Special Meeting of the Bridgeport Board of Education 1/15/26

001This is a call to order for the special meeting of the Bridgeport Board of Education. Today's Thursday, January 15th. It is 6:05 p.m. Um, I'm Chair Jennifer Perez. In attendance in person, we have Marissa Stamz, Albert Benahan, Robert Traver. On line we have Joanne Burks Jennings, Willing Willie Medina, Joseph Kalic, Lamont Daniels, and Andre Woodson. We have a quorum. Is that Jo? I guess um we're going to start with the approval of the minutes for special meeting January 5th, 2026. It says 25, but it should be 26. Mr. Traver made a motion to approve the meeting minutes. Just make sure you guys are using your microphones. Um, and Mr. Benahan second in the motion. Is there any amendments? Are there any amendments to it? >> Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> Iain extension

002as well. Savic, >> are you? >> Yes. Okay, there are one, two, three. I'm just standing four. Are there any yays for this? We need five. All right, we're moving on. We won't pass that today. I don't hear enough um votes. Uh we we'll move in for the next agenda. Uh next item is the ratification of the Bridgeport Council for Administrators and Supervisors for BCAST contract. We have Floyd Dugas. Good evening everyone. Um, I'm here to uh present for your approval a collective bargaining agreement to cover the uh BCAST bargaining unit, the administrator's bargaining unit for a period commencing September 1, 2026. Um, just a few words before I describe the settlement. Um, whenever we go into contract negotiations, we do a couple of things. One of which is we look at the salaries of

003your administrators relative to other administrators and other relevant groups. Typically, we look at the DUR. We look at the Anglic ranking of the city and compare it to comparable cities. Uh, and we also look at the surrounding communities. And when we went into these negotiations, I was uh delighted to find that your salaries were actually competitive. Um I expected to see that they were below the market, but obviously you're not going to compete with Fairfield, Trumbull, and Westport, but uh generally speaking, compared to the others, your salaries uh I thought were in in good shape. So, we weren't in a situation we where we had to provide something above the norm to catch folks up to where uh they should be. Um the other and of course we look at the contract to see if

004there's anything out of the ordinary in there and there really really wasn't. Um there were some positions that the superintendent felt strongly needed to be excluded from the bargaining unit, if you will. Um you know, first tier uh lieutenants uh so to speak, and people he was going to lean on very heavily. uh that was a priority and we also of course always look at health insurance and cost share contributions. So we looked at um all of those issues. Um we also look at we keep very close track of not only what happened last year in contract negotiations for school administrators but also what's been going on during the current year. The current year would be let's say July of 25 through through about now. uh all the cont pretty much all the contracts are

005settled and what I could tell you is that the average administrator contract was settling just a click below 3% a year. So if you want to round it up and call it an average of 3% a year. So we engaged in um negotiations um and um you know I think it was a very cooperative collaborative process um which is always uh something we strive to do to have maintain good relations and we were able to get an agreement without having to go to binding arbitration which also is very good um aside from the money that it saves it just sets the right tone. for the next uh contract term with the the bargaining unit. So, all of that said, um the contract is a three-year contract, so it'll go from September 126 through August of

00629. Um we agreed to a general wage increase of 2.75% u each year for all positions with a couple of exceptions. all positions. Um, which is a little bit below the state average, which I think is appropriate given, you know, that the financial situation in the district as well as uh the fact that the wages are solid going into the um the process. There were a couple adjustments we made in the current contract. There's a breakdown for uh principles of schools um uh 420 students and below. And then there's another tier of 899, 421 to 8.99. Um the union requested and made a good case for the fact that principles in schools of 420 below were working as hard as the other folks particularly given assistance and staffing in those schools. And so we agreed

007to eliminate that lower tier and u move those folks up um and pay them the same as people in schools um um 88 8.99 421 uh to 8.99. Um one thing that's a little new that we agreed to was a tuition reimbursement for those people who want to go on and um get additional degrees, improve themselves and and hopefully the school district as a result of that. Um, we agreed to $500 per credit up to a maximum of six credits, but also agreed that the total cost so you can budget appropriately um would be $30,000. So that's what the budget item uh would have to be set. Um there was also an issue regarding uh traveling between schools. Um this is for special ed uh supervisors I think was a particular issue. And um so

008we agreed to a a small stipen for just 10 months of the year for those folks who who did travel from different schools. And then we eliminated some what I thought was obsolete language uh having to do with early retirement uh incentives. U generally speaking early retirement incentives don't make sense for administrators because there's generally not enough savings there to justify whatever you might pay out. And of course in this day and age, we want to keep folks rather than um um you know have to look for more. So um that's basically it. Um in in terms of the health uh insurance cost shares, these the administrators and your administrators were paying more than the uh statewide average. Um that's kind of a phenomena here in Bridgeport. We've seen with cops and other groups. Um

009but and it's broken down into two groups pre204 post 2014. So we froze the people who had the higher percentage and are letting the other folks catch up. But that's still a very um competitive if not above market uh contribution. So that's really uh that's really uh the only other thing I would point out is we did um there was some concern I won't speak for him but on the part of the superintendent that some folks were walking out the door earlier than they should um in terms of administrators and we put language in saying uh that the minimum uh work week uh is a 40-hour work week. Um, and uh that that really rounds out uh the changes we made. So, I'm uh happy to answer any questions anybody may have. I think it's

010a good settlement um and for both the district and for the uh administrators and I certainly recommend it. >> Any questions from board members? Uh, Miss Sister Mary, >> I have a quick question about the health insurance. So, I know that's one of the things on our um budget that is extremely high and you just confirmed it's more than state average. Um, I was taking a training from CA last week and they mentioned that if we have wellness programs that that can help reduce up to 30% of I believe they said 30%. Health insurance premiums. So, I kind of wanted to know if we have a wellness program and if so, what is it and is it expected to help reduce our premiums? >> Yeah, I I don't know what you currently have. state. >>

011Oh, right. Yeah, it's part of Yeah, it's part of the state partnership plan. So, it it is in there and it's mandated. >> Um I think the jury's out on whether that there's empirical data to support that that happens, but it does make sense. If people go early, things are taken care of before they become more serious. Mr. >> Cher. Yeah. Oh, shoot your microphone. Are these dates correct? It the older employees were paying more than the newer hires. >> Um, it's usually the other way around. That's why I'm asking. >> Yeah, I believe I I believe the I may have that reversed. Let me let me take a quick peek. >> And usually when you have a two-tier system, it's the new hires that you are shorting, not the old. Yeah. through the chair

012t are you able to answer that question? If you can come to the mic. I know you but I do want to emphasize that through this negotiation. This was my first time uh in in administrative contract negotiations. >> Correct. I have it reversed. >> Reversed. >> Yeah, it's reversed. >> Sorry about that. I I do want to kind of emphasize that uh this is my first time in in contract negotiations and I I do want to extend a a huge thank you to Floyd and my team, but also to Tito and his team. Uh did a great job of of trying to make sure that we understand and balance the needs of and also looking at the fiscal responsibility of what both parties need needed to have and had a really really some really good

013meetings. Um uh tough meetings but really good. So, I'm glad we came to an agreement to be where we are today. So, again, I want to thank you and Floyd as well for leading my group to uh really and pleasing uh outcome. I think so. I think >> my pleas in the contract is not in the summary. >> Okay. So, we just have to switch these headings. >> Correct. >> You are getting the old-timers, you're bringing the old-timers up to the same rate as the newer hires, correct? Okay. And then has has BCAST approved this agreement? >> Yes. >> 51 to2 overwhelmingly >> 51 to2. >> Yes. >> What's that? >> Um that's it. Thank you, >> Mr. Medina. Yes. Um just because that said there was a stipen for where did we land on

014that? >> Um there is a stipen for only certain positions. Um so for example um uh special ed supervisors who bounce around uh the district. Um, and I think the other group was um, principles who split schools, I think it was. So, it's only a small relatively small portion of the bargaining unit, but uh, the stipen uh, was relatively small uh, $25 per pay period um, for the uh, period of time uh, for 10 months of the year. >> Thank you, Mrs. Kick. Yeah, sorry. I got an announcement on um Yeah, excuse me for a minute. I got a question about the contract. How many pages is it? Because all I'm seeing and only thing I've got any knowledge of is what's on the screen right now. >> Yeah, the contract itself with redlinining is

015about 30 pages. It probably for 35 it probably reduces after the red line to about 30 pages. >> All right. And is there Dr. A is there any particular reason that this isn't in the portal? >> Mr. Chair, my understanding that we it was sent to uh that office but not sure why it's not uh in the port sir. >> Right. So I think I'm going to have to abstain. I can't even come up with intelligent questions because I haven't seen the contract and all due respect, we've got already got one thing reversed in the contract. So, it's always better to see something with your own eyes before you vote on it. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, just to be clear, the contract itself is correct. It's only the summary I provided with the two

016things. >> I got I'm more comfortable seeing what I'm voting on than just hearing somebody tell me what it says. Mr. Benahan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I make a motion to accept ratification of the principal cons of administrator of supervisor BCAS contract. >> Second. >> Motion was made by Mr. Ben, second by Mr. Favor. Any further uh discussion on this? Uh, seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. Um, any opposed? You guys, um, online just u unmute yourself to vote. Second here, right? >> I'm just I'm just gonna >> You're abstaining. You said >> I'm going to I'm going to vote no because we have not seen the contract and we should not be voting on anything we do not see. >> Any other nos? >> Mr. Daniels, you were >>

017Can you hear me? >> Okay. Okay, I have two people talking. Uh, Mr. Daniels. >> Okay. No, I just hear a lot of echo. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay. I vote yes. >> And then Mr. Woodson, you said >> no. No. >> Two nos. Um, I think I heard everybody else. Um, so we have Mr. Woodson and Mr. Sakalford. No. Um any abstensions? So that motion passes. >> Medina is abstaining. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Dus. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. The next item on agenda, we usually don't do this on a special meeting. Oh, sorry. We usually don't do this for a special meeting, but I do want to give you guys an update on um uh the special uh the state intervention. Sorry. Um prior to

018the holidays, Deputy Commissioner uh Hughes reached out to me, Mrs. Kovich and we invited Miss Esther May Jimenez uh to meet um regarding uh upcoming an upcoming superintendent search and some items that just just reviewing the past year on what we've done and accomplished. So, um, initial meeting was cancelled due to, um, a snowstorm, I believe, early December or late December. And then, uh, the deputy commissioner did send us a letter that we have to add to the portal. Um and it was basically um a letter that to sum it up um you know they do want to see us working on um our bylaws and making sure that we do uh update our bylaws for the the quorum of the board and some other items uh that we had discussed earlier in the year

019or in last year to work on. Um, and so today we actually did meet with Deputy Commissioner Hughes, Jody and Nick from CABE and David Irwin. Am I saying his name right? Yeah, David Irwin from the technical assistance team and um, our city attorney Ta joined us and basically uh, what came out of the meeting and um, Mr. Kick and Mr. Mayor Himenez just add on if I'm missing something. Uh uh there are some things that we do need to clean up as a board still um including uh this is something that um we'll give directive to the superintendent to do but uh the the policies on our website are messy. There's a lot of uh confusion there. Um so that needs to be addressed sooner than later. Um and then as far as the

020board goes, there are some uh policies that he wants us to look at um in the 2000 series that might be contradictory to other policies we have um and um some in the 3000 series. So, uh Taiisha Tom's um who was with us as city attorney, um we're going to uh send over the policies to her so she can look over them and then we'll bring them back to a policy committee to review. As far as our bylaws go, um there are some areas that we do need to work on in terms of our decorum. Um and the the basis for that is that the rationale for that is that um if we are going for a superintendent search, we want to make sure that the superintendent knows their role and know that the board

021is going to work cohesively with that superintendent and we're not going to be all over the place and past history, the the events that we've had in past history, you know, repeat themselves. So, um that's something that um we as a board do need to work on. We do have um we talked about action plan to get that done sooner um in the next few months. Um and what they did not say is they did not say that we can't start a superintendent search. So, um we did ask if we can if we can go ahead and do a search. They are not stopping us from it, but they are highly recommending that we take care of these issues um as soon as possible so that when the search does commence, we have uh candidates

022who want to be in our district because they see that we're working we we're working on ourselves basically. Um Mr. Mayor Himenez, Mr. Sakalic, if you want to add to that. That's a quick summary. Um but Mr. Mr. Kick, >> that looks like you hit all the points. >> Okay. Um so, uh with that said, that's kind of the update from the state. Um what I'll be doing is um or we'll be doing is looking at um in committee, the policy committee will be heavily uh working on um really uh clearly defining these bylaws that were recommended and as well as those 2000 3000 series. Um we work with the city attorney on that. Questions about that, Mr. Shabber. >> Um, well, first off, I didn't see whether Miss uh Esther Mar Jimenez wanted to

023add anything. >> Okay. Um, I I the tone in this meeting is dramatically different than what we've had in the past. >> Mhm. It sounds like um this is a year after we you received a letter and I believe the attorney was present for this meeting, the state department of ed attorney. >> Uh yes, he was actually there today >> who who sent you a letter a year ago saying cease and desist >> if it was a Friday night massacre letter where basically you got a letter an email that was sent to the press and nobody else but you and the press. not even our city attorney or Mr. Dugas, neither of our attorneys >> um received this letter. Um and now all of a sudden we're being told and and it made the press

024the headlines and now we're being told, "Oh, well, you can go ahead and look. We we were wrong about how the resolution should be read." Um now the damage is done. It's nice that they're trying to work, but this is the way we should have been working a year ago, it sounds like. And it and it sounds like it was a constructive discussion. >> It was very constructive. And I I will say they weren't entirely wrong in some of the like these this needs to happen that the bylaws and updating our policies. >> I'm not arguing about the ideas, but this is the discussion they should have had with you and whomever else a year ago. You know, hey, we have some thoughts on how it would be better to proceed with the search a

025year ago. And we could have been looking a year ago and making these changes a year ago, working with our TAT team that they was part of the resolution that they passed a year ago. And look where we would be if this had been done a year ago. Um, I'm just saying that, you know, instead we would have had a collaborative relationship a year ago that you started today um with some good what sound like, you know, from Mr. Sakalic, from M. Esther Marimenez from you all saying that it was they were constructive ideas. I just it's frustrating that you get this attitude a year later that we should have had a year ago. Uh and where we could have been if we had had this a year ago. Um and you know that was

026what we were led to believe a year ago was what we were going to get from the state was a collaborative relationship. And it was about a week or two later that the deputy commissioner was reporting to his board all the wonderful things he had done to help Bridgeport and 90% of them were things that we had done for ourselves um to help Bridgeport. Um so it's good to hear that we're going to finally start having the relationship we should have had a year ago. And I just I'm sorry to say I'm not trying to be but it is important to call you know to put it in perspective that this is nice to do now but we should have been doing this a while ago. Um and you know maybe we'll still get our

027$5 million. Mhm. >> Um >> but um can we are we going to look for a search firm >> or can we use the one we had or >> We're going to look into the contract that we had. Um I I've sent it to city attorney's office so they can review it. Um I know the state has been in contact with that firm as well for us to see, you know, where we stand. Um so we'll um that'll be to to be determined. they did give some recommendations on that. Um, and so, uh, we'll I will definitely have this on agenda so we could discuss in full detail, >> um, in in the near future >> because I'd like us to be proceeding concurrently. >> Mhm. >> I mean, these sound like positive suggestions, >>

028but I'd like us to be proceeding concurrently. whatever we need to do to select and decide on a search firm and moving on that the same time as we're acting on whatever it is they've suggested we do. I don't disagree on the website. It has been confusing to me. Um I just assume it's because I'm an old guy who doesn't understand how to get through technology, but um I think that that would be a constructive thing. I'm not, you know, we when we elaborate further on the suggestions they've made on the policy changes, um, we can look at that. Um, we have enough to do tonight. Um, but as we as we look in more detail at the suggestions they made. I would hope that we're also proceeding with the decisions we need to make

029on uh what search firm and how we're going to act on decide making those decisions as a committee of a whole um and move on it >> so that we can start moving quickly because we know any other district in the state is also doing that now um and out of respect to Dr. Avery. >> Any further questions? Mr. uh Benham. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um be honest to the point. I know the website and the bylaws. Yeah, we have to update it. We have to fix things and we are not the only one. Other organization another time they always have to fit and you know and update bylaws anything or policy but the situation about search the superintendent we don't hold it. The state hold it. We supposed to have the superintendent long

030time ago. They are the one that say no this and no that. And I'm very I'm very glad they're watching our meeting because first they sent three gentlemans from the state amazing people and then they send another group. So I'm I'm that point what why are they looking for it? They hold the the search because they want to. And I believe we lost the credit about the the firm we have. Are they going to pay that? Because we have that credit to them. We lost that. So we ready a long time ago and I'm agree what Mr. Traver say. So it's not the point like we don't want to do it or we behind because we update of everything. We on top of everything as a board members, superintendent, the cabinet, all the staff. We

031ready. Bridge is not playing and we the city. They know this the city is big. So we are not the one wasting time. They are the one wasting our time to be searching and trying to do the protocol and the policy the way it is. And they know what we want. They really know. What else they want? I don't know. They can't take us money. We want money for our kids. So, for the record, they know we ready. So, I hope this situation we start searching the superintendent the way it is because it's it's time. Enough is enough. Thank you. >> Okay. So, I did want to say and I'll go back to you is that um just to clarify, one of the things and that we're working on is the board of superintendent relations

032so that we could track candidates. So that's that's one of the reasons why it's been held up a little bit. We had to clarify those by uh those policies. Miss >> Mayor Himemes. >> Yep. So one thing that I did want to add which was kind of nice to hear from them is that yes, we do have to do these I what I would call three action items. So updating a few policies within the 2000 series, updating one through the series 3000 series and then cleaning up our website. What was really nice is that they kind of left that up to us to they didn't impose a timeline on us. Um it's up to to us to do it. And so we're going to be working on on getting those items done. It wasn't like,

033hey, you got to do this by tomorrow and just like shove a deadline down your throat. They were very um sympathetic that we have a lot of stuff going on right now and they would like this to be done before we do the super search. So that flexibility, I at least really appreciated it. Um we did talk a little bit about the super search and the prior firm where the state's attorney basically said it might still be covered. Um, but we really need to look into that and confirm on our own. >> Great. I'm gonna >> chair. >> Yes, m Dr. >> I just want to I just want to emphasize time is time is of the essence >> and uh just like you guys need time. >> It's I' I've waited a while for

034a decision to be made by this board. Uh and and on behalf of myself and my family, uh we we're we've been very patient trying to understand, you know, all the craziness that has happened over the last year and a couple months. So again, I'm telling you, time is of the essence and I I would hope that uh you guys will be able to expedite what you want to do, be it me or somebody else that you feel is is better equipped and qualified than I am. So be it. Uh, but I just say time is of the essence. >> Thank you. Um, I'm also going to update the board on the board committees. Um, you guys were received an email earlier this month. Um, with the committee assignments. I just want to announce the

035committees to the public operations committee. Um, I'll be on that committee with Marissa Ashame Jimenez and Joan Burks Jennings. Instruction support services. Uh, Mr. Traver is going to chair that with Willie Medina and Albert Benhang Ghales policy committee. Andre Woodson will chair with Lamont Daniels and Joseph Sakalik. And then there's some other items on that. The one thing that was still open when I emailed you was Park City Prep and Mr. Ben is going to um be the liaison for that charter school. So um that sums up that. I'll I'll follow up with for those of you doing the leazison positions. follow up with you on um what that entails. Um we'll connect you with those uh I lost the words. We'll connect you with those uh programs, I guess. Um Mr. Traver. >> Yeah.

036>> Yes, Madam Chair. Um as long as we're doing committees, um the ISS committee meeting will be January 28th at 5:30 in room 305. We've set the date and time for that meeting. >> So there the the ISS committee will be that's like a terrible name ISS. Think about that now. Um structure support services committee >> will be um every fourth Wednesday. >> Fourth Wednesday of the month which will this month will be January 28th 5:30 in room 305. >> Yes. And then Mr. Woodson if you can connect with Mr. Daniels and Mr. Kick to come up with a mutual date for um your committee um and get that to Danielle sooner than later um so we can start uh uh that process as well as finance uh operations. Um we're still working on the

037details on our for our committee but uh we'll we'll know by tomorrow. That's the permanent date for the year. All right, moving on. Uh the next item, I know there's some confusion with this item. Um approve to suspend the bylaw for 9310 to take immediate action on Caves reviewed, recommended, and approved model board bylaws. Um so this motion I'm actually going to um ask us not to do. Um and it was initially to intended to um not necessarily vote on the full bylaws, but there was like one or two that we should implement right away. um it was going to do that, but um after talking with some of the board members and um actually even Dr. Hughes recommended that we just bring this back for a second read um so that we can really

038get some input for the the bylaws. I do have um Jod uh online with us. So if there um I am going to ask that we don't suspend the bylaws, but if we move on to number six, discussion and media action of case reviewed, recommended and approved model board bylaws. It's a lot. um while he's on with us uh we can go through some of them now and then refer it back to policy committee for uh for first read or second read sorry um so if there any I know Mr. Kick um is offline and he's um I think he's going to send some recommend he's in the policy committee so he's going to bring his recommendations to that committee but um if there anything that came up across that maybe Jody can answer that

039was any confusion on anything um >> Mr. chaver. >> So, you want to have a general discussion of the draft that you gave and then we're going to refer it to committee. >> Yeah, I know. Um, for instance, uh, there was one or two bylaws that, um, Mrs. Coll brought to my attention and Jod's attention that maybe it doesn't fit for our board. Um, and that's something we can have a further discussion in committee on, but if there's anything like that that as a board we can talk about that way when you go back or when the committee meets um, everybody has an idea of where the board stands on this. Mr. Mr. Medina. >> Okay. I I pretty much almost had the same question like you wanted to submit them because I went over

040to some >> and so you wanted us to submit it to you or to the >> if you if right now while Jod's online if you need clarification on anything um he can help clarify cuz um he wrote these most he >> absolutely >> good evening everyone. Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Good evening. Yes. and the electronic participation. Um that last line it says due to security concerns electronic participation is closed in executive session and will not be permitted. And when we go to executive session, we do use uh uh electronics like if I'm on on like remotely, I can go into executive session, but there it says in version two of the alternate it says that we are we're not allowed or it's not happening. >> Can I ask if you if

041you if you bring a policy up just say then policy number so that we can easily find it >> or page number >> and or page number. >> Well, this one doesn't have a page number. The way I'm looking at it, I took a photo copy, but let's say it references 9327 at the bottom of the page. I'm sorry, I took a picture of it, so I apologize. Um, but you know, I'll bring I'll bring it up later uh through committee. I can send it to him email that way if it this one I this picture doesn't have a page number. I just know that it does reference on the bottom 9327 editronic mail communication. >> That's the only thing I can say in reference. I know that for for that one I believe there's

042two versions. >> Yeah, that's what >> that we can like >> in in committee like look at which version fits us best. >> Um but Jody I don't know if you want to add to that. >> No, that's exactly right. There there are there are different views um different versions depending on again bylaws are designed the model bylaws are designed for the board to to um to use as a basis for for for its own bylaws. So, so if you think that for example, version one is too restrictive and version two meet your needs better or you want to add a sentence or take away a sentence, typically that would work pretty fine. You you really want to tailor these bylaws to your board needs. >> Amen. And um and to that point, this is

043one of the things that I through madam chair as I have the floor that um that I would love for us to consider and madam chair I would love for you to consider to lead us in this pathway that we can all sit on as a board and go through these together as a team because it's going to matter I think moving forward that we are all accountable. We can share with each other insight. When we do it alone we don't understand where we're coming from. So I definitely uh suggest that and want to make that suggestion to through through the chair. Um, also on page 59, that one I do have a picture with a page. Page 59 is considering the the public participation at board meeting and it just simply says that uh

0443 minutes time limit may be allowed and it should be stated shall be allowed because it's something that we're permitting moving forward um instead of may that gives us an option. We you know we don't want to have that option. It's something that we're going to implement. So I'm just saying that it should say shall be allowed you know the three minutes. >> Mhm. >> I think that's a really good point. I think that's a good point. I I would prefer from my perspective I think shall would be a better word than may in this case >> and I'll send the other ones. Madam chair. Thank you. If you do want to send anything um in just uh can you attach Danielle to it because she can um make notes for us on the draft

045copy. >> Danielle, >> I think that's okay with Danielle. Okay. Um anybody else? Miss, did you have your hand up? >> I did. I have a bunch of um actually there not a bunch of edits, but there are a number of edits. Do we want to reserve that for later on or because mine are pretty straightforward and I don't have any like policy specific? >> I think for edits we can do in committee and then if we have general requests for Jod for any clarification purposes on a on a um policy you think we can do right now. >> Okay. No, I'm good. Then >> Mr. Traber, did you have anything? >> I know Mr. Sakalic went over some things with Jod myself this morning or this afternoon. So, um, anyone else? Jody, did you

046want to add anything? >> No, just that just that as as the board um continues to review these bylaws, I'm I'm always available. So, if it's a policy committee meeting, if it's if it's a conversation with with the policy chair, what whatever I can do to to assist you as you firm up these bylaws, I'm I'm available, >> Miss Thank you, Mr. Daniels. >> Yeah. And I'm Please forgive me if if um I'm asking in a question. Um but is can this be sent to us through email or is that in the portal? Because I'm I'm still trying to figure out this portal thing. They they are in the portal. Um and Danielle says she'll forward it to you in an email. >> I greatly appreciate it. >> It is in the portal already. >>

047Yeah. Yeah, it's in the portal. There's been issues with the portal, but yeah, we'll get you. >> I appreciate it. And I'm sure I'll have some comments. Thank you. And I do want to um say that when we do refer this committee, I I will um you know recommend that we really focus on the the pieces that um like the decor and piece um and I'll I'll I'll sit with uh I'll I'll I'll join the committee those days too. But um some of those items that the state was looking for last year that we really focus on those. Um the rest of it is just really good policy that we should have and or I shouldn't say I know some there's some conflicts but um in my perspective there's a lot of uh additions that

048you know we don't currently have that would be um like for instance a consent calendar um or you know things like that should be added to our our bylaws but that's something we could work through in committee. Mr. Medina >> question. >> Yes. I'm not sure >> this is the moment, but I'm wondering are we tableabling this on my this moment? >> No, we're my my recommendation would be to refer it to committee for the read. >> Perfect. >> I second. >> Well, I make the motion. >> I move that we refer >> this uh bylaw draft to the policy committee. >> It's been moved by Mr. Traver. Now, Mr. Medina >> second. is seconding it. Um any further discussion on it? Um all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any

049absentious? So miss uh we we'll get you the the date of the policy committee and see if you're available that day. Um and so yeah, I'll I'll keep in touch via email with you and thank you from your support in this. >> We spent five hours doing this and then another hour today. So I look forward to our continued work. We'll get this done. >> Thank you, Jody. >> Okay. Bye. >> Thank you, Jody. >> Um, this was an item that um was brought to my attention from I think I think you guys talked about it last week in the meeting um but I know other other folks um other times it was brought up. A discussion of possible act um approval of creating an ad hoc committee regarding the facility's master plan and or

050the decommissioning of Old Bassic High School. Um so um I know that the facilities master plan has been an um a hot topic and we do want to get working on or going on some of that work. So um including uh possible new buildings, possible closures and so I think the best way to do that would be in a separate ad hoc committee. Um ad hoc is a temporary committee. It's not a standing committee. So this is something that we'll have uh set um the first meeting you make we make of this we'll have some set goals to achieve um and um I'm imagining um that this committee will include community input and having those um forums really get those started to have uh community uh conversations um as far as the facility master plan

051and um and in in that conversation. I I think um we do need to discuss the decommissioning of the old Bassic High School. Um it it does cost us a lot of money to keep that building um around and I know that some board members do um there's a conversation with board members. Some people do want to keep it. Um others do want to give it back um because of the cost. Um and so those are some things we really need to um discuss in depth. And I know Mr. Garcia um uh has shared some information with us regarding both. So um I see Mr. Medina, you have your hand up. >> Yeah, madam uh Madam Chair, just want to make sure because I know we read five. Should we be also voting on six?

052I just want to make sure we >> that's that's what we voted on. Uh six Oh, we voted at six. Five was um was not moved. >> Okay. Thank you. So, u back to seven, are there any questions regarding um ad hoc committee? And Mr. Traber, >> just to make sure I'm I'm clear, this ad hoc committee, the fact that you mentioned the old Bassic High School is not the sole subject of it. >> This would be a broader committee. So it would be looking at the plan with regard to the proposed east end um school and the need to have a complete and thorough discussion with the affected uh community. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Yes. Um as far as decommissioning of old Pacic High School, that would be something that in that committee

053should be brought up ASAP because of the the cost. >> I understand. I understood that. I I just wanted to make sure that there's broader than that. >> Yeah, >> I understood the immediacy of that, >> but I wanted to make sure there's also this urgent need because we now have a little over half a year to have a the kind of discussion that we've talked about numerous times >> with the affected uh neighborhoods on the proposed east end school. Um, with that being said, is there any other questions for this? >> Are there any other questions? Um, >> I would is there a motion? >> Move that we create an ad hoc committee uh regarding the facilities master plan. >> Moved by Mr. Traver, seconded by Mr. Benahan. Um, any further debate on that?

054All in favor to create an ad hoc committee for the facilities master plan say I. >> I. Any oppos? >> Any abstensions? Um, for those interested in the committee, um, please reach out to me. Um, and I'll I'll, uh, assign three board members based on interest. Um, you can, uh, email me about it. Um the next item is a presentation of the fiscal year 2026 2027 operating budget and nutrition center budget for the board deliberations. Excuse me. >> Good evening everyone again Dr. Avery, interim school superintendent, and I'll have Nest Nico, CFO. >> Good evening, Nest on. >> What we're going to do uh this this evening is kind of go through um the budget process. Uh we have uh several up and cominging meetings that we're going to dive deeper into the numbers uh

055that we'll be presenting to the board for final approval. Uh but we wanted to kind of really take the time this evening to kind of kind of work through um the processes that we've done together collectively not only with my team but with the state technical assistance teams. both teams have been joining forces with us to make sure that we're um you know changing the processes and procedures that we have in this district to make sure moving forward that we're grounded in uh collective support for building a budget. And so again um again I know a lot of of people are you know have been saying where's the budget? Where's the budget? Where's the budget? Uh but I but I want to um you know and I do share that anticipation with you as well

056because I think it's all um encompassing of how we drive the district, right? So I think that's going to be important. Uh my goal is to bring forward a comprehensive u fiscal responsible budget. You know, a budget that reflects both our priorities and our realities. Uh and those two things go hand in hand. And I think I think I I think we want to make sure that we don't rush that process. Um and um and so what we're going to put forth to you today, you you'll be able to kind of truly hopefully understand that. Uh but I do want to emphasize though that due to the fact that we had to um uh you know you know change the processes that the district has used over the last you know 10 15 years uh

057into a whole new accelerated timeline to really try to bring this thing together. we started a little bit later uh probably a little bit after Thanksgiving uh and usually the process starts October, September, those types of so we're we're we're a little behind on the game a little bit. So um what we've done and with the help of the state technical assistance teams is that we tried to slow down and be very uh strategic about how and when we're doing things. Uh and so when the board gets that recommended budget from us, it is going to be a a comprehensive overview of the financial or the lack thereof. You know, u issues that this district faces. And so, uh we are very proud of of the work we've done thus far. Uh it's been a

058a lot of long hours. And so we're going to share a little bit of those things what we've done in this new process with you uh this evening. Um you know uh the components are essential to ensuring uh that we again we present an accurate you know sustainable and al and aligned long-term goal planning perspective for this district. And so uh that's kind of where we are. and and and before we present a detailed final budget to you, uh and and hopefully we'll be able to get that to you by the 26th of January, we want to do a a few more public engagements about the process that we've gone through and and collecting all that data in order to give you a whole full-fledged comprehensive overview of everything, every voice, every dollar that that

059we spent over the last couple of years uh and we're going to take you through some of that history lesson uh this evening as Nester and I move through it. So again, we appreciate, you know, uh you your patience. We appreciate your understanding. Um uh I appreciate my staff because I've stretched them a little bit, probably far more than we've ever done uh in in in my t tenure, my two-year tenure in this district. uh and uh and it's and we're we're we're working purposefully uh and for so so and yes but at the end of it we may get criticized for it but we're we're we're giving you our best effort. We're going to be our best product in order for you again to make that because we have critical decisions to make moving

060forward. So again, I'll take you through, you know, um some of the some of the things that we um come on. All right. Yeah. Again, the budget pres the process presentation which will be today. uh going through a little bit of the the thought exchange, some of the results and things that came about uh additional budget forms that we're talking about and then presenting the detailed dollar amount to you, you know, by u January 16th board meeting. >> 26th >> January 26, sorry. Our mission, you know, Bridgeport Public School is dedicated in creating educational environments where students are at the heart of everything that we do and we do that very well. Uh and so the mission is is very powerful. Uh and then making sure that we we empower each student to reach their

061full potential by fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and personalized learning. And that's that's the heart of what we do and that's why we're here every single day. some of the progresses that we've made. As you can see in this list, uh it's a very comprehensive list. Uh we're not going to go through detail by detail. Uh but I just I I just truly want to highlight a few of the things that um is important uh uh to our team and working through some things. So if you look at some of the the criteria here, it talks about um uh teacher vacancies. You know, we reduced from 150 plus teacher vacancies to down to 40. Uh and that doesn't come easy because you have to get people to kind of want to be here in

062this district, want to be uh uh able to kind of educate the children that we serve within our walls and in in our buildings in this district. So again, uh, back in October 20, you know, 2024, I'm sorry, I'm in the wrong one. Um, from 150 plus to 40, that's amazing. So again, I thank the staff for being able to do that. Four schools getting off the turnaround list. Uh, and that's just within the last year, you know, that we've done these things. Um, you know, opening up new bass, you know, new website, new thought exchange engagement for community. Those are huge things that that are very important. I think the results of that district forensic audit where nothing major came about, but just procedural things that we have to fix. And that's that's what

063you're going to see through this process is that we're focusing in on those 34 recommendations that has to be completed and and adhere to uh moving forward in this district. So that's very important to be able to come and and and work on. Um you know some of the bud some of the challenges that we've dealt with over the last year or so is the rapid growth in special education costs. Um you know uh that's important that we serve our kids that we serve and and uh when you look at multilingu language students specialized students that's 50% of our populations. uh and it it costs to educate those children more so than your your average you know regular student. Um uh trying to make sure even like last year we we had a you know

064a balancing of fiscal responsible um um understanding that we got to make sure that we keep our students in our classroom safe. That's important. Making sure we give them the advantages that every other kid in Connecticut has is very important. Uh and then you know um you trying to make sure and this is the bud budget challenge is the revenue not keeping pace with inflations or student needs. Uh and sometimes you have to pull the curtain back to really look at what those student needs are and our student needs are great. Uh and so as you see our budget you'll be able to kind of equate to that. I think one of the one of the important things I I want to emphasize as well is is a brand new budget timeline. Um you know

065making sure that you know again we started in November uh as we revise this this budget calendar timeline calendar for next year. The process starts in in August. So, we'll have a lot more work to be able to do. And I excuse me for when this when the when the PowerPoint converted, some of the letters didn't come out in the PowerPoint. Sorry about that. Uh, but it was correct on my on my sheet is correct. Uh, but again, starting in November, working through the process, you know, working through and talking with department heads and principles and and really working through. So, we're going to dive into some of those processes that are new this year, uh, in the time that we that we spent to make that happen. Sam, it's not moving. Yes, it is.

066Now, >> let's talk a little bit about the timeline in the f the financial history. I think this makes a uh you know and I want to spend a little bit of time here because I think uh from a community perspective you everyone needs to understand what what has happened here over a period of years. Uh and so you take you know uh fiscal year 2020 uh as we all know you know you know between 2018 and 2020 uh there was a lot of financial you know um uh difficulties in this district and the district was really struggling to try to really make sure they had adequate funding to do what they needed to do uh to support children. Right. uh 2020 came around, that was the first year uh of COVID uh and the

067district uh received a lot of uh additional dollars to the district uh and um and so that kind of helped the district, you know, uh balance out some of the financial hardships that they were having. uh although uh it was it was made quite quite you know frequently during that period of time that the the er funds should not be used you know for staffing. Uh and so uh as you as you look at what some of my predecessors, you know, took part in over the last, you know, six years prior to me being here, you know, some of those funds were used not in a way that's going to be meaningful to, you know, uh when the when the fundings are ended, which ended last year, 2024 25, you know, uh the district wouldn't

068have the issues that they're having now moving forward. So back in 2020, you know, the district you know uh you know again was faced with cuts uh the the the the rise of the the cost of continued to rise while the education cost sharing uh and the district funding remained the same. Uh and so that's a huge piece. You know you move to 2021 that's where the relief came in. uh COVID 19 provided you know ESR esro dollars to the district uh equating for about how much? >> 144 million altogether? >> Yeah, about 144 million and you know uh dollars you know you know uh embraced into the district to kind of make sure that you know the district had the funds to to address those those COVID perspective. But again, the district used those

069dollars in a way uh that may have not been recommended uh but they were and so we keep it moving. So um it takes you back to uh 2024 uh and that's when the the ESRE fundings you know ended uh expired at that particular time uh which had been you know remember ESER those funds has been had been helping the district maintain you know the status quo between 2020 and 2024 and and and that year was a was a year that we used a little bit of those the remaining of the ESR dollars to balance the budget >> 25 till September September 30th 2024. >> Yeah. And so all the funds had to be expended by September >> 30th >> September 30th 2024. Uh again so so as you look at some of the the

070historical date data budgetary data you'll see all those things added to um um 2025. >> Yes. If it's September 30th, 2025, >> 2025, >> wrong date. September 30th, 2025. >> We extended it. Yes, >> because they gave us an extension. So, yes. >> So, again, 2024 is where you would see a lot of the the strain coming back to the district. Uh uh as you may know, Nester and I, you know, collectively with the team and the board, you know, had to balance a $34 million >> $39 million cut, >> you know, in our budget back 2024 2025. Uh and so and a lot of that is to do with trying to kind of sum up the utilization of those dollars because back in 2020 between 2020 and 2024 staff was added but in in

071the meantime staff was not reduced to equate to precoid numbers. Uh and so that keeps the budget moving and so you have to be able to accommodate and find the dollars to be able to kind of make that work. Right. So uh then we in 2025 know in 2025 uh you know just really trying to maintain and stabilize classrooms and and not disrupt very much. So we use the ISF funds to balance the budget uh and the and the ISF fund is the savings account that the district had in order to kind of keep things maintained. And so that's where you know uh the the last of those dollars were spent in 2025 which is last year. So again uh looking into 2027 2026 and 2027 you know trying to find cost savers costsaving measures

072to be able to um you know get us where we need to be. So so that again that's where we are. So you want to add anything else to that? >> No no fine. It's pretty much what it is. Yeah. So that's the historical piece of of of where we are and where we are where we're moving to. So you Sorry guys, we got technical difficulties. He's gonna get this the PowerPoint back up. Right here is Right here's good. this ram right now. I want to talk a little bit more about the processes that we've done. Uh my team and uh with the help of the state technical assistance team, you know, have developed a a brand new updated uh annual budget budget planning guide. Uh and what this guide will do will is has

073done for us is to kind of get and for future perspective is that it gives us a a better way of being able to tackle the budget. it g there's a there's a calendar there that kind of that we need to adhere to to try to make sure that the planning process is a a collective collaborative uh perspective and so we've done that and look forward to um uh you know this will be updated every year uh moving forward and being able to kind of make sure that we have a written policies and procedures of what we're using to u move us forward again talking about the goal goals. Uh, you know, my goals, your goals is strategic planning for district priorities. Uh, the one of the one of the main things that the the

074board is wanting to be able to do once they get their new superintendent is to go through a strategic planning process. And so that is that'll encompasses and and uh develop, you know, priorities for the district moving forward the next 5 to 10 years. So that's very important goal is to really engage our parents and communities. I think that's the important piece for us to, you know, when we start to to to have conversations, uh, being able to get, you know, myself and the board out there to have those conversations, you know, academic achievement and equity, making sure we have the same uh u um options and abil availabilities to academic, you know, progress and uh opportunities that every kid in the state of Connecticut has. being fiscally responsible and sustainable is is is something

075that we're we we're driving to to work on. And then making sure that we we develop talent and retain talent is is a huge part of what what we're doing as well. Uh the budget development engagement, you know, um I think it's important that you you understand that, you know, uh starting back in December 8th through December 18th, we spent almost 400 plus hours. Listen to me. 400 plus hours behind closed doors talking to principles, making sure talking to directors, making sure they we they're getting what they're they feel they need to run their buildings. you know, even though we may have a deficit budget there, we we had to make sure moving forward every year, it needs to be, you know, the time needs to be given to making sure principal's voice, students voice,

076community's voice is a part of this budget. And I think that's the po important piece that while while you have to go slow with what we're doing and how we're doing it. Um again talking to school leaders and department heads uh it's really important when you talk about school-based budgeting. This is what you do in school-based budgeting. And that's one of the things the state is driving my team to learn and understand uh and hopefully be able to kind of bring the board into play with that as well. Uh and that's important for me. I know for for for all of us uh you know as we move forward um as you will see these adjustments you know resulted in an increase in of about 43.9 school-based staffing positions uh and you'll see that in

077um uh in in in the numbers that's going to be presented to you moving forward as well along with you know with 20 additional literacy and and math coaches serving both elementary and high schools. Uh and remember those are wish lists and wish things that that campuses and and department heads are wanting in order to be able to you know uh making sure that we can give our kids you know the advantage that other kids are other districts are giving. So again this is a very important process you know and then it's going to be when we bring when I bring the data back to the board the board's going to have to decide on they want if they want to keep those things or not. Uh and and again, that's why it's taking a

078little bit longer to be able to do the things we're doing because we didn't do that prior in prior years. We didn't give them the opportunity to to talk about their needs in their individual buildings in departments. Uh but we took the time to do that. Uh and discerning all of that has been very tedious for us. uh because it's different, you know, and because it's different, I think it's important that we we we we pause enough to be able to understand it. I think that's kind of where we are with with with with this piece of it. Um so, um next slide talks about uh the audit recommendations. And I want to emphasize this too because uh I don't want people to think that we've been sitting behind our our our our desk and

079not adhering to what the audit told us we need to do. We had 34 recommendations that they provided us, you know, and they're not just, you know, night and day recommendations. They're they're they're things that has to you have to change your processes and procedures. you know, you have to change how you even, you know, understanding different processes and procedures that we've done in the past. And that's different, you know, that's different for me, that's different for my staff, and that's going to be different for the board, you know. So, I'm I'm hoping that you're going to be able to embrace, you know, uh, some of these and and if you have not had a chance to take a look at those 34 recommendations, you need to do it because it tells it tells a

080story, you know, of the things that this district did not do prior to this the audit recommendations coming to us. Uh, and if they did it, they did it in a very, you know, non-olaborative way. Uh, but we're we're we're going back. So the things that they've recommended we're we're going through wholeheartedly and trying to make sure that we do and and a lot of things with getting public input, getting having those campus meetings, those are different process that the audit is telling us we need to be able to do. So we've done that. Uh and I think that's important to be able to do. And um um but again, I just kind of wanted to emphasize those 34 things. and and I can tell you the state technical assistance team is they're they're they're

081right on us making sure that we do not deviate and that we can justify uh to you know not only to the board but uh to the state that uh they they actually took care of the cost of that uh audit. So they wanted to make sure that we're going to follow it follow and follow through with it as well. Um some of the things that uh we also created was a a new staffing allocation um um where each principal would know exactly what uh what they're going to be getting. You know, be it assistant principal, principles, uh we we have there's a there's a formula that each one of them will have based on the number of students in your building. These things you will be able to get. uh as you get additional

082students, you get additional um uh allocations. And so um this is just a sample of one of the things and one of the ones that we we did with elementary principles. Uh and so as you if you read the headline there, it says uh increase in staffing using the school-based model resulted in an additional 63.9 FTE staffing including 20 coaches. So again, that is important to be able to do. So as we come to things that we may have to cut or or our or our or recess, this is how the this is the process that we're using to be able to do that. Uh and as we bring them to the board, you know, there's a process that we have to use to in order to get here with that. So again, that's just

083a sample. Uh again, we talked about community forums. Most of you have been part of those community forums. uh you know uh but as we move forward we're going to get into the numbers uh I think that's where your yourselves and I or we'll be talking a little bit more about the numbers uh and making sure that we're aligning to um you know the priorities that the community said they want to be able to prioritize as well. Again here are the priorities of the community. Special education support staff technology class size and mental health. These are the things that the community are are are pointing out to us that we really wanted to make sure that we stay uh uh very focused on as we talk about the budget. Uh and so we want to

084make sure that we keep those things these these priorities at the forefront of what we do as we move forward with the budget roundts. Again, I had an opportunity to kind of bring the students in in play. Uh I've went to two campuses thus far. I have three more. I mean, yeah. one, two, three more campuses to go to get their input that I'll add to the input that I'll be given to the board as well. So again, uh it's just it's just a matter of of getting and having enough time to get away to go do those building meetings with those, you know, and it's been uh probably the best opportunity because it it what they're talking and what they're telling, they're telling the same thing that we're seeing in the data and in

085the recommendations from the community. So I'm I'm really pleased with that. local and state officials. Again, we've done a lot of interacting with with state uh state officials, delegation, city council, doing a lot more of that. Um, and to get a little bit more input of how we maneuver and how we request for additional funds. Uh, that includes bu building up our advocacy piece. We're getting ready to roll out a whole lot of things that we're going to be doing on the advocacy side. uh especially because the legislative session starting in early February, we're going to start and try to get out there on top of that as well. Um and I think for this slide and and I'm going to have Nester talk a little bit more about this, but I want to kind

086of talk a little about the year-to-year finances. Um during the period when ESRE fundings were available, Bridgemore public schools um expanded staff staffing levels in 2022 and 2023 to meet student needs and support the recovery efforts of COD. Um as the temporary funding began to to wind down, we reduced positions in 24 and 25. However, these reductions did not fully offset rising costs, particularly cost of living, increases in salaries and benefits, as well as continued growth in required special education staffing. And as a result, uh, the district continues to face financial pressures even after making those adjustments. Uh, and so Nester, can you I'll have Nester kind of talk a little bit about, you know, this particular slide. Uh, >> okay. Good evening, everyone. The numbers you're seeing there for fiscal year 22, 23, 24

087and 25 are actuals. Actuals means that audited numbers by the auditors by the independent auditors. So 26 is current year budget pretty much. Um so those are audited numbers by independent auditors uh district independent auditor. They're real. They have been validated uh progressively. They go up. They go some of them some categories went up some categories went down. Sometimes what happened there is movement of expenditures from one part or from one fund what you call fund from the general fund to the uh to the grants budget. So when you see a decrease, let's take the instruction for example, a decrease of five mill pretty much $5 million um from fiscal year 25 to 26. What happened there? We we met with the state. The state preferred for us to move teachers from into grants alliance

088grants. I move Kelly services or delta that we pay contracted services will pay out of the grant into the operating budget. So when you see a decrease of 5 million instruction mainly movement of teachers into the alliance grant to support students more then move the contracted services which is support services which is where Kelly expenses fall into into the operating budget. That's why you see the swap from one category to the other category. So the increase of $10 million in fiscal year 26 is basically moving mainly Kelly Delta Kelly paraprofessional contracted par profofessional expenses into the operating budget. Uh the district has had you know like Dr. Avery pretty much said COVID money was there. The district used COVID money. Um when I started I think about a year maybe 12 14 months ago somewhere

089around there when I c the very first day I came before the board to present my findings of the district finances I made it very clear that year 2025 the board doesn't matter for that year $26 million of one time use of money which is internal service fund was used to balance the budget and I told the board outright come next year your $26 million in a hole before you start adding cost of living increase. I sent out email put out operation up freeze account. Uh out of that $26 million was budgeted to be used to balance last year budget. We were able to use only 21. So we kind of reduce the reliance on that. But we had to use some of that money that we saved to balance this year budget which is

0902026 after we made a $39 million cut of program reduction. The problem hasn't gone away. The amount of money 10 9.5 million that we used of one time use for this year. Basically what it means again next year you're not going to have that money because you're not going to have enough to replenish it. automatically starting with a $9.5 million budget shortfall in 2027, then you add normal cost of living increase, wage increase is about $8 million. So but again as much as we tried to contain cost started trying to contain cost first of all I have to admit the district should have started early downsizing use of ESSA money by attrition that wasn't done so but that's why we had a massive massive reduction last current year budget and we are looking again to

091see how much more we can uh reduce the budget because of the financial constraints of the city but not deprive students or children what they need for a good better education. And and let me conclude by you know saying I have no control board has no control over what has happened in the past. Previous administration you know made decisions to use for funding and we know that's a fact right uh but it does not negate the fact that salaries benefits cost of living sped costs transportation they're all increasing. Yep. >> Right. Uh and as long as inflation continues to rise and the amount of funding district receives remains stagnant, the amount of money we need to run this district will also increase. And so that's where we are. You know, no matter no amount of

092cuts to staff or services would change the reality here. You know, everything will always increase. It will never go down and the kids will continue to suffer because of it. We have to make sure that you know me as as the steward and the um uh interim school superintendent of this district that I'll give you the number that is going to be what we are going to be the the the bare minimum of what we can use what we need to run this district. We can inflate things. we can see the numbers because the numbers has been doing this but I need a little bit more time to get exactly so when I bring the this board a number it's going to be a number that's going to be needed to run this district you

093know and just looking at preliminary numbers you know it scares me because we don't have the dollars to do it but I feel you know with with we'll bring costsaving measures to to you for consideration But everything's going to be on the table. Everything. Things that people are going to like, dislike regardless, everything is going to be put on the table because the board is going to have to help me and my administration, you know, figure it out. We're going to give you that's why it's so important to give you the right number. you know, the number that I can, you know, say, you know, this is it. This is what we're going to need to run this district. So, whoever feels city, state, f, whoever feels the need to be able to help us,

094they're going to know this is we got to have this, you know, and to me, uh, I think that's the best way to go. And that's that's what I want to bring to you, uh, as a board. Uh again um the next step is going to finalize detailed budget presentation uh and then present those numbers to you on the 26th but in the meantime between now and the 26th I think I'm I'm suggesting to the board to have an additional some additional uh budget form meetings to discuss in in in detail some of the things that we're going to start giving you to um uh digest. There's a lot. There's a lot. Uh and um so that's where so mad. I'll turn it back to you. >> In favor? >> Um thank you. Uh Dr.

095Avery. I I guess I I'm I'm a little You're going to give us a budget um that that uh tells us how to provide a subpar education for our children because we don't have enough money. >> Repeat your question. >> It's a facicious question. I'm going to be upfront with you. Uh, we know that our district has been underfunded by the by the major sources of funds. Um, Mr. Nicole knows because he used to work for the the city. Um, the state has underfunded us. The city has underfunded us for decades, for generations. Um, and we know it's going to be a problem this year. and the deck is stacked against our children and we're fighting to try and get more resources. We discussed this. I'm not going to go on about it. Um and

096so you're putting together a budget. Now the presumption the the I guess the question is what's the bottom line in the budget you're going to produce? Are you going to produce an operating budget that says, "Okay, based on how little we're going to get, here's the here here's the impossibly uh horrible education we're going to provide our children, or are you going to put together a budget that says here's how much it's going to cost to provide our children the education they deserve?" >> Wait a minute. >> And so, right. Um, and so then we go to our city leaders and our state leaders and say, "Here's how much money we need to provide our children the education they deserve." Um, now at some point this spring, we know we're going to get to. How

097much do we need to cut out of that based on the reality of what they give us? I get that ugliness that's going to come into our job. But that's not in January. That's in April. May >> June. May. June. >> No. May. >> May. Yep. >> The city budgets May. >> May. Yep. >> And the short session ends in May. Um so it's May. >> End of May. >> Uh but uh it's not now. You you're putting together a budget based on what people are telling you. We're telling you, everyone, you know, all the input you're getting of what our children deserve, what a good education for our children would be, what your recommendation is, and then sometime later this year, we're all going to sit down and say, "Here's what the reality is

098of what we can afford to do." >> Right. >> You're spot on. And that's exactly, you know, but I I I think I I I want to emphasize that it's it's >> deciding exactly what what you're talking about. I mean, we're at a level right now that we you see all the accomplishment we had. I mean, we're we're bare minimum right now. >> I get that. So, I believe the rather >> we need to up that a little bit. We've used the rather distasteful analogy that we cut down to the bone last year >> and now we're started to amputate. >> Um but we don't want to be there. >> Nope. >> We want to go to the state and we want the city to kick in. And at the session last Saturday, we talked

099about the city needs to step up its game so that we can get the state to step up its game. And that's what we're hoping for this spring. Um, now it's a short session when the state doesn't normally, but the state is sitting on a boatload of money. Um, but we do need the city to step up its game, too. And that's where we're sort of hoping that everybody realizes that's what has to happen here. Um, and that's what we're praying for and going to work for that that happens. >> And I can tell you, Mr. Treyber, I I have upcoming meetings with, you know, state technical assistance teams and the city and the mayor, you know, to talk about just that, the budget, what are we needing? I mean, so it's a different kind

100of conversation that we've had in the past. And so I'm hoping that they're hearing and they once they once we educate the community, hopefully they will give a little bit of pressure. Clearly, clearly we got that sense from uh our municipal leaders that were in attendance last Saturday. >> Um and um you know, I have gotten that sense from the mayor. Uh and I hope that continues. Uh you know, and I I don't know where we'll go, but it is in election years with the state leaders. So whether they're willingly coming along with us or unwillingly, they we do have some leverage to to to lean to use this year. uh which is the only leverage you can use with elected leaders which is the votes and so we should use that to the max

101and working with other uh municipal leaders throughout the state hopefully that works too. Thank you madam chair. >> Mr. Scholic. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Um well first off I'd like to start with the history lesson. I've been here a little longer than everybody that co those co funds that were spent was not spent on luxuries. They were spent on necessities our children been doing out for years and years and years and years. So I would be careful in framing it as something we weren't supposed to do. Our children were suffering. We had no computers. We had no laptops. They needed counseling. They needed all these things that all the other districts were getting overtime. It took a pandemic to give our children that. So I will not regret any decision they made or we

102made at that time to spend that money to feed basically what amounts to feeding our children with a bonus that we got something that they weren't able to eat before. Now that being said going right back to we don't want to dwell on history but we got to give an accurate history. The intention always was even as we were spending that money to go down through attrition. We got a new superintendent who went the exact opposite of that and started hiring and we got more and more administration. So now that's going to bring me to some of my questions. I'm looking at the administration number on this little bit of document that we do got and here's only $140,000 off of where we were last year in unless I'm reading the administration for 2025 is

103reading at 2 thou $2,376,320 >> and this year is reading as 2,234,818. Why such a small drop when we did all this excessing? Excess when we did excess what >> I mean what's included what's encumbered in this we lost we lost a lot of central staff we lost assistant principles we lost directors >> you automatic you have cost of living increase you have wage increase and health insurance >> I would like to know a raw number of the administrators we have today versus 2025 versus 2024 for I asked for that information >> 2022 or to 2025 and 2026 which we >> well I would I would like to have a comparison of the numbers in he's doing pre-COVID to today and from the last year when we started cutting from our high point to now

104>> how many less administrators do we have on staff in total >> just give me the fiscal years you're looking for that I'll compare them >> uh well Well, let's start with exactly how many administrators we have now in central office. >> Okay. >> In bag. >> I'll provide the >> and >> yes >> microphone >> just uh I mean just for the sake of this you really go from 1 6 to 1.2 sorry it's a little small 1.4 sorry to 1.2 2 >> to 1.5 to 2.3. >> That's correct. >> To 2.2. >> So how many administrators are we covering with that? >> All those periods. I will provide I'll provide >> Oh, that's it. >> I'll provide data. >> Yep. I'll get that, >> you know. >> Yeah. Comparative level built basically every

105year on this on the spreadsheet. >> Yeah. >> Because we need to know where we are and because as you said, we got to have tighten tighten our belts now. >> Yeah. And this is this is this is one of the documents that the state was really adamant that we provide you guys is the yeartoyear because you can break that yeartoear down and see what was what the money was spent on. Uh and so it's important that you know even for us moving forward being able to look at those numbers you know and and and equate what and how we're impacting the academic growth of the district. So you're right though m now I would I would like to speak to a little bit about the wording of the agenda. Everybody was led to believe

106that today would be a budget presentation of the 26th 27th fiscal year for the operating budget of food nutrition center. We sat through the community forums. Mr. Nquo was holding back the numbers and said it would be presented tonight. Um and actually sitting here tonight, I did not really glean one piece of additional information that I did not have before I sat down here. And I'm very very concerned because we don't have the numbers. We've got a preliminary number. I mean, we don't have to finish A before we start B. We don't have to go to C. We should know at this point in time how much our escalated cost would be to keep the exact same level of services we got right now. Do we have that number, Mr. Unquo, through you, Dr. Avery,

107Mr. Quo? >> We provide you that data on the 26th. >> But do we have it at hand now? >> I don't have it. >> We don't. So, we don't >> I don't have it. >> All right. So, let me try another tech. The old number was $37 million before the 20% increase in health care costs. What does that 20% increase in healthcare gas costs amount to? >> If I may, we will the superintendent and I will present the board with a detailed financial budget for next year. >> Are you telling me you don't have that number computed yet because you're doing all these other things? >> I do not have it completed at this moment. We do not. We are vetting through it to make sure. throw it out or pushing out a number

108without making an making an attempt to reduce that gap. It's not really responsible on the superintendent part or or my part. >> All my career, I've never done it I've not never done a budget where I just compile numbers and throw it to the administration and say here here's how much it is without even taking any initiative to reduce that deficit. >> Yeah, I understand that. I'm watching districts across the state come out with their budgets and they they're facing the same increased healthcare costs and they got their numbers in there. Why can't we as a district with an astronomically higher level of administration from the year 2024 to today do the minimal work that they were doing in 2023 and presenting these budgets before January 26 and we can't even answer the simple question.

109I can answer your question, sir. Let me answer your question. You know, we're working. We're going to give you the numbers. We're going to give you the numbers >> as soon as we get them. And and we're not like other districts in Connecticut, Mr. Sco. We're totally different from other districts in Connecticut, you know, and and so we we have to do our business a little bit different. And that's what we're doing. We're getting guidance from the state of Connecticut and to the two states technical assistance team. Hear me out. Hear me out before you interrupt me. You know, we're doing it the way it should be done. And so, if it's not the way you want it, I'm sorry, but it's the way that we've been instructed to do. We have technical assistance team

110members helping us do it. And so, we will have numbers. You trust me, you're going to be really, they're going to be very accurate. We're not just throwing numbers at you, sir. We're going to make sure that they're they're accurate. Right now, we don't even know if it's 20%, you know, insurance increase or 15% insurance increase. A lot of districts around the state of Connecticut is doing 15% increases in insurance, right? But the people that we met with said 20%. So again, so if we if we went and just only did a 15%, you know, increase in insurance, that's about a what5 million $6 million savings to where you can cut from the initial budget. That's what we're trying to do. So give us the ability to do that. And I and I I respectfully

111understand that you're so used to the way it's always been, but this is a whole new road show that we're trying to do done differently. Okay. So, just please bear with us a little. Give us a little grace and I think I think you'll be pleased. >> So, to be so so to be clear, you mentioned the state and they want you to do this and this and that. Did the state implicitly tell you not to release any numbers to the board of education when they asked? Probably because >> if healthcare costs were $10 million last year and there's a $20 million increase, you should be able to tell me off the top of your head it's going to cost an extra $2 million. Right now, the only number we got is $37 million. That's

112the solid number that's going upwards from there. But how much upwards? You can't even give us at 15% at 20%. You can't even give us estimates. The numbers will never be settled. You what's what's going to be next? We're going to wait to see how many special education students come back in district. We don't cut that number. So, we can't put that down. Are we going to keep like until we get solid numbers? The budget is a fluid. >> The budget will come out January 26th. Do you have any more questions? Uh, >> yes, I do have several more questions. Move on. Why are we having more community forums? What are we gleaning from them? We're we're asking. We got enough information and we can't even tell them anything. What we need to do is

113get out in the community and tell them what we need to keep operating. We we don't want we we got the survey. We got the black people to >> So you're saying not to have any more committee meetings? I'm saying to since you're so stressed, since the people are spread so thinly, your time would be better spent getting those numbers out to us sooner rather than later. That's all I got. >> Mr. Banahan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, first of all, thank you Dr. Thank you Ector for your presentation as always you know very professional and very clear and very surprised because the state say we don't do the job they don't know we they say that we don't know what we doing and it's very clear everything you say they know what we

114want and what you know what we need so it's very shame them they're not here I never see the board education meeting >> they're here on line Okay. But not online. Uh well, we have a chair, we got a vice chair, we got a secretary and what the rest of the board members, we nine board members. I would love to sit down with you know with them and speak and listen to them, you know, as a team. That's that's a message I know, but I like to >> we haven't met with them. They're online right now. >> I know that, Madame Sher, but I'm saying as a team, sit down and listen, not only online and stuff like that. So that's my my my opinion. um be almost 20 years in the district for my

115son started the first grade. He graduated from Bass High School. I see so many superintendent come in out. I see so many drama in the Brisb school. You came and you start open draw under the rug doors everything. what the another superintendent hide for not bringing out what's going on Bridgeport public school because they were scared to let another community parent student everything what we going through but now that you came and you bring everything out and put in the table and try to bring all this information to everyone so they can know what we want I don't know why we trying to hold the process our process and everything. So like I say, be almost so many years and see you bring everything out and put it in the table. We are not it's

116not you and us way behind and I know you and your team they're doing so many things. I be I be witness between Monday to Sunday your staff working and it's not easy you know and we got personal life. regard personal health issues, stuff like that. And sometime we put on the side to be sure you and your team and us to be sure school be you know process we we be trying to do the the best we can because Connecticut you know Bridgeway is the most um the big city and the district. It it's true that Mr. Sak say another town but guess what we are not the other town we brought. with Bristo public school. We here to support and help our students, parent and staff. It's not easy. It's not easy me

117here sitting down here. I'm going through personal life situation. Guess what? I'm here because I care and you care and your team care. So I want the message if we short the people understand we working. We trying to do the best we can. You trying the best you can and your team because we are not perfect only God. It made me sad and angry that we trying to do the best we can and put everything in the table and they don't see it. And like I say, I would love to have the state come and sit down with us in the meeting. They can see what's going on. Be the email, be online for me. No, let's go face to face. That's the way we are professional. But I have to say thank you you

118and your team, you know, and I'm here to support you and thank you for everything you do, you know, and your team. It's not easy, but you know something, together we can make the difference. We're not going to give up. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Any more questions? I see Mr. Woodson. >> I just have one comment. >> I think that we were listening to Dr. Avery during his presentation. Like I said, this didn't start yesterday. Didn't start last year. This started probably way before 2000 2020. You know, we got my money. The state said that we mismanaged the money. That's the that was the start. That's the start of our problems right there. I don't know why, you know, it's so hard to understand that we not as not not a this board together,

119but this board in the past mismanaged money and now we're just here to try to fix, you know, write the write all the wrongs from the past. >> People want to go people want to go back to the past saying, you know, you know, trying to explain previous, you know, mistakes and stuff. I mean, we we should just learn from them and move on. You know, we we we said it a thousand times before, we have to get our own house in order. You cannot go asking people for money and you and you haven't showed, you know, in the past that you could that you could do the right thing with the money. So, at least show that you could do the right thing with the money. Help Dr. Avery, you know, get to where

120he needs to go. And then if the state wants to step in where we know and and help where we're lacking, then let them do that. But we have to get our finances in order before we ask for money. We cannot present a budget where it's over. You you you want to send Nester to jail. >> You want to know you're not >> you wanted to present a a budget that's over. So you know you want you like you want you want to send our administration to jail. Why why you know why can't we just let Dr. a present a budget that's that's underneath and and and and you know where where we need to be and then move on from there. Why why you why you want to try to make the guy present

121a budget that's not underneath what you know what underneath the 304 million that we allocated every year. You know, I I I just don't get it. Just let know let them let Nester and the administration do their jobs. We vote on it. we okay it and then after we you know we we we complain about what we don't have. But all this time that you know we're sitting here wasting you know crying about stuff that we don't have that we're not going to get you know we we we might as well just let let let the let the men do their job men and women do their job and then vote on what we don't have after. Thank you >> Mr. Tber. Um yeah, I I I think we're confusing two kinds of meetings. I

122understand Dr. Avery, your community meetings now, community forums are soliciting ideas and input. And I I think that's one value and these are in January. The ones you're talking about, Mr. Sakalavik is are the meetings that we've done in February and and sometimes into March which are to let people know about the budget and the needs that we're going to have with that budget. And so we have a budget on January 25th that gives us ample time to do those meetings too. >> So I don't think we're ruling out either of the meetings. So we're I think fine on that. >> May I just clarify? Yes. >> Go ahead. You let me interrupt you. Thank you. Uh yeah, it's just I I was speaking to additional community forums before we have a budget before us,

123not after. >> Yes. Yeah. And so if he's soliciting more ideas, I think that's fine. I have a concern about the uh page 15, the thought exchange uh ideas that you raised. Um because one thing that strikes me as missing in these priorities and I wonder uh one is >> uh the sort of absence of of what I would call academic tutors or coaches. It's sort of you know the absence of sort of understanding how the educational process works. Um, you your your >> mam, can you put it back up there? Let let me explain that that those priorities from the start exchange was the overall you know not specifically from teachers or administrators. So yeah it was just a total >> so the input is coming from the everybody that threw in their two

124bits. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I get it. >> And so in that process a lot of non-educators are putting in their two bits. >> That's that's my point. So, you know, they they had, you know, special ed support staff, >> technology, uh, class size, you know, a lot of good ideas. I'm not I don't mean I'm not criticizing the ideas, but the absence of coaches and tutors and things like that scares me, >> but but is but in the other communications that we got from directors and administrators, you're going to see coaches in that. >> And that's what I'm saying. So, >> we're discerning out. So when we bring that budget to you, you're going to be able to see that >> need those things too. >> And the dollar amount that's attached to that.

125Absolutely. >> And so the other area that I noticed is missing is that is multil- language learning. >> Absolutely. >> Which is which would reflect in my opinion the absence of those those individuals of non-English-speaking individuals participating in that process. >> Yep. >> Okay. and and the clarity that came about in Saturday's meeting was just that because I think we lump everything under special education and we don't distinguish the multiling language you know portion of that as well. So we moving forward we we that was clear >> job of getting special ed people to advocate but we haven't sort of these I concerned myself about non-English-speaking people >> with you 100%. >> That's what I wanted to point out those concerns. >> Yep. Yep. Absolutely. >> Um >> all right. Um and then I wanted

126to speak to you like I will more next week when we meet since we didn't meet this week about the advocacy plan. >> Yeah. and Jim Tim and John Carlo is getting ready to to get that out for the committee as well. >> We need to work on that. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, those are the two things >> I'm going to sign you as as sher wanted to raise it because we need to start getting focused on that thing. >> Okay. >> Um, so this does deviate a little bit from our budget calendar that we had set a couple weeks ago. um which would have put a committee meeting next week. >> Mhm. >> Um are we holding that at this point? Um, since you're presenting the budget on the 26th >> rather

127than tonight presented, >> right? We we really I don't unless the board wants to it's really need to go to the full board instead of just a committee, >> you know, because so that you guys can digest it because at that point hopefully what you'll do with me is go out into the community and start breaking it down and and and we have those kind of forms together to talk a little bit about their wants where each board can go into their constituency, you know, neighborhoods and have those types of meetings with them as well would be helpful. uh to kind of make sure that we can get the voice of their their their constituents as well. >> Well, Madame Chair, from my experience, the budget gets presented to the full body which is the

128council or the board. Then the board the council or the board decides refers to the finance committee for review which every board member is entitled to attend. Then deliberation and everything it gets out of the finance committee or the budget committee voted in as to what cuts they need to make. Again, all board members can chime in suggestions while while the budget committee is deliberating, then have a consensus to go to the full board for final ratification or adoption of the budget. So you're saying it's going to the full board twice after the presentation through committee back to the So that that does pose that takes up our February which >> the board is referring the budget to the committee >> automatically without even >> they can ask questions but at the end of the

129session after presenting to the board the board is definitely referring it to the budget committee or the finance committee whichever body that reviews their finances or budget. Again every board member is welcome to attend the committee meetings, make suggestions, make recommendations, debate whatever. >> Pretty much see no further questions on any Mr. Chber final. >> We need to get out into the community and start arguing about the budget though. Mhm. >> We need to start advocating about the budget. >> And so we need to know what our final budget is as soon as possible. >> Yes. >> And the way you just described it, we're not going to know that till later in February. >> No, we will present your budget with recommend >> comes back. Would the board prefer that we do you know

130that meeting instead of a committee meeting? do a special call board meeting to talk about budget on the on the >> well the 26th is when we have it next week is >> if you're going to have it the 26th we can have the 26th >> yes the back and forth between from from board to committee to the full board that's going to take up February February is a short month >> it's going to go back and forth when do we get the forms in when do we you know March we're going to go before the city council I believe in March or late or early April so it's it's cutting it close it's still this still early. I did want to say that this is still early than we have in the last two

131years. >> Mhm. >> But the back and forth, I think maybe if we just bring it for the full board and we and we can get that number Friday before the meeting so that folks can actually take a look at >> Yes. >> the presentation and not be surprised on Monday. >> Absolutely. We can definitely do that. >> We we do need that earlier even if it's even if it's draft form. I think we need to see that. >> Um >> minimum 48 hours before the meeting. nth. >> Madam chair, whatever would be the ninth, >> whatever number we provide you that date >> will probably not get worse. It can only get better when if we come up with more ideas of programs to streamline the gap or the deficit. So, >> I mean,

132whatever we provide you. >> Yes. >> When when do we have to send it to city council? When when's the deadline on that? >> Uh >> because that's another timeline piece. If we're going back and forth between committee and when does our budget have to go before city council? >> I I don't have the calendar. I think it's Janu January >> for the mayor. >> I think it's I'm pulling up my head. January 31st. >> Gives us five days. Well, I mean generally if you remember what the board does approve >> based on the no based on the number of based on the deficit size the board decides how much they will ask the city a lump sum number and that's what we add on to we ask of the city last year was $30

133million that's what the board to request from the city that's the way the board has has done it for the longer time that I know even when I was on the city side has never been a year that is less than $18 million asked from the board. >> So I think the expectation is that the 26 we will get the full but the proposal and hopefully couple days early the board will receive that in their portal so we can review it. >> Yes. >> And I'm assuming and I I guess I'll talk with um I guess the board will have a conversation about this at that meeting but we may have to send it to city council that day if it's if it's due the 31st to is it the mayor's office first or >>

134Oh no. You don't Okay. If it's due if it's due the 31st, all the board has to do is determine how much money they want the city to >> ask to ask does we only put one lump sum number when we when we enter when I my office minutes of how much money we district is asking for the city long one amount >> so you'll have your number and you'll have your number of what you We should be asking for >> be asking they're even around. I mean that's all we do. That's the way the board handles it. You vote on a number 20 $10 million. I don't know what the board wants. >> So again, so in the 26 we'll get the numbers >> one single number. That's all the board has to vote.

135They want from the city or they're asking >> make it 50. >> They're asking of the city. >> Any further questions? My sister may >> I don't have a question. I have a comment. Um I did want to mention to all the board members. Um during the Saturday board forum, I did have the opportunity of speaking with um city council president um Jana Haron and she actually invited us to the budget committees and she really invited us to um have that collaboration between city council and I think that would really help in hopefully getting more money um from them. So, just kind of wanted to put that out there and it does happen on the second Monday of every month. >> Madam Chair, >> yes, >> I do I do have an update for you.

136Uh, if you look at our our new budget calendar that we created for for the board, uh, it has the um board meeting um, BOE regular meeting approval of operating uh, budget. Uh, February the 7th as BOE submits operating budget to the mayor's office. Okay. And then March the 3rd, mayor submits capital U budget to the city council. And then March 23rd, mayor submits proposed general fund budget uh to the city council. And then June 16th, city council sets the mill rate. That's the timeline that we took from the city side, but we put them in our own budget calendar so that we know exactly how we're going to do the business. Uh so that's there. Uh, and I think I actually shared uh that calendar with you. If not, I'll make sure you get

137another uh copy of that uh tomorrow. >> That's based on the new charter dates that the count they changed the charters and all that. >> See, because I see Mr. Chairman in the corner of my eye. Our advocacy will begin sooner because it's a short session. So, we'll need to begin advocating yesterday. >> And that's when he sets the mill rate. So, the budget is set before the mill rate. >> Yes. the council adopts the budget >> Before the mill rate, seven days after adoption of the budget, then the mill rate is set. But again, >> if if they don't change, if they don't if there's there's that that hiat that hiatal period where the council could disagree, you know, that >> that little period where they >> Yeah. Yeah. But in general, once they

138adopt a set amount of dollars based on revenues and based on expenditures, they have no choice, but they're locked into a certain meal rate that was calculated for that number. They can decide to reduce the mill rate. However, then they have to make more cuts in order to reduce that mill rate. And to do it within seven days, very confusing for them. Believe me, they don't really They can, but generally once they adopt the budget based on the whole voting is pretty much done. >> That whole issue of >> voting to change. >> It's not worth us debating here. >> Well, that was a that was a game. Well, there was a technical reason how >> the mayor got away with it. >> Yeah, >> let's let's just leave it that way. >> Yeah, let's

139let's leave it that way. Back to you, man. Chair. >> See, no other um questions. I know we had just want to acknowledge that public works was on the call with us. So, I just want acknowledge that they were here. Um so, thank you for joining us. Um uh see no other comments. Um the next item is a motion to adjurnn. So is there a motion >> moved by Mr. Benahan second? >> Second by Mr. Kalivic. All in favor? >> Any opposed? We will adjourn. That's 8:05. >> Good night. Thank