2025-08-19 School Committee Meeting

001our meeting tonight of the Cheraho Regional School Committee, our August meeting, Tuesday, August 19th. Thank you everyone for being for being here. Um Angela, uh the district clerk, can you please um disclose the minutes of our executive session votes? So I am make a recommendation to close and seal executive session minutes pursuant to our general law 46-4 and five. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Anybody any uh anybody opposed? Any abstensions? Okay, great. Okay, thank you. Disclosure of executive session votes. >> Votes in the executive session this evening. The first was a vote to approve the emergency operative plans. That was unanimous in favor. The second was a vote to approve the executive session minutes from July 15th. They were that was eight in favor with one

002abstension by Mr. Luzon. The third was a vote to approve the homeschooling requests. That was unanimous in favor. And the fourth was to reconvene public session also unanimously. Thank you, Angela. Okay, moving on uh to our agenda. We have our recognition section of our agenda. Skills USA national event placements. I've asked the superintendent to recognize the um individual students. So, um these students went to our national competition and many of them are 2025 graduates, not all, but but unfortunately some were not able to attend, but they have all received their awards at the national convention. So, congratulations to Katherine Pilington, criminal justice, 10th place nationally. Charlotte Juie, early childhood education, 11th place nationally. Cassidy Moyer, crime scene investigation. Mia Mcnese, crime scene investigation. And Fiona Smith, crime scene investigation. They were a team and they

003placed first place national gold. >> Great. Elijah, all of them [Applause] >> for our first four groups. And then we have Elijah Henley was first place national gold for electrical construction wiring. Nolan Lopes, Marine Service Technology, ninth place nationally. And Ella Murphy, Ella Murphy is not a graduate, but Ella uh is working tonight and she placed second national silver. She's in our um annual report. That face I think she tells it all about the excitement she had. But Ella Murphy has won actually she won the national competition her freshman year. Uh she ranked top three last year and now and then ranked now second. So she is a force to be reckoned with as it comes to uh baking and pastry art. So congratulations to all our national winners. >> Nina, are there hundreds of

004kids that participated? >> Oh yeah, there's thousands of kids. >> That's awesome. Congratulations. Okay, next is public forum. Let me just go over um some of the highlights of our public forum policy because we do have looks like four folks that have signed up for public forum. So in our public forum uh public forum policy um we ask each citizen who makes a public statement um to be accurate in your statement, present facts, present information based on personal knowledge, not hearsay, be considerate and allow others to speak without interruption. So, anyone wishing to come up and speak tonight um can speak about items not on the agenda. And it doesn't look like anyone is speaking on items not on the agenda this evening. So, I appreciate that. And um in our policy, it says the

005chair will have the discretion to limit each person to two to four minutes. It doesn't look like we have many people signed up tonight. So, we will allow the four minutes for each of the folks that have signed up. Okay. All right. So, um the first person that has signed up this evening is um Gregory Avdian from Hopkin. Greg, would you like to come forward, please? Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to speak. Uh my name is Greg Avdian. I am a resident of the town of Hington. Um, it's been nearly 50 years since any substantial capital improvements to any of the elementary schools and it will be our second attempt at a 5-year capital improvement plan as mandated by RIDE. The chair last month stated that she wants to hear from the

006residents before considering another plan. My thoughts are that while that has value in developing a plan that the taxpayers will ultimately approve, the school committee was elected to provide some sense of leadership. The leadership to provide the facts before asking the questions of the public. Something that has been lacking not just with the present school committee but previous school committees as well. The conditions, the condition of the elementary schools is only getting worse because of their age, which has been worsened by the actions of this and past school committees to squeeze every penny from the operating budget and the capital improvement budget. In light of the failure of the voters to approve the construction bond included in the last proposed five-year plan that is mandated by RIDE, my question to the chair and to the

007committee is why hasn't the committee asked these questions before now knowing the ride requirements still is still needed to be addressed and it's been 15 months since the bond failed. The cost to maintain old buildings is expensive. And it will only get more expensive. A 25-year-old boiler fails. Roofs fail. Neither of which is anything to do with the failure of the administration to properly maintain its buil. The bond would have addressed a problem that has been 50 years in the making. My question to the chair and to the committee is why haven't you asked these questions of the public before? Now, where is your sense of urgency? The lack of urgency in my mind displays a complete disregard for your duties as members of this of the committee to act in the best interests of

008all the students of Charo. There are some of this committee who not only did not ask the questions 15 months ago, but actively campaigned against the bond with misinformation or no information at all. Some past committee members failed the taxpayers as as well when it failed to tell them that the impact on the tax rate would have been the same for if they had built three new schools as it is to simply continue to to repair them as they are right now and is already starting again. Some are asking why are we asking again about the bond? We just voted against this. The why is we are mandated by Ry to develop a five-year plan. What happened to the money that would have people asking what happened to the money that that should have been

009spent used to maintain the buildings? Conspiracy theories abound. Past actions of some on this school comm uh school committee gives me little confidence that you will demonstrate any leadership when you ask the residents of the qu the questions what do you want to do for the students of Charro or that you will listen or answer the questions with complete honesty. Your inaction and delays continue to cost the taxpayers you claim to advocate for. past actions of some of you gives me very little confidence that even when you listen to the residents, you lack the desire and the leadership to develop and endorse a 5-year capital improvement plan that includes new schools. I'm shocked and disappointed that even knowing that it will be the most affordable option for the taxpayers and the best option for current

010and future students of Charo, this committee continues to display no sense of urgency. Thank you. Thank you. Um, next is I just want to set my timer. Thank you for your comments, Mr. Abdesian. Um, Justin Bentley is next from Hopkin. Hello. Good evening. Thank you for giving me a chance to speak. Um, I will be pretty quick. Um, I know we're not allowed to discuss things on the agenda, but I had a kind of a a strange request or an ask that may not be possible about the agenda. Um, many of us in the community love when it's posted on Friday prior to the meetings. Um, looking at it, pouring over it, seeing what's on it. Um, and is it possible that it could be posted not as a complete document, but sort of as

011a working document earlier in the week and have things added to it? um just there are things that I I just don't have enough time to research like uh in again looking at not something specific on the agenda but the grants the that looks incredible. I would I wish I had had a little more time to research the grants and I was a little bit more informed. So if that I don't know if that's possible but just as an ask um and I know that changes would be made up until Friday but if that would be possible um if that could be considered by uh whomever is in charge. I know that there's a lot of work that goes into that. Miss Brazil I appreciate that. I would not want to wear your shoes. Um,

012but if that's a possibility, just I would I would that would be greatly appreciated by many. Um, and the only other thing is a a favor. Um, which is a little troubling. I uh I am not a confrontational person, but as you know, you've heard from me for the last six months. I've been reaching out about data, seeking communication. Um, and many of you have communicated with me, and I appreciate that. Um, but for six months, um, being a member of Hopping, I have not received a response from the four members on the school committee that represent Hopington that represent me that represent my children. Um, I've asked for input for data. Uh, I've tried to share data that I've worked with Dr. Camela to compile. Um, and it's deeply, deeply troubling to me that

013I'm being ignored. Um, so I ask I could ask, but appears they're still not paying attention. Could I uh Madam Chair, would you possibly could you get them to respond and communicate according to the principle of ethics number five and six? I just I feel left out and it's really discouraging. >> I can't make anybody do anything. Okay, everybody is an adult in the room, but I would say to um anyone that um open dialogue and open communication is always best. And there's lots of times where I've stayed after the meetings and I've tried to have a dialogue with folks, you know, um, and have a two-way conversation. So, I appreciate your comments. >> I'll continue reaching out. >> Thank you. That's all you can do. Okay. Next is Mary Mason from Richmond. Mary, just

014hold on one moment. So, I need to just reset my timer. Thank you. All set. Uh last week I emailed a few people about uh the contract negotiations and I'm going to read that so it's part of the record. I said with the teacher contract expiring August 31st I wonder whether an update on negotiations is an agenda item at the August regular meeting and if not can it be added. There are only two weeks left on the current CBA and it is concerning that there has been little said about the progress. I understand you can't discuss details, but it would be helpful to know when negotiations were requested, when did they begin, the dates that the negotiation sessions were held with the union leadership, whether any meetings are currently scheduled, and when you anticipate a

015resolution. It's disappointing that this is unresolved given that there are so many other important matters facing the committee this fall. It makes me wonder as a retired educator whether there is movement at all on this contract and whether or not it's time to go into arbitration, mediation, things like that. I see there's an agenda item for adding a new member. I'm a little suspicious of why that's happening. That's my way as a person who has belonged to a union. So, I'm going to wait and see what is said tonight. Totally off this topic. I would like to say that Larry, I hope that you really like frozen water because in this place, I don't think that hat is appropriate. >> Okay, >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, >> Madam Chair. May I May I respond? >>

016Um, typically we don't allow members to respond, but if you would like to, that's up to you. I'm just uh going to request that you uh send me an email. Okay. I am the chair on the negotiation committee. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. >> Okay. So, you sent it to my charo email. >> I did not send it to you. I sent it to people that All right. >> Mary, hold on. Diane, Mary, if you would like to come just come back up because for the people that are watching online, they they can't hear you. >> Sure. >> My response to that was that I did email who I understood were the people I was supposed to email, the chair, the superintendent, and the secretary of the school committee. So, if that's different,

017then I need to be enlightened on that. Well, I'm I'm asking you personally because I am on the negotiation committee. Okay. >> And you're right. You you you're entitled to to some answers and um and I would be more than happy to respond to an email if you contact me through my char email. >> Okay. I will do that >> and I will give you as much >> I understand the confidentiality of the situation. I can >> I do understand satisfy what you're looking I think the questions that I asked are the ones that really are in the public domain. They're not giving away anything that needs to be held confidential. >> Okay. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Superintendent Bard. >> So, Miss Mason, just to clarify, so uh we did receive the email.

018>> You It's up to you. Um I just wanted to share the information. So, we're handling per legal advice because it's a it's negotiations. We're handling it like an act request, anything that's public. So, um my administrative assistant is working on that. she handles those requests so that she will provide you with all of the questions you stated. She will send you the agendas and the minutes that that we can publicly share. >> Okay. >> Um and then but you did send it to the correct people. The chair of the school committee finalizes this agenda based on school committee requests and then the subcommittee chair um lets the chair know when she's ready to sort of give an update and then that's how that works. But we will be responding, but we're going to do

019it like a public records request to ensure that um you have all the information and it's done uh legally to ensure that we don't uh make any mistakes. >> Of course, I understand that. Thank you. >> And I did respond to your email and I did mention that I had to refer it to the the district clerk and that was under the advisement of legal counsel. >> Yes, correct. You did you did respond. I I >> Thank you. >> didn't say that, but yes, you did. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, Mr. uh, Robert Kerado from Westerly. Mr. Kerado, step up, please. And I just want to set my timer, so just give me one moment, please. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Madam Chair, members of the committee, please excuse my voice. Uh this

020evening I'm a little under the weather, but um I'm here to discuss the same things I was uh in the auditorium uh for on March 11th. Um your illegal Title 9 policy as well as your illegal transgender guidance as put forth from RIDE. Sadly, uh your solicitor, whom I I don't see here tonight, um he's right behind you. >> Where is he? >> Right behind you. >> Oh, great. have not told you the truth. I don't like to call anyone a liar, so I won't uh as it denotes intent, but I think the shoe may fit here. In January of this year, a federal judge codified the original intent of Title 9 by ruling that it revert back to the 2020 rule under President Trump. This means that the Biden administration's hijacking or attempted hijacking

021of Title 9 to have it include things like gender identity was unlawful and that Title 9 would revert back to its original 1972 uh intent which prevented discrimination on the basis of sex only. President Trump signed two executive orders shortly thereafter. And since then, numerous athletic organizations like the NCAA, the International Olympic Committee, as well as several colleges and universities, most notably the University of Pennsylvania, um who uh which was the the college that uh you remember, the infamous Leah Thomas swam for. Um they have also fallen into line and read the room. Males participating against females athletically places our women and girls in unfair, unsafe, and unlawful positions. Boys using girls bathrooms and other safe spaces do as well. Your policy, your Title 9 policy, which I have right here on page two, is

022in direct violation of Title N. In spite of what Mr. Anderson and Miss Bard have told you, I'll just read a little bit of it here. And it's very straightforward. It says in accordance with title nine, it shall be the policy of charo to provide equality of opportunity in the educational programs and activities that it operates. That's fine. Charo shall not discriminate in admissions, treatment or access to educational programs, activities or facilities or in regard to employment opportunities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, blah blah blah blah blah. That is not what Title 9 says. Mr. Anderson knows that. You know that. That is not what it says. You are now in the crosshairs of the US Department

023of Justice. This district is. This policy must be brought into compliance immediately while both Mr. Anderson and Mr. uh Bard's employment status should be seriously looked into again for lying to you. Secondly, RID's transgender guidance, which the attorney general and education commissioner suggested you maintain, is also in direct violation of Title 9 and must be stricken. No one wants anybody to be discriminated against here. But boys thinking they're girls or wanting to be girls or saying they're girls and vice versa does not make it so. accommodations. Uh requesting another 30 seconds to finish up. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Accommodations easily be made for a student who's uncomfortable using the facilities of his or her biological sex. People do it all the time. I'm sure you do it here. Westerly has already eliminated

024this guidance from its there is no more transg guidance policy in Westerly. None. So, you have three things to do. bringing Title 9 policy into compliance with federal law. Re-evaluate her and him and strike rides transgender guidance protocol. If anybody has any questions, I'm easy to find. You all know where to find me. I'm happy to talk to anybody on either side of the aisle about this issue because it's major. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Okay, that is the end of our public forum. Thank you to all the speakers for your input. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Can I ask a question, please? >> Sure. >> Why at our last meeting would you not allow Mrs. PCEL to go beyond her two minutes, but you let somebody in the public go

025beyond the allotted time they were given. Why the discrepancy? >> I don't recall Mrs. Miss Pcell asking for an extension, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. And we had four speakers tonight and our public forum policy is 30 minutes. So I I try to give everybody leeway within the 30 minutes. >> I'm fantastic because it was observed. >> Okay. I give I try to give everybody leeway within the 30 minutes. >> Well, she's also a school committee member. >> Understood. Okay, I'm moving on. Um moving on to business. So I recommend approval of the annual field trip. Since 2005, this trip field trip has been happening for the cross country train cross country team requested by coach Havarak. >> So moved. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >>

026We have a second. Any discussion? Hearing no discussion. All in favor of approval. Unanimous. Thank you. I recommend approval of the 2024 2025 annual report as presented. This report highlights the significant accomplishments of our students, our educators, and our community partners over the past year, including academic achievements, expanded opportunities in career and technical education, successful implementation of facilities improvements, and our continued focus on kindness, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging. The annual report reflects the collective effort and dedication of the entire Cheroo District. and it provides a transparent, comprehensive account of our progress as we approach the culmination of vision 2026. Approval of this report affirms our shared commitment to excellence, opportunity, and continuous improvements for every learner. As your superintendent, I continue to be very proud of all of our progress and accomplishments.

027Special thank you to all the staff who help coordinate and collaborate to gather these accomplishments and documents for this report, especially Dr. Katie Caracosian and Angela Brazil who gathered everyone's information into this wonderful report. Thank you for all that you do. >> So moved. >> Second. >> So we have a motion and a second discussion. >> Is Katie here? >> There's Katie. She want to come up. >> Thank you. Jess >> just want to offer my accolades for how wonderful this book is, how many students are represented, all of the captions. Um, I think it really is important, you know, to me, speaking for myself, that I do, um, sing the praises of how much our school community does for our kids. Um, and the annual report really shows that. Um, one thing I just

028thought about as I was going through it is that there's a lot of photos of community events, you know, plays and the meals served at CTC. I'm wondering if there could be like more of um like a call to action kind of page that show showcases through the seasons the events that are available. So when a community member looks at it, they can kind of say like, "Okay, let me earmark, you know, the the Thanksgiving dinner or the Georgia CTC fundraiser." So they can kind of have a quick glance at what's available to become involved. You know, I like that there's the chill mentoring um block that's in there. So something kind of like that. and you know other volunteer opportunities are available to those that go through a background check as well. So just

029maybe trying to think of a way to invite community in um in a way that is a little more purposeful was just my one feedback. >> Love it. >> Thanks >> Katie. I just want to say to you and to anybody else that was involved in putting this together that the breadth and depth of the uh information in here really goes above and beyond. So thank you for putting that together. I know that it takes many, many hours, a lot of energy, a lot of effort to put this together. It's so comprehensive and um I think it's a great representation of our district and the district's accomplishments. And I particularly really like the highlight section um for the various schools by school and then what you're looking forward to in 2025 2026. So, thank you

030for putting that in there. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely team effort. Thank you. >> Are there any other comments about the annual report? Okay. Hearing none. Um motion to approve the 2020. >> I made the motion. >> I'm sorry. Um a vote on the uh annual report. All in favor of um accepting and approving the annual report for 2024 2025. Unanimous. Thank you so much. [Applause] So, we're going to take the grants as a block unless somebody has a specific one they want to call out separately. >> I do. I would like to call I would like to call them out separately, but I have I I just have one question if that's okay, but I So, does that mean that we need a motion on every single one? >> Yes. >> Okay. Well, I'm

031sorry, but I do. >> Um Okay. So, C1 composting. >> Why don't you just call out the one that you want to separate and then we'll do the rest in a block. >> Okay. So, the one that I wanted to separate is the Henry Kendall, sorry. Yeah, not Governor's Workforce. Henry P. Kendall Foundation. So, it's for the New England Food Vision Prize, Katie. >> Yes. >> So, um, in reading the >> information, >> we need Why don't we do it this way? Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve C1, two, four, and five. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Um, any discussion on those? >> Hearing no discussion. All in favor of C1, two, four, and five. Uh, unanimous. Thank you so much. Okay. So, chair. >> Yes. I

032make a motion to approve C3. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion to approve. Second. >> Discussion. >> Okay. So, discussion on that. So I do I have one question about the Henry P. Kendall Foundation grant application. So it does talk about in the grant application um review criteria. So the there's four areas to review the grant application. Impact, equity, sustainability, and readiness. So under sustainability, it says the use of prize funds is likely to support ongoing local and regional purchasing by the schools beyond the term of the grant. So the grant application is for $53,150. So I'm just concerned about sustainability. So, does that imply that obviously they're probably not going to give us this award every year and we probably can't go back to them year after year after year. So, would that mean that

033we would have to put $53,000 into the budget to sustain this really great project to educate Charo students about local farming and foods and incorporating more local nutrient-dense superfoods into K through 12 school meals? I'm not saying that I'm against the intent of the application, but I'm worried about the budget implications beyond if we are able to get the award. So, I don't know if anybody could speak to that, but sustainability is important because once you accept grant awards, lots of times you have to send in a grant update like a year after or six months after to talk about how you spent the money and your sustainability plan. So, are there any is there any feedback on that? you want to start? >> I'm I'm happy to offer um a great question. Um we're

034not expected to continuously support um the work with an additional $53,000. Um, as you know, this is going to um bring in again those superfoods into our meals, which includes we're going to try to experiment with kelp, which Tartwell staff are really interested in incorporating, as well as fish um and making sure that students um find fish recipes that they are um interested in eating. Not everyone's a fish eater, but we know how important um those foods are. And then also a lot of foods that are accessible outside of the general um with just the Washington County Fair, like seeing foods that aren't just um harvestable in the summers because we're not in school in the summer, but looking for like root vegetables and different things that we could incorporate kale, Swiss chard, things like

035that into the meals. So Chartwells already has a budget obviously to feed our students. We're hoping to offset that by having tastings throughout this three year uh excuse me, this two-year period. and then finding ones that students, you know, are like, "Yes, I'll eat broccoli like that." And then we're using our funds that we already have towards meals um to making sure we're bringing those products in. So, it's just using the money for tastings, finding the the ways to prepare them that students and the majority of students will um eat and then incorporating those into the monthly meal plans. >> Right. So, this is to enhance, but to Katie's point, we already do this work at Chartwells, and they do, and they're actually partnering with us. Yes. To have this conversation. What it does is

036it allows us to sort of go outside the realm to try more opportunities while we're while we have this opportunity for this grant. But when the grant sunsets, we're still going to do these opportunities because we already do them, but this allows us a little bit more of a reach. >> Okay. Terrific. Okay. So, we have a motion. And oh, sorry, Karen. Just quickly, um Katie, I want to say thank you. Uh four of these grants total $130,943.50 um and we don't know about the governor's grant. So, I appreciate all of the effort that has gone into this and um the extras that we'll be able to provide for our kids because of this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Agreed. Any other comments? Okay, so we have a motion and a second. All in favor

037of approving C three. >> Unanimous. Thank you, Katie. >> Thank you very much. >> Great job. >> So, this is a discussion regarding the Hope Valley Elementary School playground equipment. Well, I will let Mr. Zenian provide you with the current status so you can make a decision. >> So, based on the memo that was submitted, um we did um have the trust come out and look at all the playground equipment. Then we did have our um our certified playground um installer give us a quote, but they're not on the MPA list. And um based on that, we then looked at what um Jason determined if you were to make a decision to move things, what should be moved? and you're looking at spending $34,700 to move um old playground equipment that may or may not

038be reinstalled. Um there's no guarantee when it's pulled out of the ground that it will go back in, but they will charge you the price. So, the price is to pull and replace, but if it doesn't have replace, the price is the price from the company that we went out with. And then um most of the equipment you're looking at probably has a three to five year life expectancy. So um those are what you need to consider when you make your decisions on whether or not um you think that playground equipment should be moved. And just please keep in mind um we did not budget for removal of playground equipment in FY26 budget. >> So do we have a motion here to move forward one way or the other? Oh, I know that. But is

039anyone going to put forward a motion to move forward one way or the other >> because technically we're not supposed to discuss without a motion, right? >> Can we make a motion for discussion purposes? >> Yes, you can do that. >> Well, you can't take a discussion. You can make a motion. So, then you can begin discussion. >> Okay. I make a motion to approve um funding to move the Hope Valley Elementary School playground for discussion purposes. >> I'll second it. >> For discussion purposes and seconded. Okay, Jess, the MOA that we signed with Hopington says that we will move the playground equipment. That it should be removed. Are they expecting us to remove all of the playground equipment? >> Anything we want, we have to have it removed by the date. After the date,

040then we can't go back and take it. >> The only thing um they've requested that we do is we take the um the the chains off of the swings. >> Take the chains off of the swings. Yes. They don't want the swing sets to be operational. Besides that, they they have not commented about any other equipment that is there >> because it was like on a list at the back of the MOA. Yes. >> But they said that you don't have to remove all of it. >> Anything we want, we have to have it gone by. >> If we want it, we move it. >> Why is it? >> If we don't, we leave it. >> But we we have to have the building ready, the outside structures. It was like the sheds cleaned out,

041things like that. Yep. We met with uh the town manager and John and the legal council and we discussed those things. >> Okay. But if you would like us to get a double check, we're happy to do that. >> Yeah, I I think it would be good to double check. I just want to make sure that, you know, we're not if we decide not to do this and then we say, "Okay, we have to remove everything anyway and it's going to cost you $40,000, then it's like it's hard to compare those two." >> Well, we wouldn't spend $40,000 to rip it out to scrap it. Do >> you know how much it would cost? >> Um, Richmond was done. >> Wait, we did that with DPW. >> DPWs. Yes. >> Yeah. I would I would

042say um this is a surprising amount of money to move playground equipment um that we don't know if we would use it or not, especially given the amount that we that was raised by the community and approved by the school committee to use um to make a new playground at Richmond. It doesn't seem like a wise investment to me. I know that it's an idea that inspired a lot of people when we were desperate for some solutions for Richmond, but um I I don't think it seems like a wise investment to spend this money. And I think that if we can leave it at Hope Valley and kids can still enjoy it where it is, I think that has a lot of benefit as well. >> Thank you, Holly. >> My question was going to

043be um what's the status of the money raised and how much it's going to cost to put the playground in Richmond? Next agenda. >> Okay. >> You're almost there. We're almost there. >> So my my question is if we're removing this and we've already got a playground readily available to go in, then we're just spending money. >> So Greg and Gina, I have a question. So if we leave the equipment there, does then it revert per the MOA as the Town of Hopington property? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any other Hopington members want to weigh in on this? >> Larry, >> I suggest the chief just leave it there. Let the town of Hopington deal it as they may. >> Anyone else? >> Yeah, I I agree. I think it's not worth the investment. I mean,

044I agree with everything Jess said. I don't have much else to add. I I just don't think it makes a lot of sense at this point. Okay, >> Jess, >> can I um I'm thinking about amending my motion instead of tableabling it. Can we amend the motion to say um >> But your motion was just for discussion purposes, right? So, >> well, she said approval. >> I said approval. So, but I'm I'm trying to think of um >> we can >> I'm thinking of how to say that We're okay with leaving that equipment as long as Hopington is okay with that. >> It follows you. >> But I don't know if I have to say that. Right. >> Right. We have to follow the MOA. We signed it. >> Okay. So, >> so if that

045becomes an issue, we'll hear back. >> Actually, my apologies. I don't see the um >> Richmond playground update on here. >> Oh, the next agenda item. >> Yeah. My apologies. >> That's okay. But we're covered. >> Yes. >> I think so. >> I think Greg and I agree with the committee that um to put money in to move something that the trust in the email says that they can't guarantee that once we pull it out, it will now be able to go back in. Um and if you know you wanted to make a move, then that money would go to maybe the new playground. But but just for update uh the Richmond playground has been uh selected by the administrator with um probably in the you know the um review. We have the grant dollars,

046we have the school committee dollars. So then Mr. Xanian is in contact with the POTS Foundation to finalize >> that came through right before this meeting. >> Oh, perfect. >> So we are um ready to go. >> The purchase should be made tomorrow and we're hoping for a fall installment by >> I hope by the end of September is our goal. Terrific. >> Okay. So, Jess, are you amending your motion? >> I got amendment. That's okay. >> Oh, sorry. I didn't see. >> So, so Gina, when you say the trust, so the point is the premise is with the trust that if you pull it out and put it at Richmond, they're not going to ensure that. >> Well, what they're saying is it has to be inspected once it comes out of the ground

047before it goes back in the ground. And then even after it was all you have to move it and then they have to inspect it again prior >> and then there's chance they're not going to insure insure. Remember that folks. >> I I think >> it's more along the lines once it's pulled out and inspected they won't even let us put it back in the ground. Never mind insure it. >> Right. >> It's not in the ground. They can't insure it. >> Okay. So how are we moving forward? >> I don't think I need to amend my motion because if Right. If the they need if the district needs to remove the equipment, they'll remove it. We won't have to vote on that. >> Okay. So, um the motion was discussion andor approval regarding moving

048the Hope Valley Elementary School playground equip equipment. So, motion to approve. All those in favor? Seeing no one's in favor. Anybody opposed? >> That is unanimous. Okay, great. >> Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the approval of our fund balance. Oh, actually, no, we don't. So, we would table, not table it, but we don't need the agenda item anymore, John. Just to make sure I do this correctly. >> Wait, which no, I think you need that. >> We need that. >> This is for the school. >> This is for This is for moving. >> Oh, the moving moving. Okay. Not the playground. Okay. Thank you for the clarification. I did I did get to bed late and I was a birdie, so I apologize. Um price on this. So >> I have the

049price. I think you gave that to me. Thank you. >> So this agenda item is approval of fund balance transfer to other purchased property service >> and the amount of 27,200. So that's the update. Correct. >> Yes. >> Gina, could you say that again? >> 27,200 is the updated amount. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second discussion. >> So it went down. >> So I just have a question for the administration. So, we obviously closed the Hope Valley Elementary School, unfortunately. Um, we were told that we were going to save the district 875,000 as a result of closing the school. So, why wasn't any money put in the budget for moving costs was, and I'm not trying to put you on the spot and be disrespectful. There was $85,000

050that we told you you you shouldn't remove from the Hope Valley closed and that you should keep in capital to do um to help close it and um this committee chose not to. >> Okay. >> It was a long meeting that meeting. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Thank you for that explanation. >> Okay. Any other discussion on this? >> Karen, did you have your hand up? I think I think the answer's here, but this includes the um the next move, which is the preschool. >> The next move was um finished last week and they um they were able to do do it quicker than they thought they would. That's why there was a reduction. So, this um originally when I was bringing it to you, I didn't think we would get the second bill before this

051meeting. So, I was I based it on their estimate, but this is our true bill now. >> Okay. So, has the preschool been moved? >> Yes. Yep. >> Everything has been moved. >> Everything is out of out of valley >> except for the yard sale stuff. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other discussion? Approval of budget transfers. I'm sorry. Approval of fund balance transfer. All those Linda. >> No. >> All those in favor jumping the gun. >> Just jumping in the gun. >> Uh unanimous. >> Thank you. Thank you for that explanation. Okay. Approval of budget transfers, budget update. >> I I recommend approval as submitted. Unless we have questions, Mr. Zian is here. >> Okay, we have a >> So, we have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Okay, we

052have a second. Any discussion on this? Karen, >> the transfer um for the prescription rebate, is that the whole rebate for the prescription? No, it's not. >> Do you know how much is left? >> We um I received an email right before this meeting with a statement, but I did not get to read it. Um I'm hoping it's almost the same amount. >> Okay. >> But um I I'll put it in the next month's update. Um that it's not for the whole though. it. We knew they were going to give us they they give us it should be for third quarter and they give you 90% of what you're supposed to get. So, I'm hoping the fourth quarter comes in around the same and then there's a there'll be about 10% layover. >> Okay. Thank

053you, >> Jess. >> Um, where will we see this transfer like in the budget? Is there a line item for pharmacy benefits or >> So there is a separate balance that's kept for um your WB health. >> Okay. So um and then what happens is um you basically create your own fund balance for health care and then um if you have a month for example if you're a healthcare course you're $700,000 you bring in $700,000 for the healthcare for a month but your expenses are 800,000 you dip into that. Okay. >> The audit's the best way when we when we audit to take a look at those things. >> Okay. Thank you. Other discussion? Okay. Hearing none. Motion to approve. Okay. Unanimous. Thank you. Okay. Uh approval of request to add membership to the NEA

054certified negotiation subcommittee. That was my request. Um I wanted to make a motion to add uh Laura Chapman to the subcommittee. >> Second. >> Okay. So, we have a motion in a second. Um discussion. Right. >> Um, considering the individual is not here and I I have a question. Uh, could we just table this until the next meeting? >> We could. Um, so Laura has some expertise in an area that we're discussing regarding the certified contract negotiations. She has some real world world expertise um, in one of those areas and I thought that she it would be a benefit to add her to the committee. I'd like I'd like to hear that from her personally. >> I mean, I did talk to her about it personally. >> Um, and I'm sorry that she's not here,

055but she's she's not here for personal reasons. So, we have a motion and a second. Um, Jess. Um, so to echo some of the sentiment from public forum, we haven't received much of an update. Um, so I don't really know what the purpose is or I guess I think I know what your reasoning is and your purpose is. Um, but I just don't feel I don't know if this should be an open session discussion. I think that being in negotiations is um not the easiest situation. Um, and I think that I don't I don't know. I don't I don't not sure. >> So, as just the subcommittee is uh who is a public conversation, >> right? Okay. >> Um the questions you would have would be executive session. >> So this item would h we

056couldn't put this item in an executive session because it doesn't follow the lit the the law around the executive session uh requirements. But if we want like the update to the contract that would go in executive session and you could do that uh at the next meeting if if the committee decides because that this is one of the realms where this committee is in charge right there's there's no the district's responsibility is to provide you with the information and data necessary to make decisions and how it will impact the district. that this item specifically has to be in public session because it's just discussing membership >> and you did all your other subcommittees this way. That's why. >> Yeah. >> Um to continue, I don't know if you can share this, but have you signed

057rules of engagement or um anything with I I would be worried this would violate something that the subcommittee has already signed. >> Diana is shaking her head now. anything. It's just adding >> Yeah. John wouldn't allow us to violate it. >> He doesn't want to do this with us. >> Okay. Because if I thought for one second it would violate anything within the negotiation practices, >> I would be against it. But as far as I can see, it's not. We haven't gotten to that point. Okay. So adding Laura in my opinion wouldn't wouldn't make a difference at this point. Like we could add her and get her expertise on certain things and go forward from there is all I'm saying. >> Craig and Linda, did you have your hand raised? It was uh Linda first,

058then Craig, then Tyler and John, jump in if you feel that you need to jump in. So, for me to make an educated decision on yay and a >> hold on. Linda was first. >> Oh, >> okay. She raised her hand first. No, I Linda was >> very vocal last month when I >> did not recognize her or let her finish her thought. So, >> thank you, chair. Um, I also agree with um I guess I'm I guess I'm I'm not I guess I'm not I don't know if I can ask this, but again I'm I'm following up what Jessica said is that you know if there were ground rules established as far as members and numbers. I I don't know if we can talk about that. That's part of you know private negotiations. >>

059And again the only issue that's before you is adding whether you or not you want to add a member >> okay >> to the to the committee. the committee decides who its representatives are in the negotiation process. So that's the very nar as the superintendent correctly explained that is the ve and as Diane correctly explained that is the very narrow question before you do you want to add Laura Chapman as an additional member that's the only thing before you >> thank you Craig did you have anything else >> so I'll finish what I was saying I have questions to ask and for me to make a decision I I want some answers Uh, one thing I'm just going to generally ask is we formed this subcommittee last winter. Why? Why not? I personally I'd like

060that to hear that from that person. And other questions. So, I'm I'm going to know unless I could ask her personally. >> Okay. So, Tyler and then Pat. >> I was pointing to John. I wanted to >> I thought you had your hand raised for a comment. Pat. >> Um, we've already opened that up. We've already done that once already. We've added Jess to the subcommittee that she requested to be added after we had already set up a subcommittee. So, I think that's a point. >> Well, Jess was here. >> Yep. >> My problem. Sorry. >> Jess, my issue is not adding someone to the subcommittee. My issue was that this is not Laura's request. You're requesting her and she's not here. in addition to the other concerns that I raised. So, I don't have

061an issue as long as it's not violating or is going to be a bad strategic move. Um, but she's not here and this is not her agenda request. As I said already, I've already had a conversation with her about it and she was happy to be added to the committee. Karen, >> if we table this, is it still possible for Laura to attend those meetings? >> That I don't know. John, can you answer that question? >> That would that would be up to the subcommittee, but she obviously could not vote. >> Okay. >> All right. So there aren't any doesn't Tyler >> when is the next subcommittee meeting? >> Thursday. >> No. >> Thursday. Mary, did you have a comment? >> Okay, please come up. Thank you. >> Um, the first thing is I just

062need a little clarification. This is considered a subcommittee just like the policy committ. It's not a special kind of committee because this is a very different situation. That's why I'm kind of wrapping my head around it. Um my concern is that as I look at at the makeup of who's currently sitting on this subcommittee, there are three people. So when those people go off into another room to discuss a proposal that might be in front of them, there are three people. and if there's a vote between them or a discussion, there's no way it's going to end in a tie. If you add a fourth person, that could happen and that would delay further negotiations. The second thing that I was thinking about when I reviewed um the people who are on the committee is

063I don't necessarily have a problem with adding somebody, but I would rather see someone get taken away if that happens because when I look at that committee, there are two people from Hopkin on it and one person from Richmond and it seems like it would be more balanced to have one from each town. now and I know how this worked out with every everything but if it can't happen now while you're already making changes then maybe it's something to look at moving forward so that there's representation from all towns on such an important cost um spending kind of situation >> thank you Mary Polly did you have a comment >> I just wanted to clarify for Mary if you have a vote that's 22 the vote fails so there isn't tie situation and bringing Laura

064in. She is a Charles Town rep so this kind of rounds it out and she's very knowledgeable and she has expressed to me that she wants she wants to do this. Who are we to say no? And I would ask Diane, has she expressed the same to you? Because you're the chair of that subcommittee. >> Yes, she she has clearly expressed that she has an interest in becoming part of the negotiation committee. Yeah. >> Can I just follow that up? >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Well, I'm hearing that now the same thing from Louise and Diane and Polly that you have all talked to her, but I think I fall in line in the agreement with what Mr. Luzon said that like it'd be nice to hear her say that because I mean we all

065know even little kids know that you say something to this person and some by the time it gets to that person it can be twisted and changed however that it's not really the original intent. So I mean I am I'm favorable to tableabling the matter until Laura can speak for herself. So, I'm just going to comment on that, Mary, and I've given you a lot of leeway, and I've heard what you've expressed on a number of different topics, but to me, that questions my integrity that I am misconstring or misrepresenting that there was a member who expressed interest in joining a subcommittee. So, I'm just going to say that. And um >> um that was not at all >> your intent. >> I No, it was not at all my intent. >> Appreciate that feedback.

066was just making the comment as a general statement >> that when people are not available to speak for themselves often what they think can be taken the wrong way and then passed on in a wrong way. It was not a personal statement. That's a little sensitive on your part. >> It's not. But thank you, Tyler. >> Madam Chair, I I would tend to agree with with Craig. Um, if a member wants to be added to a subcommittee and and they're not here to speak for themselves, I I would rather have them be here to speak for themselves. Um, from from what I'm gathering, I I don't it doesn't seem to me that delaying this till till the next meeting, adding someone to the subcommittee when they can be here and and and speak for themselves

067is going to put us behind the ALE um based on where we're at. Um, so I I currently I I would hate to vote no on this. I would probably abstain if we move to a vote, but I would be more in favor of tableing this till next meeting. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you for your feedback. We again we do have a meeting on Thursday about a topic that um there's expertise that would be coming forward on the committee. So I do think that this is timely and our next meeting isn't until September >> which sounds like it sounds like from from Mr. Anderson the member could attend just couldn't vote. >> Okay. >> Correct. Craig. So, one thing I don't get about this committee is is Robert's rules is quite simple. I never made

068a motion. A motion was made. I just suggested tableabling it. Now, we've had a major discussion about it. Vote on the motion. If what I suggested doesn't affect it, then so be it and I lose. But at least we shouldn't keep wasting the people's time. So that's that's just my last >> I'm just trying to respect everybody's input here. >> You could just withdraw the motion as well. >> Well, I'm not going to withdraw the motion. >> I'm just saying that Craig's saying that we vote. >> You made the motion. She seconded it. You shouldn't be making the motion in the first place as the chair. >> Well, >> you asked someone to make a motion for you. >> Okay. I appreciate that feedback. It is my agenda item. Okay. So, there's a motion on

069the floor and there's a second. So, all in favor of adding Laura Chapman to the NEA certified negotiation subcommittee. All in favor, please raise your hand. Louise, Paty, Louise, Pat, Larry, and Diane. All those opposed, Linda, Jess, Craig, Karen, all those that abstain. Tyler. Okay, motion carries. Thank you very much. Discussion of the Bureau Veritoss document sent to the district requested by Diane Taft. Diane, I'm going to turn that over to you. Uh, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, before I begin, um, I wanted to make it very very clear that nothing within this draft report um will be revealed. No information within it at this meeting. This is merely a draft report, okay? It is not the official Veraritoss report. My concern with with finally receiving this report is that, you know, back

070in the last um school committee meeting, uh Diane, >> members, let's give Diane her attention. Thank you. I uh I I asked a couple of questions as far as receiving any type of report from Veraritoss Ride or any in any way, shape or form. And um the response was that there was no documentation, no information available um regarding this Veraritoss report. Um but I have since found that that is not completely accurate. Um there is a preliminary draft report that does include some specifics and and I will agree it is not a complete report and it is not uh extremely descriptive. However, my concern being is is that you know this report was emailed to uh Gina Greg Jason Sullivan July 15th and when I was asking questions at the last meeting it was made

071very clear that nothing was received. So I guess my question is is why why say nothing was received when in fact the documents were sent not only to this school district but also to Exit West Greenwich and other school districts as drafts. Now I know that these drafts can be shared with the school committee members because I received a copy of it freely from right. So I guess that's the question I really need answered is why weren't we told about this draft when it was received? >> Because it's not a draft. And I I'm happy if you want the necessity for school construction. You just heard that conversation where Mario Ko specifically told the entire committee and that's actually on videotape by a group that said this is nowhere even near a draft. I absolutely

072shared that with the committee. Your question to me was >> if you have we would like the draft. We don't have it. We still don't have it. The data set that you received >> and and actually I can I'm happy to let anyone of the Polly or Jess or Karen or Craig uh will you add that meaning to Pat um explain what Dr. Mario Kro said where I sent it to you because you asked for the report. I told you the report doesn't exist. He told them the report doesn't exist. It's nowhere even near draft. This is not a draft report. This is a data set. We have our meeting is Thursday >> to be able to comment on the data set. But that's not what this item is. >> This but what I I

073can't explain. >> What I can tell you was Dr. Mario Ko explained a little bit better today was um if you think about it like a cake, >> we they gave us a list and asked us to make comments and we're meeting with them on Thursday because I have no idea what this is because it's a minimal. It is not even close to being a draft. You asked me for the draft report. Mario Ko said on video that it won't be ready to the fall. Is that is exactly what I told you. So it's unfair to suggest that my this is my integrity too. >> You asked for a graph I told you it's not the report. This what you have in front of you that data set it's not a report and it's nowhere

074near even I can't even explain what it is because it's nowhere near ready. >> Well when I reviewed this paperwork that came through and when I spoke with Dr. Dilva from Ride >> Yep. Joe, >> he was the one that stated that it was a preliminary draft. I >> It's also incomplete. It's missing entire bill. It's missing an entire building. >> Well, I don't I I I looked at the buildings that it had included in it. Okay. And I understand this is not, you know, this is not favorable. Okay. This whole thing is not favorable. And I know it's hard to understand, but I guess I just was hoping that if anything was received that we would have been told about it. >> You will including I can't explain it. So I have to meet

075with them to understand what they're doing so that I can share. I would never share something with you that I haven't received the information on. Me getting the spreadsheet was us to prepare so that we can meet with them. That's that's all it's for. I have no other information. It would be irresponsible of me to share something that I can't discuss or talk about or have any background on. So I just have a question. When you say meet with them, do you mean meet with RIDE? >> Bureau of Veraritoss. >> So we have they they Bureau of Veraritoss was signed by RI. They in 2022 they went out for RFP in the Jacobs report. They did the same thing. Honestly, it's a it's a waste of my time. It's a waste of Greg's time because

076we have done stage two applications that have a plethora of information for this district. this report is going to offer us absolutely nothing. It's garbage. And that that data set's not even accurate. It doesn't have all the buildings. So I said to them, you know, for the comments, I want to meet uh because that we all all superintendents have to make comments with their facilities directors. I said, we need to understand because it says throughout the building. I have I don't know about you all, but I have no idea what that means. Ry agrees this is this data set is nowhere near ready to be sharable because we all are still even Ry doesn't couldn't explain the data set today because they're they're going to come to our meeting because they have similar concerns. So

077they have that's why Mario said today you will not even get the preliminary draft until the fall. So if this is a gotcha moment that's unfortunate. >> No no no it's not. It's absolutely not. It's not because >> this conversation is very premature. >> Yeah. >> You're you're asking us questions that we we don't have the answers to. Would you want me to present stuff to you that I I I I don't have the answers to or I don't feel speaking please. >> Okay. >> Would you >> I mean when we come to when I'm at these meetings I'm extremely well prepared because when you ask me questions I should have answers because that is my job. Why would we present something to you that has no logical rhyme or reason to it yet? There's

078it's it's not a draft. It's it is it is a complete mess that if we present it to you, everyone would be looking at us saying, "Do you know how to do your job?" So, it it's premature and that's and they they won't release it and you won't speak about it because it's so premature. >> Okay. But presenting it to us was not my question. I don't expect you to present something that is so inaccurate and so incomplete. My direct question was when I asked if anything was received. The answer was no. >> That's not your question. That was not your question. Your question was >> in the >> I want the draft report >> in this last the last school committee. Have you asked received anything? Have we se re received that? No, that

079was even before I knew. I didn't know you said that at July school committee meeting. >> Diane, you said July 19th. I searched my email. I have nothing from July 19th. >> Hold on. We're having a discussion. I understand that you have some comments. If you would like to get in line behind Mr. Abdesian and express yourself, then get in line behind Mr. Abdesian. Thank you. So Diane, with all due respect, bringing this item like this to publicly call out myself and Mr. Xanian to say why didn't you get it? We explained that you didn't get it because we can't explain it. And if the committee wants me to send you everything I get that I can't explain, then please make that your next um directive. But overall, I don't think it's fair that you're

080saying that we misrepresented anything because there is no draft report. That is not a draft. You specifically asked me for a draft report. >> You did not say anything you had. That's that that's not fair because that's not what you said. >> The last school committee meeting. >> You asked July 19th. I quickly searched and it wasn't July 19th. When we went back, we found July 15th. I shared that with the chair. She asked me just share what you have. I asked Ry, "Can I share it?" They asked. They said, "We wish you wouldn't." And I said, "You know what? I'm sharing it." I spoke to my said this, "I'm not going to look nefarious or non-transparent. So if it's garbage, it's garbage." And I told Mario, you know, I sent it because for me,

081this report does nothing. You having it, not having it, it helps you no way at all. You don't you don't even need it to make a decision for stage two. It's that um it's it's not a function of this committee. It's something the state requires. It is minimal. The Jacobs report is say basically it says, hey, in the next five years, these things are coming to fruition. But it gives you the report. This this is the data set they've asked us to meet on. I wouldn't share with you anything until I have any understanding of how to explain that. If you want Greg and I to have intricate knowledge on how to do that, then you have to allow us the opportunity to do our job. I don't send you all everything I get because

082I have to discern what is usable. This garbage, this data set, it does you no good. So, I'm not going to give you or ask you to spend your time on something you can't use. >> Okay, point well taken. Well, why couldn't you just have said that to us in the beginning? >> I told I told you there was no report. I was honest. >> But you had a data set, but you could have just said this is so bad and so incomplete. You know, it's not worth sharing. >> Diane, you we never had this conversation. You You sent an email and you asked for a future agenda item. I can't discuss future agenda items on the agenda. I can only put it on the agenda. You sent us an email. So, I'm confused on

083where you said this conversation happened >> when we were looking at the uh contracts for Slam and everything. I did ask, well, do we have anything from Veritas? I did ask. >> You asked me. >> I asked you and I they said, "Oh, you shouldn't take those reports as you know." >> I guarantee if you go to the video, it says there's no draft reports, right? And they're right that it's garbage. What what they gave us is absolutely not usable. >> Right. But what I'm saying is is I asked is it anything and whether it be a draft >> I'd have to go back to the J because I I believe I gave the accurate every time I speak I'm very careful about giving accurate information >> and I do appreciate that but you know

084I that was a question I needed to ask and >> I stand by my decision >> Jess Karen even when this report is finalized it's not for us as as a school committee, as a district to figure out how to make a capital improvement plan. It's for the state to address the need for legislation. This was explained by Mario on our meeting today, Mario Corinho. Um it's a state initiative to go through all 300 plus schools that are in the state so they can decide what if there's legislation that needs to like the Jacobs report, the 2018 school construction bond is a result of that. Jacob's report and all the deficiencies it found across the state in our buildings. Um, and the idea is for to be to be a highlevel identification of needs of

085our schools and our job as a committee, as a district, as an administration is to find the solutions to those needs and not just through that report, but through on the ground research and the people that work here. You know, I've toured every single school in this district and I'd be curious to know who else on this committee has done that. That's the kind of You want to show hands? >> Every school. >> I think you're misunderstanding. That's not the question I asked. Okay. I'm not I'm commenting on the discussion which I agree has gotten out of hand and >> um the situation is unfavorable because we do not have a capital improvement plan and the only way we're going to get one is if we can work together and not focus on um feelings

086of being slighted which I I think you know we deserve information but if the information is not ready I'd rather wait until it's Absolutely. >> Absolutely. And I would too. >> Thank you, Karen. >> I'm fine, Mr. >> Madam Chair. M I I did have my hand up before anybody did and then you recognized others. >> I I'm sorry, Craig. There was there's just a lot of discussion going >> and I'm listening too. So, I'm trying to listen, process, and recognize everybody. So, so you asked all the members that were at the meeting earlier. I specifically asked in reference what Gina was explaining that question knowing this was on the agenda tonight. And and and folks, listen, this this report when it is finished isn't going to give us a whole lot of information. It's

087it's all generalizations. What's what we should be really looking forward to is what slam says and what Kier says because that's going to go on the paperwork that we provide to ride. So, and and by the way, this wasn't a discussion. In my opinion, it was an argument and it wasn't ex in my opinion it's not good for the public. Thank you. >> Was there anyone else that wanted to comment on this? Hold on one second, Greg. So my observation on this is is that there is a discrepancy between the word draft and data set because you and I had a conversation about that and that's why I encourage Eugina to say to just give what you have to the committee. So maybe there's an interpretation by you Diane of what draft is and an

088interpretation by the administrators who have gotten lots of these reports in the past and the reports that they may have received in the past were a lot more substantive and detailed. Is that a fair and accurate assessment and you just didn't feel that this was a >> um rose up to the level that >> was discernible or should be shared with the committee? This we have never seen this. I have never when I asked Ride what it was and they said what it we had to we we we went through it um together and then I said is uh they said well schedule your meeting with your project planner. So because they've asked because it's like they basically said we need you to schedule this to make comments. So we called right into we don't

089like this is not even complete. I don't even have all my buildings. how can I make comments at a meeting when it's not even so then I have to have another meeting because you forgot the building and um I said specifically is this considered a draft report that we would be sharing and they said absolutely not and then when Mario said today he gave an example of the cake he said this is not even like basically they picked their vendor Veratas let's say you're making a cake they picked stop and chop to go buy their cake and now they got all the ingredients but nobody they've got to talk to the district to figure out what we want to do with um and by the way we we don't know where all the buildings are.

090So I would never and I have never shared anything with the school committee that I myself can't discern, understand or share in a way that would be like I never just forward you guys to vote. Hey here, take a look at this. Like that's not something that I think is responsible. Which is why we reached out to ride and they said this is not even close to sharable. But Joe told me that Senator Morgan called and member Teft called and member Chaplan. I mean, they they tell us, but honestly, if I had something to hide, then I would have that's not the thing I'm hiding. Like, I I have no reason to hide anything. It's a data set that I can't explain, that Greg can't explain. And I said to the chair, happy to put

091it on the agenda, but I I have no background. And we got I got more background today at the necessity for school construction meeting um than I have from Ry in the last three weeks that we've been trying to meet with Bureitos. But this is really not and I agree with Craig. This agenda item is it's a distraction from the work especially because the elementary capital planning is important. I shared that with the chair. I said my recommendation is not to put it on the agenda. She felt as a a member that she wanted just to put it on the agenda because you had asked her and that's her decision because it's a school committee request. But when I've been here for six years to try to get a capital plan together, anything that's not

092good enough is going to distract the community and provide confusion. and my job is to make sure that we have coherent and aligned information so we can make good decisions, not to be giving you things that are not worth your time. >> So, I just want to comment on this one more time and then my time will be because there's only two times you can weigh in on something on the same topic. So, when we had the meeting on August 5th with Slam and Collers, I believe member Phelps um had some questions. um we have to make decisions because we're going to be spending a lot of money to move forward with plants and that's an awesome responsibility when you have to expend that amount of money for things like this. So I don't think

093that this is a gotcha moment. I think that this was just and I'm not speaking for Diane. This is just my opinion that in order for us to make decisions that are in the best interest of the district if there was a a misinterpretation as to what a draft report is and a data set. There were two members asking questions about bureau veraritas and I just think that and I forgive me if I'm speaking on your behalf but and jump in if you'd like to jump in but this was a big deal for for Larry and this was I think a big deal for Diane in order to be able to have information to move forward to expend a lot of money for the district to move forward with a stage two application. So again,

094I don't think that this was intended to be a gotcha moment. I think this was intended to be we have to we're trying to make the decisions to move forward. And when those decisions are as awesome a responsibility of how to move forward with new buildings, renovations, three buildings, one building, or renovations. We're just trying to digest all of that information and make the best decisions possible for the students that we serve and the staff that we serve. And you know, if I misinterpreted or um spoke out of line, please jump in. Um Karen, we are looking at expending an awful lot of money again because we're going through this process again. And we learned through the first process that a lot of people looked at the Jacobs report as the holy grail. And it

095really wasn't. It was a five-year plan to say this is what's happening. That's what the Bureau of Veraritoss report is. It's it's not a micro. It's a macro look at our buildings. And I it would be irresponsible to put out inaccurate information that some people are going to grab a hold of and put out misinformation as we're moving forward in this process. Mario made it very clear that the Bureau of Veritas report is a little piece. The important piece comes from Slam and Collers who are actually in the buildings and looking at the buildings and really telling us what needs to be done. >> Thank you. Larry, did you want you had your hand up? Did you want to say anything? No, it's just I wanted it because I wanted to compare it to what

096Kie Slam is going to do and make quick comparison and >> they made it very clear that we can't do this as a comparison because the Bureau of Veraritoss report is a 10,000 you know mile view like an overview right and what slam and collars is going to give us is a very micro so it's it's this is kind What happened with the Jacobs report? People relied on the Jacobs report to say Hope Valley was in excellent condition. When we toured that building, we saw that it was not in looks beautiful, but when you tore and look at the bones of the building, it's not. So at the meeting today it was it was clarified again that when you're doing J whoever they get as a vendor that report is for the general assembly to

097make determinations determinations on bringing in federal dollars for bond opportunities for for facilities around schools. You all that report isn't going to help any of you because that's why they require you every five years but in here we've done it every year. So, we've actually spended more money trying to get it to a plan than probably we we should have need to because typically a school district does this once every five years. We've been doing it every year. So, if we really want to be thoughtful about that fiscal responsibility, then we want to make sure this one gets through the finish line. But the Bureau of Veraritoss, the data set is garbage. The report isn't going to be available. Even a draft isn't going to be available to the fall and it's not for you.

098It gives you your facilities. Jason Sullivan is who is responsible for our our facilities. He provides daily input as does Greg. Stage two. When you do that, that was what gives you the specific in-depth analysis. That's who you want to listen to. That's who you're paying to make sure you get all that information. So, it was very clear to the necessity for school construction today that one has nothing to do with the other. They're different purposes. So you're you're you would never be able to use anything that Jacob's or bureau does other than saying here's a 10,000 foot view that Jacob's report did so that they can tell you hey in the next 5 years these are the things that may happen. It's not going to give you anything more than that. >> Okay. >>

099Greg, did you have a comment? >> Yes. Um and Jeannie, correct me if I'm wrong, but what I heard I I attended the meeting and the the rest of the committee members who were there as well. I heard him say specifically, don't wait for the Veritoss report. It's not going to be ready for months is were his exact words. And in my mind, based on my understanding of what that report is about, it is going to offer this committee no value in evaluating what you need to do to uh to to um make improvements to the elementary schools. Um >> thank you. Okay. So, we're going to we're going to move on um because there's no action being taken on this next item, discussion on whether to have the whole school committee or a subcommittee

100of the school committee members to revise the evaluation process of the superintendent. So, this was requested by Jess and Laura Chapman. Um, >> Jess, did you >> Madam Chair, just Yes. >> again, with Laura not being here, I I'm going to make a motion to table this. I was the one who originally brought this up. I wasn't ready to bring this back to the agenda yet because I >> have some more thinking and and thoughts that I want to put around this. So, I'm going to make a motion to table this. >> Second. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. So when you >> when you have a motion to table I I thought Robert Robert's rules you cannot discuss. >> Fair I want to though. >> Okay. So we have a

101motion and a second to table. All in favor >> unanimous. Thank you. Okay. Consent agenda items. >> Wow. >> So does >> anything need to be >> does anything need to be pulled from Consent agenda >> hearing. Hearing none to be >> make a motion to approve uh to approve the >> Jess. >> Can I pull A1? >> Okay. A1. >> Yes. >> Make a motion to approve A1. >> Second. >> Um discussion. >> Yeah, discussion. Um, when I was reviewing the minutes, um, it was not reflected the chair's directive that the audience not clap. And I I hadn't noticed it in the previous two meetings, but no, I used that at two meetings. Um, chair Dinsmore instructed the audience during in her speech before public forum that they are not allowed to clap. >>

102Um, >> that was or was >> it was not in the minutes and I'd like to see it reflected in the minutes. So, I just and John, I'm going to ask you um to come up to the mic. Um because I just I think we need clarification on my understanding is that when committee members want things in the minutes, they have to say it at the meeting that I want that to be reflected in the minutes or is this the opportunity like Jess said because I know in the past my my friend Donna Scaravage had shared that there was concerns about people trying to change minutes or add to them. Um because it's not a reflection of everything that happens. It's supposed to be the culmination of the of the big picture items in the

103agenda. But I I need your advice on that one. >> Yeah. Um the attorney general has said and based on the open meetings act that the minutes of the meeting do not need to include who said what at all with the exception of votes. That's the only thing that the minutes have to that the law requires that are you know are in the minutes. There is a long tradition in Charo of having concerns about what gets in the minutes and what doesn't get into the minutes. Um, if somebody wants to add something to the minutes, I think there are two ways to go about it. One is to ask that they be added and take a vote on whether it's added. Or alternatively, the member who would like something added can simply give it to

104the clerk and say, "I would like this added to the minutes as a statement from me." So, there's two ways to go about it. >> So, it's Jess's point. Hers is not a statement from her. It was a statement that the chair made. How would that work? And the in if justice believe or um wants it included that the chair said A, B or C. Again, there are two ways to do it. One is to make a motion to amend the minutes. The other way to do it is to simply attach have Jess say I think the minutes should also include that the chair said A, B, or C. provide that to the clerk and the clerk will attach it to the minutes. One thing I will say to all of you is taking the

105minutes of this group with 12 members is not easy. >> And to the extent that anybody has questions about the minutes, and I say this to all my school committees, is please talk to Angela as soon as you see the minutes to say, "Wait a minute. Wait a minute, Angela. I said that, you know, the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane to quote Julie Andrews. Um, and you didn't get that into the minutes. But we're here tonight. There are two ways to approach this. It's up to Jess whether she would like a vote or whether she would like to simply write it down and ask Angela to attach it. >> Can I continue? Um, so I I do if I notice a typo or something I I'm very open with Angela. Um, this

106is something I noticed. Typically, um, in the school committee meetings I attend, the chair opens public forum. They might say something that's in the policy. What bothers me about the directive from the chair about clapping is that it was not in the policy. I had called a point of order two meetings ago that it was not in the policy. Um, at the last meeting, I did not do that. But I I do feel it's important that it's reflected in the agenda that something beyond policy was directed from the chair. So I make a motion for Angela to add. >> Did you put it in writing? >> Well, I would want you to Yeah, I can put it in writing, but I'd want you to refer to your notes. I don't want to put any words

107into >> But you're asking me to add So >> to Yeah, please add that this was something that was not part of >> Right. Okay, >> John, that's correct. We would Jess is gonna complete her statement, give it to the clerk, and we can just add it that way. Or adjusting the minutes would require a vote of the committee. Correct. >> Okay. So, I think we have a motion and a second. Motion. >> So, we do have a motion to approve and give a second. My question is, are we are we at the point where we are going to resend that and can be fixed or do we have to approve these and then move on to >> don't have them? No. Should we go to the pointing after or just approve? >> You can

108do it either way. I mean, the simplest way to do this is to, and it's Jessica's called, she can either make the motion, which I believe you just did. >> I don't I'm I'm hard to hear back here when you don't use your mics whether there was a second >> um to it. If there is, you have discussion, you have a vote. >> Or alternatively, as the superintendent said, Jessica can can say to the clerk, I want to attach a statement. And so she would then write that statement specifically. >> She'd write that statement and give it to you. >> It's up to you. >> So you this was approved, you'd be asking me to amend it and giving me that date. >> No, if if she takes the vote, we would go back to

109the video and update it based on the notes and the probably because everything is on YouTube. So anyone can go back to watch any part of the meeting, but it's up to you because Justice is jerk. Uh >> yeah, that's that's I would prefer to go back and add from there. >> So then you do you have you already made the motion. Do we have a second? >> The motion was to approve. Uh this was second. >> So did I make who made the motion to approve? >> I did. >> Okay. >> That's a way to bring it up for discussion. >> Right. But then for me to make a motion to amend, >> I think you'd have >> and I also did that. >> I recommend you resend. >> Okay. I resend my motion.

110>> Who was a second? >> Did you have a second? >> No. No. You made a motion. >> No, he made a motion for >> for the >> approval. A >> which brought it to discussion. >> Yeah. >> Jess hasn't added a motion. >> She wants to make a motion to amend. You need to resend your motion. >> No. I still got to I'm keeping my motion though. She wants to resend her amendment. >> She doesn't want to resend her amendment. >> Minister reflect that I >> right >> wanted certain I said certain things. >> You're attaching that to my motion. >> Yeah. So you're making an amendment. >> Yes. >> Right. She >> Oh, I thought she was just going to private. >> So Jess, >> so what are we doing here, folks? I

111don't I don't know that a a member of the audience can call point of order. Only the members can. >> I I don't know about that. >> Is that is that up for interpretation too? >> Thank you, John. >> You're correct on that. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Now I'm getting So what are we doing folks? going to make a motion to amend the minutes to include >> that the chair said that >> the audience cannot >> per the policy she was asking them to hold their uh hold their books >> I don't think she said per the policy but I think it went it was >> I don't want to put words in your mouth >> yeah um she directed the audience that they cannot clap during public forum which is not included in

112the policy Okay. So, we are adding that to the minutes. Okay. All in favor? Anybody opposed? >> Okay. >> Moving on. >> So, Madame Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion to move the remainder. second. >> Except but before I do, I would like to acknowledge the donation from the First Hopington 7th Day Baptist Church has pledged to donate approximately 200, excuse me, sorry, 20 backpacks with supplies during the week of August 25th, 2025. This annual donation includes backpacks, pencils, markers, dry erasers, pencil boxes, Post-it notes, glue sticks, etc., and is much appreciated. >> Very nice. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you. All right. All those in favor of the remainder of the consent agenda items. Anyone opposed? No. Okay. Reports. So, subcommittee reports. In your packet, you will find the

113minutes from the necessity for school construction meeting. Our back to school updates. Our new teacher orientation begins tomorrow, August 20th, and ends on August 21st. All teachers and staff return on August 25th. And our teachers have a professional development day on August 26th. The first day of school for students is August 27th. Our monthly newsletter for September will be sent out um next week and our welcome back flyer is scheduled to be sent out tomorrow to all families. Bus routs will be posted on our website by August 22nd. And as a reminder, our transportation policy provides all guidelines that families need to be aware of. I want to thank our bus company, Ocean State Transit, our police department, and all of the bus drivers and monitors that work throughout the summer to update the routes,

114review them for the safety, and ensure that they all have the drivers uh dry runs done for efficiencies. As always, we appreciate everyone's patience as planning routes in a district of 128 square miles is no small feat. And the process is designed to ensure the least amount of changes as uh once we begin school. our K registrations. Um, our Ashway we have 48 kindergarten students with two classrooms. At Charles Town, we have 47 kindergarten students with three classrooms. And at Richmond, we have 81 students with four classrooms, a total of 176 kindergartens. And last year, we had 182. Our elementary school capital planning process is well underway. At the August 5th special school committee meeting, the school committee selected the recommended owners project manager from the necessity for school construction subcommittee which is Collier's as

115well as the recommended architect which is Slam. The school committee will be getting a presentation from the architects at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 16th which will later be presented to the community at each of our elementary schools. All dates will be posted on our website by August 29th. our school improvement plans. I'm pleased to share that they are posted now on the district website. This is our annual review. These plans provide our community and our families and our faculty and staff with the clear view of each school's goals, targets, and action steps for the year ahead. Every plan is developed in partnership with the school improvement team at each building, which serves as the advisory group to guide and strengthen all of this work. These teams include educators, families, and community representatives, ensuring

116broad input. The plans fully meet state law requirements and are aligned with the district's vision of 2026 strategic plan and they were approved by me this past July. Each school improvement plan contains specific goals with actionable steps that outline their focus. These plans also inform my goals so that our that we are aligned and support resources and systems in place to ensure that the schools can meet their identified goals. My goals are typically approved in October by the school committee. This ensures alignment and coherence across the entire district. Together, these plans reflect our district's shared commitment to growth, accountability, and success for every learner. Our discipline overview, as many of you know, as superintendent, we must annually review student discipline data. We report that to RI to determine whether the discipline imposed has a disproportionate

117impact on students based on race, ethnicity, or disability status. For those who may not be aware, there is no hard or fast rule or universally accepted guidance concerning how to determine discipline disproportionality based on race, ethnicity, or disability status. However, we do use the quality guidance given by the US Department of Education. Upon review, I am happy to report once again that we have no findings of disproportionality in Charo. Thank you for your time. Please go on the district calendar and look at all the upcoming events as they will be populated frequently um with open houses, picture days, and all of the important information. Thank you. >> Thank you, Gina. Appreciate that report. School committee requests for future agenda items or legal opinions. Does anyone have anything that they want to add? Polly. >> Hi.

118Um for the policy subcommittee, uh Andrea Drake had asked to for us to view the requirements for high school graduation, >> right? She um I asked her to bring it to the policy subcommittee. We have some logistical stuff around the just the dates, but if we want a more robust review, we would have to go in front of school improvement teams. So, we were unable to get a quorum, but we can uh the pol You don't have to ask for policy via this. >> Okay. >> You can do that. It's out in the public so we know. And you know, >> but yes, we have to do that. >> Yeah. >> So that goes to school improvement teams. That doesn't have to go to policy. Um >> maybe both at the same time. >> It

119only has to go to school improvement teams if we're going to be changing the content. We're not changing content, but because it's good practice, we want to make sure that policy subcommittee sees the changes. It's really just the dates because we no longer have a class of 2025. Um but in order to keep the protocols in place, we don't want to bypass because then it could cause confusion. Okay, Polly, >> can we also have a discussion about with what Mr. Kerado spoke about in the um differences in the title nines that he pointed out maybe at the policy subcommittee level >> Mr. >> or with Mr. Anderson >> because it's a legal we have to you have to get a vote correct John because it's a legal review he he he questioned >> I just

120want to make it I want to make it very clear that a lot of what Mr. Car Kado said today is false. Um, go back and check the minutes. Um, the so-called Biden Title 9 regulations were issued in the spring of 2020. They were never presented to the Cheraho School Committee because of a lawsuit that was brought that affected um that was brought by the Moms for Liberty that affected certain of our schools. that. So that's a false statement on his part. In addition to that, with regard to the ride guidance, the charo school committee when it adopted its policy did not follow the ride guidance. And indeed, former superintendent Richie, who wrote the policy, was summoned to Commissioner Wagner's office to explain himself. And I was present for that meeting. Commissioner of Superintendent Richie

121did a marvelous job explaining to Commissioner Wagner that the charo policy is based on families and the rights of parents to say how their children are going to be educated and Commissioner Wagner was satisfied with what Charo had done at the time. >> So, >> thank you for that. I'm happy, you know, if you wish to put it on the policy agenda, that's fine. But I want to make it very clear before you invest your time >> that >> those statements that were made are simply not through. >> And as a reminder, if we want the the legal review of that, you will have to take a vote on that agenda item. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other future items for agenda or legal opinions? Yes. >> I request an update on the NEA certified

122staff negotiations in executive session. >> Okay. Anything else? Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Make a motion to adjourn. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All right. All in favor. Great. Have a great opening of school year.