. >> Through the Through the chair that we can look. I don't know what relevant is to compare to Springfield. It's not our labor market. >> Well, if I if you said that Worcester to Boston, I would a million percent agree with you, but Worcester to Springfield's pretty close. But, I guess it doesn't make sense because we own our system and they don't. But, I think it's important
042for us to keep an eye on what a like district is spending on transportation versus what we're spending with in-house transportation. So, is there a way to think about showing us um those costs? >> Uh certainly >> Their system is out so us to ours is inside. What's their total cost? What's our total cost? >> Mr. Allen. Certainly, we can work on a report both on total cost and some of those individualized costs for Springfield. >> Thank you. >> I I don't know sitting here like how many routes they run, why they run certain routes, but it it may not be apples to apples, but we can put some analysis together. >> Thank you. I'll make that a motion. Thanks. >> Uh member Guardiola. >> Member Guardiola. >> Uh just to clarify and and to
043the administration to the chair, we brought this in-house because we wanted more oversight. So, we we knew we were going to spend more money to make sure that every child was back to their home on time and picked up on time, correct? And I knew that I believe and again through the chair or last administration, we knew going into this that we were going to spend more money specifically on the fact that we have a pension system for these employees as well as the cost to run the day-to-day organization through the chair. >> Through the chair, actually it was twofold that you mentioned. There was a cost component of increasing cost by the contracted rates and customer service that school community at the time felt that we needed better oversight on. We identified um Now,
044some of it was uh ESSER related. We were able to use federal funds to purchase buses, but using those funds we were saving um about $5 million per year compared to what [clears throat] the cost would have been through contracted services. We used most of those savings to put back into the transportation department for higher salaries for drivers, for a better safety and training um staffing um and so forth. So, we actually were able to keep costs um at no more than what we would have spent on the contracted services and take what essentially would have been profit and give it to employees in salaries um and to increase safety and training staff. So, and now we're just it would be whatever the annual growth is through fuel costs, insurance costs, and contracted uh salary
045increases. >> Thank you. >> All set. >> Mr. Mailman. >> And through the chair, just to clarify, I think it's a good news story. I think it's important to keep an eye on though that total cost. Thank you. >> Okay, motion to approve. Roll call. I'm sorry. I'm I'll be >> Couple of questions. Thank you. >> Um first of all, I do want to say that um we did have many discussions on what how we were going to do this and what we were going to do. Um so far, so good. So, it has worked. Um I do think that I'm looking at is on column F. It is athletics and special events. Um and I'm not sure if this would be the appropriate place, but when we look at this, what I'm hoping can
046do at some point in time is be able to provide the transportation so that kids are able to get to their games at different times and not have to miss games and because they can't get there and I think that's been a tough situation a lot of times. I mean, we assume everyone has a vehicle and they have a way to get there. So, it doesn't always occur. And I guess I'm I'm looking at whether it be um girls or boys sports, it's just the more we can transport the kids to get to the games and participate um with something like that and have that experience. >> So, if I can explain we I don't disagree with you. In my prior role, we would have said we could should transport all 24,000 students to school,
047right? But, it's just a matter of cost and how many buses we want to put on the road and the cost to do that. So, the way I explain this line item is just because we have district operated district operated transportation, doesn't mean it's free. We still have to pay driver cost, fuel, and so forth. And so, we can provide as assuming we have buses available, any transportation that we want. We just got to capture the cost somewhere in the budget. So, if going into a budget season, we want to expand uh field trip opportunities, we want to expand athletic opportunities, we can do that. We just have to fund the cost of doing that. So, it might adding more routes to accommodate it. It might be adding more hourly rates to pay for the
048driver salary. We can do whatever we want, but we've got a budget for it. >> We have to budget for it. So, that's understandable and um when we look at bus drivers in column D, we have 123 that transport students to and from school, athletic transportation, and summer school coverage. So, the summer school coverage that covers if they're attending summer school or how does that how does that work at this time? Through the chair. >> I'm asking through the chair. >> Sorry, through the chair. That is correct. It's the summer school programming, the special education and the non-summer non-special education programs. And some of the grant funded programs that we run through the summer, such as early college. >> Because I know at one time we used to give them bus passes and and they
049don't need that with the WIDA now, so um are we still promoting that within the same realm of bus transportation or no? >> Who's that? >> Through the Through the chair. We are transporting. >> Through the chair, we are transporting all of 100% for summer school. We are not giving out passes. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, motion to approve roll call. >> Member Alvarez. I had one more question before we take >> Sure. >> Yes, before we >> Member Alvarez. >> Thank you. Um through the chair, for C bus monitors, it says in the description that this item funds 112 special ed bus monitors and that the fiscal year 27 recommendation maintains current staffing levels. I was just wondering if we had any thoughts around increasing staffing levels and making sure
050that we're able to provide bus monitors to buses not only just unique to special ed, but other um high needs transportation routes, I guess you can put or high need schools that have incidents that occur a little bit more than other schools on the bus because of a lack of an extra person. Um, do know that when I did my school visits, uh, it did come up that sometimes the principal at that school had to jump on the bus to be able to provide safety for the kids when they are being transported home. So, I was just wondering if we are having any thoughts around increasing staffing levels for bus monitors? >> Um, Mr. Allen, Mr. Freeman. >> Through the chair, so maybe Mr. Freeman can explain actually the role of a bus monitor on
051a special education bus which might different than what you're thinking. >> Mhm. >> So, through the chair, the um, monitors that we currently use for special education are monitors that go out and meet the parent and help escort the child onto the bus and then seats the child and then, um, monitors the child while in transporta- transportation. They're all on a mini, um, vehicles which it gives the, uh, monitor the opportunity to sit in the middle and see both in front of them and behind them. Um, where you're talking about the large buses typically if we have a problem there, we have a safety liaison that can ride the school bus along with the principal and assistant principal because the bus is so large that having a monitor on the bus wouldn't be helpful because
052they could never actually monitor or control the full bus with 70, uh, plus students in it. >> Thank you. >> Also? Okay. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> What's the hang on one second. What was your motion? Did I miss a motion? >> We had a >> Say it. Roll call. >> I thought there was a motion for a report as well. >> Off of transportation. Okay, so take that. All those in favor for the motion? Opposed, so ordered. Now on the item itself, roll call. >> Yeah. >> You want a roll call? Okay. Okay, we'll do a roll call on that. It's asking for a roll call on Member Melman's motion. call. >> the motion, Mr. Chairman? I'm sorry. >> is to do a transportation comparison between Worcester and Springfield. >> In regards to
053what? >> Transportation. You got captured that right? >> That's right. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay, we're all set. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Yes. Member Biancheria? >> No. >> Member Banenda? >> Uh, no. >> Member Guardiola? >> No. >> Member Johnson? >> No. >> Member Melman? >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman McKolla? >> No. >> Member Roy? >> No. >> Mayor Petty? >> No. Okay. Now, roll call on the item itself. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> No. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Banenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Melman? >> No. >> Vice Chairman McKolla? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. >> Okay, we are on supplemental program salaries on page 173. Member Banenda? >> Yes, thank you.
054Just a few questions. Uh, the first >> Please speak right into the microphone. >> Yes. Just a few questions. Um, on the high school attendance program, is that uh, money how is that like equally divided uh, with each high school that wants to offer the Saturday program? >> Ms. Consalvo. >> So, through the chair, that of those funds are equally divided based on the size of the school. >> Okay, thank you. Um, and through the chair, um, so excited to see about the literacy tutors. I had never wanted uh, them the the people tutors to be eliminated and that we had, you know, a I don't know, some platform that tuted our students. We are we had such talented uh most of them are retired elementary school teachers that were great at teaching reading and
055instead of them getting hired, we went to a digital instructional platform. So, it looks now, if I'm reading it right, that we are going to be uh bringing back paid staff. Um is that correct? >> Mr. Allen. Through the chair. Uh yes, next year we're going to have the twofold in terms of tutors. The traditional model that you're used to, that you're reading here, and a continuation of the state-funded program for the high-dosage tutoring at the early um elementary grades funded through a a state grant. So, both of those we we agree that the best model is in-person, our own employees tutoring. Again, it became victim of that $22 million budget cut we did a couple of years ago. >> Yeah. I I'll also through the chair um on the arts program, uh this year
056um I did receive a lot of phone calls uh regarding uh Burncoat Middle and Burncoat High private tutors for I don't know if it was singing or band. It was I mean it was both of those. Uh there were some budget issue. It was quickly taken care of by the administration that they put the money back in. They found out the money for it. So, I just want to make sure that when we're looking at the arts program for um Worcester Arts Magnet, Burncoat Middle, and Burncoat High School, that we are also going to make sure that we cover those private um skilled arts teachers for those. Through the chair. >> Ms. Consalvo. >> Through the chair, my understanding is funds is are available for those services. So, through the chair, there won't be a
057decrease in that. We'll maintain that funding. >> Through the chair, that's correct. >> Perfect. Okay, my next question through the chair is wow, a 43% decrease in professional development. Uh this one line that I think we really need to increase is professional development, but you know, you could be taking that out of out of title one or title four. So, um wondering if this is just the additional professional development through the chair. >> Ms. Casalvo. >> Through the chair, um these funds are reduced to support some of the ASP classrooms that we expanded upon this year. Uh and there'll be some other um professional development funded through some grants. >> Thank you. And then my last question is on um the culture and climate teams. Uh uh through the chair, is that are those stipends
058or are those people? >> Ms. Casalvo. >> Through the chair, uh those that is hourly paid um to our climate culture teams. Not necessarily a stipend. >> Uh oh, so through the chair, they're meeting with teams like S and every school to talk about how they can increase com- climate and culture in the secondary schools. So, is that also can occur then during the school day, not just after the school day through the chair? >> Yes, through the chair. It could um it's for all schools. It's not just uh middle and high schools. It's for climate and culture across all schools. And this would be for any work that might occur outside of the normal school day. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> That's it. Member Binkley. >> Thank you. Um you when we look
059at the evening high school program, it um is that expanding? When we when we um discuss this with the overage students and service students who are identified at risk? >> Miss Gonsalves >> Are we going to be able to move that program in a bigger position than it presently is? >> Miss Gonsalves >> Through the chair right now, the FY27 budget reflects that it's essentially a status quo, no expansion at this point. >> Okay. So, that's same level. Okay. Uh >> [clears throat] >> Thank you for the literacy tutors. Good move. Needed. Um when we look at professional development, I had the same questions, Miss Bernardo. So, that's covered. Climate and culture program. Um I just wanted How is this working for us if if we're doing it for all the schools? Cuz originally I
060thought it was just the high schools that was doing this. >> Through the chair, these are climate culture teams. It's a PLC essentially at the school level that principals and teaching staff work on the climate and culture of their school. And so, this started on the prior administration uh to allow funding to exist for schools to work on climate and culture. It's not the climate and culture assistance. It's more of a building climate and culture it in the schools through a an after school model or through some other PLC type work. >> Okay. Thank you. That's it. >> All set. >> Okay. Well, remember Mailman? >> Through the chair, just a little more on the literacy tutors. Um how many literacy tutors through the chair to Miss Gonsalves? >> Miss Gonsalves >> count for? >>
061Through the chair, there is 20 FTEs attached to that line item. >> And are they So, do they go school to school? >> Ms. Gonsalves. >> Through the chair, um my I I believe they're appointed one per school based on need, not necessarily school to school. It's one position per location. >> They stay at a particular school. They're assigned to a particular school. >> So, through the chair, each elementary school has a literacy tutor? >> Ms. Gonsalves. >> Through the chair, it would be appointed by the teaching and learning team. But, yes. >> Okay. So, they rove. They go from one school to another. >> Yeah. Through the chair, there's 33 elementary schools. So, >> Okay. So, through the chair, could I ask for a report on um which schools have the literacy tutors? Thank
062you. >> Okay. So, okay. So, motion to approve that motion. All those in favor of post of ordered. Motion to approve the budget item. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. >> No. >> Member Biancaniello. >> Yes. >> Member Benavidez. >> Yes. >> Member Borniello. >> Yes. >> Member Johnson. >> Yes. >> Member Mailman. >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum. >> Yes. >> Member Roy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peddy. >> Uh yes. We're on custodial salaries, page 177. Motions to approve. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. Can you please say that again? >> Say it again? >> Can you please say what we're approving again? >> Oh, motion to approve the budget. The line item. I'm sorry, the line item budget. >> Thank you. >> Roll call. >> Yes. Member Alvarez? >> Yes. Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >>
063Member Benavenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Millman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum? >> Yes. >> Member Ruiz? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Maintenance Service Services Salaries on page 179. Member Biancheria? >> Sorry. Thank you. Uh through the chair. Building automation systems control coordinator is listed as a position. Help me with that one. What is it? >> [snorts] >> Mr. Cotamo? >> So through the chair I can start and then Director Ikenan can um jump in. Uh but that is a position that has been in the district for quite some time. Um but I can as far as the specific skill set, I will hand it over. >> Sure. Mr. >> Director >> Through the chair, this position controls the building's temperatures and uh
064through and throughout the different seasons. >> Okay. >> Responds to any emergencies in the winter. >> Okay. I was just wondering if that automation had changed or if it was still the same. That's >> Through the chair we used to Through the chair we used to contract out for the service and it was similar to transportation was getting cost prohibitive to contract out and we brought the service in house 10 plus years ago. >> Yeah. I just When when you read something when I every time I read that I always have to say now what does that do? So thank you. So >> Okay. All set. Mhm. You good? Okay. So motion to approve. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Yes. Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Benavenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >>
065Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Melmear? Vice Chairman Callas? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Administrative clerical salaries on page um 181. It's pretty straightforward. Any questions? Motions to approve, roll call. >> Member Alvarez? I did have one question. Uh it is for line B, teaching and learning administration. Uh I noticed that's the only one that didn't get an increase or any type of change, and I just wanted to learn more about that. >> Ms. Consuelo? >> So, through the chair, that um line item has a reduction in there uh for a position that is being reduced for next year, um as well as a conversion. Uh so, based on uh the expenditure line in the FY27 budget, we are anticipating no significant change in that line item. >>
066I think I want to ask a question, so I'm going to see how that comes out. Um you mentioned a reduction. Can you explain to me what you meant by that? >> So, there is a reduction of a clerical position um in the office of innovation, as well as a school-based location um at the alternative program. So, looking at that, um I can certainly provide a report cuz I do see exactly what you see. It is a 0%. >> Thank you. >> To the chair, but it the account also includes anticipated contractual salary increases, which offset the reduction. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, mo- to approve roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> No. >> Member Biancheria? >> [snorts] >> Yes. >> Member Benanda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >>
067Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. We're on school clerical salaries, page 183. Member Alvarez? >> Yeah, again, I see a 0% I just wanted to learn more about that. >> [snorts] >> Ms. Conzalo? >> So, through the chair that 0% is the substitute coverage line uh and that is a line that we budgetarily maintain consistency year after year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next item. Okay, roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Benanda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Non-instructional support salaries on
068page 185. Member Mailman? >> Through the through the chair um Through the chair, the there are These are all administrative positions. Question mark. >> Ms. Conzalo? >> Through the chair, how are you defining administrative? >> Um well, let's go back to Springfield and Worcester. We said >> So So those were not in my comparison. These positions are not in that comparison. I was only talking about our administrative salary account. These are district support positions which we we call non-administrative instructional support positions. >> So if I uh in asking the Springfield question, does that how how it >> compare it our like positions to Springfield at all. I didn't look at that because I don't consider these to be administrative positions. >> Okay, but other districts might. >> Through the chair, if we go by the
069DESE definition of administrative, they would not. Some would Some would, but not all of them. >> Okay, so we'd have some because they're like finance and operations, I would consider administrative, but >> For DESE's definition, they would be. Correct. >> Okay. And then back to the APs for a minute. So the AP elementaries can Do you know if Springfield has their APs in a in a >> Through the chair, so Springfield uses a program-based budget. We're using a line-item based budget. So it's that literally is apples to oranges what if we will look look at their budget book. You have to look at either their table of organization for a comparison or their coding using the DESE structure, which would be uniform across the state. >> So when we're looking at when you when you
070compare administrative, you're looking at the org chart and that doesn't include any of the APs and no regardless of where they are. >> I did not include any school-based staff in my numbers. Correct. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. All set. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? No. Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Banenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCalla? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Penney? >> Yes. We are on crossing guards, page 188. Um It's pretty straightforward. Question? Ms. Payne Carrier? >> Thank you. When we were talking about safety equipment, I should have probably put this in there at that time, but for crossing guard supplies, when we look at what we are supplying them
071with and what they're doing and um what they actually need, when I've traveled around the city at different schools, what concerns me is there are teachers that are bringing kids across the street. So, we have the crossing guard, but they In addition to that, we have teachers that are out maybe directing traffic or and so on. But, they oh most of the times, they have no vest or belt or anything that that is bright yellow, bright orange, whatever color you want to go with. Um so, I I understand that they they have to do that. Uh uh and it gets busy and it's 15 minutes out of their day. For safety purposes, is there anything that we could possibly supply to our schools to have the in the office? So, if they rotate people, it's
072not mine for the for the year, it's something that I put on in the office, go out, do the job, come back in, put it in the office. Only safety reasons. I've I've seen it so many times at all different sites. And and each time I'm sitting in the car looking thinking, you know, uh it it can be dangerous because there are people that are tooting their horn and huffing and puffing because it took 5 extra minutes for them to get up the street with their car. So, I'm I'm just throwing that out there as something that maybe we need to think about. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um That That was it. Just to make sure that, you know, they have They have have the equipment that they need and it's well taken care
073of. >> Okay. >> So, through the chair, we can certainly make a more concerted effort to have additional supplies at the schools for the start of the school year. >> It's just, like I say, it's uh people sometimes get impatient if you have some a teacher out there moving the kids, it's not as easy as it looks. Thank you. >> Awesome. Okay, roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Biencariello? >> Yes. >> Member Benavides? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McColla? >> Yes. >> Member Boyd? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. >> School nurses' salaries, page 289. Member Mailman? >> Through the chair, the um 9% increase in clinical care coordination. >> So, through the chair, that is
074a reallocation of an existing position to uh increase for two additional li- licensed practical nurses, the LPNs. >> At particular schools, through the chair? >> Through the chair, those are system-wide assigned, um but assigned to specific schools and specific students. >> Thank you. So, actually through the chair, so the the 1% decrease is just is really being reallocated over to the clinical care line is the >> Miss Gonzalez, but >> Through the chair, that is correct. >> Okay, thank you. >> Motion to approve, roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Yes. Member Benavidez? >> Yes. >> Member Bernenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? Vice Chair McCalla? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Education educational support salaries, page 191. Uh member Benavidez?
075>> Yes, I just had a question about speech assistants cuz um I think we had 18 maybe in the 26 budget and we're down to to 16 now. And I was just wondering uh why we're down two. >> Miss Gonzalez, but >> So through the chair, um during FY 26, two speech assistants were converted to one teacher. >> Okay, thank you. >> Okay. Miss Benavidez, followed by Mr. Roy. >> Thank you. Uh >> [snorts] >> on 1992, wrap-around coordinators, it's E. For the wrap-around coordinators, um we have 47. So if we add in every school plus the parent center, where else are they besides that? >> Miss Gonzalez, but >> Through the chair, there are there's coverage at um the alternative sites as well. >> Okay. So there is Okay, and they're they're full-time? >>
076Through the chair, I believe most of the assignments are full-time. There may be one split. >> I'm sorry, what was that? >> There may be one split through the chair. >> One split? I'm sorry. Okay, I didn't quite get that. All right. And then for um school psychologist it's a college program. So how how are we are we not doing that any longer or or are we replacing it with something else? >> Is this solvable? >> So through the chair, those funds have been reallocated to the supplemental program salary account and the 91118 program remains exactly the same. We're just changing the budget allocation. All of the supplemental program supplies are hourly rate employees. We felt that was a better location for them. >> In the in the number do we do we know how
077many this consists of? >> Through the chair, I believe there's five. >> Five. Thank you. >> Thank you. Motion is to approve. Roll call. I'm sorry. Uh member Roy, I'm sorry. Apologies. >> Actually, it's it's okay. Through the chair, member Binkley, I asked my question with regard to the wrap-around so I'm all set. Thank you. >> Okay. Motion is to approve. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Binkley? >> Yes. >> Member Benavides? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Millman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCalla? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Penny? >> Yes. >> Transportation overtime. Page 194. Member Millman? >> Through the chair, could could we just talk about why we're seeing um a decrease from our actual expenditures of
078FY 26. >> Member Ms. Conzavo. >> So, through the chair, this year, we had some significant issues with absenteeism and running routes during the day from home to school. So, the coverage for overtime was necessary. We are hoping for FY 27 that some of L some of the attendance issues that we had occurred this year will hopefully be better next year. >> Through the chair, is that contractually resolved? >> Member Conzavo. Ms. Conzavo or Mr. Allen? >> Through the chair, not necessarily. >> Thank you. >> Motion was to approve. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. >> Yes. >> Member Biancheria. >> Yes. >> Member Benanda. >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola. >> Yes. >> Member Johnson. >> Yes. >> Member Mailman. >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollum. >> Yes. >> Member Roy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty.
079>> Yes. Custodial overtime, page 195. Member Mailman. >> Through the chair, same question. >> Ms. Conzavo. >> So, through the chair, similar answer. The coverages that don't happen during in the regular account are covered by overtime, including manpower and just the the natural coverage that needs to occur during the day in the schools or evening second shift. >> Through the chair, I just want to add, we had significant amount of overtime because of snow removal this winter, not only the two blizzards, but also because of the overnight salting, the freeze-thaw cycle. So, well, so they're out salting before school starts and that's usually on an overtime basis. So it's a combination of manpower which is a contractual overtime rate to cover in for absences and this particular year because of the amount of either snow
080days or snow related events. >> So so through the chair that's you know a million dollars on custodial overtime and a half a million on transportation. With the custodial any guess at how much of that is like we're hoping for a better uh we're hoping for better attendance or or for better coverage so that all the overtime isn't not needed versus like the snow budget. Do we know like what that's worth through the chair? >> Ms. Casalva. >> So through the chair uh we can do a report on specifics, but I would imagine that the majority of that is was the snow removal just because of the amount of storms that we had and the coverage that we needed for that. >> So perhaps on custodial we're taking less of a leap of faith about
081um our overtime. Okay, thank you. >> Ms. Miranda. >> One of the things I I hope that we are covering in the custodial overtime salaries is um the time to get schools ready to open up again and I know that's that's always um sometimes a last minute thing to catch up and some custodians have to leave their building go to another building and help out. So I'm hoping that through the chair that we're still including that overtime for them to do that. >> Ms. Casalva. >> Through the chair that is correct. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Johnson number Johnson. >> Yeah. Um through the chair to administration just in regards to the old overtime with custodial or whatever. Are we seeing also an increase with our new schools opening and um the buildings being rented
082more for special occasions to where we need to have you know, administration or custodians there in regards to those events. >> Through the years, so the answer to that is yes, but it's not reflected in this account because that's passed on to the rentor and that's handled through a special revenue account. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Motion is approved. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Yes. Member Being Caria? >> Yes. >> Member Benenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCauley? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Next is maintenance services overtime. Page 196. Did I get that right? 196. All set? Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Being Caria? >> Yes. >> Member Benenda?
083>> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCauley? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Support overtime, page 197. Okay. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Being Caria? >> Yes. >> Member Benenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCauley? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. We're on special revenue accounts. Nutritional program, page 222. Any questions on that? Okay, we'll do roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Benanda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? Vice Chair McCollough? >> Yes. >> Member
084Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. We have grant programs on page 224 to 238. Member Mailman? >> So through the chair, can you just um These are title one. This is not grants that we apply. None of these dollars through the chair are grants. These are all federal grant dollars. >> Ms. Gonsalves? >> Through the chair, correct. These are entitlements. So through the chair, can you We we're adding three grant positions. If I understood the administrative when we were um So where are those grant Can we see the additional, you know, non- entitlements? I lost track of where that line is. So we must have a line in here somewhere for grants other than federal entitlements. >> Mr. Allen? >> And I lost track of where it is. >> Through the chair, so
085the the school committee policy on grants that dates back 15 or so years is that all of the entitlement grants show up in the budget book and all other grants compared to the grants and so forth were approved as they're awarded on the school committee agenda. Generally speaking, these are the accounts that would have positions in them. The other accounts generally would not have positions in them. >> So through the chair then the three positions we're adding are to manage these >> Through the chair, I don't know what three positions you're referring to. >> All right, I'll hold my question and ask it later. >> Okay. Okay, anybody else? >> Or forget my question until I find it. >> I just have Mr. Chairman, I just have a clarifying question. When when we take the
086roll call here, are we taking a roll call on all these from 224 to 238 or we going through each of them? >> No, correct. 224 to 238. >> Okay. >> All set then? Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? Yes. Member Beancaria? >> Yes. >> Member Benenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> No. >> Vice Chairman McCauley? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Other special revenue funds, page 141 to 143. Okay, all set? Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? No. Member Biancheria? >> Yes. >> Member Vinenda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yeah. >> Member Melmear? >> No. >> Vice Chair McCauley? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. Okay, it
087brings us to the end of the budget. >> Could I ask >> So, the motion >> of Ms. Pickney. >> Member Biancheria? >> Thank you. Um I I one of those that actually reads about the schools and what they're costing. So, I look at this and each individual page tells the summary, which I think is terrific and the staffing and the category. And I I I am so compelled to talk about this because it's amazing to me. What are we doing for our electric bill? Some schools are reasonable, but it appears that the bill is astronomical in some of them. I know Doherty has no panels as of yet. So, they're still looking at uh 400 almost half a million dollars in an electric bill. But, South High has panels. It and we went up
088200,000. So, the it I'm just trying to figure out what we're doing. >> Ms. Pickney, follow up. >> So, through the chair, let me go back and look at those cuz I do see some numbers that are varied. So, I can certainly run a follow-up report for that. >> That would be excellent. I really would appreciate it. I I mean at this point, I don't have a solution and I'm just throwing it out there that when we look at how we spend our money just in keeping our schools running, it's uh becoming very, very expensive. >> Through the chair, I just want to add that there are schools that the city gives us solar credits for from the landfill solar that we apply to different schools. And so, we have picked schools it So, some
089schools may look lower than they actually are because we're applying the city's solar credits from the landfill. >> That that perhaps is why it is such a variation in that, but certainly if you can provide some type of feedback on that, I'd appreciate it. >> Okay, so on the report >> very much. >> On the report requested, those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Remember Mailman. >> Through the chair, thank you. I found that item I and non-instructional salaries Office of Finance and Operations on the line um it's a 13% increase in that line item and uh is expected to support the following four positions, grant developers, three. >> Miss Miss Consalvo. >> So, through the chair, those those positions have been in the budget, those are not new. They've been in the budget for several
090years. >> The increase reflects the anticipated level of funding and is expected to support it. >> those are the existing through the chair, got you. Thank you. Got you. >> Miss The motion is to approve the uh fiscal 2026-2027 budget for $623,811,068. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. Yes. Member Bianculli. >> Yes. >> Member Benenda. >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola. >> Yes. >> Member Johnson. >> Yes. >> Member Mailman. >> Yes. >> Vice Chair McCollough. >> Yes. >> Member Roy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now, um vote for reconsideration. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. No. Member Biancheria. >> No. >> Member Bananda. >> No. >> Member Guardiola. >> No. >> Member Johnson. >> No. >> Member Mailman. >> No. >> Vice Chair McCollough. >> No. >> Member Roy. >> No. >> Mayor
091Petty. >> No. Okay, we are Motion is to go now go to executive session pursuant to Massachusetts General Law purpose 7 to comply with and act upon authority of any any general or special law including the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law related to the review of executive session minutes for the meeting that occurred in 2024, 2025, and June 4, 2026. And we will return to open session after executive session. Roll Roll call. >> Member Alvarez. Yes. Member Biancheria. >> Yes. >> Member Bananda. >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola. >> Yes. >> Member Johnson. >> Yes. >> Member Mailman. >> Yes. Vice Chair McCollough. >> Yes. >> Member Roy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Petty. >> Yes. Ms. Consalvo, thank you. Nice budget presentation. And you know a lot, so keep up the
092great work. Thank you.