001[Music] Happy. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hello my friends. I'm sending you this short clip to illustrate the concerns that I have with the Ever Public Schools and its overcrowding. I know all of you share the same concerns, but the time to act is now. We are far beyond the place where I can tell you in all honesty that we're in a good place with our students and the service that we provide them. So bear with me as I provide a very short clip of some of the scenes that I see every day across this district that we call our hometown of Everett. We aren't exaggerating when we say we use stairwells and hallways for teaching and learning. These spaces are used every single day. They are small. They lack privacy and are prone
002to distraction. Clearly, these aren't classrooms. Yet, our teachers and administrators adjust and deliver their very best. Space constraints have cascading consequences. Libraries are being transformed into classrooms, leaving students without a quiet, focused space that encourages creativity and exploration. This is the former Lafayette school library which has been cleared out to make room for a combination of uses. More negative ramifications, elongated lunch periods, some beginning as early as 10:30 in the morning. As you can see here, the clock doesn't lie. The stage inside the Webster School is not available for performances or schoolwide events. Instead, it has to be used to offer therapeutic services to our most needy students. Two teachers in a small space working with two groups of students on two different academic skills. This is what we see each and every day inside
003our schools. We can do better. If we commit to converting the former Ever High School into a seventh and eighth grade middle school, every current K through8 building in the district will see an immediate and transformative benefit. Thank you for working with Ever Public Schools on finding a solution to overcrowding at the K through 8 level. In the former Ever High School on Broadway, we have an ideal location to create a school for our seventh and eighth graders where we can provide the complete educational experience for middle school students while offering desperately needed relief at our existing elementary schools. This is a project we can all be proud of. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Before and beyond time, three sisters known as the face have woven each mortal's life into the
004tapestry of existence, binding creation to final destination. The first sister spun the loom of life, weaving each soul's destiny into the thread of [Music] fate. The second meticulously measured each thread, deciding the length each life would span. [Music] The third sister decided how each life would end once the time had come with a final cut of the thread. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] The more persistent the souls tug against these strands, the more tangles enough. They twist into the fabric of their [Applause] [Music] destiny. I'm lost. Is it really even our fault? I don't think that it's supposed to be hard if it's really meant to be. So give me a sign. Is this fame meant to be mine? I giving it enough of my time to do it.
005Don't mean the pain. [Music] But I can [Music] say that you see [Music] me. The path may be altered or the measurements retaken, but the span remains unchanged. [Music] [Applause] the Sisters scoff, unwavering in their task. For the threat of fate cannot be shaped by mortal hands. [Music] In an act destined from the first turn of the Each thread is cut with cold indifference, severed and forgotten in the breath of [Music] time. [Music] Woo! Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Congratulations. [Music] Come here guys. Come here [Music] guys. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Load it up high. [Music] number one. We're number one. How you feel? Good. How you doing? How you feel?
006[Music] [Applause] I feel amazing. [Music] Oh my god. [Music] Amazing. Yeah, they killed it. [Music] All the way. Thank you. Yeah. Oh yeah. Number one ever. [Music] 31. How do you feel, Everett? [Music] Try to feel [Music] free. Incredible. Incredible. Oh yeah. All good. [Music] birthday, our recipient from Everett High School, a city my uncle cherished and served every single day of his life, is Trayvon Tree Carrington. A remarkable student with a 4.0 GPA and an inspiring record of community service, Tvon gives back through food pantries, clothing drives, citywide events, and church outreach, including the Zion's Community in Unity block party, and the annual Thanksgiving dinner that serves over 900 people. During the pandemic, he launched Trees Kitchen, a local culinary business inspired by his late grandmother. Using his passion for cooking to uplift others
007and support his community, Trayvon was recently honored with the prestigious MAVA award presented to only 55 students out of 55,000 across Massachusetts for excellence. [Applause] for excellence in vocational technical education and meaningful community impact. He truly embodies the values of leadership, compassion, and service. Before I turn the microphone over to these wonderful gentlemen, I'd like to recognize Trayvon's mother, Tiana Carrington, for her unwaving love and support, Dennis Lynch, the devoted principal of Ever High School, and Alfred Latanzi, a dedicated member of the Cavarian Scholarship Committee. for their steadfast commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation. And of course, Peter's father, Peter Katujin, our man. Why don't you come up and say a few words? Good morning. Uh member to the house has been addressed, but members of the house and members of the senate,
008uh thank you. Uh first give an honor to God who is the head of my life. I want to thank him for this prestigious honor. I want to give reverence to George Cavarian family and all of their support. I've known them for a little bit over an hour and it feels like two years, but let's give them a round of applause. I I want to thank my school community. Of course, my Ever High School principal with Dennis Lynch is here with me today. He is I like to call him my father in education. He has been with me since uh seventh grade, right? Seventh grade. And now we're carrying on to see last year's senior year. So let's give him a round of applause. And I also want to give a round of applause to
009Alfred Latzi, former city counselor and alderman. He called me about 50,000 times. I don't know if I at first I didn't think I was getting the scholarship because he called me so much. So I didn't think so. But I want to thank you for this procedure artist prestigious honor and it's allowing me to be here on this day uh to commemorate the life and the legacy. Thank you. These scholarships are more than just support. They are a legacy. They are a reminder that public service when grounded in compassion can truly change lives. Before you make your way to the lunchon, I encourage you to pause at the bottom of the SC staircase on the wall directly ahead to the left, you will see a blond bronze plaque permanently embedded in the wall placed there in
0101976 to honor the victims of the Armenian genocide. It stands quietly but powerfully as a reminder of why we gather here. and why we must never forget. Thank you for letting me share my uncle's story and my families. May we all strive to lead with heart, with fairness, and with courage. Even if his shoes are a little hard to fill, we should all keep trying to walk in them. Thank you. Hello my friends. I'm sending you this short clip to illustrate the concerns that I have with the Ever Public Schools and its overcrowding. I know all of you share the same concerns, but the time to act is now. We are far beyond the place where I can tell you in all honesty that we're in a good place with our students and the service
011that we provide them. So bear with me as I provide a very short clip of some of the scenes that I see every day across this district that we call our hometown of Everett. We aren't exaggerating when we say we use stairwells and hallways for teaching and learning. These spaces are used every single day. They are small. They lack privacy and are prone to distraction. Clearly, these aren't classrooms. Yet our teachers and administrators adjust and deliver their very best. Space constraints have cascading consequences. Libraries are being transformed into classrooms, leaving students without a quiet, focused space that encourages creativity and exploration. This is the former Lafayette school library, which has been cleared out to make room for a combination of uses. More negative ramifications. Elongated lunch periods, some beginning as early as 10:30 in the
012morning. As you can see here, the clock doesn't lie. The stage inside the Webster School is not available for performances or schoolwide events. Instead, it has to be used to offer therapeutic services to our most needy students. Two teachers in a small space working with two groups of students on two different academic skills. This is what we see each and every day inside our schools. We can do better. If we commit to converting the former Ever High School into a seventh and eighth grade middle school, every current K through8 building in the district will see an immediate and transformative benefit. Thank you for working with Ever Public Schools on finding a solution to overcrowding at the K through 8 level. In the former Ever High School on Broadway, we have an ideal location to create
013a school for our seventh and eighth graders where we can provide the complete educational experience for middle school students while offering desperately needed relief at our existing elementary schools. This is a project we can all be proud of. [Music] Good evening and welcome to the Everett School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th. 2025. The time is 6:30 p.m. Clerk, could you call the role to determine a quorum? Mr. Almeida Barrows, present. Miss Babcock, present. Miss Baros, present. Miss Cornelio, present. Miss Cristiano, present. Mayor Di Maria. Mr. Denafhrio. Miss Garren, present. Mr. Lam Monica present. Chairperson Hurley present. Eight members present. Eight members present. We do have a quorum. If everyone could join me in saluting the flag and then remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
014United States of America and to the stands one nation indivisibley for all. I would like to take a moment of silence for the passing of Kathleen Donovan. Kay was a former teacher, administrator, and served as the city's first female superintendent here in Everett. Thank you, Mr. Superintendent. Could you read the next order of business? Roman numeral 3, reading of the records for Monday, April the 7th, 2025. I'll make a motion to wave the reading of the record and place on file. Motion has been made by Mr. Barrows and seconded by Miss Babcock to wave the reading for of the records for Monday, April 7th, 2025 and place on file. All those in favor? I. All those opposed? The eyes have it. The motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent. The next order of business. Roman numeral 4.
015Public comment. Make a motion to open public comment. Second a motion. Motion has been made by Miss Barrows, seconded by Mr. Barrows to open public comment. All those in favor? I. All those opposed? The eyes have it. Public comment is opened at 6:32 p.m. We have two speakers this evening. Um each speaker will be given uh three minutes to speak and it your time starts after you state your name and um organization. First up we have Katie Rogers. Miss Ro. Good evening, chairwoman, members of the school committee, and members of the public. My name is Katie Rogers, Everett City Counselor at large. I'm here tonight to talk about a pressing issue of pollution that is impacting our schools. I've recently been participating in a volunteer organization called Cleanup Everett. was started by an Everett resident
016where we've been going to parks and schools and cleaning up the neighborhoods collecting trash. One of the most prevalent pieces of trash that we find are miniature alcohol bottles called nips. Unfortunately, there has been an effort for several years now to ban the sale of nips in the city of Everett, but it keeps getting pushed back. Tonight I have a bag with me that represents just the nips collected in Glendale Park in the last couple of weeks and I was away for the last seven days. So this is in less than a month's work with a couple of walks. I think this is relevant to the school committee because it affects our students. We don't want syringes in our parks. So why do we accept miniature alcohol bottles littered all over our streets? I've been
017mapping out my collections by using schools as center points and I find that we've collected thousands of NIPS and roots that children take to school every day. I think this is an issue that everybody should be involved and vocal in. So, I have a petition with me tonight. This matter is not up to the um city council. It's up to the licensing board which only consists of three members. And it's absolutely vital that the public gets involved with this issue. When I'm going to reading day at the eighth grade and the student raises their hand and asks me, "Why are the adults not doing anything about the nips littered in front of my school every day?" And I can't give them a good answer. We need to act. And as leadership that represents our schools,
018I expect each of you to participate in this matter and be vocal about it. It's important for pollution. It's important for public safety. It's important for the future of the youth of this community and everyone. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Rogers. Next up, next speaker, we have Will Hurley. Mr. Good evening. William Hurley, 15 Franklin Street. Wanted to come to speak this evening regarding our Everett Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble. My goal is to make sure that everyone that I could reach here and at home hears about these students. They are the New England Scholastic Band Association Percussion Open Class Champions. That alone is a huge cause for celebration. But they went ahead and somehow outdid that. They strutdded into Dayton and became WGI percussion scholastic concert A world champions. Please think about that for a
019moment. This group that you see here in front of you are considered the best in the world in their class. That is just truly incredible to me. What they earned in Dayton is honestly are inspiring. So, I'd like to take a moment to say a few words to everyone involved in this monumental victory. First, I'd like to thank the entire staff for their dedication to these students. The amount of time and energy that you give to this program is unmatched. I want to offer a huge congratulations to all of you for being the staff that shaped and taught the WGI World Champions. This is no easy feat and something that very few music staffs around the world have ever had the opportunity to experience. You took a group of young people and achieved greatness with
020them. Amazing job. I believe that I can say on behalf of all of the parents, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for everything. Next, I'd like to speak to the younger members of this group. I have to say that the future is so bright. We are graduating five seniors, but a majority of this ensemble is made up of sophomores, freshman, and middle schoolers. There is still lots of room for growth, and that amazes me every time I think about it. The sky is truly the limit. You all know what it takes to achieve greatness. So keep that same mentality and drive moving forward. You've earned a championship together as one. Remember the lessons you've been taught along the way. Take what you've learned, add your own spin, and improve upon that even further.
021The torch is officially passed to you. The future is yours. And last, but certainly not least, our seniors. I want to make sure that I recognize five absolutely wonderful humans. They are Abby Masto, Mle Learned, Little Learned, Lucy Rodriguez, and Precious Vasquez. This group of seniors has been here and have been integral parts of two top 10 appearances and of course a first place finish. Your contributions to this group are so incredibly appreciated and your legacies will forever live on. You ended your years of dedication with a world championship and I cannot think of a more fitting storybook ending to all of your high school percussion careers. Earning the ultimate prize in your event is second only to all of the great memories and friends you have made along the way. I'm so proud of
022all of you. Go Everett. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Hurley. Seeing no other speakers on the signup sheet, is there anyone else that would like to speak at public comment? Make a motion to close public comment. Motion has been made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Cornelio to close public comment. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. Public comment is now closed at 6:38 p.m. I would also like clerk if you could make note that um Mr. Denafhrio has joined us as well as our student representative Kelly Staint Fort. I would also like to extend Mayor Di Maria's regrets. He's unable to attend due to a uh schedule conflict. Uh Mr. Superintendent, the next order. Madam Chairman, Madam Chairman, I I'd like to make a motion to suspend
023the rules and take uh uh Roman numeral 7, item two from the calendar. Take it in transfer to now. Mhm. Okay. Second. Motion has been made and seconded to suspend our rules and take Roman numeral uh seven item number two out of order which is congratulations to the Ever Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble 2025 WGI World Champion. Um under items submitted by school committee members. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. Um if I may from the chair. Absolutely. I would just like to say ever Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble had an extremely busy and very successful month. It's an honor to invite this talented group of students before us today for welldeserved recognition. On April 5th, Ever Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble placed first at the Nesba Championships in Dartmouth for their show
024Thread of Fate. Students brought to life the tale of three sister goddesses who determine human destiny known as the fates through breathtaking music in a creative visual performance. Before April school vacation, they traveled to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the 2025 WGI World Championship. And on April 11th, they placed first in the percussion scholastic concert A class, making these students Everett's very first WGI world champions. These students represent our community with pride and professionalism. Their commitment and passion for this sport is truly unmatched. I'd like to thank our dedicated music department staff, parent volunteers, and the administration for supporting music programming in Everett. And congrats to all. So, I'd like to entertain a motion to invite at Everett Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble staff and students before us to say a few words. Second. Uh, I'll
025move. So move. Second. Motion. Uh, so moved. Motion has been made and seconded to invite Ever Crimson Tide staff and students before us to say a few things. All those in favor? I. All those opposed. The eyes have it. Welcome. Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Logan. [Applause] Thank you so much. I'd like to a big shout out to the director of the ensemble, Mr. Mark Suchetta, who's worked so hard this evening. He's not feeling that well. A round of applause for Mr. Sachetta. On behalf of the Everett music family, thank you to all your support and allowing our students, these wonderful students to exhibit their wonderful talents on the world stage. The 2025 NESBA open class champions. The 2025 WGI New England concert A champions. The 2025 WGI Eastn Silver Medalist in Toms
026River, New Jersey. The 2025 WGI World Champions concert A Dayton, Ohio World Champions. That is awesome. Since our new school was built, we have never hosted a percussion competition because of our door problem. But our students always persevere on away fields in floors. But we are looking forward to someday to host our marching band championships hopefully in our new soccer stadium down the street. And so the world will be coming to Ever someday instead of us going there. So we're look I'd like to personally thank Marketta the assistant director here is Brian Spencer assisted by Samantha Logan Mrs. Penny Yabber at home resting at home from surgery and I'd like to thank Miss Gretchen Manning assistant superintendent schools that really pushed things through forward behind the scenes over there in the corner. Thank you so
027much Mr. Christopher Schwitzer, the help with all the organization of the finances, keeping the eyes dotted and the tees crossed. Mr. Schwitzer has a saying on his email that states for the kids. And that's what this is all about, for the kids. Thank you, Mr. Schwitzer. Our wonderful athletic director, Tammy Turner, for whom organized all the gym time for our kids to practice at. uh principal Dennis Lynch, James Murphy, John Setera, the basketball coach, Coach Boyce, for whom sacrificed many practice hours of basketball for our percussion kids. Nothing like teamwork and effort. Our truck drivers for whom drove close to 2,000 miles. Charlie Muskoffley with the tractor trailer and Joe Vietro driving the box truck. Let's hear for them. Our truck drivers, they're the best. Uh, you know, it's awesome. Our superintendent of schools, Mr.
028Bill Hart, that is steadfast of his support of our program to the point that his first week on the job, he assisted with all the equipment for our marching man other championships. So, he's our like good luck charm. So, thank you, superintendent. and to our wonderful state senator Sal Dina that hopped on a plane at the last minute to witness Everett history out in Dayton, Ohio. Just in time, showed up and all of a sudden Everett first place. Nothing better. At this time, I'd like to pass over to our alumnest of the program, our assistant director, Brian Spencer. Good evening, members of the school committee. Um, I would also like to recognize some of our support and technical staff who work in Everett part-time. Uh, some of them are here tonight. Mr. Ryan Enos, Mr.
029Carmen Felzone, Mr. Marco Sandival, Miss Sarah Somerville, Mr. George Spencer, Mr. Alan Edwards, Mr. Kylin Nell, and finally, Mr. Coleman Moore. This journey was far from easy. We had to make a late season shift in classification within WGI for the benefit of our student body and had to change almost our entire approach within percussion. From early Saturday morning rehearsals to late night practices, these students balance the demands of academics, personal responsibilities, and the physical and emotional rigor of competitive competition. They navigated setbacks that would have discouraged most, injuries, equipment failures, and limited access to practice spaces. Yet, every challenge became fuel for their determination. They worked through adversity with a level of resilience that speaks volumes about their character. What they accomplished on that championship stage went beyond music. It was a display of teamwork,
030precision, and passion that brought our entire school community to its feet. They showed the world what is possible when young people are supported, inspired, and empowered to push beyond their limits and really put Everett on a national stage. Please join me in recognizing not only their victory, but their incredible journey they took to earn it. Congratulations to our national champions. We is uh can we entertain a motion to excuse our guests? Second the motion. Make a motion to excuse our guests. Motion has been made by Mr. Barrow, seconded by Miss Barrows to excuse uh Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Spencer, and Miss Logan. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you very much. And if it's okay with everyone, I would like to um take a brief recess for some pictures. Sounds
031great. Is that okay? [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Acrobat. Okay. Heat. Heat. [Music] meeting for Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. The time is 6:58 p.m. Before we resume our regular um schedule, I would like to entertain a motion to invite Senator Sal Dominico before us to present the Ever Crimson Tide Percussion Ensemble with a citation. So move second. Second. So moved uh to invite Senator S before us. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. Welcome, Senator Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair, Mr. Superintendent, members of the committee. It is great to be here. I was rushing to get here from the state house to be here for this historic moment. It really is an historic moment for our high school and for our kids to come home with a world
032championship from Ohio. First time this has happened. Uh, I was had the good fortune of being there to witness this firsthand and I can tell you how excited I was to see our kids on a world stage and coming out on top. It is a very competitive competition at WGI. It is very competitive with groups from around the world, around the country that assemble in this location once a year and compete for the top awards in our nation and in the world championship. And as you can see, the hardware that's in front of you is pretty amazing. And I wanted to be here to thank them again and congratulate all of them for their hard work and also the staff which puts an unbelievable amount of time into making sure that our kids are prepared
033not just with music pitching them life lessons as well. They don't may not know it but every lesson you have and every practice you we'll fix that every question every every practice that you have is teaching you a life lesson in itself. So, I'm just really, you know, proud to be Thank you, Joe. Proud to be the state senator, but I'm also a band fan, right? You guys see me out there all the time because I love what you do. I love all the I love all of you because I can see I've seen you grow over time as young kids. And we have a very young group now, too, which was an amazing thing because this was kind of like a rebuilding year. And they came home with a world championship. So that just
034shows you what's going to happen. No pressure for next year and the year after. No pressure. But it really is something that our kids um our world champions which is pretty pretty amazing. So I have a citation which I'm going to read. But I also want to invite everyone here the school committee our superintendent and of course our world champions and staff and parents who are the parents. I want to give a shout out to the parents as well. a strong strong parent group that is always there, travels with the groups, does a lot of things behind the scenes that people don't see, but a great support network for our kids as well. But everyone is invited to celebrate your world championship at the state house on May 21st or Wednesday, May 21st. It is
035during our Senate budget session. So, we'll have a full senate. Everyone from across the state will be in their chairs and celebrating you, the kids of ever on that day during our Senate budget. And also we'll have a visit from the governor. So we'll have Governor Healey as well greeting you and congratulating you. And we all know Governor Healey called you folks. Remember Governor Healey called you. So Governor Healey called them like when the Red Sox win the World Championships, right? The president calls. Governor Healey called them at the hotel the next morning to congratulate our world champions. So, it was pretty special to have our governor calling them, congratulating them on the spot while they were still in Ohio. So, that is what I have in store for all of you. Look, very excited
036to have you all come up there and I'd love to have the school committee and our superintendent join us at the state house as well because it will be a big deal for us. I'll go in the rostroom. I'll introduce all of you and tell everyone in the state senate all the accomplishments that this group brought home to city ever. And I have a citation and I'm going to give this to Precious and Lucy, two of our seniors. Uh the other two other seniors had to leave, but these are our two seniors. And I also Precious didn't want me to talk about this, but I'm going to talk about a Precious. So, I'm putting Precious on the spot. Um, just to just to I mentioned this at the the group dinner when we came home
037on Monday after the competition. This is like a family. If you see all these kids while they're playing their machine, they have precision. They're on they're on their game. They they are they are, you know, obviously one of the world's best, right? But they're still kids. And I love to see them when they're not playing as well and how they interact with each other and how much they love each other and they just love being around each other. Those are the moments that you're going to remember for the rest of your lives. The time when you're playing, of course, but the moments when you're on the bus together, when you're hanging out after after rehearsals, when you're coming together as a group for group lunches and dinners, that is when you see the kids coming
038together. And that's why this is really a special group. So, Precious, after they came off the stage, after their last performance, they didn't know they were going to they were going to be world champions. They had no idea at that point the scores went out. And Precious, you know, I went I went up to her and I we were talking and she she just she had tears in her eyes and she was saying, "I wish I could play with them just one more time." And that says it all. That says it all. At that last moment, you know, she it came to she realized this was the last moment they were going to be together playing as a group. And and that was that tells you a little bit about what this group's all about.
039So just through Precious's eyes, you can see how special they they feel about each other. Now I'm going to get emotional myself just like saying that. Um so I have a citation for you and you can put this in your trophy case, which I don't know if it's going to fit with all the stuff you have now, which is pretty Mr. Superintendent, you're going to have to build a new new trophy case for the for the for the music program because this is going to be double up what you what's in there right now. But I have a citation. is to be it known that the state senate extends its congratulations to the ever high school scholastic concert ensemble in recognition of you winning the WGI world championship concert a competition in Ohio and acknowledging
040your hard work commitment and dedication to each other and to the city of ever and you make us all very proud. Signed by myself and our center president Karen Spila. Congratulations to all of you. well-deserved recognition, not just bringing home trophies, but well deserve recognition for being who you are as kids as well and students at the high school. Congratulations. Thank you, Senator S, for that presentation. Is there a motion to excuse our guest? Make a motion to expend. Second. Go ahead. Make a motion to excuse our guests. Second. Motion has been made and seconded to excuse our guests. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. Congratulations and thank you very much again for coming and all that you do for [Applause] us. Return returning to the regular order of business.
041Mr. Superintendent, what's up next? Roman numeral 5 reported the student representative, Kelly St. Fort. Miss St. Fort, take it away. Good afternoon, everyone. The Caviran will be holding a play here at the Ever High School where student ambassadors will be helping out. This past weekend, Trayvon Keratton, a senior at Ever High School, was awarded a prestigious award from the MAVA out of 55,000 um other students who applied. 55 were only selected. Senior prom is this Thursday at Davenport Yach Club. The student council would like to publicly thank Mr. Hart for his donation to the class of 2025. We we are grateful for your support. Thank you very much. I'm also suffering from a cold. I'm so sorry. the um culinary um held the city's uh first veterans lunchon at the Crimson um cafe this past
042weekend and there will be a job fair held this Saturday at the EHS cafe from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Uh three EHS students were honored by the Immigration Learning Center. Um congratulations to Natalia, Sashi, and Samira. This past weekend, the EHS STEM club traveled to the 1080 international competition. Arriving on Friday, April 25th, we spent the day preparing presentations, final finalizing documentation, and participating in opening se ceremonies, completing inspections, and setting up for the competition. The AV team kicked things off strongly, earning perfect scores in all three of their challenges. On Saturday, we arrived at the venue at 7:30 a.m. and competed in two road course races, several drag races, an endurance race, and a collaborative race, and completed the remaining two AV challenges. Both teams also um also presented their project pitches, which is
043where they um advertise their teams and like um their themes and what we're about. the racing team um placed in the middle of the pack earning our best drag finished in the past three years. I'd like to shout out Berlin's Bob Run for working on that solo and he did a very good job MVP. Um the AV team placed first in their event and second overall in graphic design. Since only first and second places were announced, we're currently waiting for the final scores for everything else. Overall, this year marked a significant improvement as we continue rebuilding the program postcoid. With the outstanding sophomores who joined the trip, the future of the team looks very promising. It was an incredible experience where we gained valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, collaboration, and performing under pressure. In
044my pitch, one of my lines was that the Crimson Bites was more than just a robotics team. We are a movement of young engineers, creators, and innovators. And just like they had presented here, honestly the next generation is awesome. They are the future and I feel very comfortable leaving it up to them and leaving my legacy up to them. So I wanted to really thank the sophomores who had joined as freshmen who taught themselves everything they know and continue to excel. It's amazing. It's very empowering and it motivates me very much. Thank you all. [Applause] Thank you, Miss Singfort, and congratulations to you and your teammates. That sounds like a very successful weekend. Thank you. And thank you also for a very detailed report. Learn I learned a lot. Make a motion to accept uh
045the report and place on fire. Thank you again. Motion has been made and seconded to accept the student representatives report and place on file. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. The motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Roman numeral six, report of the superintendent. Item number one, the superintendent's update. And fortunate we have a wellspoken and articulate member of our school committee um in Kelly St. Fort. She took a lot of the thunder away from all the different um awards that our school uh students received. She was part of the STEM club that went away this weekend and they really did wonderful things for us. um they work well together just like our our band and percussion and these young people are have a lot to be
046proud of and I've told people over and over again we have a lot to be proud of in Everett and it's all because of these young uh men and women uh that do do us proud every single day not only in coming to school and doing the right thing in the school and the classroom but their volunteerism their commitment to their studies their commitment to the extracurricular and of course then they end up excelling on the stage of of the world and I want to thank um the STEM club for their wonderful representation of Everett this past weekend and um thank you to you as well, Kelly, for your leadership um at the STEM club and of course with our students here at Everett High School. Yesterday uh or last evening, the city council um
047in Everett voted by a 10 to zero vote that they voted favorably to appropriate $500,000 from the capital improvement stabilization fund for design services and related ancillary costs associated with the reuse of ever the old Everett high school. This is a small but meaningful step in our hopes to convert a large part of Ever the old Everett high school into a viable seventh and eighth grade uh school building for our um to alleviate our overcrowded conditions as we all know exist here in Everett. Um during the discussion last evening, uh a couple of the members of the city council referenced an email with an attached video that I had sent to each of them Friday. Um basically imploring them to uh help take that first next step in getting us closer to what we know
048is a is a solution to our problem. It's still miles away, but it is a first positive step. I want to publicly thank the city council uh for this step and their their um overwhelming support of the um the money uh appropriation. I will um make note that the counselors referenced a video that I had sent and we have had it playing um prior to the start of this meeting and at intermissions and at the end of this meeting. It's a clip of the various uh locations across our district that really speaks volume. You know the old um adage of pictures with a thousand words. Well, we sent them 10,000 words. Um, we we showed them uh without student faces. We showed them actual conditions during the class days across the district. And you know,
049you can talk up a storm. The picture was worth it. I've had a lot of great feedback from it. I'll send it to each of you um separately this evening. I did share it with the chair before I sent it out so that I had her conditional approval on the move. And um I think you'll all see what you've all seen personally, but now you'll see um what sometimes can motivate people. So again, thank you to the city council. Thank to all of you who continue to support my efforts in finding the best possible um avenue to get us what we need to support our students across the district, not just in the seventh and eighth grade. Um you mentioned Trayvon Carrington. Um he's also was on the video as our evening started. Uh Trayvon
050is um a wonderful example of uh who our students are and who they will be as they go on from Ever High School upon graduation. He received a very generous scholarship and was recognized at the Massachusetts State House um this a week and a half ago and uh we really do um want to call him out. He was also recognized as um Miss St. for said by MAVA which is the the Massachusetts um vocational uh association. It's they're a great organization. They they look at folks and students across all all the districts in Massachusetts and to um you know select Trayvon is another example of um ever shines wherever it goes. So thank you and congratulations to Trayvon for being yet another fine example out in our in our stage of of Massachusetts. Just as
051a side note, uh one of our Crimson uh tied football players from 2021, uh was part of the draft pick. Uh he graduated from here, as I said, in 2021. He was a a third round pick this past weekend by the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams. So, his name is Josiah Stewart, an Everett guy who um is making it uh again outside of uh the confines of Everett. Uh we did host the first veterans lunchon here at um Everett Crimson Cafe. Uh on April the 16th, the city um veterans officer uh hosted I think there was about I would say 25 veterans for the first lunchon um just to bring folks together, enjoy um a meal and um learned some things about uh in this case they learned about our programs here at Everett
052High School. the culinary um served a wonderful lunchon to them and um a lot of stories were shared and a lot of uh good faith and good feeling amongst and between attendees both not only the veterans but our students who got to interact with um these fine people who uh come from Everett and served in various wars. Um, we had an initiative at the Whittier school, uh, not unlike other schools, but most recently at the Whittier collecting bags of clothes to donate to an organization called Cradles to Crayons. I'm sure many of you, um, have heard of that. Our assistant principal, Dr. Brendan Kent, um, spearheaded that effort at the school and they had a significant contribution, um, to donate uh, from uh, from Everett to uh, Cradles to Crayons. We also had a fun
053event um at Everett High School and we had several students participate in the fourth annual Witson's food service culinary uh competition. Students um prepare meals maybe their favorite usually around a very specific um number of ingredients and then judges some of our staff served as judges and they select um winner or winners amongst the group of um the most delectable delights. And so, uh, chicken catchuri was our one of our folks, uh, actual winner for that afternoon. And then the, um, that will be served in the cafeteria at the high school, um, showcasing the talents of our of our young of our young culinary students. We've had an art exhibit, too, on April the 10th. Uh, what tremendous talent, as I say, about our students, not just performing students, not not um academic only. We
054also look at around the room uh this evening and behind me uh we have a number of pieces of art that our students have um put together and presented in art shows and it's not just painting it's it's drawing it's sculpting uh again talented young people from across the grades and we've uh as I said featured some here this evening and we will um focus uh some attention on them in this building and when when we had a vine street building that was usable. I always had all of the artwork in my office and the um public spaces so that people who came could see the fine work that our students did throughout the year. Um just as a reminder, you know, we have an off week. This is Tuesday. We normally meet on Monday,
055but because of the school committee uh would um compete with the city council. They were held a meeting last night as was this evening. Next meeting is next Monday night, May the 5th, um at the usual time. So, uh, I just want to call everyone's attention to that. And Madam Chair and members of the committee, that's my, uh, very quick report on a warm evening here in Everett High School. Thank you, Superintendent. Any questions? Miss Babcock. Uh, not so much a question, but a comment. I I came to community art night and it was incredible because you saw uh, families and kids from starting in kindergarten all the way up to high school. I got to see the dance performances. I know our dance program is fairly new. Yes, it has grown exponentially and I
056got to see a little highlight of some of the theater that's going to be coming up. Um it's very promising and I really enjoyed myself. Um the art it this you just see them some of it but behind each of these screens are more pieces and um they were throughout the entire school and the art director put together a treasure hunt uh to try to find certain things throughout it and there were when I promise you there were like a hundred kids and parents doing artwork in the cafeteria too. So I I thoroughly enjoyed myself. was really well well organized and um our students are just so talented and multifaceted. I mean we're talking about art and food and robotics and and music and athletics. We are really it's just what a just a wonderful
057positive report of how one you know our students are just incredible. Thank you and thank you for participating uh member Babcock. you know, the the folks um out there probably need to come and and witness some of this. And I invite folks in uh that when we have events like this that are open to the public so you can see what we see and witness uh the energy and the excitement of our students and staff quite frankly um that uh you know appreciate the work of our of our young people. So, thank you for your participation, too. Thank you, Superintendent. I'd just like to say um from the chair I I'll speak for myself, but I'm sure my colleagues would agree that we would be more than happy to judge a culinary competition anytime they
058are willing to have us. Chicken catchuri is my favorite. Seeing no further questions, is there a Oh, Mr. Denafhrio, go ahead. Uh let's not forget um Jake Wilcox, quarterback from 2017. He just got invited to the New England Patriots rookie camp. So, we hope to see him land the uh quarterback four spot, I guess. Right. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Congratulations. Make a motion to accept the report of the superintendent. Second. Motion has been made by Babcock, seconded by Miss Cornelio to accept the report of the superintendent and place on file. All those in favor? All those opposed? The eyes have it. The motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Item number two, matter of the school department's fiscal year 2026 operating budget in the amount of 136,940,25 plus 5,214,214,215 for
059special education transportation with city chargebacks in the amount of $35,771,530. Um, as you know, we've gone through the process uh public hearing and I've requested your favorable action on this item this evening. I move for favorable action and to accept the amount of 136,940,25 plus 5,214,215 for special education transportation and city chargebacks in the amount of $35,71,530. Second also to refer to the uh city hall the administration the mayor. Motion has been made and seconded to uh for favorable action and to refer the matter of the school department's fiscal year 2026 operating budget in the amount of uh $136,940,25 plus 5,214,215 for special education transportation and city chargebacks in the amount of $35,771,530. Roll call. Uh, Madame Chair. Yes, Mr. Baris. On the motion, uh, just want to remind again members of the public, uh,
060that it was a a good discussion that we had uh, on this budget. Uh, of course, we wish we had more and we could fund more things, but this is what we have. There is a possibility that this budget could go up a little bit. The House of Representatives added a little bit more than the governor proposed um for uh K through2 education. The Senate will be uh presenting its budget recommendation in the next I believe in two or three weeks um which there will be a different number. So after they will all get together, hopefully they uh don't take that long as as you they usually do and they they produce a final uh uh recommendation to the government to sign and perhaps give us a few more 100,000 the superintendent will be delighted
061with that. I would love it. Yeah. Uh but just want to make sure that members of the public know that perhaps afterwards why the school is doing that and that and that why we end up with a little bit more than what we originally uh approved. Good point. Thank you, Mr. Baros. Miss Babcock, I I I'll speak as well and just also to remind them that that um there were some concerns about federal budgeting that was discussed and a plan is in place for that and that's also to be reminded as well. Thank you very much. Motion has been made and seconded to accept and refer. Uh roll call. Mr. Almeida Barrows. Yes. Miss Babcock. Yes. Miss Barrows. Yes. Miss Cornelio? Yes. Miss Cristiano? Yes. Mr. Denafhrio? Yes. Miss Garren? Yes. Mr. Lam Monica? Yes.
062Madame Chair? Yes. So moved 90. So moved 90. The motion has passed. would be entertain a motion for reconsideration which means a no vote is ends the discussion and refers this out to the city council. Yes means keep this here and for further discussion. I'll make that motion. Second. Motion has been made by M. Cristiano, seconded by Miss Babcock for reconsideration regarding Roman numeral 6, item number two, the matter of the school department's fiscal year 2026 operating budget. Roll call. Mr. Mr. Almeida Barrows, no. Miss Babcock, no. Miss Barrows, no. Miss Cornelio, no. Miss Cristiano, no. Mr. Dinario, no. Miss Garren, no. Mr. Lam Monica, no. Madame Chair, no. Motion is defeated. 90. Motion is defeated. 90-0. This um item will no longer be up for reconsideration. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Item
063number three, request approval to award a food service management company contract for fiscal year 2026. Um, after a deliberation and a process that's really very prescribed by the department of elementary and secondary education, a committee was formed which included a school committee member, Miss Cornelio, a member of our um principal staff, which was Principal Lynch in this case, um Trayvon Carrington, the young man that we um heard a lot about who's a culinary major and a cook. uh hope soon to be cook in his own right um chef I should say uh was also on that committee along with sta supporting staff that reviewed um three proposals each of the proposals were ranked based on a rubric that's again prescribed very prescribed process all the procurement guidelines were followed and a scoring um would select
064those um companies that meet all the the qualifications some of which we put in too for example just a quick note we we have a registered a dietician with uh the current company. That wasn't or isn't always necessarily the case. We've learned that having a registered dietician is essential to be sure that all the things that we all find important in a young person's dietary um offerings is met. And so the dietitian has uh proven more than helpful to us planning out meals, responding to student surveys, providing the children and the families what we believe is healthy and nutritious. Um once that process was uh concluded there was one company um that kind of stood out the most and that is the current company they provide us also part of this process is the kind
065of what we get back as a district. Um so it's not all the only the all the things that we look for that we hope for and that Desi tells us to find and besides the things we added there's also a component is what does come back to the district. um we we stand to receive back into the district um you know upwards of well I'm going to say approximately a million7 uh back to the district um in in operating uh once they operate in this contract. So I'm asking for your approval for the Witson's Culinary Group to become our food service vendor um for the upcoming years. Um we do need your vote favorable action this evening so that we can send this off um to where we need to from the district. Make
066a motion for favorable action to accept um Witson as the food service management company contract for the fiscal year 2026. Miss Babcock, I I just want to say that I got a chance to meet the dietitian on a number of um occasions and she is extremely knowledgeable and I have seen the updates from Witson's that the superintendent has shared with us um about the kind of food service they're doing, some ideas on how to improve hot food for breakfast for um the middle schools. Um what I I have enjoyed with Witson's is and and the superintendent has shared with us is that they are always willing to listen. Their website uh they're they post what meals will be available. They they if something's not working, they are willing to listen and to adjust. I know
067that no food service is ever going to be ideal. you know, work working in a a school where you have the same kind of similar food options or when you talk about kids going to college and it's the same food, you know, they do their very best to provide some variety and some stability and typical items. I also like the fact um that they work with our culinary students to give them the opportunity to do things like create chicken catch and to serve it in our own cafeteria. So, I I definitely would move to favorable action on this. Um, I would second Miss Cornelio. I just I think the fact that they have a dietitian thinking about what our needs are for our students across our community is extremely important. Thank you, Miss Book. Uh,
068Mr. Barrows. Thank you, Madame Chair. Um, I have no problem with this, but I my question is, so if when we approve this, what is the next step? They're awarded a contract based on the criteria that's been met. Um, they agree to the terms of the contract and then we get it a signature. I sign it, the city signs it and then they continue on. So there's no also another key to this and not that it should be the only deciding factor. There's no disruption because when you have a new s food service vendor um they're learning a whole new routine sometimes a new vendor. So they can be a disruption. They may not be the same quality. Um we know their quality. They certainly have worked remarkably well with us. This is the first
069year of a contract. We have the right to renew them annually um up to three years as you know. So uh again it's um this will give them the right to move forward. They also provide um sometimes bag lunches and others for our summer program. So we want to get them ordering food. So we would like them to know that they they've been awarded so that they can place their orders for food so forth for our summer programs as well. Thank you. Yeah, I was here uh when this food contractor was chosen and the one that was in place before for decades uh end up losing the bid was quite of an interesting meeting uh that the school committee had during that time. So I do uh appreciate the work that this company does. What
070I'd like to see is a cop of the contract if it could be sent to the committee. I even though I'm fully in favor of this. I just don't approach something that I have no clue how much it's going to cost to us. Uh so it doesn't cost us anything. Don't forget all all the food itself and the lunches are reimbured to the the state and to the city. So it costs us zero. It's just how what we get back from them, the quality of their service and food. Um, so, uh, it is in many ways, uh, a win-win for us when we have a good company that does the kind of quality food that works well with the district that allows us to, Miss Babcock's point, to have our students interact with them. Um,
071so it doesn't cost us anything, but I'm happy to share the contract. No, I I I I agree and I'm fine with that and I'm vote in favor of this and I approve the recommendation. Thank you. What I would like to see is the contract that I perhaps the extension of it because the last time that I saw that's when I voted on this I know 3 years ago, four years ago, 5 years ago, it was a long time ago because it was was actually totally different body. Uh some members perhaps are here or others were not. Uh so I'd like to see that again. Uh I'm not conditioning my vote on that, but I certainly want to make sure that I'm voting for something that I have on file. uh especially when it comes
072to vendors. So, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Baros. Miss Babcock, um through you to Mr. Baros. Mr. Barrows, could you confirm when we went to universal uh free lunches for the for the state? Do you remember when that happened? I believe it was two years ago, but I'm not 100% sure. Either a year two years ago or a year ago. But Everett was doing this way before that was this was like when it came for the state. But Everett was a way ahead of the game. We already doing this including free lunches uh for our students. When the state made a big deal that now everyone going to have free lunch. I was like well go to Everett. We already have uh there but for the state I believe it was about two years ago
073or a year ago but Everett was already doing that. Thank you for that reminder because I I was trying to think of when we signed the contract if we were if there was a cost to us at that time or if we were already providing free meals to our students. I think you were already providing it. I I think so at that time well the of course there's a cost to us because we are we were so there was no cost for our students but the as the superintendent explained uh what that company brings back in fact um I don't remember which school but the renovation of some I believe was the parling if I'm not mistaken uh was made with that money that's right we can only use it to reinvest in other kitchens
074around. So if we had to upgrade something that money is used so so again the renovation of a kitchen to your point uh member Baros is wouldn't cost us because it could come out of that fund. It's an eligible expense. Yeah. Besides the the uh food itself that was a huge improvement uh when we brought them. Thank you. Thank you Miss Babcock and Mr. Barrow. The motion was made by Miss Cornelio, seconded by Miss Babcock to um approve and award the uh food service management company of Witson's Culinary with the contract for fiscal year 2026. Um roll call. Mr. Almeida Baros, yes. Miss Babcock, yes. Miss Baros, yes. Miss Cornelio, yes. Miss Cristiano, yes. Mr. Denafhrio, yes. Miss Garren, yes. Mr. Lam Monica. Yes. Madame Chair. Yes. So moved. 90. So moved. 90-0. Motion passed.
075Um Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Item number four is an acceptance of a of a donation of two Market Basket gift cards from an anonymous donor um at the Parland School and um it was made known to us by the principal, but we want to accept the gifts cards to be given to a needy two needy families for food. So I just I'm bringing that before you where I as a way made aware of it. So I'm asking for you to accept the two market basket gift cards in the amount of $50 each. Move to favorable action to accept the donation. Second. Motion has been made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Barrows to accept the donation of two $50 marker basket gift cards for from an anonymous donor to the Parland School.
076Roll call. Mr. Almea Barrows. Yes. Miss Babcock. Yes, Miss Barrows. Yes, Miss Cornelio. Yes, Miss Cristiano. Yes, Mr. Denafrio. Yes, Miss Garren. Yes, Mr. Lam Monica. Yes, Madame Chair. Yes. So, move 90. So, move 90. The motion passed. Mr. Superintendent. The next order of business. Roman numeral 7. Items submitted by school committee members. As you know, we took uh item two out of order. So item one is request to discuss plans for student counseling services following the discontinuation of Elliot uh resource center including how year-round support will be maintained and what alternative resources will be provided offered by Miss Babcock and Mr. Baros. Miss Bar uh Miss Babcock and Mr. Baros. Yes. Um, I added this to the agenda because, well, May is mental health month and I do know that, um, when I first
077moved to the city of Everett, each school had adjustment counselors and at that time, I want to say it was 2013, those adjustment counselors were um, released and I believe that Elliott services were contracted to provide mental health counseling to our students. It was it was a it was disruptive. Um you know offering counseling services and continuation of service is extremely important to the students and the families that they support. So um I had a constituent reach out to me and say that they were concerned about the continuation of service. So I am sure that uh the superintendent will fill us in in how we're going to uh support these students because the contract I believe is I want to say is ending at the end of the school year. Yeah. So they'll be so
078for example for people who are um already working with particular counselor um how will they be able to continue? Will they be given someone else etc. Um thank you. Thank you Miss Babcock. Mr. Um I believe well I I reserve I think uh Miss Babcock uh summarize well um I think I believe Mr. Wallace is here. Dr. Wallace uh Dr. Wallace is here uh if he'd like to come before us. It's up to the superintendent if the superintendent would like to uh answer the questions. uh but I'd love to hear exactly what it was listed here and then I have a few questions and and perhaps concerns or not if my uh questions were were addressed. So make a motion to bring before us if the superintendent's okay with it uh Dr. Wallace. And is
079there anybody else working Amanda Bonitez uh is our clinical supervisor of our social workers um who comes to us uh from another district and has led the charge with Dr. Wallace on providing um social emotional learning and supports across the district this past year. I asked them both to be here in case there were additional uh technical questions that I could not answer. Motion has been made and seconded to invite Dr. Wallace and Miss Bonitez uh before us. All those in favor? I. All those opposed? The eyes have it. Welcome Dr. Wallace and Miss Bonitez. So, let me um just generally um address the item and then obviously um I've asked these two fine people to be here in case um that I am not articulate enough to bring home the issues. I too am
080concerned about the social emotional well-being of our children. And I think as you may remember a year ago when we developed this budget that we're operating under. I brought before you um uh a request to fill social worker positions. Social workers are trained differently than a school counselor. Uh they're considered clinicians. They have uh a training that um I think that obviously it's been proven that they are u an asset to school districts. We did not have them and I thank Miss Becott for mentioning that there was adjustment counselors years ago not necessarily trained as clinicians but provided a similar service. We made a conscious effort over last summer to recruit um some of the better um candidates that we could attract to the district and we uh assigned them across the district um in
081schools and had them work with school counselors also known as guidance counselors along under and along and with under the direction of Dr. Wallace and uh Miss Bonitez to ensure that our students were getting um I'm going to use these terms and I'm not a clinician and please correct me. Um um they triage our students. So um under the current model, students are often referred from a guidance counselor, sometimes the principal or whatever to a service. the service that we have available for a fee. And I say a fee because insurance covers those um is to the Elliott resource um centers arm, clinical arm. Those clinicians are on site. Students are seen as a referral, not during triage. And they are or see a Elliot clinician over the course of the year in the school.
082Elliot charges the insurance company of those young people um for their visit. The school district was paying for that service additionally and providing them space in our schools. The model that we've shifted to and there's research behind it and again I'll defer to the the experts that that the model that we're doing is kind of a continual care. It's triage. you're seeing our person as needed when needed and most often um our clinicians are available um without an appointment because that's the advantage of them working for us. It's I hate to say on the spot but as needed when needed and the fact that we have a couple of clinicians in each building is also a good thing. So there's really quote no wait time if you will. Um, the services that we provide additionally
083to this that would not necessarily be covered by Elliot will be covered by a an array of mental health providers that not only are available by telephone for a parent or a student, but there are other um more um targeted uh providers that can give our students service as well. So if a student and please here again I'm going to defer to them. If a student's family wants to stay with quote Elliot or that clinician and again and there's no there's no disparity here. It's just it's just the what I believe is a sound operating practice fiscally as well as for the best interest of our children. Um those um those parents can choose to stick with Elliot. The only difference would be they wouldn't necessarily be seeing they won't be necessarily seeing them in
084our buildings. They'd have to go to a an Elliot center for that service because their insurance would cover them to outpatient if you will or a clinic. Um and it doesn't necessarily mean they're going to get that same clinician. I will say and and um for our own folks here a couple of Elliott clinicians working for us now uh because they like the model. They believe in that model that service delivery. So again, it was really to be responsible to what we believe were the needs backed up by, you know, some clinical studies, best practices. And again, we were fortunate enough to recruit and retain uh a number of highly qualified individuals that are considered social workers with a clinical background and a clinical training. So I'm trying to quickly do that so you get
085a general gist of it. Um, again, I don't do these things lightly, um, because it is a it is a shift, but I believe it's a shift that's going to be the best benefit for our kids. Will, um, and a little over 200 families, I want to say 240, maybe 230 families, um, use the Elliot service. Um, and we have a plan, a transition plan for them. Uh, we've heard from several of the parents, as you know, um, Dr. Wallace and I and and Amanda have sent out information to parents that would be affected by the change as well as hosted an information session. I think there's another one coming up. Um so that every parent has an opportunity to ask those kind of difficult specific questions about their child because every child's um therapy,
086every child's next step isn't necessarily mirrored to the next. So, we're very um deliberate and intentional about this next step. It's a sensitive topic. Um and we I don't think any of us take it lightly, and I know you don't either. And I appreciate this question because um again, we want to go at this very carefully and with with empathy uh for the parent who now may have to choose to stay with us. I think it's to their benefit in more ways than one. We'll still be providing the service in our schools. we will still have more resources available to them beyond the school placement. Um, and then there are employees that have to be available as and when needed and I think that's key. Uh, I'm going to stop there. Um, I did have
087one question. There's a few questions. Oh, sure. Miss Christristiano, thank you. U, Madam Chair, through you to Mr. Hut. Mr. hot, you know, um, you know, the there's an there's this everybody thinks that everybody has insurance and believe it or not, I I can imagine that when somebody's new to this country or, you know, moved in uh, and they don't have health insurance for their child. So you mentioned that Elliott services them and then bills the insurance provider. What happens to that student if they don't have the health insurance? We we we the school district provides the service. Now we can do it with our own folks. And it's not that some people don't have insurance, they don't have insurance for mental health coverage, right? Um and that's important to note. So, we provide the
088service and quite frankly, if it is determined that we and again I'm looking to Amanda who I know deals with these one-off cases, um we'll find the right placement for them and there's no cost to that. Am I wrong, Amanda? So, so before we had this though, this new arrangement, what would happen to that student? Well, we didn't have the clinicians that work for us. And so, uh, our guidance staff, now called school counselors, would do the best they can. And I think I know the commitment by many of our counselors is to find them a placement for some kind of help outside of the school building that would cover that need without the need to pay a co-pay or insurance. Would But my question is, would Elliott provide the service? I I I think
089they would. Yeah. Okay. I think they would. And how much they've been a very nice partner. It's no reflection. Everybody's always Yeah. No, it's no reflection. The world and I I know they they're uh they had a great relationship with great support, great relationship, but just from a a fiscal point of view, I know that they they were in our buildings and they were billing the insurance companies, which they have every right to do, but were we paying them also? Yes. Um, their contract annually was north of $765,000. Okay. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Hart. You're welcome. Thank you, Miss Cristiano. Any further questions for the superintendent before we turn it over to Dr. Wallace, uh, Miss Papcock, then Miss Baros. Okay. Um, so that was extremely enlightening. I do have a couple of questions and
090I wanted to speak on the um concept of being underinsured. Like uh Miss Cristiano had said, a lot of times when people are underinsured, they do not have access to mental health care. And then they're limited to the providers that they can go to. So that was actually part of my concern when I looked at this line item because I thought to myself, a lot of these kids won't have access to this anymore. But listening to what you're saying, not only it, they will actually have increased access. Um I have I just I didn't mean to interrupt you, but we have um a list of seven other providers beyond um us that could provide additional service and many if not all of these are no cost to the the student or their families. Okay. I
091have two questions. So um you mentioned the you you you had said that they that they could the the licensed social workers could actually provide other resources as well and maybe you can talk about that and then the other question is you and I know I remember from the budget hearing that you had mentioned hiring the social workers. Um so it's nice it it looks like it was a a long-term plan with that. So um how many social workers were hired? how many are in each school and um because I don't remember offhand from the budget and what kind of additional resources. So, we had a couple of social workers already on staff here at Everett High School as a matter of fact. So there are a total of 21 social workers that work for
092the Ever Public Schools across all of the schools and even uh the uh prek program um because we recognize that um or able to recognize some mental health needs of our even most youngest students. And so uh so there's 21 and they're deployed and and observed and evaluated and supported by Miss Bonitez who has had a long history in school-based um clinical care of students. So uh we're able to hone in on the opportunities that our people already have when they come to us and then those that we need to support. Um Miss Bonitez does that and the resources again are back to the individual need of the child. So, not every child would be referred necessarily to the same outplacement if we thought that was essential. Um, sometimes it's a parent needing a conversation
093that's more advanced. Sometimes there may be um therapies that none of us, not including Elliot, uh, wouldn't be able to provide a child. Um, we would still be responsible. We we we follow that case. It's our case. It's our child. It's our student. Um, we talk to the parents. um that parent can come in and talk to that staff person at any school um upon request. So I think it's it's the availability to the parent so that they understand the uh the service that we provide. It's the opportunity to provide enhanced services beyond just one provider which has been Elliot and it gives us uh greater flexibility in um addressing situations as they arise as opposed to by appointment only and that's that's critical you know because you know uh being housed here at Everett
094High School for example uh for the past couple of months since uh Vine Street flooded um the clinicians here uh seeing young people Sometimes in crisis at that moment there's no appointment they're here they get they they get seen talked to there's immediate results in terms of response I should say is response response that's critical in those in those moments when a child is suffering a moment or two yes I this sort of goes back to the what I said at the beginning about the adjustment counselors they were always present at the schools and when a circumstance came up um that needed attention immediately, they were available. And I was at that time uh that they were released, I was very upset about the thought that there wouldn't be somebody that was capable at all
095times. So, this actually seems like a very positive shift. Thank you, Miss Babcock. Miss Bars, I have more of like a just a statement more than a question. I actually agree with Miss Babcock too about this model being similar to the adjustment counselors just in the past with like dealing with them. I think having them consistently present cuz not that Elliot wasn't good but the turnover rate was higher because they were leaving because they weren't hired through the city, they were hired through them. So you would some of the kids would form a relationship and then like a month or two later they'd have to start that all over again. Yes. So I'm glad we're heading back into that direction. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Baros. Mr. Veros. Thank you, Madam Chair. To our guests,
096uh, how are you? Good, thanks. Thanks for having us. Excellent. Thank you. Thank you for being here. Um, so let's talk a little bit about numbers so I can understand this better. Um, just throw your numbers. Let's say that we had 20 clinicians from Iliot. Now I will replace it with 20 social workers. That's how it's working. Uh my my concern here is or my question is disruption services because we know we have a problem with nurses. This has nothing to do with nerves, right? But are we replacing X for X or X for Y? Not necessarily. So our contract with Elliott outlined uh 14 clinicians Elliott employed dispersed throughout all of our schools. Currently, we have seven Elliott clinicians in our schools. So, it's it's it's not enough to support the needs of our
097kids. When um we partnered with Elliot years ago, it seemed adequate. And now, post pandemic in the in the midst of a mental health crisis, um it's just not enough, you you know, and I and I and I'll tell you that our first and foremost priority is being very mindful of disruption, being very mindful of how we transition kids from one clinician to another because I've always said that a good counselor is worth their weight and gold because of the impact they can have with children. So, that's our first and foremost priority. But I also want to state that I'm actually really impressed with the superintendent's explanation, but I think it quite obviously reflects the numerous conversations we've had about the shift to this model. So why Elliot, you know, while Elliot had its place,
098it wasn't there for comprehensive care coordination. It wasn't there for real triage support, which our kids need. you know, all of you know that the things that the kids bring to to to us as adults. So, so this shift makes a lot of sense. Now, I also want to be clear that Elliot is an outpatient provider. That means that even if they're not present in our schools, like the superintendent said, that's still an option for families. Still an option. And even if there are barriers to inperson, the teller health is an option. But we're not pigeonholed into Elliot. There's Cambridge Health Alliance. We have liaison such as care solace. Um we've been talking with uh an organization out of puberty called um Embrace Pathways, excuse me, Embrace Pathways, North Suffach Mental Health, you know. So
099there are still these resources to help support our kids that are really needing that high level of care. Does that make sense? It does. Yeah. Uh, so I wouldn't necessarily say we're really losing anything because what we're able to provide by onboarding 21 clinicians on top of 31 school counselors is a is a counseling staff of 52 people. So that won't be that won't be a reduction in service. Uh because we do have what you're telling me is that we do have staff members social workers absolutely available that with the replacement of this vendor there won't be a reduction service. We're going to continue with the same level in terms of not quality number uh of staff members available to to the kids. Yes. And just to there's more just to kind of elaborate on
100that a bit. If we make a referral to an outpatient provider, there's commonly a it's common for there to be a wait a wait time. And this was one of the concerns that was voiced to me in one of the information sessions I had with parents was well what does this mean for like wait time? Because it took quite some time for my child to get services. There is no wait time. Services are immediate. there ever public schools employees with the skills and the training to support kids in need. Will Thank you. Will these uh staff members provide also uh I believe there's some home services that that we have right I believe is that for special uh education there are kids who are in school that received some of the Iliad clinicians used to
101go to their homes. Um I'm not aware of any mental health services outlined in a student's IEP that is delivered in their home. I'm not aware of that. So they're all in they're all in schools. Yeah, I I can maybe speak to that. So um a couple things on that. So um it may so Elliot is a large company. They provide lots of different service, right? So this is like a very sub subcontract for them. Um so it's plausible that people also were receiving homebased services through Elliot that was outside of this contract. So if you've heard that, that's probably accurate. Um what I would say though is that the state has actually shifted to a new model um called like health care centers, behavior healthare centers. And so Elliot did not win that contract
102for the city of Everett. CHA won that contract for the city of Everett. And so it's kind of another reason why we look at what's most in line for our students and to be most connected in this community is to have service providers that are embedded in this community, right? And so, um, students are no longer being seen at the Chelsea Street Clinic, right? There's there's no longer kids there. There used to be kids there through Elliott. Um, they used to have a clinic in Malden where students could receive homebased services, therapeutic mentors, ICC's, those have all been awarded to CHA. Um, so again, as we look at what's best and most aligned and most coordinated for our students, um, Elliott is no longer as present in the city as it once was. Got it.
103Uh, just for the record, I don't know Elliot. I mean, I know of their organization. I've met clinicians, but I have no clue where they are located, who their owners are. I'm not questioning that. Uh, which that's not USA. I just wanted that for the record. I'm not questioning the vendor, why we don't have this vendor anymore. Um, my my concern is service for our kids. That's that's that's what I'm talking about. That's why I added this this to to the agenda. Um, couple more things you the superintendent mentioned that they they could still have students could still have services with IOT or CHA. Um, are we informing parents about that? Because parents that uh reach out to me actually didn't know about it. So I'm glad that we are having this this discussion now
104because they were not aware of that. So I think it would be important perhaps adding to a Q&A that even though we do have these services available or we have these services available for them now which we already have but starting June 30th or July 1st that's going to be delivered only by our schools in our schools that if they choose to they can still go to these other providers because the parents that reach out to me had had no clue. Um, the second thing that I would suggest in addition to that, I believe you had uh family information sessions at the Lafayette on April 23rd and then you have one coming up May 1st at the English, correct? Um, I would suggest uh to do an additional one perhaps going to two more schools.
105I mean, you know, our parents are everywhere. We were also talking about Zoom um because we didn't want parents to think they had to come in to a building under this climate. Um and we were looking at the a Zoom option too. Perfect. That would be that would be great. I think you know our parents they are you know dispersed they have two three jobs. Uh it's hard not all of them but a lot of our parents. So it's hard to get information to them. Y a lot of times uh those parents that I heard from they're not complaining that Eliot's going to go away. They were concerned about will this the same services will be provided or I think that they're concerned pretty much the disruption of it and that's why I added this
106to the agenda. Yeah, that's one of the parents forward me an email from you Dr. always but the other who then forward to the other ones who had no clue who then forward to others who had no clue what was the content because was in English so as they don't speak English they're like what is this I heard it's about my kids mental health they do have assistance so I'm sure you are looking at translation of this as well would be would be be extremely important um so my recommendations would be to add it to your Q&A if who perhaps haven't had it yet. Um what the superintendent mentioned the continuation of services that they will have if they choose to to go to continue with the an outside provider doesn't need to be Elliot.
107Um but also uh I'm glad the superintendent mentioned Zoom adding additional informationformational sessions for these parents that are as I said hard to get to. uh and of course language accessibility which I know that the district does a terrific job on it um but make sure that they get it because those parents who reach out to me who some of them spoke English and English were their first language others didn't and they were confused about it and I had to go over the on the phone and explain of course I referred to our schools but sometimes they prefer to talk to me right uh so those are my points yeah no I want to thank you for that and I apprei appreciate you sharing that with me. Um, our efforts for outreach will be unrelenting.
108Um, I've accessed the family resource center. I've had letters drafted in translation, but I know that until we actually touch base with every family and have this conversation um that there may be some unknown. So, our goal is to make sure that our communication is seamless. Um, we have had multiple outreach, but hearing this back from you is incredibly helpful. We we base all of our communications on what we have in our database, so naturally that information needs to be updated from time to time. So, I I just want to tell you that we'll make sure that any of our students that are receiving Elliot services prior to the start of our the school year 2026 will know exactly who they're seeing. their families will have any of their uh questions addressed and they will
109like I said it's our first and foremost priority to to minimize the disruption because the impact of effective counseling it can't be overstated. Yeah, for sure. I wanted to add to that that we're actually in collaboration with Elliot to go through each individual student in the clinical meeting so that we can get their recommendation on what would be best for that student, right? because they're currently servicing that student. So, we will take that recommendation to the family and say this is what the current counselor is saying. Are you in agreement with it and how do we get you connected to the right level of care based on that recommendation? I just wanted to add I am a former Elliott clinician and and totally have appreciated the work they've done at Everett public schools and we
110hoping to continue that work with our students as well. Terrific. Thank you. Thank you both. And just one last thing, if if any members of this body have a communication from anyone in the community, please feel free to reach out to me directly and and I'd be happy to reach out to that family and make sure we make that connection, right? We want to get to everybody and if you do hear from people um don't wait for for call me and we'll we'll reach directly out to them. We have, you know, parent leaison that speak other languages. I know there was an attempt to translate. We had identified 230 um families who had received Elliot care. I mean we have been coordinating this but people it does fall through the cracks. They missed the call.
111They missed the they didn't look at the letter but if you learn of anybody during this time you know let us know so that certainly we'll we'll do the phone call back or we'll we'll make the time. I know that both these folks in front of you and the clinicians um at each of the schools are making a very conscious effort to be sure everyone every parent um is heard. Thank you both. Miss Babcock, um through you to our guests and to to Mr. Bars. Um you know, navigating the health care system is an incredibly complex process. It is complex for us that have quality insurance and that have knowledge of these processes. For people who do not have knowledge of these processes, um I'm feeling a lot more comfortable saying that they're going to
112have a conversation about what's the great right direction for the students that are being seen now because it's it's a it takes a lot to get services and then to suddenly, you know, get an email that says those services are ending. Um, it sounds like there are many options for the students. If they have the insurance that would allow them to continue that and continue using an LA clinician, they can. But if not, then you're going to have conversations with them and they're going to have a better knowledge of what's going on. When English is not your first language, it is a huge barrier to care. It's a it's a number one problem. my work um in the college of nursing at UMass and it's something that we talk about all the time and what
113uh Mr. Hart was uh talking about too that people feel nervous right now and um that you know health insurance should be a private personal matter and having the fact that they're going to be able to meet with their clinicians and come up with a plan makes me feel a lot more comfortable. I also like the idea that um it's it's immediate that people could and and what uh Miss Baros was saying about there was high turnover for Elliot. You know, students would get comfortable with a particular counselor and then they would leave and go somewhere else. The fact that they can see the same people and know their faces and come to have someone that they can trust is huge. So, thank you very much. Thank you. If I may from the chair real
114quick, um I did have the opportunity to attend one of your cell uh coffee hours for families and the amount of effort you put into trying to communicate with families directly is great. There were translators, there were vendors there, there was CHA, Elliot, Keros Soloulless and Portal to Hope, I believe. Um, but I do believe that additional virtual option would be best because not every family has the time to um, attend an in-person event. Thank you. Motion to excuse our guests with the customary thanks. Second. Motion has been made by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Miss Cornelio to excuse our guests with the customary thanks. All those in favor? I. All those opposed, the eyes have it. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Make a motion to return to sponsor. Second. Motion has been
115made by Miss Babcock, seconded by Miss Cristiano to refer um Roman numeral 7, item number one, back to sponsor. All those in favor? I. All those opposed? The eyes have it. Motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Item number three, Shore Educational Collab Collaborative Quarterly Update. Chairperson Hurley. Thank you. If I may, from the chair, this is a Desi requirement. I'm not sure if this has been done before. The executive director of the Shore Collaborative printed up a fun flyer. I can't promise this is going to happen every time, but I do have some updates to share with everybody. Uh, the Shore's mission is to educate, enrich, and inspire children and adults with disabilities in supportive and sensory inclusive environments. The shore services members from 22 different communities with Chelsea River, Sagas,
116and Everett having the highest enrollment numbers. The shore teamed up with City Connects to increase media presence and communications with families. Um, City Connect created helpful lists of programs and materials for families to utilize during school breaks and vacation. you it's very important with special education for students to have consistency. Um they started having coffee hours with families right before breaks which have been very successful um in getting families familiar with what they're doing in the shore so it can continue at home when the students aren't in the buildings. PAR professionals and instructional aids were offered the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree in special education through Lake Erie College in partnership with Bloomboard. Um shore teachers and administrators will support the candidates through the process meaning all in-class hours will be achieved at the
117shore. Uh the shore also applied for DESI's ARTAP program offering the same opportunities and they're waiting to hear back from that. Um, I believe there were 10 open positions for the Bloomboard um, pilot and 10 paras applied. The shore has teamed up with citizen schools to bring project-based learning to the classroom and students showcased their projects before February school vacation. Projects included treat kits for animal shelters, snack kits for food pantries, robotics, LGBTQ support, and student mental health. Adult service CBDS individuals received the Citizens in Volunteer of the Year award for their dedication and commitment uh committed work to the Haven for Hunger Food Bank located in Pee. um they're from our puberty adult services um area and they like to give back to the community that they work in. Student services participated in their
118first ever winter concert. Students performed vocal and instrument numbers. Families were able to tune into a closed video feed to watch the beautiful show. Board members got to see a few clips from the showcase which was tailored to everyone's comfort level and truly an inclusive experience. This year the shore embraced collaboration between adult and student services. An adult member from the explorers a program organized and facilitated crafts as well as planned a dance party and coordinated all the music that was played for some of the younger students. This is the best of both worlds coming together and supporting one another. The Henry Owen School in Chelsea is for students from preschool to the age of 22. This program is staffed by teachers, pair professionals, occupational speech and physical therapists, adjustment counselors, behavioral analysists, and nurses.
119There are currently 215 students enrolled. This is the highest enrollment number ever recorded in the Shor's history. Everett currently has 15 members benefiting from Shore Collaborative Services. The Shores Adult Service Division services adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through day programs located in Chelsea, PED, and Wuburn. All of the Shores adult day programs offer hibil habilitation primarily funded through Mass Health uh CBDS which is community based disabilities and DDS, Department of Developmental Disabilities. There are currently 348 individuals enrolled between the three locations. Shore also supports local school districts through consultations, professional development, and operational support, which includes transition services, public relations, home training, communication services, program review, and student evaluations. The shore is presenting their FY26 budget during our upcoming May board meeting which once approved will be shared with districts to be the executive
120director. And that is my report from the shore. Make a motion to accept the report and place on fire. Second. Um Miss Garin. Thank you madam chair for that uh presentation. Um so the the short collaborative um if if there is um like a parent who finds out about this program um would it would the student be like referred through the schools or would the parents uh contact the organization themselves? I can answer that. So um the students our students will be referred from the district into the shore. Um we want to keep our students within district as long as we can provide the proper care and education they need. If we can't they are referred to the shore. Yes. Okay. Um, so just to be clear, the is the shore more of like an
121alternative schooling or do they offer programs like outside of school like I don't know summer programs? It's it's alternative schooling. Yes. Okay. So it is specifically school day. Yes. So instead of coming to a school within the the district, you would go to ashore for the length of the school day. I see. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. There was a motion was made and seconded to accept the report and place on file. All those in favor? I. All those opposed. The eyes have it. Motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business, Roman numeral 8 subcommittee reports. The first one is finance and negotiation subcommittee for Monday, April the 7th, 2025. Madam Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to uh accept the committee report and place it on file. Motion has been made
122by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Miss Barrows to accept the finance and negotiation subcommittee port report for Monday, April 7th, 2025 and place on file. All those in favor? I. All those opposed. The eyes have it. Motion has passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order Roman numeral nine, bills and payroll. Madame Chairman. Yes, Miss Cristiano. I'd like to submit BA bills and payroll in the amount of 2,627,27689. Second. Motion has been made and seconded to submit bills and payroll in the amount of 2,627,276.89. Roll call. Mr. Alita Baros. Yes. Miss Babcock. Uh, yes. Miss Baros, yes. Miss Cornelio, yes. Miss Cristiano, yes. Mr. Denafhrio, yes. Miss Garren, yes. Mr. Lam Monica, yes. Madame Chair, yes. So move 90. So move. Motion passed. Madam Chairman, yes. I'd like to pay bills and payroll in the amount of 2,627,276.89.
123Second. Motion has been made by Miss Cristiano, seconded by Miss Cornelio to pay bills and payroll in the amount of 2,627,2689. Roll call. Mr. Almeida Baros, yes. Miss Babcock, yes. Miss Barros, yes. Miss Cornelio, yes. Miss Cristiano, yes. Mr. Denafhrio, yes. Miss Garren, yes. Mr. Lam Monica, yes. Madame Chair, yes. So moved. 90. So moved. Motion passed. Mr. Superintendent, the next order of business. Roman numeral 10, unfinished business. There is none. Roman numeral 11, new business. There is none. Roman numeral 12, hearings, there are none. Roman numeral 13, matters for executive session, there are none. Roman numeral 14, adjournment. Making a motion to adjurnn. Second. Motion has been made by Miss Barrow, seconded by Mr. Barrows to roll call vote. Roll call vote on adjourning. Miss Tita Baros. Yes. Miss Babcock. Yes. Miss Baros. Yes.
124Miss Cornelio. Yes. Miss Cristiano. Yes. Mr. Denafario. Yes. Miss Garren. Yes. Mr. Lam Monica. Yes. Madame Chair. Yes. We are adjourned. We have adjourned at 8:19. Good night everybody. Thank you. [Music]