001Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. So they would fill up the Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. I'm ready. Are you ready? I call to order the school committee meeting of March 2nd, 2026. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Miss Gunner, >> Kathleen Emerald, >> here. >> John Nunes, >> here y >> Chris Oliver, >> here. >> Mary Beckwood >> here. >> Beth Copeland >> here. Um, just want everyone to know that this meeting is being recorded for rebroadcast on DCTV and can also
002be livereamed at any time on their YouTube channel. Uh, now open the floor for public comment. We allow 10 minutes. If you are interested in speaking, step up to the mic, state your name, and keep your comments to three minutes. Thank you. >> Total speaker wants. Okay. All right. Apparently, we are going to move on. So we are going looking for approval of the minutes of the regular session of February 9th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Nunees, second by Mr. Beckwith. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? It passes unanimously. And uh we will move on to old business which is the fiscal year 27 proposed budget for Oh, approve the minutes. Sorry. >> Sorry. >> That's good. Approval. >> No, we just did that. Isn't that >> Didn't
003we just do that? >> What's that? >> We just approved. >> We just did that. >> Oh, sorry. >> What was I thinking? Sorry. >> You just voted it. >> I know. >> I'm seconding something else. >> Really quick, though. Yeah, >> I didn't. >> Sorry, Beth. >> That's okay. I'm always ready to uh believe that I did something wrong. >> A Mia Copa is always >> at at my fingertips. Um, so anyway, old business uh fiscal year 27 proposed budget which was presented uh last meeting by Mr. Kylie and uh now entertaining new discussion, but I think we have some new information. >> I think we do. >> Yes. Yes, we do. And and Mr. Paratt's going to um share something that that we provided to you late this afternoon. So, the um town
004administrator uh sent an email um this afternoon to us and we wanted to provide this information. So, he asked that um we please share that this is the maximum um this reflects the maximum that they can they can budget. You'll see we had a similar slide to this um in the presentation and in the budget packet. Uh but what we've added is the bottom three lines which are a town budget projection um the reflection of the school choice plan as it relates to town funding and the and unfunded amount. So he asked that um we share that this already takes into account several reductions on the general government side to um allow them to the ability to approve this increase. So what the town is budgeting um effective today is 3.5% increase. So that would
005be the 57,371,663. That's a 3.5% increase over fiscal year 26. And then the continuation of the school choice um reliance plan 245,000 which is44 um which would then leave us with an amount unfunded based on our current um draft budget proposal of 1,610,726, the equivalent of just under 3% 2.91%. So that's hot off the presses late this afternoon and I just thought that we it would be important to present that as soon as we possibly could to you folks. >> So if I'm Adam >> Yeah, >> Mr. Ki. So if I'm reading this right, um the the town's coming in, they're ready to come in at a three and a half uh for FY27. However, based upon if I look at the the key budget factor, yeah, and I'm looking at the over the whole
006budget packet that you sent that you gave us a couple weeks back, >> but essentially that still >> doesn't even meet our never mind the new positions, just our contractual obligations. Am I I'm reading that right? Right. It's about we're we're about one and a half that's still >> one and a half under our contractual obligations. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah. I'm just trying to take this all in. That's what I thought. >> So, three points. >> So, I guess for me the bottom line is I'm Oh, go I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Go. >> For me, the bottom line is I'm, you know, I think we need to send push this budget forward. um and let's see what happens. um we need to get the word out that what we're doing right now
007um it's not enough and I think I said my piece at the last meeting um uh the the general public needs to be aware that things have got to change and and I think at least my opinion let the let the select board tell us that Um they're not going to um support this budget. >> Agreed. >> Yep. >> Agreed. >> And not just the select board, the finance committee as well. But >> yes, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Through you to Dr. Saber Magcguire or Mr. Kylie. uh has I'm going to make an assumption that that number is been floated to the finance committee also. Has the finance committee voted or weighed in on that amount or u at this point in time is this just you know the uh the board of
008selectment as as they say. So, so Mr. Nunes, um, I I don't know. I >> I can't answer the question. So, we we got this information at 20 4 today. So, we've been, you know, we we met on February 11th and and had a conversation with the town administration um and were talking about um you know the parameters of you know how they were preparing their budget and they feel that um you know that that at that time they did mention this amount as being something that um you know they could fund. But um I had asked for some additional information from them and and um and we just got it at 20 4. I don't have any information as to what the process has been on the town side. I'm not sure if the
009selectmen have a like a proposed schedule A yet or anything. I I don't I don't know that that's been presented. Um and I I don't know the situation with the finance committee. We're scheduled to go before the finance committee Thursday night. >> That's still on for 5:00. >> Yes, that's my understanding. >> Okay. Thank you. >> This doesn't work. Personal opinion at all. Not even close. >> Well, I agree. I mean, key budget factors and that's >> keeping it somewhat level funded level services >> is 5%. So this really falls way >> fall short. >> Um and now how much money do we have in prek? >> The prek. >> Oh uh yes. So um >> fund. >> I mean there there are obviously as we move forward there are things that you know we
010can >> take a look at in in terms of our proposal and and our recommendations. I mean, one of the things the the the kindergarten stabilization account that was created, which um we funded through our own budget, um a a good portion of, is uh $367,266. So significant. That's uh 2/3 of a percent. Um so it's it's significant, but that's onetime money, right? and you know once it's used it's gone. Not that we shouldn't use it because you know I think that at some point it certainly should be utilized. Um it doesn't have >> really a separate purpose anymore other than to support our operation. So um >> I I would certainly you know be willing to consider uh recommending that to you folks but um but again that's one time money so it's you
011know a temporary measure. Um, we we also I mean I think a bit of good news is that um we've received support from uh the opioid committee to um to fund after school programs for us approximately $100,000. We had previously built that into our school choice spending plan. So, it's possible that we could shift money. So, we will be using the opioid money and not using school choice money for about $100,000. That could uh we could adjust our school choice spending plan for that and then, you know, gain $100,000 here essentially. Um that's not a lot of money. you know that's8% but it's it's a it's a staff member you know position so it's significant but >> um >> Mr. Nunes >> yeah sorry Mr. N >> quick question and again I didn't bring any
012of that stuff what have we got in school choice right now Mr. Kylie, >> we have uh let me see. I'll give you that in a second. >> We're going to end FY26 with 2.1 million. Does that sound right? >> Right. That's that's that's the current plan. We would probably adjust that plan by about $100,000 based on the opioid funds. We we actually are just starting up a um a elementary afterchool uh program just now. Um but we were we were very pleased that u you know that the town is willing to support that program and hopefully we'll be continuing forward with with those opioid funds. >> So we we could have a little bit more >> in school choice by $100,000 at the end of the year. So, I mean, this doesn't just speak
013for this year. This speaks for next year and the next year and the next year. >> This is just what I was just going to say. It goes back to what we also talked about last year with using school choice funds that in like three years, it was exhausted, right? >> You know, school choice was exhausted. >> If we started tapping it for besides the 245, but other other items type of deal, it'd be gone. and then you know the old proverbial kick the can down the road and you know it's going to boomerang back at us. So >> yeah, I mean reliance on school choice beyond that you know $100,000 adjustment would then throw off the calculation that we >> absolutely >> um you know have implemented in terms of the plan and and
014that plan would end in fiscal year 30. Yeah. Um, I mean, minor adjustments of course we could, you know, we could make and it would impact that that fund a little bit, but um, yeah, major, you know, >> we're talking about a lot of money here. Um, you know, a $1.6 million variance that that >> yeah, isn't going to be solved with one time money? No. >> So, >> not at all. Okay. Well, it will be curious. >> Um, so Mr. Kie, does this change the presentation on Thursday at all? Oh, I well well no I suppose not in that um you know unless if the school committee were to direct Maguire and I to do something then we would do it of course but if it sounds like um you know we're we're not
015>> altering the current plan. So, um, so it really wouldn't change it from that perspective in terms of the information that we're going to provide to the finance committee. >> Yeah, it really seems like we have um >> forward with what we've got. >> Mhm. >> I agree. been careful with our budget and we have reduced in past years and um it would only hurt the students. Um to continue that um certainly inflation is real and everything costs more. So I don't know how you keep your budget subpar. Um I know maybe it was at the uh budget advisory group someone had mentioned um free cash >> and I don't know if that was taken into account by the administrator when figuring out this 3.5. Did he give any indication if if he was they
016were willing to use a little bit of that? So, so one of the things that um you know that that I shared with with uh Mr. Hatad and Mr. Carrerero when we met on February 11th was um in years years ago we had been provided with uh information when it came to budget time. The town's projection of our budget was not it was presented in a way that would include a summary page of revenue that is anticipated for the town and then a summary of um expenditures and projected expenditures and then showing what our budget request was based on our budget request and any variance that there might be in the overall town budget as a result of of our of our budget request. Um so I know they're working on that from what I
017understand. Um that's what um Mr. Hadad um conveyed to us this afternoon that they're working on that spreadsheet. It's helpful because it gives you more information and a better perspective on what the overall budget of the town looks like, which you know, yeah, would be helpful to all of us um at this point. And uh so so yeah, >> Chris, >> Mr. Kylie, what are do you have any idea what they're funding circuit breaker at and are we has it been our our practice to prepay or carry that money over? >> Right. So we prepay one. So we the money we receive this year will be expended next year. So the beauty of that is you have some money in circuit breaker at all times and um >> for those possible for whatever it's required
018to be expended by June 30th of the following year. >> So it's similar to the way we prepay special ed tuition. It's like once you could tap into it, but if you tap into it, it's no longer there. And um so >> but yeah, so we have a we have a one-year sort of buffer on circuit breaker, but it's always there just like prepaid tuition as long as you continue to do it that way. Once you have to tap into it, then it's gone. I think that makes the most obviously from a budgetary standpoint. I think that makes the most sense. I'm just I'm just asking this and you know in the just to put it out there with us presenting you presenting to the fincom that yes um it's there but it it makes
019prud it certainly makes prudent sense to to do it in this manner. >> Yeah, I would say um a good number of communities do it this way. Um, otherwise any time that you have a new development in in needs of a child, you could potentially have to be going to the fincom and asking for a reserve fund transfer or that's what you know that's the beauty of of doing it where you receive it and then spend it in the following year which is totally allowable by >> by um regulation for >> DE and this community does not have a special ed stabilization fund. Exactly. No, no, we do not. So, >> yeah, >> maybe we should be thinking about taking uh the kindergarten stabilization and making it a special ed stabilization. >> It's an option
020>> because an option >> to do that. Town Meeting would um there'd be a few steps. Town Meeting would have to if if you were to consider that, Town Meeting would have to create the stabilization fund, the new the special ed stabilization fund. And I I believe the language in the kindergarten stabilization fund is is such that it requires the select board and school committee approval to expend that fund. >> So it we could obviously figure out the steps that need to be taken, but it would >> but that could be the funding source. Yeah, it could be the funding source. Yeah, potentially. Yeah, >> but that would not have a a real impact on this budget proposal. >> Right. That's a question. Kathleen, >> I I just was wondering if the uh if it
021would be helpful or um necessary for us to to make some sort of a a motion or a vote in terms of whether we our support for you to keep things as they are or um >> well um >> Thursday. >> Can I just add we do have a meeting with um Cody with Mr. Hadad, Mr. Carrerero Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning >> at 8 I think it's at 8 a.m. it is at town hall. So >> we have an opportunity to have more discussion with them >> in person which I think is really helpful. >> Mhm. >> So in terms of a in terms of a vote a vote on the budget um we would be first of all we're required to have a budget hearing. >> Yeah. >> And we've not yet. >> Yeah.
022>> Um and we can't vote in proximity to the budget hearing. Not that we we wouldn't be in proximity because we haven't had it yet, >> but um I I don't I wouldn't suggest that you vote >> to approve the budget tonight, >> right? >> No. >> Um if you wanted to make some other >> action, then that might be fine. Um but >> can we vote to >> Mr. Kylie, would you take a motion that says we support the num, you know, the information that you provided to us with regards to the budget at our uh February me last February 5th meeting? >> Yeah, February 9th, I think. >> February 9th, I'm sorry. >> Is it even needed? The fact that we're all >> Yeah, I don't think it is. >> I think of
023the support. Yeah, it's that's great. Yeah. >> Um I I don't >> I don't know. I I know you you know you can't you shouldn't approve this budget. >> No, we're not not approving >> as much as that would make my day >> supporting you um >> moving forward. >> Yeah. And just you know based on key budget factors that you presented at our last meeting >> like >> just basic things have gone up things that we haven't increased our spending in five years six years >> like we are getting around to increasing them to reflect reality >> um that they've been underfunded for six years. Um I I don't know. The schools are um a pride of Dartmouth >> and if we don't fund the schools, >> they will not be anyway. Yes, Chris.
024>> Mr. Kylie, do you know off the top of your head if you have the information um available what the town has given us historically over the past three years? Well, I mean, last year was 4.3%. >> Okay. >> Um, >> I can I can dig up the previous two, but >> I'm just curious, >> right? >> And I know that's going to vary from year to year based upon revenue. >> Mhm. I can answer other questions while I while I do this if there are any. >> I don't I don't have anything else. I was just curious. And if you don't have it, that's fine. I can look it up. >> Just take me a few minutes. And I do understand that other departments in the town probably have some needs, maybe greater needs
025than in past years from the DPW with this huge storm >> that might have done damage and >> y >> stressors on their equipment. >> Yeah, snow and ice. I mean, that's in our agenda. talk. >> Snow and ice has definitely been a factor for sure and it it will be for DPW. I mean that it's >> I don't so the complexity of uh of snow and ice um they so it's not budgeted for the way everything else is um because well first of all it's so variable and um it um there's the ability for the town to um to not budget for it and still pay for the necessary costs because of the variability is um it's easier. So like they don't they don't budget for it. They take it from free cash essentially.
026Not that I mean that is still money and it's spent um and it's a lot of money. >> Pay it now or pay it next year. >> Yep. top. So 4.3 was the last one. Well, the one before that was with a different um a different scenario. Uh 3% even flat. >> Yeah, that's what I thought >> that. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> if you remember that process. >> I sure do. How can we forget? >> Was not the best. >> Here it is. You want one more? >> That's good. >> That's fine. >> I'm good. >> Thank you, Jeff. >> Okay. You're welcome. >> And I would also say that like key budget factors of just keeping even services, things have just gone up. But then in things that we wanted to add, requests,
027some of those things save us money. >> Mhm. >> And we wouldn't even be allowed to spend money to save money like >> for the job coach in Atlas like >> Right. I mean that is >> so that just doesn't make fiscal sense if you can't >> right. >> Physician is really a must-have physician. Yeah. for us to move forward with the Atlas program and be successful. >> I won't get into it tonight, but some of these positions that you've budgeted for, >> uh, to me, it's not some of these are non-negotiable. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> Absolutely. >> So, yeah, >> we'll see. We'll see what the future brings. >> Yeah. 4.3. So, 4.3, 3.0, 4.3, the last three increases. All right. >> I don't have any other budget information to share, but I'd
028be happy to answer any questions you might have. >> I'm good. >> Yeah. Same here. >> Thank you for your support. We appreciate it. >> Yes. Thank you. >> I know that. Thank you. >> You and school administrators go through this very carefully and thoughtfully and don't ask for pie in the sky. So, I appreciate that. >> Thank you. >> No, it's not not pie in the sky. >> That's what I'm saying. It is not pie in the sky. >> It's not. >> Um Wow. >> So, um I'm sure we will be talking about budget again. >> This is not the last. No, >> no. So, due to the snow, it is a shorter agenda tonight. Um, and we are already upon the uh superintendent. >> That's great. Thank you so much. It is a
029shorter agenda. The Quinn was supposed to join us this evening to do a spotlight on kids, but um Dr. Thomas asked for a little more time because she obviously has students coming and she wanted to better prepare them. So, we've scheduled them out for uh the the next meeting. So they'll So we'll have all of our spotlight on kids, but we will um we'll be doing some rescheduling as I'm sure you can imagine. >> Um so I mean that leads right into talking about the update regarding our recent snow events and the district's response. And I know I put this out there a couple of times last week, but really we can't thank the folks out there in the facilities department, our custodial staff, the town of Dartmouth crews. uh you could tell that there
030was uh significant work uh toward clearing roads not only for schools but for the community in general and there was a big difference to me when I came I was here in Dartmouth Thursday morning um and drove down Sloum Road and was very concerned about the conditions of the road and then when I left that afternoon I was starting to feel so much more confident that we were eventually going to be able to reopen schools. It was certainly what we all say and not you know you hear us talking about historic snow snow storm blizzard. We say that word. I heard you say it earlier Mr. Nunes. Like was there a blizzard? There was an actual blizzard. And um and you can't thank the folks enough who really stepped in to to help the community
031and really the state through the process. And really what you should know is the and I'm sure you do know from um paying attention to local news is the south coast got hit particularly hard. I think Dartmouth was one of the jackpot areas. So it's no surprise that we ended up having to close schools for an entire week. And in fact if the on Thursday as Mr. Kylie and I were talking we weren't sure we were going to be able to get back in on Monday. Uh so we're really thrilled to be able to say that we opened school today. Yes, it was a two-hour delay, but I think that gave everybody some uh confidence and around safety and security. Kind of let people roll in at different times and be ready to welcome our
032students back. Mr. Kylie, I know you were in touch with Tremble and Mr. Bernard out there in the field. We heard from all of our principles today. They all claim they all let us know that they had really um positive uh openings this morning. So, if you want to add anything to that, Mr. Kylie, >> I'd just like to to um reiterate what um Dr. S Magcguire said. I thank our staff for for you know, incredible job with a a very challenging circumstance with record snowfalls. Um Mr. afternoons. I don't know whether you predicted this because on our February 9th school committee, you were asking about how much money we had spent. You know, it's changed a little since uh that next day I went and looked up the numbers. >> Yeah. >> I wish
033that's where what they still were, but um we uh effective this um effective today have spent $51,60.77 on snow removal. And I I mean we've ne we've never spent that much in my time here. Um so it's it's significant for sure. Um and that is the money spent over the budgeted amount. So for instance um you know our our staff, our custodial staff and our maintenance staff all worked full-time you know last week. I'm not counting those hours. Those are budgeted for. This is This is $51,000 above and beyond what we've what we budgeted for. It's It's Yeah. Astounding, really. >> This would be overtime. Yes. Renting equipment, salt, sand, etc., etc. >> Precisely. Yep. Yep. Overtime. 20 almost $28,000 this year between the different storms. We had multiple storms where we were in on
034weekends. um you know, even some of the smaller snows that we've had where we were in on weekends. So, you know, that's a lot of overtime. So, yeah, almost $28,000 in overtime, $3,000 in salt, um $10,000 on on hiring contractors um to assist us. And we thank them because I it we had a lot of snow to move and we don't have the type of equipment that can pile up snow 15 ft high like some of the snow drifts in in our like you you've saw it probably tonight on your way in even though they've melted some because of that nice weather we had on Saturday. There's still gigantic snow drifts and we don't have that type of equipment to be able to pile that snow up and get it out of the parking lot.
035So, uh, about $10,000 worth of contractors and then about $10,000 between repairs, parts, fuel, um, and other things that we needed. So, yeah, $51,60.77 in total at this point. >> Wow. >> So, that was some really great for fortuneelling, Mr. Nunes. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you, madam. In in all seriousness, uh through you, Madam Chair, to Dr. Sab Magcguire and Mr. Kylie, uh we I we need to let both the finance committee and the board of selectmen know these numbers and that we're going to be looking for money to augment our budget for these amounts. um whether they give it to us in a reserve fund and I know that's going to take a beating because of you know DBW and you know the town side of of of everything or if they you
036know in all seriousness uh if they need to put a an article on a special out of you know out of free cash >> type of deal to uh to augment our budget and and I would assume in all serious is you know the stuff on the town tight. You know, as I've always said, it's not, you know, it's not like, you know, we got, you know, 10 storms at 2 in a pop and it's easy to push away. This is a total house of a different color that we've we've been up against this year. So that's my suggestion that so there you know I mean I know that common sense is going to say that they know something is coming but if you send them a note or a letter and officially put them
037on notice I mean I can certainly share that information with the town administration for those boards and um I did today fill out uh FEMA um reimbursement uh paperwork too. It was a state of emergency and we are eligible um as a as a community. So my experience with that I've I've done it a couple of times in my career. Um it takes a long time to get the money from them and it's not going to it's not money that would come to us. it would, you know, be general fund receipts and um >> so but it hopefully will benefit the town and uh you know get some money back. I did have a conversation with uh rep one of representative Keading's uh office aids >> over the weekend that I happen to know >>
038and I you know and I told her you know put the bug in the congressman's ear about we need money but >> you know it you know you've got a four or five day window here. I says you know what do you mean? And I says, you know, I've been around long enough that they give you they they tell you, "Yep, we're going to pay you from 10:00 Monday to noon time Monday." I'm being facitious, but >> I've seen them do that type of a window or we'll start at midnight sun uh Saturday night when there was nothing, >> you know, that type of deal. So, >> I did put that bug in the in in there. So, >> thank you. Good. So, um, as you know, we, as I mentioned already, we had a
0392-hour delay today. We had anticipated a 2-hour delay for tomorrow as well, but given uh the success of the way things went this morning, we did make the call that tomorrow that would be a regular start to the school day. And then the other change that we made for this week is that Wednesday was originally scheduled as part of our school calendar to be an inservice. Uh and then that would have obviously been a half day. And in consideration of what was going to be two delayed openings and then the third day in school being a half day, we had made the decision that we would make Wednesday a full day, which would not eliminate that inservice date, but instead push it until June 22nd, which is Monday the 22nd, because now tentatively the last
040day of school is Tuesday, June 23rd, which will be a half day for students. students. So that would mean Monday would be a half day in service and Tuesday would be a half day, the last day of school, a half day for students. Uh so the calendar has been updated. I know Kate has updated it and she's posted it on the website. We're still looking to tweak and make sure that it's updated where it needs to be. And we will send out once, you know, we're absolutely sure, we will send out an updated calendar or notification that as to what the last day of school will be to to the community, to families in the community. And at the same time, we're talking about what a wonderful job that has been done that allowed us
041to open schools. We still have to be co we have to be cognizant and we still have to be really careful because I think Mr. Kylie told me this morning as he was driving around, he saw a student who was waiting for a bus and they were standing on top of a snowbank and so we still have lots of snow banks. Bus stops aren't completely clear. I know I talked with a parent who said, you know, the bus stops, they're they have to be flexible right now. There has to be where is there a safe place for students to to wait? parking spaces are still at a premium and it's going to take some time for us to completely recover for that from that. But I do want to say that as far as communication
042from our families, from our staff, um it's it's been really positive, supportive, I think people understand that what we were dealing with was not just a normal snowstorm. that there were a lot of facets to that snowstorm that had to be taken into consideration in order to safely open our schools. And so we appreciate that and we're going to just continue to monitor in the days to come. But as I said, it's um it's, you know, we're open and kids are back in school, which leads to me talk about teaching and learning, but last time we met, we had four days of school after that, then vacation, and then a week off, and we're back in today. Uh so uh we're >> we're just pleased to tell you teaching and learning started again today and
043we know that that was happening and I can tell by reading the emails that the the principles are sending out and some of the staff emails that I'm able to monitor that folks once you get back it's like riding a bike. You're just back. You're in it. Um so I'm also Mr. Kylie mentioned this, but I want to mention or talk a little bit more about our elementary students in the afterchool program. So, this spring, as you know, this has been part of our district strategic plan uh right from the beginning, but we this isn't quite where we want to be, but it's a start. So, I just want to be able to just frame it that way. We'll be launching an afterchool enrichment program at all three of our elementary schools. >> Nice. Um
044we've started yeah it is really been uh something that we have been committed to for a number of years. I think Mrs. Paveo and Dr. Thomas who have done a really good job sort of coordinating from the ground level in getting it moving. Uh they have been working with the town and with the Dartmouth Advocates for Addiction as you heard Mr. Kylie mention. Well, we're able to do this because of the opioid money and we're working closely with the DART uh task force and it's Rachel Diazio Shiglo who has been wonderful and working very closely with Katie and with uh with Audra to be able to do that. So, our goal for this program is to give students a fun, positive experience where they connect with each other and they're able to explore their creativity.
045There are some parameters around the way that the opioid money has to be used and we're working really closely with Rachel to make sure that what we're doing in the afterchool program aligns with what the expectations are related to the expenditure of that money. But families are receiving all the details and registration information really soon. Uh the program is going to run from the week after April vacation through the first week of June. So this is something that we're really looking forward to and we're looking forward to seeing the response and something that we're committed to growing over time. And I'm really excited that we're I had thought originally we were only going to be able to pilot at one school, but that we're able to uh extend this opportunity to all three of our
046elementary schools, which is the goal at the end of this. Uh we'll talk more as we go along about how do we provide additional supports for students who may need transportation, etc. But we're just we're not there yet, but we're excited to get started. Um, under safe and supportive schools, I would just say, you know, making sure the school grounds are safe and accessible for students. I would mention to you that we are working with the department of elementary and secondary education regarding access testing and MCCAST administration because as you can imagine not for the whole state but certainly for the south coast we've been more impacted by other communities across the state but there are enough of us uh that we are we're able to work directly with the department of ed as a
047matter of fact the commissioner uh commissioner Martinez is joining the South Coast and and Cape superintendent on Wednesday as part of our Oak Colony roundt uh to have some discussion around some of the impact that this blizzard has had in this region and ways in which the department can help to support us as we recover from it because there are dates that will be impacted and deadlines and compliance and all of those things that really set us back a bit. But as I said, the last day of school is set for June 23rd right now. Uh but there are other things for us to think about. One thing that I'm really pleased about is that our graduation dates are still on track. So no change to graduation dates and we don't have to make any
048adjustments due to uh meeting Desi regulations. So I would say because I'm I've also been on a few virtual calls with the area superintendent, we've been able to meet. We invited somebody from DESIE into one of our meetings to have these conversations and they have been responsive to our um our challenges and not everybody is as well positioned as Dartmouth because there is talk in some communities about maybe having to give up Good Friday. Um, but we start school before Labor Day and I think that that's something that I really appreciate that the committee continues to support because I know there are differing opinions on that. But this is a really good example of why that's a great practice because we have flexibility built into our calendar that not all districts have. But one of
049the things that that they are um they are um considering is making a hard last day of school for all communities. God forbid we got more snow. I mean right now we're in good shape, but >> um it's, you know, not quite winter is not quite over yet. Uh the other thing that I would mention is the questions have come up regarding remote learning and I just want to clarify that at this at this time DESIE regulations do not allow for remote learning as a substitute for in-person instruction. And this was a position that was recently affirmed by a vote that the board of educa elementary and secondary education took very recently um not too long ago. We this has come up. Um Mr. Nunes, I know this you had mentioned this to me and
050I know you wanted to talk about it a bit tonight, but we have to at this point follow the guidance that the state that the state regulations um allow for. >> Yes, Mr. N. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, I got several texts and a couple of phone calls, you know, regarding why can't we do remote type of deal. And number one, I totally understand that when the students left on Friday before vacation, you know, this storm wasn't even a twinkle in anybody's eye. >> So, you know, did everybody take a a laptop home? Did faculty take a laptop home, etc. I got that. But if take a step back, if when they went home on Friday, if this type of a storm was going to be the following week, you know, you take the
051lap, everybody take laptops and stuff home, you know, yeah, maybe you lose Monday and Tuesday because nobody's moving anywhere, but you could still pick up Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, you know, as remote learnings and get some, you know, get the get the students, you know, some education and classroom room time and things of this nature and save you know the two half days you know that next week that you know June 22nd June 23rd so I mean I'm not sure what DESI's logic is behind it behind this you know I mean we did it with co no this we did it with co which again was something entirely different and I realize that but this is again one of those you know once in a-lifetime situations that should have some type of a >> I
052I don't disagree. The the other thing that I would just um mention though is if if we were to do something like that, that would have to be bargained language in our teacher contract. So, there are other things that we would have to put into place in order for that to happen. Um but I agree with you. It's, you know, at one point right after COVID, um, when we returned to school, I know that there were a couple of communities that were experimenting with being able to have remote learning days uh, due to weather. And I just I'm not sure what happened at that point, but I know that it just kind of fizzled. >> There were a couple of communities that were experimenting with it. I mean, I know the the private parochial schools,
053you know, you know, in high schools and that, they had remote learning and I realized they marched to their own drummer and God bless them. But, you know, there's got to be some semblance of fairness for everyone. >> Absolutely. >> This type of situation, >> I think it's it's definitely dependent on the community. If you know, I was listening to Mr. Oliver talk earlier and I'm reminded that the cape most of the cape was out of power. So in that case, right? So it has to be dependent on you know what the actual conditions are in the community. So but we're going to continue to and I'm sure we will talk about that on Wednesday with the commissioner. I'm absolutely sure that will come up because it has come up in our group. >> Thank
054you. um under budget and capital improvement. We've obviously talked a lot about budget, but I know that Mr. Kylie wanted to mention the uh the generator issue at Dartmouth High School. >> Yes. Thank you, Dr. S. Magguire. So, um I didn't have haven't had the opportunity to talk to the committee about this. We were at um a capital improvement planning committee meeting and I mentioned that or or I don't even know if it was that meeting actually some meeting I was at I mentioned that the generator wasn't working and uh Mr. Carrerero Gary Carrero um the director of finance for the town uh asked me to send him the information about it. I did and the finance committee already acted on it. They they um did a transfer of $37,000 uh for repairs of the
055of the generator. Fortunately, we did the repairs um right before school vacation, like the Thursday, Friday before school vacation. It involved um manufacturing a whole new radiator for the for the uh for the unit. No parts are available for it. It's um you know it's 20 25 years old. So um but we found a company to do that. They did it. Um they came in and used a crane to put the put it back together and it it worked cuz we lost power um during the storm. So So um but we were thankful for the finance committee's uh consideration and thankful to Mr. Carrero for for you know >> moving. He he took the the initiative right away to to um you know to offer. So, um, we'll be paying that bill. We just got
056the bill, so we'll be paying that bill from those funds. So, >> great. >> Terrific. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Good. >> That investment paid off right away. >> Um, so under family and community engagement, obviously, we've been somewhat snowbound, but despite the fact that we had a blizzard, there were things happening this past weekend. people got out of the house and they were participating in some of the events that were happening in athletic athletic competitions. Um it was great to see uh the Quinn school they the families and students they were invited or attended the Providence Bruins game >> and so I got some great pictures from Audrey. I thank her for that. About 46 of our students had the opportunity to actually get onto the ice and sing. Um, so sounds like
057you saw some of that on social media. Um, and Dr. Thomas sent me some pictures and it looks like every all the kids and families were having a great time. >> And then over the weekend we did have some athletic uh our athletic events. Our hockey team played Saturday night. I did get to go out and see it. Um, they played a tough game. They played really well and it was one of those heartbreaking lose in overtime, you know, the ones that really do sting. Um I know and um I I feel as a goalie's a former goalie, a mother of a former goalie, I feel I feel that pain for the goalie's mother. Um but the team played really well and they should be proud of the season they had. Same for the girls
058basketball team. Um they played in Whitman Hansen at Whitman Hansen and that was a really strong Whitman Hansen team but you could tell the kid the girls really gave it their all even though the scoreboard didn't reflect it. Um I was able to go to that game as well and one of my favorite moments I was sitting behind the bench is when the basketball coach he shared the playboard, you know the board they have that dropped the plays with the kids and instead of plays on it, it just said don't give up. And I thought that was a really wonderful message um of resilience to share with the students and I thought the girls did display that. I thought, you know, there was a really good sense of team camaraderie and uh yeah and they
059stayed positive throughout. So people did get out of the house this weekend. >> So thank you. That's my report. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um, I have nothing to report other than fun in the snow. Anybody else? Yes, Mr. Nudes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Just s um two things. Number one, our percussion is scheduled to head to New Jersey this weekend for uh down to Tom's River for a regional. So, good luck to them and safe travels. Uh I know I've talked about it a little bit, but now I got a little bit more finalized information. Uh we're hosting our uh winter indoor percussion and color guide event on uh Saturday, March 14th. We've got uh 39 groups performing uh starting at 1:00 in the afternoon and going till, you know,
060almost 8:30. Uh our junior varsity color guard is on quarter 1. Our varsity color guide is on at the 20 4 with awards at uh scheduled for uh 4 450 and then our percussion goes on at uh 7:42 with awards at quarter 8. So if I'll get an email out to people and looking for presenters >> great >> for you know specifically you know you know 10 minutes of 5 and and 9 and you know quarter past 8 but you know with the other times in there if you're interested right >> and able to to be there. >> That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> Take a motion to adjourn. >> Next meeting. >> Oh next meeting. Let's see. Thank you, Mr. Nunes. Next meeting of the school committee is
061scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, 2026 at 6 p.m. right here in the Dartmouth High School Media Center. Motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Motion by Mr. Oliver, second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> No surprise. Unanimous. Thank you all for attending. Best