001Okay, I'd like to call this meeting to order. Um, it's October 15th. This is a special meeting of the board of education. And first thing is pledge of allegiance to our flag. Thank you. I was looking in the other corner. I pledge algiance 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 allible. >> Okay. Exits are right over behind us and um out to the right or to the left to the main exit. I'm going to move this right along because we have a 70 page um packet to get through this evening. um reported the board chair. I have a couple of things. One, um I was informed by the town clerk for a board member to
002officially resign. And this doesn't go just for the board of ed, it goes for any board. They need to notify the town clerk in writing. Um a notice was sent out to um Jackie Andorf in regard to that. Um, I have not gotten any response back. So, um, whether she filed that or not with the town clerk, I I don't know. I did not follow up with Kathleen Clink on that. Um the next thing is as far as correspondence um we did receive a email from a parent regarding National Honor Society in junior high um that was forwarded on to Dr. um Drito to handle as it's out of the scope of the board um and she is going to be working through that. Um the other email that um not email but conversation I
003had was with eighth grade parents in regard to 8th grade trip. Again that is an internal um administrative problem um and directed her to speak to the principal and to the superintendent and the superintendent is working through that as well. Um, we did receive an email from um, Amelia uh, Shantel. Is that >> Shantel? Shantel, sorry. Um, in regard to the, um, award that we were going to, and since Laurel uh, spearheaded this, I'm going to ask Laurel to read what she has sent us. >> Okay. Thank you. Two municipal departments, boards, committees, and commissions. East Hatam has been awarded gold certification by sustainable CT. We are one of six towns receiving this highest level of certification this year. Out of 139 registered towns in Connecticut, only 12 have completed the actions and documentations required
004for this level. All of you have contributed in your actions and programs to our success. Whether it is our open space collaborative and comprehensive policies and actions, music on the river events, the municipal transition to LED lighting in all buildings that has reduced our electric use, the school's reliance on solar energy, the ongoing collaborative work on town resilience, the heritage markets and other initiatives of the East Hatam Economic Development Committee. our policies that support farmers and the community garden, policies that allow for different housing arrangements, our dark sky policies, our attempts at composting, and the many other recycling opportunities at the transfer station, the redevelopment agency's use of brownfield grants, the initiative for local broadband, the support as fiduciary for the sustainability team's home energy solutions campaign, including first selectman Hayne's effective letter to residents
005in support of home energy assessments and of course the equity statement by the board of education that was a requirement for gold levels gold level certification. Another requirement was the regional cooperation toward the maintenance and growth of the Goodwin Trail. There are many more actions 44 in all that we documented for this award. Thank you for your assistance in this documentation and thank you for all you do for our thriving town. We have been honored that our town was chosen for the awards ceremony. It will take place at the Goodspeed Opera House on October 28th from 4 to 7:00 p.m. First Selectman Irene Haynes will be welcoming the audience. The house seats 450 and you are all invited. All you need is to register. Please register here. And I'm sorry, but I don't have a
006link for that. It's not in this letter. Again, thank you with all my heart. Amalia Shel, co-chair, Easttown sustainability team. >> Great work, Laurel. Thank you very much for making that happen. Um, I also had a meeting with our two new board reps um from the high school. they were unable to join us um this evening, but they will be starting in November. Um two lovely ladies um and they're really excited. So, I'm really excited about that. Um couple of Cape updates. Um I did not have the opportunity to join in on the CAPE um meeting today for all of the board chairs. I'm going to listen to it later on. it really had to center on on boarding the new um board members which we pretty much have a good established policy on. Um
007and I would recommend that over the next month and before I go I'm going to dust that off, make sure that everybody has um the information that they need for the onboarding. So when the new board members do come on, you guys are ready to go and you have everything um set for you. Um last but not least, um as this is my last meeting as a member of the board of education, I want to take a moment to express um what a true privilege it's been to serve this community um over the past six years. Uh for the last two I've had the honor of being the chair of this board. When Laurel and I started uh the board six years ago, we couldn't imagine that we'd soon be navigating the most unprecedented challenges
008of a global pandemic co it uh changed so much of how we live, how we learn, and how we lead as a team. It was certainly not what we expected or what we signed up for as board members, but we quickly learned we um truly never know what we're going to wind up with as being on any board. I think Laurel and I would also agree that over the years we shared so many memorable moments um and we've seen this district shine and pride. Um, we watched students graduate. We celebrated their accomplishments and seeing them reach their goals really made us very proud. We also witnessed the resilience of this district um during some really difficult times. We attended funerals for a student that was taken far too soon, for two staff members who were
009such an in important part of our school family, and for community members who um really left their mark on this district. These experiences remind us that our work as a board member is never just about ourselves. It's about the community and how we work together as a team to do the very best that we can. As a board, we have faced challenges and we've celebrated a lot of accomplishments. We've navigated some pretty tough budget crisises, had to make some tough decisions, and we've accomplished a long awaited goal. And that goal was hiring an exceptional superintendent who leads with vision and integrity and finally seeing the community dream of that track and our soccer field finally come through. That took 30 years, way before our time, but um we were definitely the product of being able
010to push that through and that was the work of of this board and um it should be recognized. Each of these milestones has strengthened our purpose and reminded us of why we're here, which is to serve the students and the community of East Tatam. As the board moves forward, I just want to leave with um a few simple but important reminders. The board is never about titles, politics, or personal agendas. And is certainly not about one any one individual child or their own children. It's about being collectively good, about putting the students first and staying true to the mission of the public education. It's about listening, collaborating, and always keeping sight of what unites us as a community. I'm deeply proud that we've accomplished all these things together and deeply grateful for the opportunity to
011serve alongside each one of you. I wish the board continued success and may you keep leading with purpose, humility, heart, and may you always remember why you are here for the students of East Tatam and the future of this community. And that ends my final report as board chair. [Music] >> Thank you for your years of service in the world. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay, moving along. In court of the superintendent. >> Good evening everyone. Um, happy to see everyone here. Thank you Patty. Thank you for um want to let everybody know that um fall is here. If you have not noticed, it's quite chilly out there. We were enjoying that warmer weather and um this week actually is a pretty busy week at the schools because of parent conferences. So hopefully parents are
012scheduling those meetings with the children's teachers. want to share that we're very fortunate to be able to participate in the Connecticut Master Class for Reading again and I have a group of additional teachers from the elementary school participating this year. We're also benefiting from working with a new teacher project. Um they were contracted by the state for implementation of the science of reading and Connecticut core standards in our new reading program and it's at no cost. So, we appreciate the state offering this. Um, and the consultant meets with us and visits classrooms and provides feedback. So, it's been um a great start so far. Want to recognize a former graduate, Sarah Evans, who was honored as a recipient of the 2025 Yale Seat Book Award. She just graduated in June. So, congratulations to her. Um,
013student representatives couldn't be here this evening, but we do look forward to future participation from all levels. All schools participate and the kids come and we'll share what's been happening at the school and what's to come. So, looking forward to that in the future. I too want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our board chair Patty Stricker and board secretary Laurel White for their years of service. Um, I know you didn't want like, you know, balloons and, you know, confetti and all that, but definitely would like to recognize each of you. Um, Laurel, six years of service. And so, we have this plaque for you. Um, that it's a little token. You deserve so much more. Um, and Patty also who has been here for six years, but then also served as board
014chair the last two. And you know it's it's labor of love. Um but not easy. Not easy. >> All board members volunteer and um they commit to the betterment of the district. So wanted to recognize both of you and thank you. And that is my report for this evening. But thank you to both of you. Any questions for the superintendent? >> I have a question for the superintendent. >> Sure. >> You brought up the fact that the temperatures are changing and I'd love to hear how the switches were working for the heat. >> So far, no complaints. And that's really good because the classroom teacher will call if there is an issue. So, so >> we made it through. We're >> trying. Yes. Very good news. >> Awesome. >> Any other questions for the superintendent?
015>> Okay, great. Um, audience citizens, would anybody like to speak? >> I would. >> You need to stand. I just need to remind you you may not speak in regard to your own child or to naming any staff members positions. >> Sure. Stand here. You can stand there if you like. >> Okay. Um, hi, I'm Trish Edgar. I live in town. Um, I have just wanted to bring a concern about the process of the National Junior Honor Society to to be transparent. Um, there seemed to be many flaws with this roll out of the first year. Um, and I just wanted to bring it to everyone's attention. I hope that there is some parent feedback that is going to come out um, a form of some sort. student feedback as well. Um dates were changed.
016Uh lots of kinks need to be worked out. There was no receipt that we submitted. Um so no one knew where there's submission went um how it was being handled. There were issues with the video. There were a lot of technological issues. Um the date then was supposed to be the 19th. They bent the rules and the date for that submission of the video, but then other submissions were had technical issues and the date was not bent for that. Um, come to find out, I was told afterwards that it needed two letters for um, recommendation. They then accepted only one. Um so just lots of issues with and I get it. It's a new program but um there needs to be some leniency with um what's happening. We are here to teach students um the
017students you know and this is not a teaching experience when we're digging our heels and you know not allowing these students to learn and grow. I mean when they have grades they're allowed to resubmit to to better their grade if they choose to. Um, and the fact that some students are being told it's not accepted because of a technical issue that and there's timestamps on essays that they were written in due time and the teacher, we wouldn't even be here if the teacher would have responded to an email clarifying if the submission was received. Um, so I think that's the big thing is the accountability piece. Let's own that we made a we rolled something out. there are some kinks and mistakes. Let's make this right for these students. Um and take accountability for for
018what has happened. Um there's some pretty upset individuals in this town. Um you say I can't speak to my daughter, but you know it has personally affected my child who does not want to be in this school anymore. Um and I think that needs to be heard. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Okay. Action on the minutes. Motion to approve the regular m meeting minutes of September 10th. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. >> I have a correction. >> Sure. It states that I was absent and I dialed in. Oh, okay. plan making of that. >> I need a pen. >> It's my last meeting. I didn't even bring a station. >> We're going to let you off the hook, but you
019might have to come back next month if it's not corrected. >> Thank you, Christie. [Music] >> All right. Um, is there a motion to approve the minutes of September 10th with the correction? >> So, moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor. >> I I >> motion to approve the special meeting minutes of September 12th, 2025. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I I >> Okay. Committee reports, policy, and instruction. Jim Fchesy, take it away. >> We've been busy. >> Yeah. Um, >> there have been, as is often the case with this, um, changes in law that require uh, passage or acceptance of statemandated policies. Um, normally that's when that happens, there's
020a delay. You know, they'll say this is the law. It becomes effective on that date in the future. That's not what happened with a bunch of this stuff. So, there's a a bunch of policies um that are mandated by state law that we have to accept. Um and they're part of our agenda. Um we have also looked at a variety of other things. Um I don't really have that list in front of me right now. Give me one second. There we go. Um some of the stuff is sort of the continued cleanup project because we've been trying desperately to get things updated um for the last two years since we took over the policy committee. Um things like special education policy which was 15 years out of date. Um there's another policy um uh I'm
021just going to cite a few random examples. pledge of allegiance, which still refers to moment of silence, which has been absent from state law for longer than I have any idea. So, that just doesn't belong in there anymore. It doesn't change a whole lot, but it does matter. Um, I've put on the agenda, and folks at the policy committee were kind enough to accept it, a change saying that we explicitly allow people to participate electronically when they are unable to be at a at a meeting. Um, our policy neither forbid that nor accepted it. And it didn't seem like a good idea to leave that out there hanging. We don't know how things are going to change. We need a new board to be able to take over cleanly and and function. And if they
022have strong feelings about something, I can always bring it up and address it. But in the meantime, um just trying to get that um addressed. Um and so there's a bunch of stuff in here and I'm going to ask there's one policy by the way that was supposed to be here that somehow got left off the list. It is not clear to me how that happened. I did check my notes and uh my emails and stuff and I know they were on the list. Um seems to have been an internal error. Um uh these things happen. So we'll address that at the next meeting. That's one regarding uh use of social media by board members which kind of seems like a relevant thing continued considering what we've been through in the past couple of months.
023Um, it is a cave policy. Um, it's not anything I cooked up. Um, and I don't even think I did a whole lot in the way of editing on it. It's pretty much straight out of cave. So, that one will come back. Um, there's a whole lot of stuff in here regarding libraries and things like that and displays that has to do with some of the changes in state law. Um, we're required to enact those policies. Not really optional. Got to do it. Um, I suppose we could have rewritten them and gone through the expense of going through an attorney and and all that, but it just seems kind of dumb when it's there and you're not spending three or $400 an hour to get someone to tell you it's not it's not a problem.
024Um, so that we generally go through that. Um, I'm going to make a motion. Um, do I do that now or you want me to do it later? >> I have to do that on your new business. I just want your policy update. >> Okay. Well, that's pretty much it. We've got other policies um that are be in the hopper for November. Um some of them are things that the policy committee is aware of already. Some of them are things that um Teresa and I have spoken about. She she had given me a pretty substantial list which I think we've actually got most of it done. Not all of it but got most of it done. So um we'll continue in November and I guess that covers it. Um, one last thing, members of the
025policy committee, we have to set a date for November meeting um, at some point. We haven't done a year yet. So, that's not something we're going to hash out. No, but just a reminder that it's something that has to get done. And that's >> So, are you planning on doing that before the election or you want to do it after? >> I would think after the election. I I don't know that it makes a lot of sense to set a schedule when people who might be part of that schedule have no input into it. I you know that's I'm that's why I haven't tried to do it ahead of time already. It's more a function of me just reminding myself and everybody else that we do have to deal with that. One suggestion I would
026do is maybe before the election have your committee meet one more time, even if it's electronically or whatever, just make a list, a formal list of what policies you're working on and which ones you still have in the hopper >> so that if p if members of that committee, >> they get that from me all the time. That's not a problem. >> Yeah. just so that it's written down somewhere and it's clear recorded of where you want to kind of go with some of that. >> No problem. >> So, you know, you can get an audit done pretty easily of where we are with our manual book. But >> yeah, and and keep in mind we've I've got the running document. I updated it again. We're upwards of 70 or 75 policies >> that we've
027addressed in two years, which is pretty good work. >> It's huge. Huge. Our packets of 70 pages show that. So, >> and just a special thank you to you, Jim, for all your work on policy and curriculum in the last two years. It's been a pleasure working with you on that and um >> definitely appreciate your diligence that you've done um getting that, you know, up to date. It was way behind. So, >> and there's still issues with that, but we're trying to leave it in a much better shape than what we started. >> Exactly. just keep making progress. Business and planning, >> we haven't met since the um September 10th, but we're planning a meeting. >> Okay. And um huge thank you to you as well as the chair of um business and planning.
028You've done a phenomenal job with the budget and um reading every single line item and getting everything ready. So, and to Laurel for checking over all the checks and everything. So, um, are you going to plan a meeting coming up soon with their new business manager, Christine? >> Yes. Before the election? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you can get everything up to date and ready to go so that in November, we're current with everything. Starting in November, >> we will be I'm going to be on top of it. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that way I want I want a clean slate when the new board comes on that everything prior is >> I'm not leaving. I'm here till 2027. >> I I get that. But I want all the work that
029should have been done prior to that accomplished so that we're here. >> Yeah. So it's all >> it's her last opportunity to crack it. I don't understand. >> I know. I worry. Personnel and negotiations. >> Well, I just want to tag on to the bottom of business and planning. Uh, as far as my knowledge extends to, the final round of checks in my tenure has been swept through, cleaned up, tied up, and filed. So, that piece of that job is done. >> Don't you have until November? Mid November. >> Yeah. But there won't be like another big batch is what I guess I mean to say. >> Okay. So personnel and negotiations we have concluded the discussions with the teachers contract and we will be having a motion at the end of the meeting to
030approve the collective bargaining agreement with the teachers and that's it. And uh upcoming will be uh upsu and um administrators I believe. >> No last year. >> Not this year. Okay. >> Bus. That was it. How could I not have remembered to use the bus? Okay. So those are the two next ones, but I won't be here for that. So >> yep. And thank you for all your work on all these negotiations over all the years. A challenge. Um, and I mean that with a cough, not I wasn't coughing about that. Um, >> Patty, one quick thing I forgot to say, just to be official, we did meet on the 9th, which was this past Thursday policy day. I forgot to say that. >> Okay. Um, capital improvements. We did meet on September 25th at
031the elementary school. I got a tour of the HVAC project, um, which was really cool. and we had one invoice to um to approve, but it is we did get an extension, >> but it looks like we're going to be on time for probably December 31st >> for finishing the project. Right. >> Well, let's say most of it we maybe the um cuz they're going to take out the old radiators and stuff that might not be done by December 31st, but >> Well, we >> we might be on We might be on We were on not going to have the switch gear on time. >> Okay, that was my question about the switch gear. >> Yeah, it's here, right? >> It is here. It's here as in here or here in the United States. >>
032No, I think it's here. >> It's here. So, we're just waiting to install it. >> So, so all of the contractors are on schedule. >> Yeah. >> To finish and then do >> Okay. Cuz in order to switch switch gear, I'm sure you >> were they were spending a lot of time on the roof and the weather has really helped. Like I I I I know we've been in a drought, but the nice weather has helped with all the outdoor pieces of the project. >> Some of it was >> You ran up to the roof, right? >> I don't know if I should publicly admit that. I was on the roof. >> Um yes, I got a bird's eye view. Um uh some of it had to go on the roof because that school, as
033we know, was built in the 60s. So there was not enough room and there was plenty of room in the roof. And it's nicely done where that if the roof never needs to be redone, which most of the school was redone a recent time, they've made it so it could be disconnected pretty easily. >> Pretty cool. >> Um, >> are they taking down the flags now that they're done working up there? >> They're not done. They're still there. >> They're still there. there. You know, there's >> a lot of this has to, we have the twoe break at um in December, which is really helpful because not a lot of districts do need to be beneficial for us this year because they can really button stuff up the time the students aren't there. It's basically
034the big part of like like taking those big radiators out, all that kind of stuff. Okay, >> that's great. >> No guarantee those will be out by December 31st, though. It's never a guarantee, but we're trying. when um when you meet for business and planning too, can you please ask Don for an update on the status of the gardens, the outdoor gardens? >> Yes, it'll be on your agenda. >> Okay. I just think that the board should get an update on with the cleanup and what are they going to repaint where kids have scribbled or what's going on with all of that? That would be great. Um, learn learn. I did not meet with them this past month. Um, however, I am able to get a copy of the minutes. I can forward that to
035you. So, that's it. >> And you've done a phenomenal job bringing us all the information and giving us that connection. I think that we were missing that for a little bit. Um and it really has that connection with learn has just been fantastic section. >> So thank you very much on that ray board. >> We have not met or the ray board has not met and currently nothing is scheduled. So we're waiting for first meeting. >> Okay. >> And thank you for all that work for both of you guys on that. Um, you probably, the two of you should probably get with Teresa and speak with her in regard to um how you are going to be working with the budget um with Teresa for the Ray Board and kind of come up with some
036of those plans. Some of those plans and um strategies also might wind up going into policy about how that gets done. >> That's right. That's happened already. >> Yeah, it's already been there. >> Oh, perfect. >> Been there, done that. >> All right. Long range. Um, so >> yeah, we have not met. So, I am happy to turn that over to somebody else. Um, safety and security, we have not officially met as a group. However, with safety and security um um subcommittee, there's a lot of workings that go on in between. Um right now, we have a safety expert that's meeting with the superintendent and the SRO's in the schools, going over our manuals, updating all of that so that we stay with the highest standards. um a lot of that information is not um
037not publicly accessible um because it is security but I do think that it's always important to give you guys an update that we are staying up to date on all of that and that's it for that old business none new business action uh discussion and possible action on a request from the alumni association to update and enlarge the existing Hillary Athletic Hall of Fame board located in the high school gymnasium in um I added this part on the contingent upon the approval of the facilities director. Um I received an email as well as Dr. Torino from the alumni association that they are looking to um update the hall of fame board that's in our gym. Um all is great. Um there will be no charge to the board on that. However, there are steps that
038need to be done and that needs to be worked out with done in regards to size and in regard to logo and everything. So, what I would be asking um the board is for a motion to approve the alumni association to update and enlarge the existing Hail Ray Athletic Hall um Hall of Fame board contingent on the approval of uh Don at the facilities. >> So, move. Is >> there a second? >> Second. Any further? No. Good. >> All those in favor? All right. Got your vote. >> Getting slappy in my last day here. Um discussion and possible action on a request for approximately 1 month of unpaid leave for Mrs. Karen. She's the high school agricultural um agracience teacher. Gerard, sorry. and do you want to speak to them? >> She she'll be on
039maternity leave and there's a a block of time that it would be unpaid. So, she's asked to um be able to come back. >> If we're supposed to hear that, it ain't happening. >> And we know why, right? That >> Well, I'm half debt, too, which doesn't help any. So, she'll be on maternity leave and there is a block of time um that's unpaid and so she's asking to have the board approve that per contract um so she can come back second semester. >> So, approved second. >> Any further discussion? >> Who second it? >> Sean second and it was moved by Jim. >> Any further discussion? Okay. All those in favor? I >> Okay. Discussion and possible action on the revised signitories for the ED-099 agreement for the child nutrition program, removing Paul Hendri
040Hendendrickson, and adding our new business manager, Christy Warren. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Fantastic. All right. Now we are moving on to the policies discussion and possible action to include waving the second reading on the following policies. And that's I'm not going to read the names, but I'm just going to read the numbers. Policy 3450. Policy 6171. Policy 5118.2. Policy 6161.12. Policy 1312.4. Policy 6161. 13. Policy 1312. Policy 6161.14 [Music] Policy 1312.5 Policy 3280 Policy 4118.235 policy 21 I'm sorry policy 6121.1 policy 6115 policy 6153 and policy 9321 okay so um what I'm recommending on this is Um, Tim, can you tell us which of these are all the statutory ones? And the reason why I'm asking for waving on the second reading on this, which we need a motion
041for if everybody wants to do that, is because if these are state laws, I want to get these done. like we're >> don't have to me >> a little behind on some of this and I don't want to put it to next year and that or next month and then another read and another meeting. >> I um I agree with you. Um, the only area I differ in is I think knowing that we have a new board taking over, it doesn't feel either wise or fair to them to say we'd like you to step into the middle of a process that you've had nothing to do with. I think personally it makes more sense just to approve the ma. Just for the record, um it turns out that it is not legally required that we
042have two reads as has been the policy or the policy and practice. Um it is recognized as an appropriate step just to be careful and I would not recommend that any of that if anything that we were looking at were either controversial or Frankly, most of it's not even interesting. It's stuff that we have very little to do with um money in school buildings. You guys already approved on our first read. There was confusion where we got the wrong document during the second read, so it got delayed. During that time, I was able to get some feedback from some folks at the high school and presented with new information which we discussed at policy meeting and we have loosened it a little bit. Um because without realizing it, we had set up something where the
043secretary at the high school is going to have to be at the bank virtually every day and that's not sustainable. she's got to actually be at her desk and do a little work every now and then. So, that just wasn't a winner. Um, the special education thing, as I said, it's not technically required right away, but it is 15 years out of date. It ought to get done. And I there's very little in there that I think that the edited or I edited or anything. Educational opportunities for military children. >> Wait, can you slow down with the special education one? Is that pretty much a um a standard cape? >> I believe so. >> And so there wasn't a lot of change with there's a new section. Yeah, there's a new there's a new there's
044just one new section. >> I don't remember. Uh I've been through some if I don't have them in front of me, I can't keep them square. >> When you're looking at I have questions about >> All right. So let's put that into the regular hopper. >> No, no, no. I don't I mean so if we could read and discuss things tonight we could I think we can go ahead but I have I person so >> is everybody then let's just take these kind of one at a time >> is that and then we'll we'll put them both together for um a motion but >> for discussion purposes we're all set with money and buildings is that correct? >> Yeah. >> All right. special education. >> Can I ask a question, please? >> Um, the new
045section, please don't think I have anything against this. I'm just simply asking for clarification. >> You have every right to ask questions. >> The green part on 6171C. Was that approved like by the attorney? That's >> um >> I told you >> that did not explicitly go through the attorney. No, it is it's near and dear to my heart. Um, I would argue that after we spent years fighting with the prior folks who we knew were using NDAs to keep them hidden and the excuse was always, well, you know, we're protecting the kids. No, you're not. It's already a a violation of federal law to share information about kids. The only thing you're doing with that NDA is you're making it so that we can't get information about the district. That's all they ever do,
046which is, you know, and we worked it out so that it's got to be approved by the board. It does not put the kids risk their privacy at risk or parents or anything like that. It just says that if the board wants to keep something hidden, they're going to have to make an open decision to say that's what we're doing. >> Can I make a suggestion? >> Sure. After reading this hundred times and looking through it, there is one adjustment that I think we need to to make just to make this clear that this has to follow fura and that is outlining that we need to make sure that we're omitting the identification of the student family because either that or moving this very last sentence up behind the her sentence so that it's clear
047that we need to follow her. >> Right. >> I don't have any problem with that. >> I'm a little concerned just on this that if you're going into an executive session and you're talking about an NDA, do you have knowledge of a situation or a lawsuit that we might not or should not? There's no way if in an NDA situation if they're working with a special needs parent. I'm not I'm not sure that the board should um know all of those details. >> They don't have to. All they have to do all they have to do is not agree to an NDA. >> But then settle something. >> But but think about it. The district cannot tell us as board members anything about any kid unless it comes to us separately [Music] whether there's an
048NDA or not. We can't know. But here you are saying >> yes which means that if the district >> which means that the board require >> I understanding that means that if the district wants to hide something they have to do it in an open manner. It has to be listen I the board will decide what's the board want to do. I'm never going to agree to that change. I I will vote against it if it comes to that. I will lose the vote. Maybe that's not a crisis. I It's not all about me and I don't have to get my way. I'm not a child. But there is nothing that in here that puts anybody at risk except for >> misleading people misleading the public. That's the only thing that can happen is that
049if people want to play games, they're going to happen. I don't think that sometimes it's not a game if it's if it's settling something that's in the best interest of of the child through a through a >> but the district does not need an the district does not need an NDA to keep it private. It's already private by federal law. >> Exactly. >> Look down there. >> Oh, you're just saying as far as the NDA, did you check this over with the attorney? I did not. I And again, if people want to hold off on that and do that, that's fine. I think it's a waste of attorney money. It's a couple hundred three $400 an hour and they're going to tell us, "Don't do it cuz you ties your hands." Yep, that's the point.
050And by the way, there's nothing illegal about it. Those are the two answers we're going to get. An attorney's going to tell you not to set this up because it ties your hands. That's what I'm trying to do is tie hands. So, you want to go against what an attorney will tell us. Is that what you're saying, Jim? >> I I would easily go against an attorney who is trying to set something up to create another regime like the one we spent four years fighting. >> But that's why we don't have that attorney or the superintendent and we have now credible people. I'm not I'm not sure. And as I've said every time, I'm not writing policy because of that woman. I'm writing policy for the people that come after. >> I want them tied.
051>> How often does this come up? And can you provide an example? >> Well, no. It kept it hidden. >> That was the whole point. Not a real >> make up something that could happen. Not going to be a real I understand that >> as best I understand it. And this is based on my experience more as an administrator in schools. Um, when districts do this, it's because something happened that they find embarrassing. Either a kid behaved in a way that they don't want to get out or and or something like that. It's never about or or a teacher behaved in a way they didn't want or an administrator, anything like that. It's always done to protect the district from embarrassment. That is the only excuse for it. >> Having having intimate knowledge of what
052an NDA can and can't do and the fact that it technically goes against federal law to have an NDA with a family. Um, and since an NDA technically isn't supposed to exist, remember that the family is also bound once that NDA is signed, they can no longer speak about any aspect of that case to anyone. So, because of the severity of this, I I'm I personally think that we need to check this with the attorney. That's >> if that's what the board wants. That's what the board will do. That's fine. >> But again, I'm I'm leaving next month. So, I think it's really collectively up to you guys what you want to do with this. That's up to you guys. >> Well, I mean, everybody knows where I stand, so someone else has got to
053speak. >> Well, I brought it up, so I open the can of worms because I just think that this I get it. I I I know the personal examples and I just feel like this is really dancing on a fine line. You know how we always were told stay in your lane and I feel like this just you crashed like not you crashed but I feel like this could lead to something if something happened where we needed and then someone said, "Oh, look at this. Look at what you guys did." If you think an attorney is not going to agree, you're crashing and burning. That's I I really think you have to and as Patty just said, you are dealing with a whole new well reputed law firm. So I think that and I'm very
054fiscally conservative when it comes to the money, especially with the attorney fees that we've spent in this district. But that's worth your one hour to discuss with them. I think >> like I said, it's fine. I >> But that's just me. That's my >> If you want to, in my opinion, waste the money, go right ahead. But I don't see anything illegal um about protecting families and protecting the public. That's just my opinion. What I would do is clarify what the board should, to your point, and shouldn't hear. >> Yeah. And that's where fur law that's what the attorney needs to say is what can you disclose to the board and redact everything else >> and maybe that's that's what you asked the attorney to do so it's not just you know what I'm saying
055so maybe send this one back work it figure it out so that you can but that's but again That's I mean it would >> Well, I appreciate what Terry's saying on piggybacking on if you're doing this not for us cuz like we'll be here for 2 years then somebody else is here and somebody else maybe you have to be clarified just like what Terry said put it in writing what can and cannot be seen even if it's right here >> without in any way meaning disrespect to either you or Terry it is there it says you got to follow it's the end of the story >> there is nothing that this district can do using this policy that can be allowed to hurt kids. What it can't do is bully families, which is what was
056done. They would get into disputes with the district and they didn't have the money to keep fighting and the district would finally say, "Okay, we'll do something you want, but you got to promise never to tell anybody what happened." >> That's all that was ever done. >> So, let me wrap this up. You wanted to move forward. What do you want? Do you want to send this back and have it re looked at and talk to the attorney? >> That's my opinion. I'm one person. >> Ta. What do you want? >> I think a quick conversation with the attorney would be just helpful. But I hear what everyone's saying and I don't disagree with Jim Marterry at all. I just think it would be helpful to talk to attorney. >> You're on policy. >> I
057was good with it moving forward. >> What? I was good with it moving forward. >> You were good with with moving forward. So, he has to decide. Do you want to move this forward or do you want to talk to the attorney? >> I mean, I bring it to him. >> Well, I think we're going to have to have a vote. >> Yeah. No, but I I just need to know because are we leaving in this collective >> group or am I taking it out yet? I agree with Terry and Jim. I think by having the language in there that says that the FERPA rules apply, I am nervous given my own experience with trying to make adjustments. No disrespect, Jim, that sometimes good intentions misstep somehow. And I I I don't want to waste
058the money with an attorney, but I do feel strongly that I think it needs to be reviewed just to cover. >> So send it back then. It's not a like I said, it's not a crisis. >> I haven't voted. I'm just taking my my time. Right. Well, it's been there's no vote taking place, but I'm I'm saying that we're going to probably we're going to remove policy 6171. Send it back >> from the long list >> from that from that long list. >> Okay. Educational opportunities for um military children. That one is just straight. >> That's just straight cave. >> Um it's something that should have been in our books and never was. >> Right. Yeah. How about the library material review? >> That's anything that says library. That's all straight out of the law.
059>> All right. So, that takes care of the next >> and there were a bunch of policies that are basically re repeated each other with different numbers. >> Okay. I I want to just go down the the list then 6161.12 is saying it >> 1312.4 saying it. That's all legal. Yep. >> Just update. >> Yep. >> Policy 6161.13 library collections staying in. >> Okay. Policy 1312 public complaint. Speak to that. >> There's a change about how parental concerns are handled in all the library stuff. >> Our current policy would be in violation with that. So the change that's there is to make sure that we don't have policies in in conflict with each other. >> Okay. And is it cave written? >> Um I believe so. I don't think I did any editing on that
060one. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Perfect. All right. So that stays in. And we're we have two more library ones. 6161.14 that's staying in. And 1312.5. Those are those two other legal ones. Is that >> Yes, ma'am. >> I'm understanding. >> Okay. Speak to policy 3280, which is gifts, grants, and requests. >> I'm going to turn that one over to Dr. Drito cuz she's the one who asked for those things. >> Okay. So, this is regarding um funds that we get. We get grants from the state and the federal government and they always go to the town, always. and then they get transferred into the board of ed so that they align with the line items that they're supposed to offset. Um I would like that to also happen with the endowments board gives money. it
061goes to the treasure like it's supposed to like all purple fun like all the other grants >> but then it really should have a thread line that actually shows what it offsets on the board side and that you do not have that in place. So I do think >> it also clarifies that with all other budgeting uh it ultimately is a responsibility of the superintendent to decide where the money goes and how it gets spent which is how everything goes. So, >> well, the gray board does approve that initially and we honor where it goes, but it should have it be explicitly demonstrated in our budget and that does not happen. >> Finally. Finally. Yes, >> I've been fighting that one for years. So, that's fantastic. Thank you for doing that before I leave. Okay.
062Uh for 118.235. Currently there is law in the state that has a professional code of ethics or conduct. I forget exactly what the word is. Um and uh in its infinite wisdom the state has uh set that policy up to disappear that law on July 1 of 2026. There is a process ongoing which is allegedly going to replace it. >> Correct. >> But is that right? >> Things happen and stuff gets done and never gets finished >> and there would be no professional code of conduct after July 1 if the state is late or just never gets around to it. So, um, what Teresa had spoken to me about when we discussed is putting it, um, taking that current code of conduct and just making it a policy in this district. >> Okay. >> And
063the language is written basically that this will stay in place until and unless state law changes. >> Perfect. >> So, you know, that's to me it's a no-brainer. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Okay. Excellent. All right. So, um 6121.1, [Music] that one is equal educational opportunity. Is that just another state one? >> Um, hang on. I think it might be something >> 6121.1. Okay, I got to look it up. I got too much going on here. >> Okay. This was a real routine thing. The current um policy does not u recognize that we are required to do a lot of reporting to the state. >> Okay. >> This shows you got to do the reporting to the state. >> Okay. >> I couldn't remember what the change was. >> Okay. Uh 6115. I think you already
064talked about the pledge of allegiance. >> Yeah, >> that was just the update. 6.53 field trips >> mostly. That is a sort of another one that's just sort of really outdated and u outdated. But there was also concern about if you remember there had been an issue where a parent was on a field trip and things kind of blew up unsuccessfully um to say the least. Um this clarifies that at the secondary level um parents don't go on field trips. Um so in addition to just updating a lot of stuff that was in cave that was not in ours that was outdated um it clarified that change. Um yeah >> I have uh historical experience to question this policy against. >> Okay. So there was a student whose mother was her parah for medical reasons
065and if this student was to participate in these activities and IEPs trump everything >> right >> okay just would be an employee >> but it's still a mother >> yeah but trump history and experience that sometimes the lines don't fall straight >> it's a perfectly legitimate question but I treat an IEP trumps Okay. So then um parents who like you know especially in the elementary school when you're doing the one around town and stuff like that they are no longer going to be >> elementary secondary >> only secondary elementary still has that little ones >> they benefit. Yeah. >> So, so middle school parents can't go on themselves. >> Correct. >> It the only question I suppose might be where do we define secondary? Because >> if you go by school, >> it involves what
0664 through 8. >> Yeah. >> Um if you go with normal secondary discussions, it's more like 6 or 7 through 8, >> you know, through 12. >> So, did you mark that in here? What? No, it never it never really came up till it just got asked. >> I think it's pretty flexible. I like that kind of flexibility because if it makes sense for fourth, we'll look at that as not secondary level. I think I would like to leave it flexible based on what you just said. >> Yeah. Yeah. That just I haven't >> But my understanding is at the middle school they not have middle school 4 through eight, they do not have trips that parents go on at all. >> Huh. There was that one for the international trip. >> Yeah, >> that
067was that was the one. It was the international trip. >> Please. >> Well, because the the parent assumed they were a chaperone because they were on the trip, but they were not a chaperone. They were there because it was open to parents and so it caused a gray area that had never happened before. And so they really reflected on that. So that could still occur where there could be let's say out of state or international trip and a parent could go but not be a chef. >> No, a parent cannot go. >> So we now putting a kibage on that completely. >> Correct. >> Whereas it was not there before. >> Right. And the only trip that they went on was the international trip. They were not they weren't going on any other middle school
068trip. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. You okay with that, Sam? >> Yeah, I guess so. I'm just digesting it. Yeah, I'm just thinking it there. It does cause challenges when they get to the upper grades if the parents are tagging along, if you will. And is it the parent a chaperone or just a >> part is strange? you know, when parents just go and they're not a chaperone. I guess I'm just trying to think back. >> You see that with baseball and softball like with the overnight trips like when every other year they would go down to Florida and it's like >> the parents might go down watch games they're completely separated from the kids. That's all great. But when they start overly interacting and say, "Oh, well, you know what? I'll drive them
069to the game or, you know, I'll meet them for lunch or, you know, or go to their hotel rooms or anything like that. That's where the lines of chaperon and parent get crossed and the parents don't necessarily have the training or the clearance to be a chaperon. Do you know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. I guess as long as four and five are not included, I would agree to it. >> Okay. So, I don't know. >> Just know that at the middle school, no parents go to trips for fourth and fifth grade currently anyway. Okay. >> But the point that it's that it's flexible. I >> I think it's flexible. if it's flexible for that those ages the possibility to do that if something were to occur >> right that language of sectionary actually works
070out >> opens up the opportunity >> okay so we're going to leave that one in policy last policy 9321 time place notification and meetings >> this is the one about um whether or not people can participate remotely in meetings um there's just language that I added that says that they can um because like I said, I mean, if there's anything we learned from COVID and everything else, it's kind of all for grabs. And if you're going to have a a custom of doing it, you might as well have language that says it's okay to have that custom. >> Yeah. Okay. Oh, no. I have a question. >> Oh, sure. >> Of course you do. >> I read all your policies. I do not attend your policy meetings, but >> let me tell you someone there's
071a comma missing in one of them, but we can do it without it. >> Comma. Say a comma, but a comma makes a big difference. >> I know. I know. >> In 321A. Forgive me. Sorry. Um, >> you don't have to be forgiven. >> I don't remember the last time I've sent a telegram. [Music] >> Um, >> did this actually say it? I left it in there. does maybe like aggression. >> Uh 9321A bylaws of the board time, place, notifications of meeting under special meetings. The last sentence um you I can't even read it on the left. My written waiver of notice or a telegram to the purpose. >> Okay. Well, you know, we're going to update that. >> What about Morse code? Can you >> I was thinking more like smoke signals. You can
072I think you can clear it up if you want to tonight. But I totally I totally want to clear up like being able to attend remotely cuz it it happens. But um >> can't find it in my thing. >> The telegram I can take that one out. >> So you have to remove it from the >> No, we don't have to. No, I'll just add it to the to the motion. So, are we before we start with motions and everything, are we pretty comfortable with moving all of these with the exception of 6171 special education to um through a first and a second read if there is a motion put on the table. >> So, move. >> No, there's not a motion on the table. I'm asking if everyone >> wants to move this. >>
073Yes. >> Okay. So, I am looking now for a motion to wave to approve [Music] policies. Bear with me. 3450118.2 [Music] 2 6161.12 Policy 1312.4 6161.13 [Music] Policy 1312 6161.14 1312.5 4118.235 6121.1 [Music] and 93 2 1 with the change of removing the word in the last sentence telegram to include a waving the second reading on All the above mentioned policies. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? [Music] >> All those in favor? >> I I agree. >> All right. Who is getting the changes to whom? >> So I thought that I read them over really, really. >> No, no. I've got that. I asked who who Okay, good. Transcription. Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. So I'm hoping that Yeah. >> Okay, perfect. Make sure I'm making notes, but I want >> You
074are making notes as well. All right. And Teresa's got notes. >> It is recording. I did check. >> Okay. >> That would really be a bummer if that's not recording. All right. Now, I'm looking for an acceptance of the consent agenda items 1 through three. >> Let me let me finish and then you can pull things out. Um one is approve the warrants of June, July, August, September policy 9132 standing committee as the second reading and then acceptance of the following resignations. Any comments? No. >> Appointments. >> I do not have any warrants in my packet. >> I would like to remove >> item one, approval of warrants. I uh really appreciate your uh gusto there for four months of warmth. We are not ready. I need to have a business and planning meeting and
075then move it to the November meeting. It's would be too much information for all of us to digest in the next last 24 hours. So, I appreciate uh Christine's um uh thoroughess and uh readiness, but uh we're not ready. So I'd like to table that to November. >> Okay. So then I am looking to pull that out. So then I would be looking for an acceptance of consent agendas one I'm sorry two and three and four. >> Well it it the I have to do four separately because it's not written that way. >> So okay. So one more time looking for a motion to approve consent agendas two and three. >> So moved. Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I. Okay. >> Is there a motion to accept the um following
076appointments? Jennifer Thomas and Tanya Jenowski. So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Okay. Last but not least, discussion and possible action to approve the 20 2026 to 2029 collective bargaining agreement between the East Tatum Education Association and the East Tatum Board of Education. Before we make a motion, would anybody like to go into executive session to discuss it? >> Anybody? >> We would invite the superintendent, >> both the business manager >> and the business manager. >> Yes. >> Is there a motion on >> we go to executive session and invite business manager and the superintendent to discuss the upcoming contract? Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I Okay, we're going to go into executive session. Thank you guys for coming. >> Thanks, guys.
077Have a good night. [Music]