001This evening I'm joined this evening by Jonathan Dunlap, Jonathan Cohen, Suzanne Carmichael, my name is Andrea Folsam. Uh I'm the vice chair, Jesse La Palma, our chair is unable to join us this evening, so I will be chairing. Um we also have our superintendent Amy Doyle, our business administrator, Laura Taylor, our executive director extraordinaire, Jodie Condan, and our student representative Lucy Beardmore. So, the first thing we're going to do is we're going to stand for the pledge of allegiance at the flag. Ready? >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the most enthusiastic pledge we've had. >> Come in. >> That was great. >> All right, we have a lot of
002new faces. So, um, just so you guys know, we're going to do just a little bit of board business. We'll go through it pretty quickly and then we have a special presentation. Um, so the first thing we have is I have two sets of minutes uh that we need approval for. The first is our public hearing meeting minutes uh from April 14th. Do I have a motion to approve those minutes? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? Uh all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? I'm going to abstain just because I was not at that hearing. Uh the second set of minutes I have your thing because my computer just decided to cancel on me. Oh, I have two sets. Uh, so I have a set of regular meeting minutes from April
00314th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve those? >> Seconded. >> Great. >> Wonderful. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? That passes. And then finally, I have a set of non-public meeting minutes from April 14th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve those minutes? >> So moved. Second. >> Great. Uh, any discussion? >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Great. So, that brings us to our first public comment portion of the evening. We have two public comments with every meeting. Um, we ask that people keep their comments to three minutes and you can come up to the microphone and just say your name and address. If you don't want to say anything now, we have one at the end of the meeting as well. Is anyone interested
004in public comment? Yeah. Okay. Great. So, I'm going to go ahead and close public comment. All right. So, we are on to student representative comments. Lucy, let us know what's happening. >> All right. Well, unfortunately, uh, Kip is unable to be here today because of his lacrosse game, but, um, no shortage of updates today. Um, starting off, uh, last week, Kip and I were able to visit Harold M school. Um, it was very enjoyable. Obviously, the first thing we saw when we walked in the door was the hydroponic garden. I won't get into that because of course we got update coming. Um, but that was really cool to see. Um, we also got to do the uh inaugural I guess like uses of their new um book vending machine um that Mrs. Brown and um
005all of the students are really passionate about. Um it's very similar to the one they have here at MSS except it's custom so it's green and it has like the portrait of a learner on it. It's really cool. Um, it also talks to you, uh, which is really cool. And all the students are getting a token, so they can get a book, um, for their birthday. And students who missed their birthday this year will also get a token anyway. Um, which is really great. Um, another thing that um, we thought was really interesting was that um, um, students who are being spoken to about poor behavior, uh, it was mentioned that often um, they'll ask them what aspect of the portrait of a learner that relates to, which I thought was really interesting because we're
006still kind of trying to roll out the portrait of a learner at the high school. Um, but it sounds like maybe they're a little further along at HMS. Um, and then also just another thing, um, up in the I believe it was the second and third grade hallway, uh, there was a bunch of really cool digital art of different animals that I thought was really neat. Um, and of course just, uh, really great that students are getting opportunities to do things on computers digitally, um, at a young age. So, that was really impressive as well. Um, at the high school last week, uh, we had the clothing swap. Um, it was really successful. Um, partnering with Maple Street was, I think, a really great decision. Um there was a lot of students um from Maple
007Street who were able to stay uh for most of the swap which is really cool. Um and then that brought in a lot more donations and parents and families and things like that. Um so yeah, that was a great success. And then all of our surplus clothes went to I believe to the Methodist church who had their rumage sale on Saturday um as opposed to straight to Goodwill which was really cool. Um, and then right after the clothing swap was an underassman dance. Um, which I think went well talking to members of student council. Um, I think um, I mean it was open to the whole school, but it was mostly uh, freshman and then some sophomores um, with prom coming up. Um, a lot of upper classmen did not go. Um, today we also
008had um, the first half of the alphabet took uh, standardized New Hampshire SAS science testing. Uh, and then the other half of the alphabet will be on Thursday. Um, this week is spirit week for the middle school and the high school being the last week before vacation. And then looking ahead, um, Kip and I are working with Mr. Kelly and members of the news club to try to get some presentations about the security redesign out uh, to the whole school uh, before the end of the year. Um, and then we've got a visit to Maple Street coming up on Thursday. Um, which I'm looking forward to. Uh, and then as far as sports, I think all the teams are doing well. Um track had a meet on Saturday. Uh their biggest meet uh which was
009at Sandborn and then they have another meet uh today at Karge. Um girls lacrosse had a great win against Dairfield last week. Um boys lacrosse I believe lost yesterday but they're looking to bounce back tonight. Um and then baseball and softball are both performing well. So yeah. >> Great. It was a fullome update. >> It was a very full update. >> Excellent. Any questions from the board? >> Did you participate in spirit week? >> Uh, I did not. Unfortunately, I forgot that it was toes out Tuesday today. >> Um, but that regrettably >> Yeah. >> What would that have meant for you if you did participate? >> Sandals. Yeah. >> I don't know what's white lie Wednesday. So, people bring in uh like white t-shirts and then they write like s I guess it's like
010sarcastic jokes. Yeah, >> it's exciting. >> Cool. All right. >> Uh, if there are no other questions for Lucy, going on to board comments. Any board comments this evening? Jonathan, other Jonathan? Suzan, >> I just want to get over to see the vending machine. And if somebody wanted to donate some money so that you guys could purchase tokens for like good behavior or things like that, how would we do that? >> They can certainly contact Harold Martin School or they can contact me at the SAU office in order to facilitate that. >> Okay, I need to love that. Great. And uh I guess I'll hold my bank because we'll talk about it a little later. Uh okay. And I don't want to hold this up anymore because this means we've on to current business and
011our student highlight which is the grade 2 hydroponic garden. I think we have a couple people here to tell us about it. So who would like to introduce us? Who's who's in charge of this wonderful group? >> Okay. Maybe stand in front of >> Yes, please. Mrs. pepper. That would be wonderful. >> Which one did that? >> Can we do the microphone? >> We can. Yeah. >> Try to make >> lower to make it shorter. >> Down. So, your Yeah. So, the microphone will make it so that people who are watching can hear you, but it won't make it so we can hear you any better. So, if you could use big voices because we have old ears, that would be amazing. >> Listen, that hurt a little. >> The truth, guys, you got old
012ears. >> Not the ears yet. It's the eyes that I struggle with. >> Welcome. We are here to tell you about our hydroponics garden. We are second graders at Harold Martin School. Our names are Charlotte. >> Great job. who the second grade took on this project science since we were learning about plant life cycles. >> Three, >> what we have a hydroponics garden at our school. It was funded through a New Hampshire Farm to school grant. where our farm is located in the front area of our school. It is in an area where all the students get a chance during the day to observe what is going on and they can watch the growth. >> Why did you know school farms help children to grow and learn? It can help with academic improvement. allows hands
013on multi-ensory learning in science, math, and nutrition. >> It teaches healthier eating habits. Students are more likely to eat vegetables and fruits they have grown themselves to improve nutrition. >> It teaches children about envir awareness. Gardening teaches students about ecology and the importance of conservation. >> It teaches mental well-being and social skills. Gardens act as therapeutic spaces reducing stress. It also boots boosts self self esteem and fosters teamwork, responsibility and community connections. It can enhance our learning environment. create classrooms without walls pro providing a unique space for studying things like plant biology, soil science, and water cycles. When we planted our seeds on March 18th, we moved them to the farm on March 23rd. They will be harvested tomorrow on Earth Day, April 22nd. How we store the seeds in rock wall. It it is
014commonly used for hydroponics. We sprayed the seeds each day to keep them wet. After a week, we they were moved to the farm. >> Each class Each class moved their own plants to the farm. Miss Chav's class planted salad grains. Miss Lacy's class planted lettuce. Miss Pepper's class planted cucumbers and basil. During the day, the farm is left open so that students can observe the growth of the plants. The water and levels is checked each day. >> At night, the farm is closed. There is a lamp inside the farm that is on from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The veggies will be harvested tomorrow and served at lunch this week. >> That was Yeah. Can we ask you guys questions? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do we put it to the board? >> Did all the
015veggies grow at the same rate? Did one go faster than the other? What looks like they won the race? They went at different >> Do they have any any cucumbers grown yet? >> Yeah, they take a while. >> Other questions? >> Yeah. So, um first of all, let me say you all did a very good job. Thank you for presenting to us. And how many different vegetables are growing? >> Three. >> Four. What's growing? >> Basil, cucumber, lettuce, and >> salad greens. That's a lot of good greens. Guys are looking forward to eating them. >> No. What are you most looking forward to? What's going to be your favorite thing, do you think? >> Cucumber. >> None. Will you try something? No. Oh. >> Lots of cucumber fans in this group. >> What was the
016most surprising thing that happened? Cucumbers did not grow as fast as the other. >> Yeah. And we don't see like any white. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. And did it did it grow faster? >> It is surprising. on the third picture. >> Really big >> Mrs. Chacy. And the third one is my classroom with the cucumbers. >> Are any of you going to try and do some gardening at home? >> No. >> Yes. >> All right. >> Well, thank you guys so much for coming to present to us. Is it okay if we get a picture with you guys? Can we do that? Is that okay with the parents? >> Yeah. >> So that you look good for your >> move the microphone >> right here. And I need you to kind of all come
017in. >> Get to know your friends. >> She's been doing all the PH. >> Are you looking at me? >> Miss Pepper, you guys. You guys should be in there. >> No. Go ahead. >> I got one. >> All right, everybody. Look this way. Three, two, one. >> Very good. >> Thank you guys. You did a great job. >> That was amazing. I don't have any on the board. Unless you like >> lesson for you. So you're rocking. >> You can you can tell the difference. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Like that. >> That ends the best part of the meeting. >> Yes. Everyone leaves. >> See you guys. >> Superintendent updates. >> Some are very excited about the plans. >> Oh, great. >> Are not. >> Adorable children. >> All right. Well, that
018was lovely. >> Now we have an empty room. >> Okay. So, equally as exciting, >> we into policy. We are going to we're not moving on to policy quite yet, but thank you. I appreciate your enthusiasm. Uh we are moving on to principal updates. So I am just going to go in the order that these are in my packet. So Carrie, you are first. And you can if you want, you can just sit where um Kip usually sits. You don't have to stand if you'd like to just sit and join us. I don't know which the microphone's awesome. Anyway, >> it's very short. Yeah. >> Why? It's adorable. >> So, thank you. I actually have quite a bit to share. Um, this week is spirit week. Today was everything but a backpack. So, I saw
019buckets, I saw doll strollers, and my personal favorite, a cat carrier, which was so funny. Uh, tomorrow is blue and green for Earth Day. Consequently, during Earth Day, um we're also doing a plastic free lunch tomorrow. We're having a special lunch through the cafeteria and we're also doing a waste audit and that's all through EMC. >> Thursday is tropical Thursday and Friday is Comfy Cozy Day. Also this week along the line of Earth Day, we have a small group of sixth grade students who are going to the sustainability action summit at Squam Lake Science Center where they're going to participate in some hands-on sustainability focused workshops. Uh Mrs. Roth is going to be taking them in the mini bus, so they're super excited to be able to do that. We've actually begun transition activities, which
020I cannot believe. So, um, this the middle school has done a really nice job of being very intentional about the activities that they plan to transition students. So, the first thing they did was um the sixth grade students traveled to the middle school. They were treated to an assembly and they had a tour of the school because often a lot of their anxiety is around thinking, believe it or not, they're going to get lost or they can't envision what the lockers look like. So that helped to to for them to understand um exactly what that would be. Beth Stern came down and she actually met with every single child individually to answer questions and get to know them which I thought was very nice because that was pretty timeconuming on her part and the world
021language teachers are also coming this week and they rotate through the different languages which is great. Um other things that we have going on, um music has become so big that we've had to split the concert. So the band concert is going to be on May 6th, um at the middle high school and chorus will be on May 27th. We were finding if we combined them, there were no seats. Parking was an issue, so we ended up just separating them. The telephone museum came to visit us um earlier in the month, which was really kind of funny because we have students that have never seen corded phones before or know how to hold a receiver up to their to their mouths and where you actually speak into because they're so used to cell phones, which
022is amazing. But they really looked at the mechanics of communication and sound and they do a really nice job. Their traveling trunks program performing arts club is in full swing. We just had the dress rehearsal this afternoon at 4:00. They did a great job. Like every year I'm just amazed that these kids memorize their lines, their confidence as they get up in front of everybody. So the parents got to come today. Their play is Jack Storybook Court Full of Beans, which examines Jack and the Beantock. And Jack is actually on trial. So it was great. We're also going to perform it for the entire school on the 23rd. Some things that I put in my update. I I like to communicate with pictures. It's really amazing what Karen Lock teaches some of the students in
023this school. She is our librarian technology integrator and she is teaching things like coding robots where kids are creating on the floor with painters tape different types of paths that they have to their robots have to maneuver. So, it's really not only the screenbased coding, but it's a lot of applying logic with mal math calculations for precise turns to get through their um their little path. And they also have an obstacle course where they have to go up inclines and um they had cups that they had to knock things down. So, they're really learning how to debug things and the whole idea of persevering and figuring out problems, which is great. She does that with girls who code, but she also does that in the um in her classes as well. We just began New
024Hampshire state assessment testing this week. We are doing science this week. Two classes thus far have started that. We'll be doing English language arts the 5th through the 12th and math um the 13th through the 15th. Sixth grade sendoff will be June 11th. In past years they've gone on a pretty elaborate field trip. Last year they just um went to the field on the opposite side of the library and they planned a full day of activities and the kids absolutely loved it. They had a dunk tank. They're getting one again this year. They are looking for volunteers to go in said duck tank. Um I was asked today and also field trip will be uh field day will be on June 15th. I love that. So >> that is what I have going on. >>
025Excellent. Thank you. >> Thank you. Questions? Any funny questions? So I'm just curious what did the what did the phone like the the communication like what did they >> so old school cans >> okay >> with the string >> um thing things like that um they had like receivers of information like the the transmission and all of that. So the idea of sound waves and how they travel and >> cool >> it's just fascinating to me. >> That's good. >> Yeah. It's kind of a lost art for them. They don't they don't understand. They've never grown up with that technology. >> Your rotary phone. I know if you messed up, you had to start over. >> I'm rotary phone old. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> me too. >> Uh I had also heard I don't
026remember what it's called. There's a program that the the I think the high school is doing where they like send high school students to be with some of the sixth graders who are coming up too. Is that through Interact or >> Yes. That's it. >> Yes. Yes. We did that a lot last year. I'm not sure what happened to that this year to be completely honest with you. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. But it was nice. They they they mentored. They would come down and they buddy up with somebody. >> Okay. >> To really help them understand what that transition would look like and it's not scary. >> Yeah. >> No big thing. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much, Carrie. >> Thank you. >> Alrighty. Next up, I have Chris. Chris,
027you have far less pictures. Zero to be exact. >> I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> It was a lot to write. >> Yeah, this is great. >> Um, so in addition to what and I'm happy to answer any questions that I've included in the board report, but just some additional things since that have come up since I submitted the report. Um you've heard me talk about student support wellness in the area of like adding cartwheel to our school counseling program and offering support services for families and students. Um so in that vein, one of the things that um Beth Stern brought to our attention uh was the Friends of Annie partnership. It's a center for um uh grieving children and families. They're based out of Manchester. Uh during our April 6 PD day, our school
028counselors uh from all three buildings participated in this training. Um and we're going to be looking to offer a six-w weekek peer-to-peer inschool um counseling group uh in which a member from Friends of Annie uh will come to participate in this group to work with students uh as as well as our school counselors um and they'll help to co-f facilitate this group to talk to students who have experienced loss and how to deal with the grief that comes with that. Um so again just one more I think excellent opportunity that we're trying to offer to our students. Um these are once per week sessions for about 45 minutes. Um and we'll be looking to start this after our April vacation. So our school counselors are really busy. Um you know they're also uh administering our
029New Hampshire SAS. We have AP testing coming up through the first two weeks of May. So, it's a very very busy time for all of us, but specifically for our school counselors as they're doing a lot of these different things from shifting gears from assessment to offering support and student counseling. So, um I would just throw in that, you know, master schedule built, too. So, we're we're in the throws of that. Um but they're off to a great start there. Um when it comes to inclusion and and continued student leadership, um we have uh a couple students uh at the high school, your daughter Helena and LMA Johnson who are uh working to build a coalition from Hogington to participate in the Best Buddies Walk. Uh the first time we participated was last year. Uh
030this year it's on May 9th, the same day as our our prom at 10:00 a.m. uh at the state house in conquered and they do a mile walk around Conquered. last year it rained. So hopefully this year it's not cold uh because right now we're looking for warmer weather, right? Um and it's just a great event uh that really promotes friendship and community building and allowing all students um from different backgrounds just to participate and just a nice activity walking around conquered and they bring in bands and there's ice cream last year they had they'll have a guest speaker that they'll bring in and address the crowd. Um so it's just a great opportunity. It's just great to see that it's it's being led by students in our school just to continue with that inclusion
031piece that you know we've been working on um in a different in a couple different areas like offering unified PE and we're doing unified track this year. So um you know it's been nice to see that grow in our school. Um kind of staying in that inclusion programming. Um something else that we're looking to participate in is we're having the northeast passage of similarity awareness program come to our school. Um, I don't know, Susan, you're shaking your head, so I don't know if it was at John Stark at one point. Um, I had not heard of this. U, but it engages students in um, hands-on activities while, uh, participating in a wheelchair. So, um, gives everybody an opportunity to just get more awareness of what it's like to have to live with disabilities and how
032do you overcome some of those challenges. Um, but at the same time, just making it um, you know, a welcoming experience. Um, so we're looking forward to doing that with our middle school students uh in later in the spring. Um, and we just have a lot of upcoming events. Um, celebration of the arts is coming up, which is districtwide on the 21st of April. Uh, you heard about world language day tomorrow here. So, I know our world language teachers are excited about that. Um, our high school concert is on May 13th. Um, and then the senior class trip two days later, which is on a Friday. Um, our seniors will be looking forward to going to Apex in Massachusetts, which is this large indoor like adult kind of um, you know, arcades. They got uh,
033golf cart uh, not golf carts, uh, go-karts and a lot of different activities. And then also spending some time at Six Flags in Awan, Massachusetts. Um, a big night for us in the middle school again is the sixth grade family night where we have our sixth grade parents come up and they hear a little bit more about middle school. You heard Carrie talk about some of the transition things that we do. This is more for the parents, but we invite the students to come up as well. Um, and the entire seventh grade um faculty, they'll be there to talk about the curriculums that um they'll be offering. Middle school at the end of May on the 27th. Um, one thing I did skip over, we have a big night. Uh, May 21st is our academic
034awards night and scholarship night where we do the underassman at 6 and the seniors at 7:15. Um, so that's a big night. We're actually I think we're meeting is it this Thursday or is it the Thursday we get back from vacation to start awarding those scholarships. So, uh we do that with our school counselors. I've invited Amy this year just so she can see that process. Um and we'll go through and look at the applications and start awarding money. Um I'll say it, you know, I often say it in a town this size, the amount of funds that we give out in scholarships, well over $100,000 is pretty amazing. Um, so we're very fortunate to have that for our graduating seniors. June 1st is the senior parade, which is a tradition that's been going on
035for I think we're up to five or six years now. Um, and then the barbecue afterwards, the big night June 5th. Graduation is coming up and then, you know, we the school year continues for our students involved with German exchange program because they leave on June 15th and we'll return on July 6. So, they're gone for the very beginning part of the summer as they do their German exchange program, which we know offers uh just some great opportunities for those students. So, just some additional updates to what I included in in the schoolboard report. Happy to answer any questions um that go along with that. >> Great. Also a false wholesome update. >> Questions? >> Chris, what was the date of the celebration of the arts? >> Friday. Wednesday the 21st. Oh, I'm sorry. I
036was thinking hop fest. >> You were thinking what? >> Hop fest. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yes. >> That's uh that's this Friday. >> That's Yeah. Yeah. So, the music festival for the district will be this Friday. That's just during the day uh where we have the Maple Street students come up and >> but the big celebration of the arts is May 21st. >> Yeah. It's after school. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. We'll be Yeah. And we'll continue to push out as we have closer more information about these things. >> Thanks. Got 42 sophomores. They're not all sophomores. Probably eligible for honor society. >> We had 42 and then 37 came to the m to the meeting. >> That's got to be I'm just It's got to be half the class or almost or a large
037portion of the class. >> It's combination of of upcoming juniors and upcoming seniors. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, we'll have seven faculty members serve on the faculty council who will participate in interviewing the students. the students have the opportunity to interview with two members of the faculty council. Um so we we added a few because it's a larger number than normal. So we're about 10 above where we were or our typically. Um so that that's a I mean again percentage wise that's a really healthy number for a high school to have that many students participating in just the application process and then go through the interview process is not easy either. uh you know those it's stressful for those students because they you know they really want to do it. It means something and then
038we'll look forward to doing the induction ceremony uh when we get back to school in the fall. >> That's great. >> Amanda David heads that up. She's our NHS adviser. She's been doing a great job since she's taken that over. >> Busy tie. >> Yeah. You're heading into Mayber >> and then we have final exams in there somewhere too. Any other questions? No. Thank you. Good luck. >> Thanks. Well, we'll we'll get there. >> We'll get there. >> Breathe. >> Have a great night, everyone. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Awesome, Patrice. And you did include pictures. Thank you. >> What did you say? >> I said you did include pictures. >> I did. was uh it was longer than I anticipated, but I felt like the pictures were really important. So, >> yeah. >> Um
039>> so, we also are in the middle of spirit week, so that is great. Uh tomorrow is blue, green, and brown. We included brown for composting tomorrow in case anyone, you know, wanted to wear all brown. Um Thursday is our workout day and Friday apparently is National Penguin Day, so it is black and white day. our school spirit committee um kind of came up with different things to do this week and different spirit events really trying to also make sure they were fun but easy to do and not huge for us the week before vacation. >> Appreciate that. >> So uh this half the year has really focused on um the portrait of learner qualities looking at perseverance, communication, empathy and we just started um problem solving. And one of the things that's not highlighted
040in here because it's brand new, but uh Miss Emerson made us a giant HMS out of white paper on one of the bulletin boards and all of the teachers have received blue circle dots and when they see a student like working on problem solving, they give the student the dot to go put it on the HMS. It doesn't have the student's name, so it's not about them trying to get stickers, but really just about visualizing how much problem solving skills we're doing throughout the day. And the goal is through the remainder of the year to focus one week on each of the different characteristics and really make a colorful visible poster um right in the middle of the hallway. And they get really excited. They've been putting them up. They're counting them each day. There's
041a few more. Um they are all over the place. They're not like the first ones were in line and I thought there was going to be a line going but now they're all over which is really cool. >> That's fun. Uh in the classroom we had a lot of really fun stuff going on. Kevin Scarupa came um with kindergarten. That's the first time. Normally Kevin Scruba comes for third grade, but as we looked at our amplifying units, uh, third grade didn't have weather, but kindergarten did. Um, and kindergarten was very excited. I also, you know, if Kevin Scrupa is listening right now, he upped his game with kindergarten. He brought out a sponge to show him how clouds work and he was dripping water. Um, it Miss Lightsy had the extra sponge, so it was
042really a collaborative effort, but it was really fun. The kids were really engaged in it. And then when they just talked about the weather and seasons, they can go back to that, which was nice. Um, Carrie Brown just uh opened her classroom up for a museum walk. So, they built diaramas in first grade and she invited the kindergarteners to come up, tour the classrooms, look at the student work, ask questions. Um, they were really, really excited about that. Uh, schoolwide learning, lots going on. Um, we had a terrific author visit. Larry Daly, who is a local New Hampshire author, came to the school and talked to the students about perseverance um in both his story and also the writing process. So, he showed them some of his first drafts and writing from kindergarten and what
043his pictures look like when he was five to what his pictures look like now and how he kind of makes a book. Um and then the whole publishing process, which is really cool. Um I think it was really nice for the kids to see like when you're five and six this is what your artwork work looks like and then this is what it has the possibility of being. So um they really enjoyed that. We did two different sessions. So we did a preschool to grade one session and then we did a grade two and three session in the library. Um and it really allowed them to ask different questions and engage in that process. Um environmental learning has been all over. So, the second graders did a great job with their hydroponic presentation today. They
044have been very excited. I think everyone walks by the garden every day asking when they can pick the lettuce. Um, and just watching it grow. There's been a lot of really good conversations about, you know, some growing faster than others, some didn't grow. Why is this leaking? You know, you never know. Um, but that's been that's been a lot of fun. Um, and tomorrow we're going to harvest it for Earth Day. So, I did want to say um and I don't know that the kids knew that. So, we're going to harvest the lettuce for everyone. Even if you don't get hot lunch, you'll get to enjoy some of the lettuce. Um and we have some other vegetables to go with lettuce since the cucumbers are still growing. Uh we also transition to re reusable silverware
045this winter. Um that has been going great. Um you know, occasionally we find a fork in the trash, but we also find metal reusable spoons full Tupperware containers and you know, a plate. So, it's depends on the day. We did just get um a new metal magnet kind of trash cover. So, now when you dump it in, your forks stick to the top. So, that's pretty cool. And uh Mr. Dearra says, you know, there's not really much silverware in there. We we shake it up and we look in and you know, sometimes the kids are like, "Oh, I dropped it." And they tell us and then we get it out. Um I don't think they're throwing away the reusable silverware more than they're throwing away any of the other things. Um so that's good. And
046then tomorrow um also for our earth grade uh Earth Day, we have um our compost crew. Is that what they decided to call themselves? Lucy. >> Um each third grade class had two third graders um who were interested in composting and teaching the school about composting to meet with Lucy and Kip and me and we talked about different ideas on how we could compost in the cafeteria. And then today they refined that with Miss Hino. Um and they have a presentation tomorrow for what the who, what, where and how is for composting. Um they are very excited. They would like lanyards that say compost crew on it and they would like to walk around and make sure that only compost is in the compost and only trash is in the trash. So, uh we're going
047to work on like the logistics of that part, but tomorrow they're going to lead um our schoolwide assembly, which is going to be great. Um and then some community stuff going on. We started kindergarten screening last week um which was earlier than we've done in the past but was so wonderful to get people in and registered um and signed up fast. Uh we had a whole day full. We have another full day scheduled in June and we're looking to see how we can squeeze in more people um and when we need to do that. So that was awesome. the library um was so kind to us, the town library, letting us use the community room um which just allowed us to like go in out, do the screening without interrupting the whole school day and
048worrying about traffic patterns, which is always a thing. Um and then we also had our spring math and literacy night. It was an adventures and learning night. uh Miss Hall and Miss Finsby worked really hard to organize um themed games that allowed all the parents to kind of see firsthand what their kids are working on and play with them in a fun way. Um that was really a good turnout. It was a lot of fun. Um and it was a quick way for us to connect in the spring. Um so coming up um we have our spring assessment window starting May 5th through May 30th. That'll be all of our spring benchmark assessments, our AS web early bird. Um I think are those the only two we do? Yes, we just do Ames web math
049and literacy. Um and then we have New Hampshire SAS um coming up on the 12th, the 14th, and the 19th. Um we have field day at the end of the year on June 9th. Mr. Sherman is working on a uh a little bit of a different format. We're gonna field day all morning, afternoon, and then we're gonna do like a schoolwide performance in the afternoon um when we're all hot and tired and sticky and don't want to be outside anymore. So, um he's got a couple different people that he's looking into some sort of um music or bubbles or something. There's there's excitement all around. So, that'll be on June 9th. And then we're working with Maple Street on that transition to um third grade to fourth grade transition to come up for that hour
050or two in the morning, learn about Maple Street, tour the building, and then head back over. Be a busy spring. >> Yeah, also Mayber. >> Yes, everyone is excellent. Thank you. Questions? I had one. How is How did the kindergarten assessments go? Like does it seem like we have more people signing up for kindergarten? >> I think we're definitely ahead of where we were last year. So by pushing it early um and um Mr. Stone will tell you that I wanted to go even earlier. Um but we had to add that audio video consent language into our registration platform and everyone is editing their registration platform in the spring. So it wasn't like a quick turnaround. Normally I think Aspen does a really nice job turning things around for us. This time we had to
051wait the actual recommended amount of time. Um but we were still able to start kindergarten retration. What was it? The end of March. >> Yeah. So we opened the end of March. Um which in the past we've opened like the end of April. Um beginning of May. So I really wanted to push it early this year. Um because you know those numbers are so important for us. Um they really do dictate what numbers look like and classrooms look like. Um, so they we had a the open night and then we had the kindergarten screening and then we had a lot of people who came to the information night and signed up for screening that hadn't registered yet. So that was like, okay, now it's time to get registered like all those pieces. And then the
052fact that we have a full day already scheduled on June 4th is great. Um, and then we're just looking to see, can we start earlier or go later or what do we need to do? If they have preschoolers that are in our preschool, can we screen them there to free up spots? Trying to just work our resources. Oh, I didn't realize that your June day was already >> I think there might be two slots open. Maybe we take three three to four kids at a time slot and it takes we say it takes about an hour. Um but it really I we were flying through it last week and it was taking about a half hour to 40 minutes. It really depends on some of the kids have a harder time separating and or they're
053really into the hopping and they just want to hop for a while. So we just hop and then once they're done hopping we move on. Um, but it is really it's exciting. The team was really um happy to be there. One of the kindergarten teachers said, "It's so hard to believe that our kids now were this last year." And I was like, "Yeah, look at all the growth. Like we've had so much growth in kindergarten this year." Um, and I think them seeing the incoming pres like kindergarters like, "Wow, that's really true." So, that was really cool. >> Awesome. Thank you. No, that's great. I'm I I think it's great that you moved it earlier. That's I think that's really helpful. So awesome. Anything else? >> No. >> Good. >> Thank you so much. >>
054Thank you. >> And you three are free. I mean, unless you want to hang out, you know, it's totally up to you. >> But I will not hold it against you. >> Thank you guys very, very much. We appreciate it. >> Matt, this sadly means that they're not going to be here to listen to your cool. >> Oh yeah. while I'm crushed. But, uh, I'm sure they'll be reviewing the video when they get home. So, >> exactly. Word for word. >> In the car. >> They're going to listen in the car. >> As long as it's hand free, you know. >> See, I'm going to hold you to that. >> Focus on driving. >> Well, thank you. You know, I was scheduled to do this last week. Um, and I was very grateful for the
055opportunity to attend the Kosha n uh consortium on school networking uh national conference in Chicago. Was a great time. It was a good reminder of uh how different New Hampshire is since there were some districts there who have more students than our state has. Um so, you know, it's it's a slightly different job when you're leaving 200 schools um as opposed to three. So, >> wow. >> Yeah, it's but uh there was a lot of great discussion. Um AI and AI policy was definitely at the top of the list. Uh cyber security topics. Um there was a fabulous presentation from a Stanford researcher who's kind of trying to track all of the studies looking at AI use of education and sort of saying what is the actual evidence for outcomes because there's been a lot
056of studies but actually not a lot of great studies that say hey does this work with students does it work for staff um so that was a really great presentation I'm looking forward to their continued research but um so fabulous uh work and then uh coming back and getting right back into the swing of assessments. You know, we had, as Chris mentioned, there was quite a few this morning in the middle high school and Lucy as well. Um and then, you know, that will certainly continue after break. It really picks up with all the New Hampshire SAS uh work. So, I'm very grateful for Alex and Mike who really taken on a lot of that work. um because it is just a lot of making sure we have enough charged Chromebooks and spares in case
057something goes wrong and uh just trying to ease any tension so that uh it's not the technology that are causing the students any any difficulties. >> Uh so I'm grateful for that and looking very much forward to Zach Camp starting. Thank you again for supporting that position. I'm working through an onboarding process with him and really looking forward to having him. Actually, by coincidence, our national uh or I'm sorry, our statewide tech director's conference is on his second day, and there's also a ton of assessments, so Mike and Alex can't really help him, so he's gonna come to the conference. So, check that out. So, >> jump right in. >> Yeah. No, I thought it would be great. Um, so yeah, other than that, uh, we're looking forward to summer already. Um, I did unfortunately
058highlight uh some slight changes in pricing uh right here regarding technology. It's been a very interesting year in the May you live in interesting times way. Um, so I have literally no idea where that's going to go. There have been some signs that demand is slacking a bit. Um, but that hasn't really been reflected in prices dropping. It's maybe just taken some of the momentum out of further increases. Um where that goes will be something we're all watching very carefully but um yeah we will certainly keep you updated on that. Uh yeah looking forward to a productive summer already planning that and a lot of cyber security and network upgrades that we always try and do. You know the infrastructure investment is really done in the summer and it's getting ready for the next year
059because the need grows every year. So keeping up with that is one of our big tasks. Happy to answer any questions. >> Excellent. Thank you. Questions? >> Not really a question, but when you're mentioning AI, it was jogging my memory. I think on Saturday there was an article on the monitor um about the prevalence of the use of AI in conquered schools. Many conquered schools. students are using it to substitute their own work >> uh for writing. And then there's sort of this culture that permeates of teachers being somewhat apathetic when they catch students using AI. >> Um not much we can tackle from this meeting, but um I thought it was a good article and I think it's a it's a good issue to keep our eyes on. >> Definitely. It's a nationwide problem.
060Uh >> it was interesting to see how different districts are tackling some essentially trying to clamp down and saying that shall never use it, others saying you know there are times that it's appropriate to use it and times that it's not. You certainly need to disclose that. Um and others saying you know okay let's see what you can do when you are enhancing that. Uh the interesting thing about the research that I mentioned is that while there is actually some basis for showing that educators gain productivity using AI tools without a drop in quality, um so far the very thin causal evidence that has been studied on students is that students are more productive while using AI tools, but it does seem to actually take away some of the learning effect. So that if you
061take away the AI tools, they are not as productive as students who learned without AI. So it's an interesting situation. That's why the research was so interesting to to look at. I should say they have I think 1,200 um academic papers in their database that they've classified and looked at the strength of it and the size of the sample and who is looking at it what um and of that of the what they considered high quality causal papers there were only 20. So the evidence base we're working with is thin at this point. You know obviously there's no longitudinal studies for something that's been around for three years. So, um, but yes, for sure it's a a topic to keep our eyes on and a conversation to keep having. >> That's great. Any other questions?
062I'm really glad that you were able to go to that conference in Chicago. >> Yeah. I love Chicago and I just think that, >> you know, first time >> that Well, it's great, but that level of PD and being able to to connect and network with >> it was great. three other New Hampshire directors who went as well and we spent quite a bit of time discussing the different sessions and sharing. So, uh that was a wonderful time. >> Yeah. Well, and I know you've done so much work on kind of like the consortium of New Hampshire. I don't I will not get the words correct. IT >> Yes. >> people. Um so I think that it's super helpful. And you are the head of that now too, right? >> Not yet. I have two
063more months before I have to take over and I'm dreading that. You will be great and we appreciate it. Excellent. Well, thank you very much, Matt. >> Thank you. >> You can go home now. >> You cannot. >> Just kidding. >> All right, moving right along. We are up to we've got our Teamsters nominations final read this evening. >> That is in the non-public folder. There have been no changes since the last meeting. >> Great. So, people have any substantive questions, we'll have to go into nonpublic. If you do not, then uh I'm looking for a motion to approve the Teamsters uh slate as presented. >> So, moved. Seconded. >> Super. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I would just add that we are still looking for a day custodian at the middle
064high school. So, if anyone out there is interested, so that nomination hopefully will come to you at our next meeting. So, keep our fingers crossed that we find someone. >> Excellent. Thank you. And no one was opposed. So, it carries. Thank you very much. Okay. Last day of school. When's it going to be? >> Yeah. Last day of school is still tracking. Um I mean, there was snow yesterday. I could not believe it as I was driving. Yes, there was snow. Um, we're still tracking to have Wednesday, June 17th, still be the last day of school for students. And for our staff, we have had two full snow days. So, that would give us Friday, June 19th as the last day for staff. Okay, great. Thank you. That's great that even with those snow days,
065we really didn't have to move stuff. >> I don't think we have to vote. We just say great. Super. And in the next couple of meetings, as you heard, there's a lot going on and I will work to provide a compiled document that we just continue to add to. I mean, I was trying to write things down and then I thought there's a lot there and people will have different interests. Uh, celebration of the arts is always a really wonderful um opportunity to look at what students are doing K to2. So, that is typically at the library. >> Yes, it's at the library and I it's on the 20th I believe. I think it's the 21st. >> Oh, I just got an email from Miss Scatty that it's on the 20th. >> On the 20th.
066>> I might be wrong though. >> Sorry. I'll check on that. >> Yeah, but we will compile the dates, Lucy, and you know, cross reference each other to make sure we >> I got 20th from Miss Gabby. >> Miss Gabby. Great. >> Excellent. Okay. Um, April newsletter. Well, first of all, it's going to be a May newsletter, not an April newsletter, that's for sure. Um, we had just a little bit to add. Uh, first, was there any thoughts on I know it's only been a week, on anything in particular we wanted to include, such as a focus on reading or math. Did anyone have any strong feelings on that? >> Feel it. Deep strong feelings. Okay, we'll we'll think >> we did a literacy I think at the beginning of the year. >> Yeah, maybe
067a math component. >> Yeah, >> maybe on um All right. >> kind of spotlight on math curriculum and and maybe some highlights and then also maybe some testing updates, what's happening and then, you know, little plug >> event summer slide. >> Yeah, maybe some cool resources that math teachers might have about math practice. Great. Maybe. And a community wellness member. >> Wellness committee member is on the list. >> I have that. Oh, I have Suzanne's wellness that's on here. Don't you worry. >> Okay. >> Um, great. And we'll have an update. We have finance update/HMHs entrance update. Uh, we're going to include uh information on how to fill out or just a reminder to fill out the online free and reduced lunch application. Just going to keep that in everyone. Um, and then we will
068either include important dates and or if we have a central location where we'll be putting important dates, perhaps we'll just include a link that will direct people to one place where they can find lots of important dates. So, if there's anything else that you guys can think of, um, I believe that we'll likely be working on this probably over break. Um, so just let know. And that's that. Um, moving on to policy. Now it's the exciting part. Uh, we have no first reads this evening, uh, because it's only been a week. Um, the second reads are the first reads that were presented from last week. So, I'm not going to read through them again. Um, I do want to update you that the uh policies that we um reaffirmed last week that I said that
069I would digitize, I did go ahead and digitize those. So, that's been done. And then we have two final rates this evening. So, we have JLCF, which is wellness, and JG, which is assignment of students to classes and grade level. Uh so if those two policies look good to you, I am looking for a motion to approve those two policies as presented. >> So moved. >> Super. >> Second. >> Great. Any discussion? >> Nope. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? That motion carries. >> And with that, we are on to the consent agenda. Wonderful. We have three new hires to bring forward tonight. Um, first is Samantha Pond, who is being nominated for the uh, Harold Martin Elementary teacher position for next school year, replacing Kathy Forel. We have Sheay Dixon, who is
070a rehire. He has been here before. Um, with Mary Tripod leaving, Shay is going to come in and fill in as a high school IIA until the end of the school year. >> Thank you. Um, and then Sarah Dam is being nominated as our new out of district case manager for the 2627 school year. >> Very exciting. So, the SAU has been busy with hiring. >> Yes, >> for sure. >> Yeah, for sure. >> It's great. >> Um, >> yes. Yep. And then current employee with additional contract is Chris Jakes. She will be our ESY lead teacher for Maple Street School. Um, this is not her first year in the role, but we do like to put it out there and so we thank Chris for coming back again for another year to do ESY.
071>> Agreed. Excellent. Any questions on the new hire sheet? >> No. Welcome Samantha Pond and Sarah Doam. And thank you Shay. >> Remind me ESY is >> extended school year. That's our special education summer. >> I think I asked it last time we were talking about it too. That's a hard one for me to remember to spell out. So, I apologize. Keep reminding me. >> Um, next on our list is donations. We have one donation tonight um from Daryl Zeresky's for $750 for the Go Baby Go program. They came to present to us last year. This is uh for two cars >> for the Pure Outreach and Robotics Collaborative to build cars for children. >> That was fun. >> So, we thank them very much. Yes. And then lastly, you have the March financials in
072your um packet or in your folder to review. I just want to point out um as of March 31st, our projected unassigned fund balance is $188,519. Remember that is represents the year's operating surplus and it is lower than February's primarily due to salary and benefits for two new hires that started in March. Right. We did close requisitions or new purchases on April 10th except for um very limited approvals and so I expect the April financial statements will continue to hone in on that end of year fund balance for us as we come back in May. And then um lastly, food service is continuing to do well. Uh right now we are at a hopeful $75,000 deficit. >> So it continues to move down from >> celebrating. >> I know. I know. Like >> wouldn't it
073be great if there wasn't? But it's better than 100. >> Right. Great right. It's not 100. >> How does or 150 which it used to be? >> And I'm sorry for not knowing this, but how does that um how do the financials track uh like in comparison to years past? Like are we in line with like last March. Are we >> um have any idea? Sorry to put you on the spot. Be like >> in terms of the fund balance, I will be honest. I'm not sure how it tracks with Michelle's fund balance projections in prior years. Um I I do see if we look at prior year um for our expenditures, we can see that, you know, prior year expenses, we are up about $1.6 $6 million higher than we were last year, but
074we have a larger budget, right? And so that does make some sense. Um, as we look at revenue, uh, we do also try to compare that to prior year, same time this year, our revenue is trending higher as well. So, $20.6 million collected so far versus the 19.7 that we had last year. Okay. >> Thank you, Barbara. if you I I can look at try to look through Michelle's priors if that's something that you're concerned about. I think >> No, I was just curious about uh I think I have Rob in my head kind of talking about being as you know close to and not having a huge surplus and and what the percentage that you sort of have to play with. So I was just thinking about like what you know how I guess
075how on the nose are we going to be? We did also speak a little bit about uh fund balance and as we move forward maybe talking in May about the types of fund balance that we carry and sort of as we look towards the end of the year um what the balances in other parts of fund balance might look like >> and just talking a bit more about the categories and all of those things as an education piece. >> Yeah, that was interesting >> for me. I don't know if that came up in finance. There's actually five different >> five >> different kinds of fund balance that she tracks and you know makes sure that there's >> I'm sure she >> Yes. It's a lot of education. I was like you should tell the world.
076>> Well, what we what we did talk about in finance is that the 188 in unassigned the 650 is already is we've already designated to fund the contingency and above and beyond that. So, I think that's that was helpful when we had that conversation. It's helpful to keep in mind that this is on top of that. >> Yep. I just look forward to learning about this. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Exciting news. >> Any questions on the financial statements? >> Okay. Yes, it's your turn. >> In in your packet is a mission for an overnight field trip. This is kind of a It's a very big deal. Um Charlene Bets and her team have made it to worlds and they will be traveling to Texas >> um to compete in the championship
077robotic competition. >> Um so she has put a request in for them to travel and it's just amazing. I mean they have really worked so hard this season and you know we're so lucky to have Charlene leading that team for so long. Uh Rachel Vent also does a lot for that team. So that request is coming to you and we just wish them the best of luck. >> Yeah. I mean to think that little old Tington is going to worlds is I think outstanding. So >> it's our it's our first time. >> It's huge. Do they have everything? >> Huge big deal. need like I know they've been getting soliciting sponsors and and they have some active you know with Osamia but like do they do they have a banner do they need all the
078stuff do they have our lead but be ready she will give you a list well she should be super proud all the the people who are supporting her should be proud and the students should be incredibly proud because that when they show us what they do with the big robot it is very impressive But it is a good point, Suzanne. I'll let her know. I think this was not a >> right. This is not >> I'll just ask if you got a team from Hington, you know, and they're 11 kids that are going like >> show up and show out. I want But, you know, I'm I'm really a Lego robotics and first robotic certified just in case, but please don't ask me to. >> No, I know. No. And have you ever been to
079one of those? I'm like not a world. Oh, it is that. No, no, no. Um, but uh yeah, I mean it's it's a lot and I've you know, how many times have we seen this come up? So, they're taking these kids overnight and weekend after weekend. >> Um, and that's a big commitment, >> but I I'll never sit in two different worlds. I still have my badge on. um >> they should come back now that they're going to worlds and they we just to give you know they shouldn't get to uh >> UNH over overnight trip there they should come back and say hey is there any more money in the coffers? >> They shouldn't be shy about asking. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a big deal. It is a big deal. >> That's great.
080>> It's a big deal to get them to the school at 4:15 a.m. to leave. >> That's Yeah. Be there. >> That's a different kind of big deal. Not a fun one. Excellent. Anything else? So, all right. So, with all of those fantastic updates, looking for a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Super. Uh, any further discussion? >> Hearing none. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? And that carries. Thank you guys. Um, okay. Committee updates. Uh I it has only been a week. So um you know only so much can happen between last week and this week. Policy has not met uh curriculum >> and we met on Thursday meet. >> We've had some really good meetings. >> Yeah. Here. Do you want to give us
081>> Yeah. Over the course of the school year, we've been really trying to figure out what our new assessment would be. Um, so I think we're narrowing in on that and I I really feel very positive about the progress we've made on the curriculum documents and so we have our May meeting is scheduled and then there will be some summer work um and then I'll work with Matt to see where that can live um on our website so that the community can have access to our guaranteed viable curriculum. It's really exciting. We've had some, you know, really some leaders. Christine Litzy who was here earlier. Um Liam Callahan at this high school. Uh Kate Regaluth Sarah Budy. We've got people that are just really invested. Kathy Pepper, she came to a lot of our meetings
082to just try to bring together um the stakeholders that need to look at those documents and and see what it is that we want students to know by the end of that grade level. So, I'm really um really proud of that work this year. I hope the two of you are as well. >> I have not made as many meetings as I would like to because it conflicts but hopefully you were all future unfortunately. >> Yes, I've had my own curriculum meetings. >> Uh Sam Okay. Uh finance, have you guys met? >> We did. >> We met Thursday last week 16th. >> Uh we went over the March financials which we talked about. Um, we talked about the unassigned fund balance. We spent considerable time uh talking about food services and I think there was
083discussion about uh whether or not we want or should be raising the uh rates for um sort of across the board. Um, you know, even though we're doing better and losing less, we're still consistently losing. We're probably never going to make that up. I think it was last year we lost 83,000. The year before we lost 85,000. So this year we're down to losing 77,000. So that's progress. Um, but you know, we spend time talking about that we want to be mindful of keeping the prices uh reasonable for families, but also costs have gone up and um so I would I would anticipate maybe that conversation will continue in the next finance meeting and then might be ready to come to the board. Um, but it seemed like there was appetite to do that in
084the committee. >> I think there's also an anticipation that with the war with inflation and fuel fuel prices and it fertilizer prices costs are going to go up. It's a hedge between bringing the the deficit down and inflation coming. >> Yeah, >> absolutely. >> Some unfortunate reality. >> Um, money. Uh, so I don't know where the if we talked about this opportunity with JASB. >> So I don't know if you want to speak about that a little bit. We I don't know if we made a decision on that, but >> like everyone thought it was a good idea and a good opportunity or is that something we should >> We could talk about it. Um, it's >> I had the demo today. We haven't done anything. There's an opportunity for a company called Jasby. Um,
085they are a fintech company. That's how they describe themselves. and their CEO lives here in town and they have um a wonderful program that offers debit cards, prepaid debit cards for international travel to our students. So, right now for our travel program, we do have our cards that our adviserss take with them and they use but they do have international fees and the adviserss also take a cash with them for, you know, items since they're not debit cards. They can't get cash out when they're there. So, they take cash with them as well. These would be more secure cards that could be for the adviserss, could be for the students, and they're prepaid with a pre-desated allocation. It allows our teachers to put, say, $20 on every student's card for lunch that day if they're
086all going to go out on their own. They can load them at 10:30 in the morning and allow that student to then go out to lunch. Um, and then they can shut the card off when the students go to bed, so they can't spend anything while they're not out and about. They can turn them back on in the morning. And when it's a direct to school program like this, at the end the money um the cards get shut off, the money comes back to the district for anything unused. It also allows our adviserss to do some tracking of their expenses because you categorize the allocations. So that's what we learned today. So you categorize them as meals or you know events or entertainment trips, transportation, whatever it may be. So they can track them that
087way. We're thinking it might be best to implement during the Spain trip. Um, not the German trip because it happens in two months, >> right? >> Um, probably not ready for the German trip, but it might be the Spain trip in 2027. Finance committee seemed on board with moving forward and looking. So, I've asked them to they have a couple a questionnaire they need me to fill out briefly about how many students and such and then they'll get us a services agreement to review in case we're interested in moving forward. Great. >> The good part is there's no cost to Hobington for using the program. Really? >> Yep. >> That's because they're being generous. They're being very generous. >> CEO is being generous as a member of the town. So, it's another it's another community
088member stepping up to try to benefit the district. >> That's wonderful. >> So, we say thank you to Jasby for offering to wave their per student card fees and those transaction fees that we would typically have to expend. >> Yeah. Oh, that's very kind. >> Yeah. Great. There's other like I see other ways that I don't I don't know if they offer this, but like you said like you know teachers need to come get the car because they have to buy like their you know cooking supplies or or whatever it is for class. Is that something that like we could use for that? Like there's a $100 on like frontloaded on that for that account. >> I thought about that. Um the works very well for that type of purchase. uh they they put their
089purchase order in, I load their card with how much is approved on their PO and then they can go to the store. But this might work for I if we were to use it well with international travel. It could be something that's potentially usable for our student athletes that maybe are going to a tournament for the day or something of that nature. Um our robotics team that's going to Worlds, >> right? Allowing them >> expenses for travel. But domestic travel, they're able to use any debit or credit cards from their parents. That's the difference, right? International travel doesn't normally allow that. So that's kind of part of the good thing. And we also try to prepay all expenses. >> So I'm thinking yes, exactly that. Try to try to see can JASB allow us to
090use it for other programs, too. >> I will tell you we're all headed to a college tour. >> Oh, okay. And I was just talking to their um you know whoever's organizing and she was like by the way it's cashless cafeteria and she was like so you can collect money from the kids put it on your card or you can you know and I was like oh okay and as someone who's shaper owning who's like I'm going to have 15 kids hand me money and then have to parse out change at the end and all the things. So there's other I see this working out for events. >> Yeah, >> it's a nice Yeah, a nice opportunity also potentially to let students if we do that there is no student information data. Um you put
091their first name on the card and that's all that's assigned to them. There's no student information at all. Um and the cards can be turned off if they're lost or stolen and the money can be transferred to another card. So there's no risk of losing money from lost or stolen cards either. >> That's great. It's a good It's a good program. Um, we're going to continue to look at it if the school board is okay with that. >> Yeah, please. >> That sounds great. >> What did you think, Lucy? How does it sound? >> That sounds great. Yeah. I mean, especially with it seems like a lot of trips are are leaving right now. And I think um especially like going into a foreign country, like knowing that you have that sort of to fall
092back on is really nice. >> Yeah. Yeah. Great. >> Yeah. Seems like a really cool company. >> Good. Glad to hear that. Excellent. That's what we got from finance. >> Cool. Thank you. Uh CIP, I'm guessing >> we did we met before this meeting happened. >> Um but we didn't so essentially there's you know because of these two big ticket items in terms of the security redesign and the boiler. I think what we're sort of talking about is deferring um you know a few of the other projects that we've been talking about the uh the bathrooms, the paving and the furniture. Not necessarily. You know, it may still happen. It depends on how things shake out over the summer and where funds are. So, we just want to be cognizant of the u you know,
093the maintenance trust and making sure that we've got some cushion. So that's that's kind of what we talked about. >> Yeah. Which is exactly why our CIP is a living document because this is >> Exactly. Yep. And that's exactly what we talked about. Yep. Perfect. That's correct. >> Great. Thank you. Um Dela usually has all of her. I just have to remember all of my committees. What else? We got wellness met, right? What's that? Safety and security has met. >> Safety and security. I'm not on it, but I don't think it's met. Um >> wellness hasn't met in one week. We have not, but we have a meeting on May 12th. And Laura tells me that she may have recruited a community member. >> Oh, great. >> Wonderful. >> Excellent. >> So, can I can
094we give her a shout out? Does she know she's been >> She does. >> Oh, she does. Um, >> with her um last week, her name is Maria Ross. She's a community member. She um has a student and saw our parents square and reached out and wants to get involved as as a community member. So, >> it's wonderful. She's going to join us on the 12th. >> Great. I love that. >> Thank you to Maria. >> Excellent. Um any other committees? >> CIP, finance, policy, safety, security, wellness, >> curriculum, I think. >> Yeah. Do we have an EMC? We have not met, right? Yeah. No, because we did the we did Jim's presentation was our last meeting. >> Yeah. Great. Sorry, I'm looking at you since we're all on the committee together. >> I'm crushing
095it. >> Excellent. All right. All business. Uh oh, sorry. Now we're up to the next public comment of the evening. If anyone would like to come up for public comment. >> Yeah, no one's coming up. I'm going to go ahead and close public comment. Uh, old business, other business. Just wanted to give Lucy a quick shout out. I should have done this earlier. Lucy is like she is leading a workshop at the Squam um conference that they were talking about the middle schoolers going to. She is helping the compost crusaders at the elementary school. Like Lucy in general is a very busy student who is really killing it. Uh, I should have done this in my bird board comments at the beginning. so all the students could hear. I apologize, but I just wanted to
096acknowledge all of the work that you are doing. >> I appreciate it. >> So, >> you're here. >> It is really you are an asset to our school district and I appreciate that. >> I appreciate you all. >> Thank you. Uh with that, anything else? No. Great. We do have a need for a non-public this evening. Uh after that nonpublic we'll be coming back out and we'll not be conducting any further business and we'll be closing our meeting. Um so I will need >> be going to a non-public under 91 >> 91 A 3 C for reputation and this is a roll call vote. Jonathan >> yes >> and that Jonathan yes Suzanne yes Andrew is a yes >> and with that our meeting is adjourned. Thank you all much. Stupid.