001[Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] from any other [Music] Fantastic job. A little pepperoni on it. [Music] One bite. See how it goes. Light, real tasty. Hey, coming to you here today from D. Ever High School's culinary arts department. We're here to taste some of the pizza made by the students and Mr. Cory Baras and Mr. Rich Marino, two of our teachers here. They did a fantastic job. Today we've got a pesto pizza with a little uh pepperoni on it. So, let's see what what it's like. Oo, nice and fluffy. So, let you know the rules. One bite. Let's see how it goes. [Music] Light, real tasty. If I'm going to give her a score, I'm going with an 8.1. Every week we're going to be doing something like this. every couple weeks. So, please keep an
002eye out for our content. Let's see what the kids can put together here. Thank you. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Wow. [Music] Okay. [Music] Okay. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Okay. [Music] Okay. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Everybody. Heat. Heat. [Music] Wat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Wow. [Music] Hey. Hey. [Music] Doo [Music] doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo. Stop. [Music] Green. Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Good evening and welcome to the Everett School Committee meeting for Monday, September 15, 2025. The time is 6:31 p.m. Clerk, could you call the role to determine a quorum? >> Student representative Emma Perry, >> present. >> Mr.
003Almeia Barrows. >> Miss Babcock, >> present. >> Miss Baros, >> present. >> Miss Cornelio, >> present. >> Miss Cristiano, >> present. >> Mayor Di Maria. >> Mr. Denafhrio. Miss Garren >> present. >> Mr. Lam Monica >> present. >> Madame Chair >> present. >> Seven members present. We do have a quorum. If everyone can join me in saluting the flag. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. Superintendent. The next order of business, >> Roman numeral 3, reading of the records for Tuesday, September the 2nd, 2025. >> Make a motion to wave the reading and place on file. >> Second. >> Motion has been made by Miss Barrow, seconded by Miss Babcock
004to wave the reading from Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, and place on file. All those in favor? I. >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion passed. Superintendent, the next order of business. >> Roman numeral four, public comment. >> Make a motion to >> second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to open public comment. All those in favor? I. >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Public comment is now open. Mr. Clerk, if you could just note Mr. Barrow's arrival. Um, we have two speakers on our public comment signup sheet. You have three minutes to speak. That starts as soon as you state your name. First up is David Foron. Mr. Foron. Good evening. David Foron, Ward 4. Can anyone please tell me where on the internet do I find school committee agenda?
005I've looked. I looked. Oliver to see what the agenda is going to be this evening and I couldn't find it anywhere. Um, maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. That's what I'm thinking. Okay. What is going on, please, with the old Pope John High School? Will it be used as a school ever? Our schools are overcrowded as it is, and the high school, the old high school is only be able to contain so many people, so many kids. We seniors as well as parents care for our kids, care for our grandkids. That's why you see us up here from time to time speaking about it, wondering. We hear nothing. Some of the ever one of the one of the average schools that I know of was uh built for only 650 school uh 650 students.
006There's over a thousand in that school. Is that the way it is with all the schools here in Everett? Overpopulated. There shouldn't be. And the old high school. I'm I'm still concerned about contamination. I know it's probably been cleaned out. Um years ago, uh when it was open, there was a vocational high school in there. You had an automotive section which as we know contains contaminants. There's a graphic art section as we know contains contain contaminants and there are probably others. Please I would not want any of my children or grandchildren or great grandchildren if that should be the case to be exposed to anything that'll harm them later on in life. Everett used to take pride in their schools. Let's continue to make Everett a proud city of their school system. Several uh several
007times I've been here in the past to speak about um the executive sessions. I know some of the some districts do have them recorded and are shown to the public after they're held maybe like the next week or after that particular thing is resolved issue has been resolved. We need to know what's going on. I don't think it's fair that we the people who pay you are left in the dark. >> Thank you. 30 seconds. Oh, thank you, Mr. Foron. >> Thank you, Mr. Foron. Our next speaker is Kimberly Auger. Miss Augger. >> Hi. Good evening. Kimberly Auger, 40 Woodward Street, president of the Ever Teachers Association. I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing start of the year. Our teachers came in prepared. Our buildings came in were ready for us and
008our administrators welcomed us with open arms and our students were able to have an amazing first two weeks of school. So I just want to thank all of you because it takes a village and together collaboration and through all of the hard work that we put in together, we did this together. So on behalf of the Ever Teachers Association, thank you and I look forward to an amazing year with all of us. [Applause] Thank you, Miss Auger. Seeing no other speakers on the signup sheet, is anyone interested in public comment? Seeing none, >> make a motion to close public comment. Second. >> Motion has been made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Baros to close public comment. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Public comment is now closed. Superintendent,
009the next order of business. >> Roman numeral 5, reporter of the student representative. So, tonight I'm happy to um welcome our student representative, uh Emma Perry. Emma is a a senior here at Ever High School, treasure of the class of 2026 and was selected to fill this important role. One of which, I'm sure she's going to give a tremendous voice on behalf of all the students here at the high school. Today, Emmer is joined by other members of her class offices. Our senior class president, Danica Fam, Danica, thank you. Vice President, Isabella Beallo. Isabella, thank you. And we also have Leandra Panero, who's also a student representative who's joined uh to welcome our new student representative to this um school committee. Emmer is a member of the excuse me, the last the law pathway as
010captain of the varsity cheerleading team, a cle a key club officer, and a competitive dancer. this past summer. Um she interned at the local Ever Cooperative Bank and I know um when I speak here tonight on behalf of the whole school committee, we welcome you to uh the table and to hear the wonderful comments you'll make on behalf of Ever High School. So thank you for joining us. This floor is yours. >> Take it away, Emma. >> Thank you, Superintendent Hart. Good evening, everybody. Within the first few weeks of school, sports have commenced. The varsity football team is currently 2 and 0. The boys will play Zavarian supported by the EHS band and varsity cheer team this Friday. The theme will be white out in Westwood. The girls volleyball team is playing Lin English downstairs
011in the gym and currently have a record of 1 and three. Both boys and girls cross country teams have also started their seasons and the golf team is currently 2 and two. Boys soccer is off to a challenging beginning, but the girls team is two and three, beating Marble Head this or beating Lawrence High School this weekend 6 to zero. Finally, field hockey has a game in Marble Head this evening and is currently 1 and2. Clubs have also begun at Ever High Club reconvened today and the wave club has stocked the ladies rooms of Ever High School with feminine products for students. College visits have also started up, including one from Virginia Tech. This afternoon, the theater company held auditions for their rendition of the late bus. And this month, freshman, sophomore, and junior class
012elections are coming up as well. There is also a college readiness night for parents of grade 12 students this Thursday at the high school. Also, thanks to guidance for being attentive to students and schedule changes as it's the beginning of the school year. In closing, although we miss Mr. Lynch and Mr. Zutera, we've had a great start to our school year and welcome Dr. Braa, Mr. Dorettto, and Miss Hughes to Everett alongside Mr. Murphy. Thank you. >> Thank you, Emma. >> I'd also like to acknowledge Miss McWilliam who's here with us this evening, a teacher and the club adviser. Thank you, Miss Mc William, for all that you do for our students and in particular, I know these class officers really appreciate the support you give them and direction that they love having you as
013their adviser. So, thank you, Miss Mc. motion to >> before we accept the report, Miss Cristiano. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just like to uh congratulate you, Emma, as well as uh our president, vice president, and uh I'm sorry, I forget your last your first name. >> What is it? >> Leandra. Well, it's so nice to see you and so great to see you all committed to um doing great work. You know, when I see you, Emma, uh, I'm reminded of somebody that I know was very special to you. Um, your grandmother. I knew her well, Patricia. And she used to call me. Your mom didn't know. She would call me cuz she was worried that you going to high school. and we would talk and we would talk and uh but I
014got to tell you she loved you so much and I know she's looking down right now beaming from, you know, with a big giant smile and and I know she's so proud of you. So, you know, good luck. >> Thank you, Miss Cristiano. Miss Bapt, >> I would also like to welcome Emma. I have known her since she was five as well and I have literally watched her grow up to this young adult that she is today. I call her the hostess with the mostess because she just is a lovely speaker and a calming presence. And I can't tell you how many times I've been welcomed to establishments in the city and events at our high school and she's made us all feel welcome. and it's like watching my own daughter to see you sitting
015there. So, welcome. >> Thank you, Miss Barkley. Thank you again, Ma. Thank you again, Emma. We're excited to have you here and look forward to a school year together with you. So, with that, we would we like to accept >> Make a motion to accept the report of the student representative and place it on file. >> Second the motion. Motion made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Cornelio to accept the first report of the student repres representative and place it on file. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion passed. Superintendent. The next order of business. >> Room, excuse me, room number six, report of the uh superintendent's update. Report of the superintendent. Just have a few remarks this evening. I apologize for my raspy voice. It's allergy season. Um,
016let me also, um, thank Emma for her energy here at Ever High School. She's have been an amazing student and, um, she's just done so many things at this school and I thank you for willingness to serve on this school committee with the rest of these wonderful people who are here for the betterment of our school department and school system. So, thank you again. Um, just a quick reminder, we have five uh, Mondays in September. So, our next regular school committee is on October the 6th. Just for folks who try to follow the the dates um for meetings the upcoming week, uh this week we have uh hosted by our guidance department. Um we call it a slice of college. We give parents and and their students um some pizza, but we talk to them
017about um here in the Crimson Cafe. We talk to them about college application process. So, for folks at home that have any concerns or want more information about applying for college and how to go about it and some ins and outs, I think it would be um a great idea to come up here ever high school Crimson Cafe this uh this week on the 18th at 5:30 to hear some great information. The following Thursday on September the 25th, our EL family night will be hosted once again at the Parliament School. I think I mentioned this at our last meeting. This is open to all families in Everett from 4:00 to 6:00 and we have vendors and food and information about um lots of things happening here at Everett public schools. So, I'm just um sending
018that out as a reminder as well. I'd also um like to uh remind people about homecoming today. We shot a quick video uh for Instagram to promote Ever High School homecoming events we will host on October the 25th, which is a Saturday. The game starts at 1:30, but prior to that at 11:00, we'll have um a tailgate party, so to speak, um along and around the Ever Stadium uh to celebrate homecoming uh as an event for all of our families. And we hope um we'll have some information out about that as well as the weeks progress towards towards that. Um today we welcomed excuse me to the administration building members of the department of elementary and secondary education that met with our district instructional leadership team. This is a team that was convened a little
019over two years ago um as a result of looking at information of test scores and the like from previous years and trying to find a way in which we could um institute practices and and uh programs, curriculum changes all the like to um have better outcomes for our students. And so the department has met with us on a regular basis and we convened a district-wide team uh who have been looking at information data very data driven uh with good results and uh again I can't really get too far into it but you know from the data that we reviewed today uh from test scores and the like you know we are definitely on a path forward and onward and upward as I said earlier to the the crew it's um it's no thanks to it's
020thanks to all the hard work of our staff the interventionists, the reading specialists, the teachers, uh the leadership at the schools, the the professional development we've provided over these last couple of years, we are now seeing results and those results are positive for our students across our schools, across the disciplines. So, when information is finalized and can be public, I'll I'll put together a comprehensive um piece for you to to hear about and to celebrate uh the successes that we've uh enjoyed over the last um almost two years now. So, um, I wanted to thank Dr. Adams and the, uh, instructional leadership team that, uh, have put a lot of time even over the summer putting together, um, all kinds of initiatives that will support our students now going into this 2526 school year. I'd
021also like to take this opportunity um, from time to time, as you know, I've invited staff to come forward to introduce themselves because I know many of you have asked for phone numbers for different folks for the leadership of our our buildings. And tonight I'd like to just recognize um our newest edition general counsel uh Bracket Smith. Brackett comes to us from Washington DC with his wife Abby and his child Rory. And they've come uh to uh a neighboring city which I won't mention. He didn't choose Everett, but um he did decide to come to Everett public schools after a career um in the Washington DC area. So I thought I'd have him come up and say hello and introduce himself more officially. So, Bracket, why don't you just take a seat if you >>
022make a motion to invite again? >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Barrow, seconded by Miss Babcock to invite general counsel uh Bracket Smith before us. All those in favor? >> I. All those opposed? The eyes have it. Welcome, Attorney Smith. >> Uh, thank you. I probably should have known that rule before uh stepping up here, so I apologize. Um, I'm Bracket Smith. I am uh living in Somerville. If I if I had known I'd be working for Everett uh at the time I signed my lease. could have all been different, but I'm happy to be here with you all. Um, we just moved uh up here last week. Um, as superintendent said, we uh came from Washington DC. I've spent many years working in state and local government um for a variety of agencies
023down in the DC area. Um, I'm a graduate of American University in the West Virginia University College of Law. Um, I am soon to be licensed uh to practice in Massachusetts. I'm practicing under my DC license right now. Um, but in the next couple weeks should have my license here. >> Thank you. >> All right. Look forward to working with y'all. >> Thank you. >> Motion to excuse our customer. guest with a customer. Thanks. >> That's the second rule of attorney. >> Motion has been made and seconded to excuse our guest. All those in favor? >> All those opposed. The eyes have it. Thank you again for joining us. >> And at your table, you still have um a copy of the district highlights that uh Mr. Okconor prepares for you just to get a
024glimpse of what's occurred in the past week um in the district that I don't necessarily cover here on my general remarks. So, uh, that's my official report for this evening, and I would, uh, now turn to item number two on the agenda. >> Make a motion to accept the report of the superintendent, place it on file. >> Second. >> Motion has been made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Barrows to accept the report of the superintendent, place on file. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion passed. Superintendent, the next order of business. So, I' I'd ask for you to um take these items collectively for favorable action, items 2 through six on your agenda, all of which acknowledge the generous donations of backpacks and school supplies that we've received
025over the past several weeks. Um each agenda um each of these agenda items talk about the specific donor and the amount of items that we collected from them. This is um always a great time of year because we have so many people that do come forward to support our students in so many ways. One way, of course, is backpacks and school supplies that our our young folks need. And so I I would just ask you um I'll read each of these, but if if you would take them collectively and just accept them and we'll send the letter of thanks to them on your behalf. >> Make a motion to accept um items two to six collectively. >> I'll second after the superintendent reads. >> Ready? No problem. >> So, and two was acceptance of a
026donation of backpacks and school supplies valued at approximately $8,500 from Teamsters Local 25. Teamsters is a regular donor in the last couple of years. Actually, they uh gave us some good press. They had local uh news uh news folks here and uh recorded a couple of segments for us telling telling the public how great neighbors they were was easy for me to do because they really have been uh wonderful partners in uh to our school district. Item three is an acceptance of donation of backpacks and school supplies valued at approximately $4,500 from Members Plus Credit Union. Those are the folks on Broadway diagonally across from the Parland High School, Parland School, excuse me. And uh Parlin has been the recipient of that donation over the last couple of years. Item four is the acceptance of
027a donation of school supplies valued at approximately $4,000 from Encore Boston Harbor employees. So they have a drive uh at the Encore um Boston Harbor and they uh donate various supplies that aren't in backpacks, but they have every imaginable item that you can think of to put in a backpack. So we've accepted those. Item five is donation of backpacks and school supplies valued at approximately $2500 from the Sargas Everett Alex 642. Again, these are repeated donors who are very generous to our students. These backpacks are filled with lots of good things. It's not just the backpack itself, but um lots of high quality items, and we do check it to make sure there's nothing in there that we wouldn't want a young young person to have. And number six is the donation of backpacks and
028school supplies valued at approximately $2,500 from the Elliot Family Resource Center. And those are all the donations that we received so far. >> Thank you, Superintendent. A motion was made and seconded to accept the donations um items number two through six with a motion made and seconded with a letter of customary thanks. Uh we'll do roll call on this. >> Mr. Almeida Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock. >> Yes. >> Miss Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Cornelio. >> Yes. >> Miss Cristiano. >> Yes. >> Miss Garren. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lmon Monica. >> Yes. Madame Chair, >> yes. >> So moved. 8 Z. Motion passed. Superintendent, the next order of business. >> Item number seven, acceptance of a grant from project lead the way in the amount of 14 $14,000. I'm asking for your favorable
029action on this grant. This was obtained um by our math department under the direction of Dave Babau. These funds are used to enroll every high school computer science teachers in an ongoing online training program led by Project Lead the Way. Um, this is a great resource. This is a national organization and we were fortunate enough to get this award in the amount of $14,000. >> Move to payroll action. >> Second. >> Motion made and seconded to accept the grant from Project Lead the Way in the amount of $14,000. Roll call. >> Miss Calita Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock. >> Yes. >> Miss Barrows? >> Yes. >> Miss Cornelio? >> Yes. >> Miss Cristiano? >> Yes. >> Miss Garren? >> Yes. Mr. Lam Monica. >> Yes. >> Madame Chair. >> Yes. >> So moved. 8
030Z. Motion passed. Superintendent. The next order of business. >> Number eight, acceptance of a grant from Next Generation Learning Challenges in the amount of $5,600. We received this grant um to send representatives from the Ever Public Schools to the Innovative Schools Learning Excursion, which is held in Washington DC. This opportunity will allow our educators to utilize innovative learning environments and teaching techniques for the benefit of multilingual learners. So, this is another grant that we were able to um receive as a result of a successful application and uh we can send some educators to um to enjoy this experience. >> Favorable action. >> Second. Motion made and seconded to accept a grant from the Next Generation Learning Challenges in the amount of $5,600. Roll call. >> Mr. Alina Barrows? >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock? >> Yes.
031>> Miss Barrow? >> Yes. >> Miss Cornellio? >> Yes. >> Miss Cristiano? >> Yes. >> Miss Garren? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lemonica? >> Yes. >> Madame Chair? >> Yes. >> So moved. 8 Z. >> 8 Z. Motion pass. Superintendent. The next order of business. Item number nine, request approval to establish a new student activity account for the advanced manufacturing program at Everett High School. And I'm asking for your favorable action. We need the um account established in order to collect funds from items that they would sell to students. We have accounts and under different student names. This would be under the um advanced manufacturing program. >> Make a motion for favor auction. >> Second. Motion has been made and seconded to um establish a new student activity account for the advanced manufacturing program at Ever
032High School. >> All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion passed. Superintendent. The next order of business. >> Roman numeral 7. Items submitted by school committee members. Item one is to discuss the current practices regarding student access to restrooms at the high school during the school day. This is offered by Miss Babcock. >> Miss Babcock. Excuse me. I'm just I have just a little piece of information I prepared. So, I have this uh agenda item regarding the bathroom policy at the high school. I did take a look at the student handbook and the library policy laboratory policy is isn't very comprehensive. Um and I've had a number of uh constituents reach out asking for clarification on that policy. I am sure that when there's new in administration, there are new
033things that we want to institute initute and put into place. But given that the school committee's role is to help develop policies as well, I think it would be great to talk about this uh this this policy and see what uh Mr. Hart and the administration have developed here and and and have that open so that everyone may hear the exact details of the policy. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Babcock. >> Would you like something now or did you want to discuss this in a meeting or because I I mean we have a first of all the student handbook is being revised to reflect um some current practices and policies that we'd like for you to adopt in the handbook and as a result of the high school which I think is your specific question.
034Um this past year at the recommendation of our former principal here, we instituted um a policy where we um have uh we close off the bathrooms during um class time and specifically during the break period when they're changing classes and then when a student goes into a class um they're closed as well. They can go to the restroom as needed. Uh at other times there's restrooms on the first floor that are always open. the nurse's office. Students can leave the class and go to the restroom if they need to. We decided to do this at the recommendation of the principal after looking at other school districts and how they handled students safety while in the a building of this size. And our bathrooms here don't have doors on them as you probably all know. And
035we've um realized that that wasn't always the best practice. And while we do have folks in the hallways supporting the movement of our students moving through to make sure they don't congregate and get to class on time, um the bathrooms were definitely a place to congregate. And unfortunately over time, we've also experienced some, you know, damage in the B bathroom bathrooms that caused um kind of a big problem. We had to close bathrooms down completely because of clogged or broken toilets. I could go on and on and on. So this um this practice was instituted this year um to see if we could a alleviate the amount of time kids um aren't actually in the classroom but and out of that bathroom and potentially reduce any um risks associated with what they could be doing
036in the bathroom as well as the damage that there was being caused in some of those areas um because you just can't be everywhere all the time. So, it was a combination of things and I I know that um we looked at other school districts that had um doors to lock and close. So, we were the one of the few um largest school districts in the area that didn't have any um secure bathroom facilities. So, um we wanted to make sure that they were usable and clean and ready for students when they needed them and not used for the opposite reason sometimes. So, um this was just installed over the summer and uh we've what 2 or 3 weeks into it. We seem to have uh no issue yet with it. I know a couple
037of people wanted to understand it. So, I'm glad you put this on the agenda for the high school, but the actual practice and the timing of this will also be spelled out in the student handbook. >> Um I I would like to just ask one other question. So, I uh the the questions that I've been asked, one of them was the times that they were closed and the times that they were accessible. So, if a student needs to use the restroom, they cannot use it the last 10 minutes of class. the shift between the classes nor the first 10 minutes of class, but they may leave class to use the restroom. How what is the procedure for leaving class to use the restroom? >> They have to ask the teacher and the teacher would give
038them they have to log out when excuse me when you leave a classroom here, you're you're supposed to log that the student has left at you know 11:07 and you would imagine that if they're not back in 10 minutes or less that something's going on. So that would be how the classroom teacher and we've often had um calls down to the office saying, you know, Robin didn't come back from the bathroom. Can somebody go find her? You know, and usually the success coaches would do just that. >> Um and that's what what we >> do they need to be escorted to use the restroom or they can just leave and go and use the restroom. It's just not the last 10 minutes of class or the first 10 minutes of class. Correct. For for parents,
039just in case they don't know, periods are typically 80 minutes long. >> Correct. And we actually um that 10-minute rule is kind of something we've adopted this year to see how that works, but I think we're also open to looking at the timeline being a little bit less than 10 minutes. So that um we're going to look at that, but we're just trying to get a sense of that. We're going to I think Dr. Brager is here. I think he's going to convene uh some of the staff here um probably after another couple of weeks to see what people's feedback so far. We've had really good feedback. Dr. Brager, I don't want to put any words in your mouth, but I think you would you're welcome to come up if the committee would like them
040to come forward. >> Motion to bring the principal. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded to invite um principal of Ever High School, Dr. Baraka before us. All those in favor? >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Uh welcome, Principal Braa. >> Hey, good evening everybody. Thank you so much. I found my glasses in the auditorium a few weeks ago, so now I can see you. When I first saw you, I couldn't see you. So, this is a great thing. >> So, Dr. Bragg, could you answer um or address the question that Miss Babcock had, please, about the timeline? >> Yeah, definitely. So, it's the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes, and that's like the 10-10 rule. It's pretty typical. Other schools I've worked at, we've we've done that rule.
041So, what we've tried to implement and what I do every week, every Sunday, I send out a um a message or an email to families and the students as well. It's also posted on our website. Thank you, Mr. Okconor, for doing that. And I try to spell out a lot of these procedures is in much detail as I can in the moment. Um, so it's the first 10 and the last 10, but there's some leeway there. We have a messaging system where teachers can message us right away. So, if a student needs the bathroom before those 10 minutes, we'll go right away to open it up. In addition to that, you know, just students I talk to in the hallway, if you see me and you need it right away, we'll open the bathroom. Um,
042so we try to make it flexible, but at the same time, keep that time going. Um, it helps with transitions. It helps obviously with facilities as well, too, but we want to make sure students have access to the bathroom as well. Um, so in the weekly emails, I try to spell that out and then keep it going. So, I'll keep that in the weekly email um for, you know, maybe three, four, five weeks just to give people an opportunity to see it. >> I will say that people are accessing these weekly emails, which is fantastic. I can see by the number of people that log in. Um, so that's basically the procedure. It's definitely new to Ever High School, but not necessarily a new bathroom policy. And in terms of the 10 minutes, yeah, definitely
043we could take a look at that and see, is that too much? Is it too little? Um, but my recommendation would be let's try it out for a little bit to see how it goes and then go ahead and make make those adjustments. Um, but we do leave those safe proofs in just in case again. You know, I would say a couple times a day a teacher will message um all of the administration to say, "Hey, you know, I have a student and you don't give a name or anything like that. I have a student needs a restroom. Go open the bathroom so they can use it. Um um for those that may not be aware, could you just let you what they mean by opening the bathrooms that because as we were saying earlier,
044we we did not previously have any we don't have doors on our bathrooms. >> Yeah. So there's I the hardware is like essentially like a gate that gets pulled and locked. Um so we open that key. >> Um so I have one other question to follow up on the same train. So we have this uh period you know last 10 first 10 is what you're saying and the bathrooms you're using a gate to lock them to res to to uh and but students can have access to them during their class just have to say to your their teacher I need to use the restroom >> so less disruption in the conversion between periods and you know missing the first 10 minutes of class and the last 10 minutes of class etc. Okay. So, my other
045question for you is my daughter was a a student here at the high school and if I remember correctly, and I'm not super detailed about this and I'm sure you can fill me in, there's five lunch periods, correct? >> And the students go down to lunch based on their floor >> like fifth floor is fifth period approximately or something to that effect. >> So, is is the restroom open during that lunch period on that floor? So, if they're on the third floor and they have third lunch, may they use the restrooms on the third floor? >> So, if they're down in the cafeteria for lunch, they're going to use the ones on the first floor. If they don't have lunch and they're on the third floor, there's bathrooms open on their floor. >> The first
046floor is always open. >> Yes. >> Always. Well, I'm just I'm just only a little bit concerned because I want to just have that clearer in my mind just because I know lunch periods are super short because we are very overcrowded and our our you know our teachers and staff work like >> they are very efficient I should say ushering students in getting them to get their lunch and ushering them out and you know I'm just concerned that you know we all like to use the restroom at lunchtime >> and having a 20 minute lunch what kind of lines are ensuing from having is there any lines on the first floor or is it slowing up the process for people being able to enjoy their 20-minute lunch? >> So, I'm typically I don't want to
047say all the time, but I'm typically on the ground quite a bit in the school. So, if I was to see at a lunch that the line was pretty long, I would say, "Hey, do you want to send some students up to the second floor to reduce the line?" So, some of it you just have to have the eye test and be on the ground. But to answer your question, um first floor is open. If you have lunch, you should use that bathroom. >> Okay. >> But even during the lunch period, which is third period, there's a bathroom open on each floor. >> Okay. So, what you're saying is that during the lunch period, there is a bathroom open on each floor. So, students could use that bathroom if So, if you had fifth lunch
048and you're in the fifth floor, you could there's a bathroom open that they can use. >> Yes. >> Do I have that correct? I know it's complicated. You know, sometimes students don't always share the details of their um daily >> It's okay. experime experience, but you know, you know, a pro after four years and my daughter graduating from here, I picked up a couple things along the way. >> Um, so it so you're you're assessing it to see if this becomes because I would hate for kids to miss lunch for 20 minutes after with a with 2,300 kids in the school and then waiting in line to be able to get lunch and use the restroom and eat lunch and clear lunch and leave is a not a very lot of time. >> No, it
049isn't. And a lot, like I said before, you have to be there to assess it to see like, so if I see a student that hasn't finished their lunch, I'm going to go ahead and sit down and finish your lunch. Um, and then give them a pass to go to class, whatever it may be. >> But from the most part, what I've seen so far, we we are moving pretty smoothly with the transition. Um, so we'll just assess it and keep an eye on it. >> Okay. Well, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I appreciate that. I don't know if any of my colleagues have questions. >> Miss Thank you, Miss Babcock. Miss Baris. >> Hello. Thank you. >> So, are the bathrooms locked like when they're transitioning from class to class? >> And then
050is there teachers every period then locking these gates? >> Success coaches on each floor that locked them down. >> And is this just like going to be a trial period to see how it goes? >> So, this is the system that, you know, we came into and we wanted to try. So, um I mean the 1010 rule that we're talking about is something that I don't want to say it's consistent, but it's used in many many high schools. Um if you had a door, it'd probably look I don't want to say a little prettier, but it would look a little prettier to lock a door versus a gate, >> but the way the bathrooms are, I'm not sure how you would get a door there. Um, so yeah, we're trying to implement this as a
051consistent system, but obviously take a look at it and see what we may or may not >> Babop's point. I guess like my concern too would be around the lunch because I'm guessing there's a couple hundred kids at one lunch and they are so short. So if a kid is trying to get out of class, use the bathroom quick before they're going to lunch >> and they have like an emergency, it's just kind of >> Yeah, sure. So maybe this would be better. So like if you have lunch, you're on the first floor, >> correct? So you have a bathroom open there. But if you don't have lunch and you're on the second, third, fourth, or fifth floor, there's a bathroom open that whole time. So if you're not at lunch and you're in the
052second, third, fourth, or fifth floor, there's a bathroom open there. So if you're at lunch, the first floor is open. You would use that bathroom. And in the case that let's say the bathrooms are the lines long, then we'd bring some students up to the second floor so they could have access to the bathroom. >> But those kids would be at during lunch. Correct. >> If Yeah. So that's the best way for me to explain it. Like if you're on the first floor and you're at lunch, that's the bathroom you would use. But if you're not at lunch, you'll be on your floor and there's a bathroom there you'd be able to utilize. I guess my only concern would be like if they're in a line and they're during their lunch period having to walk
053up to the second floor, find the bathroom, walk back down and get their lunch. It >> it's real. It It's really close. And because like so for example, like a lot of us are so there's a success coach on every floor. So we have someone there to radio to move up like I'm there to say, "Hey, let's come to the second floor as well too." Um but again, it's it's something to keep an eye on and I can keep an eye on it too and this feedback is much appreciated. Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Uh, Miss Babcock, >> really just more of a comment. Um, and you know, not to um, it's just the thing that I'm concerned about just is that bodily autonomy is kind of important >> and with a threem
054minute switch between classes and the bathroom is closed for 20 to three minutes in total at beginning and end. And I know we would like to say, you know, we can all hold it, you know, but I think that people can't. I think that some for for women and girls that sometimes you need to use the bathroom and you need to use the bathroom. And I personally I know that when I was younger, I would not want to sort of call myself out that I need to go right now. And I have had experiences may I'm not going to say with any of these teachers here. I'm sure that that is not the case, but I've had my own personal experiences where it's rather embarrassing to have to say, "I really must go now." And
055then sometimes people question you. They'll say, "Well, why why do you need to go now? Can't you wait for 15 minutes? Can't you wait until the time period is over?" And I think, you know, with 52% of the the the species being female and having, you know, menstrual cycles, it affects our stomachs, our ability to use the bathroom. And it makes me a like a little concerned. Um, I know that I know a lot of the high school kids because they just graduated and a couple of them have said, you know, it feels embarrassing to go and ask to use the restroom if if I'm in a sort of emergency circumstance or what if a student feels ill? Like I know when my daughter was in sixth grade, she threw up in the sink in
056Lafayette. Luckily, there was a sink. So, I I just wonder, you know, is that too long of a time? I know you're saying it's typical of other high schools. Um, I certainly get the opposite side, you know, not missing class, not just hanging around the bathroom, etc., and and missing opportunities. I do get that, but I do am concerned about that. And I am concerned about the lunch period aspect it. So, maybe we can look at how many restrooms we have open on the floors at the lunch period. You know, maybe two, one at each stairwell to make it easier or something. >> They're all open, right? They're all open at lunch. Yeah, maybe I wasn't doing a good job explaining that, but yeah. Yeah, we have >> open at lunch and I this is
057the first year that we've done it, so I don't last year we it was just an open policy and you know, just not that we should be breaking it down in cost, but we spent over $40,000 in broken toilets and sinks at every high school last year. and to put in these grates. They're not the prettiest as we referenced, but it is, excuse me, it's an attempt to bring some structure to the bath bathroom bathroom break period so that it is only for bathroom use and not for some other things. And so, >> um, I think that Dr. Bger and his team are going to watch that because I don't disagree with you, Robin, Miss Babcock, I I agree. When you have to go to the bathroom, you have to go to the bathroom and
058and I want to be sure that everyone has access to the facilities when they need it. So I know that we are watching this carefully as he said and we're going to make some make some adjustments. I don't disagree with what you said. I think that what I am going to propose and maybe I'll put it in the form of a motion is since we are are starting to put this into our policy and procedures handbook that we could as a committee take a look at what the policy is in writing and read it and that when we we we uh vote on the handbook that we can consider that information too because it would be nice to know. I I see the benefits. I also can see the drawbacks as well and I can
059also see that people are thinking about how we can adjust it to make it work and be beneficial for everybody. So I'd like to make a motion to propose to look at this policy when we are updating the handbook and perhaps get it in in writing for us to take a look at it because parents want to know completely exactly what it's like. So just to clarify one more time. So I'm making that motion. I'm making a motion to put it in writing so that we can consider it in the um high school handbook. >> I believe Miss Cornelio had a few questions. >> Principal Brock, >> I had a question. >> How do you call them down? Is is like the fifth floor, the second floor? Because I worked here for five years and
060I remember quite a few pileups. I was involved in a pileup. >> Oh no. >> Yeah. I got Achilles and tendonitis. It wasn't fun. It because they're rushing. >> Yeah. Get down and pile up. It's pretty orderly. I think it's pretty much done by floor, but it's not completely that way. So, each lunch is relatively done by floor, but it's done in such a way that it's even. >> Okay. Because I I I just asked cuz I could remember that clearest day. It was terrible running. >> Yeah. No, it's it's pretty orderly coming down to lunch. And again, it's presence that really really helps. >> Right. Right. >> Well, that's a good thing to know. Thank you. >> Thank you. I'm going to retract my previous motion and refer this to rules and uh committee
061for consideration. The subcommittee rules and >> second motion has been made and seconded to refer this piece to rules, policy and procedure. All those in favor? >> I I >> All those opposed? The eyes have it? Motion passed. Does anyone have any further questions for Principal Braga? >> I do have one more little clarification. So, all of the bathrooms are open at lunchtime on any floor? >> Yes. >> Um, are we sure? Because Miss Henchetta is shaking her head note behind you. >> If if they're not, then I can definitely make sure that they are. >> Yes. So, it it sounds like cuz the the first I think I heard was there's at least one open on every floor during the lunch period. >> There is definitely at least one, but I mean, I can
062go back to see to make sure that they all are on each floor. I'm not even sure it needs to be all, but just enough. >> Oh, 100%. There's at least one open on each floor. And again, just keep in mind that like we we have to give lunches to our success coaches. So, when they're not there, they can't monitor the bathrooms and be around. Do you know what I mean? So, like that those things shift and move. But there is right now at least one bathroom open on each floor during the lunch period. >> Okay. So, if you're on floor two and it's your lunch, you can use the restroom on floor two or you can go down to the first floor unless you have lunch on the first floor and then use the
063first floor bathroom. >> So, if you're at lunch, the bathroom is the first floor. If you're not at lunch in your classroom on the second floor, you can use the second floor bathroom. >> But it it's during that lunch period though, not any other time of day because I understand >> it's during that lunch period. >> Okay. I'm sorry. It's really complex and I'm a reading learner and I really >> I'm trying I'm trying to make it as simple as possible. >> Right. I think I'll that when we refer to committee and we can see what the policy is in writing because the handbook right now it's really vague. It's it just says laboratory policy and I can't even remember. It's only like one sentence. So um it would we'll we'll look at it in
064committee. I really appreciate and oh anytime I'm here to answer any questions. I'm sure that the our families that are listening are appreciating a little bit of clarification >> 100%. And just so you know, any parent that's reached out to me, I've talked to them, and I've had plenty, students, families, and we've talked, we've clarified it, and everybody seem to be relatively happy and understanding. I think it's just having someone you can go to and say, "Hey, I need support here is is helpful." So, >> yeah, I agree. Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Make a motion to dismiss uh Dr. Braa with the customary. Thanks. The motion has been made and seconded to excuse Dr. Braa with a customary thanks. All those in favor. >> All
065those opposed. Thank you, Principal Braa. >> Superintendent. The next order of business. >> Roman numeral 8 subcommittee reports. Item one, the ad hoc superintendent evaluation subcommittee of Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025. >> Madam Chairman, I'd like to uh make a motion to wave the reading and place the committee report on file. I second the motion. >> Motion has been made by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Mayor D. Maria to wave the reading of the ad hoc superintendent evaluation subcommittee for Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 and place on file. All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion passed. Superintendent. The next order is >> Roman numeral nine, bills and payroll. >> Madam Chairman. >> Yes, Miss Cristiano. I'd like to submit bills and payroll in the amount of $877,15743. >> Motion made
066by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Mayor D. Maria to submit bills and payroll in the amount of $877,15743. Roll call. >> Mr. Almeita Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock. >> Yes. >> Miss Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Cornelio? >> Yes. Miss Cristiano, >> yes. >> Mayor Di Maria, >> yes. >> Miss Garren, >> yes. >> Mr. Lam Monica, >> yes. >> Madame Chair, >> yes. >> So move 90. >> So move. Motion passed. >> Madam Chairman, >> yes. Miss Cristiano, >> I'd like to uh make a motion to approve bills and payroll paid bills and payroll in the amount of $877,15743. >> Second. Motion made by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Miss Cornelio to pay bills and payroll in the amount of $877,157 and 43. Roll call. >> Mr. Almeita Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Babcock. >>
067Yes. >> Miss Barrows. >> Yes. >> Miss Cornelio? >> Yes. >> Miss Cristiano? >> Yes. >> Mayor Di Maria? >> Yes. >> Miss Karen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Lam Monica? >> Yes. >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> So move 90. >> So move. Motion passed. Superintendent. The next order of business. Roman numeral 10, unfinished business. There is none before you. Roman numeral 11, new business. There is none before you. Roman numeral 12, hearings, there is no hearing scheduled. Roman numeral 13, matters for executive session. There are none this evening. Roman numeral 14 is adjournment. >> I make a motion to adjourn. Second on motion for >> uh Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. I just wanted to uh I'm sorry if I missed the um the welcoming of Emma to the uh school committee. I just wanted
068to on behalf of myself, mayor, just welcome you and uh thank you for all the great things you do in our schools. You're at every event, always volunteering and supporting our community, and it's going to be great to have you as a member of our school committee. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. There was a motion made by Miss Barrow, seconded by Miss Cornelio for adjournment. All those in favor? I >> All those opposed, the eyes have it. We have adjourned at 7:21 p.m. >> Thank you, everyone. [Music]