001[Music] It's been a while. >> Didn't have to go that far. >> I always say for all fit two of the school board to order. We'll begin with the pledge of 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. We will begin with the consent agenda and we'll be looking for a motion to approve the July 14th minutes as >> prepared. Second any discussion all those in favor I opposed obstain motion carries 5. We'll move on now to the business report. >> Oh my gosh already >> quick. All right. So, let's see. What do I need to highlight on? Um, the DOE 25 has been submitted and approved. Um, our ending fund balance to reduce
002taxes was $583,317. This um did account for the 100,000 going into the district facilities capital reserve fund and 50,000 going into the district equipment capital reserve fund. And we also retained um 5% to the tune of $579,343. I did um pass out the MS25 and DOE 25 um signature pages. I have to submit those. After they approve it, then I submit the signatures. They've approved it. So, we're good to go there. Um so, these are our final numbers. You will have to vote on the retention amount. You are required to do that. Um, >> and once the 583 goes back to reduce taxes, what does that take the rate to? >> Um, so I don't know. I can give you an estimate that based on I just completed my MS24, which is estimated revenue. I
003will not finalize that with the DRRA until October. We have to wait for the town to file their MS1 which um finalizes the the town valuation and the net assessment which those numbers are used to calculate the final tax rate. So if I use the current year's numbers like we do in March when we estimate the tax rate, it looks like a 60 cent decrease to our estimate at town meeting. I do believe it's going to be less than that, but until it's those numbers are finalized with the town, I can't use them to calculate the tax rate. >> Why don't we just retain it all and then use it to close your budget? >> I wish we could, but we can't. We're not like we can only retain up to 5%. >> I don't
004like that. No. >> Well, we could we could petition to change that by one, right? >> No. >> Statute. >> It's statute. >> The 5% is >> it was 2 and a.5% for years and in 200 >> Well, it hasn't actually been that long because >> I changed it after I came here with you guys. You guys are still two and a half and then we put on article 5%. Hasn't been that long. seven maybe seven years it's been 5%. Um you know it's 500 plus for us but for smaller districts if they're fortunate enough to have a a big amount 5% isn't much you know. >> Oh yeah >> and it only takes one child >> that can cost a a lot of money. So, I agree, but um I'm sure there's some that
005don't agree, you know, but unfortunately we don't have that flexibility like the town. >> So, I haven't seen in the past, so I could Does that actually show on our budget for next year? It would show the money that we turn over. >> Yes. I mean, yeah, >> it is. So, it is applied to us to the school. >> It is applied because >> the money really doesn't go anywhere. Let's just put that out there. Yeah, >> the money doesn't really go anywhere. >> When um let's see, my fund balance at the end of the year includes that retention. >> The retention amount that moves forward changes because it's based on 5% of our local taxes raised. >> Yeah. >> So, it's not on the whole budget either. It's only on what I'm collecting from
006the town office every month in payments that we collect from the taxpayers. Only that amount. Maybe it's 11 million this year. >> You you know what I mean? >> Y. >> So it's not even on our whole appropriation. So that can be kind of deceiving too. >> So yeah. So it kind of as long as we don't have to use it, it kind of I want to say rolls over into our fund balance year after year after year. But we were able to put 150,000 into capital reserve funds, you know. So for me and for Dale too, that's a way of us putting money aside, you know, for those projects. Yeah. >> so I think um next board meeting you'll start seeing the current budget reports, the 2526. This is the last time you're going
007to see the 2425. Obviously, you don't need to see it anymore. This is my final report that all my state reports were based off from. There is a policy that we have to have reviewed every year. You guys will do that later. Um, and then we're gonna have to talk about when our next board meeting is, but Steve will handle that. So, the only vote I have is um, based on the 5% retention, the approval. So, that's it. That's it for me. >> Any questions for Patty? Um, Patty, any with the federal bill that was signed on July 4th along with the state budget being um presented, any thoughts as to what that might do to uh impact the 2526 budget or is it too soon or >> I mean I think at this point
008um obviously when it comes to like adequacy we've already gotten that estimate. Um, based on our numbers, our free and reduced, you know, it's a lot of different parts to that, it looks to be that we're going to get 135,000 more than we um anticipated. And of course, that anticipation was based on the estimate they gave us last November. Um, so with our endofear numbers and stuff, that's what it looks like right now for adequacy. Um, beyond that, um, I think we're very fortunate with with all the things that have happened in the last week or so with federal things are looking up definitely. But to that extent, I think there'll be some future things we need to talk about. >> Okay. >> We'll have to wait till the legislature starts here, right, very soon
009>> and see what reoccurring bills come forward. And um at that point, I do think there's going to be some things we need to talk about for next year. >> Yeah. Well, yeah, because we're entering our new budget cycle preparation. So, >> so I know I know it's like you just feel like you're always two years like ahead. >> Did we lose any grants with the with the grant impact that happened with the with the federal bill? Did we lose any and make them up? >> Yeah. I mean, as of right now, technically, no. But they only released um 13% of title two. >> Okay. >> Um so I mean but they are saying this is what we're anticipating to get but right now we're we're releasing 13% but on October 1 we'll release the
010rest. Um but for this year I think we're going to be okay with that stuff. We'll see what happens over the next year. You know I I'm not sure if they're going to turn more competitive or what have you, but >> okay, >> I think we need to keep a close eye on the state bills that will be coming forward. Um, some of them could be quite impactful. Um, but we'll see. Right. >> Right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any additional questions from Patty? Will we get any business then? And we'll look for a motion to approve the June 30, 2025 year end retention of $579,343 as presented. >> So is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. 5. We'll move on to new business
011item A, education service provider approval with the uh EFA law, education freedom account law, um parents can take the state aid that their child would have gotten attend other other schools. So all this does is in the past we actually above the notch community school has already been one of those providers we haven't I don't believe we've ever collected tuition for that from the state through the EFA in the process. Uh but with the with the new rules any any of our schools could potentially u receive students through EFA. So all this is is us acknowledging that that ability to do so and approving that we will accept any student who wishes to come here via an EFA. >> So you need a board vote on that? >> Yes, please. >> Does that mean that
012that's all you get or that is a supplement to our established tition? I think it's just it's just if we take the EFA, we have to take the notes. I understand. >> I'm not going to hold our breath and giving any ters by the way, but >> yeah, >> because the EFA were the extra extra 10,000 that the legislature approved were next step. So, so it sounds to me like we're looking for a motion to approve Lakeway Elementary, Casey Carson Middle School, Littleton High School, and the above the notch community school as education service providers with the state's EFA program. So moved. Is there a second? Second. >> Any discussion? Steve, is there any impact that would work against us with students wanting to take the funds and go elsewhere from here? >> They uh
013they certainly could, but I'm not very I don't think that there's going to be any right now, frankly, money's all gone. It's long gone. I I called the the uh entity that that governs the EFAs and to check and see availability they had and they're they're all gone. There's a waiting list >> and this is a reciprocal, right? Like our voting to approve them has no impact on a student's ability to >> No. >> Even if funds were there, use it to go elsewhere. No, >> we couldn't stop that if we wanted to. >> If they're already approved on the list, can they change the location? >> Like it's say our child signed up and they're collecting it to go to say White Mountains, right? and then all of a sudden we show up on
014the list. If they're already approved to receive the $4,700 to pay the receiving school, >> can they change? >> I I don't know >> to where they're going. I don't >> that I don't know. Yeah, I I think this I don't think this will come into play this year to be very honest either way. But I think I think where it could come into play potentially be and we and which is already on the list but we have to again reaffirm that it's we wish it to remain on the list and advice is to have the other school do it as well. >> Okay. So a motion has been made and second and any further discussion? All in favor? I >> opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Fiser. I move on to new business B, the evaluation
015process and procedures. >> Okay, this is u virtually identical to what the board approved back in August of 2019. Um and then the years the years that passed that the the evaluation many of the documents and pieces of that evaluation process remain but they were part of the of a PD plan that the board approved several years ago. The PD plan by the way we'll come back and do some revisions of that. It's a good document. Uh it's something that we're supposed to have on file with the state and frankly that hadn't been done for many years. that got done several years ago. Uh within the PD plan though was was the evaluation process and it it was kind of a some of it here and some of it there and and it wasn't one
016solid one piece, one place. It was very very difficult for people to get the right documents, put them together and it was missing a couple of key components that we had back in 2019. the most uh the most important component that was missing uh was the summit of evaluation with the rubric. So if you look at that document uh if you look at the you'll see you'll see when you get into the very toward the very end of it the end of the evaluation process there's some summative of evaluation and that's a rubric that the evaluator fills out and then makes a determination to the teacher yes your your contract is being renewed we're offering a contract or no we're not there is really nothing there that you would made any kind a justification for
017that recommendation. So that used to be there. I'm not sure why it went away that we reinstated that. So there's really nothing other than that. There's nothing very uh substantive change in it in terms of other processes is pretty much the same. Um three copies are laying on my desk. Matt, if the board approves, I'll have to have you sign. So I'll forget that. Jeremy Brown has signed off on it. And again, the the authority for the evaluation process and procedures evaluation general lies with the board for the negotiated agreement with input from the teacher which has happened. So there's any questions about the document be happy to entertain those >> questions for the superintendent. And this is clearly something you're looking for a vote on as well. Yes. >> Yes, please. >> We'd be
018looking for a motion to approve the evaluation process and procedures as presented. >> Can I ask a question? >> Of course. >> Yep. Did you say there was there was there were no changes from last year or there are changes? >> There are changes. The big the biggest change is is the addition of a or the inclusion of the of the final rubric. >> Okay. >> That again gives a basis for the recommendation for hire or not hire. >> And with Jeremy signing off on it, there's no issues with this being greed or anything. >> No gone through that process completely. >> Then the only thing I have and again I'm not an expert at these flow charts. >> Yeah. But on the flowchart. >> Uhhuh. >> If you read the note at the bottom,
019it talks about an extended walk observation may be needed after one after any one of the walkthrough observations. >> Correct. >> I think the arrows are pointing in the wrong direction from the walk through to the extended. Take a look. >> It's just a flowchart formality, but >> Oh, okay. >> And essentially any of the walkthroughs one through five could lead to an extended walkrough. >> That's correct. So technically if you were doing a workflow they should have an error point error pointing to extended workflow. >> That's Yeah. And that's kind of why we we put the note >> Yeah. >> because of that because it gets really >> messy. Yeah. >> Frankly more confusing. >> Yeah. >> But again, but just just just so you know. So the right the reason behind it is
020is we see something it's like whoa we got we need to do a lot more here a lot more observation and maybe again maybe end up on a plan maybe not but yeah you're right about that >> and there you have five walkthroughs is there five walkthroughs for every teacher or >> it depend walk through walkthroughs plus a walk through uh five for non-tenure three for tenure >> so does there going to be something on here that notes that as It's it's in here just not on this part of it. It's on um if you look on page two there's kind of that that time frame it indicates that in terms of walkthroughs and walk through and then if you anyone has a document open it's it's the uh the sum of the very end
021that piece is what we reinstated basically. So, I'll make a motion. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Any further discussion? >> Just point there's no conflict with me making the motion. Correct. >> No, not for that. >> Just want to make sure that involve money or anything like that. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed and abstain. Motion carries 5. We'll move on to handbook season. Items C, D, E, and F. >> Crystal gives her regrets. She was unable to be here um by the way, but uh she's available if we have questions. So the only thing I can't remember and other board members might have a better memory than I but I thought I recall in the past we were given
022like a summary of any changes because it's an extensive document and if we're trying to find where those changes are is there a summary for any of these hand any of these handbooks for both Lakeway and the high school middle school that just tells us what things are either added, changed or eliminated. Yeah, I that I don't think so, Greg. I know what you're saying. You know, we have a you know what could have what we could have done, of course, would be to put the track changes in there and you could see that. I think the the you know, Patty said, the big the biggest changes relative to uh policy, the cell phone, parental rights, >> and some we had to put the whole policy in. Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't think I don't
023think there's anything massively different. So, the two the two big ones are the primar and the cell phone. To be honest, that's pretty much it. >> We talked about it yesterday. >> Alissa, I mean, we're not to yours yet. >> Any major changes are reflective of the new policies. The big one, of course, are cell phones. It's the same, I think. And did that policy for cell phones really change for elementary or were they already following it for elementary? I can't remember. >> All schools have cell phones of the devices not permitted from bell to bell >> beginning of the day. >> It was as medical school. >> Yeah, I agree. definitely make it easier to maneuver if there's anything major there. But it really isn't much different to be honest. >> It's just the
024annual updates. You know, the thing is annual have to update based on dates and stuff. Okay, >> I agree with Greg on a going forward basis even with this thing that we just went through on the >> um process and procedures were reaffirming some sort of synopsis >> some summary of what's changed should be provided facilitation. Yeah, that's why I apolog New Hampshire School Board Association notes in there, all the explanations and clean them up of course when we publish them. But for that reason, but I I I understand >> they uh seem to be increasing the the document increasing every year. >> It's like the tax code. It never shrinks. So, we'll take each of these up individually then. Look first for a motion to approve the 2025 2026 Lakeway staff handbook. So, is
025there any further discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. 5 Z. Look for a motion to approve the Lakeway student parent handbook for 2526. So moved. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I abstain. Eric, what was your vote? I think all motion carries 5. Look for a motion to approve the 2526 LHS DBMS faculty and staff handing book. >> Second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Staining. Motion carries 5. for a motion to approve the 206 LHS DBMS parent >> with pressure. >> Second. Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Same. Motion carries 5. Move on then to the above the notch grants estimates. So, they're hot off the press, literally. They came in this afternoon. Um, I don't know what
026order you have them in, but I'll just go through them. The adult diploma program is based on a new ruling through legislation legislation on the governor's budget that only allows 400,000 to be used statewide. Um, so my portion of that would be $6,262 for ADP for students 16, 17, 18 with um $1,111 for um anyone older than 21 with a total of $7,373.96. Um this is a bigger legislation issue that came to the floor this year and we have been following for some time. So the funding comes in because they're trying to figure out how to deal with 16 something 18y olds in this funding under adult debt um which comes to a different policy that you'll hear more about later. So that's for that amount. And then we did retain under um the two
027um AAL programs, one for Littleton and one for Berlin. So one is for 114,57642 and the other one is for 110,77912. Um and that will run the um AEL, so adult education literacy services for both Littleton and Berlin. That comes in under high workforce trainings and um basic literacy services. So it's it's been it's been a a roller coaster the last two months watching these grants come and go and come and go and come and go. So the warts are affected. We'll send out two days and so thank you. Hopefully your fingers aren't burned from the temperature of the items. They're hot off the press. Um any questions for Michelle? We'll look then for a motion to accept the adult diploma fiscal year 26 estimated funding allocation in the amount of $7,373.96 for the above
028the notch community school. >> Motion. >> Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? I opposed. Same. Motion carries. 50. Look for a motion to approve the fiscal year 26 WA adult education literacy AEL grant award estimate in the amount of $110,7712 for the Littleton region. >> Sorry. Any further discussion? All those in favor? I opposed. Stand. Motion carries. 5 Z for a motion to approve the fiscal year 26 WA adult education and literacy a grant award estimated $114,57642 for the current. >> So moved. Is there a second? Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? I opposed. Motion carries 5. At this time, I'm not aware of any additional items under new business. Okay, we'll move on then to unfinished business. I don't think we have unfinished business relative to the residency program. >>
029No, I'll talk about it in my report, but no business. And we move on to the Lakeway building committee section five. Um, tonight's the night when the board needs to make a decision as to whether or not we're proceeding with the new build on um and adding it to the law article for March or not. >> That's whether you guys said yes or no. >> Well, you're one of us. So, it's not you guys. You want to go down the line or >> Well, I So, let's set the scene. >> Okay. Board has already stated that it wants to continue pursuing reconstruction at the current site with the current plan. They was affordable memory service. Dale, the board also wanted to pursue a split vote if I recall state aid. So the application under the
030cover of night was filled out in all of its readings and sent to the state. They since did a tour of Lakeway and while there are not any official ruling that's come down the facts that we have from them which Dale reported on I think at the last meeting are that because of a number of changes to the schools or districts that were on the list and because of the schools that have filed for aid. We would expect to be anywhere between fifth and seventh on the list. But the complicating factor is that there is no funding for this biium. And the last time there was a funding freeze, it lasted for 10 years, five cycles. Doesn't mean anything. It could it could be 100 years. It could be 100 months. It could be anything
031at all. So you're in line for funding that doesn't exist. We're not officially in line yet, but we would expect to get an official ruling from the state by when? November? >> November. We don't, unless somebody I don't have any updated math on what the bond payment would look like with current rates because the last time we looked it would have been for the delivery for the town. Is that correct? Yeah, it actually the rates um this last bond sale went up a little bit because must be all those people that came off the list um moved forward with projects and they had a huge huge massive amount of bonds to sell. So multiple banks invested in the sale where typically it's just one but not one could handle the exposure because what did you
032say it was billions wasn't it? >> It was billions um for municipality bills. >> So we expect that the interest rate on the bond is going to increase. Well, it did for this group, this last sale, because of the volume. Um, the rates went up slightly on that bond sale. So, it's not always just the market. Sometimes it depends on the pool that you're in that's being being um proposed during the bon. So, this last time, surprisingly, the rates actually sold higher because of the volume of funds. and remind me why you're of the opinion that we need to make a decision. You've been saying that that's not me, but remind me why. >> Because if if we say no, then we're going to essentially disband the committee and not move forward, let BPS, you
033may well know that they can work on other projects full time. If you say yes, we're going to absolutely put something on the bond and we have to start marketing like today. And have we talked to the sisters um as to what their predisposition is to extending the deadline that they've placed in the agreement that we have relative to when construction would need to begin and the school would begin. So just sort of setting the scene. The consequences of a no vote would be maybe lose the site. We don't know whether lose sight or not. We as the current agreement stands we would lose the site. What what that means in terms of what their predisposition is would be to negotiate but we don't know it sounds like. Right. >> Right. uh we face the
034inflationary pressure always of the cons the actual bill going up. I think it went up 5%. We were looking at the estimates for >> close to what we would put on the warrant in March. >> The application was 41 million. Then of course the other the other complicating factor the other complicating factor would be the the sort of tax and budgetary constraints that are happening on the town side which are new since this first went to the vote in in March of 204. What else am I forgetting? How much money have we invested in this effort at the moment? >> I couldn't say. Definitely over a couple hundred thousand. I'm trying to remember what mine the total withdrawals were this year. I think the first contract we had with them was 60,000. And then the
035next year we raised and appropriated 155. >> But then also >> we had the additional >> the budget committee recommended an additional 150,000 to be appropriated and then also the 155 included the district less on basically. >> Yeah. >> So but all that 150 hasn't necessarily been expended on it. So >> correct, >> north of 200 grand, probably south of 300, >> probably get south of 250 or right about there. >> I can get an exact figure for you. >> And the other reason voting nowish would be beneficial is and Dale pointed this out in an email exchange. Um, as we get into the budget cycle, which is the board's favorite activity, uh, if the board were to pursue new construction, the board could also look to carve out space for some or all of
036the bond payments in the operating budget of the district as it would be presented to taxpayers at the delivery of an audience. really shouldn't vote on something that wasn't noticed on the agenda. >> What do you mean? >> Uh this this type of a decision should should be on the agenda so people >> if we're going to consider that. So >> I don't think that's true. The chair the chair of the board can bring up whatever. >> Yeah. This is >> it's not a public hearing. >> It's a pretty big It's a pretty big deal though. I mean, I'm just saying I I just have to say that be I'd not be doing my job if I didn't say that this is the kind of things you wouldn't want to uh >> Does it have
037to be like a formal vote or kind of in general? >> I mean, I've been talking about it for weeks. I think I sent a few emails about it, too. >> Yeah. I mean, I appreciate the superintendent's comment. I don't think we're under any obligation to not vote because of the lack of disclosure. I don't think that's the case, but I appreciate the sentiment. Um, but I can't make motions anyway. So, >> all you want to do >> and in light of this decision, do we have any idea where we are with the impact on the town, the school, and the taxpayers with regards to the >> Yeah, they're working on the pilot. I mean, they're actually now talking about the pilot. There also at this point there's some legal legality or legal processes going
038on because of the evaluation amount that the dam is contesting and so there's that part is pretty messy right now. I understand the reason tax rate till October. >> Right. Well, I also believe that the town is either completed or in the process of completing assessment of property values. I know I got my assessment. I got mine today. >> There's nothing that says that the dam is going to be done by the time. >> I would say you're correct. >> Yeah. And they're pushing for a pilot program still is not beneficial for us as a time. So that's why the attorney town hired rejected their proposal which was good. So and I just want to get back to Steve's point. In the minutes that we approved from the July 14th meeting, say this is this
039is Sheena channeling Erica, we will need to discuss at the next meeting if we want to put the new elementary school building on the ballot in March. Um and we would never on an agenda say warning warning, we will be taking a vote X, right? I mean the light way piece is on the agenda always has been. So again, I appreciate the sending my thought. I think maybe the discussion tonight also is like we've heard obviously most of all our opinions in one way or another throughout the course of the last couple years. We don't have Steve's opinion I don't think as superintendent not to put you on the spot. I don't think you you've said one way or the other. I feel like during the committee meetings he lost momentum. Um, I do want
040to again publicly thank Henry and Dale and BPS and Banwell architects for doing almost all of the leg work. I don't feel at this point that we have the most important well not the most important but a lot of the stakeholders being the lakeway staff and administration on our side. So I just want to talk about it tonight to figure out do we the you know the majority Dale Henry BPS and Vanwell continue to put in their efforts if we're not seeing the support that we really need from all of the voters specifically way and their administration perhaps the superintendent um and the majority of us and there's to Greg's point there's always going to be something like the damn tax assessments or the val the building is at 41 million now. If we keep
041waiting it's going to be 50 million. Are we going to have state aid or we not going to have state? Like there's always going to be something somebody's opinion um or some sort of other variable. So I think tonight we just need to kind of decide what we're doing. The building looks great from the outside if anybody hasn't driven by it. You need a lot of effort again this year. So >> the other side of it too there is even if that support isn't there and I don't dispute your perspective there's still a question of what is what does the board think the right thing to do is regardless of what the board thinks the politically prudent to exped they're both important considerations I'm not ruling out who you think but it could it can
042be true that it's a nightmare political scenario but it's still something that needs to get done and that fiscally will be even worse >> for the the taxpayers if it continues to not be addressed. >> Yeah, I would want to keep it on because we've worked so hard to get it on. We got a majority last time. We just didn't get the 60%. It's not going to get cheaper. We're not going to get free land again. Um Littleton has the best of everything but the worst grade school in the region. That's a shame. It's a shame that this hasn't been approved sooner and I think we're crazy to walk away from that. I disagree. um >> yeah I mean first thing is obviously is our student population and one of the things that would drive
043the new school is if we had student growth we had people moving into the area which would also mean we would have a better tax base so we have a not very good tax base right now we the school does I mean I I do appreciate all the work that everybody's done and as you know I've looked over everything since there's stuff that Lakeway lacks. Um, I'm not denying that and I think it it can be mitigated temporarily and I would really like to see it postponed until we see that point where we have student growth. The student population, we have people coming back in. Most of the houses are still being purchased unfortunately by people outside of Louis area as investment properties and so therefore there's no homes. So, that's that's a challenge right
044there. Um, and as of the end of March, as far as I know, there was only one building permit approved in the town. There may have been employee since then. So, that's old old information, but usually in January, February is when you see a lot of building permits come in. So, contractors can get going. So, we're we're not economically, as a town that I see right now, in the best position. We don't have a building that is um in any means uh in a state that um our children are in danger. So um and the things that are there that you know the balancing could be mitigated. Um but um having said this, I would rather see us postpone and wait for the times to change to where we do need that room and because
045at that point we will have a better tax. I believe that. >> So the counterargument to that is we're not going to attract new families to the community with the school in the shape that it's in. had a conversation with a young family who lives in town who has children in their district and they are contemplating moving because they feel like the light project is never going to happen and the school is not the standard that they want for their children and they're looking at moving. Um so the counterargument to that is we're not going to attract businesses or people to live in this community. We know that the we had the the uh industrial park filled with a number of companies come in there and the idea was that all these families are going
046to move to the area. They did. They just didn't move to Littleton. They live they live in outside communities and commute into Littleton for work. So the counter to that argument is it could be going in the other direction as well. Um, my question is, I can get on board, but my question is, if it fails next spring, are we just going to keep beating the dead horse or are we finally going to take a tougher look at whether we're going to be forced to merge with another SAU? Um, because I've asked that over the last year and I don't think there's been any movement on that, but we're going to be forced in that direction. Vermont, this happened. Vermont when they consolidated their districts into from many to a few um boards were reduced
047to five five districts or five sus now from I don't even know how many before >> it hasn't happened yet the study is happening it hasn't happened yet >> that's >> it's headed in that direction >> it's going to head that direction for New Hampshire as well so I can get on board for this time but but if it fails again in the I'm out because I think that we're just beating the dead force. >> I think another thing to consider is if we do get a yes vote, there are other options for um grants and things, but you can't there's no money available to you without a yes. So, if we don't get a yes vote, I do I really believe you'll be able to get funding um through grants and other things that
048that will help the taxpayers. >> I agree with you. I don't think we keep this doing forever. Like, let's push hard. Let's get the word out there. keep it on the news. >> So Erica did ask Steve what his opinion is, >> which I think I'd like to know. >> I have my guesses. >> So in defense of Steve before he speaks, um I believe that that was one of the points that when we hired him was that he was to work on getting an elementary school. So, not that I'm not interested in hearing your opinion, but at the same token, when we dictated to him that this is one of the things you need to work on, um, we kind of trying to push him into a corner now. I don't think so. So,
049at the same time, you haven't heard your opinion and we haven't heard your >> just let you know, three out of five of us have given our opinions. So we need two additional board opinions and if we if the superintendent wishes to give his opinion. >> I do. >> Patty capital reserve accounts funds are they exempt from 5% cap max retention. We can increase whatever because the voter is >> meaning they are exempt >> voting >> meaning they are they are acceptable because the voter it's a separate article it's an appropriation basically >> for sure but we don't we are not required to come under a 5% threshold including the amount that's sitting in capital >> right like we literally could do up to 500,000 to this one up to 500,000 to this one so
050say we had 700 >> very numbers Is that a real cap? >> No, I'm just I'm just throwing out numbers because they're over, right? And if we had 700 left, 500 would go to the first 500 and only 200 would go to the second article, CRF article, and then there'd be zero to reduce taxes. >> Um, thank you. >> You're welcome. I it's worth acknowledging that the political realities are in every way worse than they were two years ago and are worse than they were a year ago deferred. Um but the need hasn't changed. I would echo what Greg and Travis are saying about it is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. What Bill points out where Littleton is going to have a a sort of struggle to be appealing to families if
051it has educational facilities and educational statistics that lag behind surrounding towns. I also have said consistently that if we go down if the path of consolidation is inavvoidable in the long run, right? This is what you Greg and Dylan, I think that the the district that is going to stand the best chance to win those consolidation battles is going to be the district with the best facilities. Right? Um, I continue to think that, um, ideas, however well intentioned, they are well-intentioned, to consolidate up here, um, or to renovate way um, uh, come from a well-intentioned place on a different planet, right, that is not supported by any of the facts. Um, and so I I To me, I think I I I I don't see the need to make a binding irreversible commitment on August
052the 13th, right? Because in theory, we don't have to make a binding irreversible commitment until we sign the war. >> Correct. >> Right. Which is like February, January. But I do think if we have a majority of the board and I would certainly be a part of that majority that would say that we should continue to pursue this. To me, whether or not we sign on the dotted line in January would be contingent on the continuing macroeconomic realities. We could we could be in a full-blown recession by then or we could be roaring 20 still. Who knows? um the situation with the the tax base in general and the tax rate in general as we continue to evolve as we get numbers in to October. But also I think that Dale's point has incredible merit.
053A lot would depend to me on how much could we how much space could we carve out of the operating budget like as we go into the budget cycle. If we know that Lakeway is a goal and if we know politically this only thing this thing is only going to pass if we create space for maybe not a 100% of it but some materially significant percentage of that annual bond if we can find working with the VA working with the superintendent working with the administration the space for that I think that's um the least bad option on the table for If we get to even if we have enough board members tonight and we get to Christmas and the economy's in shambles, the select board was nice enough to say that don't worry, your tax
054rate won't actually double when it doubled anyway, right? And we can't create any space in our budget. Our budget's going up by 10%. And yeah, I don't think we should pursue it because I think it would be irresponsible to do so despite all the favorable arguments that would be on the table. So I I I I am in favor of continuing to press off but with flagging with two caveats. I don't consider this to be a binding discussion. The binding discussion to be happens January, February, then March. And I to me it would be my vote then when it matters will depend on what did we do with the budget because they're coming forward at the same time, right? what what did it do to the budget? So, that's my perspective. >> I guess that's
055all we're really looking for. I mean, I guess we'll just continue to put in a lot of effort to get the word out there of the facts instead of the rumors and then we can vote when it's appropriate. Um, and hopefully you guys vote yes so that the hard work that these guys have put in doesn't, you know, isn't burnt for just nothing. >> But I think it's time, my argument is this will sound more accusatory than it will be intended to be. So hear me out. >> I think it's time for us to do the hard work on the budget side. >> I think there are two elements of hard work that remain to be done. The promotion, which legally we can't do. So, >> we got to pass on that and the the
056the budget piece and I think the budget piece if done correctly is essentially the cornerstone of the promotional offer, right? Because that that that becomes the driving narrative if if we're able to succeed. So I I think that um and I think that also allows this bill in writing I don't expect to but it it not trying to be respectful and allows us to take up some of the concerns and considerations that you and and other folks who agree with you are bringing forward that I think are totally realistic about right this notion of of enrollment challenges and what kind of consolidation we do and are we too tough for every you know do we are we are right now uh calibrated and correctly relative to people's the people to to teacher ratio etc etc.
057I think leveraging the budget process to kind of look at all that and then seeing how that necks out for what kind of flexibility we have um is it I suppose it would be excruciating but I think it's worth >> I agree with Travis and I think it's pretty evident for a very long Well, I obviously I I do I work for the board. I work for the broader community as well. The board certainly hires me and evaluates me and all those things. I realize that determines my relationship going forward, my role there going forward. Um, you know, it's it's a I I think there's a I know there's lot lots of reasons and to be hesitant and I think we we articulate those last year, made a choice not to put it on the
058on the school on the ballot. Sounds like, you know, listening to Matt that there's there's a feeling from at least from him and maybe the board that those same things could come up again. So, I I don't know. I guess in my opinion, if uh it could reconvene the committee, try to re restructure the committee, get more representation on the committee. I I mean maybe maybe that will uh result in a little different approach but I don't think it changes some of the fundamentals and I think that uh you know when I I look at and and Matt I I I I agree. I mean I think that I think one thing I I'll throw into this there's there's so many unknowns here. One thing I will throw into this because when when when the
059legislation came this close to open enrollment this year and it's pretty clear it's gonna they're going to work on it in various committees and bring it back next year and it's probably going to be a reality then the argument that whatever whatever places have the best facilities i.e could potentially attract more students even via open enrollment forget about people moving here. Yeah, I too. Yeah. >> You know, so that >> that is that is a factor. That is a factor. I I have grave I guess doubts about how how this can be presented and sold to the community and in how how do we involve the community more? And we're going to have to again get out of the mode of thinking we have to always have them come to a meeting to get their
060input. we have we have to do more ways to get their their support and input and and participation. So, I think I think I think it's a hard a hard uh hard cell, hard work, but you know, I'm again in my position, I'm willing to do the work that the board asked me to do. I'll do it to the best of my ability regardless of my opinion of whether it's what we should do or shouldn't do or whatever. And and it's it's a very fluid, like I said, I just I just threw a new piece in there, open enrollment, but those are a lot of factors there. It's hard to it's hard to know exactly where things are going to go. >> I think the I guess the way I would summarize it in my
061opinion is if the math doesn't work, the politics won't work. And so any effort that any of us expend toward this initiative between now and March of 26 should be driving at making the math work because that's the key that unlocks everything or keeps it locked, right? And and so for Dale and for Henry, for the gateway committee to be sent, other people besides Dale and Henry and Erica and Steve once every six months, we need to go to those meetings. Um the key there is to make sure that we have a floor plan and a project plan that is fiscally responsible, right? re-evaluating to see if there's any other factor for, you know, the the business office. It's it's getting the best rate that we can get from a financing perspective and for the
062full administration and the full board, it's the budget, right? Like I I think those are the factors that go into the math, right? What can you appropriate? What's the cost? What's the what's the cost of our money, right? And and if we I if we come to a place at the end of that process where it's still a nightmare, then we we we react to that reality at that time. >> I can't make a motion. So is are we are we making motions or >> no this is fine. We'll just continue >> when is our first meeting with the budget. >> Yeah. Typically it's >> October >> late October. >> No I mean for the budget. So I think that I think that one of the things the board will want to do in either
063of its two September meetings then is to try to establish parameters for the administration as they craft their first draft budget. No one has said if they agree with my agreement with Dale. But if we have enough of us that agree with my agreement with Dale, then it's important that we establish those parameters of fairness to the administration at the beginning of this process so that they know what constraints we would in theory like to place on the budget development rather than surprising Patty in >> well January. Can I recommend that this year we meet with you guys for the first review of the budget before we meet with the budget committee because every year I go to that first meeting saying just so you know that this is the first time the board is
064seeing this proposed budget um >> we should but I'm also except before that we should be giving >> Oh no abs absolutely like during the building of it like are we going to have like option A option B right? Like this is the option if we're going to move forward. This is the option if we're not, you know, um where can the cuts be? Yeah. But I do think it's important that you guys have a good handle on what's in that budget before we go to the budget committee for our first meeting. Just my opinion. >> Anything else under unfinished business? Move on to committee reports. I don't believe we're doing any negotiating. Move then to the facility report. >> I can either meet the last Friday of this month or the 12th or 19th
065of September. >> September would be would be preferable. Not the 29th >> or whatever. 2019. Phil, do you have a question? >> No, no, I can I can go either one or >> I'm looking it up right now. Um, here we go. [Music] There's so many activities. My meeting is the 19th. >> Okay. So, we'll do it as well. >> Dale, can you give us just a quick update on the summer projects? >> Sure. >> A quick um so the um exterior um the platform has been replaced at Lakeway with the vinyl. Um the new flooring should have been completed today uh in the hallway. had the new ceiling was put in in the hallway um at Lakeway which included third week of July. Um up here there really wasn't huge projects. Um I mean
066we put up I would say 90% of the acoustic panels in the gym. You wouldn't know it because they are behind the banners but um we still have some more that we could potentially expose. Um but kudos to the custodial staff for their their efforts um up here especially, you know, having to work around the two weeks of the group being here, which was a great group to work with and nothing but positive things um about them being here. Um so we're we're in pretty good shape from that standoint, but the three largest projects were were at Lake. Thank you. You're welcome. We'll move then to policy though. I'm not sure we have any talk about it. >> Take it away. >> They are what they are, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean the uh
067you know some of the policies are new as as they're indicated. Um updates everything that we had for updates and the new policies are all based on changes to um is it the RSA 306? >> Yep. 306 >> many of them are. >> Yeah. Um, and we went through them pretty went through all of them. Um, and a few questions I had, Steve was able to explain um, our recommendations and we move forward with them. Well, >> can I ask question whatever you'd like member of the board, you can get up to dance if you want to. >> That won't happen. I'll see JICJ-R procedures for handling comm uh communication devices. Um under Daisy Bronson, it talks about um device uh during class should be left in the security in the students locker. They haven't
068used the locker in years >> or they haven't used the locker regularly. >> In the handbook, >> it's in the policy in front of me. >> That's res the rescended policy. >> Uh is it rescended or was that in >> that was above the line? No. >> First one below the line. >> Oh, sorry. >> So, the policy now would is are they still using those banks or those lockers that they have in each room? Daisy Bronson is and as far as the high school major change for the high school and we talked about it last year but we wanted to go the rounder pouches that was presented last year. Um looked at the same options of we don't we don't have a home room in the high school. We have to adjust the schedule
069doesn't work for kids coming home first block out of district. uh our kids moving. I you could have these locker type things and and by the entrance of the door I'm concerned about obviously kids walking by safety issues um with kids coming in that has to be a secure area in the morning where we can see what's going on. Um the state in the in that uh in the law actually states I don't know if they've been around high school students often but just ask high school students put them in their lockers and you won't see them all day. I don't think that's going to work. Um I think we'll be chasing kids around all year. I think this is a solution that um >> can we arrest anybody who doesn't comply? as we'll turn
070on it we talked about um >> what are the penalties established in the statute >> turning it over to the police department but I haven't had that conversation we're hoping that uh students buy in because they they keep their phone on them in their pouch for the day it's theirs they can't use it but um no one's taking it away from them so that's really the solution we want to try in high school you I think long term um talked to other schools obviously salesman's new is a salesman um but the first two weeks is is you know more of a challenge and I think after that kids get used to it and um people I've talked to say actually I don't know if kids really come out and say this but they enjoy more
071just not worrying about their friends and you know the first couple weeks be chasing students. I'm not sure because they'll be putting old foams in the pouches and at that type of game or deodorant, >> you know, you know, but if we see a phone either in the hallway in the classroom, we're going to immediately confiscate. There's a series of steps we can take. >> How are you going to hold the adh the staff accountable for that? They see a phone and they don't adhere to your policies and handbook. >> They need to be on board. >> Yeah, it's a challenge. >> But >> good luck to you. Fortunately, we do have not not to play big brother, but uh we do have uh in all of our hallways we have cameras and obviously we
072see students walking out of the classroom with a phone. Uh student has an issue, so does that teacher. >> You have to buy in. >> Well, no, we have to we have to hold them accountable if they don't. If you want it to work, if you >> This is what we're doing. There's no other way. >> Well, if if people if anyone um does not want to play by this, obviously it's not going to work. >> So, good discussion, but we ventured a bit straight from the policy work that is in front of us. So, I'm just going to call for the motion because it's going to take an hour to do that. and then we can see what discussion we have. Does that make sense? So, we're looking for a motion to first read
073and adopt policies A B E D G E H A G J I C J D A F D F A D I D I D I H B H I H B J or I I HB I I K I K B I K F I K G I M A H I M D A I M B D I M B A and J I C as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor? I opposed. Obstain. Motion carries. 5 Z. Now, do we need to consider and vote for funding for what Al wants to do the conversation we were just having relative to? >> No, no. Yeah, I was getting there. I just reciprocate. So just to clarify, so the the pouches there's funding
074in the budget to go after pursue that. So if any board member has any kind of objections to that and that will be >> these the same approaches you proposed last year. >> Yeah. >> And the middle school will follow the same. So it's not including the middle school. Middle school will follow the same >> the same procedure. Okay. Okay. >> They've stopped bringing their phones by [Music] those pouches. Um, okay. Then we'll look for a motion to resend policies. J I C Jr. J I C M B E A R I K F A I K A A I L B A A and I am B C. So moved. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor I opposed motion carries 5 zero. Thank you to the policy
075committee for their hurricane efforts to make sure we follow all the movements from conquered law. We'll move then to the student representative report. I don't think we have one. We'll move that to the superintendent report. >> Okay, there's a link uh in the in the agenda for the pathways to smiles proposal. Great great activity, great opportunity, bringing some exposure to the dental program, giving students an opportunity to look at look at the program. Of course, we're hosting it here because we have a dental program here. Uh, I'll ask Michelle to make any any comments or entertain entertain entertain any questions any anyone may have about that. This is mainlyformational, but I wanted to make sure you knew we were doing this. I think it's pretty cool. >> Anything you want to say about >> No,
076I mean it's a great opportunity. We had a meeting last week on it. um we were all excited about the health consortion is putting it out and it covers the region our region for all country students there'll be 10 students coming on October 10th um and then our dental students will be also participating as a workshop um along with our instructor >> for the curriculum it is extensive curriculum is a six-hour training but um it also allows for these students to see the CTE dental program so that if they're interested freshman and sophomore, they can get involved in the health science courses to take classes. So, it's a a good opportunity for us to advertise out our programs a little bit for the health science department and it's a good partnership for community members. question.
077Do you need us to approve it for >> Thank you. >> Okay. Summer summer work. Dale talked a little bit about that and I want to I have on many occasions already with him and others that I when I think when I think about is I I remember one of our last leadership team meetings we had and and uh everybody was saying we're going to do what and we're going to do this and Lakeway is not going to be this is having Lakeway then and we're having this group come in for two weeks occupy the school you know all these teachers middle school are changing rooms and um what and so and so on. It seemed like a pretty tall t. It was a tall task. And I I'm amazed that we're we're still a
078ways out from students coming, right? We have staff coming soon, but uh building looks great. Uh you I mean so much has happened this summer with all the all the paving and ceiling of the of the parking lots and and the work of Lakeway. we already talked about a little bit, but new floor going down there in the bottom bottom floor and the ceiling work and the exterior work and guys, I don't I could go on and on. Thank you, Bill. And to your to your staff and uh interesting, one of the things we do typically when we come back on the first day is to recognize new staff. And there's no new staff to be able to recognize uh this year. So, I said, "So, let's recognize the ones that are still here and
079coming back and doing a great job." So I I think they'll certainly receive a a good recognition from everybody. You got you got to be happy the way the building looks. So thank you. Um residency program. Two residents met or they they came to rail trails on on Monday and uh we we met with Kim and they got their access to their rooms and one of them moved in right away. The other I think was moving this week. But uh so that that piece has started uh the residency program first part of it getting them here and getting them acclimated. Um adult ed graduation rates and just to just to kind of tell you a little bit about what's going on there and and again I'll ask Michelle to pitch in a little bit here
080as well. Um some some of the some of the changes at the at the DOE has involved some audits and looking at uh um programs that are are granting diplomas and some of those programs have come under because of the way the state had administered some of them and approved some of them. It is going to have some effect on graduation rates and that will affect some of the graduate graduates here. Not that not that they didn't graduate, they graduated from above the notch, but uh how the state council graduates. So it's going to change from the regular diploma to probably the 20 credit diploma and we'll have more on that as that goes forward. But it's it's it will have an impact on our graduation rates unfortunately even though those students are are graduates.
081No, we got it approved this afternoon like every I sent you know >> but um >> but it didn't it didn't they change that at all? It will. So this year's it is going to impact. >> Yes. >> All right. Because it's labeled as an adult high school diploma in the I4C. And so what that does is that the US Department of Ed has stated that they the 702 rules do not match the 306 rules where therefore they will not count the adult performer as a regular performer. So, moving forward, we sent out an email for clarification. So, and in our policies, we've changed that that we just all went through today that above a notch is prepared to offer uh regular 20 credit New Hampshire core diploma that meets the regulations for the 306
082rules um for both the credits and the teachers because under the 702 rules, 702 rules, the regulations were how you hire teachers. and obtain them look differently than under the 306 rules. But in this school district the notches followed the cautious ruling and hired certified teachers to teach the content area. So we meet the criteria. So, we have changed that which will allow for all of our students to get a diploma this year in 2026 will be a regular state of New Hampshire 20 credit diploma so we can count them as a regular diploma. and he Nathan Green who's the head of this sent us an email this afternoon that states that that we can count them and to make sure that we count them in our I4C as a regular SEO. >> Yeah. Okay.
083Good to see that. The bottom line is this is just another uh I don't know how to say this gracefully, but another one of the because a few days ago we were notified that oh your new graduation rate your fiveyear graduation rate is going to be in the 70s because of that. Right. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. And I want I want I want to make sure that we talked about that tonight and we'll see if this sticks but just I'm just letting you know there's things that are happening at the state that's very fluid. It changes from hour to hour, from day to day. You know, that's what I get for not reading my email from Michelle today. That's how that's how quickly things change. Um, okay. Um, school year school year planning. Uh, we've
084been doing been doing a lot of work this this uh this week with that. We had leadership team uh met yesterday and to go over some of the final plans for the beginning of the school year. We had our teacher TL2s meeting today. That's the the position that the combined former TLFs and team leaders met this morning and and working on some of the uh planning for the staff development and support they'll be doing throughout the school year. our residents, our two residents uh through the Plymouth State program will be here tomorrow uh for a full day of uh of on boarding with Kelly Crystal uh and Sarah Scrimer from Plymouth State will be here to support that. New teachers, new educators actually Friday uh there'll be a full day with them. So, this is
085this has been an interesting week with lots of little pieces and and details that I think we we've done a pretty good job with so far. The leadership team has done a great job with that opening day of course on Monday and then we've already talked about a little bit uh um the joint meeting. I did want to uh I did want to comment a little bit on the joint meeting with the board. So, um, Diane had asked for possible things we wanted to talk about and so I I did respond to that email and said that certainly at the joint meeting we need to I I will be prepared to talk about the pilot and the impact that that could have on on our our tax rate again if it's not if it's done
086like it was that back in 2019 to do a pilot. We don't want that to happen. I got to keep hammering away at that over and over and over and over again. I'm a broken record, but that was a bad deal. And it was a bad deal for the town on the other end, by the way. You know, it went, you know, it we we took it on the front end and they took it on the back end and that's not what we want to have happen in the future. Open enrollment. I talked about that, but I want to make sure that the this group that's meeting, including the budget committee, obviously very much aware of that. a little bit about the year in fund balances where extension of what Patty talked about. A little
087bit about what Patty talked about tonight with that. Um see I think that's it I have for the report tonight. Any questions? Thank you very much. You're very welcome. We'll move on to public input. Look then for a motion properly worded motion at that and go to nonpublic session. >> Make a motion to enter into nonpublic se session under paragraph 2 section 3 of the RSC91A 3 of the right to know law for number two the hiring of any person as a health employee. Number three, matters which if discussed the public would like the adversely affect the reputation of any person other than a member of this board. I don't think there's any additional >> I did number two. >> Yeah, number two and number three. >> Speaking with us the superintendent. >> That's it.
088>> Just you right. >> Just okay. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? Roll call vote, please. The agenda >> Matt St. John motion carries 5. We're now in nonpublic session. >> Thanks.