001Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Hey, hey, hey. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] Hey, baby. back. N Heat. Hey, Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. >> [music] [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Hey, Heat. Come in. >> I'd like to call to order the school committee meeting of December 8th, 2025. Please raise rise to say the pledge of allegiance. I allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Miss Yep. here >> here. Um, this meeting is being recorded. It will be rebroadcast on DCTV and can be streamed on their YouTube channel at any time. We now
002uh welcome public comment from the audience on any topic on this evening's agenda. >> Hello, my name is Christine. I have two students at in Dartmouth. I want to talk a little bit about funding. School costs rise far faster than the annual increase in the state formula. Special education, transportation, staffing, technology, and mental health needs all grow well beyond the the 2 to 3% each year. Yet, schools are expected to absorb those costs without proportional resources. I'm here to encourage our schools to ask for what they truly need, not what they think the town will approve. We can't expect our students to endure any more cuts. It is unfair to ask our educators to meet rising expectations while continually taking away funding. In a recent letter to Dartmouth Week, I discussed the word minimum. I
003connected it to common daily practices. I think it is important to think how this word minimum pertains to our daily life. If we get the minimum amount of sleep, are we rested? If we get the minimum amount of food, are we nourished? If our child is putting in the minimum amount of work in school and effort, are we satisfied with their performance? The answer is simple. The minimum isn't acceptable. We need to recognize that the minimum is the floor and not the ceiling. Our actions speak louder than our words. What message are we sending our children when we are settling with the minimum amount to fund our budget? We need to provide our young people and empower our school to ask for what they tr what sorry for what they truly need. so every Dartmouth
004student can exceed, grow, and reach their full potential. I encourage the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and school committee to ask for what they need and not to settle. Remember, you are fighting for the most important cause, our future. Thank you. >> Hello Uh my name is Zach Tvars. Um I'm a parent and a town meeting member. Um I first want to just start by thanking everyone for their efforts uh in the community and here ongoing. I think there's a lot of uh momentum around the schools right now. I hope it continues. Um I mostly want to reiterate what a lot of people have said so far this year. I think it will continue which is essentially just that um this administration and the committee asks for what it needs this year. Um, but I'm going to
005try to ground it a little bit in the strategic plan. I know that this is preaching to the choir here. So, this is for people in the back, so to speak. Um, the focus area four of that plan has an initiative that talks about the schools communicating and advocating for um instructional and operational needs of the district. And it's meant to identify structural deficiencies as well as you know. uh and the measure of success for that is if we have funded um a school that meets those instructional and operational needs. So I would just ask I'm sure it's happening that as we go through this budget cycle that we're just running it through that framework the whole time and asking you know does it meet this criteria. I think it was a good litmus test.
006I know the plan wasn't in place last year or the year before, but if we look back and think about the cuts that were made and the um contingencies and concessions that the schools had to take for funding and ask, you know, did we meet this initiative under that criteria? I think it would be kind of tough to say that we did. So, I don't think anyone wants to be in that position next year. Um, so I would ask that we look at that and we look and try to define and quantify if possible for us for for us in the community what it means to uh invest in the needs specifically if we can even quantify that further. Right? There's a lot of talk about um the state averages. You know, does that mean
007we're trying to go from 1.5 staff per 100 students to 2.6 and be at the state average? Well, what does that mean specifically uh financially? Is that 40 professionals across the district at a cost of a million dollars? You know, I think if we can quantify some of these numbers in some way, uh it'll be easier for us that are trying to support and rally support around the community um to say, "Hey, this is what it means. This is what we need to move us from this point to this point um as a district and to move forward." So, thank you. Sorry, I'm out of breath. Just came from dropping my kid off at piano. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. [clears throat] [cough] >> Okay, I believe we've heard from everyone who wishes to speak
008this evening. [clears throat] Um, so we will move on to our student representative report. We have a Charlotte >> Paul. Oh, >> approval of minutes. >> Okay. I'm sorry. I was going to let you get jump ahead. >> Approval [laughter] of minutes first. Looking for a motion to approve regular minutes for November 10th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Uh moved by Miss Amal, second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> I um all opposed. >> So we have four in favor. Yep. >> So unanimous. And now the student representative report from Charlotte Alvisory Council. I'm also a cheerleader here at the DHS and I am excited to share our student agenda for this month. Um first our like first about school climate and school and community engagement. Our fall pep rally was a
009huge success. Participation was really strong. There was no much school spirit and energy throughout the building. The seniors took first place, juniors second, sophomores third, and freshman came in last. But we had fun and we were determined to improve next time. As a school, we collected 1,632 non-p perishable food items, which our key club donated to the YMCA full plate project. It was amazing to see everyone come together for such an important cause. We also celebrated High Five Friday this past Friday with members of the Dartmouth Police and Fire Department greeting students in the morning. It really helped create a positive and welcoming start to the day. Next, class activities and fundraising. A lot of grade level classes are running fundraisers right now to support future events like junior banquetss, proms, and other activities. Student
010involvement has been great, and there's a lot of momentum in the building. For academics, our seniors are continuing to receive early decisions and early action notifications from colleges. It's an excited time and our counseling department has been working closely with them as they make their decisions. For athletics, winter sports have begun with over 259 student registered and cleared to participate in this season. There's a lot of excitement as teams start their competitions. Finally, about student leadership, our student advisory council will be meeting with the HS administrative team after winter break to discuss student identified areas of focus and bring forward ideas and how we can improve them and continue improving our school community. Thank you for this opportunity to share this update. >> Thank you. >> Um and you are welcome to stay for the
011rest of the meeting, but if you have other things are on your agenda, you're welcome to. >> Okay. and we will get on with our exciting business of um >> reviewing our policies. >> No, >> we're going to flip. >> Oh, we are going to flip. >> We're going to flip. Thank you. >> I even have a big arrow here. I'm doing well tonight. >> That's all right. That's >> um we are taking something out of order. We are going to have um Cath Katherine Cooper >> of Southeastern Massachusetts Education Collaborative um >> Yep. come up to the podium and talk about uh change in language to their uh capital reserve account policy. >> Yes. Good evening. Thank you for giving me a couple of minutes just to go over this quickly. Um, as a
012educational collaborative, we are an extension of our member school committees. We have 10 member school districts. Um, our board of directors is made up of one school committee member from each one of those districts. Mr. Oliver is our Dartmouth representative and we are also fortunate to have Mr. Nunes as our treasurer, long-term treasurer. Um, so many things, most things our board of directors can uh vote and approve independently. So, our budget, our policies, and so forth. But there are a few things that also require the uh that the member districts weigh in. One of those is the creation of or amendment to our uh capital reserve account. So, we um we with the uh board and school committee approval, we created a capital reserve account in 2015. We did amend it once in 2019, and
013we're looking to um make an additional amendment now. Um, I I believe you have the language in front of you. In section one, we're just adding some clarifying language regarding where the funds might come from that we deposit into the capital reserve account. Our capital reserve account is created to help us fund anything related to our facilities. Uh, and also we can it can also be used um to repair and replace our our van fleet. Um, so this uh section one language is just some clarifying language around where the funding might come from. um and that the board will approve any deposits to that account, which they already do. This uh our capital reserve language under uh regulation has to have a maximum stated balance uh stated maximum not to exceed balance. Um we're looking
014to increase uh the current language which is 500,000 to 2 million. We do not have that. I would I dream of having that. However, we are working with the state legislature right now around the possibility of having some collaborative specific funding for facilities. We are not eligible for MSBA funding. We do not get facilities aid like the charter schools do. All of our revenue comes from our tuitions um in our state uh contracts for adult services. So we are uh we have we're starting to make a little headway we think with the with the state around potentially getting some facilities aid specific for collaborative um programs. So in the event that we are uh successful in doing that we would we would want to use our capital reserve account to hold those funds. Um and
015and the last change is in section three. We're just adding the word acquire. We had repair and repair and maintain language in there. Um but we we did purchase a building a couple of years ago. um it would have been helpful if we had had you know the funding in this account to be able to use it for um the down payment and so forth. So we're just adding the word acquire to the potential uses for that language uh for the trust. So I'm happy to answer any any questions otherwise I would just ask for your approval on these language changes to our capital reserve policy. >> Thank you very much. Do we have any questions? >> No, it seems quite reasonable. Um, a motion. >> I I believe we have to vote on it.
016>> Yeah, we have to vote. We have to vote on this. >> And Mr. Nunes, you can uh correct me now because my eyesight's not um I want to make a motion that we approve the amended language. I don't know if I need to get into specifics. >> Just the proposed amendment to uh for the Southeast and Mass Educational Collaborative Capital Reserve account from 500,000 to 2 million. million. >> There you go. >> And the and the other and the other >> and the the language from the terminology that you spoke of. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion made by Miss Amiral, second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Madam Chair, since I'm the chair, the treasurer, I will abstain. >> Okay. So, we have 34 and one abstain. >>
017301. >> Thank you. Thank you for all your work. And now our exciting [laughter] policy review and update. >> Mr. Kylie, >> that's a lot of pressure. Okay, [laughter] >> it is exciting. >> I don't know how to make this exciting. Let's see. Uh, so I I guess first I'd like to thank Dr. to say Maguire for um doing an outstanding job covering the first read of uh proposed revisions to policy section D and IKF IKFE and JKAA. So, um you've been through those and you you um had a couple of comments with one requested revision. So based on your feedback, we revised section uh policy DFD, gate receipts and admissions to better reflect the actual deposit process. So to um note that receipts are verified by Dartmouth public schools staff uh according to procedures
018for each activity and then deposited with the town treasur. >> Um so we've made that change and you were provided that in your uh in your school committee packet. Other than that, there were no changes since the first read. Um, we'd be happy to discuss any thoughts you may have on the policies at this point. >> I have no new questions. Anybody else? >> No. >> All right. >> That was that was the uh the one question I had on the on the gate receipts >> and you know, it was minuscule, but just to >> put it all in. >> Oh, it was a good point. And um we so we've made that revision and if uh there are no further questions we'd seek your approval of section D fiscal management review uh fiscal management
019policy JKAA physical restraint prevention and behavior support policy IKF graduation requirements and proposed uh new policy IKF competency determination. >> We need a vote on that. >> Yes, please. >> So >> um >> I'll make that motion, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Second. >> So motion by Mr. Noun, second by Miss Amiral. All in favor? I >> I. >> Any opposed. So unanimous. 4 Z. >> Thank you very much. We'll um you know, I appreciate the efforts of the uh of the policy subcommittee and and our administrative team, you know, getting you these policies and we'll uh revise them accordingly on the on the district website. So they'll be available for everyone and we'll uh we'll move forward and we hope to tackle more policies. At the moment we're kind of focusing on budget but
020>> we hope to get through more sections. >> Thank you. >> Um and I will note that on our posted uh agenda we were going to have the quarterly report of the Southeastern Mass Educational Collaborative but we're going to table that till next week because Mr. Oliver was not able to be with us this evening. So, um that means next up we're going to talk about the capital improvement plan. I believe >> I think this is exciting. I'm not sure the policy was [laughter] but um >> well policy is necessary. >> Yes, policy is necessary. >> Um but >> so is this this is necessary too but it is more exciting. Um so we had a meeting with the school committee facilities and fields uh subcommittee Mr. Nunes and Mrs. Amarall um just before Thanksgiving.
021So I'd like to thank them for their collaboration in this process. You were provided with the capital improvement plan in your packet, >> proposed capital improvement plan. So it included a few things. It included a summary memo of year one requests and uh with ranked according to the town priority system. And I'll talk a little bit about that in a in a moment. And it included um summary sheets of all requests for the 10-year period uh beginning in fiscal year 27 and going to uh fiscal year 36 and then a list of um descriptions for each of those requests following that. So, what I'm I'm going to first just um [clears throat] say that that strategic plan section 4 that was mentioned in public comment um earlier tonight is is guiding our efforts here. We
022know we need to try and modernize our facilities and um you know, it's a major component of our strategic plan and I think hopefully it will be a success. So, um, what we're going to look at tonight is our year one requests. [clears throat] We'll look at the whole thing, but we'll focus on the year one requests. So, these would be requests u that we hope will be considered for inclusion on the annual spring or fall town meetings. So, the town meeting in June and the town meeting in October. The first request on the list is a school bus replacement for $150,000. So, this is to replace we we own one uh school bus and we use it daily for a variety of of activity in the school district. Um it's a 2017 Bluebird school
023bus and uh it is at the end of its useful life. So, if we don't um replace this bus, we risk having to discontinue our early childhood education program, which brings high school students to the elementary schools on a daily basis um to work with young learners. And that's a a program that produces a certification that when they graduate, they can actually get a job um in the field. So, uh, we would also, um, if we don't do this, have to contract out transportation for a variety of other activities that we currently transport ourselves using the bus. It will not be cheap to tr to if if we can even find transportation um to cover those uh, you know, those activities. So, our hope would be that this request is considered at the Springtown meeting
024so that we can order the bus promptly. It's going to take a while to get the bus most likely um unless we get really lucky. And uh so our hope is that that's supported so we can continue to provide the service that that we currently do to um to our students. And you can feel free to interrupt me anywhere along the way. >> Okay. >> Or we can answer questions at the end. Oh, either way. Go. Yes. >> Um, and I I may I don't think I asked this when we met at that um uh Anyway, is this bus um compliant with does it have to be? Are you looking for it to be compliant with accessibility like wheelchair share lift? I um and that sort of thing. Yeah, it our current bus does not
025have a wheelchair lift. So, if we have an activity in which we need to have a wheelchair lift, we we would contract it out at currently. >> Um it is a thought that we could >> look to have it um you know fully wheelchair accessible on a new vehicle >> and that makes it more versatile for sure. Um so that's that's certainly a possibility for what we use it for. Um sometimes when you when you purchase a vehicle that has it wheelchair accessibility on a on a yellow school bus, it is um significantly more expensive. So we have to factor that in >> and um depends on how much we think we're going to, you know, going to going to use it in that capacity. So u so the next item on the list is
026flooring replacement. So, $200,000 we've requested. This uh is to remove asbestos from appro approximately 10 to 12 rooms at the James M. Quinn School. We've been working on removing asbestos from the schools I think since I started here now in year 16 here. Um and uh we have made great strides particularly at the Potter and DeLo school somewhat at the middle school and the Quinn school still has a lot that we need to that we need to tackle. The the risk is if you if you don't do this in a timely fashion, you could potentially have to close rooms or encapsulate floors in the middle of a school year um due to deteriorating asbestos conditions. So, we don't want to be in that position. Um, it's it's not something where you want to be abating
027asbestos in the middle of the school year. You really, it would be a challenge to do that. Um, if if it's possible at all. So, our hope would be that we would receive funding for this at the Springtown meeting and then we would be able to do what we do and and take care of the worst of the rooms uh during the summer. This would not complete the project. Not even close. So, this would just be um you know another another set of rooms that would be that would be completed. We really can't do more than this in one summer. We really this is about what we can do and still open school on time. So, it it's just the way we have to do it gradually. Uh the next request is technology hardware replacement
028for $325,000. So this um request is one that's pretty pretty normal for us. You've you've seen requests for technology hardware replacement every year. We use this to continue to provide tools for for students. Um, if we don't uh do this, we would risk not being able to um have tools that help advance student learning and meet our state testing requirements. So, we really do need to keep up with this. Um, I I I've got to say Mr. Galashaw and his team do an outstanding job cycling technology through the throughout the system. So using um using technology uh to its maximum potential um and in multiple uses during its lifespan. So he'd continue to do that and hopefully we receive funding for this playground improvements for $400,000. So, we received um at at the at the
029fall town meeting $100,000 of additional funding for a playground project that we already had. Uh 20 I think we had about $221,000 left in uh previous article funding. So, that's going to be for one of the playgrounds at the Quinn School. And this request is going to be for a playground at the DLO school. So, our hope is that we can ensure continued use of the playgrounds and we don't have to close sections of playgrounds or close parts of sections of playgrounds. The reality is that our playgrounds are getting old. Replacement parts aren't readily available and they're deteriorating and they need to be addressed. >> Go ahead. Okay. Um, in terms of playground, I talked about a little bit this in the field. Um, but the those playgrounds are open to the public and if
030anyone, you know, goes by Quinn Elementary School at any point in time, Saturday or Sunday, you could see that the playgrounds are occupied and used and the wear and tear. Um, I'm sure contributes to the fact that we do allow the community to utilize. Is there any conversation or any possibility? I know this is a capital improvement specific to our needs for the school department, but is there some any conversations around shared responsibility or shared contribution toward upkeep of those um important pieces of playground. >> Yes, you're you're right. I mean, and it's great that the community, you know, uses our facilities and and um you [clears throat] know, we we welcome that. um at our one of our meetings with the town administrator and um and the finance director Dr. Sab Magcguire and I
031talked about this and um right away it was recognized that you know this is a this is a community issue. It's not just the school issue. Um so that was great. Um and that was not really that was without us >> that's fantastic >> driving that um part of the discussion. So I our hope is that there's some consideration there for that. Um there was also some discussion regarding the um the um preservation community preservation funds >> um and whether they might be able to assist. Um there's been we and in the school department although they're not supposed to be used specifically for school related projects. They could be used for public projects and they have been used for other playground related projects. So, if this is a public pre playground, which you're making the
032point that it is, um, you know, perhaps there could be some funding used used there or other sources, but um, and we're not here, you know, saying where the money's going to come from, but >> just the need >> just that just it definitely needs to happen. Um, telephone replacement with cloud-based IP system. I know I know uh, Mr. Galisho was working on this today. Um, so the request is for $120,000. This will ensure communications continue throughout our buildings. Uh, FY28, our current system, is no longer supported. So, we will be on our own. >> Okay. >> Um, so we really need to we really need to take a look at that and and remedy that. High school roof replacement. This one's a familiar one. Um, so we still have the $6 million number there.
033We were we were, you know, thrilled that we got accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authorities Accelerated Repair Program. Um, they are um going to be in the process of appointing a project manager for us and uh then we'll be moving forward. They've they've not done that yet. They should be um funding approximately 50% of the total cost. We've not gotten to that part of the discussion with them at this point. Um, you know, the roof is is 25 years old. Um, we have a thousand, you know, daily inhabitants in that in this building and, um, you know, really need to make sure that this happens. So, so far everything is moving in the right direction with that. Um, we would look to have a a roof with at least a 30-year life. um that
034would you know take care of this building for a long time. So our hope is that um working with the MSBA we define a more precise number by the time we get to town meeting which is quite a ways away. So um our our hope is that that we have that ready to go. HVAC repairs and replacement for $600,000. So, this is um sounds like a lot of money, but it really isn't in that world. Um, this request is to continue to repair and replace equipment to ensure appropriate conditions in learning environments. We're fighting a battle every day in this district to try and have temperature controlled environments. And um you know our newest our newest building that we're sitting in right here is needs a lot of work um amongst the other the and
035the other buildings need even more. So um our hope is to continue to try and make improvements in controls and improvements in equipment that will help us um you know help us maintain a good learning environment. We'd hope and try in in any if if there's any possibility to combine those um whatever funds we receive from a capital improvement perspective with utility incentives, possibly green communities [clears throat] money, which we've done in the past and have used um to to great effect um for some other projects. So, we'd continue to try and do that. >> M quick question. Does are there any funds of you know grants available from the state that you're aware and I know and the reason I asked that is I know if my memor is any good there's a couple
036of boilers downstairs in this building that we got some type of state or endstar ever source grants for a while back. Yeah, we we did. Um we we had the uh state secretary of education down to take a look at the work we had done on the boilers here at Dartmouth High School. Um we that we may be eligible. So while I don't think the the two sources that we might be eligible for um relating to this are the green communities money which is limited because we've done a lot and they try and spread it out to other communities that are working um you know working on the green communities program. Uh so there's fairly limited amount of of of funds there. The other thing is an m a possible MSBA project. So heat pump
037technology which we don't have in any of our buildings is uh eligible for the accelerated repair program for MSBA. So one of the thoughts and there's a proposal it's expensive and there's a big it's a big number. It's in the plan. Um, one of the thoughts is, you know, you look at our long-term capital plan. We know that the Quinn School is going to be in existence for a good long time. It's a well-built school and, um, hopefully it can last, but um, it needs quite a bit of work. So, it has a lot of mostly original equipment from 1967. Now, the boilers aren't original. We replaced those about 14 years ago. But um but all the other equipment, the HBAC controls and the HVAC equipment in the building is original. So one thought is
038do we look to the MSBA and try and apply for heat pump conversion uh for the and while we're doing other you know basically renovating the entire HVAC system in that building and I I think it would be a good project. I included it on there. I was I had a I have a a a good contact who's done a um a project manager who's done a project like that fairly recently and it it's it's expensive. But um I think I let's see I think on the plan I put it out two years because we have a bunch of other requests here. But um it is a geothermal heat pump conversion at the Quinn School FY29 7 and a half million and I'm not quite sure about that. >> Wow. >> So it's it would
039be a big project but it would be a huge improvement at the same time and you'd be talking about 1967 equipment being you know sort of taken offline. So um something to think about. So, high school track reconstruction 950,000. This this isn't a new one, but the the number changed. So, um we were way low. We we had uh you know, unfortunately in construction, I you know, I think there's been a lot of escalation and since the last time we had somebody take a look at the track, the track has only gotten older. It's, you know, it's been on the list for years and um we're at the point now where most likely it's not just the surface of the track that needs to be done. It's it's the the subsurface. So, it's a 25
040year old track which is, you know, at at least five years beyond its useful life and maybe more. Um, it's used daily by physical education, athletics, and by community members all the time. And, uh, if we don't do it, we're going to at some point not be able to use it for what its intended purposes. So, um, and that's coming soon, I think. Um, so our hope would be that we'd receive funding at Springtown meeting for this. The The problem I mean, that's the soonest we can receive it. The problem with it is I'm not sure that that would get us give us enough time to get it done this summer. So um because there are limited number of vendors who would perform that service getting on a list and to be able to do
041that um first of all projects going to have to be bid out and uh we could bid it out before town meeting pending funding funding but it won't be a certainty for the you know for the bidder. So, I I have a feeling that um even if we get it in the spring, it it might not, you know, be able to be done over the summer, but >> Okay. No, go ahead. >> Uh no, I was just wondering if um the I know it's still being used. Uh to me it's looks kind of dangerous to use that and I was wondering like a is it impacting us and our track teams having home um track events and if not I just think on the other side chuch-ing chuch-ing the cost of transportation to to have
042um track meets at alternate location >> um I'm sure is quite expensive. >> Yeah. So I mean I guess the the good news is so far what our approach has been is patching it and we've you know so we're we're we're still patching it and we are still using it but it is coming to the end of being able to do that soon. So and I'm just this just came don't ask me why but I this just hit me with some of these And I'm jumping ahead to town meeting depending and hopefully CIP approves everything that type of deal and I'll get into that when you're finished. But would it be prudent if we were to have a special inside the annual so that these capital items once we close school June 12th or whatever
043day it is >> type of deal we can start going to work on them or andor for example the bus could be audited the next day. >> So >> does you know what I'm saying? I do. I do. And and I've lived that now for, you know, the whole time I've been here. The fact that, you know, we we have a late town meeting. >> Yeah. >> Most most communities have an earlier town, you know, town meeting than us. But, um, I mean, the the good news is once it's approved at town meeting, the money can be encumbered. It can't be paid. You can't pay for anything though. So, I've always, you know, played the little float game there. Um, which may be fine. Um, I mean, I guess the likelihood that a school bus
044is going to be ordered on June the afternoon of June 2nd after town meeting and actually need be inhouse and paid for before July 1st. It's not going to happen. So I guess so from a school bus perspective that doesn't really help from a flooring replacement. I think we can you wouldn't start until the 13th at the earliest um after school, you know, after after the last day of school and then you probably can avoid having to pay somebody until July 1. So, you're probably okay with that one. Um, the track I I don't know. I don't know. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I I they won't be completed. So, it would just be a matter of whether there's some progress payment that would be due >> prior. It was just again just a thought.
045>> Yeah. I usually play the float and kind of just, you know, oh yeah, we've got you July 1. >> Yeah. So that's that's the the challenge there. But we can commit though um you know once once it's voted at town meeting. >> Yeah. I don't think we just play the float. We could vote to take borrow money from >> No. Well, so the the so the issue is that a the the annual town meeting can only appropriate for funding from um July 1st of 2026 forward. >> So they cannot appropriate money for for the current cycle, but they you could have a special town meeting, which sometimes happens. They sometimes they have one anyway. >> Yeah. um depending on if there are things to older bills to pay and a variety of different things
046in which items would be placed on on that special town meeting and then those funds become um available as soon as the vote is is taken by town meeting. So in our case, I I don't know I don't know how much it it would would help us really just >> because most likely we're not paying for we're not going to complete enough of these projects to have to pay a vendor in the two weeks after school ends to when um you know most likely. So the next request we have on there is a new or renovated school. So I you know I think I think we're at an interesting point. I mean we put a placeholder of hundred million on there. I don't I don't I don't know what the cost is going to be
047and we wouldn't know. I mean, I I think the important point is that it's critical that we begin the process of replacing our three 80year-old buildings. Um, so we have three buildings all built within, you know, within about a year of each other and and they're 80 years old. So, we've got to start this now. Um, this request itself isn't for immediate funding, but it's made this request is made to support a submission of a statement of interest to the Mass School Building Authority. Um, our hope is that we prepare the statement of interest and present it to you folks and the select board for a um replacement of the existing Dartmouth Middle School building and we submit that to the MSBA in February. So, coming quick and it's quite a bit of work. So,
048I got to get working on that. But um but but yeah, our hope our hope would be that we when they will announce the opening of their program in January and then um they have a they have a a meeting scheduled already for like information about submitting the statement of interest that's in January which I'll attend and then and then um you know we'll have it in shape for you folks to take a look at and begin to um you know decide is it is are we ready to do this and submit this? So, like I said, it will require your support as well as the select board's support to be submitted. Um, and whatever school project, again, we'd be eligible likely for about 50% um based on the town's um the town's um economic
049statistics. So, vehicle replacement of a maintenance truck. Um, $110,000. It's crazy that a truck costs that much, but it does. Um, this request will replace a 2013 Ford truck that we use every day right now. Um, we we had ordered two trucks. We just got them in on Thursday. Thursday or Friday. And uh it took us a year to get them. So, we really have to move forward with this. We have we're putting money into vehicles that we shouldn't be putting money into anymore. We use those trucks every day for maintenance work in the district. They also are our snowplow vehicles. Um if we if we don't, then we've got to try and repair rotting vehicles. it doesn't it doesn't make sense for us to you know continue to do that. So hopefully we receive
050support for that stadium renovations 5,600,000. I mean, I I think if [clears throat] we do this, we we preserve that facility for generations and and it was, you know, built as a memorial um you know, to to those who served in in World War II. I think it's an important part of the community and I hope that um I hope that folks support us making sure that it's there for the community in the future. We started the we started the actual construction of the project in 2018 and you know we've done some work but we're not where we need to be and we need to finish the project. So hopefully we do bathroom renovations 200,000. So we we received some money for bathroom renovations and if you if you go a good example would be
051would be the Quinn school. Um, if you go into the bathrooms at the Quinn School, I have pictures of the old um the old uh dividers and partitions in the bathrooms that are all rusty with sharp edges on the bottom. Well, they look great now. So, fortunately, we've we've begun that process of renovating um you know, renovating bathrooms and and fixtures in the bathrooms and we need to continue that. So, we hope to receive funding to do that. music equipment of $65,000. We haven't had a music equipment article in a few years and we really much like technology, let's say you you need to update music equipment eventually. The music department's outstanding in terms of repairing and cannibalizing equipment, making the most of these, you know, these the equipment, but um you know, they need
052to continue to have equipment to be able to serve kids. And similarly, the athletic equipment request of 145,000. We haven't had an athletic equipment article. I I think it's been I don't know what 10 years probably. >> And um we really need to take a look at that and ensure that we have athletic equipment for long-term use. >> So if we don't do it, you know, we'll do our best to continue to maintain old equipment, but at some point we we need to tackle things. So those are our FY27 requests. So, the total for FY27 with the $100 million placeholder for for a new school is $114,565,000. [clears throat] Do we want to talk about anything else with fiscal year 27 before we move to the rest of the like I'll have some highlights from
053the rest of the plan. I'd like >> I just quickly I just had a clarification on the um stadium renovations and >> uh does that um amount include ensuring ADA compliance and wheelchair accessibility. >> Full ADA compliance. Yes. To the whole facility. >> Wouldn't it be nice? to the stands to the press box to the bathrooms to the kitchen to the concourses everything would be ADA compliant. Um would be fantastic and obviously the facility needs to be renovated. Um but it it also structurally from a concrete perspective really needs to be preserved. You know like that's that's a that's a big part of this. You know, our hope would be that we gut the the entire structures and maintain and make sure that they're wellmaintained for 30, 40 >> years in the future. And so
054I think we can accomplish that, but we've not tackled it now for quite a while. And um we've been continuing to try and maintain it and and do good work on it. And I think that's made a difference. But I do think we got to got to tackle it and finish it before you know too much longer. So the there are a lot of other requests in the in the following nine years of the plan. So you know we have window replacements at several schools. Um some of those might be dependent upon our actions. So, for example, a dlo and and potter school windows. I mean, if we're going to build new schools, I would say, okay, we live with the windows and we, you know, >> but we have to have that commitment and,
055you know, the knowledge that we're going to be doing that. um the Dartmouth High School windows. I think yes, as soon as we're eligible from MSBA, we go back in and and get the money and and take care of, you know, the this building and ensure it ensure its use for a long time. We mentioned the geothermal heat pump conversion possibility at Quinn School. Um improvement and repair of our athletic fields. I think I think we have some issues that should be addressed, but if we build a new building, I think they're going to be. So, I you know, there's there's several things on this plan that may or may not um you know, may depend on how we move forward. >> Fluid, >> another new building to replace an elementary school is really important
056during the life of this plan. We just can't wait. um [clears throat] >> 33 >> and then you know so so obviously those the other [clears throat] requests on here would be impacted by our long-term decisions our big picture decisions. [clears throat] The town has asked us to rank things in this priority system. So um this is unfamiliar to you. So I thought it would be important to to talk about it. So priority one they're calling must do projects projects that address public health or safety issues pose a threat a threat to providing essential town services or are required for immediate compliance with local, state or federal regulations. So that is priority one. Priority two, shouldd do projects being projects that address deferred action items. These projects may be a financial burden due to increased
057maintenance expenditures, may significantly impact service delivery, or could become unsafe. Priority three, expected to do projects that are considered preventative, routine maintenance. These projects are done in line with best practices and intended to maintain level services. These projects may be deferred if needed for a limited time without negatively impacting basic services. And priority four, nice to do, are projects that represent the vision of what the town wants to be. These projects may be deferred if needed, but if implemented, would provide a higher level of service, improve operations, andor enhance productivity. So, I'm just going to bring us back. This is again a proposed plan. So you can, you know, certainly weigh in as to how you think these um requests should be prioritized, but the top nine requests I have on the list as priority
058one. So again, priority one addressing public health or safety issues or pose a threat to providing essential town services or are required for immediate compliance with local, state or federal regulations. And I think those nine all all are important and and meet those that criteria. So I've included those there. The um next three projects are I guess in the should do priority two category. Deferred action projects that may be a financial burden um due to increased maintenance expenditures or may significantly impact service delivery or could become unsafe. I think that those projects all fit that criteria. And then the last two are expected to do or projects that are considered preventative routine maintenance. We're talking about equipment that our kids use every day that we need to, you know, we need to maintain. Um, so
059I didn't have any nice to-dos on this list because there's so many other things. There's so many must dos but um in the you know there are some nice to-dos in the um you know in the plan overall the 10 years if we were to classify things but I think it's important to focus on what we have before us and since we have so many must dos and several shouldd dos and several expected to-d dos I think we've got to hopefully get most of this done and soon. >> I just could you provide rationale? The bathroom renovations as I understand them are like some of the equipment is old and pointy and jagged and visualizing rusty and and dangerous. Uh why what was your rationale? I know you thoughtful about all of this >> on
060should making that a should do. >> Why is that a >> versus a priority? Why is it a two versus a one? So I I I mentioned earlier and I I think you know the more the best example is the work we've done at the Quinn School where we we have been targeting those areas in which we had significant safety concerns. So um so we're tackling that first and you know for obvious reasons but I do think that there is a lot of deferred I mean there's we have buildings from the 50s and 60s so there is a lot of deferred action um you know on these so that is why I think it uh it probably better meets that category. The other criteria um in priority two is may significantly impact service delivery. So
061there's things bathroom related stadium renovations, vehicle replacement for the maintenance truck that would severely impact our service delivery um you know if we're not able to function. So I I I felt that was the best um priority category for those. But you know it's I'm I'm happy to discuss it if if the committee you know feels differently about those rankings. >> Nice job. So, I'm confused about um we're going to ask the town for this money um if we all decide that um including the renovated school. So, they're going to vote that they would give us the money like that's a provisional that >> that we don't usually ask for something that like that. I I just don't understand how that works. >> Yeah. And I and I think the so it's there as a
062placeholder the money for the new school so that it doesn't go unnoticed and that we understand the general possible scope of a project that we are asking what we will be asking for is support in terms of a statement of interest. We most likely at June and at the June 2nd town meeting will not be asking for feasibility study money, let's say. Um, which would probably be the first step if we were to get accepted into the MSBA program, core program right away. I don't think we would know in time. I don't believe if we're [clears throat] to be accepted by MSBA prior to Juntown meeting. I don't think that so I think it's likely that there wouldn't be any actual money requested at the June town meeting. Now there could be in October if
063the MSBA said, "Okay, we're going to build a school in Dartmouth." if you folks supported it, if the select board supported it, we submitted and MSBA thinks it's a good project, well, a worthy project that they have money for because they can only do so many of them because they are expensive. Um then um then yeah, I I could see a possibility at in October needing needing funds um to begin that process of paying a project manager to work with the district on feasibility study and looking at and and and designers looking at options for how we move forward with that project. So, so I could put $5 million instead of a hund00 million or any I I mean there there's a variety of things you could put there, but I think I think the
064other projects on the list represent actual funding requests and that is more of a placeholder based on how we move forward as a community. I would just add to that that um I think it's important to put out to the community really what the financial implications are not only for this year but for the future. >> And so $100 million isn't you know I I don't think it it's not an unreasonable request. Um and so that people aren't surprised later if we put in five million and then next year come back and say >> well we really need a hundred million. Um yeah, right. [snorts] >> That wouldn't sit well with people. >> No, >> correct. Thank you. [snorts] >> So, um again, we can we can discuss the rankings or talk about um you
065know, talk about the the projects that were proposed more um if you'd like, but it will be up to your discretion how you want to act on this. uh proposed plan. You could consider a vote tonight if you would like to or you can take it under advisement and uh you know vote at a future meeting. I would I would just caution that we wouldn't want to wait too long to to begin the process um on the town side. So once you folks have um a plan that you feel is appropriate then um you know we'll begin the advocacy in the next stage. So um >> yes >> thank you madam chair through you um just a a general comment and again Kathleen and I you know worked with Mr. Kylie on this one. Had
066some good discussion that night. Uh but you know something that I was looking at as we did this. There's three big ticket items in here. The um the roof replacement, the new or renovated school, and the stadium renovations. That that's $111 million. Okay. So if you take $111 million out of the 114 that's there, it's, you know, $2.9 million is what we're asking for this year in normal capital items. You know, that type of deal. I mean, the other the those three are three big ticketed items that are going to something that's going to last >> a long time. Those three items type of deal. So, I mean, the everyday maintenance, you know, school bus, flooring, telephone, computer, that type of deal is, you know, dayto-day, $2.9 million type of deal. So, I mean, I
067think this is this is an excellent plan. I don't want somebody, you know, I I can, you know, no disrespect, I can see somebody looking, you know, the headline being school department asks for $114 million in capital items and they don't read the read the rest of the article and it gets lost type of deal. Yes, it's $14 million, but there's three big capital items there for $111 million type of deal. So I I don't want the other items to get lost in the shuffle is is what I'm saying. >> Yeah. >> So >> good point. >> Personally, I'm good with this exactly the way that Mr. Kylie has got them laid out and prioritized and you know needing certain items in uh the June town meeting so that we can get them done over
068the summer. I'm absolutely fine with the way this is and and personally I'm ready to vote, but I leave that to my committee members. >> I'm ready to vote. >> I am as well. >> All right, we need a motion. So, I'll make a motion, Madam Chair, that we approve the capital uh improvement plan as presented uh by the superintendent and the assistant superintendent of finance and operation. the amount of $114,565,000. >> Second >> motion by Mr. Noun, second by Miss Beckwith. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Passes unanimously. >> Thank you. >> Beautiful. >> Thank you, sir. >> We'll begin the next stage of advocacy for the for these requests. If you get a date, Mr. Kylie, that you're going to CIP. if you let me know. >> Hopefully, >>
069you know. >> Yeah. Yep. >> If I'm able to, I'd love to >> Excuse me. be there. >> Thank you. >> All right. All right. >> And we were just going to talk about the fiscal year 27 budget timeline. >> Back to you, Mr. K. >> Okay. [laughter] >> You'll have your moment of >> another exciting topic. So, um, so you had in your packet the the the budget timeline. Um, I shared a similar budget timeline with you during your summer retreat. Hasn't changed much. Um, we've been busy behind the scenes working on budget development. Principles and directors are currently preparing their budgets um for submission on Friday. this Friday. Um, so I've already received one. Um, they will be expressing their needs and aligning those requests and needs with the strategic plan, which is
070our our compass, our guide to how we're going to proceed through this process. Um, we had a budget subcommittee meeting last week and um, I think a productive meeting talking about um, how we are moving forward with uh, w with our budget preparation and um, approaching the point where we're going to have um, additional budget subcommittee meetings and get to the point where we're ready to present to the school committee in in February And I think that's about all I have on this. I don't know if you have any questions or comments regarding the timeline. >> I I don't have a question on the timeline. I just wondered um you know in in the usual uh way in which buildings sort of submit their needs this time specifically you know against the strategic plan and
071how it aligns. Would it be prudent for us to in the spirit of asking what we need? I mean, I know we do this in a different way historically, but aligning the requests, not not submitting a proposal, hopefully I'm being clear, that um says this is what we're funding, this is what we're not, or to vote on, what we fund, what we don't fund, but a prioritization sort of similar to the the rubric that the town is asking us to abide by, so that it's not like we're not going to fund. it would then be incumbent upon us to say, you know, based on those ratings. So that then would translate to the town like we've taken your process and implemented it and this is what we've come up with. I mean, we might argue
072they're all ones because we're in the business of public education, but I think there might maybe I just I just wanted to put that out there that it might be prudent to sort of plan um and align some of the prioritization this [snorts] the way that the town is doing it. I don't know. >> Two cents. >> Well, the schools are already in motion. One already being turned in. So, it'd be difficult. I'm just to we could back up a little bit and when we're coming forward to you, we could talk about our priorities, which we actually do talk about our priorities when we come before the committee. >> Um, so I don't think that that's unreasonable. We have to find a way to kind of retrofit it maybe, but that doesn't mean that's not
073something that >> or even just a sort of an extra line to say thinking about the rubric the town has for prioritizing this capital improvement stuff. This is how we have our internal needs and how they are prioritized. Again, they may all be ones, but um to say that we've taken a step to say, wow, you've you've asked us to do this for this body of money or this body this request, >> that kind of thing. And I would hope we we do see twos and threes, >> meaning that >> No. Right. But >> yeah, >> I mean, >> yeah, there will be. But >> yeah, I mean I I'm not overly fond of that ranking system. >> No, I'm not either, but >> but I but I think I think the important part from
074a budgetary perspective is um and and I think I I think the committee we we feel like Dr. to say McGuire and I feel we have an understanding of what the committee's expectation is, certainly what the budget subcommittee's expectation is, and that we are going to be prepared to present um and incorporate the needs that are necessary for us to accomplish our key strategic plan objectives into the budget. And that's the way that's how we hope to bring it forward to you. Um, and so, you know, I I I don't I don't know that they're going to be, you know, ranked one, two, three. We're going to bring we're going to bring you a budget that can help us achieve the goals of the strategic plan. >> And that makes more sense. >> Yeah. >>
075And and I'll just add one, you know, we obviously m Mr. Kylie, we'll have, you know, everybody will submit their budgets on Friday. But what I think when we come back, what what I think we'll be confident in talking to you about related to the budget and the budget requests are that the conversations that we're having as we're out in schools talking with principles and school leaders, directors, um, we're not hearing anything that surprises us in terms of what the needs are out in the schools. And that's really what you want, right? So, we've had a couple of meetings with a couple of principles who have have um who have asked for uh certain support positions and we've already talked about it. And so what that means is that you really see a district strategic
076plan connected to school improvement plans and then the budget you see is is clearly um the budget requests are demonstrating that real connection that exists across the school district. So, that's um that's what you'll hear from us when we get into um talking about a more formal presentation of our budget requests. >> So, it's okay to skip. >> Yeah, I was just trying to, you know, I don't Yeah, I don't like that rating system either. Everything we do is a one >> because I mean, we can't put a two next to a person, right? So, we're talking about people, right? Lots of times when we're talking about budget requests, it's connected to a person and a position that we need. And so if we're asking for it, then like you said earlier, it's a one.
077>> Right. [snorts] >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Everybody good? I'm gonna >> All right. >> Okay, >> Dr. Sa Magguire. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. Um, so as I was starting to think about the superintendent's update for this evening, I I couldn't help but really be reflective of the fact that this is my third year um of being here in Dartmouth and that even though that's true technically and I say this in the best of ways, I feel like I've been here forever [laughter] and I say that in the most positive of ways and I think that that couldn't be, you know, uh, clearer in the time that I and our team has spent out in our schools and will continue to spend in our schools in the next few weeks. There
078are just so many wonderful things going on across the school district and things that really need to be celebrated and you know under teaching and learning you know that um we have the implementation of CKLA the professional development that goes along with it. Watching how that is impacting teaching and student learning out in the field is where you really get that validation that uh this was the the right commitment for the district, the committee to support. We talk about budget um and how important it is that you make those kind of decisions that allow us as a school district to invest in those kind of resources that are making such a difference. uh the kids, the students are really excited about a lot of the content because remember as you've heard Mrs. Paveo talk, this
079is a contentbased literacy resource and you can see the difference it's making and the excitement with which kids are sharing their learning. Um and at the same time walking through classrooms right now, I mean it's the holiday season. Um you know, there are lots of distractions. There are a lot of really fun things going on across this school district. And at the same time, I see kids that are focused on what they need to be doing and that teaching and learning continues. Uh, one of the things that Mrs. Paveo did uh earlier, just a couple weeks ago, is she surveyed the faculty uh at the elementary level across the district uh around the the implementation of the instructional schedule that we've implemented this year. I want to say that getting uh a quite a few
080responses. I mean, the responses are great and it's overall positive. That doesn't mean that there aren't tweaks to be made here and there. And and if I haven't said this, and if I have, I apologize for repeating myself, but the schedule that Mrs. Pavo put together for the elementary level really is truly just a brilliant schedule and it supports teaching and learning and professional development uh in such a a positive and I would say a a way that is making a difference in really the teaching and learning experiences of students regardless of which elementary school they're in. Um which they're all amazing. So uh we've established a professional development committee and as a result again survey data and I keep mentioning survey data because I think it's important to uh articulate the the emphasis that
081we as a school district are putting on seeking out uh teacher voice and using that voice in the decisions that we're making. So the professional development committee was a result of data that we collected and now we have collected additional data and I know we mentioned this that the five session strands for professional development that we're reinstituting that that was something that people across the district had um they they' given us feedback saying that was something that they enjoyed and they felt that was really applicable to their practice. And so just at the elementary level, we will have um rotate through targeted strands. And this is from what we've heard from out in the field. It's technology, it's math, ELA content, social emotional learning, sheltered English immersion, that's our SEI work that we do with
082our English language learners, special education. So, we're going to be able to offer our educators in our staff because for the first time, we'll also be including ESPs as part of the professional learning opportunities that we're offering. So, we're excited about that and to be able to again [clears throat] have focused professional development that is in alignment with our school improvement plans and our district strategic plan because all of these regardless of the professional development, the content of that professional development session will be connected in some way to school improvement plans and to district strategic plans. Uh so I would also mention to you if you haven't seen the um some of the news outlets that from the governor's office uh presentations um definitely uh newspaper articles about the new or the proposed graduation requirements.
083I would say this to you about that. It is so uncertain right now that I think as a district we have the right I think we have the right uh approach. I think that we've done a really good job here all along from the time that we found out that the MCCAST graduation requirement not the MCCAST because we still have the MCCAST uh was lifted that the district has responded well to that and it has not disrupted our students learning. it hasn't interrupted teaching and learning and it has not in any way disrupted a student's opportunity to earn their high school diploma here in Dartmouth. So, we're kind of taking a patient wait and see. And I would say from some of the conferences and webinars I've been a part of, there's still so much
084uncertainty that that's a good place to be. Wait and see. because I think it's going to take some time to get to a place where we're in agreement about what if what and if there will be new statemandated graduation requirements connected to the state being involved in um in developing and scoring those tests because that's the conversation right now. So, we'll keep you updated as as we go along until we really have something concrete to talk about. I just think that hearing every proposal that's out there would be exhausting. >> Wait five minutes of change. >> That's kind of my Yes. So, thank you. But I'm happy to talk to any one of you about that if you're interested. At the high school level, I did have the opportunity to attend the pep rally. We
085heard our student talk about that. I have to give kudos to the staff and faculty, the kids at the high school. Um, did you get a did any of you get a chance to come up here? It really is fun. Um, it's a fun time to bring the school community together to celebrate and really everyone was engaged that you if you looked in the stands, I'm sure if you have a student here, you heard about it, but if you looked in the st stands, it was really fun to watch how the kids were so engaged in celebrating each other. Um, even when they kind of some of the upper class people boo the freshmen. [laughter] >> It's not nice. >> Apparently [clears throat] hasn't changed. [laughter] >> Yeah. And it's not that loud. >> Friendly
086rivalry. >> It's friend. It's friendly. It's friendly booing if there's ever [laughter] such a thing. >> Uh, so we talked a lot about budget capital improvement. Um, but I will mention because u Mr. Galashar did uh ask me to talk about the new district servers that have been installed along with upgraded battery backup and file backup systems. And this is what my piece in this and sharing this with you is it's you know these are the invisible things that happen right the dayto-day they're not really fun to talk about or think about but it's much like Mr. Kylie was talking about earlier with capital improvements. Those aren't always the most obvious. It's like replacing, you know, your roof. It's unless you're getting a really fancy roof, it's really like not that much fun, but it
087needs to be done, right? So, same kinds of things, but it's cru critical as we know to keep our systems running reliably. And we are expecting with these changes that this will certainly have the impact that I know that uh Mr. Galshaw and his team need to to happen to keep us running. Um we're still Mr. Kylie already mentioned we're still waiting for our acceptance into the MSBA. Um well, not acceptance. I'm sorry. We have acceptance. We're waiting to hear about our next steps. And I'm imagining that's going to happen shortly. I think in their timeline it said December, January. On the HR front, we're still ongoing hiring. Again, I'll just mention Mrs. Gentner because she'll be mad at me for doing it, but she just does such a tremendous job just keeping the wheels
088turning. When we do have folks that are ready to join our team, it's, you know, right away she's responsive and she gets folks in there and we get them into our schools where we need them right away. And so I'm really grateful and I have had folks across the district who are doing the hiring at the building level who are always uh praising uh Mrs. Gentner and how responsive she is to making sure that they get the folks they need in their schools as soon as possible. So but we remain committed to finding the right right candidates. So, under our third priority, safe and supportive schools, um, vape detectors have been installed in all of the student bathrooms now here at Dartmouth High School. Uh, that's again part of an ongoing safety effort. We're identifying
089the high school team is working together to develop clear response protocols for what we do when we see inevitably we're we're going to see that there's going to be not an uptick in vape use, an uptick in recognizing the challenge that we have here at the high school, much like any high school. Uh so not unique to Dartmouth, but we are uh we are committed to an approach that balances the uh infor the health risks associated with BA vaping and still reinforcing that we aren't going to tolerate vaping in our schools because we're not it's just most you know years ago it was smoking, right? and we didn't we didn't um tolerate that then and we're not going to tolerate vaping now mostly because it's not good for you and [laughter] those are the things
090that we're looking to do is to educate our students. Um, we also had our first training session regarding some of the newer safety protocols that we're putting into place. And I thank Kim Redlon, the entire crisis team for putting together some really high uh level uh professional development for really what is a team across the district. There are represented representatives from every school and in turn they go through some I would say extensive training. It's with Homeland Security. We also had members of Dartmouth PD there. Again, bringing the community together for this kind of professional learning so that we all have an understanding of what the expectations are, what protocols are, what safety measures the schools are taking, and that the Dartmouth profession, the Dartmouth Police Department is right there in working closely with us.
091And in turn, what will happen is those folks that were there are representatives from across the district, they will be the this is the train the trainer model. So they will bring that back to their schools and uh we're looking forward to seeing the impact that's going to have. I would also mention uh that the recent musical Spongebob seems like it was very popular. Um a lot of fun for people. A lot of I would say young people probably particularly enjoyed that. But there's so much going on as I mentioned there are band I think there there's performances this evening at the middle school. Um but that would again contribute to what I talked about earlier which is a school district that's engaged in a lot of festivities festive happy um you know they're happy
092places to be. And then finally, I would just mention again, Kim, thank you for putting this together with the police department, the fire department, and I think EMS, who we've done our first ever what we're calling high- five Fridays. And so those first responders were at all of our schools um greeting our students. You heard our student our our freshman stu student representative talk about that happening here at the high school, but that happened at every school in the district. And overall what we're hearing is it was really fun and the kids were excited and we have a at least one more planned for this year but it'll be something that we build into our schedule as a way to bring our community together. That's high five Fridays. That's my report. >> Well, thank you
093very much. I >> feel you cover all the bases. [laughter] Um, I do not have much to add, though I will say I had never watched Spongebob Squarepants in my life and I thought, why am I going? It was great. >> It's a great message. There was great energy. Um, it's a great group of kids. It's a great program and we're lucky to have it is what I'd say. And and also concert season is upon us. And >> if you're bored, >> there's something to do almost every single night here at one of our schools. >> Just about. >> U Mr. News, do you have anything? >> Yeah, I I do, Madam Chair. Thank you very much. Uh you were talking about the all the holiday concerts coming up and everything else. And uh two
094weeks from tonight, uh December 22nd, uh Dartmouth High School is going to be putting on our annual pops scholarship concert type of deal. And I am proud to say that uh our assistant superintendent of uh budget and finance uh Mr. Kylie is our honore this year. >> Oh, very nice. >> So we will be honoring him. We will be honoring him that night for terrific all his work and such and that uh starts starts at the concert starts at 7 o'clock. The doors open at 6:30. >> So it'll be a great evening. It'll be you know the and it'll be all the performing groups, the orchestra, the chorus, the stage band, the concert band. So >> yeah. >> Very nice. >> And you won't have to listen to me because if you go, you won't
095regret it. >> No, you won't. and the students are going to be doing most of the announcing. >> That's terrific. >> Great. >> Yeah, >> that's that's all I have. >> All right. Anybody else? >> No. Okay. Our next regularly scheduled meeting of the school committee is scheduled for Monday, January 12th, 2026 [music] at 6 PM to be held here at the Dartmouth High School Library Media Center. >> Madam Chair, I will not be here. I'll be out of town. >> Well, I hope you're having fun. >> I will. I promise. [laughter] It'll be probably, with all due respect, we'll be warm. >> Oh, [laughter] well, >> hopefully. >> Okay. Um, yes. I'll wear my coat and think of you. >> Okay. >> Um, so I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Always. So moved.
096>> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Noun, second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Never. Merry Christmas everybody. [music]