001[music] Hey, [music] hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. [music] Hey, hey, hey. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. [music] I call to order the school committee meeting of October 27th, 2025. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Excellent. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] >> Roll call, please. Miss Ner. >> Kathleen Amarol >> here. >> John Nunes. Chris Oliver >> here. >> Mary Beckwith >> here. Best Coughlin >> here. >> Uh, this meeting is being recorded. It will be rebroadcast on DCTV and can be streamed on their YouTube channel at any time. We now welcome public
002comment from the audience on any topic on this evening's agenda and we have allowed 10 minutes for this. Please approach the mic, state your name and keep your comments to three minutes, please. >> And I do not believe that there is public comment. Okay. So, uh, we will move to our student representative report and this evening we have Rosanna Meritus. Welcome. >> Hi, >> welcome. >> Hi everyone. My name is Rosanna and I am a senior at Dartmouth High and this is actually my first year here. Um, and so for the students student updates, um, students are really looking forward to November events like spirit week and the pep rally and we have homecoming coming up soon. And there's been an increase in school spirit this fall. Um, lots of support at the football game,
003volleyball game, the unified basketball and soccer games. And it's been great to see students and staff like getting together and cheering each other on. Attendance has improved compared to last year. There has been a a,77 fewer absences in tardies since the start of the school year. >> Wonderful. It's great. >> And the cell phone hotels in the classroom have been a great success. Students have this has helped students reduce distractions and helped keep kids focused during class. Um, the universal free breakfast and lunch. Many breakfast and lunch have helped many other kids are eating regularly and it has a positive impact in our school environment. Um and the homework hangout is now up and running by the um honors society club. Students appreciate having a quiet and supportive space to complete their work with extra
004help from their peers. Um the trunken street event on Saturday hosted by the student council was a huge success. um families, staff, and students all came out and participated. It was a great example of school and community engagement. Seniors are in a particular in a particularly busy season right now. Um early action is November 1st and a lot of students are applying for early action. Um um the senior shirt orders are in, yearbook submissions, and other class activities. So, it's been really stressful for seniors, but we're getting through it. >> Thank you, Ros. >> Thank you. That was great. >> What a fabulous first report. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Good job. >> Thank you. >> Um, so you may stay and listen to the rest of the meeting, but uh we always offer that you
005can go and do all that very busy stuff that is making >> Thank you. It was nice [laughter] meeting you guys. >> Nice meeting you as well. >> And welcome to Dartmouth. Um, and we are going to take things a little out of order here. Um, we are going to do uh some a little bit of new business. >> Yeah, we're we're going to jump into um family and community engagement as part of the superintendent update. Um because we have Mr. Tattlebomb here and we don't want him to have to hang out too long. And so Mr. Tattle Bomb is going to come up and talk to us about an organization that we're all familiar with and that um you know we're really proud to be part of here in the Dartmouth community and that's
006Gifts to give. And he has something he wants to talk to us and the greater Dartmouth school community about. So thank you for for coming and joining us this evening, Mr. Tattlebomb. We appreciate having you here. >> Thanks for having me. Uh I'm just an old citizen today. Uh but uh and luckily uh we have no meetings on our select board, so I'm able to make it tonight. >> Perfect. >> And I will listen a little longer. >> Um I'm I'm [clears throat] here tonight. Um I'm on the chair I'm on the board of the gifts to give organization. Uh just briefly for maybe listeners who don't know what it is, if I may. Uh we collect uh donations from all over the area. kids clothing, toys, books, and adult clothing, household goods and gifts.
007And the main thing we do is we repurpose them. We go through them and clean them up. And we get orders from social workers and distributors all over the area. And we uh we [clears throat] we put together packages of uh kids clothing, uh kids books, clo uh toys, um uh infants furniture, uh infants uh strollers, uh you name it, we collect it and clean it up and get redistributed. It would have gone to the landfill by then. All done by volunteers, hundreds and hundreds of volunteers. Inspire, we're all inspired by our founder, Jim Stevens. And don't go near him because if he asks you something, you just can't say no to him. So stay away. [laughter] Um we are in desperate need uh of kids clothing and uh we've had in the past successful
008drives uh the best place to get them is in kids schools and um [clears throat] right now uh we uh we the orders keep coming in uh for the fall and for the winter season and we really can use kids clothes of all kinds, all sizes. Uh and what we'd like to do is propose uh I first want to say that I first proposed the idea to superintendent and the assistant superintendent. They were gracious and very welcoming to me and that's why I'm here. So, thank you both. Um we would like to propose a um a drive at each of the schools uh at um which we have a um a trailer gift to give trailer. We put it on site and people can we can work out all the logistics of course with each
009principal but uh kids will bring stuff in put it up hopefully even more put it leave it there for two or three days maybe so so filled we'll have to uh transport it back and forth but uh and despite all sizes um from uh we call it from uh gently used uh and even new if people want to bring in new clothes the preference is going to be for kids sweatpants believe it or not that's a number one item Huh? >> Number one. And we do a lot of those in new and people bring in because it's useful as you know pajamas and pants and all but it's the number one item. But all kinds of all clothes of all sizes. So um be happy to work out logistics. We have a a fellas waiting
010with the trailer drop it off and we can talk to each principal and work it out. So uh um we uh grateful for listening and hopefully we're ready to start as soon as we can get authorization because we're going to pack. We're getting an orders now. We have requests that we cannot cannot uh possibly come close to fulfilling because we need them. Uh in a brief note, the uh the the facility is filled with stacks of shelves. The stuff is all stacked, be it toys, books or clothes. We get an order from a social worker. They pick it, pull it off the order, put it in bags, and it's picked up by the social worker. All uh uh private and secret um uh everyone's um uh protected. Um, so, um, all we're looking for is
011maybe we can get this date. So, we're ready to start as soon as we as soon as you're able to, uh, hopefully give us authorizations. >> Any questions? >> Fantastic. >> I think it's fabulous. >> I That sounds like a great program. Um, I'm certainly for it. Any questions? No problem. >> Yeah, it gives it gives a wonderful organization and we're happy to >> Yeah. And we're maybe Jim said, "Well, we can make it a little bit of a fun or a contest some kind." Said, "Well, we can do that, too." down the road, but maybe we can make this something we can do once or twice a year to change the seasons as well. We willing to do the work. >> Uh so, uh fabulous. >> I can't think of any more worthy to
012do in a place to get it in the kids school with kids grow out of their clothes and they would like to give it to somebody else. >> Yep. >> Perfect. >> Sounds great. >> Yeah. Fully support. >> Whatever we can do. >> Yeah. Great. >> Need a Do you need a >> Do we need a vote? >> Yeah. >> On that. >> Yeah. >> I don't We didn't think so, but we we Jim, do you want to jump in? We just thought it would be a great idea to hear. [laughter] >> I think as long as the committee is is comfortable with uh fab moving forward, we'll we'll start to coordinate with >> with um >> the organization. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Perfect. >> We wanted you to know when you see
013the trailers on the school grounds that Yeah. They are >> great organization. So important. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you so much. >> Thanks, Dave. >> Thank you, Dave. >> And next up, we have a presentation. >> Uh, madame chair, minutes. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I did win. This is what happens when we go out of order. [laughter] Um, so regular minutes for September 6, 2025. >> I'll make a motion that we approve those. >> Second. >> Uh, motion by Mr. Oliver, second by Miss Amarall. All in favor? I >> I. All oppose. None. It is unanimous. >> Oh, you're right. I said October. No, September. >> It is. It is. >> Thank you. >> October 6th. >> I apologize. Thank you for catching that. >> All right. And um
014now presentation. >> Yes. So, I'm going to invite Kim Redlon up to um the podium to speak about something that you actually have been hearing about over the past couple of years, and that's the sort of the re uh institution of the district crisis team. It's reimagined, I think, in lots of ways. And I just um before Kim even starts, I just want to offer uh some uh I think much deserved praise for the work that she's moved in a really short amount of time in bringing together multiple stakeholders that include both school and public safety officials. And so she's going to talk to you about some of the work that that she's been leading through the district. So thank you, Kim. Sure. >> Mrs. Red lawn. >> I like Kim. That's okay. [laughter] Thank
015you. All right. So, um, as Dr. Sab Maguire said, we reimagined, um, the district crisis management team. So, you know, under the new district strategic plan, we brought back the district crisis management team. again focusing on our focus area two, our safe and supportive schools. So the district crisis management team connects to the district plan under that focus area too. really realigning those safety practices across the district. further enhancing our preparedness for any emergencies and making sure that we are consistent with our uh practices and our drills and just our protocols across all of our buildings um across the district and that our communications are um consistent for all of our students so that when they go from one building to the next, one level to the next, they're hearing the same message um throughout
016their drills and their practices. So, our members on our team this year, uh, pretty consistent with last year as well. Um, we have, this is our list, but I'll just kind of summarize who's on it. So, we have, um, district level members, our principles are on it, our nurse leader, we have a social worker representing that um, group from our district. And we also have community members um who are represented our district one and three fire chiefs, Detective Sergeant Brooks from the police department who oversees our SRO's and our three SRO's are also on our team as well. So, we get a lot of input when we're having our meetings um from various different, you know, areas and angles and perspectives, which is really great because there's a lot of things that we don't think
017of that somebody else brings up. So, it really makes our conversations rich and then helps us enhance the work that we're doing. So, the purpose of our team, um, just in summary, because I know it's kind of small on the screen, but the purpose of our team is to provide leadership and support in the development, um, of a district-wide preparedness plan to promote a safe environment across the district. So really we're just here to help guide and you know be there as a resource for the district and um help just implement especially with each of our principles being on our team. It helps make sure [snorts] and ensure that we have consistency throughout the district. So, as we said, we started this last year and really our main focus was just getting back up and
018running, getting back all on the same page and really calibrating what we were all doing in each building. So, we did have um four meetings. We had quarterly meetings last year. Um, and like I said, we collaborated on what we were doing for drills for our timelines, and we just made sure that how we were presenting our drills and executing our drills were um, consistent across the district. Um, and again, we're running quarterly meetings this year. We created and like I said, the a uniform timeline for elementary and secondary. So the elementary runs a and has been running a pretty systematic and uniform timeline for their drills. Um middle ran a timeline and the high school ran their own timeline. So we now have middle and high school on the same timeline. It is quarterly
019same roughly the same as the middle school but or the elementary but just a little bit off dates wise just because it follows their quarters versus um the exact timeline as the elementary. Um we instituted or re kind of structured the building based teams. So that was something that came towards the end of last year where each building now has um kind of reimagined. They had teams, but we again have them more systematic and more uniform. So, they all have their building based crisis um safety teams that have members who kind of mirror who are members on the district team. So, there's a nurse, there's a social worker, there are the SRO. So there's consistency across the members who represent at the district team as well as the building team um and across each building
020so that the representation is um consistent and um we also created manuals for the district man um crisis team as well as the building team again to promote that consistency so that it's not you know as say Audra um leaves Quinn the next principal knows how to continue the team. Um, or if you know I was not, [laughter] you know, somebody else was to run the district team, it would continue to be the same. and our goals for this year um with these updates um and we know that the last time the crisis emergency management plan was updated was back in 22. So we want to look at that update uh make any updates to that um and put out a new copy an updated copy for that by the end of the year. We
021do want to look at the outside labeling of our buildings and make sure those are all uniform and labeled appropriately for uh first responders coming. Um that was something that came out of our meetings last year that um the fire chiefs had pointed out that um some of our buildings aren't labeled according to how they would come and respond and you know kind of call out their um response teams and and execute. So that's something we're we're looking at for this year. Um we are looking to do updated safety training for all of our staff. um to make sure that everybody is up to date for how for our um you know active intruder trainings, things like that. Um this year for all of our staff in the buildings, we would really like to update
022our classroom emergency bags. So all classrooms have a whether they call it a go bag or you know whatever they might call it, they are a bit outdated. some of the bags are a little um ratty or you know not they're not all the same bag. They don't all have a base amount of items that are provided. Um, so we want to make sure that that's consistent um across all classrooms or all areas where students are located and then continue to strengthen our partnerships with the community agencies resources um through targeted programs that um you know we put together as we move forward. >> Any questions? [laughter] >> Thank you. >> It's important work. Um >> thank you. >> Yeah, I see one Dartmouth. We are not >> all separate >> doing the same thing
023and it'll make it much easier for the kids if we should ever have to implement any of that. I hope we don't. >> Um any questions? >> Just go. >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just one quick question. You were talking about the the signage type of deal to >> like make it uniform. I mean, would it be something that would be >> readily visible to first responders showing up at the main door type of deal that A is here, B is here, C, you know, that type of deal. >> Yeah. So, it would be, you know, it would be like the alpha alpha side, bravo side, you know, that type of thing. And then each door is labeled a door one, you know, so doing it that way. So, yes, it would be all
024um exterior labeling for each one. >> Okay. Thank you. And some buildings have it, some don't, some are. Um, one thing that they had brought up was um in the inside of the hallways too, like the inside of the high school are is labeled certain ways. So, also mirroring the out how we label the outside to make sure the inside is labeled the same way so that it's called the same thing. >> Great, Mr. Oliver. >> Thank you. Thank you for your presentation. I'm just happy to see that we're continuing to make safety a priority in Dartmouth and uh continue we have already been doing great things in the past. I know we we take uh safety school safety and security seriously. Uh we have a number of uh different things in place. Um and
025I'm just happy to see that it's continuing. So, thank you for your work. >> Thank you. I don't have anything extra except maybe like when you talk about the bags and thank you for your coordination and uh we got the right people at the helm sort of leading these efforts and so um nice work in doing this. Um can you talk a little bit about the like and maybe it's Mr. Kylie, but like in the budgeting of um those supplies that are needed um you know in the occasion that we're utilizing them, they become ratty again, like is there a a process to maintain or oversight of making sure that the cost is included in the budget for those supplies in the classroom? Um well, I can let him talk about the maintaining of [clears
026throat] the costs, but I do know that um that was part of the capital improvement for the safety and security that did go >> um was asked for at town meeting. So, we do appreciate those funds um being allocated because we'll be able to move forward with that piece, but >> I'll let Mr. Kylie jump in for the rest. >> Yeah. you know, as as Kim mentioned, um you know, we receive we were fortunate to [cough] receive $285,000 for safety and security improvements at town meeting last week. So, um that will be our initial source to address some of the recommendations that we received when we did our building assessments with the Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with Dartmouth PD. So, so that's where we'll start. >> And then in terms of maintaining, we
027um have in our in our new uh budget the plan to uh incorporate some recurring monies so that >> we'll be able to replenish things that that you know might get used or out of date um in that process. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> We're out. >> I don't have any questions. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. >> And let's move on to old business. Um we are reviewing policies. >> Mr. Kylie, [clears throat] >> thank you. So that we have a second read tonight of um policy section C, general school administration. Um we had a little bit of discussion about it at at the last school committee meeting when we did our first read. So, I'd be happy to have more discussion or consider um you know, consider any recommendations
028that you might have on these policies. But outside of that, um we're hope we're looking forward to revising the policies in section C as well as two policies in section J, the middle school pathway policy and the bullying prevention policy. >> Terrific. Um I do not have any comments. I'm good with it all. How any >> I'm good. >> Same. >> All right. Do we have a motion then? Madam Chair, I make a motion that we approve uh school policies section C as um presented and also school policy JFB on bully prevention and new policy JFZ middle school pathways exploration. Uh as a second reading >> second. >> Okay. Motion by Mr. afternoon. Second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? No. We have a unanimous vote in the positive. >>
029Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Um >> exciting. >> So last uh meeting we had discussed the MASC resolutions and there was just one that we didn't come to an agreement on which was the personal financial literacy education. Um and I know that Miss Beckwith had um done a little >> more work on it, >> a little more looking into it. So um so I did pose that question at the uh mask webinar on the resolutions. Um they didn't seem to have as much concern as we did. Um so, uh they said it shouldn't it shouldn't be something that will cost a lot of money. It should be incorporated into uh relatively inexpensively. I quoted um that it be could be incorporated into um already existing curricula. Um but that um if it
030does go if the legislation pass we can go to the legisl legislation and make a request for money um to fund it. Uh and that generally it's about three cycles before legislation is really considered. So I think this is relatively new [clears throat] this um this proposal. So but again they just they were pretty blasze about it. [laughter] >> Okay. >> You know that this is not going to cost a lot of money. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But when you don't have a lot of money, >> right? >> Anything it you know. [laughter] >> Right. >> I love it. not going to cost much, but if it does, go talk to the state and >> wait three wait three cycles. >> Cross your fingers. >> Wait six years. >> Don't say a wish. >> Um
031>> so I mean I personally believe we should have personal financial literacy in our schools. I do believe that Dartmouth Public Schools already does incorporate it into various classes um [clears throat] throughout the school tenure of every student. Um, so I don't think it would affect us, but I do think that every child in the state of Massachusetts who attends public schools should have the same background. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I would vote in support if indeed it is not, what was the quote? Um, [laughter] >> could be incorporated relatively inexpensively in current curriculum. >> [laughter] >> How does everyone else feel on that? Are they ready to go with it or are they against it? >> I think universally across the state, this is something that every single school district should be doing
032for students. >> Yeah. Exact. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, you know, they go to, you know, they they come out and no disrespect, students come out and go either going to college or going into the workforce and they've, you know, they don't really know how to find plan for finances and and such sometimes. So, this is good. Okay. So, we're in agreements. Okay. So, >> so I will vote yes. >> Terrific. >> Very good. >> That is wonderful. >> Or maybe thank you for doing [laughter] that. Um and we're going to move to new business. Uh we were going to do the superintendent's evaluation this evening, but we're going to postpone that till our next meeting. So, we're going to move right into the superintendent's goals. >> Okay. If you would like to present >>
033I would love to. Thank you. I know Mr. Karate is going to come out and set that up for me. I see he's already on his way. [laughter] I think he thought he had a another minute or so. >> Oh, yeah. There was [laughter] something else up there. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Parate. All right. I just want to make sure that I'm, you know, got a handle on on the control here. All right. So, um I'll just start off by saying uh that the goals of the superintendent and really everybody in the district uh should be and I'm really pleased to see are uh very much aligned with the uh Dartmouth uh public schools district strategic plan. And hopefully when you just saw Miss Redlon present, you saw how well aligned uh we
034really truly are. And and that's not to say that this work hasn't been going on um for a number of years in Dartmouth. It's just like one of the most important things that we're doing is being really intentional about the work we're doing, why we're doing it, and how it's connected to a strategic plan and what our progress is toward meeting our goals and then what the um actual outcomes are. And so always though I think that for me the goals that I present to you this evening are meant to be a collaborative process with the committee. Uh we have opportunities throughout the year to talk about goals. We got we have the opportunity to talk about where the district is moving. And I especially appreciate the time that we have together over the summer
035to talk about where we are in terms of of meeting goals as part of I guess we call it the evaluation process, but to me it really speaks to the collaboration that we have with the committee. And I so and I've been um I've told you this before and I'll continue to say it that um I so appreciate working collaboratively with this committee because I know that it makes all the difference in us being able to work effectively and to move this school district forward. Um, but what what I also am committed to and I know that the team here in Dartmouth is committed to, including everyone who's part of the Dartmouth community, is that everything that we're doing is aligned with core values, vision, and mission. And you should hear that and when we
036talk about our goals and we talk about the work we're doing, uh, being able to make those connections is is really important. Uh, foundation for evaluation. I already talked about how we have the opportunity over the summer to meet one- on-one to talk about the goals and how they connect to really giving the committee an opportunity to give us feedback on how you think we're doing uh moving toward meeting the goals of because the superintendent's goals are really the district goals and when you connect the last bullet there to requires district-wide collaboration I mean that really is um I think speaks to the importance of the work of any superintendent's goals because the superintendent regardless of what district you're in does not do this work alone and it's really about the collaboration that we have
037from the committee um across all levels of our school district. So, as far as let's see, um, district improvement goal number one, and when I look at this one, it it just it's it's simple, but it's, you know, it's the overarching goal, and it's about the implementation of the strategic plan. And really, that's ongoing work that crosses all four of our strategic areas of focus. And you'll see that as we go through the year. I'm excited to be able to uh present to you um at an upcoming meeting where we are as far as um and how we are really uh capturing our progress toward meeting the goals in our strategic plan. So again, making uh the goals uh tangible and and making the outcomes or the progress toward meeting those goals really understandable for
038the community at large and certainly for the committee. Uh so full engagement I mean we are fully engaged but um I think that you'll see when we do our progress monitoring update there are some things that you'll see in there that we've either not yet started or we're in the process of beginning and that will uh be part of what our commitment is by the end of the 2026 school year. And we are fully committed to a communitywide understanding of our mission um vision, our values. And I call this, you know, the broken record. We go out and we talk about our mission. We talk about our vision. We talk about our values. And we do that on a consistent basis. One of the things that I was able to do just this past week
039is I was able to uh attend a uh Dartmouth High School PTO meeting. uh they invited me early so I attended and I was able to actually give them an update on where we were. So in preparation for for the presentation we'll be doing for the committee and we'll be doing that at each of our schools for each of our PTOs and then from there what we'll also do progress shared in forums is we'll as I said um we'll present certainly to the committee and then we will present to PTO's and then we will also be going to each one of the uh FA schools faculty meetings and also giving them an update and that's a way for us really to keep the work in front of folks so that they understand that the work
040they're doing every day in the classroom truly is reflected in the district strategic plan. Um so for student learning goal uh again this is this is really when you think about it a number one priority and you hear us talking about it at each uh during each meeting. I know that last week Katie and Ross spoke to you about Mrs. Paveo and Dr. T-Bolt spoke to you about the uh implementation of CKLA. I'll talk about that a little bit in my update. And really, I think um as importantly is the professional development committee that now exists and how the work of that committee is informing the work and supporting the implementation because access is one thing and implementation is another and ongoing support. But what we are committed to through highquality instructional materials with the
041support of the of this committee is making sure that you know we make that a priority and equitable access for all students is critical and having high quality materials is it's a non-negotiable and this committee has supported us in that and that has been uh I think uh a difference maker in us being able to get to where we are uh of the alignment with the strategic plan is there. Growth measured by multiple metrics. You'll see that you know we're introducing new data points. We're uh working very closely with school leadership teams and teacher teams to determine the best metrics to use to measure growth toward uh our student learning goals. Uh and the teacher support and PD. I already mentioned that that is an area of focus for us this year and you heard
042quite a bit about that last at your last committee meeting. Um, next is my professional practice goal. I love saying this, the NISP, new superintendent induction program. I think I've been inducted already. So, um, year three, but I appreciate the participation this year. It's a little bit different than than what we've done in the last two years. And so really, it's about coming together with colleagues across the state who are in similar or in the same positions but similarly in their third year. And it's about building off of each other, collaborating with our coaches, collaborating with our colleagues. This year I've joined a consultancy team. And so for those of you who are familiar with consultancy, it's really about um presenting a problem of practice and working it through with your colleagues in uh in
043a way of gaining others insight into an issue that you may be dealing with that you're pretty close to. And sometimes having others who are listening sort of outside of your immediate circle can offer uh really valuable insight and advice into how to manage some of the inevitable challenges that we all face in our positions. And so beyond that, um, as you know, uh, we have our the goals that the superintendent, uh, for the superintendent's performance ratings for standards, which I know you're in the thick of looking at right now. Um, but as you remember from last year, what I've done is is highlighted the ones that I think are of particular focus and align well with our strategic plan. So, I won't read each of these to you. I know you have them in
044hand, but these standards are around instructional leadership and obviously one of the ones that I focus on here is curriculum as as I said that really aligns well with the goals of high quality instructional materials and how we support the implementation of the resource. Um and then we have uh standard two around management and operations. And what I always say is important about these kind of things is when you're looking at uh how do you evaluate one of the ones I I selected um and you hopefully will approve this evening is around law, ethics and policies. And that's about understanding and complying with state and federal laws, mandates, school committee policies, collective bargaining agreements, and ethical questions. And so if you were to ask me, and I would expect you would, what is some evidence
045that you have um made or are are um working toward that particular standard? I'd be able to talk to you specifically about how that exists in the work of the superintendency and the district. Um, next, uh, family and community engagement. We know that that's essential. It's something that we're we are committed to improving. Um, and again, under family engagement, I'll talk about that more about some of what the individual schools are doing. We certainly at the central office level are invested in family and community engagement and at the same time we also recognize that most family and community engagement is really happening at the school and the classroom level because that's where folks want to be connected to what their students what their children are experiencing every day. So at the district level we might
046look at that uh a little bit differently but it's how do we support the schools in that engagement. A good example tonight was having Mr. cattle bomb here and uh you connecting with the community. He as a community member came to us asking us to help support gifts for giving in that way and it's really at the school level that that's going to happen. Um and then oh did I go the wrong way? >> I might have I think that's it. >> I didn't I Oh, so that went faster than I thought. That is it. >> Okay. [laughter] All right. So, back to our strategic plan. So, hopefully you see how this is all everything that that I hope you've heard from me this evening connects back to the strategic plan. And you can hear
047how our mission, our vision, our c core values, and our strategic focus areas are all intertwined in a way that you'll hear from us week after meeting after meeting. and and hopefully what you're hearing as far as the work that's happening out in schools. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Oh, um >> I do love how everything comes back to the strategic plan and starts with the strategic plan. [laughter] >> It's very intentional. >> It is. >> It's lovely. Yeah. Um, any questions? >> No, I I >> I apolog I agree with with with you uh Bess. It's it's everything that goes through it starts out the strategic plan and then it goes from there and it just everything just tying right in. So, it's it's nice to see. It really is. >> Miss
048>> um two things. one is it's really nice that the DESIE superintendent um evaluation dovetales nicely with our strategic plan. Um but it just shows you what you know that we all have the same priorities. I want to ask about the um new superintendent um training program. Yes. >> How how many years is that? >> That is three years. So this is the final year of that participation. The first two years I was connected um pretty closely with a coach. This year not so much. She's there if I need her, but in the past the coach has come out to the district. But and do you two um actually two more questions. One, do you have an opportunity to cons continue with those consultancy teams after the three years? Um, I the MASS, Mass Association
049for School Superintendent, has put together a number of new groups outside of the new superintendent induction program because I think they've recognized that at the end of the three years, there might be some other supports that superintendent need. and not just superintendents, but they've also really done a good job focusing on our assistant superintendent or our um in our case our executive directors uh to put some professional development sort of job alike groups together and one or more than one of the groups is focused on uh superintendencies and a support network. >> Great. And my final question is, will you have the opportunity to support new superintendent in the future through this maybe program? >> That would be great. I think that would be great. >> I appreciate that. Thank you, >> teacher. >> Great.
050Then if there's no further questions, do we have a motion? >> Concerns. Motion to approve the superintendent goal setting and evaluation for school year 25 2025 to 2026 as presented. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Non, second by Mr. Oliver. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? None. Passes unanimously. >> Great. Thank you so much. I appreciate your support. >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um and now >> and now you get to listen to me again. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. So, as always, um you know, I am always pleased to share the updates and uh we are always incredibly busy and there's so much to update you on and as um in the past, we structure that around the district strategic plan because everything
051starts with as you just said and ends with the district strategic plan. So, under teaching and learning, and I know you hear a lot about CKLA, but I'm going to continue to bring it up because I think it's incredibly important. Um, that I'm just really pleased to share with you that the implementation across all of our elementary schools continues to go exceptionally well. This is more than just having a high quality resource. It's about the instruction that happens when we give our teachers the tools that they need to be successful. That does not mean that there aren't any uh speed bumps because there are. But overall, we're seeing and hearing a high degree of both teacher satisfaction and student engagement. I know um Miss Beckwith that you were at the Quinn today and you got
052to see some of this in action. Um which is really exciting. But that's the ultimate measure of success is, you know, if when you're learning, if you're engaged, you're going to be learning. and our teachers are excited about about where they're where they're headed. Again, not to say that they're on challenges because the implementation of any new curriculum comes with some struggle. Um, but uh I'm going to continue to uh give uh Mrs. paveo a shout out because the the masterful schedule at the elementary level is really the key to this success in making sure and creating the time for teachers to not only teach the resource. I mean to teach the students not the resource. We teach kids not resources. Um, but by allowing for that professional development to happen and providing that dedicated
053time for teachers to meet and plan both at the grade level and again like I get so excited across schools um is is just it's incredibly impressive and that came with a lot of thought and hard work and and I'm really grateful that we have that in place because it is absolutely a difference maker. Um, so I also would share with you, I mentioned to you that we uh that we were recognized for our students progress in returning to preandemic levels of student achievement in grades 3 through eight. So I will just I'll pass this around. I'll show you that we did receive a certificate from the commissioner um that uh I don't codifies our recognition. So, we'll put it in a frame and hang it up somewhere and hopefully next year it will say
054um both mathematics and English language arts. Uh so that's our goal, but I'll pass that down just so if you want to take a look at it, you can. Um I'll also mention that Desi and I thank Mrs. Denisio for her hard work in preparing for this. um they are conducting a district monitoring visit um with our uh special ed office and they'll be here on November 12th. I know that uh public notification has gone out via parent square and the electronic backpack for anyone interested in being interviewed. there is a link to do that and that link is directly to the folks who are going to be conducting the review here in Dartmouth. Um so a couple other uh noteworthy items on October 18th Dartmouth hosted a regional professional development day for high school
055biology teachers. So a few of our teachers um participated. It wasn't just our teachers. It was teachers from different parts of the state. But the session focused on scientific modeling and it aligns with our strategic plan again to provide opportunities for high quality professional learning. So I think our faculty that were involved in uh making sure that that happened. Um fun fun fact um uh Mr. Paradott's film production studies class. Oh, that wasn't the one I wanted to talk to you about first, but that is a fun fact. So, they did visit Martha's Vineyard to view the 50th anniversary edition of Jaws. >> Yes. And they toured the filming location and they were led by student guides Noah Clark, Brady Jackson, and the trip was fully funded by Mass Hire. If you remember, they came
056to visit us last year of Greater New Bedford. and that's really offering us the opportunity to provide our students with unique experiences. Um so yeah, that sounded like that was uh quite um a lot of fun. But my fun fact is this. Um Mr. Parad's media students placed in the Mass DOT safe streets contest. So this is what I'd like you all to do when you have a free moment. uh find the video link to Coach P's walk to school safely video because it is quite entertaining. Um Mr. Parate has a skill that we may not have recognized before and that's um he's he's got a little bit he's a good actor and he leads that. So it's really fun. He's very entertaining. But [laughter] we I I literally laughed out loud um when I
057was watching the video. So, but we'll find out where the video is placed after tomorrow. There is uh an awards ceremony that is going to happen in Brainree at the Sheridan. So, keep your fingers crossed for our students. Um and then I'd also mention again as part of student engagement on October 24th, Dartmouth High School students join Mr. karate at the Dartmouth Middle School for an expo showcasing the the high school programs. And then we had the the showcase evening, which I'll mention under student and family engagement. Um, on October 22nd, for those of you who are familiar with NBA and WNBA referees, Gary Zalinski visited um, uh, Ref Rep's officiating class and presented um, which that helps prepare students for certification and paid ref um, refereeing positions, which is a great high school job.
058And then on October 24th, Dartmouth Middle School hosted an author and illustrator by the name of Cara Bean, who's pretty well known, and she met with eighth graders to share her experiences and discuss connections between art, storytelling, and social emotional well-being. So, there's a lot going on under teaching and learning. I can't always capture it all, but those are some of the highlights uh that are happening in the district over the past couple of weeks. So now I'm going to move into budget and capital improvements. And as you know and you I would just mention before I turn it over to Jim to [clears throat] share good news is that the town meeting was really successful. And we truly appreciate the select board, the finance committee and town meeting members for the support that they're
059showing to the the school community. And Mr. Kylie's going to share some good news. >> First, I want to thank Dr. S Maguire for um representing a town meeting and do a great job and in my absence. Uh I I really appreciate that. >> Um so, we were pleased to get a phone call. Actually, Miss Gner um fielded the call on Friday from the MSBA saying that they are going to recommend to the board our roof project. >> Fabulous. >> So, excellent. >> On Wednesday, Dr. S Magguire and I will be attending um their meeting virtually, so we don't have to go to Boston. >> Good. >> It's not not a bad thing. Um and we'll [clears throat] uh we'll keep you posted on what the action is, but uh we were we were very
060pleased. So, >> it [snorts] was um a good thing for sure that the town supported the feasibility study at town meeting. So, >> we'll actually already have a little bit of funds to, you know, move forward with the project if um if the board does in fact vote in favor of it. So, fantastic. >> Yeah, we're excited. >> Congratulations. >> Fantastic. >> Best quick question through you to Mr. Mr. Scott. So what's it gets approved Wednesday type of deal. What's the next step that we do? >> Yeah. So then the next basically you know we were excited obviously and you know we ask this the same question. Um they'll send us a letter with requirements and timeline for what we need to do moving forward. Uh they will be appointing an owners project manager. that'll
061be the first the first step and then an architect or or engineer firm, designer firm um to to work with us. So, we won't be part of that selection process. Um as Dr. S Magcguire mentioned at town meeting when asked. Uh but but yeah, so we're um we're excited for sure. >> Yeah. [cough and laughter] and and I I believe uh there'll be a a initial agreement that'll be in place for feasibility study with them that we'll have to seek your approval on. Um >> okay, >> so that we can get started. So >> beautiful. Awesome. >> Great. >> That is good news. >> Well, it's great news. So, I just also mentioned that at we, you know, we're planning out school committee agendas and we'll be talking about budget soon. I know Mr. Kylie
062will plan on I think at the next meeting. >> You're going to talk about the timeline. >> Great. >> Um, so under safe and supportive schools, as you heard from Miss Redlon um this evening, safety is absolute top priority and we're proud of the measurable progress we're making. Um we have completed uh much of our district-wide safety training ensuring that everyone knows their role. Um the other part of safety safe and supportive schools though is the social emotional side and I've mentioned to you that we are rolling out the new social emotional learning curriculum which is wayfinder at the high school level and we're looking forward to seeing that in action and thinking about the impact that it'll have on our students and whether or not it's something that we'll be thinking about in the
063future for our middle schools. Uh you should know that we are strategically using the opioid settlement funds provided by the town to support some of these key behavioral uh safety and health priorities. And we plan to give you a full overview of how we're targeting those specific meeting those specific funds at an upcoming meeting. Uh so we'll get into that uh a lot deeper because we are grateful to the town for prioritizing the schools with some of that funding and I think that what uh positive about that is that it's just not one and done and that funding will continue for a number of years. So we'll talk about that in more detail. >> Great. um at an upcoming meeting. And you know, thank you to Miss Redlon again, but we'll be talking about safety
064and security priorities along with Mr. Kylie during our executive session later on. Um under family and community engagement, there's so much happening. You heard our new student rep talk about uh the trunk or treats. I would say that that's happening in different schools across the diff district and they have been a huge hit or I had to say this. I wrote this so so the family turnout has been spooktacular. [laughter] I had to get it in just because so but um you know at the uh the high school the student council actually organizes that and at the school level it's it's parents and and teachers and family members. So uh the high school also had a spooky 5K yesterday. Um so that apparently was really well attended. I talked to Mr. Shay about it this
065morning and that supports cross country and support and uh track and field. So it's been busy. Um we're hoping that we are able to repeat our uh partnership with Council on Aging uh and having our cheerleaders. I talked to Coach Braga just this past Friday about having the cheerleaders join the Council on Aging for the Align Dancing class. That has been really successful and wellreceived in the past. And I thank uh the coach and the athletic director and the folks at the council on aging for continuing to support that partnership and the communication space. I mean it's hard to we're in year three of using parent square and I have to say our staff continue to look for ways to maximize the effectiveness. We were at Mass Q last week and two weeks ago and
066there were different sessions on optimizing the use of parent square and I can see in because we get usage reports on a pretty regular basis and you can see that it's making a difference and as people get more comfortable with it they're using it in more effective and creative ways and we'll continue to learn more about it as we continue to use it. So we have lots going on. You can see we have a lot of passionate staff. I was here um just it seems like a week ago for the high school uh showcase evening and there were many families and students in attendance. There are many faculty members here to welcome the students and the families into the school. And I think that, you know, that goes a long way toward uh establishing a
067culture and uh sort of a a feeling of trust between families and the high school community. And there was a lot of excitement here. And um you know, it it was just it was a wonderful evening. And uh I really applaud the high school and the middle school for their work together in uh offering our middle schoolers an opportunity to understand and see what the high school has to offer. And so that's it. That's my report. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Um so last week we mentioned that there is a budget advisory group that is being formed and they would like two members from this group to be on it. Um and I didn't know if there was anyone who particularly wanted to be on it. um before again.
068>> Um so the general purpose I'll just read it is to establish um to provide independent review guidance and recommendations to the select board, town administrator, finance committee, and school committee regarding the town's operating capital budgets. Um the group will serve as a resource for long-term financial planning and enhanced fiscal transparency supporting informed decision making and responsible stewardship of public funds. Specific charges are communication and collaboration uh service of forum for open dialogue among key stakeholders. foster mutual understanding of budget priorities, challenging challenges and constraints among departments, boards, and the public. Um, also budget review and analysis, review preliminary revenue and expenditure projections provided by the town administrator and superintendent and to discuss key budget drivers, trends, and assumptions affecting both municipal and school budgets. Transparency and public engagement. Support the development of clear, accessible
069budget communication tools for the public. Provide input on ways to increase public understanding and trust in the budget process. Also, strategic input and recommendations, identifying opportunities for long-term budget efficiencies, shared services and cost-saving initiatives, and offering non-binding recommendations or observations to help guide the budget development process. And lastly, coordination with established bodies to ensure that the group's work complements without duplicating or interfering with the statutory responsibilities of the finance committee, select board, and school committee. >> Thank you. >> Not a problem. So, is there anyone who is itching to be on it? >> Okay. it it it might make sense to have who's on our budget subcommittee to be on it unless perhaps Chris you are not available to be on it. >> Um I would be happy to do it. I'll step up. Do
070you know what the time commitment is though? >> Um I think it's mostly in the winter season, budget season, >> monthly. >> Um that I don't know you >> monthly December through April. They indicated. All right, I'll step up. >> Okay, and then I will do it, too. >> Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Chris. >> Thank you, Chris. You're welcome. >> Best. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, great. It'll be >> Chris Oliver and Bes Coughlin. >> So, um, >> thank you, Chris. >> That's all really that I have, although I I did think that the town meeting went well and I was appreciative of votes to support the Dartmouth Public Schools. >> Yes. >> Um Mr. News, perhaps you have something to add. >> Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just
071uh real quick, just thank you to everybody that showed up last Saturday to uh help us with our home shows. You know, 18 bands running through from, you know, 3:00 in the afternoon till 9:30. Long day type of deal. But really, really great. Uh all the students, all the bands were excellent. Uh they have a great time. My thanks to uh Stat Amb Ambulance uh who was there to my knowledge weren't needed but they were there just in case. And uh Dartmouth EMA came in at night to uh light up practice areas in the fields. So the students had lights coming, you know, to and from the uh the Quinn school and such to uh Dr. Thomas, thank you for, you know, leaving the lights on at the Quinn school till 11:00 so all the
072kids in the buses could get out with no problem in that. So, we came in second. The kids did an outstanding job. Uh, even though there was a glitch with the electronics, but that's okay. They they plowed through very well. Uh, this week, Saturday night, we're up in uh Stoen for the Massachusetts Rhode Island State Championships. And then, you know, lo and behold, the season ends uh the following Saturday the 8th when we head off to Met Life for Nationals. So, >> exciting. >> Be an early morning that that that day. >> Yeah, it's great news. So, >> that's all I have. And yeah, and I and I agree with you. Uh thank you to town meeting for uh the support for all of uh our articles that we had and such. And uh seriously
073to to Dr. Sabre Maguire with the uh presentation on the uh the school roof money and such did a did a great job. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Mr. Kylie prepared me well. >> Yes. Anybody else have anything else to add? >> No. >> Okay. Well, currently our next uh meeting of the school committee is scheduled for Monday, November 17th um to be held at 6:00 here in the Dartmouth High School Media Library. Um but Dr. Sabin Magcguire has requested that perhaps we could change that meeting to November 10th due to the fact that she's unable to make the 17th. How does everybody's schedules look for that? I can do it. >> I can do the 10th. >> That's fine. >> Yeah. >> 10th is fine. >> Okay. So, uh we will cancel the November
07417th uh meeting and in its place we will do a November 10th meeting. Thank you all for that. Um >> same bat time. same bat time six o'clock here at the Dartmouth High School Library Media Center. Um so we would like to get a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss deployment of security personnel andor devices and or strategies um and to discuss strategy with respect to non-union personnel where an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the school committee's bargaining position. Do I hear a motion? Madam Chair, I'll make that motion with this and uh with the caveat that we will not be returning to open session. >> Second. >> Uh motion by Mr. Nunes, second by Miss Beckwith. All in favor? >> Roll call. >> I roll. >> Roll call. Sorry.
075>> Kathleen Emerald. >> Yes. >> John Nunes? >> Yes. >> Chris Oliver? >> Yes. >> Mary Beckwith? >> Yes. >> Coughlin? >> Yes. Heat.