001Yes. Miss Cook, Miss Joyce >> here, >> Mr. Mara. >> Mr. Dupi >> here. >> Miss Keeling >> here. >> Mr. Joyce >> here. >> Miss Peza >> here. >> Miss Pereira >> here. >> Mr. Rizzo >> here. Can we rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. We have approval of meeting minutes for June 3. Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve the minutes of the open meeting on June 3rd, 2025. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. >> Madam Seven. >> Uh I'm No, I was at the third one. I wasn't at the 17th one. Uh 70. >>
002I make a motion to approve the minutes of the executive session on June 3rd, 2025. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions? This one I mean >> yeah for the third yes the next one is the one that we have to adjust. >> I make a motion to approve the minutes of the open meeting on June 17th 2025. >> Okay. So I'm going to abstain. I wasn't there. Michael's abstaining. Who else wasn't there? >> You weren't there. So the three of us will abstain. >> So one, two, three. Any other discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? >> I mean opposed. Absentions. The three of us will abstain. >> 43. >> School counseling presentation. Hi. I'm gonna put my glasses on. Thanks for coming. >> I'm Linda Murphy, one of the school counselors. We also have
003here Rhonda Dion, Alex Mloud, Heather Ma, and the purpose of this presentation is just to share with you some of the work that we've been doing over the past three years. We've gone through extensive professional development and training in order to improve upon the work that we do every day. And part of that was following the training was sponsored through ride for two years. Heather is going through the second year right now. Um but basically we are following the the American School Counselor Association national model. It's pretty in-depth. So we're going to be sharing some data and information about the model as well as um the new um Rhode Island Department of Ed framework. So you have the vision and mission within your packet already. So I don't need to read that. And I just
004want to touch base real quickly on what's evolved in school counseling. So you might have heard years ago that everybody was a guidance counselor and now you keep hearing, well what's this school counselor thing? Well, believe it or not, this evolved probably like 40 years ago, but I think in the last 20 years, they've been really trying to hone in on having us be addressed appropriately. Years ago, guidance counselors were very reactive. They served some students. They measured via feelings and perceptions and generally played an anx role um and pro provided some college and career advising to few. So they didn't reach all students and counselors of today are very proactive serve all students. We measure impact on achievement attendance and behavior data and we play an essential role in the school counseling improvement process.
005We also work with school leaders as a team and provide college and career advising for for all including the work that we're doing with our course planner and helping students to select the appropriate courses for their future. And examples of this include other things like resume writing, guest speakers, we bring in parent informational workshops, interview skills, and many other things that you can see on the list. So the school counseling comprehensive program as we said it follows the ASCA national model and it is comprehensive. We do have a scope and sequence to our department. Um we definitely use a lot of data and we review many things um within the school data and outside of school data. We use um our information from college board. We use ride reports uh that are available on our
006school and other schools to compare with like-minded schools that or sim schools that are similar with us. Um we also utilize any uh vision statements of the district and the schools to be able to um drive what we are doing. So there's mission, there's purpose, there's reason for the things that we choose to do and it is done purposefully based on the data that we receive. Um, from there in your handout, you do have an annual calendar. Um, there that is very intentional and purposeful. It is also on our website. This is what we do with all of our students throughout the school year. And there is also the um data report that is in there, the school data summary. And that data again came from the SAT data, the ride um report cards for
007schools. that came from survey works and our own strategic plan for the school as well as the tri district strategic plan. Yeah. The uh American School Council Association has demonstrated through the research that and it probably shouldn't come as any big surprise but a comprehensive school counseling program not just a school counseling department but a comprehensive school counseling program as stipulated through ASGA's framework has resulted in uh academic improvement for the career development and uh improved social emotional development for the students. So some of the components that we have been working on and again I'm I'm only one year in a lot of the work goes to my the team behind me um as well. So it's been nice to kind of get hit the ground running. I'll be starting my second year of this
008training here. So I'm well ahead of all the people I've been in the training with because of my team here helping me. But these are some of the things that we focus on. Um some of the things we're going to go into as the presentation goes on. But one of the things that we wanted to focus on was the advisory council. Um and that is where we meet twice a year with stakeholders from the uh anyone who is you know holding an important part at Panaganset. So members of our school comm our school our community and the district we all come together and we share our program things that we are finding our data our goals um answer questions provide data. So that's a nice aspect where we're bringing in members of our community so
009that we're really transparent on what our program is doing and where we're seeing our improvements and places that we can continue to work. Um the other part was the use of time calculator right here. This was something that was eyeopening for me. Um the framework would like us to reach 80% of studentf facing so that we're having direct interaction with our students and 20% is where we're kind of doing that background work connecting with teachers getting info from parents kind of running and doing that to to really analyze how we're spending our time to make sure that we're meeting that goal of 80% of our time is spent with our students and 20% doing the support work for our students. So from all of that data and looking at our um ourselves and looking at
010the school and also looking at that use of time calendar where are we what are we doing? What is all this data? Each year we come up with our own goal and we usually do that as a department. Um so for the last two years our focus has been on math because that also aligned with the tri tri district strategic plan in improving our math scores. So we've focused on algebra 1 and uh geometry. So myself as the nth grade school counselor, I worked with the nth grade students and the other counselors working with the upper classmen worked on 10th graders for the geometry. So we looked at students um and one of the models also states that we should try and keep our groups small when we're doing something like this. So we tried
011to target our students who were students without IEP support, without 504 support. Um so students who weren't already getting support someplace else. We were trying to find those struggling students and help them and maybe identify their needs and why are they struggling and what can we do to support them as well. So these students that we were working with are ones that were not being supported any place else. So we were doing that individual and small group support with them to try and help them improve. And it's not just improving their math scores, it's also trying to improve them as a student as well. >> Um so this was this is just an example of the um math goal for our closing the gap action plan. Um originally again this is for 10th graders it
012so we had 18 students that we identified as having a 69.4 four or below. So, a D or an F after first quarter. And at the end of the year, we reduced that number that 11 students did receive um that D or below grade in uh geometry. But again, with our efforts, seven of those students were able to move their grade into C's or above. >> When we identified the students, we conducted a pre and post survey. And so when we ask them, you know, what's contributing to your struggles in algebra 1 or geometry? Um do you use a planner? Uh how do you manage your time? Do you take uh advantage of the retake policy? Do you visit your teachers? Do you communicate with your teachers? Do they know that you're struggling? Um and
013what we found in large part is that a lot of the students weren't practicing very basic skills. uh and so in meeting with them both individually and small group what we found is that uh we saw a significant increase with um utilizing a planner self- advocacy for help actually going to your teacher and saying I don't understand using W4 using afterchool supports um and what we saw in the end uh at the end of the year um was pretty dramatic increases in all of those areas when they did their post survey um most of those students were now ingesting planners, they were communicating with their teachers, they were accessing W4s, they were taking advantage of their of the retakes. Um, and so in all, while we're optimistic that their math will continue to uh improve,
014we're also encouraged uh and and sort of optimistic that they'll transfer those study skills and those resources to those other classes as well that they might be struggling in. So, it's about creating a learner and not just a better math student. >> Okay. So, again, um as part of the work we did, we've we've begun um working in classrooms to give lessons. So, we've been collaborating with teachers to be able to go into the classroom. Um, so besides the small group work that we did with the ninth and tth graders and the lessons that we gave them included things like time management and Alex already mentioned um scheduling and the use of Canvas, but also setting goals. Those were other types of um small groupoup lessons we participated in with them. But also the classroom
015lessons. We begin to build our repertoire of different classroom lessons. But one of them, the three that we've most worked on the last two years are the ASRAB career explor exploration. Um, we did a new one this year on growth mindset that we really had some positive results on and also the big future college search. Along with this, we work to help collaborate the ILP individualized learning plan um, required by RIDE. Again, all the lessons that we do also involve that mindset and behavior. So we do pre and post assessments on those and we also track some sort of um academic area maybe with a big future we tracked um GPA again continuing to collaborate with all the stakeholders as well as assisting and aiding CTE students parents teachers and administrators. So this comprehensive school
016counseling program is crucial for our student success. we are able to help them. It's beyond just looking at a math score. It's trying to teach them those skills and work with our administrators and teachers to help support our students and help them to grow and also to help our school grow, maybe if there are issues in specific areas, being able to bring those forth and trying to um advocate for change that's needed for our students to be more successful. So we do um align our courses and everything to the post-secondary goals for e individuals and for groups. So everything that we're doing is both individually with students and in that that group and we're ensuring that those students need those additional supports. So we do look at all of their data. We look at the
017big picture with them and then we advocate for our students as well. And as I we were saying before, some of those students may not have got up to above that D. Um but they we still did see progress and some of those students who struggled, we were able to identify them and get them into programs to help them more. Whether it be helping through our past program, whether it be referring them for services. Um but there were a whether it be there were attendance issues and we were able to get truency involved, but it was really diving deep into those students and what do they need? what is causing their issues, what's causing them to need to be able to improve. So, it's a wholehearted thing working throughout the whole school. Okay. In respect
018of time, also I just want to, you know, highlight that we are going to continue to work with um probably the math students this year. Again, it is an area of need. Um and this is a list of the different um things that we're utilizing when we're meeting with them. And we've done a lot of work on our website as well. I just want to highlight that there's a new school counseling tab and you can check that on your own but you can see that many things have been updated as well as like some highlights as to what to do in ninth grade 10th grade like post-secary planning. Um so I'd really uh recommend you take a look at that as well as what our next steps are. A big part of this process and
019we probably you know jump the gun a little bit but we took this ASKA model pretty seriously. We were one of the first um in the state to fully implement this American school counseling model and we are reapplying but we did apply last year for what's called the national recognition. Um and so that application is due in in October. We're using all of the data that we collected this past year for the application. and it's about 10page intensive rubric and um we've all been working really hard and you know in February sometime we should find out whether or not we receive that but thank you for your time. >> Can I just want to ask a quick question for survey works results and I went through all your stuff and I thank you for all
020your work and all your efforts. What is really concerning me is school engagement and school belonging with 20% of the kids saying yeah that's really bad I think like so can we take a deep dive Amanda and everybody I'd be more than happy to sit with you >> well for 2024. They have 22, 23, and 24. And we've gone this way. >> Okay. But the but the data we're using for tonight >> is not good >> as far as I mean >> and I think I think there's many things our school is doing and I think a lot of kids are very engaged in things and the work that we're doing is helping to improve that engagement like we feel like getting into the classroom letting them know >> I'm not this isn't I'm not
021flaming any like you're not doing enough it's not that at all but I think that number. We should take a deep dive. Look at the questions. How do we improve that? How do how do different groups in the school? How do we work with you? How does unified? We do some stuff which we hope kids feel belonging >> right >> to but how do we make it better. So >> I think we do keep improving every year on it. And I do say some of the stuff especially >> I do think that Especially taking some of these surveys though with a grain of salt as far as how they are presented because we find even when we give the students a survey and it's a five question survey, they don't always fully read the questions
022and understand. No, no, no, no. I'm just saying. So, I personally would love to see if we could create something that's a shorter, more comprehensive to see how close we really are, how accurate that data is. Um, that's just my opinion because I feel like if we went out there and and created a shorter survey asking the students specifically what they're involved in, if they're involved, etc., then I think that we would find that more of our students are involved than what that is. I don't feel I personally just don't feel it's an accurate presentation. So, I do agree with you. I agree it deserves a deeper dive, but I think we would also need to do a smaller survey, more comprehensive to be able to see. So could we get like a small committee
023of people together that can do that deep dive and then bring it to a bigger group on what we can do in this school to make this >> Shelley did you want to add? >> Yeah. Can I piggyback on to that? So and I do think co had a huge impact on that after co kids came back but I will say I have had employees that are pagans at students over the past few years and they have said that is definitely the student engagement is definitely declined tremendously um and I don't know I know that we don't want to do the um battle of the classes anymore but that but if there's a way of doing something similar because that was huge the kids got involved in that everybody loved it the kids the parent
024the it was huge so if there any way we could get. Kids looked forward to it. I have kids that tell me that they wish that we did it still. I mean, >> I still look forward to that because that I remember also going against the school committee. I think I went against you times. >> Just it's getting the kids to enjoy going. It's just doing something. Spirit week isn't enough. I'm sorry. It's just I think we have to be a little bit more creative with getting the kids involved. The kids and when I was on health and wellness before too, those girls even and they were involved like these are kids that are involved. One of them is a wrestler. She's a wrestler for and she says that she loves the school but it's
025just they're not >> they're not as involved. >> And I think rather than using W4 I mean sometimes Yes. No. >> But if they come back at night >> it's >> you know and it's totally different >> right and have have a blast. Just play. >> Exactly. And have fun. >> Be it be it a basketball game against teachers against students something. But yeah we have to be creative. I do agree. And get the kids more engaged 100%. Thank you Beth for bringing that up. >> And in terms of the survey works, it's similar in my mind to like Rycast. >> They give me my scores as a teacher so late that I now have a different group of kids in front of me and none of the data applies. So if we could do
026something beginning of the year and at the end of the year with the exact same kids and a smaller survey, at least then we can compare apples to apples. Survey works only tells me what happened last year. >> I I do think that was just my my I actually emailed the Department of Education and ask the survey works results are from this year because I do use the results but >> but even that it's almost too late. the ones we took last year during the school year still haven't quite at this point which you know obviously still warrants but it is very frustrating to get the data so >> I know but if but if you look at the last three years it's not good >> but we could find where where the deficit is
027if we do it >> right but solution focused this. Can we take a deep dive, look at the questions that were asked, their answers, and then okay, so what can we do to improve it and work together to do that? >> Part of the survey could also be how what things would encourage you to get involved. You know what I mean? Asking the kids what would get them drag them out of their houses to come back and get involved. All right, Mike, you had something? >> Yeah, I had two quick things to say. Um, I totally understand the point that you guys made in response initially that um, sometimes students just blow through the survey and they're not actually paying attention. Um, I was walking these halls not too long ago and I had friends
028who I know for a fact did that exact thing. Um, and I agree that they should be looked into further and I just want to recommend one thing potentially especially with that idea um, comparing the same students beginning of the year and the end of at the end of the year. um why not do independent sampling in addition to survey works um that's representative so we don't have to survey the entire school but if you're meeting with 80% of the students or if 80% of your time rather is being spent interpersonally with these students take a small cohort that's a representative sample and just kind of use the time and cross compare with what survey works gives you um I think that could be maybe pretty useful the other thing I wanted to say was
029um I really love what you're doing with the geometry um and the algebra work like helping the students who are deficient. Is there any um have you guys given any thought to using other metrics of evaluating student performance? Um so specifically with respect to students that might be deficient and performance so like grades is only one um metric but like standardized test scores I know. >> So when we're that was a great question when we're evaluating them we look at their star data we look at their SAT PSAT any data that we can get we uh collaborate before we meet and evaluate all of that. >> Okay. Awesome. Yeah. Thank you. And for the ninth graders, we um do look at that middle school data as well. So we are pulling their rycast scores. If
030they came from an out of district school and we don't have that, then I'm reaching out to those school counselors and asking them to forward me that information as well. So that way we do have more than just the data point of the grades. For sure. >> Yeah. I just wanted to make sure that someone students that are like performing at a C weren't like kind of slipping through the gaps and they weren't performing on standardized tests. >> Okay. Awesome. >> I just want to just jump in one thing. So, just so everyone knows, I was just for background, I was actually on the advisory council. So, I did we we met twice a year and I got to see everything that was going on. Um, and Dr. Palazo and I agreed that it would
031be a good idea for them to come just to get an update because even me, I mean, I think I called Mrs. Murphy, a guidance counselor on the first day and she gave me the death stare. So, I was like, knowing what you guys do now, it's a lot of proactive work. Seeing the math scores definitely as someone that was pretty good in math like was a little concerning. and knowing the steps that you guys have taken to improve that and work a lot more with the students that don't have that support at home, I think is really important. So, I don't know if everyone understands that. Um, and I just one other caveat to that is that for the program that you're going to be submitting if if you do pass it would be
032we'd be the only school in the state or would in New England. I'm not at this point there might be two or three other schools, but last year >> um I I'll just preface the conversation with it was the first time even the people at Ride had seen somebody submit it and they've learned a lot from the application as well. So they're working pretty closely with us to make sure that um well um we're successful. Well, regardless, you guys started it for for so >> it would have been great if it was this year, but I we're still we've been doing the model and the model is what's most important. >> Yeah. The recognition. We're doing the work. We're doing the work with our students to help them. So, that's the goal. >> Thank you
033for that. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you so much for taking your time. >> I appreciate it. Approval of monthly bills. >> Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve the monthly bills dated June 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2025 in the amount of $728,11.68. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve the monthly bills dated July 1st, 2025 to July 30th, 2025 in the amount of 912,854.58. >> Any Oh, thanks Beth. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. Finance update budget and finance for June and July. >> Yep. So you have the um June and July report. For June, we're looking at a small surplus and that's without touching the fund balance. Um the numbers are
034not final. We haven't completed the audit yet. They will be here in August working on it, but um they are still subject to change, but that's where we stand right now. >> And so at the June 17th meeting, we did approve spending some money that was um to help with the budget. Is that I think it was a van. Was it a van at the June 17? >> Yes. >> Some was that? >> Yeah, that's included in the revenue and expense. So, the budget numbers you see are the original budget. That's why we're over um on the expenses, but >> Yep. Those budget adjustments are in there. >> Yes, those numbers are in there for the the van and the furniture. >> Um and then July, we're at 5.62% for revenue and 2.58 uh% for
035expenses for the month. Does anyone have any questions? I appreciate your report and I appreciate you being here every meeting. Thank you. >> Um, number eight, increase in school meal prices. Do we have >> Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve the increase in student meals by 25 cents. Breakfast would be $1.50. Lunch would be 325. >> May I ask a question, please, Cindy? >> Yes. >> Um, is this going We're obviously not looking to make money, but is this going to cover cost? Is this going to cover the cost? >> So, um, as you see in your packet, we did have a deficit for FY25. >> That's why I'm asking. >> In combination with that, and we have Ashley here too from Sedexo to answer any questions. >> Um, but in combination with
036that and also working on reducing uh, pricing um, and um, working on participation, increasing that, um, we're hoping that that will cover it. So my question really is I mean business sense you don't want to you're not trying to make we're a nonprofit. We're trying we're not make we don't want to make money but we also have to cover our expense. >> So is 25 cents realistic? Should it be a little bit more? Should it be 35? Should it be 40? What is needed? >> So we did the paid lunch equity tool per the USDA and we do need to increase our prices. Now the 25 cents >> is that enough? We would really have to examine it to truly define it. Um, per our budget. I feel like it could be. Um, but I
037don't have the the straight black and white data for you tonight. >> That's not That's not good enough for me. I almost wonder if we should put I know school starts. >> How many how many lunches do you know the number like in a year? How many lunches do we sell? >> They're I believe in their in your packet. Those meal counts were based on last year and that is with no increase to participation. So we would love to see those numbers increase but again we >> I can give you a roundabout >> well I just just to finish that up. So 60,000 meals >> for lunch 105 cents would be >> right >> for students. Yeah >> would be 15,000. We the deficit was 35,000. Right. >> Right. I mean, if we was that
038from one year or was that from two years? That was kind. >> And that's just for students because don't forget we're also increasing the adult prices as well. >> Yeah, because how many how many adults actually buy one? I mean, >> it's not that many. So, we increased the adult meals by 50 cents, but that only gives us an additional $700. I think with the equity tool it was um a 15 or 17 cent increase. So, we are going above that. Okay. The equity tool is inflation and commodity, right? >> Correct. Yes. So we are above that requirement of the USDA >> and this is the first year that we've had a deficit. Um >> but that deficit is from one year. Correct. >> That 36,000. That's what I'm trying to say. That was from
039that's why I couldn't figure it out because I don't know if that was from one year or >> that's just one year. So that's pretty significant. Our school lunch program is not in a deficit. We have the money to cover it. We just need to make sure that we don't continue to fall deeper into the hole. >> Yep. >> No. I mean, if the deficit's 36,000, we can only anticipate like based on last year accounts, $20,000, you'd still technically be in a deficit unless there's other, like you said, your other cost measures like cutting down on other expenses. >> Correct. So, um, we had a change over in leadership in our high school. Um, we are very confident that our waste measures are going to be limited this year. We're really going to try to
040utilize as much as possible and have minimal waste. Um, so we have different measures in place this year to control that. I just do have one quick question now for this increase because again I understand where you're coming from. How does it affect those that are on either free or reduced lunch? How does that work for this? Does it impact them at all? >> It does not impact them at all. The free and reduced students will still be able to eat their meals at no cost. So the reduced um price of lunch used to be 40 cents. Last year and this year uh the state has taken that off their plate. So both free and reduced eat at no cost for breakfast and lunch and then the state reimburse us those meals. >> Now are
041those rates set by the state added into this estimate or no? >> That is just for the paid lunches. >> Just for the paid lunches. Okay. I just wanted to make sure on that one. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Just a thought just from hearing from students about like you're talking about participation. Um I'm sure that impacts your waste too, right? If people are participating, then you're you're probably throwing less away. As far as like variety goes, I feel like that's the feedback I'm hearing from students like that it's just the same thing over and over and over again. And I I think if if you're going to target that participation piece, maybe looking into more variety. >> Absolutely. So we this year have instilled a new limited time offer. Um so we have a fiveweek
042cycle menu, right? So we are trying to reduce the waste and bringing in a million item. Instead of bringing a thousand items, we might bring right instead 100. Um but in those cycles, we're trying to do more limited time offers and promotions. So um in September, for example, the pizza promotion is a hot honey pepperoni that we are going to advertise. There is a natural hot chicken sandwich. Um I believe there's there's more items than spicy, but we have um a calendar that is dedicated to incorporating that and making sure that those are done on a monthly basis. >> Perfect. Any other questions? >> Michelle, I think it's like approve it now and then if there's an issue then maybe we'd have to look at it again. But I think jumping it might actually people
043might actually buy less. You never like if you >> I don't know. We we went up with elementary school. We had to because we had a huge deficit. We went up like we went more expensive than glass. It really did impact it. But if I I I agree, Mark. I think that we should revisit it halfway through the year though to see how we're doing if that's okay with the committee if we could please. >> I agree with that as well. >> I can run numbers. So in six months, >> yes, >> I'll do the report. Okay. Yep. >> Perfect. So we have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions. >> Should it be in the motion to revisit in six months or it's just in the minutes?
044That's good. >> Well, we have one more to go for the adult one. >> Okay. >> Um and then we don't need a motion. We'll just >> make a note that >> Okay. So, Februaryish. >> February. I'll put it in. >> Thank you, Kyle. Perfect. >> Okay. Aaron, >> I make a motion to approve the increase in adult meals by 50 cents. Breakfast $2, lunch $4. >> Um, any discussion? >> I do have to say it's actually cheaper to get lunch here than it is at like my own work. So, I do want to put it out there. Is >> I would love to pay $4 because they get what? Um, pizza, pizza, >> chicken sandwich. >> They get they get um a full meal. So, it would be a chicken sandwich, fruit, vegetable, milk.
045>> Yep. I wish I had that for my lunch anyway. So, >> all in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions. Thanks for coming tonight. >> Thank you. I appreciate your time. Thank you. >> Facilities update. >> Hi, Steve. So, uh, quick update. Uh, it's been a very busy summer this summer. A lot of projects going on. Uh, currently we have all the relining taking place out in the south parking lot. So, we replaced the drain basin that collapsed. Uh, hopefully that project will be complete by end of day on Thursday. uh normal summertime uh operations at both high school and middle school with a lot of mechanical repairs, a lot of some of the more substantial plumbing repairs that you're not able to basically, you know, task during the the school years or the school months, I
046should say. Uh gym floors are getting refinished next week. Um our projects, basically the access and intrusion project is about 80% complete. We've had a lot of electrical work done this year um in conjunction with door hardware. Um and all has to do with the access control and intrusion project. Uh we had a lighting project kickoff meeting last Tuesday. Uh waiting on some lead times on the equipment. Once we have the final lead times, we're going to have the electricians out do a couple test runs for logistics purposes and then ultimately that project we're still trying to push through by the end of the year. Um, we did able we were able to to pave the middle school from Rustic Hill Road all the way basically down to the lower parking lot. We captured about
047140 ft of sidewalk. Uh, so that's a huge win for ADA compliance and safety down at the middle school. And that's about it. Still pushing forward with our projects. >> Thanks. Does anyone have questions? >> I do have one question for the AC in here anyway because we've Is that like for the loud bang and everything else? So the AC actually in here is actually under repair. The KMC controller that we keep repeating and readressing. Um the building management system on this building is basically obsolete. So due to existing circumstances that actually failed about a week week ago and there's only a temporary thermostat in place right now and that's why you hear it hard start and that's why you you hear the racket. But we're making provisions. We're working with the state energy office
048again because right now we do not have the finances uh to address a project to to that degree. So, >> okay. I was just curious just because being in here >> and the the snowplow RFP did go out that got posted today. So, ultimately that'll be back out per your request. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And that's about it. >> Any other questions? Thanks. Thank you for coming. >> Esports. We have a game request. Madam chair, I make a motion to approve the esports team to play the requested games as presented in the packet. Do I need to name each and every game? >> I have a before we approve it. Is this something we approve? >> Hold on because I just want to come up here and talk to me. >> No, it's kind
049of like adding a sport. Yes. >> so you you're supposed to go to the committee to get any new sport approved. Even though esports >> is is its own thing, each game is its individual sport that falls underneath there. >> So, what Yeah. So, what I'm trying to do is ask for permission to play the actual um any one of the games that competition would offer so I do not have to keep coming back. >> Yeah. See, I don't have an issue with that. I just didn't know. I didn't think we were the proper channel. I thought that it would go through Amanda and Mike and that they would have to get approval through RI. >> So, RIL approved approves the games that we play and then I go to administration and ask if it's
050okay and then I have to come to you guys to get >> Oh, so you already did that. RL said okay. Amanda said okay. And so now you're here. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's why >> you >> It's because it's a sport. >> It's like adding like Any new sport has to be approved by the school committee. >> Each game is like adding a lacrosse or a >> soccer or a >> Yes. Yes. >> Pokemon tonight. >> Yeah. That's why I wanted to ask you some questions because I didn't know the process. It's fine. >> Can I ask a question? >> Yeah. >> Does it is there an additional expense? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, but he just doesn't want to come 10 times. >> Yeah. We're going to be changing the games um
051next year. A lot of the games are getting changed over. So, we're doing a different game the fall. We do three different games in the winter and then every game is getting refreshed because Nintendo came out with their new Switch and it's bringing everything and it's changing it all over. So, it just eliminates the us having to come back and forth by having permission. >> Do you want to read the games or should we just say as presented in our packet? >> As presented in the packet. >> Okay. >> He started to and then I stopped him because I just wanted to make sure that we even it was even our job. So, I'll just review the motion then. I make a motion to approve the esports team to play the requested games as presented
052in the packet. >> Any more discussion? All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Absentions. He took his cast off to present that because he didn't want evidence of carpal tunnel from playing video games. >> Don't start with the games. The games are fun. Um shared positions of facility and assistant facility director. Um do we need just make the motion? Is that all you want? Did you want to discuss anything? >> Okay. >> I make a motion to approve the facility and assistant facility directors to perform work in both districts and not be in violation of their contracts. >> So question um it says shared position. So now is this cost shared now like it was originally? >> So hold on let me pull up that contract. Where does it say in their contract? >> Cuz
053just like when we approved um >> Well, it doesn't >> I was No, I'm looking for what? Why? >> Yeah. Can you just tell me where >> Well, this was what the contract this was the motion in May 24th. That's >> No, I know. I'm so I'm just trying just so because if we're going to do this every year, I want to be clear. >> Well, no, but my question is is it is it cost shared or is there a separate dollar amount? >> Do we? >> No, no, no. So like before like when it was John Burker and John I can't Joe McGovern >> they were all cautious. So is this >> the local level separate from us? >> They were cost shared. So Joe like John like Joe um >> I don't believe
054that >> they were all cost shared. So I just want to know that's what I'm asking. So is this going to be cost shared now? Because it says cost it says shared positions or facility. So is this going to be cost shared now like it was previously? >> They're not part of the co cost share. >> They're not part of the cost share. Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The reason it's worded like that in our packet is because that's how I relate it to Kyle based on our conversation. >> Yeah. And I think that Yeah, because I'm trying I was looking up the agenda from the May 9th meeting from 2024. And just so you know, it we did state so in the minutes that were approved in the June meeting, it said um it
055was only supposed to be for six weeks by the way. That was what it said in the um in the minutes. Um the discussion is only for the next six weeks. Um and then at that point it will be hold on where is the exact um after June 30th they would not be making any additional money just a determination of how much time they spent in each district community for cost share. >> Right. So they're no longer cost shared. >> That's what I'm saying. So that was the impression when it was voted on in May 9th. That's what I'm trying to say. That was the >> um >> So since it's no longer cost shared, we don't need a vote, right? Well, still well because in their contract it is. But I think but I
056think taxpayers should be aware that they're paying them two jobs. >> There's two like you're paying two salary positions two jobs. >> That's what I'm trying to say. I think taxpayers need to know that they're paying someone two people to do the job. >> No, one person. >> Well, don't you don't you call share Steve Van Gary? Aren't you sharing Steve Van Gary? So those are two people. >> Yeah, but we're not sharing. >> No, that's what I'm trying to say. Yeah, but you're but they're still they're an employee here. That would be like me. Somebody like I have a salary position that works for me. That would be like Mark, someone working for you working at CVS and and they take another job someplace else. I don't think CVS would be No. I mean,
057I have this job, >> but it's a nighttime job. It's not during the You know what I mean? But I think >> it's one day a month. It's not >> I thought at the time you were concerned about the cost share aspect, but now it's now it's like >> the money. It's the tax it's the taxpayers. It's the taxpayers that I'm concerned about. >> Okay. >> No, but not for other people who do that. >> What do you mean? There are other people that we have working in both >> two others and that happened last year but previously >> so in his contract in their contract it doesn't say that it has to be approved by us does it >> well because it does say >> because I'm missing it >> well it said I
058don't have it in front of me it did say because I I listened to the minutes and Greg did you asked Greg directly on May 9th was it is it a violation and Greg said it is implied those were your exact words on May 9th um so I don't know >> I've reread it >> it was last May 9th >> no you're representing Glaster because you're representing Glaster. So you in the audience with Glaster um about trying to create a contract or something that's all it was just implied but um I think it's important to know and then so what do we pay them here? What is their salary here? >> I don't think that should be discussed. >> I think salary is a public it's not it's not individual. It's it's a it's in
059the budget. Salary is a budget issue. Shel, when I >> I'm not talking job performance, >> Shel when I was just going to say when I asked you to >> it's not this is nothing to do with job performance. I think they're doing a great job. It is not it's about taxes. It's about our money. This is about budget is a >> but that's none of your concern what happens in Gloucester. >> No, this isn't I'm talking about here. I'm talking about for I'm talking about the region. >> Okay. So what they do here in Gloucester I mean as in the region you have their contract as a member of the committee. You also got their salary as a member of the committee. It has nothing to do with what they do outside of this.
060If he wants to go and and be a bartender, he can go and be a bartender. That has nothing to do with what he's doing. You just said he's doing a great job. This isn't job performance. You simply asked is he job sharing or job cost sharing. We said we found out the answer. The answer is no. So there doesn't need to be a vote. >> Well, no. No, but the according to this well last year, but the problem >> when in May 9th of 2024, it said so it wasn't a violation of their contract. That is what you guys said. But my my concern is the money. My concern is the reality is that when we voted on it, we were told it was going to be cost shared after that. Now it's not.
061So what happened? We cost share. How how is that different than Dave Carnival? How is that different than other positions that we cost share? How is it different? This is a realistic question. Taxpayers are paying people twice. We paid them approximately $120,000, which is and I was told that that was high. That that was that was low. It is not low. Just in comparison, Burville pays 93,000 and they have five schools. We have two schools and we're paying 120,000. So I think tax >> this is an issue that comes up when their contract comes up. This is not an issue. >> Well, no, because it should be cost shared just like it was two years ago. >> Wait, why would you want foster cost sharing? >> I don't want foster. I'm saying the physician in
062general should be cost shared. We should not be That's what I'm trying to say. That money should be coming to All right, hear me out. So if if so say it's $30,000 rather than $30,000 being additional that $30,000 from Glaster comes to the region. So now that offsets the salary here so taxes taxpayers are not paying that $30,000 twice which is what is essentially happening. >> No, but >> do you understand what I'm saying? >> But just like how it would be No, I I get it. But I'm saying if you're speaking from a foster perspective. >> No, I'm not. I'm speaking from a taxpayer pos um position. This isn't because I sit on taxpayer. I sit on it as a regional as a regional school committee member. My taxes go towards >> twice because
063the work that they're doing at the Glouester schools is in addition to the contract that they're performing for the region. >> So they're getting paid twice, but they're just getting the extra money that they're doing for the additional work. >> But see, but that money should be offsetting something else coming into the region. That's what I'm trying to say. >> But they're not doing region employees work here for the money. the salary that we're paying them in Glouester is as Gloucester employees not as >> but I'm just asking what happened what was the difference why aren't we cost sharing anymore that's kind of what my because that's what we were told on May 9th it was going to be cost shared after that so that's my question why what happened so wrong that we're not
064cost sharing anymore that's kind of my question >> I guess I'm no I hear you but I'm trying to understand why you would want to cost share that >> because that 30,000 that you comes towards comes into the region and that 30,000 per I don't know how much you how much you pay I'm just guessing that 30,000 now will go towards say um chrome Chromebooks that 30,000 could go towards um another something else >> is if they if they they should do Gloucester for free that that money should come here and they wouldn't get it we would get it >> because it offsets just like we do the same thing because we do the same thing for Dave Carnival we do the same thing for all the positions and that's how it was prior it
065was always cauter >> every job is different right every job is different every job description is different every job requires a different amount of work a different scale of work. >> There's still only only so many hours in a week. >> I understand that. But you can't compare different people's jobs, right? >> It's not comp. But it's still it's not >> it's they're not the same. >> But I I have statistics of what salaries go for. >> It doesn't matter. They're not the same. And if you want to discuss their contract, >> then we'll do that when they're up. >> Well, I'm trying. But I'm asking why isn't it cautionary anymore? >> It's not. I don't know. >> Well, that that was Blaster's decision. Can I ask a question because I kind of feel like
066you're talking a little bit too about like best practices like if you're going to have an employee that work for both districts because this is very specific to our community that there probably should be a best practice of how to do this and it doesn't seem like there's an agreement on that. So, I definitely feel like there should be further discussion. Maybe if it's not specific, you know, like you said, if it needs to be during the contract, I do feel like there it's what you're talking about is kind of like more of like a bigger issue. >> It's not something >> like I that's just my observation. >> Well, the whole thing is the contract's not going to be up for because we extended it last year, so it's not going to be up
067for a while. Is my whole thing is I was under the impression on May 9th of 2024 that it was going to be cost shared. So when we did it, you guys were in a terrible situation in Gloucester because you needed to have a facilities person. So that was extended. We said, "Yep, >> you know what? Maybe it ended after the six weeks and maybe we just hired him in Gloucester and we no longer cautioned." >> Exactly. >> That's exactly. >> But it was never cautioned. Even on May 9th, it was never my memory. Thank you. >> But it was never cautioned. Not even May 9th because I knew that. So pull me pull me up the minutes from Glaster because I like to say that because it was never cautioned and I know that
068for a fact. So don't try to pull a fast one on me because it was never cautionary. >> No one's trying to pull a fast one. Well, it was never cost shared in Glaster. >> So, you're asking questions, you know. >> No, it was never cost shared in May from from May to June. It wasn't. I knew >> six weeks that you're talking about. >> Yes. It wasn't cost shared. >> That's right. >> It was not. No. >> Correct. >> So, that's what I'm saying. So, I want to know why the cost sharing was ended when you used the town for a few years and that didn't work out and I understand. Yeah. >> Because it's a lot for them to pick up. So, my question to you is >> you Glester walked away when
069we had um a previous facilities guy John O'Re because the town wanted to save money and do it themselves. So why did we not revisit the cost share and let that money go back into the school? >> So first of all revisit the cost share you're saying didn't happen anyway. So >> no no no. Well because because we were supposed to revisit it in June and when I did bring it up I was everybody I thought it was crazy because I thought it was the June of 25 and after reading the minutes of 24 it was and everybody said no it was this June. So, and I reread it again, but it was it was June of last year, but whatever. >> It was, but everybody thought it said it was this June at that
070meeting when I brought it up because we had to revisit in this June. But that's regardless. Um, but we did have cost share like two years ago, three years ago, and then you walked away from it when you had the town. Why didn't we go back that route? That's what I'm asking you. >> Okay. So I believe if we want to caut if Gloucester wants to hire them out right then they can hire them out right. If they want to make a deal with the regional school committee and cost share they can do that as well. Why does the region get to tell Gloucester what to do with their employees? >> Because the taxpayers are paying someone twice where that money should be going towards something else. need to make a decision on how to
071hire our administration. >> I'm just speaking for the taxpayers. >> You hire three superintendents. You're paying two right now. I'm not criticizing. >> I'm not paying no. Well, okay. We didn't hire three, but we are. Yeah. >> But >> Okay. >> So, either way, can I just say one thing about this facilities piece in general? because I remember if I remember correctly when we did hire an assistant facilities director we were talking about how it was an immense workload that it couldn't be done with one person and then you know my biggest concern at that time was that we still we went from having two people to having two people still right doing facilities at all these buildings. So we added a position kind of then we kind of added another position again. It was
072like adding two positions, right? And we're still we still have the same amount of bodies and and at that time it was like well we should continue to talk about that because is it reasonable to expect two people to manage yeah the scope of work and we never really had a conversation about that. So, I mean, I think it would be good to know where the facilities people stand on that, whether or not they're able to do, you know, all of this with two people. So, that's just my other thought and question. >> Regardless, this is not an this is not a motion that can be made because it's not >> it's not we're not cost sharing. So, we can't make a motion to cost share anything since we're not cost sharing them. Is the
073agenda in? Is there a contract in here? >> Yes, >> it was in was in our packet. It's not in my packet. So I because it is if you want to talk about next meeting, we will because I don't have that contract. So it is in there because it because even Greg said I listened to the minutes and Greg even said at the May meeting. >> I mean I I don't want Do you want me to read it right now and have you wait for me? But even Greg said at the May meeting that it was implied in the contract. >> What was implied in the contract? >> Cindy asked verbatim in the minutes. Cindy asked, "Is it a violation of their contract?" And you said it is implied to work to working glass. That's
074why that's why they needed a motion. >> I don't I remember coming now that you mentioned it. was here representing you and I think there was some question as to whether or not it's called employees dedicate their time to your district question at the time or there was no prohibition on that and that would end. >> So the only way to bring that up again would be during a contract negotiation with these effective employees. >> So if I could have the copy of the contract, I would appreciate it. And then Thank you. >> So what's decision? So the no you don't need to vote. Is that what you're is that what you're saying tonight? Vote for what? >> There is no vote for anything. >> That's so So because we did the vote on May
0759th of 2024 to allow them the vote was verbatim to allow >> I don't I don't recall off the top of my head. >> No, I have I have the minutes of the May 9th 24 the May 9th of 2024 meeting. >> It's been a year and three months and nobody's alleged that they're violating the >> Well, because we made a motion. So that's why. So Cindy, I withdraw my second I was going to give to Greg or email. Okay. So, we'll get that to you, shall we? >> Thank you, >> Greg. Number >> I don't even know. >> 12. Superintendent report. >> So, we have a few. >> Can you just approve them like all at once? All the leaves is presented. Why do they have to be approved individually? >> Yeah. No, I
076think we can do it all at once. Um, Madam Chair, before we do that, I just want to thank Kenneth Batty um as custodian at um for the region. I want to thank him for all of his hard work and dedication to the district and I wish him luck in all his future endeavors. >> Where is it? >> Wow. >> Has been an employee since September 1979. 49 years. That's leaves. >> All right, that's your task, Steve. Get him here. >> That's crazy. To work, >> Steve. >> I know. Happy birthday. How was your >> Steve? What is he like to drink? Like to get him a present. >> So, can we just approve that without the >> Yeah. So, can I have a motion? I make a motion to approve the leaves without pay
077as presented in our packet. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. There's nothing else that gets just the leads, right? >> Okay. Now, let's do the extensions. >> I make a motion to approve the one-year extension of Alyssa Napa, who's the human resource manager contract as presented in the packet. Do we have their contracts in here? Because I didn't see their contracts. >> It's just the addendum. >> It's the same thing. >> I know, but we we've stopped. We used to say that we wanted >> What's the What do you mean the addendum? Is that the full contract? >> The um >> So, it's an extension with no changes, I guess, is what an addendum is, right? >> I know, but I want to see I like to
078make I like to table this so we can see the contracts. Any anytime that we extend a contract, we should have the contracts in front of us so we know what we're extending. Please. >> Yeah. But they don't. >> So then I'll withdraw my motion then. >> I'll withdraw my second. >> No, no, no. You have to you have to vote on the motion to table. >> Oh, I make a mot >> because if the if if the majority of the committee does not want to table it, you go forward with it. >> Oh, >> then I make a motion to table. >> I didn't make a motion. I just asked if we could please table it. I just think it's considerate. >> We can wait a month. >> So we have to withdraw. They
079have to withdraw their original >> so that she can make a motion to table it, right? >> Okay. So we have a motion to table >> the extensions both extensions. Well, I think we should I think it's just good I think it's good business practice to have the contracts in front of us that we're going to vote on to extend. >> I think is how how >> with that too. >> Does this hurt her in any way to >> We're just trying to get them on the same schedule as all the administrations so that we can review all of the admins at once. >> That makes sense. I don't think a month I don't think a month is going to change it as no. >> Okay. So, >> I make a motion to table um
080items 12B, extension of contracts. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. I'm going to I'm going to oppose it because this has been in our packets. We we knew we were going to be discussing this. We had ample time to look up the the contracts. We've all been given them. We've been all sitting on this long enough to have them. So, I'm I'm I'm objecting. So, 61. >> I agree with that. >> But >> it's our it's our responsibility. You know, >> we got it Friday. We got this packet Friday. I'm sorry. I work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. For me to be on my responsibility to get a contract is not my responsibility, Cindy. I'm just saying it's we have them. >> No, I completely understand. I just
081in my opinion, I don't think one month is >> No, it's not going to hurt this time. But I mean, it's fine. I just if but if the contracts were in our packet, we asked before that whenever we're approving a a contract, then they should be in our packets. >> Number 13, policy updates. >> I make a motion to reaffirm the affirmative action policy as presented in the packet. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I opposed. >> I make a motion to reaffirm the parent investment title one policy as presented in the packet. >> Second. No, we're not. >> Are we >> Can someone explain why >> we're We need this. This is a polic one of the policies that we need to have. We do have a new Well, hopefully Oh,
082we do. We do have a new title one >> um >> coordinator that I think Renee is going to ask to re because this was written in 2013, I believe. So, she Rene wants to work with the new title N coordinator. What's the investment? Is that the term it's supposed to say is investment? >> That's how that's >> Well, I think this is the problem. I think that the new Title 9 coordinator is going to look through the policy, recommend changes, correct any of the verbiage, >> and then poss if there are changes, bring it back to us. I think we just need to have one. >> No, it's fine. That's fine. I was just asking. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think just we just need Yeah. And then and then once our new person takes
083over, they can make the changes that they need would like to see >> and bring it forward. >> It went through the policy. >> Who seconded that? Yeah, it should. >> Oh, it did. Or it's going to >> No, it didn't. >> When are we having another subcommittee meeting? That's been >> when when you guys let me know you want. >> Did we ever talk about having like that set calendar of like when meetings are to occur or are we just not going to do that? I think there'll be easier people that are on subcommittee so we can >> I think it's just it it I I think get the year gets so crazy we don't have that schedule and it it just makes more sense for planning purposes so that everyone can participate and
084I I don't know I've brought that up a few times. I don't know if that needs to be an agenda item or not but I just think we get organized then it it will flow better. We know when we need to have a budget subcommittee meeting. We know when we have need to have other things. So we just plan around the ones that need to happen in in that certain >> well and that way if you don't end up need say you schedule it once every four four weeks then if you don't need it you cancel it right >> but at least you can plan accordingly you can hold the date in your calendar >> correct >> all in favor of that but of the motion >> you know the policy all in favor >>
085opposed abstensions 70 student assistant service approval >> I make a motion to approve the agreement for the Rhode Island student assistant services as presented in the packet. >> Okay. >> Any discussion? >> Is this the um what is it the survey or the policy that we needed Greg to look over or was that something different? >> Oh, >> because there was one >> it's the optin opt out >> the optin opt out right and it's for this polic or is this something entirely different? >> I um we spoke about it. >> Yeah. Um I spoke we spoke about it previously but it this is the pol this is the um the survey that's going to go out that instead of the opt in >> so you can do it. So, it's not a survey. It's
086just um it's a parent letter. It's a form letter that um Alison Deo's company gives all schools in Rhode Island to send out to parents to let them know about her services. Um in addition, at High School, we take an additional uh layer when we have parents sign off on the student handbook acknowledgement form. We also have them check off that they read the letter and that they are in agreement um with their child meetings with Alison should their child you know deemed um necessary to meet with Alison and then in addition we also have third layer where we always call the parent and communicate and Alison also calls the parent communicates. So the letter is is sort of step one of notifying we have Alison, what her services are. Um, if parents want to
087opt out, they can. They check off um on that uh form that they don't want their child to meet that. We keep a record of that. Um, but there are multi-layered steps to meeting with the student assistant counselor beyond just uh that letter. That is a form letter that our company sends us that um schools use and send out. >> Thank you. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I opposed against it middle school and high school semianual bullying report. Any questions regarding the report? >> I think it's important I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> I think it's important for parents to realize that the bullying report is based on um actual reports. You can't just say, "Oh, my kid was bullied." It doesn't go that way. People like, "Oh, no. It's more than that." It's
088you actually there's actually a form you got to fill out. Yeah. >> So if people think that Yeah. It's actually a documentation. You can't just make accusations. It's also it's a document that's filled out and then therefore and then followed upon. >> Yeah. So I think parents because we had a meeting a few meetings ago that oh that's not true. And I think people need to realize okay you can't just a kid just can't come home and say I was bullied. There's a follow through and a process that goes with it. So, >> and I think that they also did I'm just assuming again that we only had like what was it January to June or June to September to December or whatever like that for three months and again we only get it every
089six months or you know in those time frames. >> So I just want to put that out there as well. >> Any other discussion? >> Okay. Uh public comment. >> You sure do. >> Thank you. >> Um my name is Gary King for the record. >> Couple of people here know who I am. Uh I got a question which is uh superintendent's report. It's in your packet, right? If the superintendent was here, which I understand mitigating issue, then the public would hear the superintendent report. Am I correct? >> If she had one to report. Yes. >> Something to report. >> Is there a report from >> Sometimes it's just someone that's um >> personel. Okay. So, sometimes it's personnel. >> Greg, can I get a copy of that report if it's in that packet? the
090superintendent's report. >> Yeah, >> if you would. You've got my email. >> I don't mean to add to your workload >> because I know how that works. Um, and will that be the same uh the reaffirm the affirmative action policy is the same for Gloucester as it is for the region? It might have a little bit of difference. I can say I can send you that one also. It'll have a different header for sure. >> So I can I'll send that one also to you. Glster and >> very good. Well, that's all for tonight. >> Please. >> Thank you for your time. >> That's all for tonight. >> Any other public comment? >> Okay. Can I have a motion to >> I make a motion to convene to executive session to discuss and or vote
091on the following matters. P Island General Law 42-46-5A Privacy of Student Records, homeschooling, P Island General Law 42-46-5A 2 and 4, legal advice regarding investigation of allegations of misconduct either civil or criminal and Pon Island General Law 42-46-5A 2 and 4 pending litigation update student BHO voster school district. Second.