001before. All right, [laughter] we can uh can everybody rise for the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Miss you roll call. >> Sure. Mr. Benahan, Graves, >> present. >> Miss Burks Jennings, >> present. Mr. Daniels, I'm present. Mr. Medina, >> present. >> Miss Perez, >> present. >> Mr. Sakalovic. >> Mr. Traber. >> Here. >> Mr. Woodson. >> Thank you. We have a quum. Can you guys um let me morph join? I can't. I'm on my computer. If more join, just let me know. If anybody else joins, just let me know. >> All right. Uh we'll start with the student rep reports. Start with Harding. >> Good evening, Dr.
002Avery, members of the board of education, and all present. My name is Shenoi Fraser. I'm in the 12th grade and I'm representing Warren Harding High School. I will discuss past and upcoming events that are happening at my school. Throughout this spring, Hardin athletes have demonstrated excellent performances. Two notable athletes are Caitlyn Rodriguez and Edardo Compost. They were honored at the 43rd CAScac which stands for Connecticut Association of Schools and the Connecticut Intercolistic Athletic Conference. So this was their um scholar athlete banquet and these individuals they were honors as athletes of the year. Not only have our students excelled in sports, but have contributed greatly to health studies. From April 28th to the 30th, the cohort of Harding's two CNA classes that comprises of 20 students in total took their state examination. Currently, 16 students are
003officially certified nursing assistants and can work in a variety of settings in Connecticut. The remaining four students either pass their written exam or skilled practicals and are in the process of ensuring that they become certified as well. Therefore, the number of students who pass the state examination will increase. Furthermore, there will be a renaming celebration of Harding's Auditorium on May 18th at 6 PM. The new name will be Lashon Duboose Auditorium, which is a combination of the surname and first name of Jonathan Doo Jr. and Lashon Sap. Please contact Mr. Thompson for further information if you would like to be a part of this celebration. Subsequently, Harden seniors will have their senior trip on May 26th at High Meadow Day Camp, which is in North Granby. Students will participate in different outdoor activities, which will
004facilitate deeper bonds and school spirits as they conclude the final chapter of their high school journey. Moreover, students who are currently taking Yukon ECE American Studies will visit Louis Marine Elementary School on May 28th. The aim of this field trip is to aid kindergarten students in developing their reading and comprehension skills. Additionally, on the same day, there will be an art show at Harding from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to honor our outstanding alumni who are contributing significantly to our community and the world at large. Finally, as we wrap up the school year, there are a couple endofear events that we'd hope for you to keep in mind. Harding's annual law and health fairs will be held on June 3rd and 4th, respectively. our students and some other organizations will provide our school body with valuable
005information that you don't want to miss. I've come to the end of my report. Thank you. >> Thank you. Can you um can you just um repeat the date for the art show? >> Yeah. So, the art show the art show will be on May 28th and it's from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. >> Thank you. All righty. Central. >> Okay. Um, good evening members of the board of education and everyone in attendance today. My name is Christian Bea and I am a 12th grader at the magnet program of Central High School. I'm here tonight to provide an update on events and accomplishments that have been done or ongoing at Central. Recently, our magnet open house was a success and it gave families and community members an opportunity to engage with students, staff, and school programs
006up close. The junior ring dance was also successfully held at Anony's Ocean View in New Haven on April 30th. And our senior students are now looking forward to the respective prom, which will take place on May 29th at the Woodwinds in North Branford. Academically, students are currently in the second week of AP testing, which has been going very well. Teachers and students have both done an excellent job preparing throughout the school year. Students are also continuing to complete reading plus and NWA stay assessments as the year progresses. On May 1st, Central celebrated senior decision day. And on May 21st, we'll have our decision day celebration where our seniors will publicly out to the school community and proudly share their plans for college, career, military service, and other post-secondary pathways. In addition, we also celebrated teacher
007appreciation week and we did that with daily announcements, student made videos and announcements and staff recognitions to honor the wonderful dedication of our teachers. We are also proud to recognize twins Casey and Kelsey Oua who were honored on May 4th at the Aquatur Seak Scholar athletes for their academic and athletic excellence. In addition, Osin Williams was selected at Central High School's Barnum Festival Princess as part of the Barnum Festival student royalty program. Four Central students also recently won awards of the Words on Wheels poetry competition where Bridgeport students presented original and creative poetry pieces. Athletically, spring sports are entering their final weeks of competition, and each program is preparing senior day celebrations to recognize graduating athletes. Women's softball and boys volleyball continue to perform especially well this season. Center magnet also recently recognized students who
008are in honorable status consecutively during marking periods 1, 2, and three during the 2025 2026 school year. These students will be honored during the honoral ceremony on May 26th. As the school year comes to a close, preparations are also underway for major end ofear events, including National Honor Society inductions, the Central Senior Awards Ceremony, final exams, and our graduation, which is to be held on June 18th at beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. want to thank you both for um your consistency and coming every board meeting. Um and I know we have two left with you guys. So we look forward to the last two with you and um look forward to hearing your decisions for um next year. So thank you. >> Um yes, >> we want to
009also we're we're we're planning a end of the year uh banquet for for you guys. So you and your parents. So we're going to get that date out to you guys here shortly. probably the first week of June before you guys get out of school. So, we want to kind of recognize you together with your families. So, feel free to mark that date down. It should be coming out to you next week. Okay. >> We are I do want to acknowledge Well, he disappeared. Mr. Sakalic was on, but we'll see if he come back. Um, all right. So, we do not have anybody signed up for public comment. So, we'll move on to the chairperson report. Um first want to start um by uh thanking our teachers and nurses. Last week was teacher appreciation week
010and nurses appreciation week. And we just want to um on behalf of the board uh share uh thanks to you all. And I do have a qual with that. I don't think that they should be on the same week. They should have their own weeks. But that's my own I don't know you teachers and nurses share their own weeks. All right. Or months. All right. Uh, I do want to pause my report because I do see one more student who just joined online and I'll come back to the chairperson's report. Um, uh, Deborah Graciano Braza Silva, can you share your report? Wait, wait. Do you want me to come back to you? >> Did hear her, right? Yeah. >> Yeah. Give it a minute. All right, Deborah, I'm going to come back to you, but
011when you're ready, you can raise your hand and I'll stop what I'm doing for you. Okay. I'm not You can't respond, but I hope you heard that. Um, all right. So, um, as part of the chair purchase report, I do want to update on the board of eds, uh, progress to state intervention. Um, as, uh, as of now, we do have the RFP out for the superintendent search firm. Uh, that should be concluding this Friday. So, board members, uh, please be attentive to your emails. Once that, um, closes, you will have to, um, do your part in terms of, uh, grading or ranking the firms that come out. So please pay attention to your email. I will follow up with you this week. Um as as well as um I will be updating the state.
012Uh they requested just updates on our goals that we created last year. We we had uh five uh goals that were that we created last I want to say May or June. Um and they just want updates to see our progress on on those. And we have made significant progress as a board and and with the superintendent's office. So, uh, I'll be sharing that with them and and as well as you guys, uh, where we are with those, uh, set set of goals. Um, as of now, I don't have any more updates regarding that. If anybody has questions, any questions? All right. Uh, Miss Burks Jennings, >> thank you. Uh once we do our part, we still have to have a search. >> Um we'll discuss it in our committee um more about that. But
013yeah, we just have to do like a we get to rank the firms um and then uh select the top firm and then present that to the state. So we'll see what happens after we do that, but we we'll discuss that more in the search committee. Okay, thank you. >> All right, seeing no other questions. Um, I'm going to go back to Miss Braa. Silva, are you available? [sighs] [gasps] >> We hear you. >> Thank you. Yes. I'm sorry. I was having some problems with my computer, but I'm here now. [snorts] >> Perfect. >> Okay. So, good evening uh members of the board of education and support staff. My name is Deborah Garciano Barasil and I'm reporting on the past few weeks as we were unable to present at the last board meeting. Immediately f
014following the spring break, Bridgeport Military Academy sent three teachers along with Commander Lip to San Diego to attend the manual magnet school of America conference when they participated in three days of professional workshops. During this conference, they also accepted the magnet schools of America school of distinction plague awarded to BMA. On April 21st, we successfully completed the PSAT and SAT administration with over 95% of our students particip participating. We are eagerly awaiting with uh the results which will be released on May 14th. Oh, sorry. It's my computer is not working right now. No worries. Take a time. >> Sorry. [laughter] >> Okay. [gasps and sighs] Okay. We are eagerly waiting for the results which will be released on May 14. In preparation, many students completed their three to um three to five reading plus lessons
015per week and uh and fully engaged in K Academy SAT preparation course. uh teachers created a motivational poster and displayed them through the how highways hallways to encourage students to on testing day. Following the PSAT and SAT administration and our senior branch, the school hosted several students centered activities including a long overdue egg ad hunt and a obstacle course competition. On Friday 24, we held our April competition. Uh the competition resulted in three-way tie for the first place with the fourth company finishing only 200 points behind demonstrating a strong engagement across all companies. [sighs] On May 1st, 40 students attended at uh mine a perform performance at the Westport Country Playhouse followed by pizza while another group of students participated in a community service at Amy's house the same day. We also returned to wearing
016navy uniform marking important transition to our cordets. All students have new selected has now selected their classes for the upcoming school year. We have also completed benchmark three for reading plus with very positive outcomes. A student reading five or more grades level below grade level decreased from 30 39% to 23%. Equally impressive. The percentage of students reading or above grade level increased from 20 24% to 41%. Our administration arrange arranged for Dunkin Donuts to visit campus providing free samples, cooler cups, and gift cards to the entire school as a moral moral boosting event. Uh on Tuesday, the day before prom, students participated in a peaceful save a life program held in our gym, allowing them to experience stimulations of driving while distracted or under the influence. Our senior prom was held last Wednesday evening at
017Antony's Oceanville and it was memorable enjoyable event for all who attended. This week students have been completing NGSS and NWEA a testing. Finally, we will hold our quarter three awards ceremony on May 20, which will include recognition for students who achieved high scores on the PSAT and SAT. Thank you for opportunity to share the updates and for your continuity to support Bridgeport Academy, Bridgeport Military Academy, and I'm sorry for the for the problem. >> No worries. No worries, Deborah. Right. >> Um Deborah, before you sign off, um we we we are going to have a um in about two week, no about a month, >> sometime in June, the first or second week of June, we're going to have a a reception for um our student representatives. Um and we'll we'll and your parents. So,
018we will um send that communication out to you so you can come in person um and um and be recognized for all the hard work you've been doing. Okay. Thank you for the opportunity. Hopefully I'll Thank you. >> Take care. All right. Um we're going to move on to the committee uh reports. Um I'll start with the operations committee. We met last Wednesday and um we discussed the current budget or the future budget, next year's budget. Um and we also had a discussion about the uh state uh allocation and the city allocation. uh that's coming towards us. Uh we have about 25 million coming in from the state and about 10 million coming in from the city. Uh and we'll have more information about uh you know how we're going to use that money um
019in the upcoming operations meeting and probably sooner um probably the next board meeting we'll have more information about that. And so uh I know uh Dr. Abra and I and and a few of the board members uh were able to uh join the city and state delegation today at a press conference announcing um this achievement. And I just want to thank all the community members um who really came out for us and advocated for this budget. Our students um who you just their stories um you know were just amazing of what they did for us at the state at the capital and at city council. Um and so for those community partners who are with us today, thank you for coming out and supporting us and the parents here um and our staff for just
020doing what you do all the time. So um for for operations committee, the next committee uh meeting is scheduled for the first week of June um the first Wednesday and we may meet sooner um depending on you know what we we're getting with the budget. Okay. So, June 3rd. Thank you. I didn't have my calendar open. Um, >> thank you. Um, so yeah, so if if we need to meet sooner, I I will get with uh an email out to you um Joan and Ritz on that. Um uh any referrals for that committee? I have current I have the referrals from last time that didn't make it to that um that it's still I got those. So yeah. Um those will be for um they'll be on the next one. >> Any new referrals? >>
021Mr. Benham. [clears throat] >> Thank you, M. Paris. Um I want you to have in in your committee nutrition center. >> I'd like to get some information update >> what's going on in nutrition center. I will I will send you the details >> and also um security >> what's going on with security department some details. I know someone they can come and hold or you can search somebody contact what's going on with security and all >> just a update on >> yeah I yeah update I will send you the details too >> thank you >> all right seeing no other referrals um instruction and support services committee Mr. Traver. >> Yeah, I don't I don't have anything new to report. We're meeting on the fourth Wednesday, which is the 27th. Um, primary topics will be
022um Beth Wood. >> Any referrals? Any new referrals? Mr. Bench. >> Thank you. Um, Mr. Tre, I would like to get some information what's going on with the pack and PDSO budget update and what was that? >> I I you had mentioned that before. I'm sorry. I didn't I didn't mean to say that wasn't on there. I just don't was referring to the major topic. >> Mhm. I will send you the details because I know we on Wednesday when this submit the last time to you know title one and grant money. You know how far we are. >> Thank you. >> See no other referrals. We'll move on to the policy committee. Mr. Woodson, not sure if you're able to speak right now. One more time. Mr. Woodson, are you available? I know the policy
023committee is meeting this Wednesday. Um, it's been pushed out already. The you should have the um agenda and the items in the portal for the 3000 series. If you have any um other referrals for his committee, just send it to him via email. Um, thank you. Uh, Mr. Traver the ad hoc committee. >> Um, yeah, Madam Chair, I I just wanted to elaborate on what you said. Um, we had that press conference this morning uh at Fairchild Wheeler, which was very successful. Um and um at that meeting I I just had a few discussions with some of the state reps that were there about the uh MARB which we said at our last meeting we were going to have an appropriate discussion with the appropriate state officials but it was reinforced with some of the
024state reps that were there that MARB has access to money and there it's we don't have to wait a year. Um, so I think that, you know, I look forward to us sitting down and getting, you know, real information about what's out there. Um, you know, because we have that nine more million dollars to go. >> Um, tomorrow night is the vote. I urge people to go to the city council meeting. Um but it you know it we have been we have received a degree of solidarity I haven't seen in Bridgeport in a long time this year. Um and it's deeply appreciated the support we're getting from the city council, the support we've gotten from our state delegation. Um and the support we're getting from the administration. So, um, you know, I think we've positioned
025ourselves well for the the real battle, which will be next year when there's a long session in Harford and, you know, we need to um, you know, get the real money which is needed to fix the ECS or this the funding. Uh, what we've gotten what we've achieved this year is in a short short session getting the money to get through this year. Um but next year we need to get the money to address the inequity that exists in our state. Um which is the issue we've been addressing. But it has become the major topic and the topic that nobody can avoid discussing anymore. Um which is what we've achieved. Um so I really think that we've we've accomplished something great in the state. Um and Bridgeport is leading the charge. So, we have a
026lot to be proud of. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Do you have any um committee meetings coming up? >> I want to sit down with you and discuss it, but I don't have anything other than some sort of concluding uh meetings that I want to have. >> Okay, Mr. Ben. >> No, M. No update right now. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um Miss S mayor Jimenez for the CA report. >> Yeah. So, um, CABE will be hosting a legislative wrapup tomorrow at 9:00 am at the legislative office building in Hartford in room 2A. Um, and they're inviting everyone who wants to attend to register online. They're also um advertising as part of this finance webinar series that they've been doing since February uh January actually um this month May 20th they'll be having a
027webinar about auditing process that they're encouraging um new board members to attend and that's again May 20th at noon and it's also free. Um they have a number of save the dates that that they've been putting out there. So they're going to be hosting on August 6 the 16th annual Cape Summer Leadership Conference November 19th delegate assembly um in Graten and then the Cape and Caps Convention November 20th and 21st. Um and then sorry that wasn't the last one. The last piece is um new board member orientation and leadership conference that will take place December 10th, excuse me, December 10th. That's all. All righty. Thank you. Um okay, we're gonna move on to Dr. Avery's report, >> the pretended report that I will be going through. Again, I want to reiterate uh some of the
028comments that was made earlier about the advocacy this year. I just really want to, you know, put a a big emphasis on the students. Uh the students came out, they performed, they provided, you know, accurate information and they were on point. Uh and I think they were the part of the reason why we were so successful in our advocacy. Uh because they led the charge. And so we want to thank you guys for uh you know coming to to support the district although you're leaving uh I think you set a leg legacy so because we have historical amounts of money that was given to this district uh and it was because of you guys and so I wanted to to acknowledge that publicly uh on on behalf of myself and the board of education board
029of dire board of education uh we wanted to thank you the community that that stood with us. Uh I think it was very important that you know their voice was heard. We we had a lot of opportunity for community members to join us uh in the effort. They did that. Our teachers, our administrators, uh my cabinet, uh I I'm this heartfelt always there whenever I asked to come out and do and and advocate. They've done that. Uh and again, you know, I think even the board, I want to commend the board for uh you know, allowing me to lead and and be able to fight for the funds that that this district so desperately needed. Uh and yes, we we've we've collected about $35 million on behalf of the district. Uh but that still is
030not enough. Uh we're about $10 million short. Uh and I think it's it's time for us to and and it's not over yet. So, we have city council going to, you know, um validate what they're going to be providing the district tomorrow. We would love for the community to come out uh tomorrow at 7:00, I think it is, uh at the city chambers for their vote. Uh and again, making sure that we can thank them as well as they finalize that vote for tomorrow. Um but again, I just can't emphasize enough uh what we're shooting for is a status quo budget. Uh, and this community deserves a lot more than that. Uh, and so in order for us to do anything additional for children of Bishop public schools, we're going to have to need we
031we're going to need those additional dollars. Uh, we talked about the MARB and being able to have access to that, but that's a whole process that we don't even know the necessary steps to get there. Uh but we will I will be you know uh researching that uh figuring out what next steps we have to take to be part of that uh in order to be able to solicit it for additional dollars that we might be able to to get before the end of the next next year's uh budget cycle. Uh again, the fight is still on. I still need the support to be able to kind of advocate to get what every little penny that we can get from uh locally from the from the from the city and from the state as well.
032Uh the next area is school climate and culture survey. Uh that is a very important survey for the district and it we kicked that survey off today. Uh and we have um I think it's going to be open for a couple of weeks now. Uh for about two weeks it'll be open. So if you get that through your parent square or through email messages, please take the survey. It just really for students and for for faculty, for administration and for community, it helps us to really figure out the climate within our schools. Uh you know, because we have to make the the most um uh secure and and um positive academic environments for schools as we move forward. Uh and that will give us an opportunity to be able to do that. Uh we also
033uh uh have approximately about 50 pair of professionals that will participate in the social emotional learning uh training over the next two weeks. Uh it is really really crucial that we train our prayer professionals to support the academic growth within our classrooms. So got again we got about 50 of them that will be participating in training. uh the that training will be focusing in on student support systems and continuing to invest uh in professional development across the district in different areas that uh those uh pair professionals are participating in. Uh also for parents in the in the community, we have um a parent workshop at uh CT State Houston Community College will be continued over the next five weeks. Every Wednesday we have parent training. Uh so parents, if you want if you're interested, uh
034uh feel free to to go to our website. There's a variety of different workshops that parents uh parents and uh guardians can participate in. So we really want to make sure that you you have an opportunity to do that. Um I think August the 20th there's a community event uh where we're recognizing uh community members, staff members uh for their dedication to this district. Uh it's at 6 pm advis four seasons. Uh we have tickets on sale. Uh it's a fundraiser for the district so that we can uh you know collect funds for scholarships for kids moving forward uh in our district. [clears throat] In addition to that, the Bridgeport Public Schools will host a community event May 20th. Um I mean I'm sorry, May 30th at 12:00 p.m. to 2 pm at Central High
035School. This is the resource fair that we give out, you know, food and coats and things for our community. That event will be again May 30th at Central High School. Uh, and would love for you to come out, families to partake in the giveaways that we provide to you and all those good things. And at that m at this point, uh, Madam Chair, I'll take any questions or any referrals. >> Mr. Medina. >> 5:30 is the meeting to tomorrow at the city council chambers. 5:30. Any other questions? Seeing none, we'll move on. All right. Uh, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Mr. Medina made the motion, a second by Mr. Traber. Um, any debate on it? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Eyes have it. Uh, we'll move
036on to new business. Uh, we're going to have a presentation by Bridgewbe. Uh, the youth leader presentation from John Torres. Just click on the microphone. Thank you. >> Okay. Good evening. Board of Education members, Superintendent Dr. Avery, staff and parents. Uh thank you for this opportunity to share a brief update on our partnership, a little bit of history of GI, but also our next steps as we look forward to the 26 27 school year. People often say that one person can spark something far greater than itself. For me and my brother, that person was our dad. When he passed in 2003, we honored his memory by starting a baseball league at Seaside Park in the same fields where we once played as kids. And our dad proudly coached us. What began as a heartfelt tribute
037with about 200 baseball players grew into something none of us at Bridgeport Gibbe Youth Theaters, affectionately known as Garibbe, could ever imagine. We soon realized that the kids needed more than sports. They needed a pathway to success beyond high school. We quickly grew into a grassroots youth development organization that has impacted over 20,000 future leaders to date. In 2025 alone, we served nearly 3,000 youth and 82% were Bridgeport Public School students. Today we are serving 10% of the entire Bridgeport K to2 student population. Through our 23-year journey, we have been blessed with great partners like like the Bridgeport Public Schools. And by the way, I just want to echo what has been said already, but congratulations uh for that additional funding much needed that h that it's been allocated to Bridgeport schools and you have
038all proven when people come together for a common objective, great things happen. And you guys were all relentless. I know I was in the capital a couple of times and I witnessed it firsthand. So congratulations again. But this shows the power of working together because for the past six years we have served 9,000 Bridgeport Public School students through sports education and leadership programs. That's because just like you, we are committed to lifting young people higher. We believe that every dream is within reach and we are a community that stands together like family. I'm a Bridgeport Public School student and when I graduated from high school, I had no idea what came next. But I had my aunt Alia, a teacher who changed everything. She spent countless hours walking me through the college process. And because
039of her, today I am a college graduate because she invested in me. More than 40 years later, many of our students are facing that same uncertainty. They have the drive, talent, and potential. But they need someone to guide them, someone to believe in them, someone to open the door just a little wider. And that's exactly what we do at Gibbe. We make one thing unmistakably clear to both our parents and our students. Graduating from high school is not a goal. It's an expectation. We surround our youth with role models, mentors, and the steady support they need to step confidently into their future, whether that's college, a vocational program, the workforce, or the military. And this approach works. More than 90% of our high school students graduate. 80% of our teenage participants leave with strong knowledge
040of cal college pathways and workforce opportunities. Many of these students have gone on to become professionals and experts nearly in every industry. Our social emotional surveys confirm what we see every day. When you meet young people where they're at with real resources and genuine care, the impact is lasting. Almost 40% of the high school students gain at least one influential adult after participating in a kiv program. And that's important because more than 50% start off with two or less influential adults in their lives. But we noticed something that concerned us and our parents. If our teens didn't choose the college path or the trades, most could only secure minimum wage jobs after graduation. So, we were determined to find another pathway to a better future. So, we did the research. We conducted our community needs
041assessment. We discovered that healthc care occupations will generate nearly two million job openings in the next eight years. And this brings me to a new powerful initiative for high school seniors called the healthc care explorers program. These these careers don't just offer stability. They give our students the chance to build meaningful purpose-driven lives by helping others through partnerships with Husatonic Community College, Bridgeport Hospital, Hartford Healthcare, Southwest Healthcare, and local nursing programs. The rising juniors will be 12th grade students in the fall are eligible to enroll in the 20week medical assistant program. Upon certifications, they'll be eligible for immediate hire after high school graduation. In Fairfield County, that means stepping into a career with an average salary of $45,000, a true living wage wage right out of high school. and our healthc care partners are eager
042to support our students growth by offering tuition reimbursement and help them advance into higher level healthc care roles. But we're not stopping there. Our 10th and 11th graders will participate in the health ambassador symposium. They will meet with professionals across multiple health care disciplines, shadow practitioners, engage in hands-on learning, and discover where their passions fit within this growing field. And this is only the beginning. We will expand to include certifications in pharmaceutical tech and community case workers. This will build a pipeline of opportunities for our students. Together, we are helping young people step into careers that change their lives, strengthen their families, and uplift our community, our community. I trust you now understand the power of BPS and Karibbe partnering and working together. And this collaboration isn't just meaningful, it's transformative. Together, we're building today's
043youth tomorrow's leaders. Thank you. >> You want to take questions? >> Yes, sure. >> We don't have any action items on this agenda, but if you have questions, Mr. Tor. >> All right. Doesn't look like there's any questions right now, but all right. Thank you for the presentation. >> I I just want to say that it's been I I we've uh had discussions already with the principles at all the high schools and they are chomping at the bit. Um so we're looking forward to making this happen starting this fall. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Madam Chair. M I just want to, you know, publicly thank you for, you know, always trying to make a connection, trying to make, you know, opportunities for children in the district. And so I know you've done that for
044a while. you know, we haven't really engaged a whole lot, but I think it's important as we start as a community partner. I think it's important that we stay connected. Uh I'm always looking for better ways of being able to kind of do good things for kids and athletics was was a huge piece for me. I want to make sure that we can build upon that. So, uh we have a long way to go with that. Uh and so hopefully we will be able to uh have a deeper conversation in the future about what we can do partnership together. >> Great. Whatever we can do, we'll be there to support. Thank you, Pinky. >> All right, the uh next item on agenda, moving along, we're actually going to table um item B for now. Um
045that's not ready for us. So, uh if somebody could just motion it or table that, we can Yeah. >> Again. >> All right. Motion was made by Mr. in favor and seconded by Mr. Benahan. All in favor can say I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All righty. Um the next item on the agenda is the request for a settlement approval for um S. Graham Hunt. Uh this is a item for executive session. So um if we go into session, we have um an attorney online, Rebecca Goldberg. And um I'm not sure, Mark, you're not attending that one, right? Okay. So, we do have the um we have an attorney online um and possibly Dr. Avery. Okay. And anybody else? Okay. So, we have uh two folks joining the board. Anybody have a motion? >> Okay.
046>> So stupid. Yes. >> And by >> That's what I say. >> That's what I also Daniel. >> Uh second by Mr. Medina, made by uh motion made by Mr. Traver, second by Mr. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Um Mr. Woodson and Mr. Benny, there's a separate link for this item. Uh you just join online via that link. All right, we're going to go into second session now. We can go back. >> I'm going madam chair. >> Yes. >> Where we going? >> The the office All right, we're back from executive session. It's 7:46. Um, Miss, you want to make a motion? >> Yes. Um, I make a motion to approve and allow Dr. Avery to sign the settlement as discussed in executive session. >> Is there a
047second? Second by Mr. Traber. Um, all in favor or any further debate? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Any extensions? >> The eyes have it. Thank you, Miss Goldberg. I >> think you're on. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Uh, we're going to move on on the agenda. Okay. Uh the first the next item is approval to suspend bylaws 9310 for the purpose of immediate implementation of the following. Uh one administrative administration 2000 series policies and board bylaws 9000 series. Is there a motion moved by Mr. Traber second by second >> Mr. Benahan any debate on this? >> Just a microphone for me. Just a small question of whether you would like to have clarity on the record of suspending bylaw 9310 Finn. Just clarify what that bylaw is. >> It's for the
048purpose of immediate implementation of uh the policies that we're going to uh vote on today. >> And that's what 9310 is saying that we don't have to do the actual readings. >> Second read versus second read. >> Thank you. Any debate on that? Seeing none, all in favor say I. Mr. Anastasi. Yeah. Hold on. Pause. You have to step to the mic because they won't hear you online. You know, it's a small room. >> You have to you have to press the mic. [laughter] >> I'm good. >> Here we go. Yeah. >> Ah, I can hear myself. Time to go home. Uh I I understand that uh Danielle has passed out both electronically and hard copy a suggested substitution for 9125 to it's basically a cleanup by city attorney Taiisha Toms. not really a substantive
049alteration to what you were provided, but a more clear statement of the relationship between the board and the city attorney. I think everyone's in agreement that it's not a substantive change. So, if you're voting on the 9,000 series, I would ask that you substitute amend it by substitution to put in the new 9125 prior to vote. >> That's going to be for the next item. Yeah. Yeah, we haven't gotten there yet, but we but we will. >> Okay, >> but thank you. >> Okay, that was I thank you. That's the vote just to wave the bylaw in order to discuss this. Well, appreciate the correction and my uh my uh statement can be held in a bank. >> Stay close. >> All righty. So there's been a a motion and a second. Is there any
050further debate? I see none. All in favor say I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Eyes. The eyes have it. So we have suspended the bylaw for immediate implementation. So um the next item on the agenda is approval of immediate implementation of the following bylaws or policies. Administrative policies 2000 series and the board bylaws 9,000 series. And since you're up here, we could jump to the 9,000 quickly just so he can speak to that. Um, so Mr. Anastasi is presenting to us uh a cleaned up version of the 9125 policy. >> Again, this is simply uh a reordering and uh some word smithing. Uh if you read through it, you'll see that it probably reads clearer uh but doesn't change the substance of what you previously had. It's also consistent with the practice you've had recently whereby
051the board, the superintendent, and the city attorney all collaborated for the retention of outside legal counsel. So assuming you agree with that, we would ask that before you vote on 9125 or before you vote on the 9000 series, you amend it by substitution of this new language for 9125. Thank you. Mr. Bendina, >> Madam Chair, through you. Um, I would just ask respectfully, so I would like to take a break and read this and compare this before we make any substitution. If not, just just, you know, I would say no to that and then just do what we have already, what we had, and then we can read this and apply it later. But um I don't want to just jump on this right away unless we could take a break and read it and
052discuss it if need. So >> um that's not my call, but certainly you want to take time to read it. Absolutely. >> Yeah, that was to her. Yeah, >> Mr. Traver, >> just for the record, it was emailed earlier this evening to all the board members, but only earlier this evening. >> Yeah, I appreciate that you saying that. Miss uh just microphone. >> I have I have a lots of questions, you know, some minor like typos and some that I want to go through on this >> regarding 9125. >> No, I I agree with Mr. Medina. I'd like to take five minutes to read. I I trust Mr. Anastasia's comments. It appears on a quick scan to be very similar to what we have, but it would require a moment to go through the to
053read through it. >> Would you guys like a >> I didn't know or you are you saying you want to table it? >> Okay. So, you want to do a quick recess recess. >> Would somebody want a motion to recess for five minutes? >> Okay. There's going to be a second >> motion to recess and a second so that they can review so that our members can review this policy. Um any all in favor? >> I any opposed to recess? We're going to go on a 5m minute recess. It's 7:53 right now. Okay. We're back from our recess. It's 7:59. Um, do we have any questions on 91? We had broke for recess uh to read through the new substitute language or 9125. Is there any questions on that from anybody? Um, Mr. Chabber, >>
054am I reading this correct, Mr. Anastasia, that um the outside council will only be used at the discretion of the city attorney? >> Well, I think what the goal quite frankly is to minimize the use of outside counsel. In other words, for better or worse, if we handle something inhouse, you don't get build for it. What the goal is to sort of have the superintendent andor the board chair refer matters to the city attorney and the city attorney determine whether or not we're capable of handling something inhouse so you don't get build for it. If there's a matter that's of a sensitive nature where there might be a conflict between the city and the board obviously that goes to outside council. Similarly, there may be certain expertise or conflicts involving personnel. In other words, there
055are a number of cases where we're sued and the city attorney will represent one uh defendant employee of the board and somebody from Burchham's office or Shipman and Goodman or sometimes both will have to represent other individuals because of conflict between the positions of the defendants. And there's also particular expertise that requires outside counsel perhaps uh uh collective bargaining negotiations uh special ed cases. So there is no believe me there's no desire to preclude the board from utilizing outside counsel. The purpose is and it says in consultation with the board. The purpose is to minimize your expenditure. Over the years, you've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for outside counsel. And if we can handle things, whether it's FOI matters, uh, CHRO's, contract reviews, legal advice, those types of things. Um, we want to do
056that in order to save the board money. So, this is not a uh effort to deny the board. As a matter of fact, as you know, in consultation and in connection with the city attorney, you have two firms on staff. What we want to avoid, and this has happened recently without getting into specific examples, where staff below the level of the superintendent have picked the phone up and engaged outside counsel. Um and frankly there's been a couple of occasions where uh those matters have been done to more than one outside counsel on the same issue. So the goal is to try to uh control the gatekeeping so that we can minimize your expenditure costs. Uh and believe me, we're not looking to do more work than we have to do. But I think it's important
057that the city attorney do what the charter says, which is serve all boards and commissions and departments of the city, and that includes the board of ET, we have a duty to do that. Um, that was a with all due respect, sir, you didn't really answer my question, though. I I want to go back to the question. Okay. >> We historically have had the independence to do what we wanted to do there. Um, and I know that I've had these discussions politely with uh the city attorney about this historic difference. I don't disagree with that goal that you just stated. I I I strongly agree with it. We want to lower our outside legal costs. Um, and it is a wise course to take advantage of the city attorney's office to do so. Um, so
058I I I completely agree with 90% of what you did, uh, what you just said. Um, but this language would restrict our ability to make that decision ourselves, it seems to me, and that's my concern. We want to get there ourselves. Um, and by agreeing to put this language into our bylaws, it would now take away our right to get there ourselves. And that's my concern. Well, without getting into a lengthy legal debate, um, if you read the charter, chapter 7, section 4, it basically, it doesn't basically, it expressly says that no one other than the city attorney can retain outside legal counsel. However, what the city attorney always does with boards that have their own funding, WPCA, board of ed, we're never going to retain outside counsel for you where you are paying the
059bill that you don't agree with. And so what has happened is historically over the last decade, decade and a half, we've hired outside firms to be available to the board. If there's an occasion where the board feels there's something the city attorney is working on that they want an independent opinion, no one's going to deny that it's your money and you want to spend it. But you have to do the retention through the city attorney by charter and that's what the contract says and that's frankly what the bylaw says. >> Well, I I was I was struck by the very first line myself. um the specificity that you put in there um without knowing exactly what the city charter said that you you know our language had a general referral to the city charter. You
060made specific referral to the city charter and I wondered exactly what that specific language said. >> Punch it up if you want. I'll read it to you. >> I don't I don't have it for me. Um but I suspected it said something that you wanted to make sure was referred to in there um specifically. But the reality is it's more than a decade um uh that the board of ed has used outside counsel since I I can remember uh you know grievances, arbitrations and negotiations with Durant and Houston um going back several decades. Um and you're right, it's been going on for for as far back as I can think. Um and so it's not new. Um I don't know the when it started uh but that degree of independence has existed for a long
061time and we want to curtail it ourselves. I I I again don't disagree with the underlying premise that you profered a moment ago um that we shouldn't be wasting money on outside counsel and Lord knows we shouldn't have staff making calls to counsel um when it's not necessary. Um but um uh you know we should also not have the city attorney be a gatekeeper for us uh if we choose as a board either through the uh chair or the superintendent to use uh Burch Moses or Shipman having just gone through the search process for a particular problem. Um, and so I guess that's where, you know, I think that we need to we need to get to that point. Uh, and I'd like to get to that point on our own and not see it
062put into the bylaws. >> Well, the first thing I would say is you are absolutely correct that the use of outside counsel goes back more than a decade and a half. What I was referencing is if you go back about a decade and a half, it's when the city attorney in conjunction with the board went out collectively and solicited offers from outside firms and interviewed and retained outside firms. Uh that goes back about 15 years if I recall correctly. Um, I'm trying to get into the charter and unfortunately, um, it's getting me into the ordinances, but not the charter of the city. Uh, and that's unfortunate because I've never had this problem. Um, give me one minute. So exasperating. Can I um just speak to I I do think that the fourth paragraph down talks
063to or speaks to the fact that we can still seek uh you know uh legal counsel um if we need to and in consultation with the city attorney. office. Uh, so it it's not limiting us necessarily just to the city attorney. >> I I disagree. I think that third paragraph very much says that it goes to the city attorney. >> Mr. Medina, >> since he's looking at we're having that discussion together, that's where it brought my highlight. It says the Bridgeport Board of Education acting through the city attorney. That's where I had to highlight myself. Uh because he's saying that we're acting on behalf of her through her like if we're asking uh permission to do so to serve, you know. Um but then on the second that next paragraph uh when it says uh
064when a conflict or in uh interest exists, specialized outside legal expertise is required or the city attorney determines >> in their professional judgment that doing so is in the best interest of the district. Well, if we see it fit or the superintendent sees it fit, I think we should be allowed. And it just seems like this >> finished as says in consultation with the board. >> Yeah, this one is in consultation with the board. >> That's after. So before that the acting through the city attorney. We should be able to act on our be our own behalf. We shouldn't have to act on through through meaning with permission of the city attorney. That's where I draw highlight. So that's why I >> wanted to find out. >> Mr. Staling. >> Well, I was able to
065get the chatter up. I apologize for the delay. And chapter 7, section four of the charter says, "The office of the city attorney shall be the legal counsel to the city council, the board of education in every board, commission, department, and officer of the city, and shall represent the city in the prosecution and defense of all civil actions. When the interests of the city require, the city attorney shall engage any necessary outside counsel, experts or assistance provided that funds are available for such purpose. If a conflict exists or rather arises between different boards, commissions, departments, officers or between any of them and the city council or with the board of education, the city attorney shall assign different attorneys within the law department to represent each said governmental body in conflict and said attorney shall represent
066them in the manner required by all rules of professional conduct of attorneys unless The city attorney determines that the only manner in which a conflict can be avoided is by retention of private counsel for one or more of such governmental bodies. In which case the city attorney shall select said council except as otherwise expressly provided by law. No board commission officer or department of the city shall retain legal counsel to represent it in any matter without the approval of the city attorney. So essentially what this does is reflect the city attorney's authority under the charter to provide legal services or to engage outside council in consultation with a board or commission or body such as the board of ed that requires it and wants it and it's your funding so we don't spend it without
067you. That's what the charter says and that's what this says. And I don't think there's ever been a problem except we have to state uh the law properly and that's what this does. And I don't think there's been any uh dispute over the years between the board and the commission. But I will say that the bylaw as drafted prior to this was not explicitly clear on this point. So, I would respectfully suggest that um what governs is the charter, not the bylaw, but the bylaw needs to be consistent with the charter. Thank you. >> Um I I have a follow-up question then. >> Are you uh asserting that a past practice is being revoked or are you just asserting that the past practice will continue? >> I don't think we're changing past practice. I think
068we're adhering to past practice, but I think what we're doing is making sure that the document reflects both the charter and frankly the past practice because the past practice that I'm aware of is that uh the city attorney um has the if they have the in-house capacity provides the services to the board. uh there's been there's been some leakage there in terms of as I said people other than the superintendent or other than the board chair uh seeking because it's available but with all due respect when somebody picks the phone up and calls one of your outside attorneys I hate to tell you how much you're paying for that phone call and if that can save money to the budget so be it uh if it's something we can't handle or can't handle it to
069your satisfaction or quick enough, by all means, it's your money. But the goal is to make sure that there is this gatekeeper in both the city attorney and the board. the gatekeeper for the board is by restricting to the superintendent or the chair as the person who says we need legal services and talks to the city attorney and the city attorney says we'll handle it or we're going to send this one to Burchham's office because it involves litigation or we're going to send it to Shipman's office because it involves this. I don't think there's ever been a dispute uh over the years about that. It's just a matter of the paperwork reflecting and >> and again let me re repeat because I want to be clear the superintendent can affirm that when he became superintendent
070the first thing I told him is call the city attorney it's free [laughter] >> well >> correct I'm not I I don't don't disagree >> I appreciate that >> um um >> listen it's more work but it's I won't say it's God's work, but it's work that needs to be done to >> and but I also am just don't want to see that past practice um changed. I want us to to be good. >> I think you'll be pleased with the aotment and allocation of the work to be honest with you. Um it's very rare that government employees look for more work. Usually we look to avoid work. So, uh, I hate I I make a joke about that, but we have some great people in the office and they have the capacity to do
071a lot of the things that can save you a lot of money. Can't do everything and we're not going to try to do everything. >> No. And I I my every my experience with the with the city attorney's office has has been nothing but good. I have no no complaints. I'm not making any complaint by make asking what I'm asking. I just want to make sure that we retain our our independence in regard to making our own decisions and hopefully making the decisions to be good and frugal with the public's money and trust. >> So, I'm done. Madam Chair, >> Mr. Medina, >> I would like >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to make a mo a motion to table this amendment um respectfully so with the that way we can have the
072other board members take uh take a look at this and you know collaborate with us. Uh >> I do have some >> All right. What other board members? >> Other board members. We have people that are mine. They're all mine. >> Oh, they're all here. Oh, they didn't look up to say great problem. >> Not a problem. So that's why I Okay. So, there's a motion made at table 9125. Um, >> the amendment >> as the the amended the one that's brought before us as amended. Um, and there's in a second. Uh, seeing that >> I heard that. Um, and so we'll take a vote on tableing the item. All in favor of table, you can say I. If you're online, you have to say your uh vote, please. >> Joseph, >> if you're okay.
073Any opposed? I'm opposing it. Anybody else oppos it? >> I'm I'm Andre Woodson. I'm opposed. >> Oppose. Any abstensions? >> Want a roll call? >> B Jennings, I >> Okay, so there's going to be a roll call. Um, >> yeah. >> Okay. >> The motion is to table uh the amended uh 9125. >> Thank you. U Mr. Ben Graales. >> Miss Joanne um Burks Jennings. >> I >> um I oppose Mr. Medina. Yes. >> Yes, >> Miss Perez. No, >> Mr. Sakalavik. >> Yes, >> Mr. Traber. Mr. uh Woodson. >> No. No. >> Okay, that is four nazs, two yeses, and one abstain. >> Five days. Three, three, four, five. Just five. >> Albert. >> Oh, Albert. I didn't count Albert because you're all the way at the top of the list. I'm sorry. >>
074Five. Five. >> So, it's five. So, the motion fails. >> That motion fails. Mr. Medina. Well, I would like to suggest a an amendment uh to this where the line says the Bridgeport Board of Ed in the second paragraph, if I may for our friends behind me, uh the Bridgeport Board of Education, it says acting through the city attorney, I would recommend that it will say with consultation of the city attorney. And on the third paragraph where it says um in consultation with the board, I would suggest in uh with uh with consultation of the board and board vote. >> I'll second discussion. >> What was the Can you tell me the first one again? >> I got the second one. The first one sec in second paragraph was >> it's it's yeah the second
075paragraph >> I believe it's his last sentence >> says the Bridgeport Board of Education acting through the city attorney my recommendation is uh with consultation of the city attorney that is saying acting through meaning like we're I believe the word acting through meaning that we're doing what she's asking us to do which I would just rather say with consultation of the city attorney. Maybe it would be best madam chair if we discuss each one separately. >> Okay. >> I think the reason that it has to say acting through is because as I just read the charter only the city attorney has the legal authority to retain outside counsel. So in consultation with would mean that you have the authority after consulting with the entity which is the city attorney who has the legal authority under
076the charter to do the hiring. So what we're saying here >> you said to do the hiring of meaning the hiring of another attorney I just >> but it says may appoint one or more attorneys on either a full-time or retainer basis. That's why in the if you notice the contracts that have been signed with outside council are signed not only by the board chair but also by the city attorney because that retains the city attorney's authority to approve those hires. So by by saying acting through the city attorney, the city attorney is the legal entity to do the hire, but it's being done uh for your benefit at your uh with your input and frankly with your funding. Nobody's hiring anybody without your funding because there's no funding source. So, um, again, respectfully, I
077I appreciate your concern, but the reality is that the practice is not going to change, but this language needs to be reflective of the charter um, >> with my colleagues through the chair. Am I right? I mean, please correct me, guys. I'm being just completely open and everything. We we have two legal consoles that we hire, correct? two other firms. Correct. >> Through the city attorney's office. Yeah, >> it was through the city there. We got her permission to hire them. Is that correct? Okay. No, I don't remember those discussion. I'm open to to debating this and just asking because I just want to make sure that that was the case because >> they came before us with the recommendations to use two city count two um two different uh firms. Thank you. >> because
078of the different um >> specialties. I remember that. Remember those discussion? I didn't know it was for that. >> I didn't know it was we were acting through her adisement as far as hiring outside firms. Not >> I remember about the discussion about the two different ones because she came here and presented with us. Remember that clearly. Um but it's interesting because of what he just stated about the contracts that have been signed also through her. I remember there was over 23 plus or 20 plus contracts that were deemed uh you know not legal. And I don't remember seeing any city attorney's signature on those documents. So very interesting. I just know I don't want to get back on Mr. Traver said are we setting Mr. >> I I just without belaboring that unfortunate past
079history I would say had those been submitted to the city attorney, they may have been handled differently. That's what I will say there. As far as the uh retention of outside counsel, I would also remind you that just like with the WPCA board where we do the same thing because they're a separately funded entity through their sewer user fee, the board and the superintendent participate in the selection process because the city attorney is not going to dictate that you must hire a certain firm that you're not comfortable with because again, it's your money and you're not going to authorize the funding for that and then we end up with a situation where we have to do all the legal work and uh we probably don't have the capacity quite frankly to do that. So this
080is a partnership and the goal of the partnership is to provide you with the best quality legal service at the most um efficient financial burden or the least financial burden. So, um, again, um, I think the language that's proposed reflects the charter, reflects the practice, and reflects a solid working partnership. Um, and that's the way I'd leave it, frankly. >> Mr. Medina, did you have any Okay, Mr. uh, Woodson. >> Uh, no comment. I'm sorry. >> Okay. And then Mr. Zakal. >> Yeah. A couple of things. Obviously phoning today. >> Um did this go through did this go through um the committee and I missed it. >> I did not submit this to the committee. I believe it was submitted directly to the board as an amendment. Um which I believe is >> Why is
081that? because it's usually more thoroughly vetted at the committee level and these discussions I had. Um, >> I'll be honest with you. Um, I think it's because the city attorney uh provided some input when it was brought to her attention and I think it was good input um and uh good word smithing and um again I don't think it's changing the substance of anything. It's it's >> not sorry that's not really my point at this point in time. Is there anything in this that's really so timesensitive that it needs to be changed it changed immediately without a thorough vetting because I get um >> well I think the answer I think the answer would be that it's not prudent to adopt something that's not proper and the language that's unmended that's in the document that
082was passed out is not proper. So you I guess the best thing to do would be to adopt the amendment. uh if you're unwilling to do that then you'd have to uh adopt the series 9000 without 9125 >> right I mean that's the only other potential solution but again uh if for some reason it's determined later that you want to make further changes uh to as long as they're legal and in compliance with the charter that's one thing but the language that is in the document unmended is not proper. >> Right. Yeah. I'm not prepared to argue that right now. That's why I would suggest that we >> take the second part. The second part would be better. But before we move on, I would like to ask a couple more questions. Um you pointed
083out the language in the charter when Mr. Trey asked that is the new charter, the new language added just recently where the board of ed education language never existed before. Correct. I think you're correct and that is a clarification to reflect uh uh the reality in the state statute as well. Yes. Right. So, so up until that point, it's been a vague thing and a point of contention that at least there was been some friction back and forth a little bit over the validity of the city attorney having to do it, but it's never really amounted to much. Okay. Now, another question. Does this allow you to hire a staff attorney in charge of the board of education? Because that was something that was floated around and I came across to my attention that there
084was a job that went out to hire an attorney on the board's behalf. >> There's two provisions I think that preclude that from ever happening. The first is in the amended language where it says the Bridgeport Board of Education, this is the second paragraph, the last sentence, acting through the city attorney may appoint one or more attorneys on either a full-time or retainer basis to serve the board. So, nobody can be appointed on a full-time or retainer basis to serve the board without your approval. Secondly, nobody can expend your money without your approval. You fund the outside council. You do not fund the city attorney. I think what the city attorney may have explored and it may get explored again with the board over time is that there may come some point where you determine
085that you do want to have a dedicated city attorney or associate city attorney working with you. I don't think that's in the cards at the moment. I think the better and uh more palatable approach was to have the outside firms available, but to see how much we were able to absorb with current staff without bringing on another body. We have people in the office obviously that do contract work. We have people that do CHRO labor work. We have people that do personal injury work. We have people that do drafting and um um other stuff such as what I'm doing here tonight. So that's all on a non build basis. So nobody can spend your money just like nobody can when we do work for the WPCA, they approve the funding for outside counsel. >> Right.
086Okay. Okay. I think this probably the final >> going to run a little scenario. Say say the city and I'm not saying it's going to happen like say there's a large diff disagreement in allocations of either the pension or the health care cost of whatever joint expenditures the city and the board has and it's really a large amount or some other potential violation of state statute where it comes in it involves the board of education and the board of education literally has to sue the bridge for board of education the um the city or vice versa. How can the city attorney's office maintain neutrality when they got the right to refuse us? appears the right to refuse us for you even seeking city council because you're the ultimate arbiters if we got permission to go
087out to see to city council to uh >> number one I think that's addressed in the charter and number two that's actually experienced in the past visa be the city council u there were a couple of occasions over the years where the city council sought to obtain an independent legal opinion in on a contract and another dispute matter with the city. And what we did was in consultation with the council president, we hired an outside firm that the council president selected and was comfortable with. The language in the charter contemplates that where it says if there is a conflict of interest uh the city attorney can appoint uh separate attorneys >> in the staff. Yes. But then it goes on to say um blah blah blah except unless the city attorney determines that the only
088manner in which a conflict can be avoided is by retention of private legal counsel for one or more of such governmental bodies. And quite frankly I think we can all uh agree that a situation where the board votes to sue the city would be one such example. I can also think back to years ago the board of police commissioners sued the civil service commission. The city repres city attorney's office represented the civil service comm uh board of police commissioners rather and the civil service commission had outside counsel. Those are the types of conflicts where you're in direct litigation involving powers and dispute over power and authority where you would need outside counsel to represent one or both entities. I'd like to think it's only one, but it could be both. So, um, and [snorts] the
089cannons of professional conduct would require that quite frankly. So, I don't think that's I agree with you and hopefully I'm correct or we're both correct that that scenario is very unlikely to arise. But if it does, nobody because of the reality and the perception of a conflict is going to attempt to uh deny the board independent legal representation. >> Thank you. That's all. >> Thank you. Any further questions on 9125? If there's not, I would respectfully suggest or request rather that you uh make a motion to amend by substitution of this language >> by Mr. Traver. Is there a second? >> Mr. Benahan second that one for one second. I believe >> I didn't hear what you said. Say that again. I don't think the last motion was >> what last motion will second that
090we were discussing. >> It wasn't a proper sec. Who seconded it? >> I did. >> Was there Did you get that second? I didn't hear a second cuz to miss it there was two amendments and also uh the attorney mentioned and suggested that we take one at a time. So there was two amendments that I >> there was the first amendment we voted no on >> and the second one that you combined the two >> the second one was uh in the last third paragraph in consultation with the board and board vote >> and so you saying Mr. Sakovic second that one. >> It was a motion that I made but I my motion to amend was those two together. >> Was there second? You're saying >> there was a whole emotion with both of
091them and it was second. Correct. And then the attorney just suggested to us that we should take one at a time. >> So the the current motion is both of them at a time, not one at a time. >> That's what it was. Well, nobody made a motion. He just suggested one at a time. That's what >> Okay. >> I think the board members correct. I don't think we addressed I don't think I addressed the second one. And to be honest with you, I'm not sure I have a problem with the second one because it's to take a vote. We could not uh retain outside counsel without your consent to provide the funding for that anyway. So that's what you do. You vote to approve the funding for. So if you feel more comfortable by
092saying in consultation with the board and upon a board vote uh of consent or something that's I think that's consistent with never spend your money without your approval. >> Your amendment was to change both. >> Pardon me. >> So that's the that's the amendment was to change both. wasn't to separate it. So, we can vote on >> how about this and make it a little separated into two parts. The original amendment speak. Can you speak a little clearer? Sorry. >> No, >> I'm getting an echo. Um, yeah, I just made a motion a motion to amend the amendment by separating it into two parts. This way, we could dispose with part A and then part B separately. through the chair. Mr. Mr. would you withdraw your second and I'll withdraw and then remotion that that
093will just take. >> Yeah, I'll withdraw a second. >> I'll withdraw my motion and madam chair through you make a motion. >> Thank you. Would you just like to amend uh the uh the new 9125 to just include the words uh in the third paragraph uh where it states in con uh consultation with the board and add and board vote. >> Secondly, >> so there's been a motion and a second to that motion. Um I think for the sake of um the vote, we'll we'll do a roll call. If I could just offer or request one amendment, friendly amendment to your suggestion. Um, in consultation of the board and upon vote, retain outside legal counsel. I think you want to get rid of or assign because you don't want to take a vote every time
094we're going to assign a matter to outside counsel to retain them. Yes. Bring them on board and you pay for them. But we'd have to if we're going to go with a vote, you want to get rid of or assign. Otherwise, the superintendent and the chair are never going to get legal advice except by a vote at every board meeting. So, I would s respectfully request that you uh add in the upon a board vote to retain outside legal counsel. U I'll make a suggestion to uh Mr. Sakal to withdraw his second and I'll re make a motion. >> I'll withdraw my motion and through the chair would like to make a motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh in the third paragraph of the new amended 9125, I think Daniel's going to write it up
095for me so that way I can read it exactly. Okay, >> not a problem. On the third paragraph, in in uh consultation with the board and board vote to retain outside legal counsel to represent the district, omitting the words or assign >> second. >> Thank you. >> Motion made and seconded. We'll do the roll call. What? >> Oh, absolutely. Yes, in cons I read it right off of the in consultation with the board and board vote >> retain outside legal >> just saying what you said that says there are two bunch of little things >> you know I got you >> in consultation with the board and the board vote retain outside legal >> okay >> so do you want It should not say to I don't believe because it says the city attorney may
096in consultation with retain. So the two should not be in there. >> Yep. To exactly I always say to because it's just proper uh retain outside legal counsel to represent the district as stated in the amendment on the screen. >> Okay. So the motion is to revise paragraph three as discussed. Um so uh roll call Mr. Albert Benahan Graales. >> Okay. Miss Burks Jennings >> I abstain. I vote yes. Mr. Medina. >> Yes. >> Miss Perez. No, >> Mr. Sakalavik. >> Yes, >> Mr. Traber. >> Yes, >> Mr. Woodson. >> No. >> Okay, Mr. Benahan Graales. >> Yes. >> Okay, that puts us at I can't add today, guys. Any guesses? >> Five yeses, two nos, and one abstain. So, motion carries. Mhm. >> Now, Madam Chair, I think you'd probably need to take a
097motion to um substitute the as amended version for what's in your printed document that was distributed tonight. >> Yeah. I'll make a motion to approve the and im for immediate implementation of the following uh one administration 2000 series policy and two board bylaws 9000 series adding the amendment of 9125 as just voted. And before we second that, can you just make the motion to substitute this into it because I know there's going to be other amendments coming up for this probably. >> So his recommendation was to substitute 9125 as amended before we go into voting on immediate implementation something. >> You want to make that? >> Yeah, that the the motion that he recommended was to substitute 9125 as amended. >> Okay. I'll make a motion through the chair to approve the amendment and substitution
098of bylaw uh under attorney 9125. >> Second. Okay. Uh all those in favor to approve the substitute language say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? opposed to Calbens abstensions. All right. So, this is gonna be substituted. So, now um we can go into Thank you, Mr. Stouty. >> Um it's still early fun, hang out with us. Okay. [laughter] >> Um, go >> the, uh, item that we're working on is still the approval immediate implementation of administration policy 2000 and the 9,000 series. Uh, Mr. Traber, >> I I'm I'm sorry, but um, now can we get to the minutia? >> Yes. >> Um, page four 9,000. We're going to 9,000 first. >> Well, okay. I'm >> I'm on 9,000. So, >> page four, um, first paragraph, um, second line derives his powers and exists under. This
099is minutia. It says, Okay. So, this is just typos that were >> a typo. Yeah. >> Okay. >> What's that? >> Statutes. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Let's see. >> I was getting there. Um, statues are statutes and as long as we're there, um, well, actually, I can't find it now anyway, but we use this language that we use in the opening paragraph, we use a whole different concoction of words to say the same thing in about 10 or 15 pages. And I don't know why we use different words to say the same thing later in this, but I got to find it. We we've mixed up those words differently, but we make reference here to uh the Constitution and general statutes of the state of Connecticut and the regulations of the Connecticut State Department
100of Ed only later in the bylaws, we make reference to the city charter, too, which it seems to me if we're going to use that collection of references, we should use them consistently throughout the bylaws. So adding in the city charter in >> well and use them in the same order. We sort of remix them. It's like we threw them up in the air and mixed them together and know and threw in the city charter too. Um but we should use that same but I'll get to it. I'll find it when I go through it. Um in page seven uh subsection one it says board members primary responsibility. Well, no. It's a board member's primary responsibility. You got to put the word a at the beginning of that paragraph. And then um in the last
101sentence, as an individual, they can't be board members. Then it's got to be a board member. A board member's legal authority exists. And then the end of that sentence, at such time the board is in session. I think it means to say something like at such time as when the board is in session or at such time as when you know it's just needs to be coherent as such time as when the board is in session or as such time as when the board I don't I don't know any other way to say it. So I think it needs to say uh you know members of legal authority exists when the board is in session is the simple to say only when the board is in session I think is what we mean to say
102there >> yes >> this one is substantive, mildly substantive. It's just cleaning up the language. I don't know if we want to make a motion to change those words. >> Well, and that would be require a mini a motion. Yes, >> Madam Chair. Do you want to >> I I I think the the small changes, the grammatical changes are okay. It's a really tiny change, but it it this is versus the the changing the singular to plural or plural to singular or adding a couple letters or changing statute to statutes. This is actually substantive but >> adding in this the uh >> as an individual >> a board member's legal authority exists only when the board is in session. Does that work? >> I'm fine with that. Anybody else? we can add it in and
103then if you have a issue we can not >> May I have my hand may I have my hands up and I think I got something Go ahead if you can see me I don't know uh yeah um yeah I like Rob's suggestion I don't think it goes far enough though because um the board is in session most of the year if you think of it like um while the legislator is in session you're talking about the whole entire time that it's in session I think it should be more more more like um at a properly called meeting or some such language like that because our authority only exists like right now until this meeting. >> Okay. So, thank you. Can I suggest perhaps then that we say only uh only when the board is
104meeting? >> No. >> Okay. >> I don't think so. >> Mr. Mr. Yes, Dazzy. >> Um, >> you got it. >> Okay. Sorry, since I was looking at something else, I caught the discussion, but what number are you in, sir? >> Uh, page seven. >> Okay. Generally speaking, without even reading this, generally speaking, what we say is boards and commissions or the city council uh act as a body at a duly convened meeting. And um so let me just see what language we're talking about. >> Number subsection one, the last sentence. >> Okay. Board members primary reserves if authorities comply to stat board members authority exists at times board says >> I would at such time >> I thought I could be wrong but I thought the old bylaws said that the board acts as
105a collectively as a body at a duly convened meeting. >> This sentiment is expressed five to 10 times in these bylaws. So, I'm not I'm not overly worried. I just think that this grammatically needs to be cleaned up and it it that's all. So, I don't care how we say it. It's expressed. >> He's just saying that grammatically doesn't make sense to him, but I see it different. I I get the meaning of it, but I don't know indivi >> I get it what this wants to say. I'm just saying it's got to be >> I mean I think we all are saying the same thing which is individual board members have no individual authority. They act as a body at a duly convened meeting. Period. And that's the way I would have said it.
106But I'm assuming these came from CA policies from CAD. So, uh, you know, well, I I agree with whomever said, I think it was Mr. Sakovich, that, you know, technically you could say you're in session for the entire term, but the the point is you don't act outside of a public meeting. You act as a group collectively at a public meeting. I don't know why Cape says it this way. There must be some reason. Um, and I'm not here to suggest that there's not a valid reason, but it's never the way we've ever said it. When I write, I've written a legal opinion to various boards and commissions in the city council numerous times over the years, and it's always said individual board members um have no authority outside of a meeting where they vote
107collectively. So if you want to get rid of that last sentence, I don't know if it's solving it because if you're saying, sir, that we have to substituted 10 other places, it's not going to solve the issue. >> No, I it may be clearly stated somewhere else. I I'm just saying, okay, >> this document is is right re just redundant. So um it's fine. I think we'll find it somewhere else. Maybe maybe the better thing if it's addressed elsewhere, why don't you just delete the last sentence? >> Well, I that that would be fine too at a duly convene convened meeting. >> Is that fine with you? Um, you could we could get rid of the last sentence and say it says board members, right? Say the board the board acts as a body at
108a duly. >> Well, we're referring here to an individual members legal authority. >> Right? So then I would say if you're talking only about individuals, I just get rid of the sentence >> unless you want to put it in the negative. It says that individual board members >> this section appears to be making clear that there's a limit to your authority. >> So there appears to be some intent here to make it clear that you individual board member have some limit have se severe limitations. Well, the beginning of two picks up the fact that individual board members may be granted authorization to conduct business upon board approval. That's like a formal vote of the board saying, "We're appointing you as our representative." >> So, um uh [clears throat] shall be granted authorizing. Can I board
109business? Why don't we just put only just >> I didn't have any problem with the rest of it. >> You're just saying this is a grammatical. You're not saying that the >> Yeah, it just need it just needs to be cleaned up. That's all I you know. So, >> how about if you delete the last sentence in one and add the word only before upon board approval shall be able to conduct business only upon board approval. and just get rid of the last sentence in the first one because now you've stated the limits of individual board member may be granted authoriz to conduct board business only upon board approval. I do hope as you said that somewhere else it says the board acts as a body committee when you just say like is this only
110when the board is in session you said you said throw in the word when >> right >> well I I agree with the concern about session being a bad word so I'm much more comfortable with what Danielle >> rant >> which was based on what >> then let's leave that sentence in and and simply get rid of session at such time as The board is in a duly convened meeting, >> right? >> Public meeting. A duly convened public meeting. >> See what Danielle wrote up there. >> I know you did. I know you did. I I was comfortable with it. >> Yes. >> So, put it back in and we'll leave it there. We'll I make a motion to >> and and in conjunction with that time such board is in a Duly convened meeting
111>> is in a duly convened public meeting only just okay and only exists at a >> you want to put only oh you have only in there I couldn't see it I apologize I and you got only in the second line too. Okay, great. Number two. Okay. >> Okay. So, I make a motion to amend um >> 9010 >> uh 9010 as shown on the board. >> Second. >> Okay. So, um any debate on the amendment? All in favor? I >> I >> Any opposed? >> Is there anyone else in favor besides Joe and I? >> You said I Okay, I hear I >> All right. >> The eyes have it. >> Thank you. >> For the amendment. Um >> um now I go to page uh 11. >> These are all like grammaticors. No,
112this is a this is a minor substantive. Very minor substantive. Um, on page 11, section seven, >> I want to delete the word a in front of coalition. It's restrictive. He may be involved in multiple coalitions. >> Hage 11, section seven. I make a motion to delete the word A in front of coalition in section 9020.1 advocacy. >> You got it right there. >> Sorry, I was using subsection 7. cooperate in coalition with other boards instead of in a coalition. You may find yourself in multiple coalitions. God bless you. >> Yes. Um >> made a motion. It was properly seconded. >> Okay. Yeah. Sorry. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Uh, >> Mr. Woodson. >> Um, I I know we're not really changing we're just changing words and stuff, but I just
113want to say I could I could hear uh Jody from Cape, you know, recommending that we don't change the language too much. Like I said, we we're not really changing it, you know, too. We're just changing grammar, but I just want to keep that keep that in the board's mind as we're >> back of our heads >> making changes to these uh to these policies. Thank you. >> This is just Mr. Woodson. So if we end up in coalition, a couple of coalitions, we have that right. This doesn't restrict us. And as we found out in this last legislative session, we were involved with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. We were involved with the Connecticut for All Coalition, we were involved with several different coalitions um up in the legislative front. So if we decided
114more than one, we it allowed us to do so without violating anything written here. >> All right. All right. What's your next >> uh page 14 um section 92 9110. Um I'd be curious what um Mr. Anastasia says here. Uh the first section says the Bridgeport Board of Ed consists of nine members who are elected and then we put the word benally ben bianially in here. Um, and I just wondered why it's just says bian bienally. God, my tongue. Um, we should shouldn't we make some reference to the ch per the charter. Um, because in fact that's a rather simplistic description. People are elected by the charter um to four and five you know five one year five one election for another election. So I don't think we need to go be elaborate but I
115think at least we should make reference per the per the charter to be clear. Yeah it's an odd five4 split and bianually he just simplifies it and sort of says all nine get elected every two years and that's not true. >> How about who are elected per the city charter or something. >> Yeah, I would just say per the per the >> Yeah, pursuant to the Bridgeport city charter is the way I would clarify it >> if I may through the chair. >> Just a question. >> Is that the same one? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I just have a question because I know some of you were appointed and I don't know if this section should address that also because some of us, >> you know, don't there's another section. Yeah, we have a section
116goes through that in great detail. I just um this this makes reference to the election of nine members and I wanted to be clear about the you know I don't want to you know by saying just the nine are elected by any b by any um uh the five are elected one time four the other that's you know so the charter explains that we don't >> you want to eliminate banually and just put pursuant to the city charter is that what your thing. >> Either way, I don't care if as long as we say pursuant to the Bridgeport city charter, we're being clear about how that that happens. >> Okay. >> Um, so >> anything else on 9110? >> So, well, I I make a motion to add pursuant to the city charter. >> Motion
117made by Mr. Traver, second by Mr. Mayor Munz. All in favor can say I. Any opposion? All right. Um, you want to pull up the table, Mr. Nasty? You want to set the table with a microphone instead of standing? Okay. >> Uh it it >> on page 26 which is uh filling vacancies 9221. Danielle >> different for you. Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I I so I I so I figured that out when you were asking. Page 26, section um 9221, bylaws of the board filling vacancies. Um under vacancies, the first paragraph says um vacancies occurring shall be filled according to the charter of the city of Bridgeport and in compliance with state statutes. So this is one section where we use you know the language just making reference to when we refer to the state
118statutes. >> Oh showing you know we're this is one um there's nothing I'm changing here. I'm just referring >> just saying >> there's nothing there. That's just that's that's good. That language is clear. So, do you want since you brought it up, do we want to >> just >> change that first one? >> No, it's good. That's good. We're gonna The more complicated one comes up later. >> Okay. >> Um, um, bylaws 9312 of being rude. I just want to know I caught a typo on back on 9221 that you were talking about. >> Okay. >> I checked the statute 7107 is the one that talks about the authority of the uh mayor etc. to fill in the absence of the board acting time. >> We have a whole section on that. So section there's
119the bottom it says Connecticut general statute 7107 vacancy appointments that should be by select men not select men that's all >> I didn't I wasn't even looking at the references >> apologize for the that's the degree of >> back to 9221 in the >> page 26 >> just remove she's got to look at sections >> where legal reference Yeah, >> the reference at the bottom Danielle of that section 9221 >> select me. >> Yeah, we'll fix that. >> Okay, so now we're going to uh um 9312 uh page 45 for those of us with hard copy. >> the question I have for this section bylaws bylaw proposals and suggested amendments revisions or deletions of existing bylaws shall be submitted by the superintendent to the members of the board in writing prior to a regular or
120special meeting of the board of ed. The agenda shall be marked to indicate such matters. Proposed new bylaws and suggested amendments to or revisions of existing bylaws may be adopted by majority vote of all members of the board at regular meeting special meetings or calls for so which meetings proposed additions amendment vision. There's nothing about members making suggestions. It's only the superintendent can make suggestions to change the bylaws. >> Seems to me that we we >> Mr. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure that language breaks that down where they can be this I think this language may just be referencing um that if the board members suggest a revision that the superintendent has to to submit to >> prepare it. >> Yeah, prepare >> or something like that. Yeah, because I'm pretty sure it's
121somewhere else. I can't call out where because I have nothing in front of me. I think it might be right on the prayer >> on the prior page >> 43. >> Yeah, page 43. The p the right before this. Two pages before. >> Yeah. 931. >> So I don't know. Okay. >> Yeah. Sorry. I said this stuff is it bounces all over the place. >> All right. >> It's very confusing the way they write this stuff. >> It's not it's not very linear. >> You have more? >> Uh I'm going through them as fast as I can, Madam Chair. >> Sorry. >> I I wasn't allowed to participate in the policy committee meeting. So when Mr. comic said he's been fully vetted. I tried to make one little suggestion for a word at the policy
122committee and I wasn't allowed to. >> All right. >> So, I think that's it for the 9,000 series. Hold on one second. >> Does any before you even move to 2000, did anybody have anything else in the 9000s while we're here? >> What's it for the 9,000? So, if we want to uh maybe I see nothing at the 9,000. Do you want to vote on this right now to get one win in 2000? >> Nobody has any other changes. >> Yes. No. Yes. You know, they're hands up. Is there a motion? I move to approve the immediate implementation of board bylaws 9000 series >> as amended. As amended >> as amended. >> Go ahead. >> So the motion is to approve um for immediate implementation the board bylaws 9 9000 series as amended and it
123was seconded by Mr. Benahan. Um, any further debate? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? If those online, can you do your voice votes? >> I I think you can hear me. >> I got your I see Mr. Woodson. >> Yes. >> Got two eyes. Um, okay. the three item line and I think that goes through unanimously. All right, so let's jump to 2,00 and we're almost done, guys. Hopefully maybe um I do want to bring something up before we jump into it. Be um I want to go back to something we we voted on a few weeks ago. Uh 2131. Um we we changed the language. Um there's no page number on this one pages on these. >> It's 2131A. Um but they're in numerical order. So
124um >> right. >> So 2131A um the board uh voted um a few weeks ago to change the language of this to chief executive officer of the board of education. Um, and I do want to just um go back. We we did seek counsel on this. This is the the model policy that was given to us is is taken straight from the state statutes. So um and that's the language that's in the state statute and our attorney um also agreed to that. So I I would like to go back to the model policy that was originally um given to us and uh revert back to uh to that language. Um and I unfortunately don't have the actual word in front of me. It was chief executive officer here. um >> it it says >> we
125had proposed to change it to the board of education is um what the the state statute says. >> Yeah, I understand that I saw we went back to the >> Yeah. And so that's um we had chang >> Yeah. So, I just want to uh propose that amendment. >> Go back to the >> you basically go back to the model policy on that one. >> Oh, >> you want a you want a paper copy to work off? Oh. That's fine. Mr. Sakalic. >> Yeah. Can Can somebody give me the statute number, please? >> 10-157. Okay. Thank you. I just like to read it myself, but that that's all about >> six lines down. Yeah, I'm not going to pull it up now. I just want to just for just for the record, I accept it.
126>> All right. Can Can we like make a motion? Somebody make I don't like to read the motion, but to go back to the model policy on that one >> through the chair. So, >> yeah, >> I'm going to read what we have and see if that's what you're referring to to make sure because I see it is yellow on my copy that I have. It says job description. The superintendent of school, as chief executive officer of the board of education, will have the following specific powers, duties, language is from the Connecticut General Statute. So that's that's the word that you want to add was to make sure that we go back to chief executive officer of the board of education. Correct. Yeah, that's what's in our copy according to what I see. I I
127I I understood what happened. >> I read it. I understood the red was the explanation. Yeah. That we were going back to what we had voted out. >> Okay. So, are we good with that? All right. Let's keep going. >> But I understand why. I'm not >> I know you don't. >> I don't think we need to do that, >> but I'm not going to argue. >> All right. >> Do you want to vote on that matter? Yeah. >> Miss Hold on, Mr. May. Sorry. Just to make sure I have our records correct. The motion is to revise policy 10-157. >> No, that's the state statute. >> Oh, we can't do that. >> No. >> Can Can The number is 2131A. >> Okay, perfect. Well, it's already written in here, so we can just go
128through it. I get them. >> So the motion that I'm writing is motion to revise policy 2131A as discussed. >> Okay. >> So keep it general. Um okay. Any questions on that? All in favor say I. >> I. Any >> oppose? Hi >> Steve. >> Hi. >> All right. >> Hi. >> Let's Anybody have any update updates? I know Mr. Traver. Go for it. We're ready for you. >> All right. First, I'm I'm from R 2000.1 D. >> Okay. >> What do the yellow highlights mean? Yes, Miss Danielle, [laughter] you guys grab a microphone so they can hear you online. >> Good exercise. >> Get a microphone from Sam. You're sitting right next to him. >> Who wants the wall? The yellow highlight in this one is refers back to what you just changed which
129was the two and of chief executive officer in accordance with the 10- >> nothing nothing changed there was just a reference for us. >> If you guys if you were to change the word of to two then it would have to be changed in here. >> Yeah. So we didn't we didn't we're not changing it. So we're that's fine. It just a reference to go back to if there was a change. >> Say hi again. >> Go for it. >> Were you just changed or brought back in according to the Connecticut General Statute the word of then versus the word to the chief executive officer of the board of education. We would be changing it here too. Was there was some >> Oh, um I got you. But we don't need to do that. >>
130Yeah, >> absolutely. I got it. It's It says chief executive in there. It's not capitalized, so I hadn't picked up on it. >> It's not highlighted as chief executive officer. If you just highlighted chief executive officer, I would have just a little slow at this point, but I understand. >> And the other items that are highlighted, >> there's another yellow in there. >> They're in committee on the next page. >> Same thing. It was red line through committee. It was just taken out. >> Say that again. >> They in committee they decided to take those uh they they uh eliminated those uh last sections basically. That's why it's redlined. They eliminated it in committee belongs to >> true board policy. >> Oh, I'm on a different page. I'm sorry. >> Right. >> Uh through board
131policy and state statutes. So they added state statutes and state statutes in committee. >> Okay. So that's what we added there. It's just adding state >> and on the other page they click off >> that I can understand. I see stuff crossed out that I got. Okay. You can do it now. >> And on R 2100, the the um >> sorry, you said R >> 2100. >> Okay. >> Lines of responsibility section 2B to the board of education is bold. Is that just new or is that just >> Is there any significance to the bold letters? >> Danielle, do you have a significance? >> R2100. >> You just have bold uh board of ed >> subsection 2B uh B. This happens a couple of places. Didn't know if it had any significance. Okay. And the
132next page, uh, R21, I mean just 2111 equal employment opportunity updated with CAPE's policy. What is >> This whole page. >> Okay. So that's just this whole page is new from what we had. Mhm. Okay. Um P2131 subsection A. Oh, that's where we just were. Sorry. >> Yeah. >> Yep. We've already dealt with that one. Um R2140 subsection B administration recruitment and appointment of superintendent table continued table >> 2140A subsection B >> no B the next one oh >> okay sorry 2140B okay yep They tabled this for legal. Was this tabled for legal in >> I believe it was tabled to as for the board to discuss. Actually, you're right. It was tabled for legal. I'm sorry. That's my mistake. >> And guess what? Legal. >> We have legal here. You had it. It was
133on. And >> I'm not sure what the legal question is. Is it whether is it You had mentioned to me, Danielle, an issue of whether or not the entire board versus a subset of the board would uh be involved. What What's the legal question? >> I think I can refer back to >> through the chair. Go ahead. >> I'm sorry. I believe at this meeting the committee meeting I believe Kee Joe are you online >> yeah I'm trying to recommend can can you make it a little bigger please >> I'm so it's this section >> got to go to the top of the page >> you're at the top yeah >> you need to go to the top >> where that's the what's tabled, but the the item is on the bottom. The issue is
134at the bottom. >> Oh, well, I want to get to the bottom. Yes. >> Okay. Well, let's get to the bottom. >> Let's see why they tabled it. >> So, the board the board, it says a subcommittee of the board will negotiate the contract with the finalist as a committee of the whole. We have never had that happen. >> Um, >> yeah, that's Yeah, >> you're muted. I heard I remember you that discussion at the committee meeting. It was before I left, but um we've had one person sit in on negotiations uh contract negotiations with bargaining units and with the board with the superintendent. We have given parameters and allowed the lawyer to negotiate and bring it back to the committee as a whole. >> Right. The only thing that's legally required is as was
135just stated at the end of the day, it's the entire board that approves the contract and the hire. Doesn't mean the entire board needs to negotiate the contract. >> That's what I'm saying is I'm at the committee meeting and I had this I see this here. I I just didn't know what the table at the top meant. But now we're going down to here and I had question mark no. Um because it's always been the lawyer negotiates with the candidates's lawyer and they reach an agreement and it comes back to the committee as a whole >> with one and just to reiterate the reason why it's not necessary for the entire board to be party to the negotiations is because the negotiated agreement is not a final agreement until the full board approves it. So
136when it's presented to the full board, amendments and counterproposals can be made if somebody so desires. >> Mr. Sakalic. >> Yeah, Mr. Yeah, this is the reason why it was tabled. Um >> because it has been traditionally not the whole board negotiating but um sitting at the beginning point of uh negotiation is setting uh >> parameters >> the parameters which is part which is part of the negotiation process. So if there's board not board involvement at that level where we set the parameters where we the lawyer has to come back rather than the lawyer just going to one person in the negotiating process or three people in the negotiation process whatever the case may be and then having to come back and finding out those people may have superseded the comfort level of the rest
137of the board and then a negotiated deal falls through because it is not palatable to the entire board. it's wasting a lot of time and effort and maybe chasing away a candidate and I think that was the sticking point where the the board could act as a whole in such that in that manner and setting the parameters and as part of the negotiations >> do you have like recommended handle it a variety of ways I mean one way would be for the entire board to um authorize negotiations by some select representative and establish the general parameters or terms to be negotiated. Um, but again, it also should say where it says the board will hire the superintendent, that next line beyond the red line should say the board will hire the new superintendent and approve
138the final contract, final employment contract. But I understand what Commissioner Sakolovich is suggesting, which is that somebody, whether it's a lawyer or an individual, ought not to be going into negotiations without having an idea what the major terms are, [clears throat] particularly the financial terms, the duration, the, you know, benefits package, those kinds of things. um at least to give guidelines and and then you'll get a second approval at the end of the day when it comes back. So um >> right and and and also just let me interject for a second. I apologize. Um I think you were involved in a contract with one of the superintendent whereas we were in executive session with the offer and we had gone back and forth a little while. the attorney had to step and discuss with
139the other attorney and so we could have a meeting in the minds was something that was hung up in an executive session. Were you were you in that involved in that one? Does it sound familiar? >> I I do recall something to that effect if it was over at the new high school. I mean, one one way you could handle this if you wanted to would be to say that the board will authorize X, [clears throat] whatever you want X to be, to negotiate the contract uh with the finalist upon uh terms established by the board. And then you'll pick up with the next sentences say the board will hire the superintendent and approve the final contract of employment. That still begs the question as to who's going to negotiate. I don't think you want
140to turn it over solely to an attorney because attorneys don't always we don't always have operations in mind. So it should be the board president I would assume >> along with the board. In the previous page, it talks it speaks to the search committee and then it continues to this page. So would it be the subcommittee or the search committee that would do that? >> Listen, the negotiations can be anything you want it to be. It can be the I it could be the search committee, but usually you don't negotiate by committee. Usually it's one lawyer versus the other lawyer and a representative of the entity. You know, whenever we go to court to negotiate a resolution, you have to have an authorized individual. So that might be the chairperson or her design or or
141it could be the uh chairperson of the search committee, but they also should be operating pursuant to parameters established by the full board going in. So, >> so you got two decisions to make. >> I I agree that you should have a sense that says the board will determine the parameters of the negotiations at the onset. and you know some words to that effect and um and [snorts] designate uh a uh um >> representative for negotiation >> to negotiate and then I agree with the other change the board will hire the new superintendent and approve the final contract something words to that effect will do it. Um, >> I think that works >> and and you know I we can I don't think we need to figure out now who but I generally agree with
142what Mr. Anastasia just said that it probably makes the most sense to be the chair. >> I mean way past presidents Mr. Anastasia Okay. >> So, I Danielle, I know you had something up there. >> What did you get on? board will the board will the board will uh designate a representative to negotiate and define the parameters for those negotiations. designate a representative to negotiate the contract. >> you could put parentheses s after representative. >> You could you could put representative and after that put paren parentheses s so that we could have some flexibility there. Oh, >> no, no, no. The board will designate a representative and right after that you could put parentheses s to negotiate the contract with the finalist and define the par the parameters for said negotiations. Yeah. It's a little
143clumsy, but I think it does. Somebody can clean it up. That's fine. But that's essentially does what we said >> through the final contract. And you got the second part. Um >> in a moment when Danielle pulls it up. It's right behind you. >> I have it here. I'm the only one. Uh Mr. Medina, same same page. >> Yeah, same thing. I just thought that um through the through the attorney mentioned that it shouldn't be just one person. So instead of you know just putting in the the board will designate a and then I know he suggested to the parenthesis it's going to be representatives according to what was recommended to us. It shouldn't be just one person. So it shouldn't say a representative because then it gives the illusion that it could be just
144one. >> I thought you said it should be one. >> Sir I may have been unclear. What I was saying, I think, was that it's generally the attorney and a representative of the board, not nine members of the board. So, it could be two, uh, but it doesn't need to be more than one. I was not recommending a host of uh, substantive people, but what the lawyer needs is somebody with authority to make sure they stay on track in the negotiations. It'll also be helpful whether it's one or two representatives. It'll be helpful that the board has established parameters or terms to be pursued so that when the contract comes back, it's reflective of what you authorized and it's much easier to approve it without significant amendment. >> Mr. Yeah. Um >> I like Mr.
145Travis's suggestion of an attorney, but I think the language kind of lends itself a as written kind of lends itself just the way it's written and define the finalist. It's contained in the same sentence with the designate or reserv negot designate a representative sl to negotiate the contract with the finalist and define I think that should be probably switched around. The board will like the board will define the parameters of >> and then >> negotiate and then select the f and then the representative do the rest something like that. >> It's fine. It's fine. >> I don't care. You define the the parameters first and then the representative >> board will define the parameters for negotiations and designate a representative parenthesis S. >> Perfect. >> Um, okay. >> Period. There you go. That was good.
146failed for that page. Well, seeing that we have something, do we want to take a a motion to amend this one 2143 >> to amend section >> um 2140 subsection B as um rewritten? >> Second. >> All right. Um any further debate on that? >> Uh clarify question >> I I miss I I missed the beginning of the meeting uh obviously and these are all pushed through as first and second. There was no separation of this one in the policy is included as the collective policies. We don't have to add it. Uh we don't have to add this to the agenda since it was tabled at um it was brought brought forward as a collective. >> Yeah, because it's in a collective for Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Um seeing no other questions, all in
147favor of the amendment say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any Okay, thank you. Any abstensions? All right. Um any other issues with policy 2000? >> Yes. Um R 2151 subsection A um in the first section first paragraph once appointed by the board the superintendent shall this was where I wanted to offer a word and was not allowed to offer um at the committee meeting uh allocate I would suggest a sign. The superintendent shall assign or promote allocate just never use that word with regard to human resources. Can can I get clarity from the uh committee members on uh what was the point of putting once appointed by the board? >> I know Mr. Woodson or Mr. Coll Mr. Woodson I don't know if that's the you was up or something else but >>
148Mr. Woodson go ahead. >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. I just >> I just wanted to say to uh to the board that we the reason I don't not let people speak at policy meetings you know to be uh to be uh you know not not uh you know not to help facilitate this thing go on but I do it you can't because we can't be at a policy meeting discussing policies and stuff like that and not following policy you know to me it just just doesn't make sense. You know, the the council gave us recommendations and I think that >> we should we should follow them. So, I I don't do it to be >> recommendation, >> not to be productive, but you know, >> I'm I we just I just think we can't be
149at policy meeting discussing policy and not follow some following policy. >> And thank you, Mr. Clarity. We are working on um getting that policy together. Um but um for either you or Mr. Mr. Kovvic, since this went through your committee, um you guys added once appointed by the board and can I just get clarity on why that was added? Mr. Kovic, I see your hand up. I don't know if you have an answer. Oh yeah, that that was as a function of state statute statute language that the board makes the appointment >> such administrators >> yeah from what from what um >> I would have been fine with a point too but I don't understand what allocates and therefore >> is is the state statute does the state statute say allocate or >> uh I
150think it's silent I think I think it's silent on the risk of the allocation just once appointed by the it's just the appointment of personnel, the hiring and enumeration and all that stuff is in is uh encapsulated within statute that the board sets enumeration employments and such such stuff like that. >> I think it has to do with us allocating funds for the position. I think that's what you're trying to say, Mr. Scullik. uh not 100% clear right now but I believe it's goes goes beyond goes beyond that for executive especially executive level positions. >> Okay. So my my point Mr. Sakalik is I understand appointing or promoting people. I understand assigning people but I don't understand allocating people. Um, so, >> uh, when you guys were debating what word to use, um, it just
151I didn't you you obviously threw out a point. You went with allocate. Um, and allocation of resources, I understand, but, it's sort of inhumane to me. And this is human resources. So >> yeah. Yeah. I don't disagree with that. I think I I think the change >> came once once we added the once appointed by the board and that language had to be changed to make it more grammatically correct without thought of human resources being actual humans. >> Yeah. So I either go with a point or a sign. So that's all I'm suggesting is, you know, either one is fine with me. You you and you and Mr. Woodson can take your pick, but all just struck me as inhumane. So take your pick. >> Well, do you want to do like a sign? >>
152You have a preference, Mr. Sagalovic? >> Not. >> It's your pick. >> All right. Dr. Dr. Avery, would you like to appoint or assign? >> No one wants appointed by the board. So they have a point, allocate, or >> assign. >> All right. I make a motion to change that word to allocate to assign. >> Second. >> Mr. Medina got seconded. Um, any further debate on that one? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. I. I. >> Any opposed? My next question on this page is the superintendent shall have the authority to fill any vacancy with an acting s assignment until an appropriate permanent super assignment can be made. Is there a time limit on this? Should there be >> I mean I think it's just I think if you personally I think
153you're if we get too uh nitpicky on that like >> given the hour and everything I'll withhold this thought >> only because >> but at some point in policy we should consider a time limit. Well, this is a regulation. So, this one is a little different. Um, this would be, you know, the superintendent his his [clears throat] job is to, right, hire his staff. And so, if he's going two and a half years with um a director somewhere, then it's our job to say, why are you going two and a half years with a director? >> That's unreasonable. And we think the state's been unreasonable. >> So, >> for all the reasons that he's shaking his head yes for right now. >> Yes. I think um yeah, I think we could leave it at that
154for now. >> So, okay, I made my point. Um page uh let me see updated language to the No, we got that. Okay, I'm just believe Uh um 22 R 2231 >> R 2231 2231. Uh, I I've noticed several times in here wondering if we make reference, and we have, to putting things on the website. This one didn't. Um, and it seems to me they should, too. Do we put these things on the websites, the manuals? Second section. >> The second section. This is uh distribution and revise pages to manual holders. Whenever the board adopts, revises or deletes policies or bylaws. Whenever the administration approves, you know, this is we send out notice. We update people. superintendent is responsible for the care and regular updating of the manuals and shall keep a master file of
155the distributed materials. I would assume that we sort of have this you do it on the website, too. >> It It's in there. It's in there. >> It's in electron. >> Oh, there it is. Secondary. Okay. I was skimming I was skimming fast. I saw it in other places. I didn't see it in this. >> Okay. Sorry. And I'm done. Thank you. >> For the 2000 series. >> See no other um members of parliament. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Can can we back up? I saw um we were waiting on language for >> def definition of emergency. That was a concern of that being too overly vague. >> We don't have it. >> Um >> 22. >> No. >> Uh 10. 22. >> What's the number? All right. Can we make a motion to remove this
156from approval until we get that language or somehow somebody help me clean that? 22 2210 and 2215 you're saying? >> Yeah, because we don't have the updated language that we were trying to define emergency. We thought that was way too vague that an emergency could be declared anything that we needed a little more like just at least a little a little guidance on that for the superintendent. >> This isn't in that is it? No, the cave is I mean I mean it's in cases where an emergency action would be taken. >> It's been added already. >> Oh. Oh, okay. I'm so sorry. >> That's the language. >> I Yeah, I I apologize. I did not see that. My eyes are kind of squinting at a phone. So, got it. Um well, then strike the red
157part, please. That's that's going by. Thank you. and the pointing the same. Any other All right. Who else need that last name? >> You have one >> kind of along the same lines as Mr. Sakalovic in 2111. It says updated with Cabe's policy when we're finalizing that that red um red line which should come off >> some of your comments that you expect. >> But Danielle just limit all your comments. >> Okay. Seeing no other hands, is there a motion? both >> uh administration 2000 series policy. >> Second. >> Can you make the motion to approve and immediately implement it? >> Move to approve and immediately implement >> as amended >> the administration 2000 series policy as amended from tonight's discussion. >> Thank you. Second. >> Second by Mr. Medina. Medina. >> Thank you. Thank
158you, sir. >> And I love that. >> Any further debate? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All right. We're going to do this again in a couple weeks for 3000 series. >> All right. 3000 series. All right. So, uh, lastly, there's, um, I just want to remind everybody the next board meeting is going to be on Tuesday, May 26, because of Memorial Day. So, um, the regular board meeting. Um, and with that said, um, >> we'll see you all tomorrow. >> There a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn, >> Mr. Medina. So, move >> a second by Mr. Benahan. All in favor? Okay. Meeting at 9:49.