1/12/26 School Board Meeting

001All the meeting please join pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nationisible and justice for all. Thank you. And our mission statement is creating a better future one student at a time. We will start commenting. Does anyone want to beginning of the meeting comment? Okay, we will move on. Recognition. First, we have Jenny Seir passed her airreak endorsement exam. Very exciting for transportation. Um, congratulations. Peter Hawk to thank him for his service to the RCorn. Whittier Middle School, Marley Simpson was the Tritown Club student of the month. the adult education brochure and we'd like to recognize the champion Noah who will represent the county and last but not least we'd like to welcome as our Poland interest member welcome and she is going

002to the operations all right we have no agenda adjustments this evening. So, first up, the Hi, I'm Blake and I am with the manager on the engagement network with Christian Smith. He's the part that it all um we conducted the audit for in 2021. Um relationship with the auditor. We are hired to work for the board as auditors. Um and we work with management to perform the audit. We also assist in the preparation of the financial statements though those are management responsibility. All right. And I'm going to start with this first letter that I have for you all. This is our required communications letter. It's a standard governance letter that we issue um to communicate the results of our audit. And I'm gonna have you go to the second page and point out in that

003first paragraph, we do have a new accounting statement statement 101. It was a change the estimate for compensated absences. Um so you will see that point financial statements as well. But ultimately that was the change to her time for more likely than not to be used versus only known payouts in the future. Right. And then if you go down the um a couple paragraphs down in that you also state what the significant estimates are financial statements of which the time um um there were no changes on behalf and net liability and um excuse me liability. All right. And then as you go down through we did not encounter any significant deficiencies, excuse me, difficulties and perform audit. No material, no material corrections and no disagreements with management. And then if you turn to the last

004page, we discussed internal control matters which we did not identify any significant deficiencies or material. All right. And then we're going to move on to some of the others we issue. So we also issue letter on the reconciliation the state of Maine database but we don't present that letter here. So the next one is the audit report. So there are a few reports I haven't shown to the last page which is ultimately like your report card. It summarizes the results really well. So you can see on the financial statement portion we had no findings on the awards we had no findings and program that we focused our for the single federal funds was the child nutrition. All right then move the final statements. All right, each one through three is our very first craft. It's

005our so you have a the best size you can get. Great job to safety and her team. You guys are doing a really great job. Right. And then I'm going to the management discussion and analysis pages four through nine. That's really your good summary. Um, it focuses on the follow statement on the governmentwide, but it's really in a in a readers can use and digest. All right. And then we're going to skip to the back. Page 40 has your actuals. So, this is what you looking at throughout the year. And you can see it toward the bottom there. finish the year using $354,900 worth of your fund balance, but it was planned to use $500,000 slightly under use for your career. And we're going to jump back up. We're going to go to page and

006this is your statement of position on the approval basis. biggest differences here. You'll see we have fixed assets or capital assets towards the top and then you also have your long-term liabilities. And here I want to point out from Gazby 101. So in the long-term liabilities, you have current portion for compensated absences of about 270,000 and long-term portion for 451,000. you have a total of about $700,000 this year for compensated abundances compared to what was last year of 191,000. The biggest change was the um statement 101 implementation. All right. And then the next to turn to is this is your balance sheet fund. So it's your major program. And then on here you can see you have elected $100 fund balance to be utilized for this current year and your unassigned balance going forward is.7

007million. So this was the last over 9% and then going forward it's going to go drop back down 5%. So right now you're running approximately 1.7 million in unassigned fund balance and with that 9% had up to 2.6 million. So with the change next year it will um I think I had checked your budget for the two um almost 30 million. So 5% of that is 1.5. So right now you have 1.5 car a little less going forward but any of that excess excess can lose over three years to spend it down. So just something to consider going forward. All right. And then there are of notice notable you have debt on pages and Stacey my attention. We have on there that should be listed with us. So we will make that going forward. All

008right. And then the pen footnote starts on page 30. And then you have your footnote which page 34. And then the last one I will point to is page 39. the Gazby 101 change inated absence did require a restatement of fund balance. So that's what we're describing here. And the change of beginning balance wasn't nearly as significant. It was about 58,000. Um but that's no payouts we last year versus payouts going into the estimate for this year. >> Any questions? You think I should go over a little bit? >> It's been for the past three years in the past actually going forward. Maybe 113 actually% I think that's pretty Any other questions? Okay. Would someone like to make a motion to accept report? >> Steve from Andrew. Any further discussion? Okay. All in favor of

009author's report opposed. >> Thank you all. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you has done a great job. Thank you. >> Okay. And second, Jill, our person. All right. There are many great happening in all of our schools and that the principles tell you about that I could talk lots about, but I chose two things to talk about tonight. Um, one is test because that's something that also comes up in budget meetings and in public comment and the other is um our K through six new ready math implementation because that was a big ask last year during the budget and which we're very grateful for and your teachers schools have been working very hard to follow the implementation plan um for year one that we've created. So first let's talk about the scores. Um,

010so this just kind of shows the format of testing. So at the bottom is our basic like the formative assessments that happen every day in the classroom. Those are things like the tests, the quizzes, those guide instruction help teachers know what to what they need to to refocus on all the future instruction. The next layer up be and that's um you heard of the principles talk about I Ready. We use the ID testing as our universal trainer and it's a great tool to help identify title one needs um to plan interventions all of the and it creates an individual pathway. So it allows students to work on their writing skills which is great. It's a great tool. And then at the top there you see the student summit which is through a year and every

011it's late July parents receive um it comes out in this year it was reach my page. So you would have received that um through that method and it shows over the achievement level. You can see here in um this part here, it shows the achievement levels, what classifies each and then your students performance would be there at the bottom. And like I said, that is sent out to all of the families. Um testing is not what it used to be. Um if you notice up here, these two test questions are what would see. Okay? These are not what we So keep that in mind when you scores like this one. This question alone is multip look at all multiple steps for a 10-year-old. Um so keep that in mind when we hear about test scores

012because they they are very difficult. Um this despite of everything is performing right at the average which is great. You can see from the visuals alone um the bars show um the percentage in each area and you can see the top row here is the state. So this is third grade. This column here is math. This is reading. Um you can see across the top is the third for the um state average and the average for reading. And we even have some classes performing above the state level. And this would be same thing for fourth grade. and state average right at run above state average and right above the state average there as well. Um here is sixth grade. Again, this is math and this is reading. So the state across the top it is

013the state average. Some schools performing above the state average. Um and for sixth grade and you can see there's some well above state average here which is great. Um and then we have so the major is grades through eight and then second year of high school. So this the top here is the seventh grade again math reading state average across the top right at state average and then down here this is the second year of high school. So moving on to curriculum instruction. So as I said uh our big ask last year was the new K through six math program and it's been wonderful. It's been a great tool. Um, I love walking into classrooms and you'll see a lot of pictures here. Walking into classrooms, you see kids talking about math, can do manipulatives,

014solve the math problems different ways. Not everyone's solving it the same way. Um, we had trainers come in back before school started on the 22nd of August and then on October 10th. Um and then they will come al join us on January 28th and March 4th of the schools and work with teams of teachers and support the implementation that way. And year two year one is about focusing on routines the routines of the program. And year two will focus on refining teaching practices. And if you walk into classrooms during math, you see you can see in the picture there, there's lots of different manipul. So if you think about like when you're trying to show someone something, you have to explain it. you're gonna understand it on the deeper level if you know you have

015to explain that and that's one of the things that I'm seeing kids explain a more deep level than I ever have and it's great to see um this class the first time they saw it's like times 2x and they used and it was like seeing the algebra like those manipul it was amazing. So just having that hands on now that's click a much deeper level and you can see all the differentives they're using. again. Not all just some more pictures there. Any questions for me? >> Yes. >> What do you think your biggest challenge moving forward is? Having the three schools kind of at different levels in reading and reading because it doesn't look from an outside eye like schools were kind of at different levels. How are we going to up to par to

016get more scores for us? >> Yep. Each school has their own ums team. Each teacher has different ways of differentiation and building principal does a great job working with teams and trying to target those needs and focus on on the learning needs of they're all unique. every grade, every school, everything need so focus on on the kids themselves needs question. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Public comment then that'd be great. Okay. Thank you. Um, all right. We're going to move on to our consent agenda. So, included in the consent agenda are the minutes from our submitting minutes for operations. That is it for tonight to approve >> Steve. Okay. Any discussion, comments or corrections? All right. All in favor? Thank you. Okay, superintendent. >> Good evening everyone and public who is here. Uh

017I start off with our notification. Annie McIntyre is our JV ice hockey which we are part of the cooperative team with Edward Little Turner. So that's our portion of the cooperative team. And then Susie Lawrence is our new bus driver that we just hired at the beginning in the beginning of the new year and notifications of resations. Tyler McInness our JMG which is college jobs remain graduates and high school specialist here at we are looking for placement. There's a sub in there for the remainder of the year. And DOMO is designed at the end of this year as PCS principles. We'll be getting that job search replacement search in about March in April with hopefully having a recommendation for the board and you meeting for approval. And then we did have a bus driver Peters.

018So it was exciting to hire someone and there but then that out. We still have two openings for bus drivers. Just an FYI, the block have uh already approved and notified of the date change has another date change. The time is the charm that is to February 28th 7th. So I just want to make sure you are aware of that. And then part of our superintendent is updating the board on progress report of our district schools here and session. So I did um put forward in you on your at your table the superintendent goals for the year and work on those with when Sarah was the chair and then also with Patrick. So a lot of your goals become my goals and then I add on to them. That's why you'll see four of those

019and you'll see the first like hey these are ours and you're like that's that's the way that that role is with you. And so uh the first one is our strategic improvement plan and jumping down to the successors of the annual review. You know that we have completed that team level as well as over here as part of our onboard workshop to make revisions which the IP goal this year uh putting theations and admin report that John put into the school board and more so then that way more people have access to what's going on and and transportation in operation. So it does happen um every single month that district newsletter comes out evidence of stakeholder participation in those in the plan and that's part of those PR committee where success at our forum last

020week as well as we have some people here tonight as well as public comment email. Uh my next one mirrors our goals of community relations and media outreach. So, we're looking at uh publishing that monthly newsletter that is part featuring our student staff highlights and upcoming events. And typically when I look at the the dashboard, there's about 200 sorry 2,000 views of live alone. So, that is that's significant. You can also see where where they're from. And so it does get out there because it is posted on Facebook as well as reach my teach and then also sent out to our district uh communication channel don't have children in RSU6 feedback because I can't get the information. If you don't have children just give me your email address and I'll send it any district communication

021to you. We do have um the goal to increase our social media engagement. In October, we had 3,300 followers with our RC middle school unit Facebook page and we're looking for 10% growth. We are at about 100 new followers. So, we're a third of the way there to uh and then community round tables by the PR committee providing support and assistance knowing that that is yours your complete but also knowing that I am part of of that and here to support you. And then the other two goals um is working on the portrait of aer you know that that's been ongoing through Eric's start with Eric accreditation program at the high school and so we have been working on that portion of learner not just a high school thing but really a preked so as

022you may remember we on our opening day looking at uh our statements that Eric and the staff had developed at high school and then back to be six through eight statements through five statements two statements and adult ed was also kind of on to the deny to adult ed. So next steps for that major progress is to look at how do we get those into curriculum documents our DPLC district learning committee our annual annual conference day here in January the workshop day's in charge of that and what we've done is we've tied all of our offerings and those offerings done by staff members to those portrait of a learner focus areas. So really an intentional piece of how we're bringing this to life. And then we're looking at how do we continue to get feedback

023and also have more opportunities for our students to demonstrate those portrait of learner statements. um love to look at our websites and how we look at information there as well as examples at potentially like how do we build a prek through 12 document a portfolio whether students are adding into their whole entire experience for R60. Max, imagine being able to look back senior and senior princ uh and I know all of our principles have looked at different ways of revamping uh the student conferences as well as celebration of the learner. That's really a another kind of also leads into my personal goal of shared leadership is definitely recognition during my superintendent valuation that I'm just one person and perhaps taking the walks. Thanks for that recognition also how do you involve everyone else and so

024it's it is it is a love for the whole mini team. And then um my final goal is as that's on your mind is our our obligation four year olds law now and that is to the free and appropriate public education for our four year olds IEPs in 2027 school year 27 and then the three-year-old IEPs will begin in fiscal year 20 and that's we must do that implement that with the law. So uh give all recognition to Joe. My job really to be her her support in all this and doing a great job. We have team uh we have met several times. We've got some walkthroughs to plan on where we actually put our programs. We had to build our other place skills programs and our prek programs as we take on students with

025IEPs and services here in RSU. So for that later on there's some financial obligations that are are running about in my mind as we get ready for four units next year at three year olds in fiscal year 28. But I do thank Joe for leading that and um really doing a great job. Those are my goals for I I move on. Any questions about Andrea? The first time was about finals and uh celebration of a learning that was interfering and this next one it was something with them they needed to change >> no any other questions Okay. Okay. Can I just talk about cost drivers? Um the other thing too is a lot of things about and discuss tonight. I wanted to take a few minutes and just speak about where we are as districts

026that it kind of goes with our goals. This is more broad. Uh three years ago being a task force that worked all summer to study our elementary schools and make recommendations. In the end chose not to close the school. That was a valuebased decision that made in good faith with the shared understanding that we would instead commit to funding, fixing, staffing our schools. And today we're not doing it at the level that's required to sustain our schools as they are. Our impactful and and cumulative deferred maintenance year after year, increase facility concerns, sometimes emergencies, and staffing reductions made to balance budgets. Regardless of how we arrive team is our buildings are deteriorating faster and we can maintain them and our staffing model is increasingly fragile and we're asking students and staff to learn and work

027in conditions that do not reflect our shared values. Tonight it's a really hard decision right whether to move the master lease for my head or select another path. uh whatever path you choose requires continued responsibility which I think up for as a board and sustained action which I've also seen from all of you and that's why I created this chart that's the colorful one um I want to make sure that decision before you make is grounded the understanding of the major cost drivers that are facing us from fiscal year 27 and beyond and the two realities that I'm trying to manage the district uh our students don't experience this as items or spreadsheets. What they experience on a daily basis is an unreliable space for opportunities as fewer adults available to support them. Our staff

028experience is burnout, frustration, and a growing strain of being asked to do more with less. And you know, I just taking a big step here tonight. Feel like it's my responsibility as superintendent to be honest. And I think you know deep down inside because you've heard a lot of our administrators talk about the condition of our system and to be clear that it's no longer sustainable and and we have reached that point and um as we look at this chart before we move into explaining that I know that I I'm not alone and I think about budget meeting last Thursday night how we had some conversations our pain points those are the things that are keeping our administrator up at night. But the sustainability of structure that we have with the the pressure from with

029the realities of your salaries and ability to pay is real and conversations that just keep happening over and over again. And I know that we have administrators here and I I don't want to put them on the spot, but there were some real things that the other night that I' I'd offer to if there is any that would like to see uh to just talk briefly about what they said tonight or talk about uh what we are experiencing the realities. I would say I know I talked for eight minutes but I can't remember everything. So see my greatest concern, one of the things that keeps me awake at night is the fact that yes, the task force met three years ago. The recommendation came out of that that we were going to keep all all

030of our buildings. We going to fund them, fix them, repair them, and we were going to move on, which is all well and good. Um, but unfortunately since that time, we haven't made any forward. In fact, we're going backwards because our budgets are getting less. The CIP budget getting smaller and our expenses are getting greater. Um, I believe I said that, you know, our building structures themselves, the foundations, the walls, the roofs are all in decent shape. I mean, we we're not in a position where any of our buildings are falling down, but it's all the individual components that keep those buildings running that have reached the end of their useful lives. They're going to require replacement and it's going to be expensive and unfortunately that has brought put us into a position where we

031either seek funding sources to cover the expenses which is either going to go through state revolving loans tax increases none of it's or we consider our inventory you know and I think the problem is have reached a point where we need to make a hard decision. The reality is here and it's not gonna be the room is going to be divided completely in half. Some people are going to want to go one way. Rest of the folks are going to want to go another. And it is not going to be one of those things. And I'm not here to makeation. I'm just saying that we can't kick this can down the road anymore. We have to make a decision now and commit to one way or the other. And so just for that, thank you.

032I appreciate your words. I there's a lot said some of our budget committee members were take their you know speak later on just really what it takes to move our schools forward. So that's why we needed to capture everything into one chart. And so these are our major drivers, our major cost drivers as we think about the next four fiscal years. Um, and these aren't just spending choices like lots of these are are legal requirements our aging infrastructure and people financial realities. So you can see the first category is budget to budget. If you look back at our budget except for the co years when the co funds are flowing, it's about a 1.2 1.5 million and that's driven entirely by salaries, health insurance and just the rising cost of things and that that's the

033increase regardless if we add anything or staff programs whatever that's just the cost of operating our our school system. The next one in addition to that baseline that it's going to be 1.2 to 1.5 is being faced with mandate special ed education obligations that require space staffing services as that that CDS group has looked at. Um we we we would like to have our inclusive prek at PCS u but PCS is out of as are the other two buildings. So it's not like we want it at PCS and we're standing firm. there's no room anywhere else and and it makes sense to have that BCS because of um being able to then from inclusive prek into functional life skills um program afterwards in your kindergarten year. Uh so you look at that next looking at

034potentially a modular there at PCS not necessarily for 3K students but have to be students out there in order to free up space somewhere else in the building. And then we know in our three-year-old yes the will cover staffing costs for those but not those not those modulars not transportation so there will be cost to that and those are coming if we're ready or not um it's not optional the law I see you're >> yeah um this is great that this is going to cover staffing but we know for how long we're going to have like those concepts. >> It is state law. So it would have to be state law. So it depends upon exgovernor and and how long the legislature would have to overturn or the governor would have to over that. Um

035and then also too we can see there as we look at uh we our goal is to bring students back to the district. So we are able to educate our children here 16 uh when they are ready district because of the high cost of that. So in order for us to effectively do that need to really look at the cost of what it takes to do that programs flow and it's safe and students are learning staff are returning feeling good about what they're doing and some of our hardest programs. Um and then next part is uh we're looking at our proposed MCS project. Uh I know that we're that's an option that we need to be meeting tonight whether we go with what I have nicknamed the piggy bank approach which is where we start

036putting money away. Um it is not a cost project. There will be some savings from maintenance agreements and from energy savings. However, you can see from the cash flow preset we had there is contributions every single year since 2016. So that's why I put it there. So how much money you would have to put into that piggy bank would ultimately be a reserve that we would pull from. Um or if we don't go that piggy bank method, it would be $31,000 each year for the next 15 years. Um then we have our our SRF, our school renovation funds that we'll find out here end of the month, which would be great if we're awarded all three. fiscal year 28 our portion of award goal fee is roughly $48,000 and so that school year 28 and

037then the key below that is our renovation funds does not have heating and so I think now I need to pull a number and so I go back to the previous engineering firm that was for revolving fun and looked at the heating at Elm Street which six million according to that firm that application at PPS 460. So, we'll be right back next year talking to our taxpayers about, you know, yep, we got ventilation at school, but now we've got to do the or no, we didn't get the ventilation through SRF. We got to take care of that because now CO2 uh elevated levels that we're trying to combat. So, it it continues, right? Um, and then also that part is is just saying no more staff, no more looking programs. That's not realistic because kicking

038the can down students. We've made significant cuts already in the past years. And so there has to be when we're going to start positions in that are that are necessary and we'll move forward to our strategic plan because we're not we're we're moving backwards um with cuts and then so there increase for each year. You know been understanding that you give me a target increase because of all of the unknowns that are coming. I hear our taxpayers clearly. I also get from you. You're all taxpayers want what's best for kids. So you also are very aware of what taxpayers they're paying. But you see next year FYI the CIP is $3.2 million. And if you finally decide to move the CIP, and I feel like that chart all the time, but I also think about

039like the narrative down the road is this year we have a $7 million CIP like that is never ever gonna happen. And in next year's CIP as outlined, $2.5 million. It just feels as though like a a failure when it comes to those things like we we've limited. We've not ever funded the CIP at the level. So we have to get to a point that we either say that we're actually funded to do the projects which has been outlined as $2.5 million next year. So that would bring FY27 increase $5.7 million for a total of a $35.5 million budget. And then it just continues with the expected increase with CIP. Fiscal year 28 is 4.7 million. Fiscal year 29 is 5.7. Fiscal year 30 is 5.4. And adding some looming is you know where the

040state funds are, right? We have our enrollment numbers are down. Students with those weights that get more weights with the socioeconomic are down pay numbers are down the boost and our town valuations. So you know what that is going to say need a lot of tums. Look at that because it's be a heartburn city because you know that each town will be asked to be paid more in order to receive their state subsidy. And then we also have title funds which um forget who asked over here about like how we're dealing with our our students at our schools that need support and that's one use of our title funds is really to provide targeted interventions to students. Those are fedally fun. We don't know what's going to happen with those. And then we just have

041other unplanned student movements that require significant funds. So, this is what it would take to fix and staff our school. You know, some like, you know, box me, but I I need a plan. I need you I need I need us to figure this out with our communities. I need you to either say that you're going to make some decisions or that because you do have the authority. are elected by your town's people. They voted for you or your firm to make decisions or you go back and ask them to give the input so that you have the information that you need because we can't keep chasing our tail. Can't keep doing this. And that's that's what it feels like um that we're doing. Alicia adjusted. >> We adjust it every year. There is the

042plan that we used uh some facilities have come in and said this is what you should be doing to be proactive to keep all of your things and up to date. Uh and so that is the end there. Like this year it's supposed to be $7 million CFP which we only have $460,000. So the opportunity does look at that under John to say this is what we're going to do this year and everything else just stays undone. So taxpayers organiz >> absolutely operations can be creatership. So yes, there's a way to to adjust that. >> And I think one of those John John's done well is we're on the high school now. We're doing it in four installments one quarter at a time. Although to have done it all, it would have been cheaper. It

043was not feasible to actually do with the funding that's in spone else have any first time we're seeing this >> recommendation. Is that it? >> Yeah. Well, it's just my pain point, right? >> It's nice. >> Yeah. Yeah. And these are the conversations that, you know, we're having at level and continue to talk about like what are we going to do to really turn this around. >> Thank you. All right. Moving on to first start with public doment. This is ventilation project we're here to talk and so we'll stop and go to discussion after that we would like to make a motion. So I have two people but I see a lot more. So we will sign up first. Do you want to go over Do you go over questions here? Some of this information

044was uh some information was out today to me. So um first thing uh that you made up uh is that going to be posted anytime? But I mean, is it going to be posted or on your email group? Email that out. >> It'll be posted on our website. >> Okay. And in the uh parents report, the state and test scores, >> Jill's presentation that she did. >> Yeah. >> That's always one of the questions where we try to adjust raises. >> That's what I bring up in the meeting. So that would be that would be nice to have but the carryover of 9% have been carrying over 9% for the past three years and I know that we vote um there's a specific question that of how funds excess funds are be allocated. So if

045we've been voting on the past three years and now it's at 9%. And it's going to get jumped down 3%. How does it get divided up? Because the past while voting. >> Well, I think Stacy can help us out, but no. So, and then also what you're talking about too is that last month we're in a district budget meeting that if we receive any more state funds, it goes back into tax relief. So, sometimes what happens with 279 is we built our budget additional funds that come through. What we do with those is they come back through tax relief. Stacy, if you want to pop in and help uh explain that better. So the carryover is what is left at the end of the year and so we have to have that audit which is

046what we got tonight and then the subsequent year. So now we're building for 27 we can use some of that money. We have never been close to 9% carryover that is just it was 3% at one time and then it was five and then CO hit and schools were closed. They realized that they would to have excess money the end of those years because they weren't using them all. So they let it go to 9%. Um like the audit showed, we only have 1.7 million right now and as we build the FY27 budget, we'll probably put a million in because that's what we put in for the budget right now, the 26 budget. So we'll only have 710,000 carryover against a 20 29 million. The 9% is just cap that the state allows you use.

047And when she was, >> no, we're nowhere near that. And the three years she was talking about is if you are over 9% then over the next three years, you can allocate a portion of that in carryover to offset your increase in taxes for your budget. But you have three years to use that. >> Okay. And then I I know we have some discussion after what is the cost savings by shutting down that school. >> Uh our work is now three years done. Well actually ask chair typically public comment is is we accept comment want to make sure that I'm not overstepping the rules that we have. for a moment. >> Can you say your question one more time? What I'm going to do is write back to you at a later time with figures

048for that right now. >> By shutting down that >> a school, >> a a school or that school, whichever school, how much money do we and we have the capability providing students and putting them in classrooms or moving the teachers over um and not pay the maintenance? And my my final question is I know we have a bunch of for housing development in all the areas. What is our population going to increase if you shut down the school and are we going to be able to accommodate any new students? Thank you. >> Thank you. Next up we have who is right here. is going to read an email received from a community member who wasn't able to attend tonight, but he's gonna share the email can be heard. >> Sure. Thanks, Justin. So, Whitney sent

049us an email about 65. Her kiddo was sick. So, I should share this with everyone illness. So she just says post open bid linkst for mining project to uh the RSU 16 Facebook page. So we may as soon as process starts believe vote on it. >> Okay. Now, normally we sign up, but because we here tonight, what anyone else um if you could people at home? >> You raised your hand before. >> Come on over. Forget you. Amy, like I said, last meeting in a situation here. You guys are uniform with this further and further down the discuss. What about putting together members of the team so we can all be some ideas as opposed to I think that's how the public is sacrifice the teachers school is not So we can bridge that gap

050and maybe we can do a pick together that that's my suggestion. The question was you said trainers >> is that funded package. >> Anyone else have a comment? Okay, we'll move on to we're at the fourth week at United School. We talked about this project and we've had presentations about at several of our meetings. So, I was just hoping we could table and our thoughts on this project. Who would like to go first? Oh, I'm really confused this. I think that the public should be voting on this. The amount of money that is at stake. The conflicting part is get anybody to even show them what we tell them that we could be voting on it without them. So, do we They really should be voting on this, but are they going to turn vote

051on it after we spend the money on election? So, I don't know. I I don't even I don't have a place that I stand. I I think that I think that the public should vote on this enormous amount of I don't know. That's that's um the I want to thank you did show up. We had people come out and that was awesome. If more people where's the next one? April 26. >> April 26. And that's going to be 28. So yes, I have a couple questions. Like we all know this. We've been meeting this horse for years now. Probably not before that. And whatever decision not gonna be an easy one and it's all includ what if we close these people what if we keep all we reconfigure them what if we can just eland

052what if we do this and there was just so many factors and unknowns at that time that I remember seeing were minuscule under a million and that was without figuring out issues for everybody. I mean I'm pulling in a couple years, right? So regardless, we do appreciate this in one spot. With all that being said, back to what BI has with giving this 3.1, but I was kind of trying and stuff this and I want maybe we were I just missed it, but even like these numbers, we have the district savings of 76K. Then we have the maintenance, the fiveyear maintenance that's 374,000. But those two items are not going to be put into master lease, correct? Like why would we prepay and then pay interest on program if we're this to just put that

053into we're going to be paying on all of this. So like I I appreciate like a little clarification on that because that to me does not make sense. Like why would we pay 375,000 into this master to a 5year contract? Are they expecting us to pay five years worth of this actually? Is that right? Isn't it help or something? Isn't it different? It energies to help pay for the money project. Isn't it structured differently than like a traditional master? Who knows? Our next step would be to find the bank finance this. So there might be different interest rates. BIM this as an example for you at 42 interest rates might be lower than that. But we have to actually what bank I can understand what their terms are. But you're right like this is looking

054at this put some funds towards that and consider that some offsets that are going with energy savings are lower your cost but I I'll push back on you as I look at the seam project that we have started and you know there's there's not that conversation that we have where um talk that comes from that it's it's it's we just pay our bill everything for that matter master that was about 2.6 million that we started in fiscal year 22 that was supposed to be energy savings and supposed to be an offset. We we didn't create a reserve create a piggy bank. We just said we pay our amounts every single year fiscal year 22 year 38. >> Yeah. So would that I'm curious that this wased in like a we have to go to like

055bank or whatever you know like only certain banks do this kind of lending and it just sounded different. I think my understanding is it probably would be that you receive for being able proposals but we still need to choose them as going with >> but and it's a mass release like that. >> That's my understanding. >> Okay. But are we in like the 374,000 for their maintenance agreement? paying significant more. So right now is 80 something,000 a year, right? And so their sales part of like signing a 5year agreement is a discount. I think the medical,000 if we put 374,000 egg then we're now that savings because now that's bumped into this big master. Am I explaining it to me? Why are we and like even,000 savings? Why are we doing that? Why are we

056putting 76 million into this big egg as I'm just masterp? Yeah, I the service contract would replace SE. So that money is already budgeted yearly. Seammens would be services. >> Okay. So then if this is a 3.1 almost $3.2 million that we've been with the community, >> it's not that because we're going to take 31 and we're going to subtract the 300,000 from it, right? because that's not paying, >> right? >> But we're not paying anymore. >> Why would we just >> It's already there. >> I don't think it I I would agree. I think that was selling it to the just, you know, um 374 375,000 is rep. It's a five-year contract. We do it that way like like they were saying is about 80 grand. What we're paying Semons right now, but what

057GIS is offering for a little bit better than that if we hold a fiveyear contract. And so, you know, it I mean, if we're just talking and the automation 2.7, I mean, if you want to deal with the energy savings deal, that's up to 2.8, eight, but that's we're under $3 million for that project as it's being proposed. It's not 3.1 just, you know, it's not what they're not being pitched to us. Um, a big, you know, that's a service contract. The other thing I I'm kind of hung up on too and I was at that I was at that and I agree with stuff coming out was what John was saying. I also heard multiple times that we have space issue. And so when guys are saying we can't do this anymore, I'm thinking,

058okay, how much money are we going to spend finding space on the properties that we have? And I was there, you know, there at the at the futures thing, too. I walked around looking where the heck are we going to put these buildings? Where are we going to attach a thing? Where are we going to put, you know, a nonattached one? Do we have answers to that yet? As far as I know, we don't. We we have serious limitations on what our other properties are that and I brought this up at the community forum that don't exist in my property. They simply don't. And you know if we're actually I guess I'd go as far to say that and it's just not clear to me either. So you know we're talking reconfiguration on some of

059this stuff well as well. And in my mind we're really doing two separate questions there. you know, if you guys want to start hiring teachers and we can figure that's really a separate question and whether or not we should keep this building or not because if it even if like I said the other night, if we move those kids out of there, we still have a building. We still have a building that we have to make a decision about. And I am as a board member of this district not prepared to say let's see if mine wants that building back. This is a hard concern a piece of property that the district has. We have not invested in it properly and I think I still think it's time to invest in it. Unless someone can

060show me that transportation costs aren't going to go up. We have space to put multiple modulars and and all that extra expense. Is it going to go over 300k a year? I suspect it would. I suspect it would. Not just to buy these modules. I remember they were about 750 750,000 a piece a piece. That's that's that's not even a bathroom. If we put it out not attached to a building, that's going to go up even more. I mean, I hear you guys. I really do. I I'm just I don't see an alternative. >> I think part of that, too, is our our information is >> And I'm sorry, Amy, I'll cut you off one more time. The the the IEP and we're going to have to start bringing in three and four year olds.

061And I'm hearing you already say I'm not really sure we're going to put them yet. >> Okay. All right. I don't neither do I. I don't know where we're going to put those kits either, but I think eliminating a bunch of classrooms from from our inventory is shortsighted. Um, >> okay. Can we go back to you were mid question when we started answering? Do you want more? you always discuss here but clarifying one of the things not make sense if let's just say hypothetically we go with this and we need to bid banks right we're not going to be $3.1 million is that correct it does not make sense to interest on those bottom two amounts of 76 and 374000 like it doesn't make sense then we're paying four or five times over the 15

062years >> to get it into sum for them. the 76 still probably have to be, you know, I understand like we should be counting, but if we're going to go, >> you know, yeah, I know what they are. I just want >> Sorry, what that says there is the district energy savings. Those are the other >> things that are going to be happening around the district to get the energy savings. It's not that's the amount that we're going to save. >> You know what I mean? >> We have to pay have that work. We put it in the CIP that work or somewhere else. That's I know whatever on there I just want to understand that all of those things we're not necessary on so we have to like pay cash for the energy savings

063projects because it's >> ideally contract we're not expected to prepay that is that anywhere >> can I call on BIMS to speak to that ask on the project proposal just clarification. >> Hi, good evening folks. Um, I have to say that yesterday was my birthday and it's really setting in that I can't hear very well. So, I couldn't hear your questions um in order. I know that there was one question about the type of lease and you're correct. It's a tax exempt lease purchase call it tel and it does differ very much. I know that there's this uh continued use of the term master lease agreement when it they're they're really different. A tax exempt lease purchase is quite different than a master lease. Um a master lease generally allows you to add things in

064future. Uh a TELP is focused towards a project at the lowest practical rate meaning tax exempt and also um it it is com completely it needs to be voted on every year as part of the budget and there are a number of banks here in Maine that are very large banks uh that don't do that type of leasing because once the assets go into the building in the event of default, the lender really can't come back in and and pull out boiler and ventilation equipment. So, that was one. The second one is a question about uh maintenance which is great question and u I I saw a sweatshirt before and uh that you wore if you went to Framingham State University I wouldn't answer it but because you went to Fitsburg or at least you

065wore that sweatshirt you didn't know that you had Fitsburg State um I >> okay members that went to Fitsburg State Oh, the the time value of money. You're exactly right. The reason to to pre purchase uh maintenance is for the time value of money. And you can do it either way. So, you can take that amount. It's going to go up because you're it's almost like a service agreement for a vehicle. When you do that, you pay for it upfront. Uh you're covered for the eight years. Remember that the pro the reason that the board gets to vote on this is because of the now 40-year statute that's been in effect at the state of Maine allowing school boards to purchase the ventilation equipment uh and the HVAC equipment that you talked about and and

066voted down actually in 2023. On top of that, you can pull this just a little bit further over for me. Is that possible? I don't know who's controlling that. That's Amy's who's got the control there. Um, so it it is a question of time value of money. And you you see that you're going to in 2627 not have that same $87,000 100 uh maintenance expense because it's going to be paid for in the capital project. So the time value of money is that you're paying for it in advance. You're paying less than what Seammens was charging at 87100. And I don't even know um it you know that's that's probably a good number for the year after that with uh incremental increases in service. Um, but if you back that piece out, if the time

067value of money for the contract is not as valuable, then we can take that amount, that $374,000, and then put it into the spread in 26 and 27, but you just you won't get that benefit of not paying for the maintenance that year. you may end up um $78,000 or something to that effect and that that would go flatline and we can we can run those numbers for you. But it has to be for a minimum of five years because we have to cover the assets with a full maintenance and in this particular case uh since the Stevens contract covers all the buildings that's also what that that covers. So, you're getting coverage on new equipment that is being purchased and you're also covering what's also in the existing agreement. >> Okay. >> So, did

068did I answer all those questions? Hopefully, but if not, that's fine. >> So, can I just reward that? >> Sure. So $374,000 is proposed right now for five years financing it over 15 years. >> You're financ It's a great question. Why are you paying interest on that? It's because you're getting the benefit in that year. if I heard everything that these first couple of years are going to be rough for other reasons having to do with just insurance increases and expenses and everything else. So, so you get that break of the cash flow, but if you looked at the time value of money, um I you're getting a a lower amount that you're paying for the same level of maintenance and you're capitalizing Don, can I just ask a question too? In fiscal year 27,

069>> if we've used your cash flow, what I've called piggy bank, >> you're asking us 27 to put the 202,000 into that piggy bank, right? Because that's we're going to say we're gonna have 15,000. We're have 87,000 because of our maintenance contract and 100,000 CIP. So that we are those those that first row there under total savings and capital contribution summary is what we're expected to put into the piggy bank every year to offset or to have of a a nest egg was saying in order to pay that 31,000 to put towards the $31,000 that we have each year. >> Right. And I did did like your analogy there because it um yeah because the the reality is that 87100 you're not going to be paying that out right that contract uh expires June 30

070of this year. Um the $15,000 will be a fully realized energy savings that um we will actually be measuring. Um and um yeah, my suggestion is it it's not a demand. These were these were all based on hearing what you've gone through really when I looked at the chronology. I was just sharing it with Steve Ferguson of the last five years of everything that you've done. That's what this was built for. This was built for how to get assets and improvements now specifically in my head for the reasons that you outlined last Monday. But yes, it is a it is a piggyback concept. So from my understanding let's say your averageation is 2.5% over five years but you got over 50 years and you're only going to have population. So then it doesn't make sense.

071>> Not necessarily because in year six the the thought is that we're we're hoping with the revolving renovation funds projects with the grants to be replacing a lot of the existing equipment using state money. That's a guarantee. >> Well, um the the it's a good question and the fact of the matter is today's January 12th and in 18 days uh we'll we'll know that answer. >> Thank you. Thank you, Don. Um I I think like Angela um for transparity I would like to take out that maintenance contract and pay it over the five years instead of capitalizing. Um I think that makes more sense a taxpayer standpoint. Um why would you defer payments over 15 years? you're going to have to because there is going to be something if we get the RF replace all

072this stuff there still will be preventative there still will be cost associated from years six 15 if we're still paying on years 1 through five for maintenance for labor that doesn't make sense in my household bucket and everything else um so I would like to number and and >> okay >> place to start >> question back off said is there a way we have it on your child written down what would happen if this does not pass that what happen if we close the school how much is how much is it going to actually cost roughly to move everybody get those numbers like not thinking said probably a lot more than might be a clear understanding because people close move everybody fix the school and you know what I mean >> I think our our

073data is three years old now and no offense to the on the task force but we we all worked within our limitations of what we had we did have community members on that that were named by each town that brought uh really good expertise that still we did not have someone that is their job to look at the the fiscal side of that to analyze that and report. I guess you know I I not wrong when I think about that or anyone else task force was like what were the things that were left on and were those numbers right were they and where now with things I guess for me that's where I needed I I would not say you call the task force back together would not do that I would ask for independent

074firm to comment or look at our buildings and our numbers and what we have because of the schools have closed buildings and uh some of them have just made that decision. But there's going to be someone out there that can mutual third party to come help us with to run better numbers, more accurate reflect 2026. >> Randy, >> um yeah, I agree. Um just thinking about you know you know 700,000 for that was three years ago and then you know a lot of that a lot of that numbers that swayed me back then I you know um the other thing too I'm kind of wondering about did we as far process um I'm wondering if if a step and I guess I just want to touch base with some folks and see if my understanding

075is way off or missing something I was initially You know, we bid for the SRF contract and we went BIMS. they were the most impressed about a who interview and then along that process those applications line a project kind of sp a little separate and initially I was thinking well then you know bidding out the individual work I don't that's actually enough for what's actually required under policy PJ um is um I can read where my concern comes from I guess Um uh this is first paragraph. Uh main law requires bid property insurance school bus transportation contracts in excess of four grand school construction alterations and repairs over 250k. Um it there's an exception for professional architecture and engineering services. That's not I don't think that's what we had here. and bond anticipation. So, is

076this something that should be that specifically if we're like we want to should this have been bidded out differently than what we went ahead and do? >> So, I I think I answered the question on this on the form. So, it's my understanding that let's say we go through with like yes, we're going to fix min. It's my understanding that we're saying yes only to BIMS to be like an engineer but they still have to go through and get out the project. We're not saying that services get it just because they do a lot of this is my understanding. this is how I answer those. So as far as I know we would just be saying yes we want to go through project we want to oversee it but then it's their job to bring

077it back right it was correct >> I guess my question what is their bid process if they have hard numbers now um when they seek out the subcontractors to do the work are those subcontractors allowed to not allow I don't know what the word is. What if they have, you know, $500,000 planned for a certain part of the project and a subcontractor comes in they can do it for $300,000? Like where's the transparency that is savings passed on? I don't understand how process works on that end. That's where we need >> um I would you know listening to what Angel said sure that that's enough to say well BIMS is um you know bidding out some of these some of this stuff with the locals. I think we all understood that that was going to

078happen and I'm not not sure that that's I think I think the school board is supposed to be a little superintendent and um is supposed to be a little more involved and possibly whether or not we go with this or if we're you know maybe I don't know should we table this until we figure out I'd hate to make I'd hate to want to go through with this have a vote now and figure out that we didn't do high across the tea and throw everything Um, and I I'm not sure we're getting a clear answer on this. It might I can make a motion to table sense, but I'm not I don't know. I'm a little nervous. I I just would like if we're going to table it for review or additional education that we

079our operations subcommittee clear instructions on we want come back at our meeting we can come back with a full answer everyone's question >> I I think we need clarification whether or not we for specifically the mining project um go ahead I thought that we automatically end up received bids from other >> and that's where kind of I think where we're stuck is we you know talking about this with um central office and starting the conversation with our attorney too is is we did the RFQ innovation funds and as you was spun off like project was an was an addition into that And so now where are the art like the construction part of that as well as the financing part of that? I don't know if Don can help us out or Jess would be

080recognize him to help us point us in the right direction. >> Okay. So let's go back to the bidding the operations committee. So when you did that you firm you advertised it in the paper and it was for two things. It was one was so that the board could make a decision based on the selected organization to move forth with a project like this like that we're talking about at mining. In addition, uh it it enabled you to go ahead and uh use that same firm to actually draw up all the plan specifications and costs for the submission of the revolving renovation applications which was done on 31st. So it was it was kind of like a a double enabler and you followed then first thing that German Woodson would ask is show me the

081ad that got put into the newspaper that covered the 2815 statute as well as the SRF. So that was what you were involved in that interview process. I know you were involved. >> I don't I don't recall I don't recall what the ad said though. I was so focused on the SRF application. I wasn't necessarily involved in writing the ad that got posted. >> Yeah. Well, it well that that's what uh that's what enabled. So, >> yep. >> Do we have the advant or >> um while we're looking into that, can you talk about how you bids? >> Sure. Uh so, uh the first thing is and use the next door as an example. Next door being great new blaster. So there are some folks I think within this community that uh we actually bid

082out a lot of the work electrical um insulation and so the we would do the same thing for the significant major pieces to make sure that they're properly insured bonded to meet the timelines because again the in both the minor case and also in the SRF you got a beginning and you've got an And the binet one we would want to have completed by the start of next school year. And in the SRF, it's time limited by when the get the funds that uh the state would like to see those projects completed by X date to make sure that they've dispenseed the funds in in good faith that the projects are actually complete. So that you don't have a project that with an open-end three-year construction and they've got a a bond that they took

083out on your beh. So uh and so when you look at brand new Glassler, it's a whole mixture of different contractors that are helping to build that project as as well as other projects across the state. I just use that because it's local and next door. John, do you mind just saying how do you guys get information to allow the contractors to physically put in? >> Sure. Um, we we uh we talk to the school who you currently use for contractors and then we also talk to the contracting community. So we know um who's busy, who's not busy, who's uh who can be uh bonded and insured and then we collaborate on the selection. So it's a mutual selection of the potential subcontractors. >> So there's no like posting, no like advertisement. We have to

084put RF, >> right? So the RFQ allows then the the contractor to do that. And there may be pieces again that you want to put on there and invite. We be happy to have that of hey if you are electrical contractor, installation contractor, controls wiring contractor, uh air cleaning contractor, please contact a project manager and and do that. We would prefer that approach. It's important in our community that we support local. >> Absolutely. >> Yep. Be happy to carry that. And it's also the project goes to um there's an advertisement for general contractors. So, um Mr. Ferguson's firm Harris, he gets notification of, hey, there's a HVAC ventilation project at the mining school and interested contractors can contact Steve Ferguson at AR. >> So, can I actually while you're up here? So, one of her

085questions was uh the methodology on let's say we get, you know, we have this in front of us, you know, 2.4 We'll just say that to perform a million. Let's say we have two contractors. One of them comes in $200,000 less than the other guy. You want the cheaper guy. What happens that day? Like you guys keep on uh because this is depends if you want a cost agreement and you want to take all the risk on whether it's actually 2.4 or when the project is delivered, that's fine. Uh but the statute requires that you give a firm fixed price and that the successful contractor with all of their subs uh they can't go and give you change orders. So nine 90% of the school districts in the state want to protect themselves against scope

086changes and and uh you know changes of work. So it's a it's more of a guaranteed maximum price concept. Yeah. >> You already have number. >> Yes. So we took a took a series of estimators, mechanical contractor, electrical contractors and then we build it off on RS means as well. >> No, right in So what we do has done this a number of instances draws up a scope of works the entire scope of work um again advertises it and then uh what we find in the state of Maine in terms of qualified contractors and holding to price is it's uh very difficult in today's environment. So this has been a better alternative to take a engineering firm put out a firm fixed scope of work that everybody's it's uh we're all bidding off the same

087scope of work and then get racing in from that. >> Thank you Don. Um so Amy in her magic has found that was in the newspaper. So, does this answer your question regarding the wording being broad enough to include the funding project separate from the SR project? >> I'm not sure. A lot of legal ease in there. >> That's one number. >> Okay. I suggest that's >> section 15. So what you're looking for what you're said what you're the way you understand we have that section 15 915 and department of ed covers do you know what section 1515 happens to say >> yeah it's energy service companies financing initial agreement for energy conservation improvement um the school admin unit agreement up to 20 years services company. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Increased the amount per

088bill. that we modified in year 2018 to make it school boards enable again you >> and when you say we as your role on the committee state level, right? >> Yeah. School board, you know, helping Um he didn't we just talk about ago that's the hard contin that was actually 1986 and of the 182 state fully have implemented project under >> I think that answers my guess now that I understand what that is clearly talks about what mine is. All right man. >> Thanks doc. question. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Andrea. We all know I am a public speaker, so I stumble over my words. Just two comments, questions if you will. um in very simplistic terms to dawn my my father was a self-employed contractor and so I'm a little bit confused process when

089it's um the way that in so what he would do they would provide plans and then my father would cost and then they would their cost you know And that's what was decided. But in this case, to my understanding is um as the engineering firm, is that my correct? You come up with what the cost is for the project and then you for subs will be qualified to perform the work. Is that correct? >> Thank you. That's one part. Um and then the other um comment I wanted to make, I apologize beforehand. Um, I am not saying that this is what I support, but if we were to decide um or if you guys were were to decide to close the Minet community school, I get sick my stomach even suggesting that. Um, I know

090that we're talking about this project starting in the summer. If the decision were to be made to close a min community school, what would that time frame be? Um, you would have to consider, I'm assuming, multiple modular buildings to put somewhere to to put, you know, to house the students. And um um yeah, I think that's it. What was that? Do I want my notes? No. Okay. So, yeah, those are those questions. And what would the overall in the future savings to the school budgets be if we weren't supporting an extra I know I know that cost because of transportation getting them to the schools and we would you know have teachers coming in from mine to the other schools. So you know what that what that would like. >> Thank you Lisa. school. It

091just seems in the interest of the public and taxes are everybody. So I'm wondering maybe just what you might ask maybe there is possibility there isility you're not caring update the school that you can >> um I mean I can try to answer some of it. I think we usually end up with as mined as the as the potential. Um it's the smallest of the three. It's not potentially okay. It's kind of off the main road. Um, what was something else I wanted to say, too? Um, oh, it's I mean, we go, you know, I guess redundancy isn't necessarily as important, but I'd maybe be a little more concerned some way we went down to two elementary school and that one, I'm sorry, cuz you're new. I'm sorry. That that building doesn't have redundancy heating

092system. it just doesn't physically have the space in there to even do anything different other than the one boiler that we have. Whereas at PCS we have like if one goes down we can still heat the building. Same thing at Elm Street just happened a month and a half ago where we have lost oil for a little while but we had another one. So I think if we were starting to look at that annual I guess is that would become part of the conversation as well. Um, and then there's a there, you know, depending on what type of I don't know how much we could really even add on at this point because there's been things added on here and there. I think when I'm talking like that, it's really like the property itself too.

093Like it's just it's a it's a space that we could in theory if things work out better like if we're going to expand or we're going to do you know at that getting off top of it but you know at the budget meeting another another issue that came up is a head is actually doing quite well and would would love space to expand and in my mind types of programs they're talking about they're like there's like an intro to construction type of thing. It's like actual stuff that the community, not just the kids could use and, you know, puts a little money back into the the into the district. It's not necessarily offset things, but it's nice to see things going the other way. Um, so I don't know if that really answer your question

094really think so, but a little bit maybe. Um, so I think I I think that might have been that might be doing that. It's a small thing and even still construction. Okay, are we gonna That's a multi-million dollar project right there. even if it could be even if could do it. Um I don't know. I still just feel like this might be the cheapest way out of keeping usable space regardless of what we do. Um and I hear you too. I don't like doing this without a referendum. I But it's cheaper. It's it's kind of like a rate issue too. Like we wait it out. It's I don't know. The terms aren't as good. Um, yeah. >> Patrick. >> All right. This is where I'm at. So, I've subtracted out the $375,000 for the maintenance

095cost, which brings it to $2.82 million for the project. I might speak out of both sides. If we don't do this tonight and we kick this down the road more, it won't get done this summer, which then it's rethinking thinking more and then we kick the can down the road. Ultimately, I see it as we don't do this tonight, we're effectively going to close my consolidated school. I'm going to be honest. Um, this is the cheapest, most effective way to keep that pool running for the next years. In my mind, we can move it to the get worse, pay more in interest years or 20 years and pay more interest terms. But if we don't do that tonight, there is a jumping off point where we're already at a space. We're at a space for

096the three and four year olds that the state has forced us to bring into district without taxpayer consent given without taxpayer consent. So we will have to burn. 2 million one modular in the next year or two. Um and if we were to consolidate might add on one more modular shut down both schools. Um so we're already gonna have 1.2 million adding here. Um so that's just kind of going in my mind right now. Um I'm fully and I understand taxpayers don't seem like regard being involved this decision in my mind they and this is the cheapest and most effective way to keep MCS open and they spoke out pretty strongly two three years ago that they want to fund the school they want to staff the school and it's really time to and fix

097the schools. It's really time to put money where their mouth. Um, so if we don't do that in my mind, I'm shutting down. >> I appreciate that more because I think that's what questions you're asking on. Can we reconvene this group and figure out new content like well what if we do this we do that what are these numbers we did that and its all of that three months plus um countless hours I don't even know what she time but it was we every single what we can go down and at that time and it didn't fiscally makes sense for us to rock our community with closing a school, reconfiguring, figuring out transportation costs, moving kids around, organizing, getting kids into all these different buildings for less than a million cut, but we also didn't

098have all. So to me, scenarios have changed because the money is still, as you know, is being we haven't had any everything's going up. So in my mind, I any other option is better years down the road. In has gone up, cost has gone up like the CO is gone. So to me, the money is worse than was years ago. But to me, we're still out of space. Just in tonight's meeting, I've heard we don't have we don't have room. We don't have room. So to me, it doesn't make sense to close a building when we're already for room and we already need coming in and we just have one score coming in. We got a whole another set behind them year after that. Like to me it does not sense to close an entire

099building reconfigure that one to two years down the road. minimum minimum two years and figure out I don't remember who it was but when does that start probably two years that's something you can do if we take this we're looking at a minimum days because town town homes from what I'm remembering they need a minimum notice to get this notice set they have to plan ahead they have to hire all the run the voting they have to window for absentee so people need to have an opt too long. They have to find volunteers. We have to pay for all those things to me. Then we're of the timelines of contractors who can do because we have global. We've had our very people be in the middle of our buildings and they literally >> Yeah. that

100and I think it's very important that we make sure that the whole knows that that we had a very local contractor go to the min school that project walked away because it was too big of a project >> and I think it was a visit like and it was local people they just can't how big these projects are and because we you know We're confined these kids. We already have air issues have got to work and all over the place while they're trying I mean confine kids overhead. So it's just not in school hours. It has to be very short time. So we need the crews and we need the people that can actually get it done in the needed to be done with the scale that we needed to be done at. So in

101my mind with Patrick on this we p it was a resound we want and I I very big of this resounding we can't do this then that community spoke out for this entire time they want it open and we need to figure out what we're gonna do because I just don't see it. I don't see how we're already, you know, the simplest thing is the space we have in Northing a school which by the way that is going to be a minimum of two years spend 150,000 members minimum of two minimum of two potentially three noting right now. So at that point it just makes me understand that and I agree with most my concern is we're going to be paying 15 years on this loan and then we're probably going to have eventually any

102it's already what 10 years old. So now we're going to be doing this all over again with the same school plus all of the other stuff that we have to take care of. Then you look at this that's going to get added on. And then we also don't know if what the outcome is the applications that put in how many of those are we going to be committed to if we get any. That's a lot to make a decision on all by ourselves when you put all of that. If we were only looking at this project without the rest of it, absolutely. But when you factor everything else that comes behind it into it, that is astronomical. So the it's my understanding that the SR have to go through. So those three projects, let's say

103we get all three of them here. They all have to go. There's an automatic SRF which I feel like it would be for us to turn those down because I think Jeff was saying >> right >> they can watch us >> which is why they would of everything that we have to do. >> Yeah. >> You have to kind of take advantage of it because of the state that everything's in. >> Yeah. And then Right. So I mean then it all it's all at once. That's the problem is it's all at once. >> I hear I hear the thing is is I I do not see us all three because there's only 15 million pot this year and our three projects at like seven or eight I think. So I do not see us all.

104The other side of that these numbers CI there's and I hear like we need a serious one going forward if we vote to to progress because it's not we're not put in CIP we're not but I will say $500,000 replacement on CIP I'm sorry come before any heating or ventilation like actual structural stuff athletics is going to You don't need to spend half a million dollar track because it's 25 years old. If it's still working and it's good, then guess what that is continue to get kicked down the line in my eyes infrastructure ventilation like all of those are going to come like that. So in your mind like you were asking earlier this can it move? The answer is yes. You don't even need to look at some cringing but we have everything like

105everything pushed off. So I think whatever we need to put our money said and we're going to post let's do it but then our next thing is offs and then a board is we need to serious commitment for like these big major projects. For me, it's not a trap, but there are many other VIP that absolutely should do this. It's not painting cabinets, you know, but they're seriously. So, that's my two cents on I'm got to do something. >> Yeah. I was also a task person and I agree like can't just keep like going back and because I think we're commit to doing updates the community saying three years ago. Yes. And it's still not done. So I implore the community you wanted to build. So now is like we need to do something. That's

106all I have to say. Yes. Um, yeah. So, I think I came here with the expectation probably cast a vote uh thumb up or thumb down this project at minus. Um I'm concerned uh that we as a board teetering on uh paralysis by analysis. So talk of revisiting decisions made in years past yet again are deeply concerned. Um I think everyone here was appointed or elected to make these difficult decisions. It is high time that this commute that these communities invest not just in the um students but in the buildings that support those students and their health and well. We haven't said a word tonight unless I missed it about the indoor air quality issues. I mean, everybody's talked about ventilation schools, and that's kind of a nebulous thing for we're literally poisoning our children

107and the people that work in these buildings until we address these uh indoor air quality issues. There are elevated CO2 levels in these in these buildings. We know this. Uh they're not going away until these things are substantively addressed. um that that has to stop. We have to say right now we address this and we should um we can't continue people use the term kick the can down the road. Closing of school we've addressed should not happen. That was not the will of the board two three years ago when that decision was made. I sat I was on the board then, but I sat me and saw the vote and it was to borrow Angela start rebounding. No, we're not going to do that. So why do we keep circling back as a community, as

108a board to decisions that have already been made forward project tonight and let's get this done. I'll just add a little bit on that. Poor air quality was something that hadn't even come up and um you know not you know it's not just our CO2 levels. Um I brought dust a few times but you know there was a water issue at mine. Um a pipe broke and it ended up leading to a mold issue because the ventilation wasn't proper. It we we've been told by the company that likelihood is is there because we're not venting it properly. like that's it's just an environment where most that was $175,000 out of our CIP that year we were not fighting for um and so you know what your concern is what back to concern is you know

109I'm not comfortable pushing this back any further knowing that this you know kids are not it's a health issue and you know not just the mold but the air quality um I've already made it clear we should at the very least keep the property what we do with it you know, we had a discussion we can continue having and to keep that property functioning regardless of what its use is, you got to have ventilation. Um, I know I know I know I'm making a lot of the people on that are, you know, in my constituency happy with what I'm saying, but sorry. >> I I just want to make it clear that I'm not saying that I'm against having this done and think it needs to be done. I'm saying that the that the taxpayers

110need to be more involved in this with the amount of money that we're not talking about down the road or anything else. I'm talking about letting the taxpayers put their voice into this. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> Um I hear what you're saying. Issue we're up against for that is time and that's why we've been trying to engage community. um we just have to if we wait till June not going to be able to do that this summer. So I think that's the biggest issue have to wait for the reference but what wanted to say that we're allized for in the past um being lack failing to do the jobs needed to be done and this is how we ended up here. You know, we hear that all the time. Well, you didn't take care

111of it. And now where we're at. Right now, we're at a we need to take care of something and are we going to do what we've been accused of doing in the past, which is like to it down the road and not do it or are we actually just do it and do the things that need to be done, take care of your buildings, it doesn't cost money. And that's unfortunate reality. And that happens in our house. It's a much larger scale than our houses. I mean, numbers are very big, but what might be a $3,000 project at your house is going to be a $300,000 project in each school district. So, I think we have to be reasonable when it comes to like, you know, yeah, we're going to finish million dollar project going

112to be another one after that. Like, that's just the reality of taking care of buildings. I mean, we're we're never going to cycle. No one will. That would be possible. Like, you could never get out of buildings. It's just as part of what um only other thing I wanted to also on the task force and am like so with you. see this I it's it's partly an issue there's just so much that needs to be done and partly an issue of a failing tax you know like we need this much money it would be really nice if it wasn't directly from our neighbors you know like if we were getting a little bit more help from federal government or the state government that that's I think again it's not that the towns are not enough

113but they're paying more than enough. Unfortunately, our needs have reached a point where someone not is going to happen, but we're in just a bad position and everybody knows that like it's not there's no magic fix. Somebody drops with some money. We still have to do these things. And I just do not remember seeing enough savings closing that school. I think that was like and that was started the task force. I thought that's what I was going to want to do. Like I really thought this is we're going to have to save money. People are going to be so upset. When we started running those numbers, it did not make sense. The kids were going to be on the bus for 70 minutes. Like it was like and I'm sure that we could look at

114those things and try to make it better, but I feel like we tried so hard to make it work. And it was just not enough safety for a whole lot of really don't think we need to clear down that path. I do think we probably just need to take care of Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and close the discussion part. It's after 8:30 now, so I think we need to get to the deciding part. I'd like to make a motion. We're going to go ahead. Thank you. Um, I'm going to go ahead and make a motion that I move that we move forward with this project as outlined with the exception of the maintenance contract. The five years I would withdraw that from the total. So the total amount would be 2,819,767. >>

115That doesn't remove. We'd still be getting >> a second. >> I do. >> Thank you, Andrea. >> Yep. Um, so I go forward with the project on the screen here. So this would be lines one, two, and three added together including line four. And then the result of that motion is that we would bid financing to fund this project as discussed tonight and at the forum. Do we feel like we want to have >> No. >> Okay. This is unanimous. We're gonna go ahead and do the We need We're gonna do the roll call >> or you could do the hands. We can It's up to you. You can do the >> Let's do the roll. We won't mess up. >> Okay. Um, Andrea, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Patrick, >> yes. >>

116Angela, >> yes. >> Elizabeth, >> Jeff, >> yes. >> Cheryl, >> yes. >> Christina, >> no. >> Emily, >> I wonder if I need to vote. >> Okay. >> Aisha, >> abstain. Okay. >> Okay. So just give us a minute. >> A minute a minute. >> Okay. So that is passes >> and we have the official nine one no abstain to move forward. Okay. Thank you everyone. Moving on to new business. Please um we need to consider a motion to approve a memorial bench with Sue Baron. We have a policy on this linked to the agenda. If anyone want that in advance to Baron was a much loved long time resident and community member and employee at school. Would anyone like and we hadation attached regarding the specifications for the bench anyone Steve? Okay Steve

117again any discussion bench I think it's to be determined. >> Yeah. So John will work on that exactly where in the plowing and you know okay in a in a good spot >> any other discussion >> nothing about the bench specifically. I'll just say uh was really cool. Uh she was want call the school for something. Um it was really crushing you know she passed so quickly and u it's a loss for the district was very sad and I look forward to checking out that Thank you. Okay, we'll go ahead and vote on this. All in favor, please raise your hand. >> Okay, unanimous. >> Can I ask you? Yes. >> No, you can't. >> That was the beginning. talking about speak to the TV. >> We had a nice school mic here. this building

118ster >> fixing things around here. >> Got it. >> All right, moving on to 10 administrative team report. They're all listed here. Read them all. We don't need to vote on this, right? We just move. Okay. reports to the board. We have the enrollment and attendance status report. Have any on that? >> Okay, that was provided representatives here. >> I kind of um but I'll start with senior business. Um, right now the senior is working on planning a senior trip. Um, we've decided we're going to go to Boston, so that's going to be fun. Um, seniors are d celebration almost all have been approved. So going good. Um, organizing a cornhole. We did one last year. Great. So we're hoping to do it in March. Um gosh, this is starting to get into winter carnival

119prepping. So that's going to be be big. It's going to take a long time. Um Oh, it's the last week of the semester. So finals week going good. I don't finally go. Um the boys and girls hockey teams are doing well as well as the boys and girls basketball team which is awesome to um see that the girls team is on such a winning streak um streak uh cheer comp uh cheer team at at the week center this weekend and go let me see sorry my notes are a mess. Um, I have college progress. I got into my college UNH, so excited for that. So, my music audition and then I think I'll be set for college fun. >> That's my update. >> Thank you. >> School board chair. Sorry, I wrote all this. I

120realized how long the meeting was gonna go. Um, first we have some upcoming MSPA opportunities for learning for us. So these are Zoom. Um, Monday, January 12th, Wednesday, January 21st, Thursday, January 29th at 6 PM. These are open to all schoolers. So please attend if you'd like to. >> Yes. Okay. >> And is there a link how to get on there? >> Okay. So if you're email Andrea and share the if you don't have it in your inbox. >> Sure. >> We appointed represent >> develop. >> Yeah. Yeah. like a workshop. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you never >> Okay. Interesting. >> Okay. Thank you. Um going on with my review, we anticipate having two open board seats for June. It's too late to take out papers. So if anyone is interested, if you know

121anyone that's interested, please let them know that they're have to run as a private candidate in my We currently have a MS opening that is open to be appointed any day. The town council at the last meeting tabled the appointment for the February meeting. So anyone that's interested in that should call the town office. The town prefers a form to be filled out. They called an application. Very simple contact information why you're interested in being on the school board and then they would make that meeting. I'd like to congratulate our superintendent Miss Amy Hediger. She recently passed her superintendent resertification. So was a big deal. So that's great. Um the budget committee met the first time last week. Many of you were there. Um I look forward to working with that group. Next meeting is

122going to be March 4th and anyone the board is welcome to sit in and listen or you can watch it online after. Um I'd like to thank our ad and committees before last week's debate. Huge turnout. Great conversation. Great connections were made. Thank you. Um, please save the date. The next one is April 28th. What I wrote down um, did anyone have items from the 18 reports, not comments, but like action items that we need to follow up on and assign to subs? Because we'll be doing those agendas next week or later in the month. If you think of any and we'll make sure we get them. And then also in I did see that the MSMA different than the one we have in our agenda. They have workshop over Zoom as well educational one

123is um on collective bargaining which I thought that was interesting. These ones do cost money to attend so we could work with Amy on that if anyone's interested. Probably wouldn't want more than one person or maybe have two people together if they want to attend. Um, if you have not done so already, please email to volunteer national history day middle school. This is my favorite day of the year other than Christmas. Um, it is February 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you know the 10th >> 11th >> Okay, sorry. All right. The 10th information. Um, this is a fabulous way to volunteer and get into our students what our kids are learning. Um it's great and you can um Miss Swenson to sign up. So just like our email address not e not

124a um and that is all >> it'll be a PCS. Um >> motion to >> Andreas all. That was a long one.