Good evening and welcome to the school committee meeting for January 8th, 2026. At this time, I'll call to order and ask everyone to rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance 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. Uh we'll introduction of members. I'll start with you Jane. >> Jane Reio, Milville. Terry Goddet, Blackstone. >> Erin Vanco, Milville. >> Matt Catalano, Milville. >> Chuck Dunton, Blackstone.
>> Sarah Larkin, Milville. >> Dan Keefe, Blackstone. >> Kristen Donado, director of finance and operations. >> Jill Pilgalerani, interim superintendent. >> Uh welcome all. Um we do not have student representative this morning. >> Nope. >> Okay, we'll move on from that. Uh
consent agenda A. I'll take a a motion to approve the warrants. >> So moved. >> Motion made by Jane, seconded by Chuck. Was that you? >> Yes. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any oppose? It's unanimous. And approval
of December 11th, 2025 meeting minutes. >> So moved. >> Motion made by Tara, seconded by Carrie. Aaron. >> Aaron. Sorry. Um any further discussion on that item? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Any oppose. The eyes have it.
>> Next on the agenda is public forum where anyone from the public would like to address the committee. They have five minutes to come and address us. >> That's you right here. >> Sure. If you just give us your name. >> Donna Foster. I'm on Bellingham Road.
>> I am checking in on the situation with that cursive in schools. cursive writing. Uh has anything been done to implement it or back the way it was or even begin it um like grade third, four
or five? That's my question. >> Okay. Uh do you have a program at the Blackstone Library? >> Yes, I do. >> Oh, you do? Okay. So, I see you from time to time on social media. Um so, I have seen that we do have like that's like a club, a cursive club at at
>> Well, yeah. I mean, it was pretty much the parents that asked if we could do something. >> We've been getting a lot of information from them about it. So, >> okay. Um I know cuz I make the announcements on the board of selectment for the library and I think that was one of the um >> Yeah.
>> And so we we are we are we don't have anything on our curriculum now, but this committee does discuss and uh set up the curriculum for the uh school years ahead. Uh, so I I'm sure that will be part of the conversation moving forward.
>> Okay. Because it is listed as something that is supposed to be under the Massachusetts standard supposed to be being done. >> Okay. >> Uh it's not a big deal. I think one of them one year is they need to do cursive for their first name. The next year both
names. Um but as far as I understand we're not even doing that at this point and that is listed under our standards for Massachusetts for at least to do that. Okay. >> You think we could get cuz I know I have grandchildren in the schools. >> Yeah. >> And I had no idea, >> right?
>> Um that this wasn't being continued >> cuz my kids had it. >> Right. >> But so I decided I was going to teach my granddaughter to try at least sign her name and and be able to sign a legal document. I don't like signing legal documents online. I
don't I I don't think they're my legal signature. Um I just don't. It's not my signature and I'm not okay with it. And uh I just want them to be able to write their names and for when they need to do it and be able to read important
documents um that have to do with the history of the country they live in. >> Mhm. >> Um things like that. And I think it keeps them from, you know, people from uh maybe using your signature that's not yours and you have nothing to look back and say this isn't my signature because
it's nowhere or no one taught you how to make how to write it. >> Um so if we could at least get that much going, I think that would be terrific. >> Um they're saying I know a lot of people say, "Well, it takes too long to teach it." >> We're just doing an hour on Thursday
evenings and they're almost at the end now. they're putting three and four word sentences together. Um, it didn't really take that long, >> right? >> Um, as far as the number of hours you would need to dedicate to it and I think maybe the fifth grade might be easier cuz they're older. They could pick it up
faster. I don't know. I'm just looking at the way the budget is and I just got my tax bill. So, I, you know, I understand that there's a lot of stuff we have to pay for. So, I'm just thinking of ways maybe we could maybe make it a little bit less costly to do it and do it at an age where they can
really it'll sink in a little better maybe and they have better control when writing. You know, you know what I mean? >> I do. And I appreciate your uh commitment to this and most of us sitting on this committee learn cursive in these school buildings or school buildings in this district. Um
>> Yeah. and referencing the tax bill, you should have a good signature to pay that check to your community as well. So >> So >> indeed, >> I appreciate the effort you're putting in at the library as well. This will be a conversation moving forward. Um, >> is it something we could maybe pass
around a sheet for the parents to fill out? I don't know what's best to do with it, >> right? >> Cuz I think there is a lot of discussion in regard to it. So >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Maybe we could suggest until the next curriculum season, a club or something like that in the district as
well as potential curriculum for the next school year as well. >> Yeah. And when do you discuss the next curriculum? >> That's a great question, M. Madam Superintendent. >> So, I know this really isn't for the conversation. I can also suggest that if you want to actually have a
conversation, cuz I know this isn't the forum. Um, I know Mrs. Schaefer had reached out to you earlier in the year and given you some feedback. So, if you wanted to set something up with Christina and I just to kind of have a conversation moving forward, um, and we can kind of, you know, go through what
the the standards actually require, what they don't, but is there a way to be creative like or something like that. Um, so we you can definitely reach out >> for a conversation. >> I thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much and thank you for
your efforts. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Uh, >> anyone else this evening would like to address the school committee? >> Are we okay to go with your >> You can we are not holding you. You're welcome to stay. You're more than welcome to stay. >> Well, I would but
>> yeah. >> Have a good evening. >> Have a wonderful evening. >> That concludes uh public forum. >> Um, okay. Okay. On the school committee part of the agenda, the Blackstone Mill Regional School District 2025 Promising Practices Education recipient, Hillary
Ro. >> I asked Hillary to come tonight. Hillary, can you come on up? So, I was very honored. It's my first time to be able to go to the Promising Practices. Um, and if you look in your packet, you'll see that we actually um
included we we forced Hillary to I forced her to take a picture with the apple and I forced her to take a picture biting the apple. I didn't include that for them. Um, and they we sent you some information about the um information of promising practices and the work that Hillary is doing. So, it was I was
really honored when they reached out and they asked each superintendent to write a little blurb that they shared at that presentation about um the the individuals would be honored that day. And I do want to read this. Um I'm going to say that every time I visit the high school um I don't know if she's probably saying, "Why is Joel always in the
room?" I love going into Hillary's classroom. Um it's there's always so much energy in that room. Um, so what I was able to share that day was Hillary Robers is an exceptional English teacher who brings energy, creativity, and purpose to every lesson. Her classroom
is a place where students are not only engaged, but truly inspired when reading, writing, and discussions are taught in meaningful ways. She has an extraordinary ability to draw every student into the learning process, encouraging participation, valuing feedback, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning. With
high expectations, thoughtful feedback, and a genuine belief in each students potential, Hillary consistently motivates her students to reach new levels of achievement. Her passion for teaching, dedication to her students, and commitment to excellence makes her a true instructional leader in our
community. And she is. She's absolutely amazing. So, I didn't know if it would be okay if Hillary just took a few minutes to kind of just share with you the work she's been doing and how why she was honored. >> Um, I don't I mean, I'm not going to share like the lesson that I put in the
book or anything like that, but this is my 12th year. This is the only district I've ever taught in. It's the only district I want to teach in. Um, we have a building that's from the, you know, all those things that people can say, but the kids in this district are my favorite part of the job. Um, Joe
Fall might ask me, "Do I want to get into administration a million times? I love her." But my answer is always gonna be no. You will not prime me out of my classroom. That's my happy space. Um, but we just have so much fun in the classroom. Like I have kids that will come in and they're like, "Oh, English
class. Oh, reading." But by halfway through the year, they're like, "Oh, yeah, English class." Um, and that's like one of my favorite things to see to get some kids who might not always like to read um into a book. like we get them into like what's going on with the characters. What's going on with the conflicts? Um I had a kid today actually
tell me we read like act four of McBTH and he was like there was really good stuff happening in here like yes like for McBTH. Um not what you typically see. But I really just truly love working in this district. Um I love the kiddos. I love my department. I'm very biased but I'm going to say we're the
best department. Um but I I really just enjoy coming to work every day and I feel like there are a lot of people that can't say that. So, I'm very happy where I am. I'm very thankful for this award and the recognition. So, just thank you. >> Yeah. And I you can tell by Hillary's presentation, she really loves what she
does and she loves the kids and I think it was really important. We wanted to share with you um at the school committee um how much we appreciate all that she does. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Well, thank you. Thank you very much. Congratulations. Not to put you on the spot, but I can tell by your enthusiasm and love for the job. What are your
thoughts on being a part of a cursive writing club? OH MY GOODNESS. >> I'M GOING TO STICK with teaching how to read McBTH at this point. >> Um yeah, >> but it was really great. There were other educators there, but like I said,
I we were very proud um of Hillary. She was able to present this to the group and um really happy that she's she's part of our staff. We will still keep chipping away to see if Hillary will ever jump from the classroom because she says no. But we just think, you know
what I mean? you just have could have such a wider impact as well. Um, so it'll be hard for us to to stop bugging you about that, but we truly appreciate all that you do and you really are you're amazing at what you do. >> Thank you for sticking with us. >> Yes. Yes.
>> Thank you. Thank you very much. >> People don't do that a lot anymore. Hillary had one of her students who happened to be vacationing in Rome trekking all through the city to find the exact spot where Julia Caesar was killed. And
campaign commercials today watch some of them. Yes. >> Really? >> And did they find the exact Oh, we did to the pinpoint like behind this pine tree is where it supposedly happened. >> Yes. >> Thanks again.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> MSBA update is that you or >> it is but Joe actually has it all ready to present. Okay. So I will take I will do that. So >> finally remember >> yeah um so we've been really hard at
work um with the school building committee. Um just some reminders and some updates. So um as a reminder Kristen and I have met already with the leadership of both towns um Collier and DRRA. Um so our project manager and our um architects were also part of those
discussions when we talked about some preliminary tax indic um discussions. Um there's definitely more to come keeping both towns in the loop. Um the school building committee did vote on December 17th. Again as a reminder they approved the schematic option which is 7.4 for
new construction for a building for a 7 through 12. Um and we are actually actually Tara and I met today with the group. We will be presenting our PSR more of an overview to let uh to the facilities assessment subcommittee which
is called the uh FAS um to tell them about our educational vision and how the new building um supports that. So that is coming up next week on the 14th. Um, and at this meeting it will be the district will be there, our OPM, our owners project manager collers will be
there, our design team Dr will be there and we're going to be reviewing again how the proposed design, the site plan and the projected costs align with everything that we're doing in the district. Um, from there the FAS will um review our PSR submission. They'll
provide some feedback to the team um to make sure that our project is very clear and refined because their next step would be once we get that finalized is we will be meeting with the MSBA board of directors. We anticipate that being in February for them to review the PSR
submission and they will vote to see if we can proceed to the next level which is module 4 which is schematic design. Um, and just a couple of things, remember, we are we are working to get more and more information out to the community. Um, we have our November
community presentation that is still available and we are planning our next presentation which will be taking place in February. So, be on the lookout for flyers, handouts with all this information. Um, and we're hoping to do, you know, be at as many community types
of events to make sure the um, facts um, and the information is out there. um you know to not just our school community but the the whole both communities of Blackstone. >> Anything else Carrie Tara that you can think that I may have missed? >> No, but I will say if anybody's
listening or gets the minutes or watches later, if you're part of a community organization and you'd like to have somebody come and present to your organization, we have people willing and able to do that. >> Thank you.
>> Very good. I'd know Jen. Jen uh Gil. >> Yes, Jen is not here, but I should give you Okay. I do. Um Jen is always, you know, um very timely with her updates. So, um we wanted to give you another update of the
MEES water. Um and I do want to send another thank you out to Jennifer Gil um with all of her efforts and continuing to move this project forward and um always providing the updates when requested. Um, so for our latest update, um, they are making great progress and I
want to say that Jennifer put in all uppercase great progress in terms of the system. Uh, Mass D stated that they could potentially turn on the system as early as January 12th. However, they're not going to be doing it then because they have a few small things they need to put in place to ensure the monitoring
of the system is ready to go. For example, they set an alarm to be installed to sure the system is monitoring chlorine levels, taking the appropriate actions for those levels if they're too high or too low. And they're also going to be looking at opportunities for redundancy into systems such as the UV unit. Um, and
there are a few other details they want to make sure that are in place and ready to go before they start the system. The schedule as of now is for the water operators to wrap up these details next week and the intent to have Mass D at MEES the week of January 19th for the
inspection and to provide uh the all clear to actually turn on the system. The earliest the system will be turned on would be during the week of January 19th and the goal is to get it turned on before the end of January 31st. water operators will be on site at least three
days that week that the new system is turned on as per mass d. Um as a reminder they will they are continuing um the town of Milville is continuing to provide bottled water for all cooking and drinking. Um and she noted that please be assured the system is not
turned on without permission from the mass D. Um and they are very involved in this in process to make sure you know all is safe for the community. And again, I know she's very excited as well as we are um for this process to move forward.
>> Very good. And I I'll say that the mass D did allow them to turn it on the 12th. It's the it's their water operators who said >> correct. >> We want um just a little more time to >> the clerk, right? Yes. >> Tara and I w watched the >> Yeah, I did watch it this week. Um and
it's a whole year that they're going to do the study. >> So whenever that starts, that actually pushes us to >> Mhm. >> Yeah. So the the the whole oversight and study of the is starts the day they turn it on like that one year per period starts that then
>> and so >> it's good that she we have in writing um that they're going to continue to provide because there's a 10,000galon tank when that system goes on it's going to take time for that the the truck water to get flushed through and and and um probably not much time but it's
>> um we're anticip I expect bottled the the the B the water the the clean and safe drinking and dishwashing water uh sorry cooking water uh to continue to be provided outside of um until they get a
full range of time of and test results from the D. So I the town administrator may have a different opinion on how that works but but Jen clarified it with us. >> She did and they've been great. it's been coming and if there's any hold up or any delay, we reach right out to the
town and it's taken care of. So, that's been happening regularly. There's been no um no issues. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Policy subcommittee updates. So it's the only update is I know at the last committee you would ask for some
additional information before you make took any type of action on GBBC which was gift and solicitations to by staff and JJ which was student fundraising activities. So, in your packets, there's um uh an email um for some clarification
that we received. Um we did reach out to legal counsel and there's also um a uh another memorandum that was sent um that outlines a lot of that information. So, I'm hoping that was able to clarify some of the the questions you may have had or confused you a little bit more. I'm not
really sure but it's very clear um that it this isn't just us correct >> that is you know struggling to understand what some of the requirements are um because this the memo was actually sent out in November um as part you know for all MASS members and then
we got some additional clarification. So um I know you wanted that before you revisited the um those two policies. So, I still had a few questions. I kind of dove down a little bit of a rabbit hole with this. Um, it's very
specific to games of chance. There's a caveat to that where it says, um, effort-based fundraisers or games of skill do not fall under these requirements. I was at a neighboring
district the other night who was hosting a 50/50 raffle, which would be a game of chance. However, they then involve a game of skill to receive your prize. You have to sink a halfcourt shot.
Games of skill do not fall under this new Mass General law. Um, and it's even it's stated on page three in this memorandum. They talk about effort- based fundraising. And then my other question that I do have though is on page four.
They refer back to the relations with parent teacher organizations which for us is policy K be um relations with parent/ booster organizations. When we had our discussions about those
I know I had asked um if booster groups fell into that. It was said yes. Um, but I also then went through our policy manual and we have a separate policy KJA that specifies relations with booster organizations. So, I don't know why we would have two
for the same groups. Um, I also went through a ton of neighboring districts. They specifically split their KBE is relations with parent organizations and their KJA is relations with booster organizations. Uh they also don't loop
the 501c3 onto any of their booster organization policies. Those are just strictly for the PTO's. So just comparing the memorandum and then going back to the policies that we have in place. Um I think we might need to do some more
clarification and a little bit deeper dive because we're trying to lump two groups together that I think our policies fit apart differently. The only thing I can say is I think I got some clarification. I can find that
original email when I asked legal counsel that they considered boosters our parent organization. So I can get that back to you. They said both they were one and the same. Um but I can get that and I know that's something that the policy subcommittee is a policy that's still in discussion.
>> Yep. So I my original question back in December was based around actually what is in red on um JJ which is the students and student groups are barred by state law and regulation from organizing
raffles or games of chance participating in sales and the purchasing of So I I believe part of our conversation was that means teachers can't buy the calendars or they can't um support and the kids aren't allowed to sell
them. But then just briefing um our council's summary here, it's saying the raffles and games of chance that PTO's must comply with all state and local laws when conducting raffles
or other games of chance. And it says, "Under Mass General Law um 271 section 7A, only qualified nonprofits such as booster or parent organizations with a 501c3
in existence for at least 2 years may legally conduct raffles or other games of chance provided." So this actually says they can. >> Yeah. But but then we're saying no. And so does the legal clarification says students cannot particip they can set up.
>> Correct. can clean up. They can >> but they cannot sell them. >> They cannot sell and they cannot buy. >> So, but under on page three, effort-based fundraisers do not involve chance and may be run by student groups without restriction or the need for a permit.
>> It's like it's like >> we're going to do something because we think we're doing it right, but someone's going to come and say >> this was this was raffles and games of chance, but it was not. So, I wondered if it's >> I feel like we're setting them up and I it bothers me.
>> I also don't like that we're changing the rules halfway through a school year when >> we've allowed it by some organizations at this point this year and now >> Matt say you wonder what
>> so I wonder on the JJ in the red that specifically is referring to student groups. I I take that as StuCo, you know, and other like inside school organizations
society. I don't >> class groups, >> class groups, all that kind of stuff. I don't take that and this is just my interpretation which really >> what does that mean? But um that's what I understand that to be. And then when we look at
the memorandum from council, it it clarifies as Aaron said, you know, what the difference is. So I I don't know I do agree that it is a little bit conflated
and I do I agree that you know maybe middle of the year but what I what I still stand with is that you know anybody who's collecting money and I've said this in sub policy anybody who's collecting money on behalf of any
organization should do it in the within the proper legal channels. And in order to do that, you know, there needs to be entities and there needs to be, you know, specific
places for that money to be held. Um, I just wonder if we're getting too far into the weeds right now with this where cuz the raffles and games of chance I understand that we'll be looking at something later on where the PTO came
across that and um they were told that they had to pause get the proper permits which >> they're doing. As an aside, I mean, I guess it's, you know, all of this is completely horrible for kids to do unless you pay the proper fees. Um,
which is maddening on its own, but um, as long as you pay the fee, then you can do the thing. Uh, but if you don't pay the fee, you can't do the thing, right? Is that how it works? >> That's how it works. >> Yeah. >> The state gets its cut. >> Yeah. >> Um, yeah. Pay the vig. Um, but I wonder
if I don't know if we're taking action on this tonight. >> Mm-m. >> Um, but I would suggest that we table this and bring this back to sub policy. And I know we were able to meet uh at our scheduled time, but if we can bring that back and this is this really needs
to be >> just an update. >> Yeah, this is just an update. Yeah. So again my thing to say is overall if it's a booster organization it it should have it should have its legal entity it
should have it should be created correct correctly so the money any money that's collected goes to the right place then when we come to raffles and games of chance I think that's that's a that's that's the second thing that we have to do I understand that this is being
dictated to us um by the state But I mean it's I don't know. I guess I'm kind of at a loss right now. >> Yeah. I'll just say my in my experience like raffles a gave a chance that's like essentially saying the students cannot participate in the gambling.
>> But it also says the staff can't >> That's right. >> participate. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So who's going to pay the who's going to supply the fundraiser? Who's going to support the fundraiser? Well, I think >> they can't buy the ticket. >> I think it says that they can't participate as a
>> they can't official capacity in here. It's clear. I feel like if this language was over here, which would probably make it this big, but it almost needs to be to protect both sides. The word the language has to be in there so it is clear. So the teachers aren't afraid. If
I was if I was Mrs. Roberge, I'd be afraid to buy my students raffle ticket because of this. But if this is here, I think I'd have more. But that's our I guess that's our job as the subcommittee to make sure that
>> make sure we put that into what we're creating. But >> yeah, I don't know. >> Um Okay. All right. So, we'll revisit >> that. We'll take this back to the subcommittee. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Not till after I buy my um >> super squares. Thank you, Jill, though, for getting all these answers because it >> clearly needs some deep dive. >> And I really don't believe it is just these discussions are just taking place in Blackstone. >> Oh, absolutely. They're taking place
everywhere. I will tell you that the the senior center wanted to have a now to have a a bingo like bingo were popular with churches and this that and the other thing and they wanted more room and do it at the Millville men's club. >> The what they had to go through with the state wasn't worth >> the bingo, right?
>> And it's it could be just a little 50 cent bingo like in 20 people in the room or 10 people in the room or a thousand people in the room. It makes no difference. It's the same licensing process which is which is >> well to that point though that's always been that way for years and years. I
mean, the lottery would always come in and there would have to be some like at the even at the, you know, whatever the church bingo, whatever. It would always have to be a um a lottery official that would >> confirm and like a whole it always been
a whole >> I I recall it back, you know, growing up. But >> but the the like the senior center wanted to have a raffle for a thing on election day cuz a lot of people were coming in and they were like, "Oh, no. like you know when they started to do it and they did this was a few years back
and and they're like nope like you can't have you have to that even raffles anything that looks like like it's g it's gambling >> it's gambling so that and that's what the teachers and students can't participate now if the teacher teachers at uh J JD's market and someone buys a
ticket that's you know one thing but in in in the capacity is a um the teacher can't be out there selling tickets >> it it says that they can't buy them either It really does read. >> Yeah, >> it says they are barred from
participating. Selling that for me that means selling or buying. That is participation. >> But after that it says they can but they can help clean up and do other things like that too. >> Yeah. >> So well you just fill out a different name on the ticket. >> There's always a loophole.
>> Okay, we'll move on before I get myself in 5050. >> Bad advice. Thank you. >> Okay. >> And now the report of the superintendent. >> So we have two items we wanted to start with. It's been a while since we
discussed preschool tuition. Um so Kristen did a lot of research and um he's going to share some information with you and potential proposals. >> Yes. So the last time we did a tuition increase was in FY23, the 2223 school
year. Um, and currently our tuition is $70 a day. We do give the option of five days, four, three, and two days um to the families. So, I looked at um and I have it on here um several other towns to see what they were charging. And
again, these are all half days. We do not offer full day um preschool. So, I looked to see what the average um daily rate was for the different schools, and they're running around $78 per day. Um, so we wanted to see if it would be
possible to do an increase. Our suggestion is somewhere between $72 and $75 a day. Um, and leave that to the school committee to decide if if they want to do that and what the amount they think is is acceptable. Um, what this
money that we collect is used for, it's offsets the salaries. Um, right now our salaries for this is running around $311,000. We only collect about $100,000, which means that we have about $211,000
that's supported by our general budget. Um, and this would just help that. Um, so that and the information is in the packet. >> Can anyone do the math fast enough? If we raised it, $2. Well, it is $2.
>> What does that get us closer to as far as the annual revenue? >> I think that'll bring us what to $20,000 or something. I think that'll give us a $20,000 increase >> and $5 >> $50,000. Actually, I think that that's wrong.
>> Is there a is there a avenue for families that can't afford >> No, not in preschool. So in preschool it's pay or stay away. >> Mhm. >> Yes. And I will say I mean our our tuition even if you were trying to go
private is well below that any type of you know private but no there is not. >> And there's no move in Massachusetts to have preschool as a part of the school program. >> I always see things being discussed for
universal but no nothing >> for well over 10 years now. Correct. >> And Kristen, what was the timeline if we wanted to raise the rates for this coming application process? We're like up against the >> Yeah, we were hoping we're presenting this tonight and hoping to make a
decision tonight because we do need to get the preschool information out like ASAP. >> Yeah. For next year's enrollment. >> Yes. >> I'll make a motion that we raise it $5 $75 a day as presented here.
I'll second that >> because it's been so I mean it's been so long since we've looked at it. We might have missed a smaller percentage at that time and this kind of catches up and the impact on our budget will be
which and and to me that's all goes back to the kids that is that's going back into I know where this money goes. We've seen it in our budget packs and >> uh so there's a motion in a second on what what's that $5 and it's up for discussion. What's that increase look
like with $5? >> I will verify that. I thought I I don't have it in front of me. I thought it was going to be >> I guess the point um it's essentially um so it it'll be somewhere around
>> um half of the program is funded by the >> that would be nice >> by the maybe I don't think it's not going to get up that high but at least a third not to not care but isn't the entire >> program funded by taxpayers?
It is. And that that was kind of what I was getting at. But um >> Dan, I think what you're trying to say, the total salaries, we would be at we would not be at 50% of the salaries. But she used it as comparison. >> 311,000 for salaries. We're at about 100
now. We might be 150 with the $5, right? >> But it is all taxpayer money. Even the tuition is taxpayer money. >> About how many kids are enrolled in preschool? >> Oh, it's down here. Is it on here? >> 13 at 5 13 5
>> 23 29. >> Wow. I miss >> Well, that's paying. >> No, that's how many um that's how many districts. >> Oh, yes. >> I was trying to do averages. So, that's the amount of districts that I was counting that as kids. >> You probably have close to 80 students
participating um whatever half days but paid included it. No, >> it's less than that. So we have students who are >> right >> who um who aren't paying. Um >> yes. So >> so the program is actually here for our special ed like it is in place for those
three-year-olds that age out of early intervention. Right. Then we offer it to our communities to >> bring in role models. >> Bring in the role models and >> and to start that education journey. >> Correct. So, >> so if you have a child, it appears if
you had a child in two days, um you would pay $140 a month. So, with this increase, it would be $150. My my concern um is I understand that this is cheaper than many independent places. I
understand that, you know, we haven't increased it in a while, but at $7 $5 is what 8% increase on the >> 7.1%. >> Yeah. Nobody's salary went up that. Yeah. >> Well, and let me finish. >> In five years.
>> Let me finish. Let me finish. Five years. >> I bet you there are people sending their kids at this rate who don't make that in a day. $70 a day for some of our families in our communities is probably what they can make in their
And I don't want to. $5 is not going to kill it. You know, it's a cup of coffee at Duncan. All those arguments. I get it. Hasn't gone up in years. I get it. But the plain fact of the matter is I firmly believe in education and I firmly believe there should be a place for
these young folks to get started reading and and it should happen at home but it doesn't always and and some of the parents don't have the skills for it to happen at home. And so if we can provide a reasonable
option that's affordable at a at the lowest level possible, I I personally think we should do it. I I know there's a motion on the floor, but I'm just Is there a way to do
it where we kind of split the difference over the next two years where we maybe increase it by $2 this year, but lay out our cost moving forward so that it's known to families ahead of time instead of just doing that full impact
at once. >> But we're meeting if we do this now, we are meeting the application for like the people that would be applying for September would have this in front of them for the >> so whether you choose to say I'd like to
do it in one year in two years we can definitely get that information out for you know for ne for next year um if you'd like to do any type of increase and then is it it's the daily tuition so if someone goes two days a week it's 140 >> a week a month
>> a month it's per month >> okay >> okay so That's 2 days a week in the >> times four weeks. So that's >> in that month. Okay. >> So if you go 5 days, so five half days a week. >> Yes. >> Every day for half day. So for the month
of January, that's going to cost you $350. >> That's correct. That's my $7 a day or $70 a month. >> So if I send my child to school for five half days a week, the month of January is costing me $350.
>> Yep. This says per day. Now you're saying per month. >> For example, if a child attends Mondays, it's it's $70 for the month. If a child attends Mondays and Wednesdays, it's it's the 150 per month. So it is a daily rate, but it's it's so they go one day
of the week, it's $70 for that month. If they go two days of the week, it's $14. >> So that's not a daily rate. That's a monthly rate. >> But yeah, they called it I was going to say I apologize the way it's it was >> it's monthly. Yeah. And so I was looking at this conversation difference.
>> Yeah, this I was looking 300 weeks a week. >> Yeah, that that was changes things. So on the front page where it says 72 a day, it should be 72 a month. >> No. >> Well, no, it is a day of the month. >> So just I I
>> So it would be So take the $70. If your child goes >> month >> four days a week, you're paying $240 a month. So one day a month it says proposed daily tuition 7. >> Correct. So this is >> okay on our form that top line is
highlighted BMR. So >> with with the motion in the second on the floor >> what we're saying is the monthly rate if you went for two days would be 145 from 140 to $145. Is that >> no 150
>> 3 days would be 210 to 225. Is that correct? >> 315 225. Yep. >> 4 days would be from 280 to 300. >> Yep. >> And 5 days would be 350 to 375. >> Okay. This with the $5 makes if that's
what the $5 that's a month. >> That's what they pay a month, not a week. >> Not a week. Is that >> That makes more sense. Makes more sense to me. >> Yep. >> Is that Is that an accurate depiction of what we have in >> Yes, it is. And I apologize how I wrote it. So, do we need do I need to change
my motion? >> The same. >> So, yeah, cuz I was looking at that five days as with your motion. It's going from 350 a week to 375 a week. And that was concerning. >> Parents aren't paying $1,200 a month, right? Half day preschool. I know it's
>> they are in private more than that. I must have understood it the other way. else. >> The way the way you said it, $5, we're raising the >> $75 per day of the week that you attend. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, with that discussion and that clarification, that's what the school
committee is voting on. >> Um, which I think we feel all much better. >> I think we still stand by the fact that we just received tax bills that increased somewhere 16%. Um all of the
majority of all the money that from the towns goes towards our school district. >> Yeah. >> Well needed but goes towards our school district and we're now saying on top of on top of that we're going to increase
you got to pay more. It's just it seems like you know the fee upon fee upon fee. It just it it's kind of I don't I don't know if it's a little blind on our end but >> the chapter 70 is only which is taxpayer money. >> Correct. >> K to 12. >> It is K.
>> It is not prek. >> Fair enough. >> Obviously we would all >> wish it was. It would be a higher we'd be getting more money from the state if they were they were funding preschool. So we are using what we have within our means of our budget and tax you know uh
excess and division or whatever we put towards it and this tuition to have that program in place. Are there any communities that don't have it? I it used to be a it looks like everyone does now but I'm
looking >> you don't have to we don't have to have preschool. It is obviously a cost savings with the kiddos that need the the age out of early intervention because of the services we have to provide.
>> So you're saying so the chapter 70 money that's that that's what plays into our minimum local contribution. >> Correct. >> So these the money that we have to pay in these salaries does not come from chapter 70 money. >> So it comes from the additional contribution that we ask from the town.
So, it even bolsters my point even more that if we raise it, then we're asking the towns to pull out of pocket even more because it's not chapter 70 money. >> Well, it's it's all a part it's all a pot of money. So, I I'll give you the count I'll give you money or is it not? >> I I I'll give it's it's it's
>> it's us choosing to have a preschool program and using the means within our budget to to offer that. If we don't raise it, will we >> if we don't offer preschool, we're still going to present the budget to the town
as it is, we're using services within those classrooms that are that are part of chapter 70 for our OTS and our PTs and um par profofessionals like there there are many parts of the budget that
but honestly the the teacher salaries they don't expand outside of that classroom and I don't want to misspeak on that that those preschool teachers are preschool teachers. So that is definite money that is that we are using out of our budget
>> that isn't funded by chapter 70 and we are implementing that program. >> It's not it might not be funded by chapter 70. It's still funded by our communities. It's still funded by taxpayer dollar. Whether it's taxpayer from the state or taxpayer from my pocket when I pay my tax bill, it's
still taxpayer monies. And so the question becomes, do we try to look for creative ways to keep the costs down so we don't have these increases on families because we think preschool education is critical and important and
we try to look for those savings other ways which may mean we have to subtract from our some of our other programs. But you know I I guess and it's one person perspective but from my perspective the earlier we get to them
>> the better they're served in the world. >> There is a difference that we notice on going to kindergarten. We worked really hard at preschool to develop an educational curriculum program. Remember we purchased you know curriculum and literacy and numeracy and assessment for our preschool. So there is a difference.
Um we are required our kids who come in who starting at three years old do come into an integrated preschool program. In order to be integrated you must have role models. So we do have funding you know through special education that will cover you know some of the cost for our special education students of course but
it's the role models you know I mean that are coming into our programs and it really does make the difference. the kindergarten. You can tell the difference between the kiddos who have come to a public preschool um and those who who haven't.
>> And my counterargument to that to that is this is not a requirement, right? Preschool >> the district >> in order for us to be an integrated preschool and provide services to special education students. >> Yeah, I should say this is not funded.
Um, >> it's not a desy requirement. >> That's right. And so to maybe people of our parents age who say and some of that you you hear every year in the budget time, well, I don't have kids in school. Why am I paying the full boat on taxes
and this and that? These people who are participating in this program are offsetting the cost to the taxpayers by with this potentially a third um a third of of the obligation to the taxpayers to fund
the whole operation that this whole program. So it's it's um it's it's something that we offer. Um I'm looking at I'm looking at um Hoptale 600. That's like they're they're almost double us.
Um well, considerably higher than than we are um in the in the in the area. And so which their budget is for the about the same amount of kids that we have in Blackstone in this district, their budget is considerably higher than ours
on their town's impact and going after overrides. Um so I don't think it's unreasonable um in knowing the cost and learning the cost of a child daycare having a grandchild now um
>> uh is that when I saw that like the 375 that's at the low end of a week um in private in private uh daycare so private uh preschool. So, but I agree on the on the tax end we are
unfortunately we're pay the taxpayers are paying for the whole shebang. So, I don't I my personal opinion is to $5 is not unreasonable for the month for the the way it's calculated.
Any further discussion? So, there's a motion and a second. Um all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any oppose? >> Yes. >> Nay. >> Nay. >> Uh, okay. So, the vote is >> Is there seven of us here? The vote is
five in favor, two against. >> Is this something that we can make a note somehow to look at like every other year so that >> of course we don't make jumps. >> Mhm. >> Okay. you just hold our breath and hope
the state decides to >> it's just that I'll just end with the if if it's if it's not coming from the the users is coming from somewhere else in the budget. >> So >> y
>> moving on um uh budget review that's right report. >> Yes. Jim, can you put the um our initial FY27 draft budget? >> Perfect. Thank you. There you go. So, you do have this in your packets and
again, it is initial. We know there's still a lot of work to be done. Um, in here, I'm going to go this I'll go through all the slides. There are some slides that were already presented when we did our um initial um focus areas. Um, but we'll go through these. Um, Tim,
the next slide. So, here we've talked about this before. Everything that we do always leads black back to our district um blueprint, our 3.0 um with our goals of curriculum instruction, the whole child in our community. So, this should
be very familiar to everyone. Our next page, again, we've talked about the guiding structures when we set our 27 budget. We talked about our strategic plan, the end of the year um data that we used um for 2025, our current
district assessments, the evaluation and impact of all all our instructional strategies, our curriculum implementation, and the surveys that we do at the end of every year with our students, our staff, and our families. This slide is new and we did present this um last year. You can see that well
I I'll explain our demographics continue to change a bit. Um so here again enrollment we are over just over 1400 students and if you look our demographics um that are up there we have had we've currently we have uh
78.9% of our students are considered white last year we're at 82 um8 our Hispanic population is at 12.8 last year it was at 9.2 um black African-American
currently at 2.8 8 last year at 2.3. Um, Asian population stayed the same at a 1.4 and our multi-race was very similar last year at a 4.3, currently at a 4.2. We also saw some um changes in our population for some of our student
groupings. Um, our English language learner students last year we were at a 3.2. This year it's we're at a 4.5. and our first language um our students with their first language that is not English. Last year at 7.9 and this year
currently at 9.6 our special education population um and we are seeing an increase and actually when I get to another slide I was actually able to get it. It's increasing but I was actually able to get as of today these numbers come from actually from Desi when they take it in January. I believe it's in
January. So, when they took that last year for special education, we were at 17.7. We're currently at 18.6. Um, and I will let you know that a lot of these numbers are in line with what they're seeing for increases from the state, not just for us, but we are continuing to make sure we're taking a look very
carefully um at what students actually need. And our high needs population, last year at 46.1, this year at 48.4. So, not significant changes, but our demographics continues to change. Any
questions there? >> What was our enrollment last year? Did you do you have you just gave the comparison of everything, but I didn't >> I didn't I apologize. Um right now we're at I mean I can check every day we're at we're we're about the same >> as last year.
>> Um next page. Again, I'm not going to go through all of this because we already had this discussion, but we are continuing to make moderate progress. Um we we have no schools in our district that require any type of assistance or intervention. Um there was a little bit difference of our four-year graduation
rate. Last year we're at 92, this year at 94.4. So that has increased. Our dropout rate last year was 1.3. This year is at 1.1. And I'm sure you know in the the the the population of our senior class, one student um or even two can make a significant difference in that
percentage. Um and our attendance rate um this year is at 93.6. 6, which was similar to last year. And if you look at the bottom, these are the MCCAST information that was shared with all of our principles when they came out. I just put it out in kind of a just a
quick easy read format for you. And you'll notice that in the majority of cases, we're on pretty much at where the state is. We have some areas to focus, but either way, we're always looking. We need we need to continue to improve and focus on our student achievement. Okay.
The next page, um, this is, um, pretty much the same as well. Again, over 1,400 students. We talked a little bit about about 50% of our students are classified as high needs. And remember, high needs, it's the economically disadvantaged ELLL and special needs who fall into that. I
put here as of about a week ago or week and a half ago, our current population of students with special needs is 19.4. And that's preschool all the way up through age 22. Um, again, we have an increase enrollment for students requiring um, English language learner
services. We have changes in our out of district that we talked about at our last meeting. We don't have significant increase. It's just students are changing the actual placements that they're in. We're continuing to implement our strategic plan, our blueprint 3.0. And we are continuing to
focus on our literacy program um, and our focus on writing technology. Well, you'll hear from our technology folks when they come in. We definitely have some technology needs moving forward. One of the things you'll hear is our Chromebooks. Um, we've been working
really hard this year to make sure that students are taking more responsibility and ownership of caring for their Chromebooks, but you know, they they don't last forever and they continue to age. So, that will be brought up and also of course the implementation of our 5-year capital plan.
So other factors driving the FY27 budget um we've talked in in the past about is health insurance increase is going to be a major um aspect that is going to be between an 11 and 22% increase. Um the collaborative and private tuition
increases that will be coming. Um there's an annual cost increase due to placement changes. Um, and that's always an unknown, but we do know that um that that will make a make a change or make a difference in the budget. We also know
we're still waiting. We haven't gotten the exact amounts yet for the increases, but if you think of the past, we've had programs that have increased from 5% all the way up to 12% in some years. So, we're hoping things are leveling off, you know, a little bit. And that's
collaboratives and private programs. Um, also your our facility needs um between the high school, actually all of our buildings and our short-term capital projects. Um, we have contract contractual obligations, the unit A
contracts and unit B and C as far as um raises, step increases. Um, the minimum local contribution, we do not know yet. We will not find out until the end of this month. And that is a big um big unknown and that really
changes not changes but determines what we're going to have have from the towns the ask um and transportation costs um with our contracts contracts for our big yellow as well as for our out of district students and athletics. So all
of those different costs are major factors driving the budget. >> And if you recall a few years ago, we started to implement for our in district transportation. We have we still have on the road still transporting. We have two vans that are being used um for that. So that is really continuing to be helpful
um for for several runs. >> We're not we're not in a a contract with busing this year. I mean we're still in the middle of our contract. >> We are. Next year we'll have to go out to bed. So look looking back at building the
FY26 budget, you'll see that we did have an increase in um chapter 78. Um chapter 78 increased by 6.02% and that was because we had come out of hold harmless. With that it actually brought down slightly the increased u minimum
local contribution from the town. So last year, Blackstone was both Blackstone and Milville were at 5.48%. Um, and the increase in aid from both towns was 614,58. >> Blackstone and and th those increases
were not that substantial. You're talking about what was >> not the overall but overall their contribution. >> Gotcha. Gotcha. >> I I want to point that out. >> Yes. >> No, it was much lower than that. >> Yeah. Yeah. It was like like three and
2.1 or something like that. >> So this is our capital assessments for the town. So this is the bond payments that we have the interest and the principal for the towns that were that will be assessed for next year. So Blackstone is at $328,870.
Milville is at 154,379. Um, so we still have a couple of bonds that I think will pro will mature, not that I think they'll mature in 2020 2030. So this once we pay this off, this
number will come down, but then um have another bigger one. >> But this includes um boilers, windows, roofs, as well as our um the new project, the school project that we have going, the feasibility study.
So if you could click into this. So the budget workshop right now we're working with all the stakeholders in the school the the principles the directors um to look over their budgets. So you'll see in here um what we've done is there's a
summary here to see that for each line what we had in FY26 budget along with what the request is currently. So Jill and I have have met with our principles. We've spent a lot of time kind of going over what the requests are. We've done
some tweaking, but there's a lot more work I think to do. So right now we've talked to everybody about what their their asks are, what they had for a budget last year, what they still need for next year. Um and if you scroll down,
there's a number there. So what we had was the 31,904. Right now we're at 33,864. And that is a that's a moving number. This is very fluid at this point. Um but this is, you know, looking through line by line and we'll start continuing to
work on that. Um down below you'll see the total number of the budget. Then you have your offsets. Um and then what will what ends up getting assessed to the town right now on our end the FY27 your
chapter 70 is a guess your regional trans there's a lot of guessing right now we really won't know what those offsets will be until the end of the month >> but we thought we'd put in gueststimates just to do you know what I mean to have some idea those are we have no idea at
this point and also when you look through this you may see that something was zeroed out it could be that Kristen move something to the correct line. We're still trying to >> Is line code 9400 the collaborative tuition seriously 103%age increase.
We go from like 452,000 to 918,000. >> So I can look to see what that is to see if there's something in there twice. I know I was playing with some You know what? I was playing with some numbers before I left. Maybe I had to un check something. I will verify
>> that. It just like stuck out at me. >> Everybody will has access to this and you'll see that there are tabs. So, so we're just going to look at the summary tab today. All school committee has access to be able to get into the details of all of these numbers >> and you'll see that Kristen will continue. We're going to be continuing
>> as of right before this meeting. I was still in there making some some edits. >> We don't have so we've worked like I said over the years really hard. We've gone from I would say over the last 5 years of having 20 plus maybe 25 students out of district down to as we
present you're going to see it's it's in the teens um because we're building our programs that I don't see is as I think there is definitely um something there. >> Yeah, we don't anticipate the only thing we anticipate for our out of district um
funding uh or our or budget we don't anticipate any sign any student significant increases. It's more of the um what the percentage would be um for the tuition increases and the transportation. But no, that yeah, there must have been a
>> If you slide it down a little bit just to go up and the other in the other direction, please >> and there are some notes to the side if if there is some different changes for moving things around or if there's a big um difference. I was trying to make notes as I was doing it as to, you know,
where we were moving things. So, so we're trying to be as accurate as possible that if you see something that has a significant change or it was moved, sometimes you say, "Oh, great. We didn't need this 80, but you might see it someplace else." We're just We've been trying to do this. I know Joe tried to do it. Now Kristen's picking up the
pieces just to try to streamline to put things in the right place. So, we're continuing to work on that. I was going to say any questions on any of that. Is there anything else you needed to get into that? >> No, I think that's it. So then um our
next step so next we have the um our principal and director presentations. So, we have January 22nd, we'll have the music, uh, Milville Elementary School, the middle school, the high school, and student services to present. Then, on January 27th, we'll
have teaching and learning, ELLL, facilities, athletics, and technology coming to present. Um, we'll have the joint meetings with the board of selectmen, finance subcommittees from each towns and school committee that those dates will to be determined. The governor's budget will be released
in the end of January. Um and then the voting on the budget will be March 5th and then the distribution of the certified budget book following that in March. And our st we try to keep the um
presentations very similar to what you're used to in the past for our staff. Um making sure it's very clean, streamlined, and accurate for you. Um, and we are asking our principles too, um, and all of our other directors to make sure they're, you know, putting in
there what are are there any significant new asks? Do you know what I mean? If I mean, so they're going to make sure that that's in there. So, um, but current things that we have um, will be in there. I think for curriculum, you'll see something in there for curriculum as
well. We'll have summer programming. We'll talk about that. Um, but we're going to try to make it sure it's very clean and streamlined for you. >> Last year you guys had like a template. They all use >> They're all using the same template. Absolutely. It looks a little different. It's a little bit of a different
template, but all the same template. Yes. We're trying not to change, you know, too much that we're familiar with things. But >> yes, even this template is a little bit different than last year. So, same information though. again initial we know there's a lot of
work to be done with this um but we you know we'd looked at last year's we have our requests for this year um but there will be more to come and then you'll be able to hear from the departments um at our workshops in January and if you do go through this and you have any questions um you have an
opportunity to click through if just reach out. >> Yeah. >> Anything else? >> Very good. Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, V. >> Thank you. Now, the report of the business office. >> All right. So, um first we have the
personnel changes. We have um four appointments. We have Zoe Berseron, Christopher Miller, Christina Metti, Moscetti, and Natalie Terelli. >> Torchelli. So, those are our our new appointments. And then we have two
resignations. Um that's pretty important. Then next we have the expenditure report. This is for um as of the end of December we are the budget is running favorably
right now. Um we are we're projecting a surplus of approximately $379,000. Again that is a moving number that will change over time. Um we we don't have any major moveins move out with special
education out of district children and we really don't have any major repairs that have needed we've we've had repairs but nothing major that has moved the needle significantly whether um infavorably or or in in the red. So >> like
I was going to say that. So um there is nothing nothing big to to present at this point for our budget which I'm thankful for. Um, as far as the budget journal journal entries, we have 13 budget adjustments.
Um, they are a mix of adding a grant that we received and realigning um budgets to Desi codes. Um, as well as as we're building the budget, I've been looking um as we're building FY27, looking to see where things are in FY26
and in finding out if they they may be in the wrong category and they just have to be shuffled around. So, um that is what those budget adjustments are there and um just we need to have an approval on
those budget journal entries. >> Make a motion to approve the budget entries. >> So, move >> motion made by Carrie. >> Second. >> Second by Jane. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Any oppose? The eyes have it. Thank
you for the business report. >> Up next, facilities report. >> And I'm sure it's on here, Scott, but I have to say the stage. I know you're going to talk about it. Looks >> wonderful. I saw the picture. Pretty impressive.
>> So excited. It looks great. >> Thank you. It was a lot of work. It is on here. Um it took 5 days of st uh sanding it because you got to go through three different stages of sandpaper. Um, we rented a machine from Home Depot to do it and I also borrowed one from my
friend's flooring company and uh, yeah, we got it done in a week. It was a lot of work. Uh, I did come in on some off hours to do it. Um, but I am very proud of the way it came out, of course. >> So now the show can go on. The show can go on, >> but no tape on the floor.
>> That's it. Without tape. Tape on the floor. >> And be very careful moving things on it and dancing on it and not taping on. Speaking of that, is there something when when we're renting it out that we can hint like a >> add that to the >> Yeah. Like >> painters tape?
>> Do not please do not >> It's It's made very clear. So, we've already gotten a request that you'll see in here and before any dance companies are coming on board. We're having conversations with them and it's made very clear there is no tape even nothing
on the floor. So, they're going to have to do their spacing creatively because it really does rip off. And yeah, I will say that the the floor now, we need to take the best care of it is now because I don't know if there's anything left to stand down. >> Yeah.
>> So, yeah, that being said, I did have to replace 10 boards. And in the process of replacing those boards, I found that we only have like an eighth maybe 3/16 of flooring left that we can see in down. So, if we would have taken that stage right down to Bearwood, we would have
destroyed it. >> So, yeah, there's nothing left to it. In fact, I'm I'm telling dance companies that we're not allowed to use the man lift on that stage anymore cuz it's just so heavy that it's going to crack the boards. It's It's >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> The next step would be to either replace the whole flooring or just lay plywood over it or maybe like a um laminate flooring or something. But it it's we need a new building. Um so yeah, that being said,
um the fire panel at the high school, it has a shorting it. Um they came in on the 30th, two guys from Energy Electric spent roughly 5, six hours there, thought they had the problem solved. However, the next day it came back. I have them scheduled to come back on
Martin Luther King Day because nobody will be in the building. So, they'll have free rain to go. I also have our electrician coming in to to be there as well, just to make sure that they know what they're doing. Um,
we had the sewer pumps cleaned, both the early village and the high school ones. Um, they drained them, cleaned them, went in there, removed all the paper towels, hand wipes, things that shouldn't be in there.
um the stage floor we talked about. Um so that's that's the high school. Uh middle school during the break we had Evon come out. They serve our sprinkler system. Um back in July when they did the annual inspection they found some
deficiencies and one of them being a pressure relief valve. They thought they had the parts. They scheduled the work. They came out. They didn't have the pressure relief valve. So now they're coming back. and I scheduled that for February vacation because we have to have a fire alarm
monitoring company and as well the that's on the piano. So, it's not an emergency. Like I said, this has been since July. Disappointed they didn't have all the parts. They had all that time. And the head custodian and I diagnosed a
bad sound card for the intercom system. Um the intercoms are fine in all the classrooms when you do paging or the bells or anything, but in the hallways you cannot hear it. It's very low toned and staticky. So, that is being um we're
getting quotes for that this time. >> Milville, the FM generator came out. Um circuit breaker keeps tripping on that. They thought they found it when they found the first mouse nest with all the wires in it. And then on the second time when they came out on the 29th, they
found another mouse nest. The wires fixed it. They also diagnosed a bad um ground fault detector on that as well. So again, they thought they found the problem, but the next time the generator did a annual
weekly test, it tripped again. So next step is to have that ground fault changed out and hopefully that solves the problem. Um and Seammens came out also during December and worked on the heating software. They found that somehow the
software disappeared, maybe a power glitch or something or was um so they reinstalled it. So that's up and running now. And JFK, we're just waiting for the um touchcreen to come
in. We're still waiting on that. That is what I have with facilities. Any questions, concerns? Oh, I did wash the last meeting and I know there was concern about the crosswalk. Um, I did buy the paint for that. It's just that it got too cold too quick and
>> Mhm. >> Um, but I am going to paint the front and the back yellow and then put the crosswalk on top of it >> and at the high school. Is that the >> the speed bump at the high school? >> Speed bump. >> But we'll also do all the lines and everything in the spring
parking. >> So, it was brought to my attention on the back side of Millville. Maybe this is an every year thing, but on the back side of the Milville building is a there's a lot of moss or mildew or not mo not mildew, but you know, green growth. I had a parent reach out to me
and, you know, >> Yeah. Okay. >> I don't know if that's I I said I', you know. >> Yeah. No, I mean, we can look into pressure washing it and uh people vacation. I so I did not say any of this to Matt, but when I was plowing up there the
other day and where the we would take the snowb blowers out of the back where that like that lean to is the flashing going up like the from the roof to the brick. I did notice it's it's like black black um probably need to be powerwashed
in the maybe acid washed in the spring. Yeah, >> I don't I just took a break for a minute and I I was staring at it and just coincidentally that that was the other day. >> Most people don't look up, they all look down. >> I have a habit of looking up on roofs, I guess.
>> Yeah. As you know, the wind at the Millville Elementary School, there could be no snow on the roof and 6 feet on the ground on the side of it because it all blows off. >> Yeah. Exactly. So, and of course it blows off into the turnaround, you know, where after you plow it 10 times. It's
you you leave for an hour, come back, and there's two feet there from the roof on the roadway. So, >> yeah. Yep. >> Yeah. It's funny that you someone I don't know who told you that, but it's >> Yeah, it was a parent that does parent pickup up there and they happen to notice it. >> This was on the back. Yeah. In the back corner of
>> And I guess there's also some writing on the bricks. >> I didn't know about I don't know anything about writing on the bricks. Uh, kids are using chalk to write on the ground, but I guess Christina did send out an email for the staff. I'm going to keep an eye on that, but that'll be pressure wash.
>> I just thought it was vandalism, so I was automatically denying that. >> All right, any other questions for Scott? Thank you for all you do. >> Thank you. >> Did Scott say the words industrial burner? >> No. No. >> Well, you know, I left it off, but they
are responsible for the touchcreen. >> All right. So, the use of facility requests that we have, the first one is a basketball free throw challenge that is scheduled for January 12th from 7 to 8:00 p.m. in the gym at the at the
middle school. There is um no charge on that. individually. >> Oh, you want >> Do you want to do them individually or move? >> Let's do it. Did you say so moved? I'm sorry. >> Motion made by Jane. >> Second.
>> Seconded by Taran Kerry. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? The eyes have it. >> All right. The next one we have is a dance practice for um Studio 25. And this is just a practice before dance
show. It's not an actual show. It's going to be at the high school auditorium on January 25th, which is a Sunday from 12 to 4:00. Um they will um they're group three, so they will be
charged for a custodian that they'll need to have on duty and that charge is $475.90. >> Make a motion. Yep. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion made by Carrie. Second. Second by James. Uh any further than that?
>> Any further discussion on the matter? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Any oppose? I have it. >> All right. The next one is for the um PTO fundraiser that they're doing the bingo. >> Oh jeez.
>> So this is in the middle school cafeteria on January 23rd. There is a caveat to this. So, the PTO understands that a permit is required to hold this event. If a permit is not obtained before the event date, the event cannot take place. Um, they are a group one.
Like I said, it was Friday, January 23rd from 4:00 to 9:00. I know they've been in contact with us to go over all the the permits and everything that they need for the event. Um, and they do have a clear understanding of what the expectations are. Um,
and that is there is not a fee for that event. >> So, move. >> Motion made by Tara. >> Second. >> Seconded by Matt. Any further discussion? >> Uh, it's my understanding they actually got the uh permit. >> They had the permit and I think there
was a little bit more work that they they have a meeting, I believe today or tomorrow that they were finalizing some stuff that they were going to get back to us on. I think they had the permit, but there was still some other pieces um to the event that they were trying to
finalize. >> Any more discussion? Go ahead. >> No, I think that is the last of the facility request forms. No. >> Okay. Any more discussion from the members on the motion? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Any oppose? You guys have it.
All right. That moves us on to school committee forum. Does anyone have anything committee forum? Just like to thank Mrs. Foster that was in today um to talk about cursive writing and
I'm not a curriculum expert, but I do believe that what she said is absolutely true that it is a important part and it's completely missing out of education today. Um she's absolutely right that two of the most important documents are still written in cursive into our
country and you know I see it in a daily basis where younger adults are unable to sign legal documents. Um so maybe it is something that we look at for uh a club or to
integrate at some level. Uh but what she's doing over at the uh library is commendable uh and it's appreciated um by at least me. So thank you to thank you to her for doing that. Okay. Anyone
else? I'll just I'll just uh congratulate once again uh Miss Rober for her success. Um and thank piggyback on you. Thank you Miss Foster for her presentation. Um,
I'm just going to let you guys the committee know that um I'm uh on behalf of the committee I'm sending out. It's that time um for the 5-year ad hoc committee for the regional agreement. Um so I'll just read what what it says is
to go on to the both boards of selectman one for each town the boards in each town. uh a request to appoint members to the regional amendment ad hoc review ad hoc committee on behalf of the mil blackmail regional school committee. I am writing to formally request an appointment of two members from the town
of Milville to serve on an ad hoc advisory committee for the review of the regional district's agreement. And then it goes on to say as outlined in the section it uh um it it provides the language. Um and
so pursuant to that section the ad hoc advisory group will be composed of two members of the school committee one from each member of town and four members of the towns with two appointed uh by each boards of selectment. The members will
serve a term of one year with the option of an extension for additional time as needed to complete if it's needed to complete the review. The superintendent of schools and the business administration will serve as exeicio members of the advisory group. And all this is is outlined in the agreement. We
respect we respectfully request the town board of selectment to appoint two individuals to serve on this ad hoc committee and provide their names to the committee no later than March 1st, 2026. and and again and then I have we have attached the provision in the agreement.
Um and and so it's important to note too this is an ad hoc committee. Uh the results of this committee are then to be presented to the school committee for our um u our consumption on that whether or not anything comes out of it or whatever
it'll be it would then be brought to us if we wanted to move forward with it. It still has to then be brought to the towns to be amended. So, so the one-year committee then turns into, you know, it could be another year of debate and then then depending on the town meeting end
of it and I I understand this provision. Unfortunately, in the last regional agreement, it said sha now says shall happen every 5 years where it didn't before. So, um so um yes, so it's that
that time fun stuff again. I think sat on the first regional agreement committee that failed and on the second regional comm that took like 5 years. So that's but my in my opinion I think the the ad hoc committee will come up with their
own um opinion on it but I I think the regional agreement at this time is working just fine. >> But that's just my two cents. So, um, so for the next agenda, if we could have this body, we'll give you a couple of weeks who may
want to be on that ad hoc committee or not. So, uh, but these will go out to the town uh, the town of Noville and Blackstone. Um, with that, our next meeting is the 22nd of January for the those are these
are workshops, correct? Correct. as well as um the 27th and February 5th. Uh those are all workshops and and and they're still school committee, but they're workshops. And then next uh formal school committee meeting is
March 5th, 2026. >> My workshops are all at 5:30. We voted at the last >> or not voted, but we said >> Yeah, we said them. Okay. >> And I'll just add that um I have to put in a facilities request. Um, so the town
we were able to get a carnival for the July, but we're going to need a couple more days maybe. So the like the last week of July, we're going to need the the pretty much the whole grounds of the the high school outside anyway. >> Okay. >> And we are going to be inviting the
district to participate in all ways and and and I'm going to be reaching out to the town of Milville if they want to have representation. It's a semiquentennial 250th uh birthday of the country. So we want to >> we want to go big. Perfect place too to
time to showcase the >> field. Yeah. >> The uh >> auditorium stage. >> Exactly. Everything. >> And we will um be having fireworks and we can have them come a little closer if that's necessary. >> No, we need 5 years. Don't burn it down.
>> Um with that, uh I'm going to get myself in trouble. >> You are. You probably already are. I'll make a motion to adjurnn. Motion back in. >> Motion made a second. I'm usually in trouble anyway. So, um with uh hearing no other discussion, all those in favor signify by saying I. I.
>> Any oppos? Good night.