School Committee 10/28/2025

001Where is he? >> You're live now. >> I'm live. >> Here he comes. Like we can't stop. Brendan's not here. >> Well, it's just All right. Um I like to make a motion to reconvene to open session. Um we need all those in favor. >> I I did you second it, right? >> Second. >> All those in favor? I oppose. Absent. In executive in executive session, we discuss legal advice, withdrawal from Northwest Special Ed, school safety. um Allen general laws and we conduct of disciplinary hearing. One vote was taken in executive session in the affirmative. Um I please have a motion to seal the mask of executive session. So >> second all those in favor >> I >> opposed abstension. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Sorry. I pledge allegiance to the flag

002of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [laughter] I am going to move up. I'm kind of assuming that a lot of people are here for the withdrawal of Northwest Special Ed. So, I'm going to move that up. But first, we have public comment. But please note that I allow discussion during agenda items. So you don't have to talk about public comment unless something's not on the agenda. Um but please also note um we we are recording the meeting so please raise your hand so you can be recognized so we're not all over the place having conversations. I appreciate that. Um so public comment is there anyone that like to speak on anything that's not on the agenda?

003Okay. Um, so Barry, I'm sorry. I'm gonna do the Northwest special at first. Is that okay? >> Uh, where where is it? Hold on. Where was it? A lot of pages here. >> I'm going to move forward number 18, the vote to withdrawal from the Northwest Special Education Collaborative. Um, do Mary, do I do a motion first before we have discussion? No. Yeah, you should have a motion and then we're going to make a motion in order to have a discussion. >> Um, I make a motion to withdraw from the Northwest Special Education Collaborative as presented. >> All right. Now, um, do you want to say something about that, Kathy, first? I can understand that there will be, um, confusion about that. We're not looking to take away any services from the children. That's the

004least of it. We're actually looking to increase the services by keeping money in house. I'm looking at as a business perspective being a business owner that we're eliminating the middleman. We're buying direct. We're hoping our goal is to keep more money in the school. Am I wrong? >> No. Okay. So, Kathy, go ahead. Um we are looking to uh hire a part-time special ed director exclusively for um Isaac Payne Elementary School, which we think we need here. And that special ed director will be parttime but available to our staff at any time. uh during the week uh on call. She'll be on call. So that's a big get in in and of itself because we found that um that our needs are really great here and we think that that will be a good grade

005to have someone who has a lot of experience in special education over I think it's something like [clears throat] almost 35 or 38 years that she has as director of special ed and principal and her education is uh very strong. [snorts] She's with us now evaluating our special education in-house program as it exists right now. Um we're bringing back the only monies we would be bringing back would be the monies that we send to Northwest which is our IDA IDA monies and we'd be writing our own IDA grant exclusive for Isaac Payne Elementary School. Our OT's and our PTs are contracted out by the Northwest. So, we would be contracting with the OT's and the PTS that are currently here for those services as well. Okay. Um we have initiated um some new curriculums for

006our special education students, which is the special education curriculum that goes along with Witten Wisdom and with the math program. We found that that wasn't that they didn't have that here and so we have ordered the supplies and materials so that they have uh that available to them. We're not eliminating any teachers is we're not eliminating any services. We have a behavioral specialist that's inhouse this year. We are sending her out for continuous training and certification so that she is also going to be available to our students here. Our IEP meetings will be held here just like they are and our special ed director will be overseeing those meetings instead of the uh principal at times or even myself at times having to oversee the meetings. So we are not cutting any at all any

007services. We feel like we are actually improving the services that we currently have and making some corrections in some things here that aren't um according to the special ed regulations right now that we need to correct. Does the committee have any questions? Eileen, >> how we are we working right now with the collab with the Northwest Special Ed to make the transition? >> No, I didn't do anything until it's approved or not approved tonight, but we will do that. [clears throat] >> Does um >> I didn't want to assume that you were going to >> No, I was I was just curious like if we have a consultant in but we are already part of the collaborative like the special ed and we're already paying for that. I was just curious as to are we

008If we're looking to make the transition >> when that occurs >> like if if she's just a consultant, I would think they'd be working together to >> Well, right now she's looking at our special ed program in house. >> Yep. >> Okay. And how it's working, [laughter] how it's running, our IEPs, all of that. she's looking at are test accommodations. All of those things right now is what she is looking at. [clears throat] >> If approved tonight, so if approved tonight, then we will certainly start a transition with the Northwest. >> So we're our funding will remain the same >> until June 30th. And with the paperwork, is that for the idea money? Is that something that Mike is going to take on? >> No, Mike um Mike does our C RP anyway. I do

009the title one and title 4 and uh IDA will be done by the special ed director here. And are we sure that if we do this that we're going to get a direct like logistics we're out in the boondocks? Are these are the OT and PT going to want to stick with us or >> They come now. But that is that through Northwest >> that Northwest contracts with them. Okay. >> And they come here. They contract. So we're going to contract with them. >> Yep. But next year, if we're not with Northwest, are they still going to contract with us? >> Well, I assume they will. Yes. I mean, I don't doubt they won't. >> Yeah. No, I was I was just I don't know. Again, I didn't want to enter into that with them,

010but yes, I would assume that we have a hard time getting >> um substitute teachers. I didn't know like clusters far out. I didn't know if it was >> worth it if it's just part >> I'm hoping they'll retain the number of students that they have unless students leave here. And in the OT and PT, we looked at all of that. >> Okay. Um in the funding, it's going to cover all those positions for the director, OT, PT, child outreach, behavior analyst, census clerk, screeners, >> administrative assistant, and it's not going to fall on Kim. >> Pardon me. >> Nothing's going to fall on Kim. >> No. >> Okay. Just [laughter] I'm just checking. No, no, no. >> Um, and we're not going to lose any services whatsoever. >> No, we're actually going to bring

011our summer school, our several summer school back here. Um, so that the kids are coming directly to Isaac Payne and they're not going to be traveling to um to Gloucester. So, that's >> a long bus ride. >> That's a good thing. >> That's a positive thing. Um, so >> we are doing that. >> Did you have a question? I'm sorry. Please raise your hand. >> I'm sorry. Did you mean ESY? The summer school's different. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. DSY for the special education students and they can have their classroom. They'll have their same classroom, the teacher and everything and they'll come right here >> instead of going to traveling. >> So that additional travel has to go out to like we all apply every year to work. >> Does that need to be negotiated? You're

012talking about a lot of things that need to be negotiated first. you're putting the cart before the horse because you're saying that all these OT and PT every all these consultants are just gonna are just going to start working with you instead of working with Northwest but you haven't talked to anybody yet. So how do we know that this how can you vote [clears throat] on something that you don't have all the facts? I believe they will come and work with us and if we had to go out to get part-time we would contract just like Northwest is but I would think that the spots that they're taking up now would be the spots that they would retain. >> You believe >> I I yes I don't want to say with absolute certainty but I

013I do feel that they will uh stay with us at this point. >> I have a question. Um, how many positions then are you going to be hiring for for all these spots that you're saying? Like you're not going to be doing the job. So, [snorts] >> we just we just mentioned that we'll be hiring a part-time uh clerk. >> Okay. >> To um do our census and our Medicaid and she'll also be our outreach coordinator. And are you putting out for the position of um the special director or are you automatically just taking the consultant? >> I probably will just be bringing the consultant in >> part-time basis. >> I see a major conflict of interest when you hire a consultant and they're >> the fruits of their consultation is need to hire me.

014>> Do we not see a problem with this? No, she's not looking for. >> So, if you can let me answer that. So, when you're happy with someone, that's the beauty of having someone who's here part-time. When you're happy with someone's services, you have a choice. You can remain with them or you can move on to somebody else. There's no there's no contract. They're not part of there's no agreement. So, when someone's been here and you're happy with the services you're provided, you make a recommendation for them to continue on just like you would with your with your house or anything else. And I understand your concern, but I don't think she can't I understand you're saying pulling the cart before the horse. However, she legally could not have made any phone calls legally without

015the school committee making action because if the school committee voted no, then she made then she reached out to people that she should not have reached out to and to make those. >> Totally. >> I understand where you're coming from because it is it is nerve-wracking. It is frightening. >> But shouldn't there be shouldn't it be a vote to explore rather than a vote to make a change? >> We can't we have to notify them by December of if our withdrawal. That's the agreement. >> The memorandum of agreement with Northwest Regional said if any district wants to pull out, they have to notify them by by December 31st. This is giving Northwest an opportunity to check on their financial should we pull out. So, we can't wait. I mean, it has to be done before

016December 31st. So, if if I can uh just overall numbers here, what do we give to Northwest and what's it going to cost to bring in bring this all in house? >> Mike, would you like to answer that question, please, if you don't mind? >> Mike is our business manager, obviously. >> No, that's fine. I don't know any place. >> Yeah. >> Northwest gets about $75,000 uh from the federal government as part of IDA, >> which was our money that comes to us >> to foster. So that so obviously pull [clears throat] out we'll be taking that 75,000 plus we also have to budget in our operating budget that doesn't cover everything. So we have to budget for the physical therapist for the OT and for additional administrative support. So that's already in our budget

017and what happens is they bill us for that piece every year. >> Could you give just a round number of what what we got built for the past year? >> Yeah, I can I can give you an estimate. physical therapist about 8,000 a year. The occupational therapist about 9,000. [clears throat] Now, how accurate that is, I'm not 100% sure because what they do is they take the total cost of the PT and the OT and they and they charge Foster Foster Gloucester Situit and the region for these services. So, that's our piece. the numbers that you we also looked at the IEPs and determined how many hours these students need >> or PT and OT and based upon looking at those numbers uh we came up with these estimates. So it's what they do is

018in the range and we >> 92 >> we've estimated what we think we need for next year based upon $75 per hour. >> So we could fill all these positions for $92,000. >> They're all part-time position. They're all consulted. So like even So many of our positions now are already positions that come in that are consultant. Like these are all >> they're Northwest. >> Well, no, we have other positions too that that aren't part of Northwest that we consultant in and we've done this over the years when when there are needs, we bring consultants in to fulfill the services that are required here to make sure that we we're meeting the accommodations that are necessary for the students. >> You mentioned when you're not happy with somebody, you can get rid of that contract. Well,

019no, no, not Well, that's a consult because you're saying it sounds like it's um because you say it's conflict of interest. I'm saying if that's the beauty of it, if you're not happy with it, there's no you can say, "All right, we're going to move on to somebody else." >> My question to my reput as a parent of a special [clears throat] needs child in this school, >> I have no problem with Northwest. My only problem is they haven't been utilized properly. >> Would you like to answer that, Kathy? I [snorts] um I would probably disagree that they haven't been utilized properly. Um I just think that we can do it more efficiently right here at Isaac Payne. I I don't want to malign any institution. I don't want to malign them in any way,

020shape or form. I just think that the quality that we can offer here uh based is would be uh better. I think we'll get more attention. I think we've been a little bit of a stepchild in the time that I have been here. What I observe, that's all. I'm do not want to malign them in any way, shape, or form or anyone that belongs to Northwest. >> I mean, let's be honest here. It's a lot easier for us to stay part of the collaborative. That would be the easiest decision. But we are trying to make the best decision for the students and utilize the funds that we have in front of us to make decisions for the kids and utilize that money to accommodate and to um meet their needs as best as we can.

021utilizing the funds that we have and we feel that we can do that better by eliminating the middleman and keeping the money inhouse >> and I'm tell Eileen has her hand that's right I just want to say that situate is also thinking of this so I don't know what they're going to do but there has been talk that um they may withdraw too so I just want you to know that I don't know how truthful that is because they're in a little bit of a mess over there right now but initially they were going to >> Eileen I'm sorry yes >> I'm sorry Eileen I I am just concerned that um maybe our work with Northwest isn't what it should be because there's been no [clears throat] consistency and no continuity in this building because

022we've had four superintendent and three principles within the past three years, four years. So I don't think that I don't think it's Northwest's issue. I think it's our issue. So, I don't think that we're I don't think we're giving Northwest I mean, I've seen the work that they've done because I've volunteered in special ed when my kids were in this building and I volunteered in Becky's German. I I see the work that she's done and with the kids like some of the kids that are so profound like one girl was non-verbal and Becky said, "Sit down and read with her." And it just blew my mind that how much this girl knew. And I I think I don't know. I I I have a hard time with this. >> Understandable. >> Yes. >> How about

023equipment? Like we have standards and all kinds of things that cost a good amount of money that are from Northwest. Are we going to be able to keep that? Are you guys getting us new ones? How does that work? >> Kathy, we'll have to just We'd have to have that conversation with Northwest. what part we paid for some of that equipment that they have that we utilize >> because we can't go without it in the >> correct I know that I'm very well aware of that. >> Yes. >> So if we pull out of Northwest at the end of December >> Oh no no no June be June >> 30. But if we make a decision Yeah. >> by December I'm assuming that's the sixmon window you're going to have to ask the PT and

024OT to commit to staying here >> or or find someone else to fill those shoes. So, it's giving us not like we're making this decision, yep, it's going to happen September 1st or it's going to happen November 1st. Do you know what I mean? Or December 31st. It's giving plenty of time for us to fill those necessary positions for the students. >> And we're sure that they can contract with more than one agency. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah, they contract with several. >> Eileen, yes. >> Have we have we talked to Northwest Special Ed directly about this? like just to tell them how un like how unhappy you guys are with it. >> I don't want to say I as I said I don't want to malign or say unhappy. I just think that again

025we can do a better job with it in house. Um so yes Brad in fact I informed them at our meeting on Wednesday that this was coming up. They've heard the rumors that potentially we might want to withdraw as well as Situate wants to withdraw. they're very well aware of that that >> I have one more comment and then I'll stop. >> Um, back to consistency, >> we have to make sure if like with a consultant, we have to make sure we're not keep changing it because there's no consistency. And right now, these kids will go to work with the same people. if we're changing it here, but they're gonna go to the middle school, we have to make sure that their transition for the kids is a smooth one and not constant change. Like

026that's >> okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, so I wanted to say a few words if that's okay. >> May I ask who you are, please? I'm sorry. >> Absolutely. My name is Angela Cambio. I'm a resident of Foster. I'm also the chair of SEAP special education. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, and I just prepared a few things so I made sure I covered everything. That's all right. Um, as the chair of CAC, my purpose is to promote the general welfare of the special needs students by [clears throat] serving as an advisory role. My role is to safeguard the legal rights of all special needs children, parents, and guardians, as well as to educate and aid parents and their children, and promote better communication between the parents and the local education staff. In

027addition to my role as chair of SEALC, I am the mother of a fifth grader here at CIP and a seventh grader at Pineagans at Middle School who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. I am here tonight because of um the agenda of what's been brought up and I just wanted to say a few words with my experience with Northwest if that's okay. Um, I feel that if Captain Isaac Payne suffer severs the relationship with Northwest, then we will be losing out and the parents will be losing out on the services and resources that they provide our school along with Situit uh Gloucester Foster Glosser Regional. Um, my son spent seven years here at Captain Isaac King. He was lucky to be a part of the very first preschool class and transition to the

028middle school two years ago. I can't tell you how important it was to have Northwest and its resources available during his time here. The special ed department and all of the teachers at Captain Isaac Pain helped him and my family navigate through what seemed to be like a neverending unknown of will he understand what he's being taught? Will he learn how to socialize with other kids? Will he communicate his needs and emotions to others so he can be understood? Will he succeed? I am here to say because of the supports he received here and with Northwest he has and he is unfortunately over the last year and a half at this school we have gone through three principles four superintendent lost countless valuable teachers teacher assistants and the school is now forced to refer our

029children out to out of district placements even though we are already paying for services with Northwest in advance with the contract. Last year, with all the emergencies that was happening in this school, Brad was called in to come and help with daily emergencies. He was handed a walkie-talkie. He stepped in as a role to help. If we hire a part-time superintendent, excuse me, a director of special ed and we call, I know you're saying that they're going to be on call, but we call on the day they're not available. No one's coming. There's no one to help. Some of the advantages of Northwest being connected here to captainize the pain, continuity of care. Because Northwest serves several districts, they employ full-time staff to our kids who see the same faces all the time. They build

030relationships with the kids and the parents. If we have a part-time special ed director, part-time OT, part-time PT, they're only going to see them on their scheduled day of services or at the IDEP and 504 plan meetings. Northwest shares resources. We share resources among pain situ. If we sever our relationship with Northwest, the medical devices, the expensive equipment for students that we currently share, we lose it. We're going to have to go out and buy those medical equipment with our own money. And there's no additional money coming in unless it's coming from us, the taxpayers. If Captain Aie Pain goes out on their own, we are going to have to hire, and you've already touched on this, an outreach screener, an early childhood director, a census clerk, finance secretary, PT, OT, special director, and a

031restraint or safety care trainer. >> Also, ESY. >> Northwest runs ESY. And they also pay for children who they refer to Camp Rugles. Bubbles is very expensive. School district pays for it. They did it for my son. Who's going to do it now if we go out on our own? >> If I could. So we so camp. So the camp the tax we pay for all that. So any out of district we've been doing out of district for decades. That's not any that's not anything new now. We have been sending students out of districts. Unfortunately, if we cannot meet the needs educationally for the child, that is never our goal. But we have been sending kids have been sent recommended by Northwest and other and um well no by Northwest. Yeah. Or behavioral specialists have

032been making recommendations for us to send ch children and students out of district for years. That's nothing new. So I wanted to touch on that first because you did make that comment. And um and I think Kathy did say that as far as the equipment, we did pay for some of that equipment. We are going to have to address this. But we are eliminating the fiscal agent. So that money that goes to the fiscal agent who is ever housing Northwest will stay here. So I understand your concerns completely and I'm so sorry this is frightening and this is scary because you want to make sure we are meeting all the needs of these students and that's what our goal is. We want to meet their needs and then some and keep the money here so

033we have more need we have more money to spend on them. >> That's what we're trying to do because money's tight. Money is extremely tight and we're trying to keep the money in house. Um did I Kathy, was there anything you wanted to address? Hold. No, hold on. No, I want to just I want to answer those questions first. >> Sure. No, no, it has to do with her questions. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. You mentioned a few positions specifically that I don't think we touched on before. I know we talked about OTPT. We talked about the special director. There were a couple more that you mentioned. >> Maybe can talk to those. Yes, I think I think we mentioned um that that um the the um we would have to hire a clerk who

034would also do our census just like >> that's so the clerk would be like the sensus would be the census and Medicaid reimbursement. We would also use that clerk as our outreach coordinator which we would do you know multitasking with that. Um we would you know we would provide DSY is a special education uh summer school which goes on in every district everywhere for so many weeks and anything that the Northwest would be able to do with DSY we would be able to also be able to do or bringing that here back to to Gloucester. >> So we're not changing any services or eliminating any services. Brad is >> Hold on. Would you please please do not speak out? I'm asking that there's all the people that had their hands up. And yes, cuz they're

035all part time. These people come in half a day here. So, hold on one second. Kathy, could you please explain how often these people, cuz she was saying the same, we don't see them. The kids don't see them every day. How often do the OT come in? The PT come in. Give an example, please. We >> only come in once a week. Oh. Uh, PT comes in once a week on Monday and the OT comes in on Thursday, isn't it? And I think maybe the PT does one other day because I believe there's one student that gets twice a week. He's a 15minute in >> but they're not here all day. >> No, >> that's that's so they're here >> I mean they're here one is here all day on Monday VT. Yeah. So we

036have the schedule that we extracted uh from them. Yes. >> So it's not like they see the same faces every day. They see them once a week but then when they see them Yes. I agree that that that continuity for them that consistency for them for the students is extremely important. >> But so they're not it's not like we're hiring someone to work part time. This is like we're hiring consultants. This is what they do. It's like a like nurses. They have a and I've already talked to I've had some several people reach out to me about the um they were PT and they've heard about rumors about Situit backing out and they were asking me how do I apply for the position? How I'm like listen I don't know anything. It'll be posted when

037it's posted. Um >> but and also Brad is only part-time here. Brad doesn't even come and come once a week. He's only part-time here. So that's another thing. we are only a percentage of their total budget. 7% of their total budget is what we get from resources here. Um and um and Brad is great. He does a lot about our out of district planning. Right now we're working with him uh very closely in some out of district uh placements but as he told us I think he is really assigned here only half a day a week according to um >> our percentage that we pay >> percentage. Yeah. So, I wanted to ask somebody who hasn't spoke yet. I'm sorry. So, you had your hand. Did you want to? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yes. I'm

038sorry. >> So confident that you're going to be able to fill all these roles when nobody wants to come. >> I I don't I don't I wouldn't say no one wants to work here. I wouldn't say that. >> What's What certain positions? >> What roles for one um one person really for the clerk? And >> what's up? Well, I I think that's that's not a fair statement to me. >> I don't think it's a fair statement either. I really >> Well, because there's no that's that's a problem across the state, the psychologist, because there's there's not there's no that's not just here. That's any place. There's no problem. >> Paris is across the state, too, as well. >> Yeah. And you had your hand up, but you haven't spoke yet. I'm sorry. Please. >> Um

039>> I know that you're mentioning the schedule that we currently have with our our service providers. If you are to eliminate Northwest, is there intent to extend those services? these part-time positions, are they going to have like a greater benefit for our kids that are using them instead of once a a week just based on their availability? Now, would we be able to extend those to either longer periods of time or more frequent services? >> That would depend on their IEP. We don't control, we don't say they're only part-time. It depends on what students have written in their IEP. And the services for most of them that we looked at were really 15 minutes of PT and that's a limit. And then some have it once a week only and some have it too. So

040it depends on what's placed in the students IEP. Now that'll vary from year to year depending on who's coming into us and who's leaving us their schedule. But that's what I'm that's what we mean by part-time. They're part-time here. I they may go to Gloucester. They probably do. They probably go to Situit and they probably go to um Yeah. Um those are the >> I mean it would be our goal to try to to provide more services if necessary, right, Kathy? Because right now we're feeling >> Yeah. Whatever we whatever the needs of the >> So if you were able to increase it more Yes. So, I guess I'm wondering if if the limits that are available to our services and what our IEPs are based on at this point are based on the fact

041that we're contracting out through Northwest and we're only able to access them through their schedules if we're eliminating them as a middleman. Does that give us >> More flexibility. Is that going to impact the IEPs? I I guess >> no. Um, [clears throat] >> is that a standard I guess for 15inute intervals? Is that >> 15 minutes? >> That's what I said. That's what she said. >> Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you said 15. Yeah, 15. Um, that's what's written in >> that's >> okay. So, if that's the case, if 30 minutes is typical, and right now our our kids are getting 15 minutes for whatever reason, is this going to give us an opportunity to bring us up to that standard of 30 minutes >> if it's written in the IEP? Yes. It

042depends on what is in that IEP. >> Okay. Yes. Sorry. >> So, you're hypothetically speaking about hiring people for all of these roles and it's been mentioned multiple times that it's an ongoing issue getting staff out to foster to work to begin with. So, if we want to continue with that hypothetical discussion because it is hypothetical. You can't make promises that you're going to be able to get people out here to work. What happens to the students if you terminate this contract and then cannot fill these spots? >> Kath, this the spots we have to fill are not our teacher spots. So the teachers >> It doesn't matter. Hold on. Wait a minute. Let her answer the question. Please. You asked a question. Please let her answer. >> Teachers are are here. Okay. That's their

043most important resource. Okay. You have your paraprofessionals that are here, but we do have trouble getting paraprofessionals. That's as I said, it's across the state with that. And a lot of it's dependent on Yes, we are, but some of it's depend on money, too. Okay. So, we do the best we can within the building to even support that. Now, we feel that we can get a um clerk who will be both clerk and an outreach coordinator. I don't think that's a difficult position. The PTS and the OT's are contacted through agencies. Those agencies aren't going away. So, um I >> there's number of agencies and there are a number of agencies just like we have to we had to reach out to a number of agencies to get a nurse because there was a student

044that needed a nurse. So, we needed to find and that's what we did. We got a we got a nurse through an agency and we did the same thing certain positions we that they're referring to was a par profofessionals and psychologists and then there was a teacher that we couldn't fill last year because it was a part-time it was a temporary position and teachers did not want to no one wanted to apply for a temporary position because a teacher was returning this year and that was a problem last year but we had no problems hiring it for a teacher this year when we hired we had how many applicants do we have this year for the teacher position? >> 92 um applicants for this year's teacher position. So that is not an accurate statement to

045say that we can't find we can't fill positions. It's >> who's covering if you can't fill the positions. >> We will make sure there's different roles involved that teachers at Captain Isaac Tain are wonderful, but they're not directors of special ed. They're not BCBAs. So who's covering those roles not be able to qualify? People will cover them. That's the whole point of making this decision now. So we're not scrambling and doing this in May or June or whatever. That's giving us this is giving us months our administration months to figure it out. She is also school committee in Cranston and has been a superintendent across the state. She has number of resources at her disposal that she has been able to get people by reaching out to different agencies because she has 22 years of

046superintendent experience under her belt because [clears throat] she has [snorts] a number of contacts that has been able to fill positions here. Um which is very fortunate. She has done a great job in this school and I am like again we will meet the needs of these students and then some. We that we are legally obligated to. So by no means will we ever be saying nope sorry they're not going to get PT today. Nope sorry not going to get OT today. No they're going to get those services. Am I incorrect here Kathy with that statement? >> Oh yeah >> I'm incorrect. I'm incorrect. No I'm not incorrect. I'm correct. >> Correct. [laughter] Actually there is something I don't think you're correct. We don't have the agency nurse. That position was built by a teacher.

047>> What what was that? the nurse. >> No, no, this was in the past. I didn't say this year. I said in the past. >> No, no. I just No, it was I didn't say this year. So, we've had to not this year. No, no, no. >> Um, I just want to address the issue with the nurse. When my son was here, he takes medication and I because they were unable to fill that position. As a parent, I had to physically come to the school countless times to administer my son's medication. So, that is not accurate. They were not able to fulfill that role. Well, maybe that was then, but we did we go we did go through an agency. I was here about three years ago and three or four to >> I was

048here, >> but nothing but my son's meds because they could not get a nurse. >> We have [clears throat] an excellent nurse now on staff. >> Oh, I know. I love her. >> Yeah, she's great. No, but we but we did before and I am but we did have maybe it wasn't that way, but we did have a nurse. We had to go through AIDS because we did not have a nurse at the time. So, I'll go back through the records and find her exactly when it was. But yes, >> to to jump on that, but the point is what happens when you can't fill that? And yes, legally you're obligated to do this, but as a again, as a parent of a special needs child, I belong to many communities online from other uh

049mothers and and parents in Rhode Island where their school systems are not are not giving them what they're legally obligated to get. So you sitting here saying I can we're legally obligated to do this doesn't help because when you can't hire somebody when there's a void there you can't fill it. So what is the plan when you can't fill that void that you're creating >> for no reason other than we think we can do better. >> I'm not saying we think. I'm saying >> Kathy said multiple times she feels she believes. She thinks >> well I want to be definitive because I couldn't talk prior to tonight's meeting and get approval from them. But for let's talk about the nurse. You have a very good nurse here who I am confident is staying here. All

050right. I am very confident of that. She also has two um based on my interaction with her she is not planning on leaving. She loves it here. Okay. So, I'm telling you that she also has two substitutes, please. She also has two substitutes who when she can't be here, all right, they're in line to come in and substitute for her. So, a nurse, again, they're hard to find. There are a lot of educational positions that are difficult to find. we would do the best we could to fill them. But right now, I feel confident, I can't say more than that, about the OT, about the PT, about your school nurse that's here, about the current teachers that are here. >> So, please stop shaking your head. >> We're not talking about the school nurse. We're

051talking about the onetoone nurse that a child needs that doesn't. >> That's what we're talking about. Not the school nurse. >> One to one. >> What's one to one nurse that the child doesn't have? Canada. >> Oh, you can't we can't talk about the north the nurse has nothing to do with Northwest. >> We're talking about in the the >> Yes, I know. >> position. We can't fill all of our positions that we have. How are we going to fill these that we're going to create? That's what we're all working. >> When she's speaking about working with an agency, we do have a little bit a deeper well of people to draw from. When we're working with an agency, it's not just one person. It's it's a group. The concern I would have there is

052we would want consistency, right? Right. We would want the same person as much as possible, but should that person be out, >> theoretically that agency would have other people that would understand that. >> So, so I think that part that is built in to what we're proposing or what's being proposed and I don't know that that's directly connected to the nurse. I'm not sure that that >> Yeah, I know. Yeah. Can you say if you talk to the if you talk to OT and PT and they say nope we won't come over can we like can you revisit this if they say no all right so that's the bottom line >> no the OT and they're they're from an agency so that agency has other OT's and PTs and there are other a >> Oh

053so they don't work for Northwest Collaborative it's an agency that works for Northwest >> they they um contract out okay >> is this a temp agency that you're talking about then No. >> No. >> So if >> no >> hypothetical >> we get a a PT that's committed here. >> What happens if that PT decides that they don't want to come here uh on Mondays because they they have something else that they want to do? But we need somebody here on Mondays and we're going to have [clears throat] like a different PT person that shows up on different days or how is how? No, I would the I would imagine the agency I do know that the agency has subs that they could send. I don't think it's ever happened in the time that I

054have been here that they have not been here to be honest with you. And Northwest contracts with them. We are going to contract with them. >> Oh, so it's the same agency. >> Yes, that's what we're saying. Yes, that's what we're trying to say. So, it's the same agency which is eliminating Northwest as being the fiscal agent. Yes. >> So that's what I was saying. So that money instead of paying a fiscal agent to do our our scheduling for us, we're going to go directly to that same consulting agency and say, "All right, will you now come here, continue Monday and Wednesday and Thursday, whatever Monday, Wednesday, Friday you said it was a little bit >> Monday, Thursday, >> and then you Yeah. Okay. So whatever days you're here, can you just come here?" So

055we're going to still continue with the same people just eliminating the fiscal agent of the who's holding who's getting paid to be the middleman. So, it's the same consulting agency because they that's what Northwest uses to fill the positions is this same consultant a same well is it a consulting agency is that what it is um it is they contract >> contract they contract out the employees >> so currently our OT our PT they are hired full-time by Northwest they are paid a full-time salary we just get them part-time so if we draw the line and don't use Northwest, we lose the ability to use these people because they are paid for full-time from Northwest. So, if we want to hire them, we're going to pay them part-time with no benefits, no vacation, >> and

056they're going to come out to foster. >> Northwest is not going to be able to maintain them full-time at that cost. >> Northwest uses them through Situit. They will maintain them because Situit's not leaving. That was a rumor. and um we share resources with them. So I don't know how it's going to happen financially. >> They wouldn't be able to maintain as many as if we pull out there. There would be some restrictions that they would have to make adjustments that they would have to make. Can >> I make a suggestion to the to all of you is I I understand we're under the gun. We have to let Northwest know by December 31st. So that's a annual. They want to know every year like if you're pulling out you got to let us know

057by December 31st. There's a lot of uncertainty about all filling positions. Can we even do this for the amount of money that we would pull back all all this stuff since we've in intentionally shove this right under the gun? Why don't we have the discussion now and then say, "Okay, well, next year, December 31st, we'll make a decision." And that gives a year of figuring out all these unknowns that we can't get answers from. And this isn't this this isn't a knock on you, Pat, but your beliefs and thoughts and and you know what you what you've seen elsewhere doesn't help us feel any more secure about can this happen in Foster? Maybe it has happened in Cranston or other places, but in Foster, can this happen? And to just jump this in right now

058to and to tell us, well, we have to make a decision now. That that's not fair to anybody involved in this, especially the kids of this impact. And that's what this is all about. It's the kids. I don't care if we spend another $92,000 for the next year on Northwest again while you and a committee go and figure out, hey, can we bring this in house? Can we offer more services? If you're offering more services, that's great. But you can't even promise us that that can happen. You can't promise that positions can be filled. You can't promise that these people that you think will move from Northwest if Situit leaves and we leave. And you know, it it it just seems like it's very far-fetched to to just jump into this and say, "No, we're

059going to tell >> you can't promise any positions will be filled anywhere." Okay? You cannot ever make that promise. So, to to base this all on the fact you don't think that we can do this because of filling positions, nowhere can you guarantee that. Okay? Nowhere can you guarantee that we are telling I am telling you that we will contract with a PT and an OT for the services. There are other agencies out there if we can't use the uh if we can't contract with the people that we have. We hope that we can and we will talk to them after the school committee approves. If they don't approve then so be it. That's up to them. If I can respond to one of your points there. Um, sorry to interrupt, but if you can't

060guarantee, which I agree, you can't guarantee fill fill a position. Are is Northwest contractually obligated to provide those positions because if we can't we can't fill that position, but if we have a contract with them that says that they have to fill that position, then >> they would have the same trouble filling positions contracted or not. I have a question. Have there ever been a time on a Monday or a Thursday where PT or OT did not come in when they were scheduled to come in? Has there ever >> I don't know. >> I don't think so. I mean, I was not aware that they were filling in. >> We opened ourselves to that risk. >> Yeah, that's what I'm trying to say. They just said like anybody >> I've received text >> that's what

061I'm trying to say. So, it's already happened while Thank you. Thank you, Nancy. So, that's what I'm trying to say. So, it already has happened with our agreement with Northwest. >> Why take that responsibility in house when we have >> But it's already But it's already happening. That's what I'm trying to say. So, we're trying to >> I understand what you're saying. What I'm saying is what you're trying to do is take that responsibility of like, you know, handling all that in house when right now we've got a a company that is handling that. >> The bigger point is that the PT and OT part is just a small piece of what we're trying to accomplish here. The bigger thing is that we do believe that we can provide better services by bringing them in

062house and having a little bit more accountability within this building >> and having that director right here. >> We have done they have done the numbers. They have done the numbers. It's not like we're going into this with our eyes closed arbitrarily. We have they have done the numbers. our business manager. Please, I understand this is a very hot topic for you and you're very passionate about this and and I respect that completely, but we are not going into this blind. They have done the numbers. She legally cannot just go start random. Oh, by the way, on the side, we're thinking about leaving the collaborative. Will you come work for us? You can't do that. And >> done the numbers. Where are the numbers >> by other consultant? But all right, let me answer. Let

063me answer by other agencies. Ideally, we want to stay with Northwest with those PT and OT people, but there are other agencies that do offer PT and OT. So, that's where they've gotten the numbers from how much they cost an hour, how much how much time they would visit. So, >> $75 an hour. >> So, we've done the math. They've done the math by other agencies with hopes obviously that Northwest that those people that work with Northwest Northwest would continue here. But if they don't, we'll contract with another agency and we'll continue that consistency for those students here and stay with the that agency. Am I incorrect with that? That that's what what we have been talking about. >> Correct. >> For a while now. >> Most important part is the director piece. That's the

064very most important part. >> No, no. I mean that's we're focusing quite a bit on the PTO but you understand but that's literally 10% of >> Yeah. >> the overall >> I'm talking all the general I haven't mentioned PTO. Well, other people have concern. >> That's their concern. My concern is the entire piece in general. Yeah. It feels like we're taking on more risk, more responsibility for positions that we don't have current people to fill and there's no upside to it because we can't even guarantee that we're going to see an increase in service. Even though that was the first statement that came out of this was we feel that we can increase the services. Where's the increase? I haven't seen >> in the director. We can increase the services and the director and she's

065the nucleus of a program. >> One more time. >> It sounds to me like you can increase a part-time position and that's a to me. >> But we don't even have that now. >> No, we do not have a part-time director. No, you don't. He's not part-time. I told you he's his contract is a half day a week. I mentioned that. >> That's not enough. >> She had a hand up before. Yes. So, um, say this goes through and we do all this stuff and it's really bad, right? And you decide, okay, we put up more, we try really hard this following year, if we had to, would Northwest take us back? >> If it still exists. >> Yeah. >> So, they may implode because we don't hire them? >> No. There are other things.

066There are other things in No, it's not us. Yeah, not us. Not just us. >> I'm sorry. Um, did one of you have a question about ESY bringing it in house? I know currently it's at West Foster and I know Becky is the only special ed teacher from here that goes there. If we pull it in house, who's covering it besides Becky? >> Becky's covering it with Yeah, she too. >> I mean, because if we're keeping all the kids here and we're going to have an increase now because it's more convenient, right? If no one wants to travel to the West Glouester, who else is going to cover? Are we going to hire? Are we going to use our current teachers? >> That would be >> We're going to use current teachers. Yeah. >> And

067what about um the referral for Camp Brothers? We will be able to do that. >> That's for kids who age out of ESY who [clears throat] don't really get the benefit of it, but still need services during the day. We'd have to >> um And it's an amazing amazing >> We'd have to We'd have to look at that because I don't know. >> How is that any different than it would be with Northwest? How would it be any different? Would it be any different than Northwest making the recommendation versus >> anything else? >> Northwest pays for it. >> Oh, >> more money during the summer than they do here. >> AC. [laughter] I don't know what's going to happen. >> We have to legally bus. So, all right. All right. And you had your hand

068up. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. I think my my question. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. >> Yes, Miss M. >> Just to bring up just the behavioral piece because I know I already touched on that, but right now through Northwest, we do a BCBA. My understanding with that is it takes a master's degree and about 1,700 hours of supervised um practice. So, are we going to be able to cover those things? And that's a rhetorical question. You don't need to answer it. Um but I just want to put that out there to make sure that we are covering the kids that do have these concerns because we see an increasing number of that. Just one of the general population. >> Okay. Yes. >> You mentioned the behavior specialists earlier. What are their credentials for

069the ABC? >> No, they're not. That No, they're not. Becky has six of the courses. Becky never did the mentoring hours. Um, but she does. She did tell me she took the six courses. We are sending her for additional training, but we would not have that person. >> We would not have a BCBA. Correct. We would not. I'm telling you definitely we would not. >> But could we contract with someone if we >> We don't have someone in house. I think that's what is that what? >> Yeah, we do not. And we wouldn't. We wouldn't. That's a very That's >> able to contract a BCBA um for part time. >> We would we be able to contract someone part-time? Yeah. I don't we might be able to contract someone if the need arose for a

070particular student as a consult as we might be able to do that but I don't think you'd get one part >> is it required or so is it >> it's not required no >> valuable role on the team like you can't fill that role with someone who doesn't have the appropriate credentials do you need we need to require If it's in an IEP, it's a requirement. >> I don't think you can put it in an IEP. >> And if you have, it's done incorrectly. >> Becky is not our specialist. >> No, she's not. I didn't say she was. I said she took six courses. She told me herself. She never did the mentoring piece. Correct. >> Specialist. If we're going to utilize Becky for that position, are we going to pay her and her? >>

071No. No. No. I'm assuming we're not using her. >> No. >> Okay. >> All right. So, there was a motion and there was a [snorts] second. All those in favor? >> I opposed. >> Opposed extensions. Okay. Thank you for the discussion. Thank you for the participation. We appreciate it. All right. So, I'm going to move up. Um, facilities update. Brad update on Raptor system. How are we doing? >> So, Raptor, what did I come from? Barry. Sorry. >> Whatever. [laughter] >> Uh, so Raptor is now running incorrectly [clears throat] in the front. uh it was a firmware update that needed to be done on all the uh pieces of equipment they send us after multiple tries by so we're good there. I'm actually doing training I think next week for the emergency management piece so

072I can kind of train everybody individually >> um instead of just trying to throw everybody in a room and >> just chaos. So um we're going to get through that piece and we'll just continue on that process. So is working good. Um from building wise we're in good shape. Oil is running good. >> Great. >> Heat. We have heat in all the rooms. >> We have heat in almost all the rooms. >> Almost. What happened to what? >> Yeah. Well, you're flushing the system. The flushing the system some things get clogged. So they're actually coming tomorrow to unclog. Okay. One one of the one one room. Otherwise, everybody else has heat. We've been playing with >> Well, at least you figured it out before it gets too cold. So >> yeah. Yeah. No, everything's working

073really smooth. Hot water's good. >> Good. Uh, >> how's the weld system going? How's that hold? >> Just wait. Waiting on the state. >> So, we're still waiting. Nothing new. No new information. Nothing new. >> Not a repeat. >> Okay. >> Um, facilities update. Nothing. Everything were good. Capital projects updates. >> Yeah, >> that was everything. That was all encompassed into one. >> That was pretty. [laughter] >> Okay. Thank you. >> Finish signed off. I already talked to Michael. We're going the next step of the next group. Okay. Okay. >> Sorry. Are we good with our snow removal plan for the winter? And >> Yep. >> Wait a minute. Doesn't the town We have the person does the >> And we already have somebody >> the town does the front, right? As communication to do

074the back >> with the ballards and everything here. The propane tanks. They're aware that those I mean >> are they painted bright orange or anything? >> Yellow. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> They've got bigger problems. [laughter] >> We because we've done some changes, you know. >> Yeah. Oh, we're good. We're we're we're in we're in good shape. >> Okay. >> We're in really good shape. >> Okay, that's it. >> Okay. >> Bye, Barry. Thank you. >> Bye, Barry. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right. Um Okay. I make a motion to approve the Foster School Department safety crisis plan as presented. >> Second. >> Um I'm sorry we can't discuss it. It's It was in executive session discussed, but I'm sorry it cannot be discussed in open session. Um all those all those in favor?

075>> I opposed abstensions. Um, I make a motion to approve the open and executive minutes of the foster school committee meeting on September 23rd, 2025. Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? I opposed abstensions. I make a motion to approve the bills listed on warrant number 1072 dated October 7th, 2025 in the amount of 68,194,57. >> Second. >> I should just put them all together. All right, I'm going to keep on going. We'll move your second. Okay. I make a motion to approve warrant number 1068 1086 October 16, 2025 in the amount of $150. >> And then 1087 [laughter] October 23rd, 2025, $139 $139,9112. >> Second. >> Um any discussion? All those in favor? I opposed. Extensions. Um business manager report. Um Mike, anything new? How we doing? >> How can you? >> We're

076good. >> Well, I'm not going to say we're good. I say we're not good. I I I need that information from Ry on transportation. It's going to be a big bill for the rest of the year >> out of district. >> And once once I get that, we'll we'll have to revise the budget >> and make some line item transfers, >> right? And you know, once I get that bill, I'll be able to give you a an accurate assessment of where we are this year. >> Okay. Thank you. And while you're talking about that transportation um monies, the ride has a uh contractor that is in and statewide they are looking at busing routes. Um they're looking at busing capacities and uh we've sent them um our information and Renee has sent um Foster Gloucester's

077information um to them. They're coming out, I think, next week to look at the roots here. >> Now, do I think that we're gonna benefit from that? I don't think so because our our we're >> they're going to look at our door to door and it's and they're too far apart. I mean, the closest school to us is really Situit and is our buses going to go to Situit or Situit, you know, bus. So, but we're taking part in in it anyway. Some districts are saving quite a bit of money, the larger districts, in the consolidation of the buses. So, Ry, we're participating, but we don't think it'll benefit us. >> Okay, that's fine. Thank you, Mayor Mike and everything. >> Thank you. All right, Mike. Um, so we're not nothing to vote on there.

078Um, school lunch, what were the numbers? >> Well, I I went back to 21. uh this year 21 uh we need to have a fund balance because you got to remember before co in my first like seven eight years here we always ran a deficit program we would cover the deficit >> once uh co came in federal government picked up the food cost and all of our uh meals were uh reimbured by the feds. So we end up uh uh with surpluses in fiscal 21, 22, 23. So we >> okay, >> we're doing well. But now that that that's ended, we're back to uh federal reimbursements for free and reduced and with our kids uh paying for their own lunches. Uh last year in 24, we actually had a small surplus, but uh two years

079ago, this year we lost $17,000. So, oh 20 the 20 23 the 24 25 school year. >> Yeah, 2425 we had revenue our revenues went down if you look at our revenues in 23 116,000 245,000 and last year 93 so participation has gone down in the program expenses are still the same still need the same number of cooks etc. So, but you have to look at expense. I don't know how Sedexo allocates our expenses to us in the region. I'm not really sure how they do that, >> but our expenses are up a little this year. Part of it has to do with the fresh fruits and vegetable program. I believe it's when they >> Yeah. >> pay for those commodities, >> but we lost 18,000 this year. Uh we still have a $27,000 fund

080balance. Uh so we need to look at ways to increase participation but I think before we start increasing prices because just by increasing prices we may lose participation. >> We need to go over the menu again because the menu I was reading it this week. >> Edamame vegetable dumplings. >> What is that? What? What? Say that again please. Eene. >> Is that for the adults or is that for kids? >> This is the kids menu. Edamame vegetable dumplings. Roasted chickpeas. vegetable crumble tacos. Oh my gosh, >> the beef, cilantro, lime rice, plant forward sauce. Can we just say tomato sauce? It might be a little more. >> But even still, we have >> started off good. I don't know what happened. >> Yeah, we need Why should we be paying? Why should we be losing

081money because they're feeding our kids stuff? I won't even eat as an adult. >> We'll meet again, Eileen. We'll call them. >> Yeah, that's insane. >> If I go for free and reduce, they're not participating. You only have 60% particip. I wouldn't participate in that if I if my kids saw the lunch menu. >> So, you have to go back to the vendor and have a discussion. We had this discussion. >> This is ridiculous. Can you go over her head? >> We went overhead coming in. New director director's coming in. >> Just say this is unacceptable. >> We went to Ashley. >> Maybe you should be approving the menus in a month in advance before she puts it out. >> So, um I think I think Eileen I think you and Kathy should ask for

082approval to approve all menus before they get posted. That's good >> because you're healthy because you're the health committee. The health >> we did increase in breakfast which I have to tell you we did increase >> in breakfast like there are certain items that the kids love and they're on once a month. There are certain things like chicken nuggets you'll get a bunch like we know pizza's on Fridays but the kids love like love pizza love fun on the run. There's things that we have. >> So do like chicken nuggets do once a week. If there's pizza once a week, do chicken nuggets. Like, who cares? >> Do we really needed? >> Exactly. Who cares? As long as they're fed. Might not be an Adami anami dump. >> That wasn't that was not even something

083we approved, was it? >> But do we still have too many for the for the ladies in the lunchroom? Do we still have too many options for kids? Like, do we right now we have four? >> Pointing at is like we have four options. One is like the most unappealing thing ever. So, no one's going to work. So why are we wasting our money on >> thing is the spicy stuff is too spicy. >> Yep. Why would you even do spicy stuff for kids? Why would you even do spicy stuff for kids? >> Cilantro lime rice. >> It's not edible. >> Yeah. >> Can we bring some food into one of these meetings? I'd like to have like >> I think I think I think we need to taste test. Also, my other comment was

084that we pay parents can um do like a my school book. >> Every time parents put money on that $5. It's not like a onetime $5. If I want to put $10, they're charging five. Then I want to put another 20, they're charging five. And then if there's money at the end of the year, the parents don't get it back. >> Oh, that's terrible. >> I have kids who have graduated and I'm still fighting to get them from the region. They don't give you money. They don't give you a money back. >> Oh, not in college either, by the way. Same thing in college, >> too. That's prohibit people from putting money on account if you're being charged $5. >> But if you bring in cash, it's only if you use credit. >> That's what

085I do. >> Maybe you could put that in the >> Did we Jim, did you [laughter] put that in the newsletter? Bring it. If the kids bring in cash, you will not get charged or check. >> I mean, >> you have put that in the newsletter. All right. So, he did put in the newsletter, right? But I think more importantly call tomorrow and I think this is tell them the bottom line school committee spoke is unacceptable >> make kid-friendly food that is not that's Eileen thank you for bringing that to our attention. Okay. So, we're not going to point Shel is I know we're trying to be green and you know environmentally friendly, but it is so unappealing on those blue trays. There's like we're using these ancient and it's just like slop on a

086shingle. Like where my daughter teaches their lunches look like happy meals, you know, coming out from, you know, they're kid-friendly. They're >> so Dexo must have new trays. So, we could >> I the trays that >> my grandparents used [laughter] Yeah, they they definitely were here when Josh and Jake were here. >> So awful. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Sounds like there should be some action. >> Yeah, that we need to Okay, >> but I will put a little good point. Breakfasts are increasing. We are increasing. >> Oh, yeah. Cuz because I think you guys were so hot on the breakfast menu >> because look [laughter] at the menu. Chocolate chip muffin. Chocolate chip and chocolate. >> So maybe I want to keep it goes up when you have egg whites wrapped in foil. Nothing.

087>> Do you ever see um >> Sorry. [laughter] >> Do you ever see Sheree Bach on the menu? >> No. >> Yeah, the kids love that. >> They love that. >> and we asked that it'd be on there. >> Yeah. So, I think we need to keep Sedexo in the hot seat and we need to put keep Sedexo on the agenda and we're going to we're going to instead say lunch price cost. We're going to say food choice. Sedexo food choice. Let them know we're not happy >> and maybe eliminate one. >> Yeah. >> All right. If that's an option of a dumplings, >> we're not voting on anything. >> No, we're going to pull um we're going to pull tomorrow and set up a meeting. >> Okay. Very good. >> All right. So, where

088am I? Where do they go? >> Is it helpful to bring them in here again for some accountability? >> Yeah, maybe we could also include um one or two students from each grade just to >> come in. I was thinking of a teacher too that has a child here that might want to just [laughter] >> say it again. >> I would do the fifth grade is the oldest kids. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Get their input. They've been >> And then a teacher too. >> Looking at what days are the most popular. I We can tell you right now what the most popular >> they want chicken nuggets. They want not once a month or >> did we get the cut up vegetables from Rock again? >> Not yet. It's like it's a grant. >> It's

089a grant. It's a federal grant being held. >> Well, it's probably because the government shutdown probably nothing's happening right now. >> So, but the reality is I think it's important. So, who cares? Like you said, as long as the kids are eating or eating, who cares if it's chicken nuggets twice a week, they're eating. They're not hungry. >> They can learn and they can have an education. >> Can I ask one might care? That's the only thing. And that's what the Dexo department might care because well, then serve them healthier chicken then. >> Yeah. I'm just saying >> then serve them healthier then get better chicken instead of >> processed crop. What's that? Are we doing the share table still? Does anybody know? >> No, I haven't seen it out. No, >> you brought that

090up last year. >> The share table still here. >> Is Carol still here? >> No, they don't have the share table up. Okay, so that's gonna have to remind them tomorrow. Yeah. Okay. So, keepo on the agenda. Kim, we're gonna say >> Food choice. Share table meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Okay. Principal's [clears throat] report. >> But I just want to say something. Um >> Breakfast is up. >> Wait a minute. No, breakfast is up. No. Um Jim is talking today and um we are going to run a program November 11th through the 14th >> and because we are concerned about the SNAP >> being shut away. Yeah. >> So, and we have so many families that really are in need. So, we're going to start a project to provide

091things such as, you know, um cereal, um >> great cotton and baked macaroni cheese. We're thinking of assigning things to classes. >> Collect like a food closet. >> We're collecting already for the um is already going to collect for local food pantry. and Moren, we wanted to talk to you. >> Yeah, we wanted to do that when uh a previous administrator was here. >> We've done it in the past. >> Yeah. >> But I'm just want this is not the Thanksgiving basket thing. >> Yes, I tried very hard on that. Okay. Above and beyond. >> Just adding to that, we did do something like that um last year. Different points. We definitely have families that are in need. Um, we also private restaurant are providing funding to social services specifically aimed at that concern being.

092>> Yeah, I'm very we're very I'm very concerned about that. Yeah. >> And just as a side note, Gloucester did the trick-or- treat on Main Street this past weekend and the food that's collected does benefit both Gloucester and Glouster Food. That's great. And there was >> wonderful thousands of things that were collected. That's good. We're not necessarily going to have empty shows, >> but there's no >> So, let us know so we can I can bring something in. Yeah, let us know. Please have you started already. >> We're going to be starting up organizing. We're starting up the 11th second. >> Yeah. We're going to start. >> They're going to start to organize. >> Can I ask a a followup question? If we're concerned that the families in foster are going to be the ones

093that need the food, by asking families to bring it in, we could also be putting people in uncomfortable positions. >> Anybody can it's not gonna be you have to. Anybody can you know it's not like competition. >> Do you know which competition nothing just if you're if you're able >> and and if you are able please bring in donated items and then how you going to distribute? How do you know those are going to be in need? I thought we'd contact you know you have the reduced you have the reduced not >> so you know perfect okay good >> backpack home on Friday >> and I so that because you don't want the kids being singled out either you don't want them like job lot job lot >> what food >> yeah we're going to

094create one we're going to create like a list >> super important suggestions non perishable is it cereal Now, Job Lot has something where if you go in and you buy like a case, because we do it for the church, a case of food, they actually give you that money back on a card so that the next time you go in and they donate to various charities. So, um you know, something like that, like that's what you know, we'll do. But anybody that's near a job law, it's it's worthwhile because they credit that. >> Okay. Definitely work with the uh social services folks to get >> if we could get it if they're losing benefits on the first. It'd be nice if we could get it going sooner. I know it's I don't mean to put

095pressure on you, but >> I'm putting pressure on you. >> I know. I know. So, if you want any help, I can start bringing stuff in next week and do whatever you need. Like I can bring it in next week, next Tuesday. >> Sorry. Okay. So, thank you for that. Jim, is there anything else you wanted to add into All right. Principal's report. We went right. Sorry. I think we cut you off. I don't even know what happened. >> Good. Um Sorry. Um the first thing I just want to address is that I've talked to Mr. Stray at um First Union and regarding the bus um the trust bus transponder for our uh secondary students. I did reach out to our parents and uh who are uh up in the region and they do have

096access to be able to load that onto their buses. So I've advertised that to our parents for middle school, high school, they can automatically download that and they do have the access to that. So they're good. And then Mr. Shray was going to work with um work with the region as far as advertising that to parents and letting them know that foster students can download the app. So he was going to coordinate that with the superintendent up there because I don't have that level of access. Awesome. Um so he was going to coordinate that. I'm just going to briefly talk about the ELA math and ridecast scores due to time, but also we're going to be doing a deep dive as a faculty at our next professional development day and we're going to be analyzing

097our ELA and math scores. So, this is just a quick um little report that my um coaches uh put some time into. So, I just want to quickly just review it. And again, I know we're uh I'm going to be uh very brief because we are I'm aware of everybody's time, but I just want to go over this quickly as far as last year's results because I know it's been a little bit in the community lately, so to speak. So, I just want to go over this as far as where we were in regard to math. Last year you can see overall our score was at 32.7 as far as meeting or exceeding expectations. That's actually up from 27.8 from the previous year. So that's actually about a fivepoint gain. Now, when you consider everything

098that this school was going through last year with the transitions, things that were happening, student populations, all of that, you really got to give it to our teachers and our students for plugging it endurance, giving it what they needed. >> If anything, I would have expected that there would have been an increase in the scores. So, the fact that they maintained or actually went up, >> great job. You know, so I'm actually when I saw these scores, I was expect I was actually expecting a decrease. the fact that they maintained actually went up a little bit. Kudos. Nice job everybody. The fact that they actually maintained or went up. So, we're going to take that as a win and we're going to take that into um account. >> And the fact that when we look

099at to the state, the state overall statewide was 31.4. They actually came in a little bit above above the state 32.7. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. And that's what we're going to start doing. Everybody just take a deep breath. We're gonna get there. So, it's not everyone relax. We will get there. It takes time. Are we going to get there this year? No. Are we going to get there next year? Yeah. Next year, we'll start seeing the significant gains in the following year, but it takes time to make significant substantial growth. So, that's where we are with math. Now, ELA, prior to me even starting here, when I was interviewing here, I really took a note at the ELA scores, especially the 2003 2024 scores, I noticed that we were at 24.1. So, I

100actually spoke about these in my interview and I also as soon as I started here, July 1, I started thinking about ways that we can improve this 24.1 because that's an area of concern. We really want to focus on the area what we need to do. So starting with the teachers as soon as we started our professional development days we did a standard with the help coaches help we started focusing on a study of standards. So what is it that we really need to do as far as looking at standards taking it down to that granular level and what is it our kids need to learn as far as what are they expected to learn? What does it mean in certain things in reading? What are the expectations? What do you really have to what

101goes into that mom's Thanksgiving pumpkin pie? What are those ingredients? So that's what we're actually getting down to that ingredient level and then how does that apply to the wit and wisdom program? So that's what we're actually we started that in September October and we're going to be work looking at that a little bit in November but more studying the scores and the results in November. But you can see the overall scores 25.5. That is actually a little bit of a gain there. So again, we're going to take that as a win considering the fact of what this school went through last year. So again, there was that endurance piece. When it comes to the state level, they were at um a little bit below the state level of 33.7 26.4. So we're below the

102state level. We acknowledge that. We have work to do there. And that's what we started that work back in September. Now, as a school, and I did have I did have a slide for what we're doing as a school, but as a school in the area of English language arts, we hit the ground running in September. The standard study, we're really focusing on the standards of what we need to do. Also, we acknowledged that in special education, there was unfortunately there was a lack of materials ordered for special education with the WIN wisdom program. So we identify that that's really an area that we need to focus you know there's a large area of our population here 14.5 not meeting or exceeding expect uh not meeting expectations significant below and part of that is our

103special ed population because they don't have access to the curriculum. So we're giving >> they don't or they didn't >> they didn't have proper access. >> So they did not so now >> they did not have access. So, we're giving them materials with the curriculum that are aligned to give them more access. The teachers were teaching, they're teaching hard, they're teaching standards, but they didn't have curriculum access. So, we're giving the kids more access, aligning them with materials, and hopefully that will start helping that area out a little bit. So, again, that's what we're doing at ELA. In the area of mathematics, we're really going to be focusing on math vocabulary because by students learning math vocabulary and integrating math vocabulary into their writing, that can help start to uh understand math um understanding more

104uh more of the meaning behind math, using math fluently, giving it more building that math vocabulary and also implementing um manipulatives. when you not only learn something when when it comes to math, it really is about knowing it, explaining it, and manipulating it, especially in the early grades that really helps build that connection, that motor connection. So, we want to be able to build the um increase of manipulative. So, really focusing on that and we're also building the professional development with staff. So, that's what we're really doing in the area of ELA and math to help focus on that and we're going to start seeing those scores rise. But again, we'll be analyzing that at our uh PB day in November and seeing um all the other things that we're going to do. But like

105I said, kudos to the staff for everything they've been through in the past year and scores maintained if not went up. So nice job everybody. So that's what I have on that's what I have on the broadcast. Scores don't these are okay. These are pretty brief. >> Anything else Jim you'd like to add? >> That's it. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate you. >> And the coaches couldn't be here tonight. They have young children. They live away, but they did an excellent job and they've done an excellent job at the professional development days as well. So, I can't thank them enough. Thank you. >> So, Kathy, you're up. >> Oh, all right. I don't think there was any resignations, no appointment. Okay. [laughter] >> So, is there anything you want to add? >> Yes.

106Um, our nurse Kristen, who loves it here, um, just to let you know, is starting a heart safe school project. All right. And this is very interesting. She has applied for this and they told her that we are one of the finalists to go over some of the steps to keep this school heart safe and she's going to do it as a professional development as well. >> So, dumb this down for me. What is heart safe? someone's heart and safe. So what >> it's a checklist. So example um the device is there enough AEDs around to service the children. It's almost like you take an inventory and if you don't you make sure that you're doing these sorts of things. Your response um emergency response plan that we already have in place. Um [cough and

107clears throat] having your staff trained in CPR. the more staff that can be trained in these CPR, the the better off that we are. And she is going, she believes that she is a finalist and she believes she'll be certified to teach CPR here. Oh, that would be which would be a great benefit and we'll invite people from across the district to come in and, you know, it pays. It's it's $75. A lot of our teachers did it last year. We had a trainer come in, but she could be a trainer of the trainers. So, we're hoping that is true. And of course our fire drills which are mandated by ride and things of that nature. So we're going to get involved in that. All right. I mentioned the lunches and the chocolate and chips.

108Uh the breakfast as I said are going up. Yeah. With the delivery and it's working out really well in the classroom. I think don't you think too >> Oh, stop. She said Lauren thing is I think that um disruptive needs to be delivered earlier than it is. Okay. because >> because it's cutting into cutting into education >> education time early enough then okay we'll let Tina we'll let Tina know the aid because we have an aid doing it so we'll let them know to start earlier okay thank you um as far as that with the reports on the ridecast which was an excellent report I agree with Jim people work very hard here I think we're gradually going to be seeing uh an increase in those scores over the course of time. Um, and that's

109it for me. >> Perfect. So, we did the right cast scores number 17. So, we're not doing that again, right? No. >> Perfect. Thank you guys. We appreciate you. >> Um, 18. You did. >> Yep. >> 19. Approval. Approval of director of Rhode Island Auditory Program Administrative Contract. Finally. >> I don't know if I'm going to recommend that. [laughter] >> Thank you, Maryanne, for fighting tirelessly to get that right. >> Yes. Thank you. >> So, we and then hopefully it'll be in the budget. We don't. Well, you told her it has to be. But there's two things here. First, you got to approve her contract, and then you got to approve the memorandum. >> All right. Fine. All right. I make a motion to approve the director of Rhode Island auditory program administrative contract as

110presented. Second. >> Do we need discussion on this? Does anybody need to discuss this? Okay. All those in favor? >> I opposed abstensions. >> All right. Next. approval of memorandum of agreement between Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Foster School District. So, Mary and Dwani, yes. After um quite an a lengthy lengthy um discussion with Ry that went on from I think last summer or last spring, we finally got them to agree to fund our program um to what Mike said we needed, which is $420,000. So, this memorandum um indicates that they will give us $420,000 for for fiscal year 26, which is the 2526 school year. We're working still working with the state house to get it in the governor's budget. I just sent an email actually to the person

111that's working on it today, seeing where we're going. If not, we're going to get some bills. We've already met with uh >> What did my proposal go with it? >> Not yet. [laughter] Um um not to that person. Um, we are we have work we're meeting with the Senate. We've met with the House. We're working on it because if we don't get the money this year, if we don't get them approve it, the program goes away because Ry won't give us any more money. >> Okay. So, you're going to stay on it? We talked about that the last meeting. We just get >> we're going to have to lay off. >> And I did notound. I respectfully had conversations with about 10 or 12 members of the Senate and House that I happened to see

112at an event, a state event last week. And I said, "Oh, just so you know, this [laughter] will be coming across your desk because I just submitted the proposal and it will be forthcoming." So, there's a lot of talk >> and there's a lot you have a lot of feet in the ground too with people that are very involved and very passionate about this project as well. Okay. So, good. >> Thank you, Brad. >> Thank you. Yes. Thank you. So, I make a motion to approve the memorandum of agreement between Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Foster Public School District. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Can you have um do it right now? Just stand right there. >> All right. Res right here. Right here. Right

113here. Right here. [laughter] Okay, done. Can you date it for me? >> I will. >> I don't know the date. >> I'll do it right now. >> Okay. Um, resend the following foster school committee. All right. This whole Okay. I make a motion to resend policy 5101, handicapped children policy. Policy 511.1, special education students policy, and policy 6162, testing security policy. just for the public the handicapped children especially education is the old regs that are in your policy online now I >> so we're not we're not getting rid of these are being resended only because the regulations are not matching with requirements >> so we're only we're just rescending them to put yes >> one of them was not like like typewriter like like >> is there a second >> bad >> um any discussion

114all those in favor >> I opposed abstensions are We have a number of policies rather than doing them individual. Is there anybody on the committee that would like me to do them individually? These are all >> I did have a couple of comments on a few of them. >> Okay. >> Possible comment on one. >> What's that? >> I just had a comment on one. >> All right. So, is there any I can put together. Can you give me >> uh Well, just start. >> I was going to put them together. 22 23 24. >> All right. I make a motion to approve first reading. Now, these are first readings. So, the state can still make changes. >> Correct. Even so I make a motion as a first reading to approve superintendent's duties and responsibility

115policy 200 first reading of superintendent's annual report 2011 first reading of enrollments policy 202 first reading of social events calendar policy 203 first reading of administrative and absence of policy 204 first reading of administration administrative organization policy 301 first reading of the evaluation of superintendent policy 302 two. First reading of general labor and labor practices, labor relations practices 220. First reading of homeschool instruction policy 31.8 I >> with we're going to add some amendments to that one that came from the homeschooling organization. I sent it to them. Okay. So I saw that you be with the amendments that you have. Okay. >> The amendments presented. >> Yes. And they were very good recommendations. >> So with that, can we have a second? >> Second. and then we can make changes. >> Okay. So discussion I

116had a couple if you don't mind I'll just drive through and then we can kind of go through them after >> the second reading for the superintendent policy. Um, one of the things that notes provide for the evaluation of department personnel, I just wasn't clear on the timeline. Is it annual by twice a year because standardized, right? >> The my evaluation. >> No, no. For how often you're going to be or the superintendent's evaluating department personnel. >> Oh, I thought you meant hers. >> Nope. >> Superintendent's personnel would be my is Jim only. Okay. Jim does everybody else. Okay. >> So, yours is so it's once a year. Wait, which which policy is this? >> Administrative organization. >> Nope, >> that's the first one. >> No, the first superintendent duties and responsibilities in that. >>

117That's a state law. If you >> So, oh, because I think I think you copied the law, but on it, it was it's vague about Yes, we do evaluation say how often. So, we'll just add once a year. >> You want to add once a year to that? Okay. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. Just say annually. >> Add annually. >> Yeah. >> There's a note in here to appoint all school department personnel with the consent of the school committee. I just wasn't really clear on what that meant. No, >> no, you really don't anymore. We don't consent the school committee should go. That's one of our policy. >> Which where is it? Where is it? Under superintendent duty. Yes, we haven't changed >> Item seven under 22. >> Number 22. >> Policy 200. >> We

118changed that in. >> Yeah, that's going to be fixed. >> I thought we changed that. You know what it is, Maryann? The war hasn't been changed yet, unfortunately. >> I thought they did change it. The law changed but not they haven't changed not on the um >> not in the policy. >> Yes, you have to eliminate that changed. >> We will eliminate it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, what number is it? Number seven. >> I'm taking that right out. >> Number seven. Nothing. Yeah. Has to >> Yeah. To appoint school personnel school committee. >> Okay. >> The superintendent's duties. And also in that one, it says to report to the school committee on the operation of the school system and including an annual report on the district's progress. I know that that comes up later

119too. Um I think in the later policy it times it for the end of the school year. It would be nice if we could time it for some time before our financial town meeting. Um we've done that a couple times partly because it gives us something to present. You can kind of bundle. We put one together anyway. Yeah. >> Um okay. From a financial standpoint financial time >> in May. So it's >> the first Tuesday in May. So, so it's almost the end of the year, but it would sort of be a nice way to kind of >> So, if we could if we could do it at the April meeting, >> I think that would be advantageous. >> Yeah. >> Is that with that because April meeting then we can present it. So, >>

120okay. >> So, am I adding that in addend duties and responses responsibilities, >> but there's also a superintendent's annual report. >> So, say just put it >> for the April school committee meeting. >> So, add April school committee. All right. We'll do this termin. >> Um, yeah. And I think we we had an example of one, but I'm sure you have access to >> I probably do. Yeah. Anything else? >> Yeah. So, sorry. The administrative organization policy. I wasn't clear on why that one was required. >> Most people have a chain of command. Okay. >> That's why. Um, just so someone looks at it, they can see who's responsible to who. >> Okay. Um most uh policy handbooks just have that in there for information. >> Best practice. >> Yeah, best practice, right? >> Yeah.

121>> Uh notifications of meetings. So we have and two of the policies have different numbers. So I think the one I'm looking at here, it says that we want to notify people three days before a meeting. Uh so this is the school committee bylaws section. Was is this the second that is that the second reading, Brendan? Uh >> oh, did I skip ahead? I skipped ahead. >> You skipped ahead. Brandon, >> you're so excited. You skipped ahead. >> So that that's it for the first reading once. Eileen, what did you have for the first reading? >> I had a question on the home school instruction policy. >> Yes. >> Uh the last paragraph on completion of the review process, superintendent will recommend approval approval with modification on approval to the homeschooling request to the school

122committee. And then it says the superintendent will notify the parents and gardens of the decision of the school committee. So is that something we vote on or is that do you ultimately make the decision? Like I don't understand. >> I No, it ultimately comes here really just just for your information. You Yeah, just for your information. You can't deny it anyway. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So that's good. No, I think you just you need to know. Some school committees just want numbers, but most you know, just so you know. >> Anything else, Eileen? >> Nope. That's it. >> Okay. So I'm not changing anything on that one, right? No, >> except the amendments. >> All right. So with all those presented first readings, >> there was a motion. >> There was a second, right? Who

123seconded it? Brendon. Okay. All right. All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Absentions. Second reading and adoption. Um, so how many second readings are there? >> And did you like the way we put it up with draft across? Did you see it? Yes, we put them all up. >> Yeah, that was great. could see it before. Okay. >> So, I make a motion to approve. >> Um, >> I'll do one at a time, I guess. >> 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. >> And then I'll just list them. >> And she'll write it in >> and I can write it in. >> All right. So, I make a motion to approve second reading adoption of 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. >> No, not 38. 37. >> Oh, 37.

12437. You're going to roll me on. Okay. Okay. Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> Uh, did you have any? >> No, I did not on the second readings. >> You just mentioned it. >> You mentioned it was the um >> the school committee agenda preparation policy. >> I jumped ahead. I went to clouds instead of words >> because there's a couple spots where it says East Proidence in here. I fixed those. Do you have the old one? >> I have whatever you sent to me >> with the Well, with the in the packet, right? >> Because we fixed Eileen and I fixed those made revisions. >> I can change what you made >> changes. I know. And Eileen and I went over a couple that I missed and we fixed it. >> Yeah. >>

125But I can change it if it says it again. If you see it, >> I will tell you. >> All right. We can Well, we can review it >> because I'm not, as I said, I just did those and I'm not reinventing wheels here. >> No, no, no, no. Yeah. I just want you to know it's not. >> Yeah. Some some I'm using North Smith deal, too. >> For you. >> Now, we don't have meeting in November, correct? So, I'm >> not normally unless we have to. >> Okay. >> So, we'll make that Well, what's today? Today's October. So, I'm going to tell you that I'll probably be double teaming you in December with policies. >> Oh, wonderful. >> Well, I guess when is I think we'll have a special meeting in December because the

126meeting is going to be >> It's the Wednesday before Christmas. >> So, in that Well, Christmas Eve, >> it's the week before we have it. >> So, it'll be the 23rd, the Tuesday before Christmas Eve. >> No. >> Yeah. So, we would do it the 16th is what I'm trying to say. >> That's what we normally That's what we voted on on our schedule. Yeah. That's our on We do that every year. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> So, I'll go quick for you. Sorry. >> Um in the >> school committee bylaws section. >> Let me find that. >> Number 10. It says any discussion of the personal finances of donor library. >> I don't know what policy are you on Brandon. >> School committee bylaws. Okay. Hold on. >> Number 10 on page two.

127Library what? >> I got to find it. Adoption of school committee bylaws. You're in that section. >> Yeah. Page school committee bylaw. Page >> two. >> That's two. >> I got it. Page two. Item 10. Oh, any discussion of the personnel personal finances of a prospective donor to a library? >> This seems like something. >> Well, I think is this part of this state? Is this a state bylaw? >> Yeah, I didn't make those up. the bylaws and school committee. I think it would be anyone, but I mean I don't I think donations to libraries and things like that were probably specific back then, but it hasn't been removed from the books, >> but we could add for >> to a library or anything. Yes, just make any personal. >> Yeah, we could do that.

128Good. Get >> any discussion of the personal finances of any prospective donor? Just any prospective donor. >> Okay, we'll just get rid of donate to a library. >> Yep. We're just going to get rid of library. >> Okay. Uh section nine, so page three, it says uh notice that each meeting shall be communicated to each member not less than three days prior to the date of the meeting. >> I thought we said seven days. >> Well, this is a different >> It should be three working days. No, because wouldn't it be consistent? >> This is a different one than the other one they did. So, this is why this is on here. [cough] >> We did We did three days on the agenda policy. This is a different one. Oh, >> shouldn't it be three

129working days though? >> Probably. >> I don't know how I'm in putting it, Brandon. >> Well, is it Well, what if we have special meetings? >> Say three working I think it has to be three >> working days. >> There's another spot later on where we say four working days. >> Okay. >> So, the next one is one I think that we might want to just have a quick chat about as a committee. >> Which one? >> It's uh duties of individual members item one. duties. Same page. >> It's a tough one. >> Let's go that same page. So recognize, you know, one of our duties obviously as a school committee >> is to page duties. Page three >> recognizes the academic success and overall well-being of all foster students are the primary considerations in

130all committee decisions which >> I agree with the philosophy of it but I think we also need to add that within the constraints set forth >> by the budget that has been provided to us >> you know what I mean we would love to be able to provide everything and have an endless budget >> is it number one Brenda >> number one within the confines of the school budget >> it's a good gap Yes. >> Yep. >> Um, sorry. >> No, this is good. >> You know, Brendan, I sent out a little message and said, "Hey, if you have anything, you could let me know ahead of time." [laughter] >> Just saying. Just saying. >> We did discuss this at the first reading, too, and he didn't notice it then. [laughter] >> Just saying, Brendon.

131>> Brendan, that's perfectly all right. Don't let them pick. >> We have one here that says that opportunities for development. So, it's going to be I know there is >> I try >> uh I think it's that same section. So, section two, opportunities for development. Uh it's encouraging us to confer with other school committee members on an individual basis which we cannot do. >> No, because then you have Yes. >> So, it's section two item A. >> Yeah, we can't do that in this district. >> Okay. So, where where are we? Section two, item A. >> It's on page 67 at 77. I >> can't do it anywhere. >> Right, Brendon? Where is it on this paper? Come on. I figure this out. >> Where is it? >> Section two. >> Section right here. >>

132Number one. >> Oh, okay. Right here. >> Where are you? Right here. >> Right here. >> Page six. >> Trees for development. >> This is a very big development. Yes, you can. No, we can't talk. >> Not even that, Marian. >> No. >> Okay, >> we can't. We can't. >> We could talk at a regional level, but not at a foster level >> on the next page. >> All right. So, wait a minute. Wait, stop. I need to know what what are we doing? >> I think we scratch it. Which one? >> Where they communicate with each other? >> Right there. >> Get out. >> The next page at the top is just a reference to these schools. >> Okay. Next page, top. >> Yep. Right there. I see it right here. >> Yeah. >>

133EP schools. >> Oh, thank you. >> And then on that same page, item article seven, we note that uh four days in advance for agenda. Uh it should be somewhere else. I think so just >> in the agenda policy it says four days and this policy it says three days. I think three days is >> I said develop in the agenda was 7 days prior to the meeting. The establishment deadline for the committee member to request for items to be included on the agenda shall be seven days prior to the meeting. >> That's you giving an item. >> This is when it's distributed to us. >> Oh, okay. So, where are you days? >> Where are you, Brendon though? Where are you? What? >> Um, it's section seven, article 7, agenda, section one, >> article

134seven. >> The point here it says three days in advance. >> You're in the room. It's on page seven. Page next week. >> Page seven. >> Article. We have an agenda policy like I think it's the next one that says 4 days in advance. >> Oh, so they contradict >> developing the agenda. There's two articles seven. Okay. >> Three business days. >> Three. >> So I think this one's fine. >> This one says the agenda. It says three business days. Three days a >> This is your own. I didn't do any this. >> So it has to say it has to be business. So Kim has to be business days. >> No, no. This one is the one from This is your bylaw.