001[music] I think that's a bad live in 20 seconds. Good evening and welcome [music] to the Ever School Committee organizational meeting. Today is uh January 5th, 2026 and the time we are beginning is 8:06 p.m. At this time, I would ask the clerk to call the role for the purposes of determining a quorum. >> Student representative Emma Perry, >> present. >> Mr. Almeida Barrows, >> present. >> Miss Babcock, >> present. >> Miss Cardelloo, >> present. >> Miss Cornelio, >> present. >> Miss Cristiano, >> present. Mr. Denafhrio, >> present. >> Miss Garin, >> present. >> Miss Hurley, >> present. >> Mr. Lam Monica, >> present. >> Mayor Vancampen, >> present. >> All 10 members are here. >> 10 members present. We have a quorum. Could I invite you all to join me in saluting the flag?
002>> I aliance 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. >> Uh thank you all. Uh this is a very important meeting, our organizational meeting. But before we begin, I'd like to thank uh uh Superintendent Hart, uh clerk of the school committee, Mr. O' Connor, and all of the the senior staff of the school department for being here this evening. and and I'd also uh like to welcome our city council colleagues and family and friends. Welcome. Uh at this time, I would ask the clerk to call the first order of business. >> Roman numeral 3, organization of the committee. >> Okay. At this time, I'm going to open nominations for chairperson of the Everett School
003Committee. >> Madam Chair, >> Mr. Uh, Barios, >> are you move to nominate Samantha Hurley um to >> be the chair? >> Second. >> Sorry guys, I screwed up. Let's uh open nominations. >> Move to open nominations. >> Second. >> Okay, go ahead. Money. >> Madam Chair, >> thank you. >> I would like to nominate Samantha Hurley uh to be the chair of this co meeting. And I'm not say to continue to be the chair because this is a new term. So to be the chair uh of our school committee. >> Second. >> And on the motion I'd like to say a few words of why I'm nominating Samur to be our chair. About a year ago uh I received a call from Mrs. Hurley who uh was on her first term I believe and
004wanted to be chair of the school committee and I recall that I said but you just got elected and you want to be chair already and I voted for her to be chair during that time. It was one of the best decisions that I've made. She has led this school committee. She has led this group with grace, unity, compassion, attention. And let me tell you to the public, you might see school committee meetings all the time. You're like, "Oh, it's so easy to be the chair. Wait until you get into executive session." But even during that time, she was there. Always try to bring us together even those during those hard moments. She was leading this group with as I said with compassion but also with professionalism always listening to everyone always uh giving a
005chance for everyone to speak to express their opinion um actually I've been on this school committee uh for many years I should say a few years and I start to get used to the chair calling or texting us during school committee meetings to tell just know reminding you that there is a meeting tonight. Uh I think everyone can can attest to that. Uh but I am so proud to nominate uh Sam Hurley because she has done what I would say an outstanding job on this past in this past year and I'd love her to continue to lead this this group to continue to do this outstanding job. Uh, Miss Babcock, I'd like to also speak on the motion. Um, I got the same phone call and I said, "Are you sure? You've only been doing
006this for a year, but she has done everything she can to learn the appropriate procedures in order to fill the role of chairwoman." And um, she makes us all together a better school committee. We feel more prepared because of her presence. and I am very grateful um to be able to be part of this uh school committee with her as our leader. >> Thank you, Miss Babcock. Are there any other nominations? >> Move to close nominations. >> Second. >> Motion is made and seconded to close nominations. All those in favor? >> I. >> Those opposed, the eyes have it. Nominations have been closed. Now, when um when you're asked to vote, um please say the name of the person you'd like to vote for for chairman. >> Mr. Clerk, >> Mr. Almeita Barrows, >> Samantha
007Hurley, >> Miss Babcock, >> Samantha Hurley. >> Miss Cardelloo, >> Samantha Hurley. >> Miss Cornelio, >> Samantha Hurley. >> Miss Cristiano, >> Samantha Hurley, >> Mr. Denafhrio >> Samantha Hurley >> Miss Garren >> Samantha Hurley >> Missurley >> Samantha Hurley >> Mr. Lmon Monica >> Samantha Hurley >> Mayor Vancampen >> Samantha Hurley >> Congratulations Madam Chair [applause] Thank you everyone. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family for their unwavering love, patience, and continued support. I would also like to thank my colleagues for placing their trust and confidence in me, allowing me to serve a second consecutive term as chairperson. It's truly an honor and I take great pride in serving our membership with dedication, professionalism, kindness, and respect. Over the past two years, we have engaged in meaningful
008dialogue and productive collaboration, laying a strong foundation for continued progress. I look forward to further strengthening these relationships and working collaboratively to ensure that every member is supported and empowered to successfully achieve their goals. As representatives, we have built a trusting and collaborative relationship with Superintendent Hart and his administration. Our work here has been centered around the success of our students and our district. Our meetings have been defined by sharing information and creating space for discussion and dialogue. As we look ahead to the upcoming year, I would like to outline several key opportunities that I believe are essential to the continued success of our committee. First, I intend to place a greater emphasis on professional development by actively participating in formative workshops and by hosting a committee retreat through MASC. This retreat will provide an
009opportunity for in-depth discussion, open dialogue, and meaningful input from all members, allowing us to reach a shared consensus and clearly prioritizing our goals moving forward. Second, our rules, policies, and procedures are overdue for review and revision. While initial work has begun um while initial work has begun during our previous term, this is a time for intensive this is a time intensive process that requires consistent focus and collaboration. I look forward to the thoughtful and diligent work of this subcommittee as we strengthen this vital framework that guides how we operate and serve our membership. Third, I'm asking for the committee's continued support of the district's expansion efforts and to addressing overcrowding. These initiatives represent a critical investment in the future of our community's youth and should remain a top priority as we plan for sustainable growth.
010I look forward to working with Superintendent Hart, Mayor Vancampen, and our colleagues, with the city council in finalizing a plan that alleviates overcrowding and creates better learning environments and programs for our students and our staff. We have never been in a better position to develop an actionable plan that benefits the Ever Public Schools and the city of Everett. Once again, I'm deeply honored to serve this committee fully and faithfully as chairperson. Each of you brings unique strengths, perspectives, and talents that enhance our collective service to the community. I look forward to highlighting your interests, supporting your efforts, and working together towards our shared goals. Thank you for your continued support, your commitment to the district and the community. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me. >> [applause] >> Continuing
011with the organization of the committee, I would um ask that we open nominations for the role of vice chair. >> Open nominations for the nomination of vice chair. >> Motion made and seconded to open nominations for the vice chair role. All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Nominations are now opened. >> I was Christian. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, it's my real honor to nominate for vice chairman, uh, somebody that's no stranger to this community and especially this immigrant community. Uh, his name is M Maronei Almeida Barrows. He joined the school committee back in 2017. He became the first openly gay and Latino member of the committee. In this role, he has championed funding for student resources, housing crisis, support for students, families, health and safety initiatives in
012school. Maronei has built a career in public service and civic engagement in the state of Massachusetts. We're actually really proud to call us call him one of our own. Maronei came to this country almost 30 years ago as an immigrant from Brazil. He didn't just come here and decide, oh, here I am. He went on to continue his education. uh he got a master's degree from Northeastern University in corporate and organizational communication with a focus on leadership and that what that is why he's the right guy for the job leadership early in his career he interned with the Brazilian workers senator in Boston where he worked on workers rights teaching English I remember when you taught English and civic participation ation helping immigrant communities gain selfsufficiency. Uh I think the first time I really got
013to know Mark Con a little more when I was invited to his wedding. So I did attend his wedding to Mark Pulio. Mark stand up. I just want to let you know during the the the uh the wedding party I tried to persuade Maronei uh to run out of the room with me. I would leave John and he would leave you. But he said no. So here we are. But anyways, on a most uh important note, and I got to tell you, I mean, we've got a real gem in Maronei. Um, he's really into community engagement. He was appointed by then Attorney General Mara Healey to lead the community engagement division in the United in the attorney general's office. It was a newly created unit focused on bringing state resources directly into communities and connecting
014residents with support on issues like scams, bullying prevention, and other public concerns. Right now, he is at the mayor at the governor's right hand. He currently serves as the deputy chief of access and opportunity for Governor Mara Healey, working on public policies, equity, and inclusion and broader public engagement initiatives across the state. Before that, Maronei was the executive director and chief of staff for uh Mirror, which is the Ma the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. and he start he was hired dear under former governor Deval Patrick and he continued to hold leadership roles in our immigration uh policy and community. He's also st t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t
015t t t t t t t t taught at Northeastern University. Um and on the school committee, he has constantly been trying to secure more grants for our students and more opportunities, especially for those in need. You know, he he gets it. He knows what it's like to come here, you know, not understanding the language, but he has continued to learn, to grow, and to be a part of this community. But he didn't forget where he came from. He has worked to help and better our community, including our immigrant community. He's he's it's long overdue. Maronei. Um, I can't say enough about you. Um, but your leadership, your leadership, uh, is just phenomenal and I I can't thank you enough. And, you know, hi, Mark. Uh, so again, I, uh, I, uh, you know, conclude
016my remarks. >> Thank you, Miss Cristiano. Miss Babcock, >> also on the motion, I I I want to speak um on behalf of um Maron O'Neal made about us as well. I know that uh from for a couple years before I ran, he encouraged me to run and um when uh and and I think that Joanna would probably agree with me and Margaret that when we did win our election that he was a role model, someone who supported us when we were unsure about how to uh develop ourselves in these roles. He was a wealth of information. So the information that he brings not just to the committee and to inform all of us is the way he has supported us to elevate the school committee and to inform us so that we could be
017the best school committee members possible. I'm so glad that you encouraged me to run. Um you have made this a wonderful experience for all of us. So thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Babcock. Mayor Vanc. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I I do want to also second the nomination of my friend Maronei Almita Baros. Uh it's kind of a layer of seconding the nomination here, but just very briefly, I know the hour is late. I I do want to um just offer up that I've known Maronei for a long time. Um I once had a full head of hair when I met him. And I, you know, I've come to know him as a bridgeuer, as a collaborator, as um someone that understands, we heard it earlier, what families of the Ever Public Schools go
018through on a daily basis and understands how you overcome challenges. And so, it's a pleasure for me to second uh his nomination as well, and I'm happy to support him. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Motion >> make a motion to close nominations. >> Motion has been made. Second and seconded to close nominations for vice chair. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Nominations have been closed. Um I'm going to call for a roll call vote for the position of vice chair. Um this will be the individual's name. Uh clerk, could you call the role for the position of vice chair? >> Mr. Almeida Baros. >> Mark the baros. >> Miss Babcock. Um, Marone alabaros. >> Miss Cardelloo, >> Maronei Almeida Baros, >> Miss Cornelio, >> Marone the barrows, >> Miss
019Cristiano, >> Marone Almeida Barrows, >> Mr. Denafhrio [clears throat] >> Margaret Canelio >> Miss Garren >> Maronei Almeida Baros >> Miss Hurley >> Maronei Almeida Baros >> Mr. L Monica >> Maronei Almita Barrows >> Mayor Vancampen >> my school committee member Maronei Almita Barrows >> Congratulations Mr. Barrows thanks [applause] Mr. Barrows. >> Thank you, Madame Chair, and thank to my colleagues here on the school committee, members of the public, those who are here, those who are at home. I want to especially thank my family, my husband, my sister-in-law, my our families here watching at home, and my family actually watching on YouTube in Brazil. Uh I as Miss Christian mentioned uh moving to a new country is not easy but I did that came here to go to school never realized that years later I
020was not only know going to school but having met the love of my life but also having running for office uh which I was always passionate about uh politics always passionate about education um And and today I am here uh I'm here to work with our chair to lead this group to work with our mayor. I am so happy to see that plate there and to look at uh the mayor who actually is my neighbor who is right behind me. U he's building a fence. Uh but I am delighted to uh be elected tonight to work with uh the chair to continue to work with our schools, with our families. Um I do remember the first time when I joined the school committee. One of the first meetings that I that I uh heard an
021update was regarding um that time was not a school overcrowding but it was on uh homeless kids and I remember it was very cold was summer it was no winter and I couldn't believe that we had about during that time about 100 kids who uh did not I did not have a place to call home and that's when I first of working with the committee during that time brought to our schools and to ever the first of its kind program um in a in a high school across the state which is a program to assist our homeless kids to pay for rent. Uh I went to the mass housing shelter alliance requested funding and we launched that program uh at Everett High. I was not only proud of doing that work because I was the
022first thing was that I was looking at those kids and I thought about myself. I did not have a problem of becoming homeless um or had uh similar issues. But I saw those kids in in in in a hope of an opportunity because that's all that's all they need. It's an opportunity. And I think that's the work of this body is to work on behalf of of of our families and our kids to give them an opportunity and we know when we give them an opportunity they succeed. We see that at every year at every graduation. So I am delighted to be working with our chair once again with our mayor and with all of you uh to continue to make uh every public schools the best school system in the commonwealth. So, thank you
023for the honor of being uh voted and being here as vice chair of the school committee. Thank you all. [applause] >> Thank you, Vice Chair Baros. >> Thank you, >> superintendent. The next order, >> Roman numeral four, oath administered to the secretary. >> You ready? >> Hold it. read it. I'm so sure. >> Raise your right hand. >> I, William Hart, >> do solemnly swear >> that I faithfully and impartially >> discharge and perform >> all the duties >> incumbent upon me >> as secretary of the Ever School Committee. as secretary of the Ever School Committee. >> to the best of my ability. >> And understanding >> agreeably to the rules >> and regulations >> of the Ever School Committee >> of the Everett School Committee >> of the Constitution >> and laws of the
024Commonwealth >> and of Massachusetts >> in the ordinances of the city of Everett >> and the ordinances of the city of Everett. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Superintendent, the next order of business, >> Roman numeral 5, adoption of rules and regulations. >> Madame Chairman, >> Miss Christristiano, >> I'd like to make a motion to adopt the rules and regulations of the school committee. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to adopt the rules and regulations of the school committee. We will roll call that. >> Mr. Almeida Baros. >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock. >> Yes. >> Miss Cardelloo. >> Yes. >> Miss Cornelio. >> Yes. >> Miss Cristiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Denafhrio. >> Yes. >> Miss Garin. >> Yes. >> Mr. Le Monica. >> Yes. >>
025Mayor Vancampen. >> Yes. >> Madame Chair. >> Yes. >> So move. 100. So move 10. Motion pass. Superintendent. The next order of business. >> Roman numeral 6, appointment of subcommittees. >> I would actually like to ask for favorable action to postpone the subcommittee appointments to our Tuesday, January 20th meeting. >> So move. >> Motion has been made and seconded to postpone um the appointment of the subcommittees. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Um motion passed. Next up is adjournment. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion has been made and seconded to adjurnn. All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. We have adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Thank you everyone. [music] >> [music] [music] >> down. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.
026[music] >> [music] [music] >> Well, Welcome to Everett City Council organizational meeting for the year 2026. Uh we are at the Everett High School tonight in their library. We appreciate the invitation to have our meeting here. We uh just had inauguration exercises with our new mayor, Robert Vancampen, who's with us this evening. Uh, I am the senior member and uh I'd like to have the city clerk call a role. >> Council Elsie Jab, >> present. >> Council Capone, >> present. >> Council Diarro, >> present. >> Council Garcia, >> present. >> Council Maresy, >> present. >> Council Martins, >> present. >> Council Matuski, >> here. >> Council W >> present. >> Council Petrantonio, >> present. >> Council Rogers, >> here. and councelor Smith >> present. >> 11 members present. Madam President, >> we do have a
027quorum. Uh we're not >> Mr. J. >> Madame President, you were close. This will be a little quicker than the uh previous meeting of the school committee. Uh but I want to thank those in attendance that are here for our new president. as I the Hollow and Harrison, right? I get that right. They haven't visited Lewis Street lately, but I remember when they were a little smaller. But at any rate, uh we're going to skip the pledge of allegiance. We did that once in the auditorium and we did it once here with the school committee. So, with that being said, the clerk will call the first order of business. Item number one is an order offered by councelor Wayne Matuski as our senior member. An order recommending the adoption of the updated 2025 rules of
028the city council as the initial rules of the city council for the year 2026. >> Fable action. >> Second. >> Motion's made and seconded. The favorable action on item number one. Clerk will call the role. [clears throat] >> Councilor Elsie Jwen. >> Yes. Council Capone, >> yes. >> Councilor Depro, >> yes. >> Council Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Marques, >> yes. >> Councilor Matuski, >> yes. >> Council Martins, >> yes. >> Councelor Weim, >> yes. >> Councilor Petrantonia, >> yes. >> Council Rogers, >> yes. >> And councelor Smith, >> yes. >> 11 yay, zero nays. Mr. Chair, >> the city council rules have been adopted for the year 2026. >> The second piece of uh business tonight is to elect the president. Clerk will read that please. >> Item number two is an order offered
029by councelor Wayne Amatuski as our senior member in order to elect a president of the city council for the year 2026. >> I move to open nominations. >> Second. >> Motion's made. Seconded to open nominations. >> Mr. President, I'd like to make a nomination. >> Council Petron, >> I'd like to uh nominate Stephanie Smith uh for president for 2026. Uh I've known Stephanie a long time. Um, I grew up with her father. Um, when you talk about Stephanie, she would sit right across from me and when I kind of got out of line, she'd look at me and give me the look. But describe Stephanie. I'm going to say tenacious. Um, a fighter, doesn't back down from anybody, and does her homework. She's an asset to the council and she's an asset to the city.
030Um, I've never seen anyone work harder than her on the council except for myself. [laughter] Why you laughing? But, um, she, no, seriously, she's, um, she's she's an asset to the city, an asset to the council, and, um, I fully support her as president and I hope this council does, too. Thank you. >> I second that. I second that. >> Council Elsie seconds the motion. Council Mas, >> if if I may say something about uh uh uh Miss Smith. >> Absolutely. >> Uh she is one of the most prepared people when it comes to coming to meetings and uh it's always good. I hate losing her off the floor because she always is well prepared and has a lot of uh statistics that we usually don't have, but it'll be an honor to sit here
031and also to vote for her tonight. >> Any other comments? I'd like to just say a couple. [snorts] You know, we used to have a biccamrial form of government and the common council and the board of alderman. And at 19 years old, councelor Smith was elected to represent WI 3. And uh I think that, you know, I'm not sure how many years ago it was, 15 maybe. >> Much longer. But time does fly as we all know. And uh I got to know well I've been friends with the family for many many years. You know I've had a lot of good memories over the years. And uh the father was a state rep. He hired me as his aid a legislative aid uh with a focus on senior citizens. His your mother is unbelievable. You
032got a great husband. Your children are very well behaved. They were at all the events and uh they you know you're really a good mother, a good person, a great colleague. I'm going to miss sitting next to you actually. Uh you fill me in on a lot of things because you had your computer there and she she's up on everything and uh I really appreciate uh the effort that you put in uh on the city council. So, I'm going to support you also for this position and I know you'll do a good job. >> So, we're going to call a roll >> and uh please >> just made that motion. >> Council Deo, >> I move to close nominations. >> Second. >> Motion's made. Seconded to close nominations. >> All those in favor? >> I.
033>> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Uh after uh your name is called, please say a full name, Stephanie Smith. As we all know, there's two Stephanie here. >> So we'll uh the clerk will please call the role. [clears throat] Council Ali Jubet, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Capone, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Depro, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Garcia, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Maresy, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Matuski, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Martins, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council We >> Stephanie Smith, >> Councilor Petrantonio, >> Stephanie Smith, >> Council Rogers, >> Stephanie Smith, >> and Councelor Smith. >> Stephanie Smith. >> Uh, 11 votes for Councelor Stephanie Smith. Congratulations. You are our new president. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations. Our new council president, Stephanie Smith. >> So, I'll be
034brief as I know we're running an hour late. Um, thank you to my colleagues for your support and your your kind remarks. As some of you talked about and most of you know, I've always enjoyed being a leader on the floor and I never pictured myself up here um holding the gavvel, but this November showed us something incredibly powerful that the city's ready for change. And with a lot of proddding, I'm here tonight as your president embracing that change. I'm an Everett girl through and through. This community shaped me, supported me, and trusted me. And I'll never take that for granted. to now have the privilege of leading this historic council, as was talked about a lot today, the first ever majority women serving. It's something that I care with enormous pride and responsibility. We're
035not only making history, we are setting the standard for what leadership looks like in Everett. I also want to thank a moment again to thank Councelor Martins. She led this council through one of the most turbulent, challenging, and influential years in recent history. Her strength, composure, and dedication kept the council steady and our city moving forward. And I intend to continue that spirit of steady, thoughtful leadership. On the four years I have been here on my second stint as a city councelor, I've seen real progress. I've seen a council that's evolved, one that's stronger, more transparent, more engaged, and more reflective of the people that we proudly serve. And we're not done yet. I'm also looking forward to working with our new mayor, our former colleague from W 5, Rob Vancampen, as we begin this
036next chapter for Everett. Collaboration between the council and the mayor's office is essential, and I'm committed to building a respectful, productive um partnership focused on the people of the city. And none of this would be possible without my family. Thank you for being here tonight and supporting me um every step of the way through all my crazy endeavors. Especially my husband Mike, my parents Stat and Judy, my brother and my sisters, and my biggest supporters Harlo, Harry, and my niece Livia. I would truly not be able to do this without you, and I love you all so much. And to my colleagues, again, thank you for your support, your trust, and your partnership. I'm honored to serve alongside you and I'm ready to get back to work. Everett deserved nothing less. Thank you all. [applause]
037And now we the clerk please read order three. Item number three is an order offered by our newly elected president, Stephanie Smith, an in order to elect a clerk of committees for the years 2026 and 2027. >> I'd like to nominate uh John Burley. >> Second. >> Motion made to open nominations. >> Okay. Second >> motion made and seconded to open nominations. >> All those [clears throat] in favor? >> I opposed. Nominations are open. >> I'd like to nominate John Burley. >> Second. Second. >> Motion made and second. Seconded to nominate John Burley as our clerk of committees for 2025 26 27. All those in favor? I >> I think we have to do a roll call vote. >> The clerk please call the rose nominations. >> Move to close nominations. Second. >> Second. >>
038Motion made and seconded to call close nominations. All in favor? >> Opposed. Will Clark please call the role. And uh when say your name, you're going to say John Burley. >> Councelor Alsie Jwen. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Capone. >> John Burley. >> Council Depro. >> John Burley. >> Council Garcia. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Marches. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Matuski. >> John Burley. >> Councilor Martins. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Wean. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Petrant Antonio. >> John Burley. >> Councelor Rogers. John Burley >> and Council President Smith. >> John Burley. >> 11 votes for Mr. Burley, none for anyone else. Congratulations to Mr. Burley who's homesick. Uh we wish him well. [applause] >> Thank you. Will the clerk please read order four? Our [clears throat] final order this evening is
039an order offered by our newly elected president, Stephanie Smith, in order confirming the appointment by the newly elected president of the city council of three members of the city council to serve as messengers to notify his honor the mayor of their organization. >> Thank you. I'd like to nominate um councelor Capone, councelor Ween, and council Garcia to please um inform um our honor the mayor of our um our organization. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> That's what I need. >> Second. >> All in favor? Close. Meeting adjourned.