001Okay, good evening everybody. At 6:30, we'll call this meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States to the republic for it stands. All right, it's a special board meeting for a couple of different reasons. And the first reason is we are going to have our election of board officers at this time. We'll take nominations for this position. A member may nominate themselves. No seconds are needed. And when there are no further nominations, uh I will declare nominations are closed and then call for a vote by roll call. So at this time I'd ask for nomination for position of chairperson of the board of education. >> So I'll nominate Andrew as any other nominations for board chair. >> Okay. Seeing none, we'll take a roll call. Mr.
002Majoli. >> Um yes. I >> Okay. Miss Johnson. >> Hi. >> Speland. >> Hi. >> Mr. Balo. >> Hi. >> M. Saw. >> Hi. >> Mr. Davies. >> Hi. And Mr. I >> Okay, congratulations, Chairperson Bome. And now turn the meeting over to you. >> All righty. So, we have two more. Um, looking for nominations for vice chair. >> Like to nominate Ashley Jolie for vice chair. >> You said we don't need seconds. I remember from a couple years ago. Um, are there any other nominations? Um, we do roll call for all of them. Okay. Um, Ashley. >> Yes, you can. >> Yes. [laughter] >> I. >> And finally, looking for nominations for secretary. >> I'll nominate Ben. >> Are there any other nominations? All right. >> [clears throat] >> Ashley probably >> I >>
003abstain. >> Hi. [laughter] >> All right. Okay. Um now just like briefly to welcome our new board of ed members, D Johnson, Jen Stall, and James Perkins. Dr. James Perkins. Um thank you for running. Thank you for being here. And I am very very optimistic uh that we're going to do really great things in the next two years for the Bolton school system of in conjunction with our superintendent of course our administration and all of our wonderful teachers and staff. And now uh are there any comments from the audience this evening? now turn things over to the superintendent for tonight's celebration of excellence. >> Yeah, Mr. Melli has has some special guests for us this evening. I want to uh personally thank them for coming out tonight, showing off our talents. >> Good evening. Um,
004thanks for welcoming the Bolton High School. Where you going? >> You sing. >> So, what's interesting about there's a couple things very interesting about this group. Um, there are students in this jazz band who are in our regular band. There are students in this band that are in our chorus. There are students in this band that are in both our band and chorus. And there are students in this band that aren't in either. So the nice thing about the structure of the jazz band is rehearsals take place um typically during board meetings on Thursday nights that als gives the opportunity for these students who have all those other things going on in their lives to be able to perform. Um so here is Mr. McCormack who will introduce the ensemble. >> Hi folks so happy
005to be here. Thank you for having us. On Alto Saxon we have Een D Roers and Russell Cionz. On flute we have Ali Hartson and Nicole Denunzio. Our rhythm sections tonight includes Riley Del Mastro hanging out on vibes and Glockenfield. We have Isabelle Zakowski on set. We have Luke Price on bass, Denil Doyle on keys, and we have featured vocalist tonight, Grace Osborne. We hope you enjoy this classic holiday tune. [clears throat] Oops. There's a picture. just Thank you very much. Back to you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks everybody for uh coming out students. I really appreciate it. Um add a nice little flavor to our meeting tonight. A little excitement, a little energy. We really appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mr. Grace. >> Okay. And continuing with our celebration of excellence, we have a
006few special awards to give out this evening. And we're going to start with the clue award. Is with great honor to share this year's recipient of the community leadership workshop award is Kora Murray. The community leadership workshop is Hobe's free introductory one-day leadership program for high school freshmen that is designed to help develop critical thinking skills by actively involving participants in experiential learning and critical dialogue. Hobie Clue students participate in group activities, engage with local community leaders, and conduct community service projects. Clues are organized, developed, and implemented by local volunteers, Hobie partners, and Hobie alumni. The clue is awarded to a ninth grader. Bolton High School asks faculty to nominate a student they feel possesses the following traits and skills. Outstanding leadership potential, strong communication skills, critical thinking, creative problem solving, strong decision-making, sensitivity to
007others, charismatic personality, as well as the courage to speak out and challenge. Cora received multiple nominations for her leadership skills. In the classroom, Cora consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to grow. She's an impressive self- advocate who approaches challenges with a mature sense of responsibility. Beyond her academics, Kora has embraced leadership opportunities throughout our school community. She is the sole founding member of the new student ambassadors club where she has already contributed meaningfully by helping plan and participate in multiple school activities. Cora's involvement extends even further as this year she was a dedicated member of the volleyball team and is currently lending her talents to our drama club. Whether she's collaborating with peers, contributing new ideas, or stepping forward to take initiative, Kora brings an energy that inspires those around her.
008Congratulations to Kora and her family on this wonderful accomplishment. Your hard work, dedication, and support shine brightly. Congratulations, Kora. >> I don't know where else. Why don't you stand right? Come on back for a quick and then just stay there for the other two. >> Where's Mr. Gib with the camera? from years past. >> What's that? >> I think [laughter] we haven't done this for a while. The pictures >> didn't share responsibility. I know it's it's old a new old responsibility. We're having assistance for this one. >> The next award is a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. The Daughters of the American Revolution was established in 1890 by a group of pioneering women in our nation's capital who wanted to perpetuate the memory of men and women who fought to make our
009country free and independent. DAR members are passionate about educating the youth of America and contributed to schools and student programs in a variety of ways. And in support of that, the DAR Good Citizen Award was created in 1934 to provide recognition to outstanding students throughout the country. Each year, teachers from high schools across the country select students from their senior class who demonstrate dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. This year's recipient of the Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizen Award is Kelsey Perkins. I'll keep doing business. >> Kelsey is a role model both in and out of the classroom, consistently demonstrating strong leadership in everything she does. In student council, she is known for bringing fresh ideas, participating in every event, and contributing a positive spirit to the school community.
010Teachers describe Kelsey as embodying patri patriotism, displaying leadership, speaking up when it matters, and refusing to accept limitations she believes can be overcome. Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Last year, she was selected to represent Bolton at the Girl State Leadership Conference. With her drive and positivity, Kelsey is sure to continue making a meaningful impact wherever she goes. Congratulations, Kelsey. We got a family photo out there, right? >> It gives me great pleasure to announce Raina Mohamad Denjad. I apologize. as this year's Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership recipients. Since 1958, the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Program, Hobie, has provided leadership development training to positively impact the lives of thousands of high school students in the United States and abroad annually. Hobe's program allow high school sophomores to realize their leadership talents and apply
011them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, market, workplace, and community. Students attend a three-day seminar and participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to make a positive impact in their community. Teachers nominate a 10th grade student who exhibits the following traits and skills: outstanding communication, critical thinking, critical problem solving, strong decision-m, sensitivity to others, charismatic personality, courage to speak out, and challenge and interest in community service. Raina received multiple nominations from her teachers. She has made and continues to make a positive impact at Bolton High School. She carries a rigorous course load and excels across all of her classes. Her teachers consistently describe her as diligent, compassionate, and grounded in strong morals with a thoughtful global perspective on the
012issues she studies. Rea naturally brings out the best in others, encouraging her peers to strive toward their full potential. In the classroom, she's intentional about broadening her own viewpoint and works diligently to ensure that diverse voices are represented and heard. With her dedication, strong work ethic, and genuine commitment to her community, Raina is truly deserving of this award. We are proud to have her represent Bolton High School at the upcoming leadership conference. Congratulations, Rea being selected for the Hobie Award, a well-earned honor that reflects your leadership, character, and dedication. We'll figure it. All right. Um, congratulations to our recipients tonight. That's awesome. This is always a good night uh to see who who is chosen for all of those awards. And I congratulate you for achievement. Um, if you are so inclined, you can leave
013or you can feel free to stay with us. But, um, usually we allow you the opportunity. It's okay with all I'm saying. You'll have an ice cream or enjoy the beautiful weather. >> Then I started doing >> say you have you're free to your free study or whatever you know same as our student representatives which uh we are now ready for our student rep reports. [laughter] So a few weeks ago, selected band and choir students were given the opportunity to perform in the NCC music festival held at Gramp High School. The students prepared their music on their own and then practiced for two long days with the other participating schools ending in a concert. The festival was a huge success and showcased all of our hard work. The students had so much fun with their
014directors and being able to work with the other students from different schools. Next Thursday, the BHS modern band will put on their winter coffee house featuring many performances from all of our music students. Right now, students are signing up and working hard to prepare their music, and we are all excited to perform and watch all the other performances. We are kicking off our winter break with our bianual pepper alley. Each class has their assigned colors that the student council will use to decorate their bleachers. The star of the show will be the banners that each each class student council decorates and hangs in their respective areas. Both students and staff are excited to engage in dodgeball, basketball, and many more fun games. Winners of each game will receive one point added to their class competition
015scoreboard that we started this week. In addition, this Friday is pajama day to support CCMC and the class with the most participants will also receive one point towards their class competition. Students are extremely excited to participate in these many activities ahead. Um student council set up a battle of the classes which is a competition where each class gain points by participating in spirit days. Our first one was last Friday where everyone got bead necklaces at the beginning of the day. You could gain beads by winning a game of rock paper scissors. Whoever had the most beads at the end of the day would win a point for their class. Class of 27 2027 was able to win a point after a final game at lunch. Our winter sports have started to commence and our athletes
016are very excited as the winter season starts. Basketball and indoor track have started practicing and are ready for the season. Last Thursday, the BHS jazz band, percussion ensemble, concert band, and concert choir held their annual winter concert. The students were very proud of what they accomplished and the audience enjoyed the festive music. If you weren't able to attend, you can check out the whole concert including Grace's solo by visiting the BHS YouTube channel just channel. Just search for Blink High CT. >> Uh thank you very much. Uh same invitation extended to you. I know there's studying and whatever jazz band, but you're also very free to stick around and see what happens. Um, we do not have any additions to the agenda tonight, right? Correct. Uh, right. On to routine business items and the approval
017of minutes. We have a motion, please, to approve minutes of the November 13, 2025 board of ed business meeting. So then we have a second >> a second. >> Um any questions or comments on these meetings? I'll just add a note that um I think we've decided over the years that you do not have to have been [clears throat] present at a meeting in order to vote on it. Although historically speaking, most people are who are not at the meeting abstained. Although, yeah, I think we decided a couple years ago like, well, you are free if you're confident that these minutes are an accurate reflection of what you [snorts] might have might have occurred or whatever. But I think most people usually abstain when they're not there. But, um, anyway, questions, comments, or edits on
018these minutes? Uh, those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. I. Is there anyone opposed? Uh any abstensions? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. On to board of ed committee reports and finance. >> So the finance committee met yesterday. Um so if you turn to your finance materials, you'll see the transfer lifting as well as a budget update. um at this part at this point in the budget cycle we're 31% expended as compared to 31% last year. So um you know just projecting full expenditure at this point nothing unusual call out at this point in the in the cycle. Um as it relates to the transfers there's a couple. So there's a $10 transfer um to cover a shortfall um in a a membership due from instru and fees. There's a
019second one um for $400 um to for additional funds needed to cover parent meeting interpreter from professional development to um professional services. There's a $46648 uh transfer to purchase basketball to boys and girls basketball and that's from online subscription services to athletics. And there was a $400 transfer to cover athletic awards shortfall uh from professional services uh to awards. >> So could we have a motion please to approve the transfers for the month of November? >> I'll make a motion to approve member transfers. >> No second. >> Um any questions or comments for our new board members? We typically are seeing some transfers, straight up transfers and some recclasses um which were always explained to us and um for the most part are aren't huge and they sort of are the shuffling of from one
020fund to another and we have are detailed explanations here for these. So um we do typically monthly um approve them. So, is there anyone who has any questions or comments about any of these? >> I'd also say that ahead of one that's significant. Um, I forget the threshold off the top of my head. >> 10,000 right there. >> 10,000. So, that has to be approved ahead of the transfer happening versus these have happened. We're just looking for approval. >> The other thing I'd like to um make note of is uh we did realize some savings. Um you can see there are some savings from salaries and wages and employee benefits and student student support services. Those were realized over the through our summer program. Um we were able to take a look at what the
021student needs were uh for staffing and also student needs for transportation. We were able to work with the bus company and reduce the number of buses that we needed uh for the summer program which saved us a little bit of money. And then we're also able to uh reduce staffing that we thought we initially were going to need for the summer program and we're able to run the so program and meet student needs without the additional staff member. Um so we're able to realize some savings there in the summertime. >> Is there anyone who has any other questions on transfers or >> with the parent interpreter? Is there any possible need for that also in the future that we might need that service ongoing? >> Uh potentially. Yep. Um, any other questions? All those in
022favor of the motion, please say I. >> Is there anyone who's opposed or abstaining? Do we have any other finance things to note? >> That's it at this time. >> All righty. Um, on to community meeting reports. Uh what do you want to tell us about? >> PTA met on Tuesday this week. Um lots of stuff going on. The we had the scholastic book fair over the week of Thanksgiving. We had all told the just around $11,000 in sales when we choose um Scholastic Bucks back. So we get 50% of sales which then allows the librarian to go and just buy books. She can buy shelving materials like you know pictures as well. So, she's got quite a nice little budget to work with on that. Um, we have some fun discounted tickets coming up
023for Disney on Ice, School Pack, Yard Coast, Monster Jam, that's all on our website that you can um check out. We also hosted a math night right before um Thanksgiving as well. We had about 120 participants registered. I think we got a little less than that, but it was quite fun in the uh gym. So it was like physical activity and math at the same time. And what's nice is that you could take it and move it from prek and the same activity and then move it to like fifth grade on up so that they could um diversify really quickly. Um couple of things. We replaced two of the swings uh the two handicap swings at the playground for right now. We're waiting to hear back on bonding about the new uh playground. There was
024supposed to be a bonding meeting tomorrow, but that's canceled, but they're supposed to meet by the end of the month, so hopefully soon. And we've got the gala coming up on May 2nd. We're looking at Urban Lodge as our top option. And then in mid-March from fourth grade through 8ighth grade, we're going to have an internet safety presentation. And then that night um at the high school here at 6:30 there will be a parent internet child safety um extension of that programming as well. Link I don't know if you have to register for that one. I'll have to double check but I'm sure we'll find out more as March comes through. I think that's it. >> Thank you very much. Always very active. Um, I was at the penguin patch yesterday and I heard that
025figure about the scholastic and I was really very impressed with that and I followed up on it and it sounds like that we got four $5,000 this year and our total that we have that can be spent on books and like you said all kinds of things is like $10,000. And it also does a we have the B we in the spring which we'll have with our art show ice cream. We're calling it springfest. It's just morphed. [laughter] >> It will get have the buy one get one book fair as well because um having the elementary and middle school together that counts as two book fairs for the school. So then that allows us to get it qualifies us for the extra book fair once you hit a certain threshold of sales as well. >>
026That's awesome. always use more. >> Um, are there any other community meetings to report on? Um, typically Chris Davyy would report out on the comeings and [clears throat] goings of the scholarship foundation, but we don't have a person who does that anymore. I don't think right. Um, meetings would fall under this, but we don't have a PR rep right now. Or maybe that can be part of our subcommittee discussion. But uh is there anyone else has community meeting that is relevant to something to us to report on? All right. So now turn things over to the superintendent for tonight's superintendent report. >> All right. Thank you. Um so we kicked off this week with a board of ed workshop Monday night uh for all the all the board members and myself. It was facilitated by
027Dr. Villanova. Uh, retired superintendent, got a lot of experience working with different boards of education and administrators and, um, I walked away feeling even more energized and inspired than I did coming in. I'm really excited about the work that we're going to do together on this board. I thought we had some really good conversations about um, our next steps and and I think one big takeaway was uh, around the strategic plan that we're going to be developing soon. We start that on January 7th. I actually had another planning meeting this morning uh with Kelly Lyman. Had a great conversation with her and excited to get that process going. That strategic plan is going to again really guide our work uh my work and our work in the district um over the next 5 years. Um
028so a lot of things a lot of great things we have in place right now. So we don't anticipate the strategic plan necessarily being worlds different than it is right now. um but more of a an opportunity for us to kind of restate our goals and objectives and recommmit to to the plan and and and what we're doing moving forward. And then my job is to make sure that we have coherence and clarity uh throughout the entire district and make sure all the ores are rowing in the same direction and we're working towards that towards realizing that that strategic plan. So I'm really excited to get that going. um [clears throat] Ursa NASA CAB CAPS um summit and conferences that I've been to recently with area superintendent. Um obviously, as you can imagine, a lot
029of the talk has been around budgeting um and what people are coming in at right now. Um this morning was a little bit of a depressing conversation where there were multiple districts that are um in the double digits with their with their budgets right this second. um and listing some of the same things that we're going to be dealing with um rising costs of transportation um and other things especially insurance um and staffing challenges as well. So um with that being said um you know we're working really hard in our budget right now. The principles have done and and department leaders have done a really nice job of really asking for things that they absolutely need for their for their students. Um, and uh, I know Bolton prides itself on making sure that we provide
030what our kids and and f and our our teachers need to get the job done in the classroom. So, um, I'm confident that we'll keep working hard to make sure that we realize efficiencies where there are some, uh, make sure we cut costs where we can, where it makes sense, uh, while ensuring that we continue to provide an elite education experience for all of our students. um prek expansion. Our prek program is very successful and we sense that there may be um a need out there for some additional seats. So, we're currently exploring some options on adding an afternoon session for next year. Um so, more to come on that. I think that'll be really good opportunity for some more of our our little little students out there to start preschool. Um recruitment efforts had
031another conversation with the Columbia superintendent this morning. uh they are going to their eighth graders are going to be making their decisions about their high school choices the end of January, early February. So I talked to her today about um possible opportunities for us to increase some outreach to to those families if possible this month in January um to get in their ear a little bit and make sure that Bolton High School is in the conversation uh when they're selecting their high school for next year. Our family conferences went really well LA um last week. Um I I thought they were really well attended. I learn a lot of positive feedback both from families and from staff members. I think it's a really good way for us to uh connect with our families and strengthen
032that school to home partnership that we have. Um watching the students perform tonight and and last week um watching our students participate in this. I'm blown continuously blown away by the level of participation at a really high level of our students in this town. Um, I had a senior chat group this morning and I asked the students, um, if you could give advice to eighth grade students coming up next year as ninth graders, what would you say? And at the top of the list was get involved. And, um, I think we see our most successful, productive students get involved and and they make this school theirs and their their school experience is maximized by the opportunities that they take advantage of. So, um I'm thrilled to see our kids on the basketball court and on
033stage and doing really awesome things. It's it's fantastic to see. Um Mr. Ms will be happy to hear this. Another thing the seniors talked about on their own was transferable skills and um they talked about the portfolio and how that they want when they graduate to be able to demonstrate that they have gained these transferable skills. talked about the portrait of graduate and then when I listed off the attributes that led to the awards that the students received tonight, they were all over there, you know, um skills like communication, collaboration, problem solving, being good citizens. Those are things that uh we emphasize every single day at B public schools. I'm really proud that our students are exemplifying those uh in school and out of school and getting recognized for it. So, congratulations to them. That's
034it for my report. Thank you very much. Does anyone have any questions? All right, we have no unfinished business tonight. We have several items of new business and we'll start with the calendar proposal which you all should have gotten in your email and we have in front of us to discuss this evening. um like if I did this out your challenges and >> um well I I think um this is a challenge uh because there are a lot of different ways to plan out the calendar year and a lot of different opinions. So we worked with our leadership team um and teachers and got as much feedback as we could as to what works and what doesn't work and and I think what we learn over time and you try different things. I'm not sure
035there's a perfect calendar, but I think this calendar does a nice job of representing what we want to deliver for our students and our staff. Um, we are grateful to have half-day professional workshop sessions um on Fridays. That continues to be really valuable for our staff. Um, so we're able to maintain those while um limiting the time out of class and and limiting um the time that kids are missing instruction as best we could. So, um, as you can see, there's not a ton of really logistical changes from this current year. Um, and I really do think it it meets the needs nicely of, um, of our students and our staff. So, we're looking for a motion to approve the 2026 2027 calendar. And um just as a note for newer members, we do usually
036have a motion in order to discuss the topic. So we'll make a motion, second it, and then discuss it whether or not we liked it or not instead of doing that first. Forgive me if you know all these things. I guess I'm going to say a couple of these things just so we know what we're doing. Um but I'm looking for a motion to approve the 2026 2027 calendar. Uh, so moved. One second. >> All right. Is there any questions, comments, or discussion on the motion? >> Just a small edit on on this. The first day was August 26th >> in the notes. >> Oh, yes. >> Thank you. That'd be a long delay. [laughter] >> Yeah, I know that in our discussion we sort of, you know, I I always thought of school starting
037after Labor Day, but with Labor Day being the 7th of August and latest possible this year, it's somewhat challenging obviously to do that. So, um, we've also found in the past that starting with a full week of school is a lot on everybody. Um, maybe you have good opinions about that. But, um, so that's why we typically have it so that the conversation and the teachers come in on Monday, Tuesday, and then the kids have sort of a short week to get get started. So um and to that point we also moved our first professional development Friday up to the fourth. So then that second week still would not be a full week for students. They would have four and a half days going. >> So that students will have three days a four and
038a half day and then a four day at five easy. >> Yeah. >> Um anyone have any other questions or discussions? And I was just reflecting back to maybe some of the feedback we've received earlier in the year. Um, but I can't think of any other adjustments that we would really make. Um, it's more for the more detailed calendar for the school, not the late days. >> Else. >> All those in favor of the motion, please say I. I >> no opposed or abstaining. >> All right. On to board of ed subcommittees and um briefly touched on it but so you all got the email or in this part of the weekly update. Um the list of our subcommittees uh is sort of a general idea of what we have going on and when the
039meetings are and how frequently. Um so just I the the first one to me that everything falls from is the finance committee. Um, we have a finance committee that is the board of ed finance committee, but due to the charter change from two years ago, the board of ed also sends their finance committee reps to the townwide finance committee, which is two board of selectmen, two members of the board of education, and three community members at large. And um the selectmen and the education members have to be not from the same political party um which obviously limits things. So it means that um one of our three new board members gets the opportunity to serve on the finance committee. Um, and then I will have to have a discussion with our wonderful finance committee rep
040on the public side if they're willing to continue or what we'll do there. But that is a very large time commitment. Um, I was on the finance committee of the board of ed before this change happened and our meetings were monthly and they were um, not terribly long and it discusses all the things basically that we discussed when we had the review earlier. Um, but that person those people will now serve on the finance committee in the town which during the budget season is a very large time commitment. So we are doing a large time commitment on the board of ed side but also on the finance committee side and in a year like the year that we just had it goes for months and the meetings go on and on and on >> well
041it's [laughter] an opportunity. Um this is the reality of the situation that we live. It is a charter change. The charter will be reviewed again in eight short years and we have the opportunity to change it back which I think it's a lot to ask for the volunteers that have chosen to serve on this board um to do so. The people who are on the finance committee um may or may not want to have more subcommittees on their plate. So, we will have to discuss amongst ourselves. And Liz Waters actually emailed me uh a couple days ago to ask if I had if we had chosen those people yet. And I told her I'd let her know when I knew, which I did not offer when that would be although I did say we were
042going to be discussing it. Um so, um that is the biggest ask. And then from there, we have personnel committee which uh uh the comm the committees mostly are are three people. Uh we can't have four because that would constitute a quorum of the board of ed and be a meeting. Um we've had two on several of them and we've had three on several of them. The personnel committee is typically three people. We do the contract negotiations for our various bargaining units. Our next bargaining unit that's contract is up is the teachers union um which is um slightly more challenging than other uh bargaining units. But we have been uh we've had a very cordial relationship with our teachers and administration in the past and the last couple of gorounds have not been um they
043they've been they've gone fairly smoothly. So um that will be I believe next year, right? I think >> I believe next year we start >> I think that uh so that means over the summer and into the fall those would start. Other than that, the personnel committee um has a handful of meetings here and there uh as the need arises. But um after that is policy committee. We lost both of our policy committee people. Um the policy committee is reviewing the policies as they come up. We have changed our policy provider from CABE to um our attorneys Shipman and Goodwin. And we have gone through a lot of our policy um series in the last several years and have fixed a lot of the wording. Um other than that, a lot of the policies that
044we change are because of statutory reasons. Um and that prompts us to have to do policy. But um those that subcommittee meets um not regularly uh and occasionally has a lot of reading to do um and sometimes has less. Um also we have a buildings and grounds committee. The buildings and grounds committee has been meeting somewhat infrequently, although I've talked to John Butramovich, our facilities director, about trying to have slightly more frequent like meetings to discuss um in the last few years our heating systems have been issues. We have a roof project coming up which is um a whole other thing. But um just as my blinds, door locks, these kinds of things, you know, we should be meeting and doing walkarounds and getting a a grip on what kinds of capital improvements we have
045uh coming up on the horizon. And then um the buildings and grounds also encompasses our capital asset planning allocation committee which is used to be a board of ed committee and a board of selectment committee but now is part of the finance committee. So the finance committee um the board of ed will generate a list of capital improvements possibly with help from buildings and grounds and um that will go forward to the finance committee. So the finance committee people will make the ultimate decision on what goes forward into the budget there. Transportation uh committee has met very hardly ever actually um because we've had the transportation contracts or buses go for five years. We um our 5-year renewal was during COVID and we um had a very favorable contract uh for the last renewal and
046um prices really kind of skyrocketed after there. So there is going to be a need for transportation committee meetings coming up because our bus contract is up for renewal. So that is uh and then curriculum um meet quarterly usually every two or three months to talk about new classes that we'd like to bring forward, new texts that we are going to be looking at purchasing and um a variety of other things. Um, oh, and then, um, we're looking at forming a, um, communications subcommittee, uh, but we do not currently have one, um, formally. I don't know what we need to do to form that other than maybe just have a vote and say that we have one now. But uh I would say that we need to decide who the finance people are first and
047foremost and then maybe in the next several days or in the next week or so if everyone could send Dave and I an email with what your interests and preferences would be for committee assignments of those and um we will see who's interested in what and then um have that in place for um I think our next meeting is is going to be early January for curriculum when >> so I if I could offer um I guess a plug if you will for the finance committee um I know that uh it is a time commitment for sure I started going to the finance committee meetings last year when I got appointed um in uh in March I think And it was a really really informative um learning process for me. And I think serving on
048this board, having the opportunity to go participate in those meetings and hear how um the budget is developed from the town side, from the board side, and how everything works together. um I think ultimately will help um I think it helps me be a better superintendent and I think honestly would help uh the board members be more effective as participants on the board of education. Um the knowledge that you'll gain going through that process and seeing what happens behind the scenes I think is really valuable. Um and it's really impactful work that you're doing. Um and then also when you talk about communication with our communications committee if we do have one um that's going to be a big part of it, right? make sure that we communicate to the to um the people of
049Bolton, people that have um students in our schools and people that don't and making sure that they're well informed about everything that's going on. Um in order to do that, in order to be super well informed, I think being at those meetings is really helpful. Um so it is a time commitment, but um I do think it's really meaningful work, uh it's really really important work. So >> can I ask what the night is for the the regular meetings? >> Usually Thursday. Thursdays. Thursdays. Yeah. Okay. >> But during budget season, you can >> more frequently. Yeah. >> Can you get more specific on when exactly budget season in a normal like for the first budget vote is >> which month? >> We have to submit our budgets by in middle of March our budget. >>
050So like on the board of ed and the board of selectmen, we're going to be doing bullet like our own budget deliberations in the month of February. And I think the charter tells us we have to have the budget to the board of finance by middle of March. >> March 13th might be >> something like that. Yeah. >> So does the board of finance meet more like mid-March until >> Yeah. So that's when it ramps up once they receive the two budgets and then they have to start the deliberations about what is going to be going forward for referendum. So >> I I like to think that this this past year was a little bit of an outlier having so many referendums. Typically it's not that many. Um, and so I think that's another reason
051why it might feel like it was such a time commit this year because it went through August and usually there's not meetings in the summertime, but this year we had. >> Yes. >> But in the ability to effectively communicate with with the public too, there's always been an area that I think we can we can improve on. Um, >> so perhaps if we can more effectively communicate, it'll be, you know, less referendums. But >> yeah, >> but I have learned a lot. Even being a finance person, I have learned a lot by by being on that committee. >> Yeah. And that the intention of the charter change was was so that we would be able to better represent our boards as far as the communication of our budget needs both to the other members of
052finance and the town at large. Um and um I do have kind of negative [laughter] reflexive on the time commitment but it is very very very important and it is also very very impactful. So the person that is on both the board of ed and the finance committee has um a lot of decision making power and um a lot of impact on you know because of you know how how the other members of the finance committee view the boards we're coming from. So, and again the town at large, you know, so um it's super important and um so that's the big the big ask. It is one one and one. So um then if everyone else can send us an email with what your preferences are and I know we'll sort out how to balance
053everything because we do want party balance also. So, uh, anything else on subcommittees that you think I might have forgotten? Oops. Okay, that's that. And we'll sort that out before the next meeting. And on to the I meant to ask you this the other day, a mysterious anonymous donation to the DHS. Yes, we like the board to consider um accepting a very generous donation from anonymous person. Um is they wanted to um send our our girls basketball team to Yukon basketball game and to the Heritage Club, which is uh the tickets are very expensive. Um total of $3,000 donation to um provide our our student athletes with this experience that I think would be really exciting for them. and we need to move to accept that. >> Remember, I remember doing that a couple of
054times in the past, but not enough large anonymous donations, I guess, for me to remember. Um, looking for a motion, please, to accept our donation to women's basketball game. >> So, that sounds fantastic. >> All right. Any questions or comments? >> That includes all transportation costs and everything. >> It includes school, >> I believe. So, okay. >> Is is that accurate or no? >> It is a Saturday event and so families will get kicked there on their own. That was >> the donor offered that and from what the logistics were discussed >> for it being a Saturday, it was decided that people would get their own drone. That was offered as an additional piece though. Yes. Perfect. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions, comments? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >>
055Anyone opposed or staining? Not. >> All right. On to our wellness policy. We don't have a policy committee to explain to us what we're looking at here. So, this is a first read. As we said the other night, we will discuss it tonight and then take an official vote at our next meeting. So Cassaul was kind kind enough to come this evening. She's been working hard behind the scenes on this policy. Um so she's just going to give a quick 30 second overview. >> Correct. Um the policy you have in front of you does cover the majority of what we're required to have in the language. So um the revisions, all they do is just put us more in line with the remaining pieces that we're required to have in our policy. Um, so when
056you go through them, you'll see that the the FRS, those are the federal regulation. So they kind of reference which ones our policy is in compliance with. So you'll see a number four that in order for us to be a little more in compliance with FR1, we needed additional language to clarify it. Um, we also needed to add uh a number um nine for FR5 and you'll see the language there. Um, and throughout there you'll see that, you know, it's tying back to the different federal regulations and language that we're recommending that we revise to. >> Thank you. >> Um, does anyone have any questions based on what you've seen? We have the next month to >> Oh, you're ahead. >> Review and ask. >> So, there is a need. [clears throat] >> Oh, >>
057so one one question. So, the the concept of not being able to include into the classrooms is that's a federal regulation. Just confirming that. >> Yes. All these are to get in compliance with the federal regulation and our policy was missing some of those land those >> Okay. specific items. >> I understand it. It's a bummer sometimes for the kids, >> but if it's a federal regulation, it is what it is. >> Uh, anyone have any questions on this at this time? Any more questions? >> Just a numbering question. The nine that's added, is there an eight? >> I was connected to the B. The B is like kind of like an eight. >> There is an eight. Okay. the eight on the next. >> But then there's an >> No, there's there is an
058eight down there, too. I'll get you. >> Oh, it's just on the page. Okay. Okay. All good. Thank you. >> The food service directors currently have to do um um professional development right now. Currently, do they service directors currently have to do professional development? Okay. Um, anyone else? All right, we will be voting on this um in January. Words a lot. And we have a popular future business. We have no um future business that we had from the last time still a future business which is the roof and we were hoping to do something about that this month but um we are waiting on the town who was very urgent but we are still waiting to hear from them on that. So um stay tuned and now we are looking for a motion to adjourn.
059One second. >> Any questions on this? All those in favor, please say I. I. I. >> Those are abstaining. All right. Thank you everyone for coming tonight.