001Recording in progress. >> Uh good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the school committee meeting regarding uh a finance committee on the budget. Um so we're going to start right away on the budget um departments. Prior to do so, anybody have any comments? Member being carrier? >> Thank you. Um when I look at this budget, I figure we're better than this. Uh we're very top-heavy. We have directors, assistant directors, supervisor, coordinators, managers, administrative directors. We need to take a look at what we're doing. We have 49 listed under that. We need to increase our programs, not so much our top-heaviness. Um we we're closing Dr. Caradonio's New Citizen building, and um we still have an experienced coordinator for new citizens along with a supervisor and a manager. We have an HR and payroll in the last 5
002years, we combined the two. And now we have two directors, an assistant superintendent, and 23 people. We also now have 2 million plus for culture and climate programs and staff. We have a transportation department that will have new routes, and we need to discuss and determine funding, including the 1.5 miles versus 2 miles. Also, we have a district that will have transportation increasing for out of district. On page 13, it reads new initiatives, coordinated efforts to bring some schools level to others. However, others are not receiving any value. We have schools that are not growing. They have the lowest graduation rate, and staff numbers are decreasing. Middle schools with no pathways. How are we going to pique a student's interest and keep them interested to stay and be connected if we're not looking at that?
003Elementary schools still are without a focus coach. I will say I am impressed with the literacy tutors being reinstated, a classroom improvement. Graduation expenses restored for high school and middle schools. This reflects a meaningful need. Keeping our classrooms to the size of 21 ratio. Thank you. Gear up reinstated through 2032. Thank you. And we also need to recognize the one-time free cash from the city budget. Reminder that is tax dollars of the people of Worcester. I am asking for some tough decisions on this budget. We have already had changes of reallocation of funds. I make a motion of reallocation of 500,000 to ensure we have the equity in all of our schools to provide teachers and the pathways for middle schools to reinstate reinstate pathways and growth but not high. Cover the bright program at
004Burncoat High School with an expanding program at North High. And Worcester Tech needs to increase per student for nursing supplies because they are looking at shops, field trips, and a number of public people coming in and out. Whether they're going to the bistro, they're having that services, they're having the car fix. >> Okay. >> This is what we're looking at. Our investments, adjustments, alignment with college and career pathways is very important. >> Okay. We got top heavy budget. We need options. Thank you. >> We get to those items in the in the budget. You can you can make those motions then. Um you don't need to make the motion now, but >> No, just out of order. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. So, we'll go through these items. So, the first one up is retirement on
005page 198. Okay, any questions on that? Um member Millman? >> Uh so, if I can just ask to start, if we are we going to we are only ask we're not going to have any presentation on any of these items. We'll just ask questions on each item. >> Do you want to have you have I'm sorry. Do you have an opening statement anywhere? >> well, through the chair. Uh I can certainly do a quick overview of each account if that's all >> Okay, what's Okay. >> What's I know yeah. Sure. Whatever's yep. >> Are you prepared to do that for each one of these? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh so, through the chair the retirement um account is the fund that shares the city retirements um pension obligation system. Um and with
006that it also includes the Layuna uh pension fund as well. And if you'll notice on there, it is a uh 0% increase essentially. And this includes the uh city retirement system and does not include the non the MTRS portion. >> It's pretty straightforward. Anybody have any questions? Member Millman? >> So, I think I ask this usually, but um th- this is an assessment to us. So, regardless of what's negotiated in our contracts, we um How do we Do we just use last year's numbers? We don't There's no real calculation that the school side does? >> Through the chair, that's correct. The calculation is processed in the city auditor's department and it's based on the end of September salaries from September of 2025. That gives us the assessment. >> thank you. >> Okay. So, anybody else?
007You don't need to stand. It's all right. >> Thank you. >> Member being carried. >> Thank you. Um how many employees are covered by grants um for this year? You had mentioned that federal grants provide funding to cover the retirement obligations of employees paid with grant funds. >> Sure, through the chair, um the grants uh fund about 300 employees through the district. >> And those employees are not necessarily They never worked under the grant department. It's more or less a grant that grants that come in that we use for that. >> Through the chair, majority of our school based. >> Okay. And then we had a difference of 21%. So, in in FY5 uh FY25, excuse me, and 26. So, I was just wondering why 25 was so low and then we jumped back up
008for 26 and 27. >> Uh through the chair, I believe that was the year that we were um changing our uh employees to be recruited prior to the start of the school year. Uh we had more positions in place in September, which would make the amount slightly higher. >> Okay. Thank you. >> What's that? >> Okay, we are all set then. So, motion is to approve. All those in favor, oppose, so ordered. Okay, we are on next is transportation. On page 199. Ms. Conciovi. You want to give us a brief background on that? >> Through the chair, sorry. Uh so through the chair, this account is for our district operated transportation. Uh we are running approximately 101 full-size routes, 76 mid-size routes, 22 um wheelchair routes, and 45 midday. Uh this account is going up
009approximately 4.5%. We see a increase in the special education out of um district. The primary source of that increase is our transitions program, which are in city, uh but we're increasing to approximately 20 vans, um and have increased to 20 vans for this current school year. Uh McKinney-Vento, we're seeing a slight decrease um due to the work that uh Mr. Freeman and his transportation team are doing when we're going through our procurement, um and we're requesting quotes from three vendors, we're seeing that actually come to fruition uh and lower costs. Uh and then our district operated um line item is increasing due to the majority of fuel costs. Okay, any questions on transportation? All those in favor? Oppose, so ordered. Okay. Athletic ordinary maintenance on page 201. >> So through the chair, this account is
010specific to athletics. Uh non-salary coaches are in a separate account um in the front in salaries, but this account uh includes game salaries and officials, any of the dues and memberships, maintenance and equipment, um athletic rentals, some of our contractual services, and then it's offset by the revenue, uh, that we receive for gate receipts. >> It's pretty much the same as last year, except for the increase. Okay. Member of the area, member McCollum. >> Thank you. Um, >> Go ahead. >> Through the chair, could we also do the athletic salaries as well after this? >> Sure. Okay. >> I'll say Okay. >> So, athletic salaries is on page, uh, three, one 169. So, we can do them together. >> Okay. Um, when I look at page 202, um, it gives the, um, descriptions. I had
011a couple of questions on that. For dues, membership, and insurance coverage, um, is there a reason why we ended up from 74 to 98, and then we're going down to 85? Are we looking for, uh, at a difference in what? If you could just help us out on that. >> Uh, so, through the chair, the MIAA is increasing, and we also added a Central Mass Mass Athletic Conference as well. Um, >> Okay. Okay. >> And then, um, when we look at athletic rentals, this is this line provides ice time to varsity junior, and a pool is located at the Boys & Girls Club. I was wondering if we're not using the North Bridge High School indoor track rental, it's not listed there. Are we no longer using that? >> Through Through the chair, I do
012have that as a line item, but I'll defer to, um, David Shea, the athletic director. >> So, through the chair, um, in previous years, we had to rent North Bridge High School for our, uh, indoor track. Now, in the formation of the new league, North Bridge is part of our new league, so we didn't have to have the rental fee. They uh, um it's part of the league expenditure now. >> Excellent. That's a good way to do that. Thank you. And um how are we doing with crew? Do we have any crew out there? I know we had the I boats um but do we have any crew >> teams out there right now? >> So, through the chair, we have all the supplies needed. Uh we do have uh a small number of student
013athletes that are interested in crew. Currently, what we are trying to find are coaches for crew. Um we have explored uh other high schools that may have volunteer or assistant coaches that may want to become crew head coaches. We have also reached out to the Worcester Consortium on the collegiate level and we've asked um colleges like Assumption, Holy Cross, WPI if they have any coaches that may be interested uh because we do have four stipends for two novice and two varsity crew. So, if we can have that come to fruition, um crew will be up and running again. >> So, we still have a crew booster club. Are they helping at all recruiting, finding anyone, looking for this, being involved in any way? >> Through the chair, they are. And what we're currently doing for
014those student athletes that are interested in crew, we have worked with Lake Quinsigamond Rowing to try to keep them actively involved. So, what we do is we pay a stipend per student uh through the booster club stipend that we have so that those students um can continue to row and then in the hope that we can uh solidify a coach moving forward. >> Okay. Um I'd make a motion that we uh keep track of how we're doing with our crew and if we are um is have established that we have a coach because I think it's a terrific sport. It uh certainly is a local sport. It's there. Uh we we're fortunate that we have Lake Quinsigamond in the use of it and they're always out there. Every day I go by and there's kids
015out there having a great time. So, I don't want to see our kids missing out because we don't have a coach. So, if we could um, then have not knowledge of what is occurring with that cuz it has worked out well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Last Last question I have on this is, um, we always ask every year, we try to keep up with um, what we're doing with equipment and I didn't see too much written about the equipment. So, I was just wondering how we were doing with, um, the equipment, whether it be baseball, football, what, you know, whatever. >> Mr. Shea. >> Through the chair, we've been very fortunate over the years, um, through either Mr. Allen as the CFO and or now, uh, Mrs. Cassavo, um, we have been very blessed
016with our, um, supplies, uniform, and equipment budget. Um, we also, as you have read in the paper, we for our middle school sports, we just received a $50,000 grant through the Play Ball Foundation. So, um, we over the years have requested certain, uh, positions for salaries and stipends for our coaches and also, um, we've also requested certain things that our coaches have needed for the equipment and supplies and we have been fortunate through school committee and the business office to be able to obtain those, uh, purchases. So, we feel, uh, very confident with where we are with our uniform supplies and equipment as of right now. >> And isn't that 50,000 that's tied in with, um, IDA? Joe Earley, correct? Is that how that all >> The 50,000, uh, excuse me, through the chair, the
017$50,000 is a Play Ball grant specifically for the, um, the middle schools. >> Middle schools. >> Mr. Shea. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. McCauley. >> Thank you, through the chair. The only question that I have about this is, um, there's an outstanding item regarding section A game salaries and officials, um, with ticket managers, ticket sellers, ticket takers, clock operators, things like that. I know I've had a conversation with Mr. Shea about this as well that we seem to be lagging behind in comparison to other districts with that and I'm curious if this 3% increase reflects that at all because I'm not sure that that would but perhaps it does through the chair to um Ms. Gonsalves. >> Uh, through the chair um, this line item increases based on the MIAA increase of
018rates so they should be comparable. >> Thank you. >> Member Johnson, followed by member Mailman. >> Yes, thank you. Through the chair to administer I just have one question. I I see in here um under dues and membership the Colonial League dues. Are we still in a I thought we were in a new league that was created through the chair. >> Mr. Shea. >> Through the chair that would be uh, when we formed the new league the Cal dues would no longer. >> So that that's not applicable that's in the book. Okay, we're not paying dues to that. >> Through the chair that is correct. We now instead of the Colonial Athletic League we have the Central Mass Athletic Conference uh, dues that we pay. >> That there's dues associated with that through the chair.
019Is what you're saying? >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. I have no other questions. >> Member Mailman. >> I just I just Just clarifying to uh, member Biancuria's question. So last year there was an additional 12,000 12 or 13,000 in fees in um, expenses for what? Did you say? >> Ms. Gonsalves. >> Through the chair for line D uh, we had insurance coverage um we had dues and memberships the MIAA increase. Uh, I can certainly provide a report with specific information on that. >> I thought that was um member Bienkarya's question and I didn't hear the answer to that though. So, did you hear an answer? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Perhaps can I ask the >> Yeah. >> member Bienkarya what the what the answer she heard was? >> I would like Okay. >> Sarah? >>
020So, through the chair, it was an increase of the MIAA um along with the other membership dues as well as the insurance. But, I can certainly give you >> And then now it's coming down this year. >> Correct. Yes, I can certainly give you a report on that. >> Thank you. >> I apologize. >> Okay. >> For calling you Sarah. Sorry. >> Member Johnson? What? I didn't hear anything. Okay. Member Johnson? >> All right. I'm sorry. I I actually do have another question now that I looked at it. So, under contractual services, it talks about transportation for middle and high school programming um if uh district operated um are not available. Uh we have an issue serious issues with not having enough transportation under our own fleet for um our middle school and high school
021sports after school. Through the chair. >> Through Mr. Gonzalez. >> Through the chair, uh typically we do not have a lot of significant issues uh providing transportation, but we do keep a line item just in case uh there's an issue with scheduling. >> Mhm. Okay. Member what I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I just have another question. Student athletic training services, what is that? Through the chair, I'm sorry. Just kind of explain. >> Apologize. Could you repeat that? Sorry. >> The the the training services that that are provided by vendors. What what training services? >> So, through the chair um what we have is three different options under the contractual services. We use Coastal uh services for our EMTs. We also use Mass General. We also have UMass. And then we have um our own uh
022contractual trainers that we use in order to have fall, winter, spring athletic sports covered by MIAA standards. Um and so making sure that any games that we have under the MIAA rules and policies that have to have medical coverage we provide throughout the year. >> Thank you. I remember having this conversation a couple years ago about about that. That's That's good to hear. Thank you. I have no other questions. >> Member Benitez. >> I was just wondering again on the transportation. Have we had to um because we don't have bussing available because games and maybe the bussing's got delayed, had to um have any of the bus companies provide athletic bussing for our students? >> So through the chair, what we have is an agreement with the transportation department to have a certain amount of
023buses allotted to us per day. If we exceed that, then under ordinary maintenance letter E contractual services, we are allowed to um reach out to other bus companies such as AA Transportation, uh Knights Limo Zine, and over the summer we're coming up with a a couple other alternatives to ensure that um whether it's for the middle school or high school sports, playoffs, whatever it be, that we have the transportation. So we're working cohesively with the transportation department on that. >> So the I feel like chair, so there's a certain amount of money that is budgeted in case that happens, basically. >> Through the chair, under the contractual services, that has uh the extra money in there goes towards our EMT services and medical training services, and it also goes for the extra um transportation needed
024outside of our services. >> So, through the chair, how much money is left over for in case we have to get another bus? >> Mr. Shea. No, Mr. Salvo. >> So, through the chair, that line item includes approximately $25,000 for athletic transportation just for when it's needed. >> In case we need that. So, through the chair, if we don't use that, is the athletic department able to use that for other things that they might need? >> So, through the chair, we meet with athletics throughout the spring and some of those funds go through equipment and the supply needs that he was referring to. >> Oh, so perfect. So, through the chair, the money then is able to stay with the athletic department for their needs. Perfect. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, we have a
025motion to approve. Well, with the motion by Ms. Biancheria, take those accordingly. Those in favor? Opposed? So ordered. Okay. The motion was to put back on where we have the crew um volunteers. Right? You want an update on the crew, Ms. Biancheria? Is that what you asked for? You asked for keeping an update on crew, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah, okay. So, uh we are going to athletic salaries on page 169. Okay. >> So, through the chair, this account includes all of the coaching salaries along with um middle school and the intramurals and the athletic liaisons uh the district. This account has gone up uh approximately 5% and includes uh the addition of unified basketball, unified track teams, additional freshman volleyball teams, and additional indoor and outdoor track teams. >> Member uh Mailman? >>
026Through the chair, is is this the only salary account we're going to take tonight? >> Uh no, we have more coming up. We have We have We have a bunch of them. Tonight? Oh, we uh are these the whole thing? Well, yeah, we might not We might not get to them, but yeah. It's on the list here. >> Okay, I thought we were >> Could be close, but Okay, motion to approve. Those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Okay, that's done. We are on health insurance, page 203. >> So, through the chair, this account includes all of the district's health insurance costs for our active uh and retiree employee. Um these are all of the premium costs. It also includes uh the employer share of any life insurance and our Medicaid insurance costs. Uh this account
027uh the the health insurance premiums have been increased by 8%, uh but the overall increase of the account is 10%. >> Okay, member McCollough. >> Thank you, through the chair. And looking at um section A with the health insurance, I just wanted to ask a question to administration. I don't know if any of my colleagues have gotten calls today from any of our city of Worcester employees, the Worcester Public Schools employees, about um the announcement that as of July 1st, Caremark under their Caremark plan, the city of Worcester has opted to no longer cover weight management and anti-obesity medications, which impacts a significant amount of our staff. Um do we have any recourse as uh the school committee or the school district to advocate to the city of Worcester or are our hands tied based
028on the city of Worcester's requirements through the chair? >> Mr. Allen. Through the chair, so uh we're really uh tied to the city's decision in that regard. The city did meet with the uh insurance advisory commission, presented the two options, one keeping the plan and one was without the plan. The plan the cost with keeping the plan was a 14% premium increase. This is an 8% premium increase. The insurance advisory commission supported the city's decision to uh offer the plans without the medication. >> I certainly hope that the city will reconsider that down the road because I think it benefits a lot of people in a lot of different ways, but thank you for answering. >> Mr. Melendez. >> Um I'd agree with that concept, but everywhere I hear of, nobody's covering this and it's
029just, you know, um this seems to be the largest health insurance through the chair, the health insurance increase we've seen in five or six years. Um through the chair, do we and we're we're budgeting an 11% increase, although you're telling us the city says 8%. Can you explain the delta? >> Sure. So, through this uh through the chair, this line item also includes the level funding of federal grants. So, that is essentially most of the delta of that 11% along with some new enrollments uh that we've received this year that are electing into the health insurance coverages. >> Increasing. People are increasingly taking our insurance. >> Through the chair, that is correct. >> Yeah. That's Yeah. >> I'll sit. >> Okay, thank you. >> Okay, motion to approve. All those in favor. Ms. Biancheria. >>
030Thank you. Uh through the chair, uh uh on D on page 204 for health insurance workers compensation, we have health insurance for non-active employees. Does Do we have a number on that, Mrs. Consalvo? >> Mrs. Consalvo? >> Uh through the chair, I believe the number is approximately 50 staff, but I can certainly confirm that. >> I won't make a motion. I just whether you send that in a Friday letter or an update is fine with me. Thank you, thank you. >> Member Milman, I'm before member member Johnson. >> Officer. >> Um I I thought there was a um open item in regards to workman's comp. Am I correct? Didn't I see something regarding workman's comp, um member Milman? That was your item. >> Um >> Yeah, under the other category of comp, not under this
031health insurance item for comp. >> Just wanted to clarify. That's all. >> Okay. >> And just a point of order, as as we go through these, um chair, do we we don't we're not approving these because any if we decided is that correct? >> we looked at them. Everything is open until we take the final budget vote. >> Right. So, if we were if we were going to make any transfers, it's not going to be till the end, so >> Correct. >> Okay. >> It would be nice to know ahead of time if that's the idea of people when we're on the subject matter. If people have some transfers they want to make that we can Mr. Allen can prepare himself. Not for the last night of the meeting, but prior to that would be
032nice, so. >> Well, I mean, salaries are the biggest and my understanding was we were doing all salaries at the next meeting and that's obviously the largest >> likely, yes. >> part of our budget, so I don't and it's it's too bad we are meeting not till June 25th, but it is what it is. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Okay, motions to approve. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Work and comp and working comp salary and non-salary 205. >> So, through the chair, this account covers the any workman's compensation benefits to our district employees, whether it's a salary and they are not able to work or whether it's a medical expense service costs. This line item also covers the management fee as we are underneath the city of Worcester's contract for
033these services. >> Okay. It's pretty straightforward. Same as every year. Remember mailman? >> Sorry. Through the chair, so our expenditures were I think we've listened to this consistently that comp is coming up and our expenditures are coming up, yet we're budgeting a smaller amount than last year. >> So, through the chair, that is correct. We are seeing a slight increase for FY26. However, we are hopeful that FY27 and some of the parameters that we're trying to put into place will be a little bit less of a budget than we saw this year. >> Thank you. >> You Those in favor to approve? Those in favor? Opposed? So, ordered. Okay. We are on personal services, page 206. >> So, through the chair, this line item this account includes a significant amount of line items all the
034way from professional development to community partnerships. The largest increases or or differences that you'll see in this account is the legal consultation, special education services and along with the data line that's there. So, happy to take any questions. >> Okay. Any questions? Member of the agenda? >> Uh a few questions. Uh the first one is and I know we use the um assistant solicitor for a few things. Um but why do we have to pay for additional funding to support a designating assistant solicitor? Why isn't the city paying for the solicitor instead of us adding to that to the chair? >> Through the chair. So, we've had a number of conversations both at uh the school committee level and uh with the city manager. We've talked about the delay in getting some of our contracts
035because of the volume approved so through the law department. We talked to the city about amending our schedule 19 agreement with the city to include potentially the law department. Um that we're not um close to reaching the alternative cuz at the end of the day it would be a net of the same difference. The alternative is for us to fund a dedicated person in the city's law department to work exclusively on the Worcester Public Schools contracts. And so, the city manager has included it in his FY27 budget with an offset of funding to come from the Worcester Public Schools. >> Through the chair. So, we're kind of sharing that salary then or >> Through the chair. We're We'd be funding the entire salary and it would be dedicated fully to us for our contracts. >>
036So, so through the chair. So, that person would be located at City Hall or >> So, we're still discussing with the city manager those arrangements. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. Uh the other thing I'm wondering about which uh last year when this came up too, was the graduation expenses, and I appreciated that this year uh the schools didn't have to pay for their own graduation expenses. And I see that it was a one-time free cash. So, does that mean that this next year that the school is going to have to pay for the graduation expenses through the chair? >> Ms. Consalvo. Ms. Arroyo. >> So, through the chair uh that is correct. FY '26 included uh the allocation from the city. Uh so, those funds are all through the general fund through this line item
037for this year and for next year as well. They've been restored to this account. >> Okay. Well, I think through the chair uh some schools have more students graduating than others, right? And so >> Through the chair. So, we agreed with the sentiment coming out of last year's budget that it'd be difficult because all schools collect different amount of rental income and have a different impact, and we've made agreements with some of the schools on how to use those rental income to support replacement of equipment that is being constantly used by the community or by other groups. And so, the expectation is that the rental income is to re- uh to be used to replace that equipment. And so, we agreed with your sentiment that uh it was unfair to the schools to also assess
038them the charge of the DCU rental. So, we've restored those charges. As I think most of you know, next year uh the DCU is moving us all of the schools into the arena side, and so this line item is does not necessarily reflect the increased cost yet, but we're still working with the DCU on what the cost for next year would be to move all schools to the arena side. >> But, thank you on that. Then, my last question was on the special ed web-based platform. Uh for I'm assuming it looks like students in the home- homebound or hospital instruction. So, is that a Is this a one-time cost for this or is this through the chair something that will be yearly cost for this program? >> Ms. Consalvo. >> So, through the chair, this
039line item includes um the Gold Book Gold Book services that were previously funded uh by the IDEA grant. We are anticipating that this line would continue in the general fund moving forward and and not necessarily revert back to the IDEA. This line also includes um the the New England Center for Children. Uh that is a new uh contract for us this year. >> Through the chair, can you explain I forgot what the New England Center was actually doing for us? >> Uh Ms. Ms. Burke. >> chair, um that's the work we're doing in the sale classrooms. >> Okay. >> So, we're going to this year we're going to um do some additional work with um you know, working on direct behavior interventions, training, and do some more work with our traff- uh staff training, and
040professional development. >> And through the chair, the rest cuz that was 141% increase, so that's why I'm looking at that item. Um so, will the deaf and hard of hearing services and also home and hospital be participating in that also or is that something separate there? Through the chair. >> So, through the chair, that line also includes uh the tutoring for the homebound services as well as um some minimal amount for speech services, but the audiologist services has been transferred uh to the salary I believe for at the beginning of this year. >> Okay, thank you. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Remember Melman. >> Thank you. Um through the chair, just to go back to that legal item. I mean I just um would have hoped that we could fund our own I I I
041think I understood you say we wouldn't be able to fund our own legal position. Like I don't it should certainly this person should certainly be seated in our office, but you're if it's if if the agreement is this person is solely dedicated to Worcester Public School work, that's better, I guess. But it it doesn't feel like we have control of this and I don't understand why. Could you explain that again? >> Certainly. Because legally all the contracts are actually signed by the city manager. And so this employee still is an employee of the city manager because he is the one that authorizes all procurement contracts in the city. >> Okay. So we haven't thought of a way to think of something differently. There's There's a way. >> Change the charter. There's another case to be
042made for that. Thank you. Um and then also on this special education service it's confusing me, too. So is the is the Is there a federal expenditure for a IDEA that was covered that is not covered anymore? Is that what's happening here? >> Ms. Consalvo. >> Through the chair, that is correct. There is one contract that was previously funded through IDEA, that is no longer. >> And what what services were those through the chair? >> Uh through the chair, I will put that over to the Gold Book. >> Ms. Mori. >> Through the chair, that was a Gold Book. Gold Book, which is the service that we use to help write IEPs, to monitor progress, and to support um our educators on um some instructional materials as well. >> So, everybody across the nation had
043that? >> Through Through the chair, I can add to the So, as the federal grants are essentially level funded and our costs are going up, things have to come out of the grant in order for us to continue those services. That's what you're seeing here. And so, at at some point we're going to have to move positions out of the grant uh Oh, so as long as the federal branch remain level funded, not increasing at the rate the costs are increasing, things are going to have to come out of the grant and move over to the general fund in order to still provide those services. And so, that's what's happening in this case. >> Okay, so it's not necessarily a cut, the problem is level funding that is cutting up. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank
044you, Ms. Biancheria. >> Thank you. Um when we look at page 208 and you're looking at data transformation and analysis services, the line funds a strategic partnership, the contracted vendor to enhance the capabilities of the office of research and accountability. And the dollar amount there is 110,000. But then when you look at page Uh Give me a second. Page 212, um we have down instructional material school-based and it's $75 per student, so we're looking at some dollars there. And then we have in B on page 212, accountability and research, 169,000. So, that entire bill is uh 279,000. So, that's for services and supplies. >> So, through the chair, this is a recommendation to convert a position uh to an external vendor consultant for the continuation of the district services that provide the data automation um
045and some of the analytics for the school leadership teams. Uh the other I'm sorry, what page were you referring to? >> 212. >> It shows um accountability and research $169,000 and $5. >> So, through the chair, that line item includes a small amount for the department support as well as the um ecosystem platform that we are looking to do for next fiscal year. >> Does that have anything to do with IA? AI, excuse me. Sorry. >> Mr. O'Connell. >> Uh through the chair, no. >> Okay. All right, then um then we um community partnerships. We had talked about what we planned on doing for the next couple of years. Are we looking at um what we can talk about as far as what the benefits are for our community partnerships. At some point, I I
046would make a motion that we hear in reference to the Worcester Educational Development Foundation and the Latino Education Institute and give them an opportunity to come in and speak to us in reference to the services that they provide. Make a motion on that and then um I did mention the graduation. Thank you for doing that. I think that's a That's how it should be. Appreciate that. And I thought that DCU had some community days that we weren't sup- that were offered to the community to come in so they weren't services that we had to pay for each time. Is that just a one-shot deal, one night that they're talking about for that? >> Mr. O'Connell. >> Through the chair, as we work with the DCU, I know they're going to be giving us a discounted
047rate for the use of the arena because all the schools will be there. We're We're still having our conversations with the DCU. We'll come back once the FY27 rates are confirmed. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Also, number Mailman. >> Sorry. Through the chair, I made a note on this about after-school programs. Um if I'm not sure that we're have any providers in our schools like I know we used to at Wawecus and maybe others. Is that under here? Would that be community partnerships? Where are those dollars? >> Mr. Allen. Through the chair. Really, we should give you a kind of report of We do still have providers in our schools, and we can provide where they are and what we're doing to enhance other after-school programs. We're currently seeking external funding sources to support out-of-school
048time grants and so forth. So, perhaps in the fall we can come back with a more comprehensive report of how our schools are being used in the after-school out-of-school time hour. >> Yeah, that's that's definitely an area I would like to see us focus on. But, where are those dollars in this budget for the the limited things that we're doing right now? >> So, in some of those cases, those are fee-based programs that the providers are collecting. We're just making our space available to them. It's not a cost directly to our budget. >> Yeah, cuz you Okay, got it. Thank you. Thank you. >> So, we have a motion to approve all of the motions. Those in favor, opposed, so ordered. Okay. We are on special ed, page 209. >> Through the chair, the special
049education tuition account includes uh several line items. Uh one includes the Central Mass Collaborative, of which we are a member. Uh line B includes all of our district uh all of our special education out of district tuition uh line item uh is included there. That line is also supplemented by uh $5.8 million of special education uh reimbursement from the circuit breaker funding. Uh and the alternative uh education out of district program is funded to serve approximately three students. Uh and we have a chapter 74 vocational out of district program line item that is funded to serve one student at this point. >> Ms. Bieniek, Ms. Millman. Remember, Millman. >> Thank you. Did you call me first? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um thank you. So, um I think a lot of people here and community wants
050to have a better understanding of the the dollars. So, with the alternative school and the other program, which um that is moving to the collab versus the programs that are coming in here. What can you through the chair can you talk about the per pupil expenditure for for the collab? And then how many students are we increasing here? >> Ms. Consalvo. >> So, through the chair uh our um analysis of the per pupil costs for the Worcester Alternative Program for FY '27 uh based on the 36 students in the programmatic costs were per per pupil were $74,000. Uh the Central Mass Collaborative, the CMA program, will be a cost of $40,000. So, that's a difference of approximately almost 35,000. >> So through the chair, I'm confused that the salaries are staying. The The people that
051are working in for the alternative school right now are staying in the district. So those we're not saving on those salaries. >> So Mr. Saville. >> So through the chair, those positions have been reduced, but the staff will be shifted to open positions. >> Right. So their salaries are not saved. What is the rental cost? What was the rental cost of the building? >> Through the chair though, I just want to make sure we understand that the the the people are going to fill vacant positions, so there are savings. >> The people are going to fill vacant positions, which we budgeted for, I would imagine, right? >> not budgeting the positions at the alternative school, so those positions go away. The people go fill other vacant positions that are elsewhere in the district. So we'd
052be hiring people instead of hiring them, we'd be transferring them into those positions. >> Yeah. Um how How do we Okay, I'll try to wrap my brain around that, although to me it's still if that if those dollars are 300,000, we're still spending those dollars. >> We're not >> Within the district, within the district. >> Mr. Allen. >> We're still spending salary dollars within this district. >> We would have been spending more salary dollars if we were to fill them with other people from outside of the district, the vacant positions. >> so maybe that goes into next week's questions about how about special ed salaries. That's probably Okay. Um So 36 students would cost us 74,000 within the district on a per pupil basis and that's where you come up with the two point whatever
053the number is. >> Through the chair, that's correct. >> And did that also include rental? >> Ms. Gonzalez. >> Through the chair, that is correct. The rental for that facility was $200,000. >> Okay. And through the chair the per So, our per pupil in this district overall is roughly for everybody. >> All funds, 24,000. >> 24,000. Okay. So, when we have specialty programs like the alternative school, it's going to cost us more, but you're saying to the tune of three times as much as our cost for general education. >> Ms. Gonzalez. Yep. >> Through the chair, that's correct. >> And the collab is How is the collab getting it done for 40,000 through the chair? >> Uh Ms. Dallow. Through the chair. So, they have Each of their programs has a published per pupil rate
054and that's the essentially the rate we pay them to run those programs. >> So, what is the Can you describe the uh the the services that won't that the students that are going to the collab will not have versus what they have with Worcester Public Schools? >> Ms. Murray. >> Through the chair, they will receive the same exact services that they receive in Worcester Public Schools. All services on their IEP. >> Okay. So, um you know you realize there's a lot of controversy about that and whether the collab is providing There's a you know the the teachers that are reaching out to us in the collab have a lot and the alternative school now have a lot of concern about the services that the collab provides. Just on the face of it, 74 grand per
055student versus 40 grand per student is a huge difference. Um and so it seems like or or we're just or they're we're not really understanding what their level of service Tammy, are they How can How would you I'm asking a junior league question for somebody that's not a special ed person. And the junior league question is how can we say to our families that your child is going to get the same services when it's costing us 30 something 34,000 dollars less? >> Miss Miss Murray. >> Through the chair. When you look at the IEP and we outline, you know, exactly what the services are, we go through each service at the IEP meetings and those are the services that are being provided at the collaborative. >> Member Mailman. >> So why don't we do it
056for 40,000? Through the chair. >> Dr. Murray. >> Through the chair, it would result in a significant reduction in current staff. >> Okay. So this this 36 students is going to be covered at the collab by a the same staff structure that we have in in Worcester Public Schools. >> Yes, through the chair. Um they have, you know, tend to have up to 12 students in the classroom with one teacher and one or two paraeducators in those classrooms, which is the same that we have in Worcester. >> But different than what we had at the alternative school. >> Correct. Fair? >> Dr. Murray? >> Through through the chair, there are some smaller sizes definitely at the alternative school and um at um at at at >> And then through the chair, the 36 students that
057are coming from Worcester are joining a group of Do I have this right? CMA students? CM >> Dr. Murray? >> What's the program that is >> Through the chair, the Worcester alternative students will be going to Central Mass Collaborative Central Mass Academy program. And the students that are at ACT will be going to Central Mass Collaborative's HLC Hot Well Learning Center program. >> Okay. And through the chair, have all of our um Through Have all of our alternative school students been Their families been contacted It was described to us that every all 36 of those students would have someone reach out. They would be offered the collab. They might be offered Joe Kramer depending on their IEP, I would imagine. And then there's also I think there was a third option and I'm not remembering
058what it was. >> So through the chair, um yes, that is correct. We notified all the parents through Parent Square. We've made phone calls. We've contacted them through emails and we are currently um in the process of having IEP meetings with all of the families. >> Okay. Would we through the chair, would we expect I noticed that we reduced um the budget the potential budget on fiscal '27 for um the out-of-district programs? Is it possible out of those 36 students that we might see some of those people be not happy with this option being given them actually go to out-of-district services? >> Mr. Dr. Murray. >> Is that possible? >> Can you repeat the question? Sorry. >> I'm sure it's my complete ignorance and not 100% understanding all of this, but we have out-of-district programs
059for alternative education. Is this the same alternative education we're talking about now? Line C. >> Dr. Murray. >> Through the chair, that's the recovery high school program. It's a different program. >> Okay. Okay. So, could we would we potentially All right, where So, we're hoping that our students are and families are going to be comfortable with the decision to move their students to the collab because we're going to explain that there's multiple locations because of all the reasons that you tried to explain to us. Um what is there what is the family's backup choice if those you know, is there an are there additional out-of-district alternative schools? >> So, through the chair, it varies, you know, per student, per IEP. Um I have myself have attended a lot of the meetings. Um or my assistant
060director um Gina Creamer has attended them. Um we've been in contact with the evaluation team chair people. Um the meetings are are going well once parents understand fully what their options are. Um if a parents um or family should choose to reject um you know, the um state-put option of moving to the collaborative, there are options, which we are talking through those with with families. However, um we're making it really clear that the IEP team has um developed an IEP for a public day school. So, the team, you know, feels strongly that these students belong in a public day school. However, there are options if the plan is rejected and they could even go to mediation. Okay. >> Remember Melvin? You all set? I'm sorry. Oh. Remember MP? >> Thank you, Karen. >> Thank you.
061I had the pleasure of going to the Central Mass Collaborative today and had a tour. I spoke with the staff and I thought it was very impressive. They have three to one ratio in their classroom. It looked as though everyone was busy. I visited classrooms. I spoke with staff members. I spoke to administration. I took what we had for programs and I what they are offering for programs and matched up perfectly. They did mention that they do the services for less, but it is not set up as was the public schools. And I certainly think that um at this particular time when we look at what they can offer to our students those students are going to going to be very fortunate. It is a class act and the building itself works well. There's a
062parking lot. They're open to parents. They've had days that they did open house and they will continue to do that through the month of June for an open house. So, I look forward to their success. It's how I'm looking at this and I realize that IEPs take up a lot of time and so on, but what I saw in those classrooms was amazing. So, I certainly thought it was well established. Thank you. A couple of things on the alternative education. I'm glad we're keeping the recovery high school. I think whether it's 3, 5, or 15, it is worth what we can do for our kids to help them through their endeavors. And then we have one out of district program for agricultural program. And um I'm just wondering if when we look at the chapter
06374 of if um I know we review what we offer. So at some point in time we may want to look to see what is full and what is probably in the background. So that may be something that we can take a look at in the future. Thank you. >> Okay. Motion. Remember Johnson. >> Yes, thank you. Um I I guess So we have 36 students going to CMA or CMC this year from Worcester Alternative. So we already had over 300 and something students from Worcester Public Schools over at the collaborative currently. Am I correct? Dr. Murray. >> Through the chair, currently we have two as of June 1st, we have 276 students at the collaborative. Next year we will have 385 seats at the collaborative. So that's an additional 109 seats. If you take
064into account these students that we have currently enrolled. >> And those additional through the chair, those additional 109 seats are the students going over from Alternatives Act and Yeah, act, right? >> chair, many of those students, yes. And then we always have open seats because we have students additional students coming in throughout the year. >> And through the chair, we've also asked the collaborative to add 50 Thrive seats for next year as well. >> 50 Thrive seats. Okay, I did read that somewhere. Okay. So, I guess this this isn't this isn't a budget question. I guess this is just a statement. I I would actually just make. I I think in regards to this move, um I think if there was some more communication around the difference between the two programs or the similarities between
065the two programs, um with an explanation publicly around that and kind of how this came about and what the benefits would be, I think would have gone a long way in regards to that. Um to kind of where we are now. What I will say is this is in my course of my day job at work, um for 26 years being a social worker, I've had numerous students at the collaborative and at West Alternative. And what I hear administration talking about and the the the services that are provided as far as following the IEP, 504, both pro- both educational programs do similar things. They have to follow certain things. So, the service they are I when when I hear that, I understand exactly what you're talking about just just seeing it for for years. So,
066I just think it's probably some of the other stuff that was uneasy for for individuals. And then also, um the closing of the program. I did get some questions answered already in regards to the rental of the building and all that, um prior to today. I I just have I have a question in regards to graduation. So, it's it's exchange, right? So, our students um from Worcester Alternative are going over now to the collab. Is there a plan that the students How does How is that So, the students going over there, would they still have a graduation through Worcester Public Schools for those students that we're sending over there, or is there Does it now move over to where they're part of the collab in Through the chair, they have their own graduation >> They
067have their own graduation at the collaborative. Um some students will want to come back to Worcester to walk with their class as well, so they have options. >> So, they have that option to walk with their class as well. Okay, I just had that question. Thank you. I have no other questions. >> Okay, so motions to approve. All those in favor, post so ordered. We are on um instruction materials, page 211. Ms. Consalvo. >> Through the chair, this account uh includes all of the district's instructional uh materials. Uh line A is all of the school based um funded at uh per student at a $75 per pupil rate, along with a dollar per pupil rate for elementary recess supplies. Uh line B is our district-wide instructional material line item for the various offices uh and
068the different programs for the for the district. Uh line C is the district curriculum. This line includes um curriculum for the multilingual uh new that was this year, mathematics, English language arts, history, and some additional new special education curriculum. Uh and then line D is a line item for uh district student furniture in the actual schools for replacement schedules. >> Okay. Remember Mailman? >> Thank you. Through the chair, this does not include any IT expenditures. Is that correct? Chromebooks and stuff like that. >> Ms. Consuelo. >> Through the chair, this line this account does not include Chromebooks. >> And through the chair, has there been any and I don't even know if this is where it would be, but has there been any consideration in the the the move to open up some libraries again
069for particularly the schools that don't have large PTO bank accounts to fund books for those libraries through the chair? >> Through the chair. So, we've been working with that library coalition about best ways to procure additional materials for the schools. I don't have a full report for you right now. I think that's still a work in progress. So, but that is something that we're working with that coalition on how to increase the collection, to look through the collection collections at the current schools and take out what may be old materials and replenish replenish it with newer materials. So, we'll work continue working with the group on that. And seeking external funding sources for it. We've recognized we recognize that furniture and materials for libraries are probably the most expensive part of doing this initiative. We've
070taken care of the staffing piece now. At least we get the foundation established. We'll be working on materials and furniture going forward. >> Yeah, I'm happy about that and I just think that it's going to be more difficult for certain schools to raise those money for books than others. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Remember Bedanda? Remember Vera? >> Just a few questions. The first one is um on the district IEP line. Only 25,000. Is that through the chair, is that also repair of instruments? >> Um Ms. Ms. Consalvo? >> So, through the chair, yes, that is correct. >> Seems that just seems a little, you know, we have more and more students playing in in the bands and that's what we want. Uh and it just seems like, I mean, is is that the
071amount that we use this year and that's why we have it at 25,000? >> Through the chair, that has been a consistent amount for the last couple years. We can certainly check into that. >> I think if you don't mind, I would like if we could check into that because a student can't play an instrument that's broken and we want we want as many students as we can for instruments. So, the accountability and research line through the chair, 169005, is that the total number because on page 208, I thought under personal services, I'm not sure if this is that or technology, but it says um it's complex data into intuitive reports and actionable dashboards that allow the district to identify critical patterns and translate technical findings. I was assuming that was also the accountability and
072research office. So, is it actually 169 plus the 110? >> Ms. Consalvo? >> So, through the chair, it is separate. The 169 includes uh some funding for the department, uh just their annual allocation, as well as some funds that were transitioned, reallocated to this line item for the ecosystem platform uh that we are have been discussing uh for FY27. >> Okay, great. Thank you. And then my one question was I love seeing this um on district curriculum and on the furniture that we got the one-time free cash. So we have to really thank the city manager for that. But my question is last year what was the total amount of free cash that we received from the city? >> Ms. Gonsalves. >> Through the chair. January of this year? Is that >> Yes, thank you.
073>> 3.8 million. >> Thank you. >> 3.8 million. >> 3.89 million. >> Yes. >> Right? Through the chair, do you think that we'll be able to get any free cash for the budget going forward or is that something we have to work out as we need it? >> It's still out. Through the chair, you as you know I meet with the city manager on a monthly basis. We discuss a whole bunch of funding needs for the schools, facilities, MSBA projects, operation budget and so forth and certainly I think the number as he presented to the city council recently showed the amount of free cash that he's provided to the schools over the last couple of years which is extraordinary and we very much appreciate his partnership to support not only our facilities needs but our
074operational needs through free cash when when he has the funds available. >> Well, I just want to make sure then that we again say that we really appreciate the fact that the free cash helped out with curriculum and also district furniture. Thank you. >> Thank you. Melvin Keria. >> Thank you. This is a fun page on 212 when we look at the instructional material school based, we have $75 per pupil for instructional supplies and that is mandated. That that is set by the state forest. Is that correct? >> Through the chair, that is not necessarily set by the state. That's a district allocation. >> That is the district decision. Okay. So as a district decision, we also include an additional $1 per pupil for elementary recess supplies, correct? >> Through the chair, that is correct.
075>> Okay. So I would make a motion that we receive a listing of from our schools our elementary schools on how they're spending those funds because we've had in the past um questions in reference to what the kids are doing during recess and it is becoming um a discussion for our middle schools to have more of a period of time for recess. So I think that would be a good idea if we found out how we're utilizing that money. Um along with school-based instructional technology is we'll say it's 400,000. Can I have an example of what that would be? >> Mr. Consalvo. >> Through the chair, can you repeat the question? >> Sure. Under the B, which is instructional materials district-wide, we have school-based instructional technology and it's 400,000. It's 399,750. So I was just
076trying to narrow down what we are actually looking at for school-based instructional technology. >> So through the chair, that line is specific to our educational or innovation technology department um, and it includes a variety of platforms. >> Okay. >> It's the actual platform component. >> So, it could Could I have a example of that, please? >> Uh, through the chair, ST Math is included in that line item as an example. >> Okay. And that covers us for the year. >> Through the chair, that is correct. >> I didn't see anything else in the budget book, unless I'm mistaken that would also be under instructional technology. That's That's the bulk of it right there, right? >> Through the chair, that's correct. It's the It's software platforms. >> And then, um, certainly I agree with my colleague
077on, um, the city with the free cash to, um, help us with the, uh, science curriculum at the secondary grades. Is that something that will have longevity? Or is it a year Is At times we've had kits that have come in for science, and it was a one-year shot. I'm I'm just asking if this is something that was able to have some longevity to it. >> Ms. Alvares. >> So, through the chair, that line item, we have a contract for multiple years, um, and we receive consumables each year prior to the start of the school year. Um, I I'm just double-checking if it's a five-year quickly. Um, I believe it's a five-year agreement on that. Uh, so we would be receiving consumables each year prior to the start of school. >> That's terrific. Good, because
078that's an area that we always seem to look at at the end versus in the beginning. So, I think that's a a way of speaking a student's interest, and that that's something I look at. Um, okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Ms. Alvares. >> Yeah, on page 212 um letter B instructional materials district wide, can you just give me a brief overview of what we're looking at and why we're seeing a decrease by 3% from the current budget? >> Mr. Salvo. >> Uh so, that line item through the chair uh is a variety of uh departments. Most of those line items are level funded. There is a decrease uh cuz we had a duplication for library services uh allocated in two places, so that was since removed um and that was I believe approximately the
0793% decrease. >> What's that? Remember Mailman. >> Through the chair. Through the chair. Um So, ST Math is 400,000. >> Okay. >> So, through the chair uh that was just an example of what's in that line item, but ST Math is $120,000. >> For the district. There's a variety of other >> grades and that's like five or six grades? >> Mr. Salvo. >> Through the chair. Through the chair, I would need some assistance on grade levels with that. >> Mr. Moss. >> Through the chair, it's for grades K to 6. >> Okay. And that's a yearly fee that we're >> Mr. Salvo. >> Through the Through the chair, that's correct. >> So, about 20 grand per per grade. >> Through the chair, are we Is Is the free cash the goodwill of the city manager
080or is it hit net school spending um for prior years. >> Mr. Allen. >> Through the chair, it's been a combination of both. I don't know if it's goodwill, but, um, so it's a recommendation of the city manager that's approved by the city council. Um, in some cases it has been used to cover shortfalls in net school spending. In another cases, um, it was in order to for us to pursue some initiatives or for a way for us to do one-time purchases of curriculum or whatever. >> So, so through the chair, I just think that's important for both bodies to understand. So, if it's they've got to hit net school spending, so that's that that's and they I understand that they have to work in arrears. They can't necessarily I get that part, um, and
081I'm good with that part, but I think we should also, so of the how much free cash through the chair this year? >> Mr. Allen. >> Through the chair, I don't I don't recall what the city's total free cash is, but there is city policy on a 3.8 million. I don't know what his the total amount was. >> And so, I just think it would be important for us to have that is not that is some of that is to hit net school spending, I think from prior years if if I'm >> No, through the chair, you're correct. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So, it should be clear, too, that, uh, manager and council been pretty generous over the last few years and if you look at the specialized accounts we put aside
082to pay for Burncoat, pay for Doherty, pay for South High, we put a lot of money aside for that. And that doesn't go to net school spending. So, you're talking millions, so. >> Through the chair, I just make a motion that we get a report, so we have on the last few years how much is, um, required because of net school spending that we received. >> going forward. The city council would love that because we can do money elsewhere. But, >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You can get that report. Um, member Roy. >> Thank you. Through the chair, under instructional materials, you mentioned ST Math as an example um under the 399,750 for the office of innovation. Do you know how many programs total that funds? >> Ms. Consolver. >> Through the chair, the
083ST Math specifically? >> No, no, no, in total. Cuz you just mentioned it was 120,000 for ST Math. So, what are the other programs that take up that funding? >> Through the chair >> to know what they are individually, just a number. >> Sure. Through the chair, that line item funds about eight other platforms. >> Thank you. >> Through the district. >> Okay. I'll set some motion to approve and motion to approve the motions as all together. All those in favor, oppose, so ordered. Okay, maybe we can get from one more of these before we break. We can go to um No. No. Miscellaneous education non-salary capital and rentals on page 213. >> So, through the chair, miscellaneous educational OM includes probably the account that has the most line items uh listed. Uh this account
084includes uh fees and licenses, our employee recruitment and mentoring program, uh district dues and memberships, all of our building and parking rentals. This does include instructional technology including our Chromebooks. Uh a line item for uh meetings and receptions when necessary, office services and supplies, our in-state and out-of-state travel, school nursing medical supplies, our school safety equipment line item, uh the district's audit fees, and our district postage and document center, and lastly our district insurance um policies that we carry. >> Member Johnson. >> Motion to hold. >> Okay. Let's go to unemployment You got to hold this page 213. Okay, so let's uh We'll discuss that next week. So, uh unemployment compensation page 217. >> So, through the chair, unemployment compensation provides benefits for um staff uh that are uh dismissed on performance or non-renewals. Uh
085it allows a approximate 26 week of unemployment insurance uh coverage and uh the district funds it at approximately 40 staff members. 40 FTEs, I should say. >> Okay. Motion to approve. Those in favor? Opposed to ordered. Building utilities page 218. >> Through the chair, this budget provides the cost of all of our utilities for our district buildings, including natural gas, electricity, uh and some of the minimal number two fuel oil that's used in the district. Uh this line item also includes our all of our telephone and data services. As you will see on here, our natural gas is probably one of the highest drivers uh in this account going up 28% uh which is inclusive of both supply and um delivery rates. >> Remember being carrier? >> Thank you. On page 219, we have um
086A to D. So, we look at the cost for natural gas, which is used to heat district buildings. Um I know that we're still waiting for a few buildings to have the solar panels. Um we did ask for date uh an update on that under um my committee for finance. So, hopefully we can get that done, and maybe that'll go down a little. Uh would that help? Uh that's A. For B, uh we talked about the electricity, and in in this is mentioned that we need to have charging stations for the electric buses, which I understand. I'm just wondering why we put it there and not under building um for for not under transportation. Is there a reason why it was here and not under transportation? >> Mr. Allen, Mr. Allen. >> Who is chair?
087>> Chair, uh two primary reasons. Number one, um because under transportation, it would not be a net sole spending expense. Um and number two, it's really a contract through the electricity provider, and so we thought this was a better cost center to capture electricity. We certainly can revisit where we place it in the future, but for this year, we thought this was the appropriate account. >> The reason I asked that is because I always look at transportation as a total cost. So, if we're not going to include the gas that we use on the buses under the utilities, then why would we have the electric? So, it's a thought. >> Certainly, we can look at that going forward in the future. >> Okay. And then, um we are looking at electricity. Uh it's we'll we'll
088say we'll round it off and put down 5.7 million. Um are are we looking at any anything we can do to to help us out with that? Anything? I'm not quite sure. It's it seems as though um every year when we look at the that area, it just keeps going up, and I realize even as on a personal basis, it's extremely expensive. So, I'm just trying to figure out a way to to work around this at all. Any opportunities there? >> Through the chair. Sorry. >> No, Mr. Allen. >> Through the chair. So, we certainly work closely with the city's office of resiliency and look at ways to conserve energy um citywide. And so, we continue to pursue options where we can make reductions both internally or through other programs or incentive programs that will
089allow us to make savings in these areas. >> Okay. And And thank you for that response because it shows that um we may be the school department and they may be the city councilors and the city department, but we are working together to accomplish some great tasks with the dollars and budgeting. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Motions to approve. Those in favor, opposed, so ordered. So, we got uh So, we're all set. We can start salvages next week. I'm glad I missed one. Page 220. Oh, we can do facilities if you want. Okay, page 220. >> So, through the chair, this uh account funds all of our facilities' ordinary maintenance for the district. Uh it includes um all of our buildings and grounds, our custodial, um all of our uh trash removal. It
090includes our environmental management system. It includes uh the line item for vehicle maintenance that also includes the fueling uh as well as any diesel that's required for our equipment uh as well as some capital equipment uh designated at a cost greater than a thousand per unit when we purchase out of this account. I should mention also to through the chair that line A facility maintenance also includes a portion um of the facilities master plan that has not been completed yet uh and it funds are included in the FY27 recommended budget for that, as well. >> Any questions? Member Millman? >> Through the chair, what is our cost for this facility plan? >> Through the chair, we have, um, approximately 3/4 of the square footage of the facilities master plan. Uh, it is roughly, I can
091get you the exact number. It is roughly somewhere in the I think I have too high of a number on on this. I think it's it actually came in less. I could I can get that for you. >> Thank you. I'd make a motion for that. >> Okay. >> Information. >> Okay, so we'll make a motion to approve and get that information. All those in favor, opposed, so ordered. So, our motion now is to go into executive session. We will return to open session after the executive session. The motion is to go in executive session, discuss strategy with respect to litigation where the open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the public body. The chair so declares, which I do for the following, workman's comp settlement, cafeteria worker. We also
092have, uh, superior, I mean, successive contract negotiations, EAWU units A and B. EAW of Worcester, paraeducators unit, Educational Associates of Worcester, Aids to the Physically Handicapped, Monitors and Drivers Unit, Educational Associates of Worcester, Therapy Assistants Unit, Educational Associates of Worcester, Parent Liaison, and Educational Associates of Worcester, ESL Tutor Unit. Also, successive contract regarding EAW paraeducators unit, and successive contract regarding EAW of Worcester, the Aids to the Physically Handicapped, Monitors and Drivers Unit. And also, uh, discuss, um, executive session regarding to the minutes of the meeting. So, uh, we will take all those collectively. Roll call. >> Member Alvarez? >> Yes. >> Member Beancurrier? >> Yes. >> Member Bernanda? >> Yes. >> Member Guardiola? >> Yes. >> Member Johnson? >> Yes. >> Member Mailman? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Makola? >> Yes. >> Member Roy? >>
093Yes. >> Mayor Petty? >> Yes. So, we returned open session about 7:00.