001[Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Nat. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, Heat. [Music] Baby, [Music] happy. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Good evening everyone. I'd like to call to order the school committee meeting of September 8th, 2025. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance if you're able. >> 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. >> Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please
002remain standing for a moment. I'd like to have a moment of silence for Mr. Steve Gasper who passed away this past Wednesday. A longtime employee, teacher, health fizzed of the school department basketball coach. Uh started the after prom with his wife Kathleen Kathy and his children. So like to have a moment of silence in Steve's memory, please. Thank you. >> Roll call, please. Miss G >> Kathleen Ammerald >> here. >> John Nunes. >> Yep. >> Chris Oliver >> here. >> Mary Beckwith >> here. >> Best Coughlin >> here. >> Um, this meeting is being recorded. It will be rebroadcast on DCTV and can be streamed on their YouTube channel at any time. I now welcome public comment from the audience on any topic in this evening's agenda. We have allowed 10 minutes for this and
003please approach the mic. If you have something to say, state your name and keep your comments to three minutes. >> Hi, my name is Megan Fitzgerald Pogash and I just want to thank Dr. Jan Saba Maguire and the whole entire school committee so much for the metal trays for our schools. It's so incredibly important and I just really appreciate we all appreciate all of the effort and um the dishwashing machines functioning and the staff to wash all of these trays. It's a huge huge endeavor and it's it's really special and I feel like it's been a long time coming and we're really want to say thank you. Thank you Kathleen. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Anyone else? No. So I'm going to turn it over to >> Dr. receive more. >> So,
004I just want to take a minute to first I'm going to invite uh Katie Pavo and Dr. Toldup um because tonight is a special evening for all of us and it's an evening for us to introduce all of our new uh certified staff to all of the Dartmouth school community. And I want to say we just left a small reception and the energy that you had in there was really clear. There's so much positive energy that I can see is really going to make an impact on us here in the Dartmouth public schools. So, thank you for joining our team and I know that Dr. T-Bolt and Mrs. Pavo are going to introduce each one of you. Do you know what happened to our PowerPoint? My >> is a control room. >> I did. >>
005Oh, thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Thanks, Mr. >> Awkward moments. Thank you, Mr. Galashaw. And hello everyone. Thank you so much for this opportunity for Dr. Tibo and I to introduce our new educators. Um, we're going to do a very, very brief overview of what Project Time is. Project Time stands for uh teacher induction mentoring experience. Um, it's a program to designed our educa designed to support our new educators um as they enter Dartmouth public schools. um every person whether they have teaching experience other in other places or they're brand new to the profession will do at least one year of project time and then our educators who are um do not yet hold a professional license will continue on to a second year of mentoring. So the reason why project time is uh
006so important is it helps us to um recruit but uh talented educators but not only to recruit them but also to make sure we're doing our very best to support them and to make sure we're retaining them. So that is the the goal. That's one of the main goals of Project Time is that we um make sure we're retaining our talent here in Dartmouth public schools. And you can see uh that our retention rate amongst teachers is 92% um which is well above the state uh average which is around 86%. So we feel like um project time um you know is a pretty strong program and again the strength uh is because of our mentors. Our mentors are excellent in supporting their newest colleagues and welcoming them uh to the district and helping uh to
007create a sense of belonging. So um project time as Dr. Tibo said really is um structured around having highly effective trained mentors um to serve to support their new mentees throughout the year whether through the two years. Our mentors are paired with a um with a mentee who is hopefully in a job alike or building alike situation so that they can help acclimate them to Dartmouth and acclimate them to um the way that things will sort of support them. And when I say support them and acclimate them to Dartmouth, it can be like where do I put my laminating when I need to have something laminated? Where do we go um you know during an early release day? So it's really to support them on all of the sort of subtle nuances that go beyond
008what you're doing in the classroom. Um mentors and mentees meet throughout the year um in sometimes structured ways and other ways like I just said on those sort of on the-fly moments and then the mentees also meet with Dr. Tibo and I monthly um we did a two-day induction in August which was a great couple of days with our new staff and then we meet monthly with them um in a hybrid model where the secondary folks meet first with Dr. Tibo and go over secondary specific things. We get the whole group together and then elementary folks stay with me and we do some elementary specific work. As uh Katie alluded to, the mentors play a crucial role in the success and retention of our newly uh hired educators. Um they serve as a confidant and
009a sounding board. Um and again, it can be from big issues right down to the more mundane, you know, small issues. Where do I make copies? Who do I contact if? Those kinds of things. >> So, that was brief, but that's not really why we're here, right? We wanted to tell you that. But the most important thing we're going to do tonight is meet our new educators. So, um, when we call your name, if you could just stand up, we'll read a very brief bio about each of our folks that are here tonight. And, um, oh, way we go. So, at the elementary level, first name on your list is Mackenzie Fry. Mackenzie is on maternity leave, but she'll be she started with us, um, after the start of the year last year. She is
010a part-time health and fizz teacher um, at the Quinn Potter and Kushman schools. All right. So, um, Kimberly Marcus. So Kim holds a master's in social work from Boston University and will be joining the Dartmouth public schools as a social worker at the Kushman School. Kim returns to Dartmouth public schools after initially being hired 30 years ago as one of the first social workers hired in Dartmouth. Kim has a number of different experiences as a social worker, having worked both in public schools as well as in residential treatment programs in educational collaboratives. Kim notes that after taking some time off to raise her two children, both Dartmouth school students, and writing a book for kids and teens, returning to Dartmouth is very much a full circle experience, and she is excited to be back. Welcome
011back, Kim. Holly Mashado. Holly earned her bachelor's degree from Bridgewwater State University and her masters from UMass Dartmouth. Holly will be serving as a special education teacher at the Dlo School. When asked why Dartmouth, Holly shared that her family moved to Dartmouth about three years ago and instantly fell in love with the culture and community at DLO school, noting that when the special education teacher was posted, she was excited to apply. She joins Dartmouth public schools as an experienced educator, having started her career as a title one paraprofessional before earning her degree and becoming a classroom teacher at Atlanta's Charter School for 10 years. And for the past 13 years, Holly has served as a special education teacher and trauma-informed certified educator with the New Bedford public schools. Welcome, Holly. Tessa Napert. Tessa holds a
012bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bridgewwater State University and will serve as a fifth grade teacher at the Potter School. Tessa is a graduate of Dartmouth Public Schools. as we are fortunate to hear so often, Tessa, like many of our new hires, notes with pride her experience as a Dartmouth public schools graduate. She shared that she went to Dartmouth School's K12 and loved it. She loves all the opportunities that Dartmouth provided. From after school clubs to marching band, Potter was her elementary school and she feels so lucky to be returning to Potter School as a teacher. Welcome, Tessa. Lindseay Rafferty. Lindsay earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Westfield State University and a master's degree in moderate disabilities from American International College. Lindsay will serve as a grade four teacher at Dlo Elementary School.
013She returns to Dartmouth public schools after 10 successful years teaching fourth and fifth grade at the Sylvia School in Fall River. Lindsay shares that she is excited to return to Dartmouth and looks forward to mixing high expectations for students with encouragement and support so that students can shine and reach their very best. Welcome, Lindsay. June Rei June holds a bachelor of arts from John J College in forensic psychology and a master's in social work from NYU. June joins Dlo Elementary School as a social worker. She joins DPS with a variety of professional experiences over the course of her 20-year career, which has included working in residential programs, a psych emergency room, delivering outpatient services as part of the Department of Child and Family Services, and for the past 5 years in the school setting. In
014addition, June also comes to us having taught collegiate courses at Fiser College. When asked why Dartmouth, June replied that as she attended her interview, immediately the team of the principal, assistant principal, school psych and outreach worker provided a sense of community and shared the work of the school and district that aligned with the work and the foundation of what she believes in and what she strives to be accomp accomplish professionally and personally. Welcome, June. We have Julie Rose Wells. Julie holds a bachelor degree in movement and sports studies from Springfield College and a master's degree from Bridgewwater State University in applied kinesiology. Julie will serve as a health and fizz teacher at Quinn Elementary School. She is beginning her 20th year in education, having served her previous 19 years as an elementary PE and health
015teacher for Somerset Public Schools. In addition to her classroom experience, Julie has also served for a number of years as a girls basketball coach as well as lacrosse coach. Julie noted that joining Dartmouth allows her to give back to the community she resides in as well as to be part of a school system that values health and fizzed and understands that it is an integral part of educating the whole child. Welcome, Julie. [Applause] Gwen Terodash. Gwen earned a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in speech language pathology and psychology and a masterers of science in speech language pathology from Emerson College. She will be joining the Dartmouth public schools as a speech and language pathologist at the DLO school. Gwen returns to Dartmouth public schools after beginning her career in an outpatient speech
016therapy setting. Gwennneth noted that she is excited to now be working in the district that gave her the educational foundation to pursue the profession she loves. In addition to serving as a speech and language pathologist, Gwen will also be serving as an assistant girls soccer coach this fall. Welcome, Gwen. And finally, we have Brian Thomas. Brian holds an associate and arts degree in elementary education as well as a bachelor of science degree in special education with severe disabilities from Bridgewwater State University. Brian will serve as a special education teacher for the Compass program at Quinn Elementary School. When asked why Dartmouth, Brian reflected on the outstanding experience he had as a student teacher at Quinn Elementary School, noting that based on that experience, he knew he really wanted to be a part of the Dartmouth
017public school system. Also noting that Dartmouth is known for their teacher retainment and commitment to students and families. Welcome, Brian. [Applause] Dartmouth Middle School starts with Sydney Emerald. Sydney holds a bachelor of arts in psychology as well as a bachelor of arts in elementary and special education from Providence College, a master of arts, and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in school psychology from Rhode Island College, and is a nationally certified school psychologist. Sydney is joining Dartmouth Public Schools as the school psychologist assigned to Dartmouth Middle School. Sydney joins us with a wealth of experience serving students from preK through high school in various roles including as a classroom teacher, long-term substitute within our district and as an early childhood educator. When asked why Dartmouth, Cydney noted her upbringing in Dartmouth and her experience as
018a student of the Dartmouth public schools before offering that she is thrilled to be back home at Dartmouth Middle School as the school psychologist. Welcome, Sydney. Daniel M. Karen. I emphasize the M because we now have two Danielle Karens in our school district. So Danielle holds her Bachelor of Arts in English from Bridgewater State University and a master's of education degree from Leslie University. Danielle will join Dartmouth Middle School as a grade 8 ELA teacher who has 11 years of prior teaching experience. Danielle noted that she grew up on the South Coast and is grateful for the opportunity to make an impact in a community so rich with culture, history, and pride, and to embrace all that it means to be one Dartmouth. Welcome, Danielle. Emily Catalano. Emily holds a master's degree from Bridgewater State
019University and will be joining Dartmouth Middle School as a special education teacher. Emily has five years of teaching experience, having taught in a number of different special education settings. Emily shares that she is thrilled to be joining a community that is nearby to the community where she's raising her child, as well as to a community that is committed to providing the resources necessary to support her students success. Welcome, Emily. [Applause] Erica Pelletroni. Erica holds a bachelor of science degree from Westfield State University and a master's of education from Simmons University and is joining Dartmouth Middle School as a grade six special education teacher. Erica joins Erica joins I'm sorry. What is happening here? right here. Erica joins Dartmouth public schools with over 20 years of teaching experience. When asked why Dartmouth, Erica shared that she
020moved to Dartmouth from the Boston area more than a decade ago, noting that her husband and sons attended Dartmouth public schools and as a result, she feels deeply rooted in this community and is excited to have the opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of Dartmouth students. Welcome. [Applause] Matteline Whan. Matteline earned a bachelor of arts in history and secondary education from Bridgewater State University and is joining Dartmouth Middle School as a grade seven social studies teacher. Matteline has teaching experience at the middle school level having served as a teacher at Morton Middle School in Fall River as well as Horus Man Middle School in Franklin. When asked why Dartmouth, Maline noted that she was excited to be joining a high achieving district that is invested in both teachers and students.
021Welcome, Maline. Oops. Now on to Dartmouth High School. Marielle Kcala. Marielle holds a bachelor's of music in music education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Marielle is joining Dartmouth High School where she completed her student teaching experience as the band and choir director. Marielle joins us with a variety of experiences, including as the conducting assistant for Smith's College Wind Ensemble, an alum of the Boston Crusaders, where she now holds a position on the administrative staff, and participation in a variety of ensembles ranging from saxophone quartets to a country band to large-scale wind ensembles. When asked why Dartmouth, Marielle noted that as a music educator, she felt particularly drawn to Dartmouth public schools because of its commitment to fostering musical growth and highlighted that the community support is unparalleled. Welcome Marielle. [Applause] Is Zilda Dcasta Farius
022Izzy holds a master's in special education from Bridgewater State University and is joining Dartmouth High School as a special education teacher. Izzy joins Dartmouth Public Schools with over 15 years of teaching experience in a variety of programs including both residential and public school settings. Izzy is excited to join the one Dartmouth community as it provides her the opportunity to utilize her skills and experience to help her students succeed while making a positive impact on their learning. Welcome, Izzy. Nicole Ecom, who um shared with us that she had a conflict, unfortunately. Um but Nicole holds a bachelor of arts and English from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a master's of education from Leslie University. Nicole is joining Dartmouth High School as a special education teacher. Nicole is an experienced high school teacher who taught for
02311 years in Walpole and for one year at Dery High School in Forever. When asked why Dartmouth, Nicole cited the reputation Dartmouth public schools has, as well as the strong level of support that families and school committee uh the school committee of Dartmouth have provided, noting that she is excited to bring her experience and background to the Dartmouth community where teachers and families are active partners in educating students. We welcome Nicole [Applause] Matthew Huberman. Also, unfortunately, um his uh he could not make it hit a conflict. Um but Matt earned his bachelor of science in mathematics and his master of arts in teaching mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Matt is joining Dartmouth High School as a mathematics teacher where he is primarily teaching geometry this year. Matt joins Dartmouth High School with a
024wealth of experience, having taught mathematics at the secondary level in Nantucket, Easton, and New Bedford. Matt cited a number of reasons when asked why Dartmouth, including being closer to family, returning to a town he developed a strong connection to during his college years, as well as hearing that many teachers love working in this community. We welcome Matt [Applause] Nikki Ayawanzik. Nikki earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Bridgewater State University, a master's degree in social work from Boston University, and also holds a postmaster's certificate in treatment of trauma from Simmons University. Nikki joins Darmmouth public schools with a variety of professional experiences serving children and families in several different settings for more than 20 years, including in educational settings uh since 2016. Nikki, like many of our other new educators, cites her experience as
025a former Dartmouth Public School student as the motivating force when asked why Dartmouth. Specifically, Nikki noted that her first exposure to the social work field was through an internship experience at Dartmouth High School and is happy to bring things full circle by bringing her social work education and experience back to where it all began. Welcome, Nikki. Well, welcome back, [Applause] Faith Morano. Faith holds a master's in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a certificate of advanced graduate studies and educational leadership from the University of New England. Faith joins Dartmouth High School as a special education teacher. Faith is an experienced educator who has spent a majority of her career at the high school level, noting that she enjoys making connections with students and helping them be successful while also learning about themselves. When
026asked why Dartmouth, Faith shared that prior to the last three years, she had been in a high school setting and found she really missed it and wanted to return to the high school level, noting that when she had her interview, she instantly felt good about Dartmouth. Between the school and the people involved in the interview, she just knew it was the right place for her. Welcome, Faith. [Applause] >> Sorry, >> that's all right. And finally, we have some district level people to introduce. Sydney Allen. Sydney completed her undergraduate work at Cornell University in the University of Michigan while earning her master's degree from Michigan State University. Additionally, she completed all but dissertation in the PhD program at the University of British Columbia. Sydney joins Dartmouth Public Schools as an English as a second language instructor
027at both Dartmouth Middle and Dartmouth High School. Sydney joins Dartmouth public schools with a varied experience of teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and reports being drawn to Dartmouth after reviewing the values, community, spirit, and vision evident in the Dartmouth public schools strategic plan as well as after reviewing what's cooking in Dartmouth with Dr. Sab Maguire as she shared her now famous macaroni and cheese recipe. Welcome, Sydney. Lisa Gibson. Lisa also joined us last year after the start of the year, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to introduce her. Lisa holds a master's in art and psychology uh in applied behavior analysis from University of Massachusetts and is joining Dartmouth public schools as a board certified behavioral analyst, BCBA. Lisa brings more than 25 years of experience to Dartmouth public schools
028during which time she has worked with children and adults in various capacities across a variety of settings that have included residential, home services, adult day health and public schools. Lisa has shared that she looks forward to giving back to the community where she resides and where her children attended school. Welcome Lisa. [Applause] Alex Livier. Alex earned his bachelor of arts in music education from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is joining Dartmouth public schools as a music educator specializing in percussion. Alex joins Dartmouth public schools as a music teacher with a variety of music experiences including participating in four world final drum and bugle corps. In addition, Alex has served for five years as a drum and marching instructor with the Dartmouth marching band. When asked why Dartmouth, Alex replied, it's home. I've wanted to
029direct the percussion department here since I was in the program. In my opinion, this is the best job in the world. Welcome, Alex. And finally, we have Michaela Pace. Michaela completed her undergraduate work at Salv Regina University, where she double majored in elementary education and special education before going on to earn her master's degree in education in educational leadership from Bridgewwater State University. Michaela is joining Dartmouth Public Schools as the special education team facilitator at Potter Elementary School and Dartmouth High School. Michaela is joining Dartmouth with several years of experience as a special educator with the Fall River Public Schools where she held multiple roles including serving as a substantially separate teacher, resource teacher, and an inclusion teacher. Welcome, Michaela. And finally, um, we would be remiss if we didn't say thank you to this
030long list of educators in Dartmouth public schools who are serving as our mentors for our new mentees. And that's it. So, if you have any questions for us, we're happy to, but the mentees are really the show tonight. >> Thank you. Um, >> a great new crop. Look forward to having you around for a very long time. Um, so, uh, generally our school committee meetings are fascinating. Um, but we understand if you have other things you need to do tonight, you feel free to leave and we will proceed with the approval of last meeting's minutes. >> Thank you everyone. Good luck. There's a great group. >> Impressive. >> She did. >> Yeah, she was spinning. >> I definitely like the comment about the fascinating school committee meeting. >> Oh, that I should have said that.
031>> Oh, no. I think you should have. >> It always happens. >> The fascinating school committee meetings. But I think everybody's >> nothing we said in the city you know. >> Oh >> yeah. >> No no no no disrespect. You got better places to be. >> Yeah >> for sure. >> Nice to meet you. >> Good luck. >> Careful. Byebye. >> Okay. >> Even. >> So we are on to >> Oh, where? Thank you. >> A so cute. >> We're on to approval of the minutes. Um if everyone has read the regular session meeting minutes for August 25th, 2025. Does anybody have any comments? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Non. Second by Miss Beckwith. Um all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Mension. >> Oh, because you were
032not here. Okay, very good. 44 one abstension. And and now we are going to move on to consent agenda items. Uh Dr. Sa Magcguire. >> Um yes, you have a proposal from the Dartmouth um the Dartmouth I'm sorry, I just lost my train of thought. The Dartmouth um band association about fundraisers that they have planned for the year. you have that within your p in your packet and you can see that it's a pretty impressive list >> and um you know they put a lot of work into that. So I think that's worth noting >> how committed our band folks, our band families are to making sure that the band is well supported. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Uh Mr. >> uh motion by Mr. Non, second by Miss Amarall. All in favor
033of approving the consent agenda for the Dartmouth band. >> I any opposed? >> Madam chair, I'm a member of the association, so all abstain. >> Okay, very good. Four eyes, one extension. Um and I do thank um all parents and family involved in the fundraising. You do a fabulous job. And on to new business, capital improvement planning, um, which we'll hand over to Mr. Kylie, unless Dr. S Magguire has something. >> Mr. Kylie can jump right in. >> Thank you. >> So, um, we've included a capital improvement plan update in your packet. So, you voted this 10-year plan covering the period of fiscal year 26 through 35 in January. So, I won't go into detail about every request, but I'm happy to revisit things and and discuss them. Um, you know, answer any questions you
034might have. So, so far on this 10-year capital improvement plan, we received $450,000 of funding for the DLO and Potter fire alarm systems at the June town meeting and 50,000 of technology hardware replacement also at that meeting. The rest of the requests had not been funded. Um, my understanding is that recommendations for the October 21st town meeting have not been finalized yet. However, it does appear that $200,000 for technology hardware replacement will be supported. um $285,000 for security upgrades and $250,000 for the high school roof. And I I'll talk a little bit about that. So that would be for a feasibility study, which we would need if we are invited into the MSBA accelerated repair program. So we won't know that by the October 1st, 21st town meeting. It'll be after that that MSBA decides,
035but this would put us in position so that we could conduct a feasibility study. We we'd come to an agreement with MSBA. They'd appoint a owner's project manager and then um we would begin a feasibility study to get that done in time so that we could actually move forward with the project potentially at a June town meeting with additional votes. Um and perhaps even a debt exclusion vote um that would have to be a ballot vote that would happen in April. So it would put us in position to move forward with the project at a quicker pace than if we don't fund this in advance. If we are not accepted into the accelerated repair program immediately, then the money would stay in the article and then hopefully we would be accepted into the accelerated repair
036program at the next available cycle for MSBA and then move forward again. So, we just would have the money on hold at that point. Um, so we've had some communication. Um, Dr. to say Magguire and I had communication with with the town administrator and and town finance director and they're on board with with doing this and we appreciate their willingness to be a part of that conversation and and support um you know moving forward with that project. The rest of the um requests I have not heard anything about. So um in this year the other requests that we have on the list are high school track reconstruction flooring replacement which is really involves removing asbestos containing materials um from the buildings HVAC repairs and replacements playground improvements school bus replacement and stadium renovations. So those
037items um you know we've we've yet to we've yet to really um determine you know where those stand as potential items for this town meeting warrant. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mr. Oliver. >> The high school track reconstruction we've been hearing about that for a couple of years now. >> Yeah. >> And that it's at some point it's going to be deemed unsafe. >> Yeah. >> You know I don't I don't know if that was the exact wording, but I'm it's just concerning that we're that we're kicking this can down the road and at some point there may there is the potential that we may have to close the track. Is that fair? Is that a fair? >> At some point it might not be able to be used for competition, right? So where you're
038where you're at the point where you've got to close parts of the track. um what we've been doing I mean we would already be at that point except that where we've been doing small repairs to it >> um which you can do small repairs and they can be relatively effective for the short term. >> Um but there is a point where there's too many small repairs and it just isn't really going to isn't going to work. It's not going to be enough. Um so you know the long-term future is that the track needs to be replaced. um you know it's more than 20 years old. The lifespan of that track was about 15 and you know it's a little similar to like the roof on this building. You know it's right it's just a a
039matter of time it has to be done um to maintain you know long-term use. So yeah I mean that's why it's on the list and you're right it has been there >> for a couple of years. >> Mr. Kylie maybe you could just address the playground improvements as well. >> Yeah playground improvements. Um, you know, I really had hoped that we would receive some funding. We've we've had conversations with some parents this year. Dr. Thomas at the Quinn School um went through a process last year, a very thorough process in which he formed a a playground committee um at made up of folks at at Quinn and um we didn't have enough money. So, we have an article that exists that's in place with some some money to do this project, but um it wasn't
040enough to actually accomplish what we're trying to what we're trying to do. And and the the reason really is escalation of costs. It's it's expensive to do these projects and the materials are expensive and um so, you know, some funding for that would go a long way. Um, and it would probably only take about $100,000 worth of funding, which of course is a lot of money, but in the grand scheme of capital improvements, it's not a huge amount. Um, you know, to move forward and actually replace a a part of the playground at the Quinn School, one whole playground. There's three at the Quinn school that we're going to get to the point where that's going to be something that just, you know, isn't viable to use um for kids. So, >> can you remind
041me about possibility or not the possibility of CPA funding like you did at >> Kushman? Yeah. Um there's been some discussion about it. Um the town administrator when when we met, um Dr. say Magguire and I met with him uh was going to be looking into CPA as a possibility for a couple of projects that we were looking you know that we were looking for. So we'll see um we'll see how that works. There's >> there is a public use component of just about every I mean every part of all of our >> property. 100%. >> Absolutely. Now, it's not a public playground at like the one near the Kushman School and the library, but it is used by the public very often. So, I I would hope that it would meet a definition that
042could be supported through those funds. If so, um you know, that would be fantastic. But >> I have one more question. >> Uh the first I'm hearing with the roof replacement about a debt exclusion. Was that brought up recently in your meetings? >> Well, it would the the amount of the the scope of the project >> um would require a debt exclusion vote. Um it's >> not just not just borrowing. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It would be long-term borrowing and it it would require that. It's because of the scope. It's fairly large project. So, correct me, that would have to go in to to um a ballot to the ballot to a ballot vote. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And MSBA um we provided them with the existing dates of our of our potential election um
043votes over the next couple of years. Um as well as all our town meeting, you know, schedule uh over the next couple of years. So, they're aware. And I I do I do feel like this is a good first step um to fund a feasibility study. Sure. Um >> 100% I 100%. >> But yeah, there's more work to do, but we really won't know. We won't have a project scope and a and a defined budget until we actually conduct this feasibility study. So, >> and what is our current reimbursement or what do you have any idea? >> Approximately 50%. Approximately 50% >> approximately 50%. So significant amount of money for sure. >> Thank you, Mr. Kylie. That's all I have. >> You're welcome. >> Yes, Mr. Nunes. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, couple of
044questions, Mr. Kylie, on the the school bus replacement. Mhm. >> Is that an addition to the one we have or are we just going to trade the I'm just thinking, you know, >> will this one >> will the older bus still be available for >> short-term thing, you know, save us a little bit of money on our bus transportation? Yeah. >> Co-curricular, etc. >> Yes, Mr. Non. So, so, uh, I would love to say it would, >> but, um, it's, it's reaching the end of its life. Okay. >> Um, it did pass inspection with a little bit of work that we had to put into it. Um, it's only a 2017, which >> doesn't sound like that old, but it's, you know, approaching, you know, it's 10 years old, uh, model years, and, um, it's
045probably not going to be around for the long term. The plan would be to replace it, >> replace it. By the time we get this bus, like even if we were funded at this town meeting, we wouldn't have this bus for quite a while. >> I I have a feeling that that bus is not going to be able to be kept in operation for student transportation. There's a high standard with, you know, with a school bus, as there should be >> in terms of the condition of the vehicle, and I I I don't think long term that's going to be viable. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> They all seem like they need to be done. Um stadium renovations, that's something on long-term capital coming up tomorrow night. >> Yeah. So that that's a
046great transition. And so, um, yes. So, the long-term capital planning meeting, um, committee is is hosting, um, three presentations on town projects. One tomorrow night at the Council on Aging. Um, and that one is about community projects that includes Dartmouth Memorial Stadium. So, I provided uh I met with folks at in the town administrator's office and provided information to them about where the project has been. We've been working I've been working on this project since 2013. So, um that was the first committee that I was involved in and as far as I know like the first modern committee that that worked on the issue of sports fields in town and the stadium particularly. Um the good news was in 2019 we we did the turf field. So, um, you know, and we've done some improvements
047since then, but, um, yeah, we do need to finish that project at some point. We did when we bid out that project, we got a price tag of $6.2 million. We have 1 point between 1.2 and $1.3 million left in funding from t from other town meeting votes. So, there's some money sitting there unallocated. um not borrowed actually um but is available to be borrowed uh for that project, but that just isn't gonna isn't going to do it. It's not there's um an incredible amount of work that needs to be done to make sure that the spirit of that um that stadium which was you know an important um an important part of the history of Dartmouth. It was dedicated um you know after World War II to the folks who had served um in
048that came from Dartmouth and it was really a community effort. Um, so we're hopeful that, you know, the community will see that and and want to support it moving forward and make sure that we maintain it for for use. We we besides all the school um teams that use it, we have Dartmouth Youth Football using it, Dartmouth Youth Soccer Association, um Dartmouth Girls Athletic League for field hockey, and we um also have Dartmouth Lacrosse. Um we have the band who uses it. We have lots of community community events um there too. So >> Yeah. So, um, that's tomorrow. And then we have a second forum on September 17th about school projects in which we'd highlight the Dartmouth High School roof, the um Dartmouth Middle School replacement, the Dlo and Potter School replacement, and the Quinn
049School replacement all over the course of some many years, you know. Um, but the need for those and and really just help hoping to bring some awareness and answer questions that people might have about those. >> And what day is that, Mr. Kylie? >> That's on the 17th. That is at Dartmouth Middle School at 6 p.m. >> And tomorrow 6 p.m. as well. >> Tomorrow is 6 pm at the council >> on aging. >> Well, thank you, Mr. Kylie. >> Thank you. Um and next we have the superintendent's update. >> Great. Thank you. Um, so last time we met, I think it was convocation and since then it seems like a lifetime ago, but school has started and so I just want to say that um, we have had a tremendous start to the school
050year and I really have to take a minute just to thank the folks out in the field because you know between our principles, um, our school leadership teams, our uh, support teams, our phys it would take me. You know, there's a list of people that go into um how and why there's a success successful opening to a school year and it's the individual efforts of each and every person that contribute to allowing that to happen. And I think that that I mentioned to you that we're leading this year with the theme of genuine appreciation. And I think it this is a great time just to say how much we appreciate the work that has gone out there to ensure that I think we're on the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, seventh day of school. Today is
051the seventh day of school. Um so but it doesn't seem that way. It seems like when I walk into buildings, I happen to have the opportunity to visit the potter today and visit a few kindergarten classes. I have to say in one kindergarten class um well in in all three actually kindergarten classes what we saw was direct instruction. It was foundations. We saw students who were already accustomed to routines, who clearly knew uh what they were doing from a transition from sitting with the teacher on the rug to a from a direct instruction to returning to their seats to taking out their their uh notebooks and their whiteboards. They knew exactly what to do. So, I want to assure the kindergarten families out there that their kindergarteners are just doing a wonderful job and they
052are already well accustomed to school. Again, we're only on day seven, but I am incredibly appreciative of the district's effort to ensure that this school year is off to a tremendous start and the enthusiasm is still there. again, day seven, and it was really fun to walk into kindergarten classes and just see how excited students are to be in school. You know, about the launch of our new literacy resource. I continue to thank uh Mrs. paveo and the literacy coaches and and really everybody and and mostly our teachers who I've had conversations with and who are talking about the resource in a really positive positive way and recognizing the fact that yes, this is a this is a heavy lift. It's a heavy lift to implement a new resource and you have to go through
053an entire year or maybe even two of using it before you're really truly comfortable with it. But our teachers are committed and you can see that it's already re truly in action across the district. I have the opportunity to talk to Mrs. Paveo who I know has been out in classrooms and seeing what's going on. And I just want to say that that the teachers are excited and what's even more exciting is the kids are excited. The kids are truly excited about the content and this resource. So we look forward to seeing the results of that uh as part of how it impacts our strategic initiatives around high quality resources which is something that you as a committee have committed to. So we truly appreciate your support in that and this is one of the
054payoffs. Um I want to talk about this past Friday. I met with students during the high school PACE period as part of their summer reading assignments. I can't thank Mr. Will Higgins enough. I mean what a tremendous job that he does to organize that really what ends up being an event uh where at the high school every single student has is uh required to read and that sounds you know sort of like punishment required uh but uh hopefully the the novels and um the books that are being chosen are self- selected so students are choosing things that are are of interest to them. So each educator or educators that are want to volunteer which it is on u by volunteer choose a book and then so I did choose a book this year for my
055first the first time and the book that I chose was the women by Kristen Hannah and that's a novel about women who served uh during the Vietnam War as medical support and nurses and I wasn't sure any students would choose the book um but I was hopeful and I did have two amazing students students who chose who selected that book. And I got to sit with them this past Friday as as all students did with the person who whoever um they were assigned to. And I have to say they were able to talk about that novel in such an engaging way that I truly felt like they knew more about the book than I did. and their their ability to discuss the development of the character throughout the the entire novel and the time period
056was really compelling and their interest in understanding uh some of the nuances and and the um the impact of the Vietnam War and the impact it had on women in particular was really impressive and I walked away feeling enlightened and that's such a great feeling and we have I We have so much or I have so much optimism for our young people and I'm sure that there are other folks who had those experiences. But again, Mr. Higgins organizes that entire thing from uh late spring throughout the summer making sure that we all have our 20 question quizzes in to him so that because for the first couple of minutes what happens is the students actually take a quiz, >> a 20 question quiz which Mr. Higgins uploads into Google. And I have to say a
057couple of the questions I was a little iffy on on my own quiz. Um and so uh what I was really excited about is the students were iffy on the same questions. And so we got to have conversation about that and even just the nuances of how you answer a question and how you can apply different thinking in terms of the way a question is is asked. So it was really fun. Um so I I also will mention that MCAT as far as MCCAST is concerned we do have preliminary results. Um again we have an idea of how our students are doing and we have some bright spots that we're look forward to sharing with you but at this point the data is still embargoed and we don't have the final results yet. But as
058soon as we do as we've done in the past we'll put a presentation together for you and we'll be happy to share that with the committee. And so I'll update you as to where we are with HR. Our enrollment totals, uh, as of today, our district total is 3,274. And so last year at this very same time, our enrollment was 3,292. And so, uh, by our math, that means that we have 18 fewer students. And so that varies by level. Um, but as as we have committed to, we want to keep you and the public up to date on where we are in terms of enrollment and whether we're seeing a decline or an increase in certain areas, and we're happy to break that down for you if you'd like us to. So, under budget
059um, and capital improvement, Mr. Kylie's already spoken to capital improvements, and I think right now we don't currently have a budget update. Mr. Kylie, you feel comfortable with that? >> Yeah. Yeah. I think uh we're focusing on getting things uh going for the start of school at this point. >> But so, um on to under HR though, I think again we we got to see our new hires this evening and you can see that we have a robust group of people who have some pretty incredible backgrounds and I commend everybody out there who sat on hiring committees. There's a lot of work that goes into making sure that we're selecting the best candidates that really truly are the best fit for the Dartmouth public schools. And that meant that folks were really truly working. I
060would say from March throughout probably uh actually there we're still currently >> Yeah, we're still working. But I think you can see and you could hear tonight that folks are really um invested in this taking it seriously and doing their due diligence and making sure that the folks we're bringing into Dartmouth are the right fit for Dartmouth. But we still have some positions I thought I'd mention. Uh we still have at at Dartmouth High School, we still have a special two special educators, one a stepup teacher and one a regular special education teacher. We also still have an ESP, an LPN, which is a onetoone. We need an ESP for our Atlas program. We still need a full-time security monitor at Dartmouth High School, a food service worker for a full day. We still uh
061have some advisor positions that are open and those positions are currently are consistently being updated by by Kate Gentner and I thank her for the work and making sure that those positions are always um being updated so that if there are any candidates out there, they know those are still active positions. Uh at the district level, we still have a stipended program for the music program. Uh at the district level, we have a database systems technician. I know Mr. Galashaw is actively interviewing and seeking to hire for that position very soon. And then an ESP at the Kushman and an ESP at the Quinn and a food service worker at the Quinn. So, I think I I tell you those positions specifically because if there's anyone that is listening and are interested in any of
062those positions, it's a time for us to do a little bit of advertising. Um, and you can see by the folks that we hired here this evening that Dartmouth's a great school community to join. And so, I will move on to family and community engagement. I hope that some of you got to attend the football game this past Friday. uh I was able to attend and if not you probably got to see it on DC TV. As a matter of fact, I I just had a conversation with somebody who told me that they had watched the game on DCTV and they were incredibly impressed by the quality of the video. And so I'd rather have people come out and see the game, but if you can't, then certainly it's worth a watch on DCTV. But
063the this past Friday the football team hosted Bishop Stang and I've come to realize that that's a really big deal here in Dartmouth. Um, and so what what it's referred to is the battle of Sloum Road and I can see that uh it turned out to be quite a community event and it was clear that uh both schools uh have filled the stands because they were packed on both sides of the stadium and it was standing room only around the entire stadium. The student section I have both sections I have to commend them. I think you know the the students were impressive and they were there they were cheering for their their classmates and their enthusiasm was palpable on again on both sides and respectful and that's always what we're looking for healthy competition and
064that's what we could see uh that evening on you we know that I think we know that the football team won and we're pretty excited about that because um at the end of the day I guess you know beating Bishop Stang is truly it's a big deal. Um I also want to mention that the 202526 cheerleaders had a successful debut. I got to talk to Coach Braga and she uh she acknowledged that she has a young group and they're very talented and impressive and she's looking forward to working with them over a number of years. And I know Mr. afternoon will mention the band, but I still have to remark that we had a departure of so many students this past year. We have a small but mighty group of students who I think displayed
065incredible talent this past Friday evening and as I said of course the football team won. So, it made for a really joyful experience and you can see that the entire community shows up for those games and it's just it's fun to be around and the energy is just really for me uh I just I love to go. I look forward to it and and I also want the team to win. I can't you know I can't deny that I have that competitive factor going on as well. But open houses are happening this week at the elementary schools. Uh last Thursday the middle school hosted its open house. The high school openhouse will be next week. I think it's next Thursday. And by all accounts the middle school openhouse was was truly very successful under safe
066and supportive schools. The hall passes I we've implemented those. They are going quite well. I've talked to a couple of teachers who have remarked that it's at the high school in particular who have remarked that it's made a huge difference in terms of the number of kids in the hallway and making sure that we all know where all our students are at all times and that it is a really simple system to use. So that has been an investment that I think has been well worth it. And as the students get used to using it themselves because they're still learning how to use it, but from what I'm hearing, it's a pretty simple system to use. And this is another investment in keeping our students safe. Uh so again, well received by faculty. Um we
067uh I think I mentioned at the last meeting that officer Ryan Reese has joined us as our school resource officer. We're thankful to the Dartmouth police for their continued support. You know, I heard a small story about how officer Ree uh jumped in to help out with the situation at one of our elementary schools today that he was, you know, again, just very visible and able to help support the staff in managing a situation that that could have uh but wasn't um could have escalated. but he was there and he reacted in a way that our school staff feels very supported. So, we're looking forward to watching that relationship develop over time. And finally, I just I would mention that well, first I'll mention Kim Redlon continues to chair the safety committee and I know
068she's going to be updating us over the course of the year. There's a lot of great work going on there and I'm excited to see the direction that the the committee takes this year because she got so much done with that team of folks last year and I I think we're going to see the the benefit of that all in service of keeping our kids safe. And then I have to mention transportation because again I just said seven days. We're only seven days into the school year. Uh there are a lot of buses out on our streets um on the roads in Dartmouth. I can't thank Mr. Kylie enough and and Lauren um who are just incredibly resourceful and responsive to the families and our school folks out there making sure all our kiddos get
069on the right buses and even when they're I think was it last week Mr. Kylie where we had a bus with a flat tire. >> We did. Yeah. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> And so we had a bus with a flat tire and there was Mr. Kylie out the door going to the bus to make sure that our our students got safely from one bus to another bus and home safely with really um just a it was almost just a blip. So, thank you for your work. >> Thank you. >> And that's my report. >> Thank you very much. Um, and I wanted to circle back to last meeting. We brought up uh the superintendence evaluation and if anyone was, we weren't all present last time, so I wanted to make sure everybody was here.
070If uh they wanted to be part of our the subcommittee on the evaluation, I know Mr. Newton, Miss Amarall, you were last year. Do you want to do it again? Do you feel like you want a little change of pace? What is your pleasure? I >> think we're good. We're good. Yeah, we're got a good system going now. So, >> all right. Well, we the rest of the committee, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Um >> You're welcome. >> And uh yes, a little bit of hard work ahead of us, but we'll do it. Um, thank you for stepping up and um, >> just to confirm the timelines >> that is the week of three member not here. >> The week the week of uh, excuse me if my memor is any good.
071We'd like them the week of October 14th. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Okay. With plans to uh, present it at the 27th school committee October 27th school committee meeting. >> Right. Okay. That is correct. I'll put out a calendar. I'm putting it here. >> I'll put out a calendar invite for everyone as a reminder. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Tell me you got to go to Google. >> You got to do it the Google. >> You got to do the You got to talk to the Google machine. >> He's going to make it easy for you. >> Okay. Um then I also wanted to just once again mention the um MASC MASS convention and um hopefully you've all told Miss Gunther whether you are going or not and uh I know last
072year we uh or Mary kindly volunteered to be delegate and um I don't know if you would like to do that. Yeah, I'm happy to do that again. >> Okay, terrific. So >> now I feel like I know how it goes. So yeah. >> Great. So then I would just suggest we all look at the resolutions to be voted on. There's only six this year, but if we could just come prepared having some idea how we feel about all of those, then the next meeting we can >> register our opinions. >> Great. >> Are they on the MASC website? >> On the website. >> Okay. I think if you just put in uh delegate resolutions 2025, it'll come up. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. Um and really that's it for me. Is there
073anybody else down there that has some information, Mr. Nunes, that they would like to share with us? >> How'd you know? >> No. Uh seriously, the uh the band came out Friday night, had a fantastic show. The first uh their first number is done, so they put that out there. Um they're going to have their parent preview on uh Saturday, o uh September 20th at the stadium. Uh somewhere between 6 and 7 o'clock type of deal. I understand that that's going to take place. They'll have things out. Um, our first show was the following Saturday the 27th. We get to go to UMass Amherst for New England's type of deal. So, kind of a little bit of a long day, but it works. It's a lot of fun. And I don't have much information on
074it at the moment. But October 25th is our home show, our US band's home show. So, I'll get back to everybody the next meeting looking for uh trophy presenters and such. and I'll have a hopefully a little bit of a time frame at that point. >> Terrific. >> So, thank you. >> And so, you say parent showcase. Does that mean if you're not a parent, you show up, they throw you out? >> No. >> Just making sure. >> No. >> Good to go. >> Great. Um, anybody else have uh any information they'd like to share? >> Okay. Um, then I'd like to say our next regular meeting of the school committee is currently scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the DHS library media center. Um, and do I hear a motion
075to move to executive session pursuant to MG? What? >> Quick quick question. Are we any Are we supposed to be meeting with the board of selectment? Have we heard anything? >> Yes, we have. And I think it's the 29th. >> It is the 29th. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. I mean, I just happened to see it on their agenda tonight was discussion about joint meeting with the school committee. So, that's okay. >> Came to play came into came to mind. >> Yeah. I thought we discussed that last time, but maybe we do. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. 29th. >> 29th. >> Okay. and at 6:30 because they go into executive 1. I think 6:30 is the time. >> Um, and of course between now and our next regular meeting on September 22nd there, if you
076want to attend um the capital planning tomorrow at 6 at the center for >> I just put out calendar invites for those too. >> Okay, great. Then I won't have to do it. And then also on the 17th Um, >> hang on, Beth. Okay. I'm sorry, but I'm thinking with the meeting at the middle school on the 18th, >> 17th. >> Middle school. Yes, >> middle school on the 17th. I'm sorry. >> 17th. >> My fault. I apologize on the date. But should we just post something that says the school committee? Not that if any if nobody shows up, nobody shows up. That's fine. I understand that. I'll be there. just to cover open meeting and keep >> all the Yahoos happy. >> Yeah. I mean I mean we're not going to open a meeting.
077>> No, but I mean we're there as a group. >> Any discussion deliberation? >> Not that we not that we're going to have not that we probably will have discussion or deliberation, but just to cover bases that >> Okay. I think that that's >> the public is aware that the school committee is going to be there. >> Um so >> it can't hurt. >> It ain't. So, I would think that most of us are going to try and make the 17th. >> That is correct. >> Probably fewer of us are going to make tomorrow and it's too late to say that we're meeting tomorrow. >> So, hopefully >> I'm going. >> I'll be there. >> So, that's three of us. Okay. >> We'll sit at opposite ends of the room. >> That's fine. >> I
078won't even acknowledge I know you. >> I didn't know what she said. >> I won't even >> Okay. But for the meeting on the 17th which which most likely we all will attend, we will make a notice of public meeting. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm sorry >> of our No, that's that's good to be clear about that. Um, so next, uh, I would like to move to executive session pursuant to MGL C3A 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining. This is not right. What are we doing? Yeah, that's right. Madam Chair, make a motion we adjourn to executive session for the purpose of collective bargaining and not return to open session. >> Second. >> Uh motion by Mr. Nunees, second by Miss Beckwith. >> Uh all in favor? >>
079Roll call. >> A roll call. >> Kathleen Amroll. >> Yes. >> John Nunes. >> Yes. >> Chris Oliver. >> Yes. >> Mary Beckwith. >> Yes. >> Coughlin. >> Yes. And this meeting is adjourned. [Music]