Board of Education Meeting

001Yeah. >> Can you give me a thumbs up? >> Can I borrow you a pen? I only have a pen. Sorry. >> Okay. Good evening everyone. We are now going to call to order our regular board of ed meeting for this evening. Um would everyone please? I was going to do pledge of first. Would everyone please join me in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And just real quick, I know it's not on the agenda. I just want to give a quick shout out to Miss Henning. Uh last night there was an amazing uh concert at the high school. She did a great job. My

002daughter was in as well. All the students did a phenomenal job. I just want to give a quick shout out to the uh coral chorus department and uh all the students that participated did a phenomenal job. So, thank you for that. All right, so for roll call, we are all present. It's good to see everyone. Happy Wednesday. Uh public comment. We have um public comment for the uh we welcome, excuse me, the board welcomes public comment. You will have up to three minutes to provide input to the board. At the start of each regular meeting, a maximum of 20 minutes is allotted for a comment on any item included on the board of that I'm sorry, any item that you would like. At the end of each regular meeting, uh the time is allotted. Uh

003no, we're not doing that's an old one. I apologize. This would be the only public comment that we are having. And yes, it is open to whatever is you would like to speak. And I have Mark Mores. Good evening, Mark. Again, >> episode three. You have another one. >> Cool. Oh, I see that. Sorry. Thank you. >> Mark Morash, 25 third meeting. Y'all are troopers. Thank you. Um comment was episode four, budget orders. Episode five for the second one, the empire strikes a line item and this is simply >> and this is simply return of the community. I want to speak to page four of the agenda document that talks about the budget forum that happened on Wednesday, January 7th and the round table. It says the Brookfield Board of Education members had discussion with

004the staff and public on the 2627 budget and I feel that it's a disservice to the people who were there that night to not have a more detailed description of what went on. So, I'm just going to speak to that for a couple of minutes, and I wish I had recorded that meeting because I feel like it will be a pillar of where things go forward. There was a parent that night who asked that everyone be bold and be brave as they're thinking about the budget, not just getting to a number, but being creative. There were a number of parents who spoke and it was like this building being built, foundation, brick upon brick, each parent supporting the other parent and saying, "We want to know that the money being spent is being spent on

005services that are going directly to our children." And that was a beautiful thought. And then you heard something that you never hear, which was parents saying, "We'd be willing to go beyond the 6% increase if we saw that the services were going to our kids." What? There were members of the town saying we'd spend more if we had the faith and trust that it was going to our kids. Don't lose that notion and thought that that's starting to grow. I appreciate the chair of the finance committee, Caroline, taking that to heart and taking the finance meetings over the last couple of weeks to a place where that clearly was in everyone's mind. Lots of questions being asked, looking for line items, digging deep. Thank you, Erin, on the finance committee for doing the same. It's

006a fascinating thing to watch conversation happen. So many things happen in conversation. The fine line between conversation and committee. We all joke that nothing good ever happens in committee. It's not true. But what when the good things happen, it starts in conversation. And so as I said in the last meeting, I'll ask once more to please have another roundt as this process goes between now and the referendum. I thank you for all the work you're doing on the budget. You're clearly putting in the time. I know you're putting in the effort on getting us Superintendent Kenobi. They're not going to like that I keep calling them that. But regardless, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And to finish my Star Wars metaphor at the end of Return of the Jedi, they're all dancing with the

007Ewoks, the community. They come out and it's better for everyone. I couldn't resist. Thank you. I don't mean, and no disrespect, I'm going to have to leave soon. I got a kid who's got a midterm tomorrow, but I'll be listening at home. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mark. Appreciate that. Thank you very much and well done. Okay, I didn't see the seat. I'm sorry. Um, Deb Deb case. >> Good evening. Deborah Casease, Brookfield resident. Can you hear me? I'm sorry. Yep. >> Um, I've come before you like I have in previous meetings of over concern about our safety committee, especially the security task force. It appears to me that has gone completely defunct. I'm being told that it hasn't. Um, however, there is nothing on the agenda. When the last meeting when they went around

008naming chairpeople for all subcommittees, I noticed the security task force was quietly left out with no explanation. Security task force has always been a subcommittee, never an ad hoc. That's some false information that's going around. Also, Buril was not the one who instilled the um security task force. It was started by a small group of moms way back when when Sandy Hook happened. I we need to get that clear because it needs to continue. I see a breakdown of it happening. I see no real work getting done with it and everybody will say, "Okay, well, we're working with the police and the fire department." Well, that's not good enough because at the last two security task force committee meetings both on September and in October, Chief um Paglesi went before the security meeting and said

009we need to hire additional security. I don't see anywhere in the budget that that's being planned. It he was supposed to come before the board and discuss it. That had never happened. I don't know if he's here tonight to discuss that, but that's something that needs to be discussed immediately. Um, again, this was days after something happened tragically in our own town. Uh, arrest was made with, uh, automatic uh, you know, guns in our area and our kids play right in that front field. We need additional security. We need to listen to the police and we need to get that on the agenda to get that approved for the budget. I don't know what's taking so long. I don't know why these are not communicated back to the board. It's really alarming to me. So,

010uh, I could go on and on about security. I also find that we're not following it. We have a plan in place that we submitted for this year. It just doesn't go like that. You submit a plan to the state for the entire year. We need to be ongoing. That doesn't mean that we just let it fall to the wayside because we don't have a superintendent in place. That's not how security works. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Yeah. Um Irene Irene Korea Brookfield resident. Uh I'm going to be I wanted to talk about the budget and um the Brookfield High School program of studies. Uh so the main issue I have with the budget is the lack of transparency in the presented documents. While some numbers are straightforward like insurance premiums, there are

011high-cost line items with large increases that leave me a taxpayer and parent with questions on what is in that budget. We have some items that are 19, 10, 41% increases. Um, I also never saw that there's any request for vape detectors at BHS. BHS asked Brookfield Cares for Brook for vape detectors that were $1,000 a piece. This falls under student safety and I don't know why the budget is not covering this. Um I do hope to see robust, thoughtful, fiscally responsible discussions this evening. More questions bring more clarity and transparency to the budget. If you are thinking of something, chances are another taxpayer is thinking the same question. Regarding the program of studies, I have this in an email. I meant to send it to you earlier today. I didn't I didn't get finished looking

012through the whole program of studies but um in the math sequence STEM sequence why are college algebra and statistics not depicted on the sequence graph of page 32 of the document physics on page 12 of the document AP physics one and AP physics 2 as AP science options but physics one advanced placement is listed as an elective on page 47 and on page 53 it only lists physics one AP as a class. So, if that can please be clarified by the BHS administration. I would also um I had emailed the admins earlier this year and I never got a response. If a child is taking an AP class nonece, are they required to take the final in addition to the AP exam? In the past, if the student took an AP exam, they did not

013have to take the final and this is like a non senior. So, um that is not clarified in the program of studies in the student handbook. I can't find it anywhere. Um, and I will forward you this email later tonight. Thanks. >> Thank you. Okay. And that's all we have for uh public comment for tonight. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Um, I [clears throat] would like to uh make a motion just to move uh an agenda item. Student uh Rep. Emily up to now ahead of written correspondence. >> All in favor of the agenda move, please say I. >> I. All right. Take it away, Emily. Thank you so much. I hope you guys had a great uh start of the new year. So, for the high school, um the Friday before winter

014break, we had our first winter pep rally to celebrate our winter sports. And this pep rally included new games and included both representatives of the winter athletic teams. Microphone. >> I think um winter athletic teams as well as the student body. And it was one of our most successful pep rallies as in terms of student engagement which is really exciting because it was like one of the first pep uh winter pep rallies. And last week student government collaborated with the national honor society to host master of midterms which was last Thursday and it was organized by the student government and facilitated by the tutors of NHS. It was really great. It was held actually I think right in this library. Um, and the high school starts our midterms tomorrow through Wednesday of next week, which

015we're super excited for. >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Um, that's all that we have so far, but thank you. >> Good luck on your midterms. >> Thank you so much. And good luck on those midterms. You're going to kill it. You're going to do great. That goes for everyone out there. You guys are going to do great. Don't Don't stress it. Good job. Thank you. All right. Um, written correspondents. >> Yep. >> All right. The following people have written to the board since our last board meeting. Ally Slater, Mike Einig, Irene Korea, Michael Gagy, two emails. Andy Korea, four emails. Kareem Hilton, two emails. Matt Grimes, Marne McNith, and Deborah Casease. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. Okay. Um, moving on to the next. Uh, approval of board minutes. >> That's all right. I

016move that the board approve the minutes as list as recommended. Regular meeting 121725, special meeting 1526, public budget roundt 1726 and a special meeting on 11326. >> All right. Um, any discussion at all? If not. All right. All in favor of uh approving the ru excuse me approval of board minutes say I. >> I. I All right. Any No, thank you. Okay. Uh interm superintendent search update. Hello Deb. >> Thank you. >> Oh, it was on before. Okay, starting again. and I'm very excited to share some updates with the board and the community. Uh the thought exchange winter survey will take place this February. Student survey questions will be shared with parents and guardians in a PDF format two weeks in advance of the student survey administration in each of our schools. This will allow

017uh time for parents to opt their child out if they so choose to do so. Communications with more information will follow from our principles over the next week. Uh thank you to the school climate teams principles Eric Conklin uh for your collaboration with this upcoming survey administration. I also wanted to update um folks on the WH algebra 1 and high school uh credit. Our eighth grade students who earn a grade of C or better in algebra 1 uh course taken at Wiskanir shall have this course applied to prerequisite course um sequence requirements which has been our practice over u over the years. Now, as a new practice, they will also earn high school credit at the end of of quarter 1 in ninth grade. The algebra 1 credit will appear in power school and on

018the students high school transcripts. The course will be recorded will not be included in the GPA or class rank calculations, which is consistent with how community service and transfer credits are recorded. Uh, I want to thank you to the board members and some parents for putting this on our radar. Um it provided us great opportunities for vertical conversations. Uh special thanks to our eighth grade, nth grade um math teacher teams, our curriculum leaders and administrators um for helping us uh to move this forward. We're really excited about it. Um I also wanted to um talk a little bit about a celebration. Uh Brookville High School earned a silver recognition a recognition sorry to place on the college board's AP honor role for the 2024 2025 school year. This recogna recognition is based on developing an

019AP program that creates a collegegoing culture and gives students opportunities to earn uh college credit and maximize their college outcomes. Uh Brookville High School had 63% of our students. So, it's 142 students out of 226 um students that uh took at least one P one AP exam uh challenging themselves to do so. So, kudos to the Brookville High School team for cultivating that type of learning environment. Um last but not least, um I am really excited to report that we are ready for a residency refresh. Uh currently, um as you all know, Brookville Public Schools does not require updated proof of residency after initial, uh registration and enrollment unless there's a change of address. So, the purpose of the residency refresh is to ensure that we're serving students who reside within the district um and

020that our records remain accurate. This supports effective staffing um and resource planning while maintaining uh state compliance. So for this inaugural year, our grades three, six, and nine parents and guardians will be required to participate in this residency refresh for each child in these grade levels. Communications to families will follow. And I really want to um have a shout out to um our school registars and Denise Walsh um for having the patience to collaborate with me [laughter] in this um effort. And that's it. >> Thank you so much, Debbie. You deserve a shout out too. And so do you Casey, thank you ladies for stepping up and during this transition period. We thank you guys so much. I really really appreciate it. Thank you. >> That's a cool question about the residency refresh. >> Yes.

021>> I like that name. Is that >> someone thought of that or is that like a good >> brand? >> Um but that's actually not my question. [laughter] >> Good question. >> Um so so then starting next year it will be every grade. >> So we're gonna basically you this is our pilot if you will or the inaugural year. So, we're looking forward to seeing what, you know, how this works and getting input and feedback from the uh family uh community. Um we're envisioning certainly doing something like this annually and what that's going to look like uh next year. Um I think we'll be able to figure out when we um do it this year, right? So currently uh what we're planning for the grade three families is that they're going to go log into

022the portal and um basically just verify their current uh residency and you know um submit their signature as yes, this is where I live. If they've moved to a different Brookfield address, then they will have to upload um updated residence, you know, proof of uh residency. for grades six and nine, they will have to update um updated uh they'll have to upload updated residency regardless of whether not they change their address. So the the admin team, I mean, this has been a conversation, frankly, that we've had for years. Um so I'm really excited to finally see it through fruition. Um, we thought every three years made sense because as you know currently, right, they just if you are somebody that's registering your student in kindergarten and you stay, you know, potentially in Brookfield, um, you're

023not asked again to prove your residency, right? So, uh, we really need to look at what that what that looks like just to make sure that we have accurate records and that, um, it's everybody um, actually resides in Brookfield that are attending the Brookfield schools. So, >> so what are the steps for parents that don't go in and approve that? >> So, yeah. So, if we will our school registars will follow up with families. We have a mechanism. Denise Walsh did an outstanding job as per usual of coding some things behind the scenes. So, we'll be able to do run some reports um and and be able to know who hasn't yet signed. Um and then we'll follow up accordingly um probably by mail, right? because then when you get returned to, you know, to

024send her kinds of thing, that's also giving you some information and we'll follow up um with that as well. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. Any other questions? >> Okay. All right. Superintendent search update. >> Uh superintendent search update. For starters, we thank you to Debbie Fious who has graciously stepped in in this gap um for an unknown period of time as of right now, but we are so appreciative of >> soon. >> Yeah, soon soon. Uh we're so appreciative of you coming in and um making sure that we can maintain consistency in the district. So, thank you for that. Uh and we are very close to signing uh the new superintendent. Um stay tuned. >> We'll keep you updated in the near future. >> Very yeah in the in the very

025near future as soon as we have >> all the details we will um be releasing that information. So >> all right. Thank you. Excellent. Yeah. Excellent. Nothing but good news. Good news. Uh subcommittee reports. >> Uh so policy and communications. Um our last meeting was in January or in December because we had the budget um round table during the regularly scheduled meeting in January. So in December um we met with um Eric Conklin who is the um director of technology and uh interim superintendent at the time um Vonda Tensa and we had gone through all of the technology policies um the onetoone policy um the district policies uh sort of technology package that um Eric and the administrators has worked on and we sort of just left it open because of the one-to-one technology initiative

026on the budget and since that conversation um you know that has further come through the budgetary conversations as a possible um not going into effect this year. We would still uh enact the policies. You know, we we essentially we don't know what that looks like yet and we want to have those conversations with the new superintendent. So, we didn't want to move forward um right now with those particular policies to the board. So, that will be another conversation that happens at a later date and that's it. Oh, and we >> uh it was the first meeting of the new um committee makeup and uh I was elected chair again. >> Congrats. >> Take it away. >> Okay, Carol finance. So I am going to uh punt my update to the budget conversation uh at the

027end of the agenda. I don't want to repeat all this information twice although I don't think folks like hearing from me. Um [laughter] so I will give a detailed update uh for that agenda item. >> Perfect. All right. Facilities. >> Okay. We met on January 14th. And I don't want to go through, um, in your, you know, budget packet, you'll see completed projects at the high school and then, um, projects that are in progress from the high school, Wisconsiner and Kwood Lake. It's all public documents. People can see that online. Um, we did have a discussion and um, look, we have in our agenda tonight possible action related to the HVAC upgrade project. So, there's going to be some motions and resolutions with that later on the agenda. So, I'm not going to go over

028that. Um, but as a committee, myself, Sarah, and car Caroline all voted in favor of the resolutions to be put forth to the full board. And also some additional information we talked about um as it pertains to the HVAC. Um, you know, our boilers are old and need to be replaced here at the high school. Half of the heating system at the high school is steam and half is hot water. Uh two of the three steam boilers are operable and one is inoperable. We need to upgrade the system to more efficient system. And we estimate we're not sure the exact price. We're estimating somewhere between 7 and 10 million. Um and we have $100,000 $100,000 of funding approved for the for these design services. Um, and and note that this was brought up in 2005

029and it was recommended for this work to be done and we can't find all of the or maybe you found some updated information regarding that ha. >> There is a piece of paper I have to ask um Lisa to pull it out of the folder. I will send that to you tomorrow. >> Okay. [laughter] So, possibly some clarity on that maybe. >> Um, HBAC now does um qualify for grant reimbursement and one-third of the cost can be reimbursed for it. So, but part of the deal is the NBC needs to head the project and it looks like they will be taking over the project hopefully. So, that's good news. Um, we did discuss roof replacement projects. So, a total of 791,000 of funding has been approved in prior years for roof replacements at Whiskanir and

030927,800 has been approved for the high school. Additional funding for roof replacements are being requested in our capital plan and the NBC has appointed to manage these projects. That's about it. Does anybody have any questions? >> I want to say I like the format of this. It's really this much information be overwhelming. >> This much information can be overwhelming. So I like the format. Thank you very much uh for that. And um I think it uh I wanted to ask about the the boiler in the capital plan. Is it in the 10-year capital plan >> for the high school? >> Yes, >> it is not. Okay. Because instead we're going to look at upgrading. Okay. Y >> the cost will be inclusive. That seems to make sense. Thank you very much. >> Yep. >> Thank

031you, Joy. >> So we have to kind of get moving on that to >> forward to >> Yes. >> All right. Any other questions for Joy? Nope. >> All right, cool. Kate. >> Okay. Uh, so for the Cape meeting, I'm going to take a page out of, um, Caroline and Joyy's book and, um, indicate that there are notes here that I won't be going over because they were covered more exhaustively in another document. So, um, we met on January 14th. Uh, this is a new committee. It was me, Stephanie, and Sarah. Um and the main so we uh had elections and I was elected chair um we reviewed or actually Mark Banda had prepared um the uh proposed revisions to the BHS courts of studies. So he went he and um Mr. Hill went through

032that with us and obviously um Debbie Ferris was there as well. So you can see that my notes like I was taking really careful notes at first and then I learned that um Mr. Blando was going to be making this presentation this evening. So my you can see my notes taper off. Um the things that I would want to point out to the public are that um okay so for schedule changes for students there there's going to be a new practice here that's going to make more sense uh for students uh for continuity of studies and for guidance um that when so so uh Mr. Bland and his staff consulted what other districts do when a student is enrolled in a course and they decide they want to change. So um students can uh make

033schedule changes up to the fifth session of that course. Um and they said that um both Mr. Hill and Mr. Blanda said that mostly the changes that are made are when kids move between levels. So they go from like um regular algebra to honors algebra or vice versa. So that's mostly what they see and um having students make that change by the fifth session keeps kids on track um academically and so that's the new policy that's been instituted. Um let's see there's a waiver option um well I mean you guys can read these um and uh let's see what are the other things. Oh yes. Um we saw in um the interim superintendent update. Uh if you guys would look at number six on the the minutes list here, the accolades about the AP honor

034role from college board. First of all, that's really awesome. Second, so we hit the 63% um of class of uh 2026 took at least one AP course. So that's the silver level. 65% is gold. And that's what kept our scores. That's what kept us at the silver level that we were poised to actually do better. And here's why. Um uh we had so um we had a lot of kids who took five or more AP exams. We had enough to be at the platinum level. And um also another metric was um students who scored three or better on their AP scores were the highest is five. Um Brookfield High School's levels were good enough to be at the platinum level. So, our kids really crushed it um this past year and so um even though

035silver level isn't quite as good as gold or platinum, we were just just there and um we're eager. Yeah, it's still really really great. Um let's see, there are going to be two new courses. There's a new social studies course, contemporary issues in sports. It's ECE level. Um, and then there's a new um, tech video production three which is repeatable so a student can take it over and over again and just get really good at that. So everything else um, here I think is pretty self-explanatory and you can refer to Mr. Banda's update which I think has been made public. Um, and so the committee voted to approve the program of studies and that is it. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. >> Just have one question. I'm sorry. So the number four so waiver

036options for ECE CSU sponsor courses final exam may happen in EC. So it's I don't know if that speaks to the public comment. >> So are they required to take the final? >> This does not speak to that. This speaks to the fact >> that mean final exam may happen in ECE. >> Um that some ECE classes do have a final exam. Um, and I would need to go back and like look more specifically at um I mean you can see I stopped half sentence. Yeah. There. So I was like uh listening and I didn't record all the details there. Um the thing is that ECE courses um uh I think come with a fee. >> Yes. >> And so there's a waiver that's available through uh the I don't know if you get it

037at the counseling office at BHS. Debbie, do you know? >> Yeah. So they added language there to include that the exam exemptions are not honored for the college and university classes and that's because it's required um by the ECE uh curriculum and requirements um thereof. >> So those are those are ECE final exams. Yeah. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So I don't I don't think that there's a DHS exam in addition to it because it's part of the ECE course. That's my understanding. Okay. >> But I can't answer about the AP >> and the um for 63% of the class of 2026 took at least one AP course. So that's just taking the course. It doesn't matter what you scored. >> Yes. Exactly. Exactly. And that's that's about like does the student body access this educational

038tool? >> The course. I think >> that was a good question. I was just the course. >> Yeah. Yeah, I did too. >> All right. Any other questions? >> All right. Uh, so for the special finance one, Caroline's gonna fill us in all of it later. Uh, we'll jump over to the youth commission report, please. Thank you. >> Um, they met on January 9th and um, probably the most exciting part is career day for March 24th has been set and Mr. Complin actually sent out an email um, inviting people to present um, via parent square. So, that's awesome. Um if you're interested, please let the youth commission know. They discussed things like um what to do with center school that came up. They're also kind kind of revamping some volunteer opportunities like rake and bake.

039Um they mentioned PTO babysitting from way back when. Uh things like that which are great. They adopted a new calendar which is still first first Friday of every month except for April because there's a holiday and there's actually no meeting in July of this year. Uh last thing they had nominations. Um Leam Mania is the chair, Marne McNiff is the vice chair, and Ben Vogues is the secretary. >> Excellent. Thank you, sir. Any questions? All right, moving right along to consent agenda. I move that the board approve the items listed on the consent agenda as recommended. New hires, resignation, and retirees. All right. Right now, I know she's I'd like to open the floor. Go ahead, Casey. >> Thank you very much. No problem. I do want to um say there is um a very

040special name that's near and dear to my heart. Um, >> [clears throat] >> uh, Joan Reynolds, she's been here in the district, um, she's in her 11th year, I believe. Um, she came to the district in 2015. Um, and had a huge undertaking of getting, um, our our business office onto the Munis platform um, aligned with the town um, accounting system and it was a tremendous undertaking. She is so knowledgeable in everything that she does. Um, she is a pleasure to work with. Um, and uh, I'm just so grateful for the time we've had together. I hope she is able to leave here feeling so proud of all the work she's done um, and the tremendous progress in the business office um, under her under her time here. And I'm grateful that you're here until

041April. Um, because I have a [clears throat] lot to learn. Um, but thank you, Joan. >> Yes, thank you. I will echo everything Casey said. Thank you so much, Joan, for your service. We wish you nothing but the best going forward. For sure. >> Yes. May I may I add something? Absolutely. Please do. >> So, um I'd like to also ditto uh what Casey um said about Joan. I've also had the wonderful opportunity and privilege to work with her for many of her 11 years here in district. Um and her attention to detail and professionalism is just outstanding and so refreshing and wonderful. She's a real positive influence, a a great member of the central office team, and is always willing to put in extra effort and go that extra mile um to help folks

042out. So, she is definitely going to be missed. >> Rob, on the heels of that, >> yes. And um I'm sorry. Uh also to um Well, did you want to say something else about Joan before I move on to Anna? Because I would like to say >> I'll just go and cry on her shoulder next week. [laughter] >> Yeah. And I just also wanted to give a shout out um to Annala Forger who's been in the district for oh my gosh a long long time. 20 >> 21 years. She she beat me out by a year. Um and she has been here um to you know keep kids healthy and safe and uh you know really got us through the COVID uh years. Um and that was something that was totally new to everybody. and

043she really um held the fort down with our uh our nursing staff um to support our students and staff and families. So, she will be missed as well. Thank you for her service as well. Absolutely. Thank you for taking care of our kids. Thank you very much. >> For sure. >> Even when they didn't deserve it, [laughter] do you mind? Can I come home? No, >> I always >> um All right. So, we have a um recommended motion on the table. All in favor? Any other discussion? >> All right. All in favor? >> Say I. I it's unanimous. All right, >> moving right along to new business. Okay, proposed revisions to the program of studies. >> Yes, I'm sorry. I move that the board approve the proposed revisions to the program of studies, including any

044course updates as recommended by the CAPE subcommittee, interimm superintendent Deb Fious, and BHS principal Mark Valanda. Second. >> All right. All right. We have a motion and second. Any discussion on this? >> Can we make Sorry, no. I was just thinking some of the revisions that were brought up today, can we is that going to be part of the revisions that we're accepting? I mean, if there are can that just be part of the motion or do we have to amend the motion because if we have to go back and adjust any of those items that got brought up in public comment? >> Yeah, some of the more additional ones that came up. I mean, no, the new things that came got brought up today. I think there's going to be a new email coming.

045>> Yeah. responds to Oh, thank you to the um excuse me to the public comment, but um as you know with the exemp this the student exemption with the final exams. So students that have a 93 or higher in a course can be exempt from the final um but to get college credit um they have to take the college um exam. That's just the way that it works for those courses. and the waiver information uh was put in to encourage people who may not have the money um to pay can have the opportunity to get a free waiver. So, I just wanted to clarify that. I don't know if that helps in terms of the the um you know the public comment, >> but I thought all our Yeah, I don't know if that's I

046thought all of them had to take the final anyways if they were under senior year. So, does that change with that class in particular? No, it was just that the for the um for the um seniors that if they got a 93 um or above, then they were exempt. But that that exemption status cannot be for um the seniors that are in those college level courses. If they want to get the college credits, they have to um take those college exams. >> I think the question that we had before was for a non senior. It was a it was an it was an undergraduate who was taking those courses. That's an important um question, but I don't know that it has to do so much with whether we approve of the program of studies. I

047mean, that is a question we all want to have the answer to. >> Um, also, there was a question um in public comment about >> the um I forget what he called like the it was the one with the arrows about like what you could likely take the flowchart, right? So, Mr. Hill explained that those flowcharts and I I I'm going to paraphrase here. um those cover about 90 95% maybe maybe it was 95 and higher of what what the student body would go through. There are occasionally students for whom um like who who will go beyond or or take different trajectories to get to uh the end courses the highest level courses. But um this these flowcharts were for the bulk of the population. So there and um I think I think he he

048was asking us to just understand that there's a little bit of leeway for individual cases that not everybody has to go through these exact channels but that most people do. So, I hope that that can um help you understand why physics may appear um in certain places where you might not expect or not appear in places where you would expect. And I think Mr. Hill uh would be open to giving you a more watertight explanation than this if you're interested. But um they they did that to show us like how how the general population moves through the course of studies. And they did speak to the fact that there are families who want to sort of map out like they want to make sure they're able to take a certain course their senior year or

049their junior year and this gives them the opportunity to map that out which is why he did it that way. >> Right. But for people who and he used um oh gosh the most advanced calculus like calculus BC or or maybe maybe no it's the AAT one >> means they're taking two classes at a time >> right but those courses aren't offered all the time because it's like two every other year students who are who are able to take that course. So they tried to represent it in graphic form understanding that it doesn't apply perfectly. >> Yeah. It showed how the different ways that you could move, you know, through your progression in the um in the courses. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It was really just an update to the flowchart. So, with with that

050in mind, I I would feel it was appropriate to to go to the program of studies. >> Okay. >> Any other questions, comments, concerns? >> All right. Um we have a motion's been seconded. All in favor of approving of excuse me, approving the program of studies, uh say I. I >> uh all against one. Okay. All right. Six to one. Um All right. Resolutions of non-priority grant reimbursements for HVAC upgrades. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Say as presented. >> Oh, as presented under I know Casey, did you want to speak to >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Yeah. Okay. Erin says yes. >> Sorry. Go ahead. I move that the board recommend the adoption of the following resolutions to the board of selectmen as recommended by the Phil facilities committee or subcommittee as presented to the board

051below. >> Okay. So, I can speak to this. This was brought up. >> I'll second. >> Oh, yeah. Thank you. >> Sorry. >> Um, this was discussed at the fac uh facilities committee. Um, as you know, as has [clears throat] been um discussed at uh I guess the last two years of capital presentations, um the need for these HVAC upgrades at the high school. Um the the great news is that um very recently HVAC upgrades have become um part of the uh general construction non-priority grant reimbursement pool um with the state. um [clears throat] pri previously um HVAC upgrades were not uh um eligible for reimbursement through the state um school construction grants. So really good news that um that they do now qualify which means that um right now the Brook Brookfield's uh reimbursement

052uh for those grants are about 33.93%. So about a third of the project would be reimburseable. [clears throat] Um and so just as we did with the um roof projects where um there's several required resolutions that the state um needs uh to have you know adopted by the board of selectmen um in order to start the whole process um we have to do that here. So there's six resolutions um but it's really three separate types of resolutions. Um the first one [clears throat] um the um authorizes has the board of selectman authorized the Brookfield Board of Ed to apply to the commissioner of administrative services to accept or reject a grant for HVAC upgrades at Brookfield High School. The next one does appoint the municipal building committee >> [clears throat] >> um as the U

053building committee with regard to the HVAC project at the high school. And then the third resolution is that the board of selectman authorizes at least the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the HVAC upgrade projects. And so there's those three for the high school and then the same for Wiskanir because funding is also in place um to add air conditioning to Wiskanir in all the areas that air conditioning currently does not exist. So this gets that ball um moving and it's um you know at the very beginning of this project. So, um the the NBC, you know, if they are appointed, um would then be involved in drafting the RFP for those design services, um and get the project started. So, >> excellent. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. We have

054a motion. It's been seconded. Um any other discussion or comments? >> All right. All in favor of uh approving the resolution's non-priority grant reimbursement for HR co say I. >> I. I. >> Any ns? >> Okay. Unanimous. Beautiful. C. Authorization for signature change. Take it away. >> I move that the board approve interimm superintendent. >> Well, >> yeah, she's intermittent. >> Yes. No. Yeah, that was Yeah, sorry. [laughter] >> Okay, let me start over. Um, I move that the board approve interimm superintendent Debbie Fious as a designated representative authorized to sign the agreement for child nutrition programs and to sign claims for reimbursement for the Connecticut State Department of Education, school health, nutrition, and family services. >> All right. Um, any discussion? >> All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> You lucky

055duck. >> Unanimous. It's unanimous. All right. Discussion of uh discussion of additional armed security officer. Um >> I got to read the motion. >> Yes. >> Well, it's actually an action. >> Yeah, we don't. >> Okay. >> So, there's no motion. >> We're not. >> Okay. >> Yes. So um yeah basically we are looking for the chief's looking for approval for from us that we approve a sense like it's not we're not voting on it but approval of additional ASSO at the schools right >> yeah so for clarity right if you guys read the um the memo that Chief sent us it is a position that the police are putting in their budget that would be an extra as we've explained before from the security task force meetings It would be a essentially floater, is

056that the right way to say it? It would be a fourth officer that would be dedicated to learning our schools. So, right now, Chief Plesi had um explained that when an officer is sick or out for training, it's you know, whatever officer can cover that day is assigned to the school. This would be a way for a officer who knew the staff, who you know would be familiar with the schools, the safety plans um on a more intimate level would be able to cover. We'd have an extra um you know officer at uh large school events. It would be at the discretion of the superintendent and the chief of police together um where they would be needed that day. And all they're looking for is the board's acknowledgement and approval that yes, this is a

057position we want to have in our schools in the police budget. Is that accurate, Chief Lacy? Okay. >> Yes, we I would love to. I think we >> we don't vote. I >> we can make a motion that we support the action. It that's kind of that was why it's not on as an official motion. Um it wouldn't be a bad idea if we're in unanimous support of this position. >> Absolutely. to make sure that >> the community knows that we're >> I move that the board approve the addition of one armed school security officer >> for the >> well so it would be from the >> from the police >> funded by the police the police department >> as I don't know >> as recommended as presented yeah by chief >> Sarah Sarah seconds

058all right in favor >> I >> all right it's unanimous thank you so much all right thank you chief Thank you, sir. >> All right. Assistant Superintendent >> Erin, I have new language for this motion. Do you want it or do you want me to read it? >> You have new I >> Yeah, there's there's an additional part down here. >> instead of the date, read that. When you get to the date, read >> There you go. I move that pursuant >> I move that pursuant to board bylaw 9314 the Brookfield Board of Education temporarily suspend board policy 2151 for the purpose of the board's immediate action for the appointment of an assistant superintendent which suspension shall be effective upon the adoption of the motion through the conclusion of the board's regular meeting of January

05921st, 2026 and moved that the board of education appoint Deborah Faras as assistant superintendent of schools effective immediately at the conclusion of her service as interimm superintendent during the 2526 school year and move further that the board chair be authorized to execute an employment agreement with Deborah Faras on behalf of the board and that Deborah Faras's appointment as assistant superintendent is further conditioned on execution of such employment agreement. >> That was good. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yes. >> Go ahead. You said you want to say >> Yeah. >> So, I just wanted to say thank you so much um for the opportunity to continue serving the district uh in this role. um having the awesome privilege of serving in a variety of positions uh in the district in the 19 plus years

060that I've been here as classroom teacher, principal, director of instruction, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent. Um >> we'll find a few more. >> Yeah. Well, yeah, I I think yeah, there probably a few more. Um anyway, I just wanted to say, you know, thank you. I look forward to continuing to serve and support um the students, the staff, the family um the families and the community uh partnering with the new superintendent to be able to do um creative and bold things uh together. I'm really am looking forward to that, right? Because um I have enjoyed serving this district, which is also my home. >> Well, we >> Well, thank you for stepping in and stepping up when we really needed you. We really appreciate it. exactly what she said. We really appreciate all the hard work

061and extra work you put in. Um, and same thing for you, Casey. So, I know everyone stepped up during this this period. I really thank you so much, Deb. It's been it's been a lot and we thank you so much for all your hard work. We we we really are very thankful. >> Yes, there is. [laughter] >> Oh, yes. And the new superintendent is also very supportive of this move and this transition as well. Um, and again, it is on the horizon. So, it's uh we are very excited about this. So on that note, we have a motion and it was seconded, right, Sarah? So um all in favor of >> that motion. [laughter] >> Uh please say I. >> I. All right. Well, that's unanimous as well. Thank you so much. All right. >>

062Old business. >> Oh boy. >> The superintendent's budget discussion. I will pass the mic over to Caroline. >> Okay. Um, so I wanted to start real quick and kind of level set everybody back to where we were and where we are in this process. I think that's important to do. So the budget was first presented uh on December 17th at the board of ed meeting uh by Vonda. The very next day we had a finance committee meeting in which I believe that was where I was appointed chair uh and we started the discussion around uh the budget at that time uh none of us had had a chance to digest it. So we took the couple of weeks over the holiday and came back to a round table which has been mentioned a few times.

063I do appreciate everybody's feedback and participation in that process. I hope there's just more participation uh as the opportunities come around again. Uh that was on Jan 7th, January 8th. We had uh a special finance committee meeting again to talk about the budget. We used that feedback to really task the administration with some scenario analysis, for lack of a better term. Um so we asked them to take a look behind the scenes and see where in the budget we could maybe uh make some adjustments. Using that direction, we came back on January 13th uh to another to our regularly scheduled finance committee meeting which uh I will note has been moved from the third Thursday of the month to the second Tuesday. Correct. >> Okay. Sorry. Sorry. Second Thursday to second Tuesday of the month

064going forward. Um so we discussed in that meeting our regular business and then we addressed again uh some of the proposals and scenarios that came back from the administration. From that meeting, we asked for some deeper details and additional information on those scenario analysis, which again we came back on the 15th uh of January and uh read through those again uh and looked at additional details around roles and different line items uh and had many questions back and forth with the administrative team. And then as the last followup tonight, we had another finance committee meeting uh earlier tonight at five o'clock. We just had the budget uh public hearing at six o'clock and so I again welcomed all feedback. Uh I do take the role as finance chair uh and stewardship of this budget very

065seriously. Um I'm trying to listen to everybody's feedback and and do what is best uh for the district and keeping in mind um you know the new leader coming into role uh going into this next school year. So, do I make a motion to Okay. >> Sorry. >> I mean, you can you can talk about perhaps what the committee's um action was tonight. >> Okay. So, after um again many meetings and a lot of deliberation and a lot of discussion, uh the finance committee is coming to the board with a budget recommendation. Um that equates to about a 4 86 increase. That's based on uh a few different line items that have been aligned within the committee. Um and hope that we can carry that forward into vote into an adoption uh tonight with the

066board. um go into more >> I mean I think we we have um are we disc in discussion >> yes absolutely I'm sorry you finished >> no I'm finished I >> I was [laughter] okay so with that in mind >> okay >> I already yeah >> sorry Joy >> so I think I heard correctly I was listening to the finance meeting um there's a lot of unanswered questions right that's correct um I know Not all of my questions weren't all answered in the budget document. Um, and there's still a lot of questions left to be answered. So, I don't think we're in a position to make a motion to accept the budget tonight. >> Okay. >> Um, I think we have time and we shouldn't rush it. um and allow time to get these questions

067answered and deliberate as a team once we have all are informed with everything. Um we have another week longer than that but um you know I'm I'm not in I don't feel that I'm in a position to make a decision tonight >> and there were some unanswered questions around roles and a lot of things that did come up in that meeting. I'm I don't know how quickly we have to move this process forward. So, I'm aligned >> next Friday >> as long as we adopt it by next Friday to send to this board. >> So, I do Sorry, Joy, are you finished? >> Um, so I mean I I'm not opposed to having discussions and I mean I think that's important. Mhm. >> Um, but I'm more inclined to say to have a special meeting

068next week once we have a little more clarity, more answers to questions, and then we can have a more fruitful discussion. >> Okay. >> But I'm not opposed to >> we could have some discussion tonight. I don't absolutely what the the what the current proposal kind of looks like. Yeah. If we want to do that. >> So, can are you is it okay, By? Um, so with that, I I'm a little leery about some of the questions. I feel like [clears throat] some of the stuff that was asked and some of the things we're we're asking administrators to come back with are building decisions. I think that we need to be really careful about what our oversight is and what we work with at our level versus trying to get into dictating you know what

069positions are needed how many kids are in certain areas. I do think the discussion should be you know what is forward what what's student facing um you know in this proposed essentially we are pre-cutting right the budget to make it a little bit more palatable for the board of finance and the town and that in and of itself is something I struggle with because I do feel like the administrators and the administration team has worked really hard to come up with the budget that we need and while I do agree with the work that the finance committee has done that it is um a good approach and a good exercise to see well like okay if we already know that's high you know where are the areas that we're going to have to look at

070I think the finance committee has done a ton of work with Casey and Deb to you know really look at ways that we can make it as Caroline has said you know kind of a status quo year in terms of making sure we leave space for what we need for the students but also So giving the the new superintendent that's coming in the opportunity to evaluate and see what we need and then really fight for programs that we might need to introduce next year. So I I do think that's valuable. Um but I do worry that some of the things we're asking for comebacks on are things that won't even really be decided until the new super comes in anyway. And if you remember from last year and the year before, things that we thought

071were going to happen in January ended up we ended up having very different conversations in April based on, you know, initiatives, ways that they found money once the once the ad hoc committee for start times came about. We found that the buses could be cut and that wasn't a conversation that we had until April. So, um I don't know where I I struggle with where the line is with what we need to ask them to come back with. And some of those questions I feel like are really can't be decided by us and need to be decided at the administration level with the superintendent. >> Well, it it is our job as a board of ed to scrutinize the budget and we're approving funding for this budget. So if I'm asking how many teachers are

072trained in Orton Gillingham, I don't see how that can't be answered in >> No, that's not a >> I'll finish. So because that's an important investment to make to have teachers trained or offer an incentive for teachers to to pay for it >> and have salary advancement and that services all of our students. Those are researchbased practices that help all students, especially if we're going to bring kids that are outplaced in. >> So, by me asking that question and not being answered yet is very concerning. Um, and that's not a building level decision. >> Correct. And that's not kind of that's not what I'm speaking to. I think that would be a question that we would, you know, want to explore. But, >> uh, well, I'm not going to nitpick think my questions that weren't

073answered yet. But um it for me dean of students should be on the chopping block. The whole philosophy and you weren't on the board when this was decided. The reason to bring that position on was to build community and build community engagement. It was not to entertain discipline. That was not the role of that of that job. So the fact that's never been brought up and by me asking about the specifics of that role is in an effort to understand what exactly they do now. So although that may be viewed as building level or administrative to me it's not um and it's that's something I want to consider I need to have more information. I can't make an informed decision without the information. So if people are withholding the information that's concerning as well, right?

074That was a that again that the the reasoning behind that position was to bring in community to to build engagement. It had nothing to do with discipline, right? If we have issues with that, well, that's a different conversation, right? Um so asking about clarity of positions is really important. Um and yes, I agree. we have a new superintendent coming in and we want to have a shared vision and and that but know that that's going to take time >> to evaluate our systems and our current structures. So, I'm not going to sit idle and say, "Well, we'll wait for said superintendent to come in and and do his evaluation and assessment." That's going to take time. So, um for me, um Dina students, that's an important position to look at. and the IEP compliance. I

075know it came up tonight in finance. Yep. >> Um to kind of get more information. I think um I don't remember who said it, but they said initially that was we were kind of bleeding and we needed that position to come in and >> remediate. >> Exact. That was the word you used. That was perfect. >> Um >> I think looking more into that and really asking those questions like you did tonight to get more information on that is really really important. So, I I'm not comfortable with approving what's been proposed by the finance committee um because I think there's so much more to be looked at >> and discussed. That's >> and discussed. Yeah. >> Okay. >> We can use every minute of the time that we have [laughter] to >> Yeah. May. >>

076Yeah. >> To do that. >> Thanks, Rob. Um so, Joy, I'm sure you didn't mean to imply that information is being withheld from you. Um, I think that that was I think that might be >> and and if some questions I mo a lot of the questions I asked haven't been answered, well, you know, I teach inferencing, so I'm just applying what I teach my students based on what I have presented in front of me. if I'm asking questions and they're not being answered and then she makes a statement. Um I think that we just in the two years that I've been on the board um we have had um multiple um explanations about the value for example of the dean of students position and um we've also seen um school climate legislation come down

077which I I don't know what happens um at the middle school in terms of like who's in charge of of um those responsibilities but this is exactly the sort of situation where where it's probably incumbent upon us to ask you Deb to um help us like in in a discussion with um Mr. Renda to help us understand um if if he in his practice as the leader of that building feels that that is a position that's integral. It's that would give us serviceable actionable information. Um even though I I I don't think that we should line item um cuts. Um, I I just want to say I I think I'm the odd person out here. Um, I I have a hard time supporting a 486 with great respect for the work done by the members

078of the finance committee and by the members of the administration to to devise scenarios for different levels of of um budgetary expenditure. Um I we've heard parents talk a lot and with fervor and and and genuine feeling about um studentf facing um what's the word uh investments or spending and I I feel that on this document that's the 486 you know this the second page of the document that we have many of these expenses are studentf facing curriculum is studentf facing the PD that um instructors As Aaron has pointed out, this is studentf facing. Um the I I'm not sure which tech softwares um are are part of this $39,000 cut. Um but I I see these as as and field trip that that's that's studentf facing. So, you know, we had parents plea in

079earnest to make this district world class. We all want that for our students. Um for for the for our neighbors and I feel like um the 486 doesn't get us there. I also can appreciate the financial pinch. I get it. We all get that. Um additionally, I want to just put in a cautionary word about the IEP compliance person. as a teacher who relies on solid IEPs that are well written that help me do my job at a tier one capacity for all of the students in my class. Having um IEPs that are really solid is great. We're 99% compliant probably because we have an active IEP compliant compliance person. We have kids constantly cycling in and cycling out, you know, year after year. We need I would say we would need a position like

080that. Obviously, it's Mr. Roland's call, him and his team. But please don't think that that's a oneandone. Oh, we're all set. I mean, that this is an organic dynamic system. Um, and I I really feel like it's extremely short-sighted. That's incredibly student facing even though you might not feel it. I know it as a as a professional in the field that um having tight uh user-friendly IEPs that you can rely that a compliance officer has has made sure that the team knows how to do them. That benefits children tremendously and it helps teachers meet the letter of the law and meet their students needs in real time in the classroom. >> Can I clarify? >> Oh, the state made me. So would you agree that um you're part of a team in aligning the IEP

081right in the in your educating of a student? So it's part of a team. So if that's a concern that we have whether we're in compliance with IEPs, I think that's part of a different conversation because we have the system that we have in place. We have special ed supervisors and as classroom teachers and then you have case managers and then you have super supervisor special ed supervisors. So we have different layers, right? That's just because we don't have an IEP compliance person doesn't mean we're not in compliance. There other layers or the the there makes up a team right to make sure you're compliant. I have to follow my students IEPs. That's my job and then there's someone above me that makes sure I'm doing my job. and vice versa. So, the IEP compliance

082would be the top layer um of of a many layered approach systems that we've had. >> Yes. But I and I can appreciate what you're saying. We are all part of a team and everybody's doing their job in in in aiming to be compliant, but um I don't know if you've seen the shift in your district. I've certainly seen the shift in in mine um where the language um is the language of IEPs has has changed over the last few years and um it's it's just much more um uh technical goal oriented um user friendly and and that is in part because um somebody at the at the top of the team is making sure that that quality is uniform and uh you know top to bottom there's there's you know horizontal and vertical alignment

083there. And that's a big job with legal repercussions for the district, but also repercussions for the children in front of us. So, I appreciate what you're saying, but I still think that maybe maybe again this is something to to go for you um Deb to go and talk to Mr. um Roland about like he he spoke to it um this evening, but I don't know. I I feel like that's just a really important position >> or maybe it makes more sense to invest money in PD to ensure that you as a tier one teacher have um what you have in your tool toolbox to make sure you're meeting you're you're in compliance with the IEPs. Um, so I would like or maybe that money spent to honor the request by special ed for the, you

084know, the PD that was asked and the behavioral program PD that, you know, I would like to look more at that um as being a really a focus. And I think that those are those are conversations that between um Debbie and and Bill could could help us. Um I mean if if if we're going to come down to pruning and it's going to hurt like we want to be informed with some of those discussions. >> I think you both make great points though for sure. Absolutely. Karen >> No, I I just want to reiterate that you know all of these conversations have been difficult uh for the administration. you know, no one is in, you know, fullhearted support of cutting anywhere. Um, you know, I'm trying to drive a little bit of a an approach

085of control our own destiny. Um, you know, and the fiscal responsibility of looking into areas where that that could have opportunity. Um, the expectation was that we looked at the mo the least impactful um to students. Um, you know, whether whether the titles on these >> No, they're all impactful for the most part. >> Whether the titles on these line items reflect that or not, um, I I have trust in the administration that that that was the lens at which all of this was looked at. Um, so I do understand Joy that there are still outstanding questions, discussions, and further conversations that we can certainly have around a lot of this. So um you know I am I am fine with continuing to have some discussion tonight or setting the you know a few one

086or two meetings special meetings for next week as well to continue the discussion before we need to submit um at the end of next week. >> Okay I guess that's uh >> Wendy just to piggyback off something you mentioned I'm glad you brought up you know the climate legislation. So some things that we've done right we we put in we increased the stipen for climate coordinators in all the buildings. Um we have climate committees in each of um the buildings you know we've asked for more information regarding that which we have not received. So um that would be helpful too you know to get that additional information um to see how we're meeting legislation right how we're we're we're honoring those those changes. what kind of load are they carrying this in this first year

087roll out. >> But if we don't have that information, we can't make an informed decision if we're not given the information of what happens during these climate meetings, when they happen, how long, what goes on, what the topics are discussed. Um, we've asked and we've yet to get that information. >> So, Joe, I'd like to just disagree with you really quick because we did get that information. I think we asked all of it. >> We did. It's not our job to find out what the minutes were, what they discussed, when they discussed it. Our job is to make sure that the legislation is being followed and we have assurance that it is. We have assurance that all of the appointed people are supposed to be on the committee. We have assurance that they have met.

088So I disagree and we can disagree on this and that's fine. But in my opinion that those details are at the building level. It is our job to know whether or not the climate coordinator position has been filled, whether or not the committee is meeting and following the legislation and our policy. And beyond that, we don't get into when they met, what was on the agenda. That's not what our job is. >> So, Rob, I emailed you back again today. I don't know if you had time to check, but we did not get um we asked for further clarification on the members. Mhm. >> Um we don't feel that the the public the community was representative >> represented >> not incidentally. I'm sorry. >> So I'll follow >> that was information that we requested and

089we further asked for clarification on that. >> Deb, I'm sorry. >> Yeah. So Joy, I just wanted to answer some of um some of your questions. So according to the legislation, the school climate uh improvement uh teams need to the specialists need to submit their climate improvement plans by uh on or before December 31st. So they all met that deadline um to be reviewed by the climate uh coordinator, which is the superintendent, right? So Vonda and I did review the draft plans. We gave some feedback. Um the teams really did a great job of incorporating that feedback and really enhancing their plans. Um and all of those plans now have been finalized and are ready for approval. Upon approval, they are then shared with the school community. Um so we're really at the point now

090they I just need to get the signature, right? So the school climate um specialist sign and then the school climate coordinator yet another hat I will be wearing um signs right um so I just need to get those signatures and then those plans will be shared um with the broader um school community and it does include all of the information that you're requesting and in terms of like you know details from the minutes um Rob and I did have some correspondence back and forth I think it was over um winter break over the holidays. Um where we can appreciate that the board would be interested just to find out in terms of what is some of the content, you know, on a real high level of what's being discussed as far as like detailed minutes.

091Um we really didn't feel that that was appropriate because the whole idea of those meetings is to have transparent, honest communications about sensitive topics related to the climate, right? So we want people to bring forth ideas and to discuss those situations and they're less likely to do that if detailed minutes are going to be shared. Right? So I think what we can do and what I agreed upon um with Rob is that the principles will share um some you know what kind of like at a high level the content that was discussed kind of like a summary. >> That's all I was saying. I was saying details. >> Absolutely. We will be sharing that. They have met like I know I think actually that the Whiskanir team met today. Um I did see that. So

092we can definitely share that and at the next district leadership meeting which the principles are are part of. Um they'll provide that information to me and I'll be able to then um supply that information um to Rob to share with the board. um and most likely we'll be prepared um for the February um board meeting if the board is interested in doing so to um have some type of presentation um on those school climate improvement plans. Um so I just wanted to let you know that. >> Great. No, I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Yeah. So yeah, if there was >> Yeah, I mean I think my only concern um was um some of the schools didn't have representation of parents, right? So it says parents and families. Um so I think that it's really

093important that you guys I mean whoever you choose it has I mean we don't have a say in that but I believe parents plural and families plural they cannot be people who are employed by the district acting in the capacity of parents. Um, so, um, I think that it's written that way, right? It's written school employees and families and I think that it really needs to be they parents, right? Or families can bring a different perspective than someone who works in the school um, that happens to be a parent, right? It just it's two distinct differences. And I think that in order for the committee to function as the state asked it to work that we need to be tr, you know, we need to follow through with what needs to be done. I love

094that there's, you know, staff members that have children in Brookfield. But I also believe that parents that do that aren't employed by the district bring a perspective that we need to honor and listen to. So yeah, I just would ask that we do look at that. >> Yeah. And I and I hear that and certainly the principles can speak to um you know what um you know what they did in terms of trying to get the word out perhaps through the PTO. I'm I'm not really sure. Um but just to also let you know that um it is up in terms of the legislation. It does specifically say that the family members are appointed by the climate school specialist. With that said, I do understand and appreciate the points that you're raising in terms of,

095you know, what engagement was done to communicate with outside families. Um, and it's quite possible, frankly, just also in terms of the timing to be able to get these plans together and the timing of their committees, right, that they didn't have an opportunity to really do as much family engagement and and, you know, garner some interest. So, it's possible that they can certainly do that and add to their team. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> I'm not expecting, right, that they have somebody yesterday or they get somebody tomorrow. I'm just saying as we move forward in this process. I think that it's really important that we have them represented. >> Totally understand. Thank you. >> So, it looks like we're going to set up a special meeting. Sounds like, right? >> Yes. Um, I

096was just taking a note. Uh, I think we'll set up a special finance committee meeting uh for a follow-up next week and then a special board of ed meeting for a final review and vote. Now, >> what day you out of town? >> We're not doing every night next week like we did this. >> I'm I'm gone the whole week, but I can have the ability to I I would I would I would >> Hold that thought. Go ahead, De. I'm sorry. I know there were some questions regarding the dean of students and we do have uh Mr. Renda here. So I was wondering if the board would like him to speak >> to some of those questions. >> But is he prepared to I mean to put him on the spot like that? >>

097Yeah. No, I he has a lot of information that he's already shared in 2023 when the uh dean of students uh was introduced as Joy was um speaking to as well as some other things. So I think he's prepared to to have that. All I want to say is I just want to clarify something that there was nothing set forth at the beginning about managing discipline and behaviors. I do have the pre the presentations for the board uh to the board and part of it is daily you're uh absolutely correct family and comm community uh community but one of the things one of the slides what we had was daily school uh operations um obviously visible in classrooms hallways cafeteria things like that drop off parent pickup but then managing everyday behavioral issues following up

098with appropriate consequences restorative practices communicating with families amilies, staff, and paper. Uh, and also the followup with paperwork with bullying and also being proactive in making sure because, you know, we looked at last year was 57 something. We had a climate meeting today and there was 570 something discipline referrals last year. That does not include the number of meetings you have with Dean and Deb because Deb Dean and Deb need to have a little mediation that our current dean of students pulls kids in and also follows up that that's not a written referral. So that wouldn't be one of the 570 if you want to say 76 or whatever it was. Um there's a lot of proactive work and also the whole restorative practice part of it also. So, you know that when we say

099forward- facing to students, I guarantee you ask any student that's in Whiskanir, they know him. They see him in the hallways. They see him um you know, in the classrooms. He's just, you know, he goes to our our weekly meetings and works with staff with strategies of students that are, you know, um having struggles or challenges in the classroom. Um, so he's fa he's forward facing with students and and interacting with students, you know, all day long. So, I just wanted to clarify that because I wouldn't have said there was nothing in there. It was in all of the previous uh board of ed from 12 2023 uh job description and everything. So, >> I appreciate that. Did you question? >> Okay. All right. Uh, so did you want to throw out some dates? >>

100Sure. >> Tuesday. >> Is Nikki prepared to Spanish. >> I would say the only >> Hold that thought for one second. No, no, let me just get these dates for second. >> The only day I cannot do is >> not be available. >> I cannot be available the 27th. Tuesday the 27th. >> I was going to offer up that we have a regroup of the finance. I was going to offer up that we have a re regroup of the finance committee on Tuesday >> the 27th to come back and with some of the unanswered questions and open items. >> Okay. >> For those that can attend and then >> Tuesday >> for finance committee and then a special board meeting Thursday. >> Okay. So two virtual >> Tuesday uh five o'clock. >> Tuesday for finance.

101>> Yeah. For finance. >> Yeah. But I'm going to sit in on it. Six >> six o'clock. Okay. Tuesday 6 o' >> We can do that virtual. >> We'll still be digging out, Rob. >> Why don't we do Why don't we all be home? >> We're going to be depressed and tired. [laughter] >> Going to be in online meeting someday >> and then we can shovel. >> We also have to give time to get answers. >> I was just going to say I want to give a little bit more time to to kind of refine the the answers. So, I mean, I think I don't know that we need anything. There's just so many like Spanish is there, right? >> And then February. >> no, we can talk about that next week. So, I just

102do want to confirm the the board of ed approved budget does need to be sent down to the first selection's office by end of business on um >> Friday. February 30th. Yeah. >> Yeah. Next Friday. >> On Friday. Yeah. Friday. >> Yeah. >> So, can we have a special meeting on Thursday the 29th? >> That's what's going to be my suggestion. Yeah. >> I don't think we have a choice. >> Yeah. >> 6 o'clock, 5 o'clock. >> Well, let's do this February second, right? We go all night. >> What' you say? All night. Said we'll start at 5. We'll go all night. >> What? 6. >> Sure. >> What day? You said the 29th. >> The 29th. That's Thursday. >> Does that work for you, Sarah? And >> does that leave you enough time, Casey,

103to >> Yeah. I mean, I think we >> Yeah, >> I meant everyone. Yeah, you know that. >> What is it? Six. >> Yeah. Um, Thursday six o'clock. >> Okay. And then a finance meeting the 27th. >> Tuesday at what? >> Tuesday at um Tuesday at 6. >> Six o'clock. >> And they're all virtual. I would say both of those virtual. >> Okay. >> Unless otherwise needed, but >> No, that's fine. >> Okay. >> Six. Yeah. >> Can you get that again, Casey, or do you want to push? >> No, it's better. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, special meeting on the 29th. >> Board of Ed special meeting on the 29th at 6. >> Special finance committee meeting on the 27th. >> 27th, right? At >> six o'clock. Six o'clock. work for YouTube. >> Yeah.

104[clears throat] >> Well, she wanted to put it on. >> All right. Sounds good. >> But I say I think Erin Yeah. >> I'm sorry. >> Have to start it >> the meeting. >> Yeah. I'm gonna have We're gonna have to give you the >> Okay. You'll have to You'll have to actually give Lisa your login for some reason. >> Okay. We'll talk offline and board of finance 27th or finance committee 27th. >> Yes. >> I don't know about that. I wouldn't have we if long as we don't go into a breakout room, I might be okay. >> The board of ed [laughter] on the 29th. >> 29th. Yeah. >> We'll send out invites for those when we close out here. >> I mean, can we have um Deb, is there um a way to

105get like um the comeback questions as far as Spanish? Can we do we want to have a little of that discussion tonight? >> I don't want to spot I don't even remember. >> I think she I think there was some questions that you needed to answer though. No, >> but see this is where I worry like what what are the questions? Like if our question is >> Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. Go ahead. >> Well, our question is about the program, right? So, what is the K to6 program look like? What does the impact look like? >> What does the curriculum look like? I feel like that's yeah that's appropriate has nothing to do with >> yeah we don't want to ask like who's going what classes what days of the week who's teaching >> so

106I think what's really hard is we see this right so we see this in scenarios but we know nothing about the program so >> so that was the question I asked >> it's really hard to even want to make a decision on something that we have no idea I mean I would have to go back to Spanish >> for my senior when he is in kindergarten. >> Can we hear more about that tonight or do we want to have that discussion on Tuesday? >> So, I would say let's have that discussion on Tuesday. That'll give us a little time to get some of that information together for you. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I remember. >> And I just it's just I don't >> I just want to say one more time

107for my own peace of mind that we I just think we need to be really careful about how much we as the board predictate what we think can and cannot be cut, right? So like I think our job is to protect what our budget we need a certain amount of money to run the district and we haven't touched on the fact that we had both we did touch on this last week but we had par negotiations so that was a huge budget driver because we wanted to ensure that our paras [clears throat] you know we're sorry go ahead Wendy did you want to say something about that because you were in the negot >> no this is this is the point we've been meaning to make yeah our paras were like um underpaid let's just

108say that And and so we knew going into that negotiations that we valued what they were requesting. They needed we needed to have a certain amount of investment in our paris for retention for you know uh competitive >> appropriate compensation competitive in the within the area. So that's a huge budget driver. And then in addition to that in the same year we had teacher negotiations in which we had to negotiate some time back. Right? So one of the big drivers was we wanted to ensure that we could compensate the teachers that we were asking to have an additional at 15 minutes in their day. So that became another main budget driver. So the 6% as Vonda and Casey and Deb have presented before was not necessarily something right we've talked about this where we were

109introducing all these initiatives. >> Absolutely. And so to go into a conversation where we as the board are dictating like what what can and cannot be cut gets into kind of a gray area for me because we also have a new superintendent coming on. And again between now and and May for the referendum, there's a lot that can evolve during that time. There's a lot of conversations that that person can be involved in. There's a new perspective that could come, right? and he could that that person could say, you know, the the this program is extremely valuable. It's not being run the way that I envision it, you know, being run. I feel like we can move X, Y, and Z around. And if we as the board are saying, well, we want to cut

110this particular position, it shackles the new superintendent into being able to do that. So, while I do feel like the exercise is valuable, we do need to put a monetary value on positions. We do want to think ahead, right? because we do know that 6% is very high. I just feel like we need to be really careful about how much we get into the minutia of like we're going to keep this program, we're going to keep this position that >> and I respect that. Right. But I I think that we're talking about a Spanish program that was offered up by the administration. >> Right. And I'm not speaking to Spanish. Correct. I'm not speaking Spanish specifically. I'm just >> So I mean I'll be honest with you. I mean pretty much what I've looked at

111and I mean I have been pretty [clears throat] vocal in these meetings >> go to the next >> is that I absolutely am not okay with not funding the multilingual teacher. We have 60 students and we have to meet their needs >> and and yeah that's >> this proposal catches I mean there's things you know that >> are highly critical >> that are highly critical to me. I mean, keeping teachers should be a priority >> and I think that's where we're going. >> So, I think as a finance committee, I think that's where we've been going, right? Um, so I can't say that, you know, the finance committee is dictating any of it, right? Um, >> we didn't even know what it was until last week, right? We heard about the cuts, but we had

112no idea what the positions were. Um, and these may change and evolve, right? We don't know what the impact is of these, >> right? And as long as we go into these conversations with that in mind, right? As long as we're flexible and we understand that while this is like the suggestion now and this is the amount of money associated with that >> and we're trying to drive the most um positive position for the new leader coming in. >> Correct. >> For sure. >> And I mean I think it's really hard to have these right and if we go high and we go to the board of finance and they cut money, we're still going to have these difficult conversations. So It's true. >> So, I just may I just respond to something that um

113that you just said, Erin? I totally agree with you. I think it's important um for the board to understand um the Spanish pro program and how it has um morphed and evolved over time from when it originated from the flesh program. Um so, I do think that's important and we can provide that information for Tuesday's meeting. I I appreciate that opportunity. Um I just want to clarify that the administration um only looked at that as a reduction when asked to come at three and a half four and four and a half breaths. So in terms of asking for that um >> that was one of the places that we went as a possibility but I just wanted to be clear that that was not something that um that the administration is um recommending for reduction.

114>> Right. It's just I guess it's it's a possibility, right, in all the scenarios that we have. So, I think that it's important for us to acknowledge where we may have to go, right? And hopefully we don't, but it's not in our hands after, you know, the 30th. It's out of our hands. It's going through two boards and we'll likely be back at the table again. >> That's all right. Skip to the 30th. >> And that's what we're used to doing. So, um I don't think any of us want to see this cut. If I thought a 6% budget would get through, I'd be all for it. I just don't see how we can do it. >> I do want to say to the 6% is really 5.8 now. >> Oh, known clarification. >> We'll

115take the good news. >> Those minor details mean a lot on that. You talk about that much money. So, yeah, we'll take >> I just want to say >> they're asking for >> I think it's really important that >> uh dictating is a really strong word. But I don't think anybody on this board is dictating, you know, what should be cut, what shouldn't, what shouldn't be cut. It's important to have deliberations and to have these discussions. Um, it's important for us to be fiscally responsible, to be, you know, make um, you know, the decisions that benefit our students and our staff and our teachers. Um, but I definitely am not in a position where I'm trying to dictate um, cuts. you know, I made some very strong recommendations um that I feel passionate about and

116strongly about, but I don't think that's me dictating. Um that's just my feeling I get from your comments, Stephanie. But um I think that that's our one of our jobs and our roles is to scrutinize the budget. That's important. Um and I think that the recommendations that I made I don't are I feel are the least studentf facing impact um to our budget and to our um school community. So but also you know it's important for us to make investments and although we talked briefly about reductions I would love to have discussions about making investments. So, right, using um you know, looking at the world language program, not in the sense of cutting it um but using that money um or what we have earmarked for that those positions to provide, you know, a program

117to um to challenge our students, you know, maybe we have a gifted and talented program using that. Um, so I would like to have some discussions to if we're keeping if we agree that on, you know, a 4.86 or whatever percent, what investments are we are we making? >> Can can I real quick? Um, but I also want more information on the summary of reduction impact like and I know I think Erin you brought it up in um finance like what curriculum and PD is being cut um what technology software what conference or travel like what specific things you know what furniture >> so actually can I >> field trip like I think all those things are important to know >> and field trip is definitely like an important thing because I I've never not

118paid for a field trip and I don't think I've ever paid for a field trip under $50. I don't think ever. Um so I be curious like what are what is that cutting because there's never not >> my guess >> cutting a check for trip. >> My guess is it's the um >> when we bring them here like when they do field deck >> that's my guess travel >> because I don't know what you >> we can get we can get clarification. >> Yeah. And there is in the budget Q&A doc um there is a link to all the field trips that make up the field trip account. So you can see exactly what it is under field trips. I think it's 55155 is the account number. >> Um and so you can look at

119that and and essentially the field trip account we we we cut in half. So out of all those field trips some will be funded. I you know has there been conversation exactly you know in the last week of about which ones would be cut? No. But you can see what field trips they are. >> Okay. >> Um Rob, I'd like to just make a a final point. Um that u Joy asked and I wish Marne were still here because she asked and I forgot to mention it um at the last budget roundt. You asked, you know, what um investments are we making appropriately so, right? And you were a member of this summer's negotiating team with me and Stephanie, you were on it too, right, with the teachers. Um and it's really important. Um I

120I think that um another member of the public brought this up tonight, you know, curious about the line item of an increase in salaries. A huge driver of that was the 15 minutes of wraparound time for um in negotiated in the teachers contract for which we're very grateful. Um we think that it's definitely going to improve student learning experiences and student outcomes um at the elementary level. We're super grateful that the teachers were on board with that. um we had to pay for it um because that's that's the way the contracts go and it um so that is a direct investment in the educational outcomes of our littlest learners and that is a major investment that's easy to overlook but it was I mean we went to the mat as a negotiating team uh for

121that and so I I I don't know that the public knows that but that that's a really really big deal and Um, so, so that is an investment that this district made and I'm I'm proud of the um board and the negotiating team for supporting that because I think it's really going to pay dividends where we need it a lot. >> Thank you, Wendy. And thank you, Joy. Thank you, Joy. I'm sorry. >> No, I was just say I guess we can agree to disagree. I don't see that as a big investment. Um, we're still short as far as instructional time. Um, and that was should have happened a long time ago, but um, we don't need to get into that discussion, but um, when I'm talking about investments, you know, specific programs, things like,

122you know what I mean, but I understand where you're coming from, but I just don't view it as that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Three main points. >> I'm sorry, Jeff. Okay. >> Three main points. >> I mean, the appointment. >> I mean, our new assistant superintendent. >> Sure. >> slash um super >> slash >> multiple hats. >> Every hat we had, >> right? >> Stored [snorts] in the closet. >> Maybe the ASSOS. >> Oh, yeah. The ASO approval. >> And then either >> I mean the budget. >> Oh yeah, budget. >> The budget budget update. Yeah. [laughter] Any other suggestions? >> Those are the big ones, huh? >> Um, >> all right. >> Oh, >> upcoming. Oh, I'm sorry. >> This never ends. >> No, normal stuff. >> Um, so upcoming events. Um, no

123school on February or no kids come to school on February 11th. Um, so February 11th is early dismissal for PLC day. No school on February 16th and February 17th. Um, and thank you to the principles for getting me all this information very quickly. I'm very impressed. Um, so at CLE on January 29th, there's a pause assembly and Cubs club. Um, on March 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, uh, grade four, uh, field trip to the Hartford Capitol. Um, this well, no. And then um February 18th is the PTO meeting in the AM. And then upcoming events at Whiskey. Um we don't need a snow date for the chorus because they did that the other night. Um so January 23rd, park and recck ski trip. January 27th, the end of the marking period. January 30th, Teachers of America

124Club from BHS to visit WMS classrooms. That's awesome. Um January 30th, park and rec ski trip. Eric, are you coaching those? No. No. Um February 4th, the 8th grade Washington DC parent meeting at 6:30. February 6th, park and wreck ski trip. February 11th, that's a PLC day. And then um February 16th uh the PTO is sponsoring a WMS event at Extreme Play from 5 to 8. >> How about that? >> And then the high school um upcoming events, midterms um start tomorrow uh with 1A and 2A and then followed by you know midterms through. I'm sure they won't have them Monday from the storm, but we'll push them. Um, and then 127, the school counseling course selection seminar for parents and students at 5:30 in the library. Um, also on the 27th, Project Purple collaboration

125with Bethl High School at 6:30 at the Bethl High School basketball game. I don't think Emily brought that up. I don't know what that is, but um and then the 28th of January is the midterm makeup day and the 29th is the first uh day of the second semester, third marking period. >> Wow. >> Time flies. >> Certainly does. >> So that's it. Our kids are pretty >> lot of upcoming events. >> Y a lot of >> We all do. Good. All right. >> So good luck to all our kids on their midterms >> without any >> finals. Sorry. >> Good luck to our teachers. >> Good luck to everyone. Well, without any objections, we will adjourn the meeting at 8:42. That clock's a little fast. >> Yeah. Thanks. >> All right.