001All right. 6:30. Call this meeting to order. Start with the pledge. Pledge allegiance to the flag of America and to the standy. Welcome everyone. Um, and now turn things over to acting superintendent Golden for the celebration of excellence tonight. Hi, good evening. Thank you for coming. I'm going to start with the uh CABE student leadership awards program. One male and one female student from each school in a CAB member district are eligible to receive the Cape Student Leadership Award. These students exhibit leadership skills based on the criteria below. Willingness to take on challenges. Capability to make difficult decisions. Concern for others. Ability to work with others. Willingness to commit to a project. Diplomacy. Ability to understand issues clearly. And ability to honor a commitment. So our first award goes to Carissa Cran. Is she here?
002Do you want to just stand up? Thanks. Aside from consistently working hard and applying herself academically, Cararissa can always be counted on to work well with her peers. Carissa's leadership transcends the classroom walls. During her years at BCS, she has been a member of the BCS tennis team. Moreover, her PE teacher recognized her good sportsmanship, even earning her the award in sixth grade. In her spare time, Cararissa has volunteered her time and culinary skills cooking food for the homeless through her church. Moreover, in her travels to Cambodia, her family helps out those impacted. Oh, I'm not going to be able to say that right. Can you say it for me? Yes. Thank you. By handling out prepared food. Chris is very deserving of this award and her teachers are very proud of her. There will
003be an award for you, but they just have not come in yet. So as soon as the certificate comes in, we'll get it to you. Okay. Thank you. All right. The next recipient is Ethan D. Rogers. Similarly, Ethan displays strong leadership skills inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to applying himself academically, Ethan is a gifted musician and is part of the jazz band. Moreover, he is also a talented runner who was able to earn the most improved runner award by shaving off almost a minute and a half from his running score. That's impressive. Equally as impressive, as a hardworking member of the BCS robotics team, his and the rest of the team's efforts earned them a spot at the World Championship in Texas next month. Clearly, when Ethan sets his mind to something,
004he follows his commitments and is able to achieve remarkable feats. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for such a talented young man. Congratulations. And we'll get your certificate to you as well. Okay. The next one goes to Bolton High School, Aninsley Haran. Okay. Aninsley is an intelligent, highly motivated and altruistic student with unlimited potential. She excels academically and has made significant contributions to Bolton High School and the surrounding community. Angley finds success in all that she does, not just because of her intellect, but for her tireless work ethic, meticulous organization, and her endless pursuit of knowledge. Her teachers report that Angley sees every lesson, every discussion, and every assignment as an opportunity to learn and grow. Anley prioritizes her time and service to her school and the surrounding community. She serves as
005a secretary of the National Honor Society, is an active member on student council, coaches, and is a percussionist. Any competes on the swim team, and shares her talent by teaching swimming lessons to children at the YMCA. These qualities and more make Anley a very deserving recipient of this award. Anley is planning on majoring in biochemistry and is deciding on which school to attend in the fall. Cong congratulations, Anley. Oh, she's in Florida. Okay. Did not know that. Our next recipient is also in Florida. I did know that. Um that is Bolton High School senior Andrew Goodness. Andrew excels academically and has enveloped himself in every aspect of Bolton High School. He is one of those special individuals who has and will continue to make significant contributions in his future field of study, workplace, and surrounding
006community. Andrew has worked tirelessly to balance a rigorous course load and is a reliable and consistent participant in many clubs and activities. Not only has Andrew served as a student representative for the board of ed for the past past two years, he is also a member of the BHS baseball and track teams. Serves as a vice president of student council, president of the National Honor Society, drama club member, and musician. He has attained high levels of success across all disciplines and is in the process has become a future on the on a role at BHS. Andrew's strong leadership qualities are evident in all that he does. His teachers report that no matter what the obstacle, Andrew finds a way to overcome them. Andrew is deciding on which post-secary school to attend and plans on studying
007sports communications. Congratulations, Andrew. We hope you guys All right, our next awards are the CAPS awards and this is the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendent Award is presented annually to students from the graduating Bolton Center School and Bolton High School's classes. The award is presented to those students who show a strong commitment to academics and a strong commitment to their school community. So, the first award goes to BS BCS award, Cora Murray. Hora Murray, of course, here she can have it stand up. Cora Murray was selected by the eighth grade team as one of the CAP's recipients this year. Cora is an academically high achieving student, consistently making high honors throughout her time in middle school. In addition to being dedicated to her academics, she participates in a variety of clubs and activities at
008BCS, including art club, robotics, student council, book club, cross country, and more. You are busy. The past three years, she was also selected to participate in the Eastern Regional Middle School Festival with student council. This year, she has helped to organize a food drive, fundraisers, and school dances. Outside of school, she has also volunteered to help teach dance to younger students. Overall, Kora is an excellent representation of BCS by being involved in her school community and a leader to her cares. Congratulations, Kora. We are looking forward to all your future success. We do have your certificates coming in. The caps awards are all right. The next award is for Maline Rate. Does Maline count? Yep. Maline Rate has made a positive impact on our school community and beyond. The Bolton Center school community has benefited
009from her consistent involvement in the student council, helping out with spirit weeks, middle school dances, and food drives. They're also very busy. The town of Bolton has benefited from her active involvement in Girl Scouts, participating in food drives, and trail cleanup efforts. She has maintained a strong academic record through her time, receiving honors through middle school, the band award, as well as the ELA award. We are so proud of Maline and congratulate her on this honor. Award goes to Michaela Maynard. Michaela is a model student at Bolton High School, demonstrating respect. Is Michaela here or is she in Florida, too? I don't know if she I don't think she's in Florida. We're not sure. Okay, so I'll start. She's a model student at Bowen High School, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and bringing an overall positive energy
010to all that she encounters. Michaela is an actively engaged member in all classes ranging from AP literature to AP United States government. She has distinguished herself as an exceptional student who doesn't shy away from a rigorous course load. While she thrives academically, Michaela has also consistently participated in several extracurricular activities in and outside of school. to name a few. She's an active student council member, editing chief of the BHS literary literary magazine, yearbook editor, NHS member, volleyball coach, and percussionist. Through these activities, Michaela is able to give back to her community while also fulfilling her own interests. For example, Michaela has written and illustrated, wow, a child's book that she is pursuing getting published. Michaela's strong work ethic and character makes her a deserving recipient of this award. She's in the process of selecting which
011post-secondary institution to attend in the fall and plans to pursue a double major in creative writing and marketing. Congratulations, Michaela. It is with great pride to recognize Jake Young for this award. Jake's strong work ethic and determination are qualities that do not go unnoticed in Molton High School community. Jake's teachers report year after year that he is a dedicated and compassionate student who is willing to step outside of his comfort zone and take academic risks. He sees every day as an opportunity to do his best and prepare for his future. On top of Jake's academic obligations, he also commits his time to BHS's basketball and baseball teams, a part-time job, and gives back to the community as a coach and mentor to aspiring young athletes. They're very busy as well. It is this type of
012self-discipline and dedication to others that propels him in and outside of the classroom. Jake is planning on studying political science and playing college basketball at William Penn University in the fall. Congratulations, Jake. That's all the awards, right? Yes. That we have for this evening. So, everyone who wants to join us for the regular part of our meeting. You're welcome to stay if you would like to leave. Now is a great time. Congratulations everybody. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Comments from the audience. Anyone remaining who would like to make a comment? Uh, I don't think we have any additions to the agenda. Correct. Correct. All right. On to routine business items and the approval of minutes. We have a motion, please, to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2025 board of education business meeting.
013Second. Uh, does anyone have any questions, comments, or edits on these minutes? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. Anyone opposed? Abstaining. All right. Board of Ed committee reports and finance. We have a lot. So, we met yesterday for our finance committee meeting. Ryan, myself back in Saul. And so from a budget standpoint, we're 63% expended. Um that's just assuming full expenditures at this point. Um no reason to change any of those projections at this point. Um overall, we're projecting a balance um of the budget of $435,000. So um if you can actually go to the third page of this long schedule. Wanted to talk about some of the transfers that are being requested. um and what you know think about what we want to do in terms of um you know
014the give back for the next year. So you'll see there's 435,000 um there are transfers two large transfers that will require approval over on the bottom left of the chart. Um we'll go through those in a second. Those total $120,000. That leaves a remaining projected balance after that transfer request of 314,000. And then um we are thinking about a commitment towards the next year's budget of $150,000. Um there is a projected transfer to cover food service fund deficit of $80,000 uh which we talked earlier in this year that we were expecting that we'll probably be in a deficit just because of increased you know food costs um and labor costs as well. And so that would leave our revised projected balance um you know for the remainder of this year to give us any cushion
015of $84,755. Um so figure we'll start with the transfer requests first. Um and Beth feel free to correct me where I uh where I go astray here. So the first one is to request a transfer of 30 thou $33,745 from salaries and benefits to operation equipment and that's to finish the BCS shades replacement. Um so we the the blinds of BCS are from the 1990s. Many of them are broken and do not work. I've also heard that there's um some glare issues as well for for the rooms that have not had the blinds replaced. Um and back in 2021 they were deemed by the capital committee not to qualify as part of the capital budget. Um so in 2022 we we moved forward and replaced a portion of the blinds at BCS with the operating
016funds. So at this point some of the blinds have been replaced leaving you know some the rest of the building um needing to be replaced. So at this point uh the request is to look to complete this project. Um the amount would be again $33,745. Um and I you know have heard that it is a a pretty competitive um rate because of the time um at which they'd be able to to do it. So anything else to add there, Beth? No, I think you covered all of that, actually. Okay, so I guess I'd entertain a motion to approve that transfer request. So moved. Yeah. Second. Um, does anybody have any questions or comments about the blinds at PCS? The only comment, you know, that I'd say here is it's not just, you know, to to
017get the blinds. Um, you know, the optically, you know, I I think it actually is needs to be repaired. Um, so that's the only discussion that we had during finance committee. So, we have a hes and have nots situation in the school where we have some people with newer blinds and other people who have issues, but it's not just a cosmetic. That's the word I was looking for yesterday. Actually, I did get that information from John. Okay. So, we did we had some discussion at finance committee about the remaining blinds and why they were being replaced. And John uh B said that about a third of them are mechanically not working. uh third are missing pieces, slats and pieces, cords and things. And the remaining third are probably cosmetic, but since we're doing all the
018rest and they've been around since the '9s, it seemed to be a good idea to put those in that part of the project. And do you know how much it cost last time? Yes, we have that. I think it was 20. Just curious how it compares to the 30° oven. I know we have I have that in here somewhere. Give me just a second. It was $22,000. Okay. And that was half or a third? That was somewhere in the middle. Somewhere Yeah. about Yeah. The cost of the line just I think $2,000. Yep. I did speak with John Butovich a week or two ago and we did touch on this and he said that uh John Boils there's slow time of year so it's a good deal and that they're on the state bid. So
019that's why we're doing the bid waiver requests. I think it's also they're giving us an offse rate because it's not high season for the the blinds. Yes. Yep. And that's who we used the last time also. Yeah. Are they they're not blinds like this. They're like mini binds. They're not They're supposed to go like this. They make noise. Okay. Does anyone else have any questions or comments about lines? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. I. Anyone opposed or abstaining? All right. Have next computers. The second is to request a transfer of 86,500 of salaries and benefits to instructional technology. and that is to purchase 84 devices and 20 monitors. So, what's happening here is these devices are up um they're on a seven-year replacement cycle and they're up to be
020replaced in FY 2027. Um however, as of October, this this coming October 2025, these devices currently running Windows 10 uh will no longer receive the critical security updates for which, you know, we we really need. And this was um you know, highlighted by Novvice, I believe. And so what that entails is 25 devices at BCS. Uh that includes three teacher desktops, 10 mini PCs and monitors for the STEM classroom, and 12 Chrome boxes for the library kiosks and student workstations. And then at BHS, that's 59 devices plus 20 monitors, uh 29 teacher desktops, 21 computer lab desktops, and and 20 monitors as well as a handful of other individual um computers as well. So given that um you know, we we'll have that exposure in October of 2025 and they're on the seven-year, you know,
021replacement cycle anyways. So really the intention is to bring this in and do this a little earlier um with the excess funds here. Um, so that that is really the purpose of that transfer. So, we have a motion to transfer a $6,500 [Music] um from salaries and benefits to uh technology equipment. So, move a second. Does anyone have any questions or comments about the computer replacement? I am I was wondering what happens if we don't like if we were to not make this change and like do the computers I mean free of my technology ignorance also like Windows run these computers and so they would not be able to be run or certain programs would not be able to be run they'll turn on they'll turn on but you wouldn't be able to use them
022things like that uh but they won't be able to push out the security updates that we need that we've been working very hard for uh to make sure that our network stays secure. So the updates, the patches, everything that Microsoft puts out, they will not be able to be updated after this change. And then some of the software that we use may not be applicable on it. Um the for example 20 of them are for that library lab where we do AP computer science. Um that's also where the monitors are going because for some reason that group has slightly older monitors so they need the correct connections. Yeah, that's so the monitors that we're using now will be recycled in in house. We have a we have a recycling uh I think we use up
023cycle. They take our old devices and they also take anything with a hard drive and give us a certificate of destruction so it doesn't just go into the ether. We know what happens to it. Um other piece to that Andrew is um also it will impact our cyber ah our cyber insurance. Yes. Because it's cyber risk. Do all VHS students get laptops or they have Chromebooks. They have Yeah. In fact, what we did some of the Chrome boxes? It's like it's like a Chromebook on steroids. So, for things like these uh desktop stations in the library where they're looking up the card catalog and just searching some basic things. We're replacing those with the Chrome boxes. But, um the library media specialist here, there are a couple of devices that we use for running the
024Cricut for the maker space and things like that. So we do need a PC there. This PC is is one of the ones that is going to need to be replaced. So we were very careful. They were able to deploy software. So we were able to see the warranty of every device, what device was going to be out. So we made some very careful decisions to say this doesn't have to be replaced with a PC. This can be replaced with a different device. Um the STEM lab for example in at BCS we when we talked to Dory Moore she said one of the things she needs is a is space. So this setup is much too big for her. So we found a smaller form factor mini PC that's just as powerful that has a
025monitor so that the kids can still work without all of this in the way. So that was slightly um less expensive. So it just kind of worked out in our favor. And then we're like all the monitors and all the teacher desktop stuff. are in in good shape and now we put their connection. So, you're very careful about where we need our replacements. With the computers we have now, you don't just put Windows 11 on those ones. Or you could, but it wouldn't be worth the time and money because we need new ones anyway. Yeah, that was fun. They Microsoft announced that in the early 2004 20ou 2023 and um we were like, "Oh, great." And then notice was able to deploy some software so he knew the exact age of every device. So we
026could get pretty granular and replace all what absolutely had to be replaced. How long when did Windows 10 come out? Like what like five, eight, 10 years. If you remember correctly, like you can't run a PC that's running Windows XP anymore, which is I think like 10 times. Oh, okay. Right. So if that's not going to run anything, it won't get any updates. It you won't be able to run most software because the software starts to uh outstrip the operating system, you know, and as Cassal said, it leaves us vulnerable. Um it leaves our network vulnerable. We can't add those packages and security updates. So these were bought about five years ago and they Windows 10 was original to them. Yes, they're I think they're actually a little bit older. They were six. We were
027hoping they were going to release seven. That was the original. Okay. Generally, a desktop's life should be about seven years because it doesn't it's not like a laptop. If something happens to the keyboard, you replace the keyboard. It's easier to take apart our air. They don't have to you don't have to replace the entire thing. So, they're very easy to repair. They're easy to extend our longevity. It's just this was a critical update that we weren't really planning on. Does anyone else have any questions or comments? No, I just say for the public it's that this cost would be coming anyway. So, you know, another year. So, it's not like it's a incremental cost. It's a shift in timing. And I I think the timing just makes sense to do it. Yeah. So, in our
028budget discussions a year from now, anyone else? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. Anyone opposed? Abstain. Now we have our regular smaller mark transfers. Yeah. Know if everyone wants to go through these individually, but they are rather small. Maybe they'll read them all. Athletic banner upgrade for class S champion recclass $340. Transfer some systems to instructional technology to cover shortfall for failed BCS interactive board $89753. Um a reclass to cover teched drones purchase for $800. a reclass transfer uh instructional supply from DHS to BCS for $499.70. A reclass to cover art supplies for $3081. The uh transfer for the uh public address spell system upgrade at BCS that we approved last month. Um, the reclass to cover world language purchase of additional Spanish one textbooks for [Music] $1,480. A reclass
029to cover the cost of potatoes for the staff appreciation potato bar on 32525 for $4941. A reclass to cover world language shortfall for teacher discovery supplies of 97. and a reclass transfer from BHS to BCS to cover the balance for CME PD for a teacher of $1851. So, we have a motion to approve those March transfers. Well, a second. We got a second there. Only three firsts. Um, anyone have any questions about any of these? was very precise with our 97 cents. Yeah. Every penny account for um all those in favor of the motion, please say I. I. I. Uh anyone opposed or abstaining? Are we all set in finance? Well, later on in the agenda, we have some bid waivers for We have to do bid waivers for things that we just transferred. Yeah,
030exactly. Yeah, we'll do it then. Did we say special ed is never changing the landscape? I didn't. I think it was assumed. Well, let's make sure we were covering everything. All right. Um but there is So that leaves us after these approved transfers, that leaves us with a balance after the transfer request of the 314,000. Um so later on in the agenda, we'll talk about the approval of mitting 150,000 to FY26 budget. You want to do that now? Uh, we can just do everything in order. Okay. Um, all right. Nothing else. That is all for finance. Do we have any community meeting reports? I see our PTA representative is not here. Do you have anything like I will not do as good of a job as Lindsay? They just did their crispy cream fundraiser. They
031raised over 1300. They have their spring gala. Um, April 26th at Elicit. Um May 13th is the art show and ice cream social. Um the art teacher is working very hard. It's a pop art theme this year. She's got scavenger hunts. Um seems like lots of fun things. They're also doing a BOGO book fair for Scholastic, the same day as the um ice cream social. And then teacher appreciation week is the week of May 5th. Um so they are collecting donations. There's going to be a coffee truck one day. I think one of the days is maybe Cinco de Mayo theme. Um, yeah, they're busy. Maybe I don't know if I'm missing anything. All right, that's all. Um, yes. Yeah, I attended the March Bolton Scholarship Fund meeting. Um, I can report that in March
032we had 25 Bolton High School National Honor Society students participate in our phonathon. Um, their assistance is greatly appreciated. They managed to call every number on the list this year. And our scholarship application is now open through the BSEF website. Um, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 4th. Um, I also wanted to note that this year because of a potential conflict of interest, my son is graduating and will likely apply for a scholarship. I've stepped down from the scholarship funds scholarship selection subcommittee and will not participate in any way in the deliberations or votes for this year's scholarship. I just wanted to make make the public aware of that. That's it. Uh, are there any other committee meetings to report on? Like our usuals. I'll now turn things over to Director Goldsteiner
033for the tonight's superintendent of schools report. Jar, if you want to go first. Good evening. So March was a very busy month and a successful month particularly for Read Across America. Our staff did an outstanding job with having guest readers in the building for a couple of weeks. Um the enthusiasm and participation from both the staff and students was tremendous. It really was. We had book bingo. We had um teachers reading to students. Like every day there was something and Mrs. Keller did a phenomenal job of uh guiding that work with the morning announcements and getting the kids excited. On March 20th and 21st, we hosted a su successful round of parent teacher and student le conferences. Attendance was very strong. I had a group of students for student le conferences myself and just the
034the energy and the reflection that the students have from that experience. I don't think they realize it until they're done and they're like, "Wow, that feels really good." So, the parents are very proud of their children and the leaders of the groups are very proud because they put a lot of work over a series of months into that. Um, attendance was strong as I mentioned and the energy throughout the building was very positive. The conferences provide a valuable opportunity for parents, students, and teachers to connect and to discuss their progress. Following the conferences, Director Gold Snider, 10 other staff members, and myself led 86, seventh, and eighth graders to Washington DC. Uh, the trip was filled with enriching experiences including tours, museum visits, um, and very and a lot of memorable learning opportunities. Uh these
035types of trips truly are lasting um memories and have a lasting impact on students creating memories that they'll cherish forever. There's many memorable moments that the staff and director and myself can recall from the bus ride of eight hours down and 8 hours back and very long days. Um a special acknowledgement to Mrs. Peltier for stepping up to lead the organization of the trip. As you can recall, Mr. Lambert who retired would come to the meetings and present about the upcoming trips and she stepped up and took over organizing it which is a a heavy lift. Uh her efforts ensured a smooth and successful experience for all. Spring sports are now in full swing with baseball and softball teams and it's been cold beginning their practices and games. Uh the energy and enthusiasm among the
036student athletes is evident and they look forward to a great season. Our PBIS and school leadership committee continue to plan implement fun and engaging student events. Some recent events, and you heard one earlier with the potato bar, some others are staff breakfast, underground spirit days, and book clubs, uh, all of which contribute to a positive and connected school culture. Looking ahead on the school calendar, we have spring recess coming up next week. And then soon after that, April 29th, we'll begin our state testing, which will span the entire month of May. Um, we anticipate many other exciting end ofear events, promotion, um, class night, and many others. and we love to celebrate our students hard work and achievements. Any questions? I think I'm still recovering from DC. Thank you. Thank you. I'll read Mr. Miselli's
037report for tonight. He is um in his hometown being given an award, a public safety award for his service on the uh police commission, I believe it is. So, he's not here tonight. So, uh, the Folton High School Concert Band and Concert Choir students departed for Orlando, Florida to participate in the Disney soundtrack session workshops. Students will work with Disney clinicians to choose and rehearse excerpts of Disney movie soundtracks and create professional quality recordings to mash up with movie clips. They're going to be busy as well. Um, students will enjoy experiences in the Disney parks and will return to Bolton on Sunday, April 11th. As you can notice, our two board of ed student reps are not here. Grace and Andrew are part of this trip. So, that's why um their absence is is noticed.
038Um but they did leave a report for us. Uh our seniors are breathing a big sigh of relief as their big capstone night was last week. For anybody who attended, capstone was phenomenal. The projects and the were were so good. We have a table back there of a few just a sampling of a few um capstone projects that students wanted to display. So, please be sure to take a look. The lovely pen I was using earlier is made by a student. We're part of his capstone project. So, take a look. They're really great. Um, we hope you got a chance to view a few samples of the work on the table. If not, see it on the way out. This year's plan included an opportunity for all BHS student and faculty to preview senior projects
039during the school day with the hopes this helps underclassmen start to generate ideas and and get ready for their big day. Our jazz, percussion, and concert bands performed a few weeks ago, and our chorus performers have their next show on May 30th. We've been able to record and post all these performances on our YouTube channel. So, if you have missed them, you can view the concerts there. We're also happy to announce we have kicked off our spring season for athletics with softball, baseball, track, golf, and women's tennis. Um, we will move on to unfinished business and we have a bunch of second read policies to approve tonight. So, could we have a motion to approve the following policies non-discrimination 4120.4 4 sections 504 and ADA 5131 student discipline 5145 section ADA students 5145.4 Four, non-discrimination
040students. 5145.5, prohibition of sex discrimination, including sexbased harassment. 6171.3, the equitable identification of gifted and talented students. And 6205, promotion and retention. Motion to approve without policies. Yes. Second. A second. Um, does anyone have any questions or comments further about these policies? We've had a month more than to review them. How how frequently are they updated or changed on ever or it really depends common or Okay. It is very common throughout the year to have a suite of policies, right? Um it's more typical in the fall because laws tend to get passed and go into effect late summer. Um but this is not atypical. Okay, Chris. Uh any other questions? All those in favor of the motion, please say I. Anyone opposed or abstaining? All right, on to new business. The Bolton Center School Blinds
041bid waiver. Um, could we have a motion to approve the bid waiver to award John Bole decorating a bid for the BCS blinds that we discussed earlier? I'll make a motion. Thank you, Ria. Second. Um, anyone have any questions or comments about this? Do we need to state the amount of the bid? We did that. I can't remember if we normally do that. Don't know. Okay. Yeah. Would you like to amend your motion to include the lines figure of $33,745? Was that you okay with that? Yes. $33,7 with the figure we discussed earlier. Okay. Thank you. Um, anyone else have questions or comments? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed or abstaining? All right. On to the computers. Could we have a motion, please, to approve the bid waiver to award CDW
042the bid for the 84 computers and 20 monitors for the amount of $86,500. I think that changed, but it's $94,350. Sorry, that was I think Monica got a late late afternoon transferring. We're okay with the transfer. There's money for the transfer. Crystal said we didn't need to make any more transfer. We just need to okay to do this for the bid. Okay. So, we don't need to transfer more money, but um I'll just reate that. We have a motion to approve the bid waiver to award CDW the bid for the 84 computers and 20 monitors in the amount of $94,350. Make a motion. Second. Uh does anyone have any questions about this? Why why did the bed go up? Monica, I think you better. What's up? It's It's a price increase and we're making as
043much as immediately as we can to avoid any further price increases. Yeah. It's just I mean it's in Yeah. It's been all over the place even today. And the other two Yeah. And the other two vendors um and I think part of it's partially what companies are doing. The other two vendors haven't even been able to commit to a price break. We've been asking since late February. Could we go back even after today to see if their price will change just because I'd be very nervous that it's going to go up. The original expectation is we were told to expect a possible increase of up to 30%. Um and this is not anywhere near that yet. Yes, it just it's it's interesting. It's a it's a large item for us. Um very uncertain times, but
044at the same time, I'd like to give it some time to shake out. Um yeah, I mean that's a very fluctuating situation. Correct. I mean most of the tariffs were put on pause. So yeah, unless they come from China then are Yeah. Wish I could control that. It's a $7,800 difference. Yeah. Currently. and we have to commit to the full amount right now. Um, if we could break it up, but I don't think it's going to result in much greater change. I don't see anyone cutting your phrasing right now. Correct. Right now. Right now. So, we're going to be looking to move if you if we immediately. And if prices do go down, then too bad for us because they go up. I mean like I just I'm have my roof done for instance and
045like we got fear-mongered and now we just like have all these shingles sitting in our driveway but they're going to be there for a month because we have we have our chimney roof on like but now it wasn't a thing but they went up anyway and they're not going to come down I guess. I mean that's what everything does that once a company makes the increase I don't see them bringing bringing it down regardless of circumstances like with shingles I was in construction and every time the price of oil would spike the price of shingles would go up but then when oil went back down the price of shingles didn't go down but when they spiked again they went up again I asked him this morning about I said you know is this stable like
046is this a stable cost at this price and they said Yes, but they would probably order sooner rather than later other cheap vendors. Again, I've not committed to pricing, but I do know I know exactly what you're saying. And I don't think we've come down from just thinking about like five years ago when a lot of things shot up for supply chain, they didn't really come back down. Yeah. My flooring went up same the same as yours and it still costs that much if not more. But this is a little unusual. This is this is just people speculating because of very very uncertain times. things will stable out if it goes that way. But, um, I think my only concern is that it's going to go up. It is. Yeah. Yep. As I see it,
047we have two options. We could approve spending 86,000 and allow them to get what they can get for that amount. Um or we can approve the higher amount. What do you think? It the higher amount is is some funding that we already have that we won't necessarily have to spend. So it's smaller amounts. It's money that we had put aside for repairs and repair equipment that we didn't need because of our accidental damage plan. So the devices that we had that happen to have issues happen to be covered by that plan and they weren't older devices. So we saved some money um and some other so that's why the announce are different for the transfer and the bid waiver. Um we also had money put aside for cases that for the students but our vendor
048for the Chromebooks which where was placed a while ago so we're good there. Um they're coming pre-cased with a slim case on them. So now we don't have to spend that additional money on cases for the students. So some of that in that gap is savings from those items. So we already have those sitting in our budget line for technology, hardware and materials. So that's that accounts for the discrepancy in those amounts. Anyone else have any questions or comments about this bid waiver? All those in favor of the motion say I. I I Anyone opposed? Staining. All right. On to the fiscal year 25 board budget commitment to the finance committee for towards the fiscal year 2026 budget. Um I believe we mentioned earlier that we are suggesting 150. So, I guess could we have
049a motion to commit $150,000 to the finance committee from the fiscal year 25 budget savings toward the fiscal year 26 budget, please? Um, does anyone have any questions or comments about this figure? appropriate at this time. Yes. And I suspect we'll be happy to hear that tomorrow for discussion. Um, we're comfortable with this number. I guess the same question we ask every year this time. It still leaves $85,000 in question now. So, I'm sure the number will go up. And we're not going to find that some computer program is going to be irrelevant in a couple months like a couple weeks from now and then next month need like another $100,000 but then 200,000 because we have 150% tariff. Yeah. What is the biggest remaining risk? Um is it school facility kind of maintenance type
050something from John type of risk or I would say probably yes. Okay. Um, okay. Anyone have any other questions or comments about this? All those in favor, please say I. I. Anyone opposed or abstaining? All right. On to the substitute pay rate on top of it. Sure. Yes. So, currently we have daily subs in both buildings. We don't do a subservice any longer. We have um subs that are assigned to the buildings and we're currently paying them $1846 $1846 an hour. We're recommending that we increase that to $20 an hour just to be a little bit more competitive with surrounding towns. Um so that's we have put that in the budget for that place and we're asking for that to be approved. So can we Oh, I'm sorry. Make a vote. Can we have a
051motion to increase the substitute pay rate to $20 per hour for the fiscal year 20 six school year? I'll second. All right. Questions or comments? So my question is how many you're saying that uh we have a certain number of full-time subs, correct? Daily subs at each subs. Does that cover what our needs are? For the most part, it it does. Yep. We have I think we try for five at the center school. Five. Uh and then we have either two or three depending um at the high school. Uh do you know what other towns are paying? I think when we looked at this they were right around 20. I think a couple were a little bit more than that. So, we kind of went into like a a middle of the road increase. And
052for long-term subs, what's that's like if you had someone hired for a long-term position, they get a portion of the uh a bach the bachelor's position. So, we're able to cover now because we don't have to get a um long-term sub if you're here for it used to be 40 days, but now it's 60 days. So, we're we're a little bit lucky in that respect. we're able to cover a lot of our sub postings and positions with our daily subs and some of our daily subs do have um bachelor's degrees at least. So, we're we do put those people into the classrooms to cover the longer sub positions. And what is their uh how many hours do they are they teachers hours? Yes. Yeah. Yes. That's what seven seven I think are they make seven
053hours or Yeah, they do a seven hour day. Seven hour day. Is the increased rate already accounted for in our proposed budget for next year? Mhm. Yes. When did we go to uh like we had a service before co was well we started right around the co time. It's been a huge improvement. Yeah. we couldn't so we have a continuity of subs so that people are familiar with the building they never fully staff different people never been before so when a sub we have now or daily sub is not in a specific classroom we have they have things where they'll go into the math classroom with a small group of students so they're never just not working so they in for a teacher who's out or they have other tasks that so are they treated
054as contract employees or do you treated as temporary employees? But if they're here, I mean, does the is the IRS okay with that if we're uh paying them to be here every day and requiring them to be? Well, we have to offer them now. We do have to offer them um the ability to buy into the insurance. So, that's changed a little bit. So, we are doing that. So that I think that kind of softens it a little bit and and makes it okay to do. Before there were no benefits associated with it, but now we are um they we are obligated to offer them they can buy into pay into the insurance. What is the process to become a daily? Do they have to interview? Is it like a position that we interview for?
055Yes, it is. Yeah, we do a regular interview for it and we want to make sure it's a good match and you know, we certainly we like when people have a bachelor's degree. Um, so we're interviewing for these positions. They have regular hours and I mean, how how would those not normal positions? We don't pay them through our payroll. They get paid through payroll. Okay. Well, I would imagine they get paid through Yeah. through payroll. They do cards. They do time cards and potentially 1099 employees. Oh, okay. Okay. That's what I was thinking it was. Thank you. Not sure about the 109. No, they're not contractors. They're they're paid through payroll. So, and they're eligible for benefits and right. They can pay into the insurance. Yes. And they have now that we have CT paid
056sick leave, they're entitled to CT CT paid sick leave hours as well. and they come in every day. They they can't just say, "No, I don't feel like coming in today." No, they're here for Yeah. And we have some who have just opted to do maybe three days a week. They can't commit to five. So, we try to balance that with somebody who maybe wants to do the other two days a week. But if we get somebody who's really good, um we'll take them for the three days if they can commit to that. We made it work. Five people. Sometimes it is a day for a bit. Sometimes there's a period there's a lot of turnover for two months trying to get hired right now. Have they ever transitioned into a full-time employee? And we've
057offered a few people positions as like as paras to see if they wanted to switch from a daily sub to a parah because um they've worked out really well and we thought it would be a good match and that they would be getting full benefits. And some have opted to do that and others have said, "No, I want to stay doing what I'm doing." Just wonder if it was a good feeder program. Yeah, it can be. Yeah. Do other districts do something similar? I'm pretty sure a lot of them do or doing the way we're doing it. The the services like Kelly services and things like that are really expensive to pay into and the turnover is just tremendous. You never never but rarely get the same person like two days in a row. If
058you have somebody else four or five days in a row, you might have four or five different people in there. At least now we have some continuity. I agree. So, would these employees have the ability to unionize? It's a good question. I'm not sure. I can have a conversation with Fell about that. We can that is I mean probably I think It probably could more to the subject than I thought we all um is there any more discussion? All right. All those in favor of the motions, please say I. I. Opposed for abstaining. We'll be so happy with our $20 that we have to think about all that kind of nonsense. All right. Resignations. We have any of those? We have one resignation for the end of the school year from uh the high school
059math teacher Ireina Lav. And we also have a retirement. Donna Fischer, who is the BCS uh social studies teacher, will be retiring at the end of this school year. I would like to thank both of them for their service. And I we wish them well. How many years has Donna been here? I for I'm not even sure. I know she told me during Washington, but that was a blur to be honest. Yeah. I think she's been here as long as more impressive. She saw kindergarten for Yeah, she's been on several great levels. Very nice. Good for her. Yeah. All right. Um and finally for new business, we have two more policies that are first read but we are being asked to approve. Do you have some insight into these? I sure do. We did get
060an email about them. All right. So, uh, we have policy Oh, one second. I I answer backwards. Okay. So, we have policy 1250. I'm actually going to do them the reverse order because that's the way my notes are and so I'm going to do 1421st, school security and safety. Um, this policy needs to be updated to align with uh this year's public act 25-1, which the Connecticut legislature passed and Governor Lamont signed in early March. The law directs all school security and safety plans must now include clear protocols for responding to in-person visits from immigration authorities, federal immigration authorities such as ICE or Homeland Security. Um, each school under the law is directed to designate an administrator to handle these interactions following guidelines laid out by the Connecticut State Department of Education and any applicable
061law. Staff under the new policy are directed to request identification, review any warrants presented, and consult with legal counsel before responding. Um if outside personnel, immigration personnel approach other employees, uh other personnel must direct the immigration authorities to be designated administrator for any requests involving school access or information. We are updating both the policy and the accompanying administrative regulation to comply with the the new law. Policy 1250, visitors in schools. Um both policy and the accompanying administrative regulation are being updated uh for the same reason as policy 1420. Um, the policy and regulation add a new paragraph with guidance for how to handle visits from federal immigration authorities and clarifies that school officials can direct visitors to refrain from engaging with students and/or staff unless doing so is approved by the school and consistent with
062the purpose of the visit. Because the law that led to these revisions of the policy directs superintendent to designate the point person at each school no later than April 1st, 2025. That's why we need to try to get the policy and the administrative regulation in place as soon as possible so that we can comply with any questions. Could we have a motion to approve policies 1250 and 1420? So move. I'll second. Anyone have any other questions or comments regarding this? All those in favor, please say I. I. Anyone opposed or abstaining? Uh future business? No seem to have any. So then could we have a motion to go into executive session for a discussion concerning a temporary adjustment of job responsibilities and contract amendment for the director of HR and student support services second. All
063those in favor, please say I. I. Opposed or abstaining. All right. Thank you for coming everyone. [Music]