Welcome back to our regular school committee meeting. We are returning from executive session to open session this Wednesday, May 21st at 7. Please note we are live streaming on our YouTube channel and the recording will be available on the YouTube channel
afterwards. Please rise and join [Music] us. to the rep for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Um before we get started, I would like
to introduce our school committee members. Um to my left we have our student school committee members, Miss Corey, Mr. Dailyaly. We have Miss Foy Thomas, Mr. Bethro, Mr. Superintendent Powers on my
right. Mrs. Conrad Labto, Mrs. Mayville, Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Lo, and myself, Mrs. King. Thank you. Um, I would also like to welcome both Mrs. Andy Hoy Thomas and Mr. Dan Gothro as our newest school committee
members as this is their first regular school committee meeting. the April election. I look forward to working with you. So, thank you for serving um and volunteering. Um first on the agenda, we have public comment. The school committee welcomes
information, concerns, and opinions from those attending the meeting. In order to give those wishing an opportunity to speak, ensure compliance with open meeting law and other legal obligations, and avoid disruption of the meeting, the committee will not engage with the speaker or one another in deliberation
on comments as they are presented during comment periods. At its discretion, the committee may schedule issues raised by the speaker for deliberation at a future meeting. To reate, this is a time for members of the public to voice comments and concerns regarding agenda items and the committee is not able to respond in
any way. If you would like a personal response, please email the committee or superintendent powers directly following the meeting. The chair will now open up public comment for a period of 12 minutes for policy pet and anyone and would ask anyone who wishes to speak to
approach the podium and provide your name and address and please limit comments to under three minutes. I will open public comment at 7:19. Do we have anyone that would like to make a comment? Okay, that being said, I will
close public comment at 7:19 p.m. We do have one at the end if anyone else would like to speak following the meeting. Next on the agenda, we have correspondence and recognition. Um, correspondence from the community Um this month um we did get
correspondence from a community member regarding concerns relative to a middle school assignment. Both myself and assistant superintendent Barry responded to that um individual. We also received numerous correspondencies back and forth with town officials regarding budget
documents, information, and dates and timeline regarding our fiscal year 26 budget and the potential overhead. a second on it. We do have recognition. Thank you. Yes. Uh if you recall, I
spoke in the past about uh two of our DECA students who were attending the international DECA competition down in Orlando. And I'm pleased to say that they are here this evening. Uh if for those of you that don't know, uh DECA is our high school business club. Uh so not only do they uh engage in business
activities, they run a school store at the high school, they also actually compete against other high schools in the local area, then they go on to a state competition and then from there they qualify. Uh and there's obviously competitions in in certain qualifiers that they have to do at each level. Uh
they are invited or they earn the right to go to the international competition. I believe last year is up in California. Uh and this year was down in Orlando. Um and this Sarah Boore who is our by day our coordinator of family and student supports uh is also the DECA club
advisor. So she does an amazing job organizing these meetings, the activities, the school store um and obviously serving as an adviser to our DECA students and the DECA club has grown over time which is which is phenomenal. Two of our students are here
this evening, uh, Selena Georgopolis and Rachel Corey. And I and maybe invite them to the microphone to share a little bit about their experience. Uh, but again, I I know they competed against students from all over the world down in Orlando. They each had slightly a different focus and what they were
competing in and maybe they could give a little bit of an overview of that. Uh, but they both did very, very well. So proud of their accomplishments. Uh, and I would just, uh, you know, ask everyone to kind of join me in giving them both a round of applause and invite them. Hi, school committee. Um, I had a little
bit written in my that I was going to talk about this, but I guess I can just jump start it now. Um, the DECA ICBC trip was just an absolute blast. We got to meet DECA members from not just our state like we do at the state competition but internationally. So we saw kids from China, Brazil, Cuba. Um
Miss War could name a lot more because she has a great memory but um a lot of students from around the world and we got the gift of going to Disney and Universal because DECA sponsors uh Deca Night at Universal which is such a great opportunity. Um and our competitions
were also very enjoyable. We got to do what's called a role play. So we basically present to a judge um as a business character. So like I would be like an investment counselor. Um I think Selena could talk about what she does. Um and then we take our 100 question exam. Um luckily when we got to the mini
awards session I was named a top finalist and then from there we went to the grand awards session where I was named fifth in my category for personal financial literacy which is just like a crazy accomplishment from VR. Um I'm super happy about that and um I thank Miss Moore and Selena for joining me for
that trip. [Applause] Hi, my name is Selena Georgopolis. Um, I'm also a member of our VR school second team. Um, I
I a little nervous, but um I'm so grateful for our trip that we went to Florida. It was such an incredible experience to not only bond with my best friend Rachel, but also with our amazing club leader, Miss Moore. She's absolutely incredible. She spends so much time dedicating making our practice
exams and helping us qualify and get all to that level. So, I just want to give a big shout out to her. She's phenomenal. And also um our trip to ICBC, I competed in a category called quickserve food restaurant management which was really cool. So, I was um in char well I was
giving like categories in which I would have to problem solve in the hospitality food world. um for example like fast food restaurants, small chains which was a really cool experience and going to Florida that week was such an eyeopening experience because you got to see so many perspectives from people around the
world and I'm forever grateful for that opportunity. So thank you VR and especially Miss Moore for putting us [Applause]
there. Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Moore, for taking them. That was such an experience for them to both to have. Um, and we are so proud of the two of you for for being there. Um, and for Rachel coming in fifth, that's amazing. So, congratulations. Um, next on the agenda,
in April, our VR High School TJ Squared robotics team qualified and attended the first robotics competition in Houston, Texas. TJ Squared finished third place out of 76 in their division on the Cury Field with 600 teams total in
attendance. TJ Squared ended the season ranked 55th out of 3,690 teams in the world. Their team does so much to nurture and encourage a love of science, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. I look forward to some
outreach hopefully to the middle schools for their future teammates over the next month and in the fall. Congratulations to the team, their mentors, and their adviserss, including BR High School staff, Miss Jerome, Miss Blannery, Miss Spur, and Mrs. Wood. And I'm sure I'm
missing some other ones. And a special congratulations and good luck to your TJ Square seniors. Um, do Miss Jerome or one of the mentors, do you want to come up and say a few words? We have one of our captains. Yes, captain. That would be perfect.
Um, hello folks. Um, my name is Owen Gagen and I'd like to say on behalf of TJ Square, you've touched upon it a lot where how we have a lot of support from our mentors and teachers, but I'd also like to highlight all the parents that are involved with First and um, letting their kids go to these trips um, across
state lines. And um, it's really inspiring to them to um, pursue a career in um, any sort of uh, steam in college or um, after college. And um we did a we
did do very very good and um a lot of that is because of all the hours we put in and um all the work that goes in throughout the school year and um yeah, we really um showed the other
teams we we meant business and um yeah Can I can I have the team just stand so we can give you an applause? All of your [Music] tie-dye. Thank you so much for being here um and for everything you do.
Obviously, I'm a I'm a TJ mom. Um, but I have seen all of you became her best friends. Um, and you work together so well and there's so many different jobs on the team. It is a place for any student which is one of the things that
I love about the team as well. So, thank you to the mentors, the parents, the students, and good luck to all of our seniors who are doing amazing things next year. So, congratulations [Applause]
[Music] All right, our last thing for correspondence and recognition. Um, the first week of May, we celebrated teachers and appreciation and nurses appreciation week. Um, we're in the midst of an override that we've been
discussing um on both sides of the district um and an uncertain upcoming school year. So, especially now, I just want to Thank all of our teachers, our specialists, ESPs, proctors, and nurses for your continued dedication and
commitment to our students. We know that class sizes increasing year over year. Student needs are increasing year-over-year, both mental, emotional, physical, and you still continue each and every day to work tirelessly to make sure all of our students get the
education that they need and deserve to become the very best that they can be. You ensure our students are healthy, are happy, healthy, and safe. The pressure and focus is always on you since you're the ones in the classrooms, in the schools. But that also means you're the
ones that matter most. Each and every one of you that interacts one-on-one with our students every day. When they look back in 20 years who shaped their education, it will not be an administrator. It's definitely not going to be a school committee member that they're going to remember. It'll be one
of you. So, thank you for inspiring, motivating, caring, and nurturing all of our students. So, thank you. I know I have some teachers out there, and hopefully if you're watching at home, um to our teachers and our nurses, thank you so
much. And that concludes our correspondence and recognition. We will move on to consent agenda. Um, I will now entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented of the approval of minutes dated April 16th, 2025 and May 7th,
2025. Payroll warrants dated April 3rd, 2025, April 17, 2025. May 1st, 2025, and May 15, 2025. school committee meeting schedule, personnel report, fiscal year 2026 payroll and warrant schedule and
the acceptance of gifts um regarding RMS gifts which is a rave donation in the amount of $690. Globe partners um a check in the amount of $500. Earth Day improvements to both Merill and the Liberty Elementary School,
courtesy of Beantown Home Improvements, JR Power Wash and Property Services, DND Mulch and Landscape Incorporated, TNJ Seal Coating, PVC Solutions, and the Rainham Highway Department, as well as a
clarinet donation from Mrs. Weinstein of Rain. So, second motion by Mr. Second by Mr. All those in favor I had some
questions that wasn't answered in advance of this um meeting was wondering Could you come to the microphone for any questions, please? I'm sorry if I missed it. Okay. Um, so given the number of
nonrenewals, what's the district plan? I'm sorry, not that one. Um, the personal report indicates that four proctors were let go while two were hired. Could you provide some context for this? Yes, absolutely. The two
proctors who were recently hired vacancies for the 2425 school year. The positions that are non-renewed or reduced are for the 2526 school year. The last day being 20 um June 18th, 2025 that so the two who were recently
hired were hired prior to the reductions. So the time frame was from the last meeting to last Friday when I responded to request to provide the report. So the two people who were hired were
hired for vacancies that were for the 2425 school year. Now we're not hiring those people for next school year. So we have issued some nonrenewals for those positions which was stated in the top of that
report. Okay. Thank you. And I saw that there was both voluntary and nonvoluntary reassignments. Um could you explain the reasons for the nonvoluntary reassignments and how the district supports those staff during this trans that time of transition? Yes. Um staff
are removed due to the needs of our students. We have a meeting prior to the move with the staff members and their collective writing agreement and with with their representative if they request that to discuss why
taking place rather and how are they supported? Like is it like people kicking and screaming or Oh no, no one ever is kicking. So when kicking and screaming, we probably re-evaluate, but the director of student services, he is the person who suggests
the move based on the needs of the district. Um and whether it's a different building or different section um in you know in a different program for the ESPs that is communicated to me in HR and then I process that. So what's
the difference between voluntary and involuntary? A voluntary move might be something that someone has applied for, such as a special education teacher in one building who would like to go to maybe a different level from middle school to high school or elementary to middle school.
Thank you so much. All those in motion passes. Um, next on the agenda, we have an educational report. Um, the first report we have is the VR student advisory council report. Um, and I would like to
welcome president Rachel Cory to the to the Good evening, members of the school committee and the community. As I stand before you today, it is hard to believe that three years have gone by since I stood here giving my first speech as a
member of the school committee advisory board. Tonight, it is bittersweet for me to give my last report, which will be a little bit longer, so bear with me. On May 6, our school committee advisory board attended the Day on the Hill event at the state house where we met and had important conversations with Representative Gallagher and Senator Jun
where we talked about the our school budget concerns. We emphasized the importance of fair funding and discussed improvements to the chapter 70 formula where Representative Gallagher recommended an inflationary factor. We also discussed advocating for the override and long-term concerns regarding state funding through the
current formula. The day on the hill was a great opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the state of our school district and the issues that we face as a community. Um something that I will also never forget other than the DECA trip that I had with my best friend. Um that was also a remarkable event. Like I said, we got to
go see members from DECA members from around the world. Um and have just a wonderful time and make a difference for a DECA community um in at the BR state level at district level. Sorry. Something that I will also never forget
is serving on this board every single year, which has taught me the importance of collaboration and how even just one voice can spark change. To Mrs. Curley, Mrs. King, and the committee, thank you all for treating me not just as a student, but as a partner. You have encouraged me to speak with confidence and lead with integrity. As I head off
to Harvard this fall, know that this isn't the last one here for me. I fully intend to come back, give back, and continue making a difference. Thank you all for what you have done, and I truly will miss this. And [Applause]
now good evening. Uh my name one second. Good evening. Uh my name is Quinn Dailyy and this is the last report I will be sharing on this student committee advisory board. Um I I'd like to share my last report with you on Rainwater and the Lavender Graduation
for the Gender Sexuality Alliance at our high school. The Rainwater Players put on their spring 2025 show Hades Town on May 1st, second, and third, and it was an extremely successful musical. The outpouring support of the audience for each show was so generous, and we
received wonderful feedback from the public on how good it was. The emotion, dancing, and execution was on point by each casting crew member. The seniors will remember their last show on such a deep level and it is so sad that all of them including myself are living in this amazing program that we've devoted so
much of our time to. Next, I would like to share about the lavender graduation ceremony for the five seniors of the gender sexuality alliance. Teachers, friends, and supporters of the graduating students were invited to attend, and it showed the unconditional love and support of
our school district and community. There were snacks and dessert as well, and they were very good. The seniors who will be leaving this impactful club are Laura Charmsino, Anna Zabelli, Maya Riley, Ben Het, and myself, Quinn Dailyaly. All of these seniors gave so much to this club, and in turn, we were
given a beautiful ceremony before Leafy High School. Now, I would like to share what the student committee advisory board has given me these past three years. It has given me the ability to be a confident public speaker, something I have not been good at before. It has also given me a community of people who share the
same interests, and I cannot be grateful enough for the people I was able to work with on this board. It has given me an insight into the importance of school committees and why students, teachers, and staff must work together for the greater good. I'm going to miss speaking at these meetings because I was able to
use my voice to share the amazing experience that take place in this very district. I would like to thank Mrs. King for being an outstanding and kind liazison and for being able to work so closely with all of us to ensure we are successful and feel good about ourselves. I would also like to thank
Mrs. Curly for being the best adviser I could ask for. She is supportive, kind, a hard worker, and really cares for our board and her students. Being surrounded with so much support on this board is something I cannot say enough about. I would like to wish Sophia, Kayla, and Sydney the best of luck in the rest of
their high school years, and Rachel the best of luck as me and her go off to college. Thank you for this amazing opportunity I was able to participate in for the past three years, and to use my voice for change, positivity, and to build community. I would like to welcome Sophia to the stand.
[Applause] Sorry, give me one second. Good evening, Mr. Chairman. Sorry, Mr. Chairman. I wasn't informed you powers. Today I'll be updating you on TJ squared and our recent junior prom
election junior. As I said at the last meeting, TJ squared made it to the world championships at Houston, Texas the week before April break. While there, we did amazing on third out of 76 teams. Well, we made it all the way through
semi-finals before being knocked out of the playoffs. We're so proud of everyone our team's hard work, professionalism, and team spirit. And we're especially proud of our draft team. They rose above and beyond to get that far both in this season and championships. And we're so proud of them. To wrap up our season,
our team will be walking in Memorial Day parade this upcoming Saturday, and we'll be having our end of year party soon as well. The junior class also recently held our junior on Friday. It was a beautiful venue and a night full of fun. We ate good food, hung out
with our friends, and danced the whole night. Everyone was all dressed up in suits and dresses and looking their best for one of the best nights of the year. I also want to say, I didn't write this, so it's not going to be great, but thank you both of our seniors. I'm going to
miss you so much. you were some of the people I looked up to and relied to these past two years. Um, you've been such a pillar of support and I knew I could always look to you for any advice. Um, if I was nervous about this, my
first meeting I was so scared. My first speech I was terrified. My mother was giving me all this advice, but both of you were there. Um, so was Danny and Nolan, but I really looked up to both of you and you gave me the confidence I needed to stand up there. I started the
whole way through. I'm still doing it now. But you're both really, really big inspirations for me and I'm so proud of you and I'm crying again. I'm going to miss you both so much and I wish you the best of luck.
Um, you're going to do amazing things and I cannot wait to see what you come. And now that I'm crying, I will also be presenting Kayla Jones because she's not here tonight. Um, I'll be doing it from how she did it. So, it's not the third
person. Um, good evening. Tonight, I will be reporting on the Honor Society um, induction and their field day. Um, National Honor Society, my apologies. The National Honor Society in the chapter of the hour held their induction
ceremony in the auditorium of May 13th. There were three groups that were recognized. Senior inductees, junior inductees, and senior members. The junior inductees received their certificate and senior and members received their quarts to wear at their graduation ceremony. On May 30th, family
and friends gathered to celebrate their student accomplishments and everyone took pictures. After Rachel and received their rewards and and recognized for the college and Sophia and I received our certificates and we're so proud of our community
members and fellow honor society members. On May 14th, a chapter hosted field day between middle schools with names was the mine was the grasshoppers. Um played games like egg
races, rock paper scissors and puzzles and took pictures in front of our Students have the opportunity to meet and get to know new students through team bonding games and become familiar with their future environment. Thank you to the curtain and officers and the high
school students and staff for making this a successful event and enjoyable for everyone. I would like to now welcome Sydney to the stand. [Applause]
Good evening. Tonight I'm reporting on this month is mental health awareness month and in honor of this high school students were able to sign up for workshops. These include courses on building health relationships, meditation and mindfulness practice also various anxiety management strategies.
I'm happy to say that there was a great student turn these workshops and so had a lot of fun being educated on these matters. teacher appation week which was from May 5th to May 9th. The school committee advisory board senior students were able to write heartfelt letters to their favorite
teachers and we teach some of the most letters from Zulac and along with Kendall and Lastly so alumni students or anyone who
wants to show school pride is able to have a global for the attention of previous to always your humor and brilliance is unmatched and I'm so excited to see what
you guys do in the future. So, thank you and our statements. [Applause] [Music] Um, I did want to say thank you to all five of our student advisory council members. This year they made great strides with public speaking, writing their monthly
report on events and activities as well as advocating for the district with emailing representative and senators, speaking with administration, teachers and students at the on the state at the budget and meeting with our representatives. As we bid farewell to our two seniors, the student advisory
council and the VR high school body will be voting in two new members for next year. I will announce the new committee members at our next meeting. I would like recognize and thank our three students um that for serving this year, our sophomore and our
junior. Sydney Samson, can you come [Applause] Kayla Tan Caesar, Sophia King. I would now like to celebrate our two seniors as they graduate and head off to
college. Rachel Corey has been on the student advisory council for the past three years and is co-president this year. She is an active member of the BR high school community and is in multiple clubs. Missy is captain of the debate team, treasurer of the class of 2025, a
member of the National Honor Society, and a teaching assistant of the math department. She is a founder of the BR Gives charity group and was on the varsity girls tennis team. Miss Corey earned the principal award four years in a row as one of the top students in her class and won the history academic
excellence award. She is the treasurer of DECA and helped to found the DECA print shop and is a regional and state champion in personal financial literacy. As we just heard, Miss Corey recently went all the way to the international DECA championship and came in fifth in
her event. Next year, Miss Corey is headed to Harvard University to major in economics on a pre-law track. Congratulations, Miss Corey. Quinn Dailyaly has also been on the student advisory council for the past three years and is the co-president this
year. He is also quite an active member of the BR high school community and participates in multiple clubs. Mr. Daly is a member of the Triam Honor Society, National Honor Society, and co- captain of the winter color guard. He is the drum major of marching band and won MVP
and most improved award. He is the co-president of the gender sexuality alliance and a member and publicity officer of Rainwater Players. Mr. Daily is a student leader, chorus class vice president, and two-year member of the Massachusetts GSA Leadership Council. He
also had so much free time this year that he joined the boys varsity tennis team and is undefeated. Mr. Daly is headed to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall to major in architecture. He'll be joining their honors program as well as their Pride of
Niner Nation marching band. Congratulations, Mr. Daily. [Applause] [Music] I would also be remiss if I did not thank their adviser, Mrs. Kathleen Furley, who has spent a lot of early morning, middle of the day, and late night meetings with the students and I
this year. You have been such a support and mentor to this wonderful group of students. So, thank you so much. [Applause] I did not cry, but I did not realize I was going to trim this meeting until
they get crying fast. But thank you so much to our seniors as you go back next year. We're so proud of you. [Applause] Uh, next on the agenda, we have
administrative and school committee reports. The report of the superintendent, chair, could we combine the and four
subject Mr. I just think it would be better to have it all together. Okay, Mr. Car, can you just maybe do your evaluation right now? Thank you. Mr. Se is just uh getting the screen up
and running. I I did want to say uh Madam Chair, obviously we were together, so it was great to start my day with our student advisory council this morning with you at the high school, Miss Curly and the kids. It's nice to start my day and end my day with the same group uh that's not my own children. Uh so it was
uh actually nice to uh see today come full circle. So I just you know obviously want to echo what everything's been said to Rachel and to Quinn just you know we're very proud of you and obviously I know you're going to be proud we already have but you will continue to do so. Can't wait to hear from both of you and see what future
holds and obviously to our students that are returning we can't wait to uh see what the next few years bring you. all so impressive. Obviously, thank you for all she does as well. As that's warming up, I did want to just give one quick update. Uh we
have entered into contract negotiations with a finalist for our student services position. Uh after quite an extensive search, we're pleased to have a finalist identified and to begin that process. My hope is that we're able to uh conclude
that negotiation uh as soon as possibly this week of next and certainly make an announcement to uh school committee and obviously the community and bring forward that person for you know approval in introduction in June. We uh I also just want to acknowledge and
thank the search committee. Uh we did have representatives from all areas of student services. We had parents on the committee as well and so it was great. We number of qualified candidates come in, but we really feel as though that uh we landed on the right one and hopefully
we come to terms and and have an agreement in place, but we're very very excited about what the future may hold for our students. So, we're ready to go. Okay, great. So, I did want to just again give some uh context to the superintendent's
evaluation. Obviously you know that the superintendent is evaluated uh using department of elementary and secondary education educator evaluation process. It is a framework that's laid out for all educators across the commonwealth.
Could you hold down Oh sure. Uh so as I started uh the educator evaluation system is based off a framework adopted by the board of elementary and secondary education. Uh it really the ultimate design uh it this is ultimately designed to promote student growth. Uh we want our student
learn uh to learn uh and obviously grow and achieve. And the thought process is by uh going through this process educators would be provided with feedback for improvement enhanced opportunities for professional growth and clear structures for accountability. Uh and really it's a five-step process
beginning with a self assessment. You know in theory you can really enter this at any phase. Uh typically the self assessment phase starts the process. Then you go to the goal setting phase. You actually implement your plan. Uh you have a formative assessment or evaluation and then obviously summit of
evaluation which brings us here this evening. Uh for administrators uh they have identified standards of effective administrative leadership. So it's instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement and professional culture. Obviously, state the way the standards
and indicators for both teachers and administrators are structured, they establish a statewide understanding about what effective teaching and administrative practices look like. And I'll show you an example of that uh on a future slide. Uh but they are uh the standards and indicators are translated
into rubrics that describe practice in detail at different levels of performance. And uh obviously I'll show you an example of that. And so this is an example of instructional leadership. Uh one of the uh indicators for instructional leadership uh and you can
see the different ratings unsatisfactory needs improvement proficient and exemplary. Uh the ideal goal and target for all educators, teachers, uh superintendents and such and administrators is proficient. Uh exemplary obviously that's ideal but
that is somebody that uh has mastered their craft and can serve as a model for others. So the goal across the state really is to have all of our educators and administrators uh at the proficient level. This is what the room would look like. And obviously there's several other indicators, but this is just an
example. You can see uh we do receive a rating on each standard and then an overall rating. As I just showed you, there are four ratings, exemplary, proficient, needs improvement, uh or unsatisfactory. And obviously, as you know, each has a
specific Um and as I just shared you know with you obviously exemplary Israeli model proficient is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is a rigorous expected level of performance uh demanding but attainable obviously means improvement indicates performance that is below the requirements of
standard but it's not considered to be unsatisfactory and then obviously as you can uh you know read unsatisfactory performance uh require significant improvement. So the end of uh cycle summit of evaluation again the same process is in
place for educators and administrators. Uh the first part of this is to assess progress towards goals. Uh which again I will over you the four the ratings for goals are did not meet some progress significant progress met or exceeded
sorry five ratings and as you know uh I have established student learning goals, professional practice goals and district improvement goals. And then uh the second part of that is to assess my performance on the standards again using those four ratings and those four categories of instructional leadership,
management and operations, family and community engagement and professional culture. This is just an example of the cover sheet for the evaluation. Obviously uh there's there are more documents which I know will be reviewed afterwards, but this is you can kind of
see it in a snapshot. So you can see at the top step one obviously assess the progress towards goals. And so you have the ratings there for professional practice, student learning, and district improvement. And you would get one of those ratings. And then obviously
assessing performance on the standards again instructional, leadership, management, operations, family engagement, and professional culture. So just to review, and obviously these goals were approved by uh school committee back in the summer, beginning of the fall. Uh my first
student learning goal was that 60% of our English language learners will meet their desiest established progress targets as measured by the 2025 access test. I'm very excited to uh report that 50% of our students met their target uh and I've provided uh the evidence and
benchmarks of successful or or progress towards this goal. Uh and just to kind of review those links uh anything you can see is in a different shade of blue there is obviously a hyperlink. So, the first document is the 2020. I'm not going to click through these. Obviously, I know you'll go through this um as a
school committee when you complete my evaluation, but I'll just kind of review what is here. Uh the first is an overview of the 2025 access test. So, it breaks it down by grade level and where students at that grade grade level fell on the access scoring guide. Uh it does
not provide individual student data, but just an overview. The second document, the progress target summary, uh is actually a list of the students that all had not again not identifiable but a a number of students that had progress targets established. So what you'll see
on that document is what their target was and then what their score was for the 2025 access. Now these the results are out. Uh Jesse will confirm whether or not the students met uh their progress goals in a future data release. But we were obviously able to go through
the data that we have and and correlate it and uh you know showed obviously that 50% of our students. So what you see on that document again is what their target was, what their score was and then you'll see a third column uh with a check mark. And as you scroll through that document, you'll see the beginning
of the the document are those students that didn't meet their targets and then the end of the document are the students that didn't. And it's broken down by school as well. Um and then we obviously talked about uh offering professional development. This was that I spoke about during the uh midcycle of my evaluation.
Looking ahead to next year is an an area that we need to roll out or I need to roll out and do a better job of of offering these professional development opportunities. Uh we obviously shared this all the staff. Uh I I you know shared with you in the winter that we had very few individuals take advantage of this PD uh and and that remains the
case. Uh but I think you know obviously we introduced it to our staff. We made it available. Uh but we probably a better job of obviously making time for them to actually engage in these uh professional development opportunities. But again, I I provided the slides for
you. Uh there are two links there for uh our ELPAC meetings. Obviously, you know, part of this was to hold it was established and hold alpac meetings and I was able to report on the fall meeting during my midcycle review and now I'm pleased to say that we had a spring
meeting uh and I again linked documents in there uh for your review as well. And then the last document is just an updated summary. I provide a summary to you back in the winter uh but now it's been updated to show the number of students that we currently have that are
English learners. Uh when their LAS are scheduled because it's the end of the year. We just got our results back. You'll notice the column that says uh when the meetings are scheduled uh is actually reference that will take place at the end of May, beginning of June or throughout June before school gets out.
So the dates are established there, but you can see certainly the numbers. Uh so again uh you know fairly close I I feel as though certainly didn't meet the goal of of getting 60% of our students, but uh you know very very means that we're we're
almost there. So 50% of our students met their target. So it's definitely something to celebrate and shows that we're on the right path. So very proud of our English language learner department and all their efforts. Uh the second goal is to uh be able to meet uh with a student group per
month over the course of the year. Uh obviously this is something that I had uh set out to be able to meet with at least six to seven groups. U I was able to meet with five. So certainly I did not uh obtain meeting the uh one group per month, but certainly I I felt as
though that significant progress was made there and I I've talked about this and I've obviously talked to the students about it as well. Uh this was really something that u you know gives me great pride and joy being able to actually go out and meet with our students, hear about their experience.
Um I think that's where I'm gaining uh you know the most useful feedback. Certainly it's important to hear from our educators and then also our stakeholders, our families as well. But, you know, as I say to the students all the time, I make decisions about you every single day, and I don't always ask you about those decisions. We we
certainly, you know, tend to ask more of the adults what they think of our decisions. And so, being able to get out and meet with our students, um, you know, certainly something that, uh, I I just don't want it to be a professional practice goal for this year. Uh, you know, it may not be actually show up in my evaluation in the future, but it is a
practice that I do plan to continue. I know I shared the school committee during the development of the student success plan how B was to actually hear from our students and that's really what I why I wanted to continue on with this practice and it's definitely something that uh I hope to be able to continue. So I did list out the groups I was able
to meet with uh over the course of the year and again uh you know some are smaller some are larger uh and you know obviously the the topics uh varied uh but what I did include in there uh we we actually after the February meeting uh some of the feedback was you know some
additional information on their experiences not just u you know the fact that that I met. So I I we did go out and actually start taking notes of those meetings where we talked about their experiences, kind of how they would overall provide a rating uh on the district, you know, on a on a one
through five scale and then some uh you know, feedback based on their experiences, whether they're current experiences or future experiences. And so there's just a summary page there of some of the feedback that we received from the students and then also the student survey data. Uh as I shared with
you, we had sent out a survey uh and this is just of that survey data. Um, revisions to offerings if identified. I certainly think, you know, as we started to talk about this as a as an administrative team and as you know, our practice really is once we dive into our
summer retreat and dig further into our uh data that we have from the year, we're able to develop, you know, plans for the following year. But initial conversations after review this data is, you know, we and obviously I uh need to do a better job of uh student
programming. You know, we we've done a lot of work U around student experience with our adults. I I don't know if we've done enough work with our students actually talking to the students about how you should treat each other. I think we assume it a lot of times uh we assume what we you know we talk about this at the lower grade levels and you know
you've heard the old adage everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten and for in in so many ways that is true. So we you know obviously sometimes assume that our students know how to uh engage with each other, interact with each other and treat each other. But what we saw uh in in pockets uh from our
meetings and obviously in the student survey is that that isn't always the case. That there's still a lot of work to do there. Uh and so that's something that you know we've already started to talk about at the high school and middle school level. Uh is there student programming that we can bring in that that actually works with the students you know because again we want it to be
uh something that they're invested in and we want it to be beneficial. So certainly when we start these plans uh you know we'll have a shell of a plan of what this looks like but we obviously want student feedback as well because we can roll something out as adults but if they're not going to be engaged or or really embrace it then it's not going to
be useful. So that is something that uh we you know we did note uh and that's something that you know we certainly want to move forward on. I think the other thing that the student data survey showed in terms of the the survey is that you know we are we are uh doing many things right which is great. Not to
say that everything is perfect. We we certainly have ways to go. Uh but you'll notice that students, you know, identify some key areas. You know, we really wanted to focus on do you have an adult in the building uh that you can identify with that you can um you know, connect with and and you know, positive response
there. So obviously uh you know that that's something that we have worked hard with our staff making sure that they have connections with students and so to actually see that come back from the student perspective that they actually feel like they have something to connect with um is important you know shows that it's paying off certainly not
there we have ways to go u but again no progress towards this goal uh as well so definitely proud of of our students and our staff there uh obviously the district improvement goal goal uh was to work with town governments in the
district to identify, advocate for, and secure funding to support our student success plan and the district's mission mission of excellence in education for all. Um I did link obviously several documents there for you um which obviously ties to the key actions as
I've shared in the past uh and some of you have been part of. We have had regular meetings with town officials going back to uh the end of the summer all throughout the school year uh to talk about the budget budget planning the budget cycle and now obviously as we are into the budget season and what
we're currently faced with. So that has been an ongoing collabor collaboration and certainly I've included some of those meeting dates as well. Uh obviously we've uh you know as a district identified u you know key budget priorities for us. Uh we wanted
to also hold stakeholder uh budget open houses which we were able to do uh for the first time uh at least in my recollection. Um we had a a parent information night just to talk about budget overview the budget process and that was done right before uh we actually presented the FY26 preliminary
budget. So it gave the parents a lot of context uh and again we wanted to have them be more involved which certainly given everything that's going on we have quite the parental involvement which is awesomevious and obviously, you know, working hand in hand the district staff
with our budget subcommittee to not only develop uh the FR26, but obviously uh you know, revise it as the spring has unfolded and you know obviously five and six was really about you know presenting that budget as well. So you'll see the documents uh obviously the budget
timeline and the process the schedule of the meetings that I just referenced uh the FY26 budget presentation uh the stakeholder outreach again some of the dates and links to the correspondence that we've sent out to parents uh you know some of the feedback from last year was you know just don't use the buzz um
and and so we really made an effort obviously we still included that information in the BR buzz but we also sent out separate budget updates uh via email just so they would kind of be more for uh the other thing that um you know very proud of is that we have created a
budget page not just under our business department or the superintendent page but we actually have a separate budget tab where we have uploaded all of our documents uh FAQ documents around the FY26 budget the over information that we have and we just updated that as
recently as this past Friday where we also sent out information around the FY26 budget updates which I know we'll talk about in so again I think you know there's been a lot of collaboration not just internally not just between the district and school committee but also
with our stakeholders and then town officials as we've gone through the process um this is you know I wasn't I was hopeful I wasn't really sure uh you know how this goal was going to uh play out but I I I have to say this is probably
the one I'm I'm most proud of uh really I wanted to be able to partner high school and partner with the Special Olympics and the MIAA to develop a uni unified sports program at the high school level for students with disabilities and student partners. Um if you haven't seen any of the the
highlights that are out there, I know Mr. Faler from BTV uh has filmed some of the meets it has just been simply amazing. The fact that we were able to actually get this up and running. Uh our goal was to be able to offer one unified sports program. We actually were able to
offer two. We offered strength and conditioning in the winter um and then we offered track and field this past spring. Uh the uh involvement uh certainly surpassed our our hopes. We weren't really sure what we would get
for student involvement. Um but we had I believe 16 on track and field and there were about 12 uh during the winter in strength and condition. Uh we've had phenomenal crowds uh you know for a
smaller team. The amount of parental support, staff support that's uh shown up to to both unified uh strength and conditioning and unified track and field uh has just been overwhelming. So I I know the students appreciate it, the families appreciate it. U DECA uh took
on the task of uh creating some uh uniforms and gear for uh our winter program for the strength and conditioning. So, every student walked away with a strength and conditioning t-shirt. Obviously, they have uniforms for track and field and they are competing. They're competing against other schools. Uh, I included the
schedules in there so you can see exactly who they competed against. And, uh, super excited to announce that eight of our students from the track and field team have actually qualified for the state meet next Wednesday at NIT High School. Uh, so we are planning a little bit of a special send off for them.
They're they're meeting at the high school next Wednesday in the morning. right after advisory and they'll be boarding the buses up to date where we'll compete against other unified sports teams across the state. So, the fact that uh in year one we're able to have eight athletes qualify uh just, you
know, shows the commitment between, you know, our staff, the district, and our families to really get this program off the ground. We do have a uh meeting scheduled for June. Uh one of the things that we really wanted to do was to be able to um you know, create a
an advisory committee made up of students and parents and staff uh to really roll out the the multi-year implementation plan. Uh this kind of just organically grew. Uh and so as we started to talk about, okay, how do we kind of move this forward? We were on to next season. You know, we we we weren't
sure how the unified strength and condition was going to go. Uh but it it gained such momentum. Uh before you knew it, we had to open track registration and that quickly filled up. So now that we're able to kind of get through those two opportunities, uh we do want to be able to, you know, start to work on a multi-year implementation plan.
Obviously, uh we'll continue to offer these, but you know, there are other sports that we want to be able to offer. And so looking at um to, you know, offer to students, staff, and and parents uh to work on this multi-year plan. We
typically have a date schedu proud athletes there. I'm happy to answer any questions. Obviously, I know you have access to all this and you go through it at your leisure, but happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you, Mr. Paris. Um, do we have
questions for Mr. Par from committee? This is congratulations. There's a lot of good stuff that you were able to accomplish. And I'm also excited about the
Olympics. I was curious for the student survey, did you capture demographic information? Uh, the only information we captured on the student survey was by location, not because sometimes when we do surveys
like that, some of the kids that are underresented, it'll be interesting to there's a difference in response between boys and girls um special ed or you know just the mainstream.
I know some folks are usually um some folks are uncomfortable with the demographics but it's always interesting to see if the experience is universal or in certain subgroups is there a different experience for the students. And finally, I have one more question.
Of course, for the the is that um what was the attendance levels? Um I don't have the exact numbers. I can give you uh estimates. I think we had six or seven families attend the first meeting in the fall. Um and then I would say it
was almost double for the meeting in the spring. Yes. And actually it it worked out perfectly. There was another event happening at Bridgewater Middle School. Um I believe it was a a science event, Mrs. Barry. Uh where we were actually able to say after the ELPAC meeting, why don't you go into the family science
night? Many of our families actually took advantage of that. Uh so it was really nice that we had two events going on that they could actually participate. And I appreciate that you um diversified the outreach um and it looks like Do you think that that made a difference in their families? I I do. I I think you
know some of it is the advocacy by the L teachers. Uh they certainly do an amazing job reaching out to their families. We obviously provide the documentation translated uh but it's really them following up with their individual families saying don't forget don't forget we send it out. But then
the constant kind of reminders of the meetings next week you can you know if you need there's going to be interpret uh interpreters there as well. So I I you know as much as I'd like to take credit for that I also think it it speak
thank you. Thank you. Do we have other questions? Thank you Mr. Thank you. the budget update or do you want to wait for that? Mr. Fwell has a long Yes. Uh you going to uh make sure you
send to Mr. Yes. I was going to let Mrs. Mayfield talk and then I Thank you. Thank you. Uh this report out the process for completing Mr. P's annual evaluation and provides an overview of the
superintendent's goals collaboratively developed by the long range committee and by Mr. P. The long range committee members who contributed to the creation of these goals were myself as the chair Jessica
Davenport and Tim Mr. P is to be commended on his approach to this process. The committee prioritize establishing specific results that can be observed and counted to see if a goal has been achieved. Think of
them as proof you've made progress because you can clearly see or count the change. We also wanted to ensure that the goals align with the student success plan. Mr. Powers fully embraced this presenting ambitious goals and demonstrating openness to feedback from
the committee members. In February, Mr. P provided an on his progress towards these goals. Following his presentation, feedback was offered and readily accepted by Mr. Powers to ensure the alignment of action steps and evidence
with the stated goals. For instance, during the February update, Mr. P effectively described his engagement with student groups. The goal specified that these monthly meetings should assess student experiences with high quality equitable
instructions, course offerings, and extracurricular activities to ensure student voices shape programmatic offerings. However, the evidence Mr. House presented at that time focused on introducing students to the budget development process and a student survey
regarding school climate and culture which covered safety, support, relationships, and and their satisfaction as well as student and family concerns about presidential executive orders. While these engagements were valuable, they didn't directly demonstrate conversations with
students aimed at shaping programmatic offerings based on their voices. This observation was shared and Mr. P's welcome feedback. Shortly, you will receive to the school meeting um you'll receive a link supporting to supporting materials to assist you in evaluating
powers. I'd like highlight a few key key items because that folder has quite a bit of information. So, I'm just highlighting um four specific things um to look at. The long range um committee meeting minutes. These minutes document
the process used to establish the goals, the action steps, and supporting evidence for Mr. Pow's evaluation, which you did a great job um uh reiterating them here tonight. You also find an end of cycle summitive evaluation report
template. This is you're to make a copy of this document, completed with your assessment and agreed upon focus indicators and submit it to the school committee chair. She will then compile these individual reports into a composite evaluation report for
presentation at the June school committee meeting um which that meeting will conclude this year's evaluation cycle. Um you'll also see in that folder uh superintendent evaluation explanation um explanation guide.
This guide provides valuable information to US school committee members and the key tasks at each of the evaluation cycle. And then finally um you will also see the superintendent learning goals. This document details Mr. Power's
learning goals, their alignment with the student success plan, key action steps and agreed upon benchmark evidence. Please note that the turn around time for this evaluation is tight. with the due date which will be set with
by Mrs. King tonight. Um, and finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the committee members who served this past year and to Mr. Powers for it collaborative spirit. I also extend my thanks to our reporting secretaries for their excellent work in keeping us
organized and capturing minutes. This concludes my report and tenure as a chair and a member of the subadair. Sure. I I just want to thank Miss Manville for leadership on that uh committee. I think
u the goals uh we set the superintendent outlined uh today and how he's gone about meeting them uh were uh really well done, really tied into the student success plan. And I'm going to give like
97% of the credit to Miss M. and then each of the other three committee members can take one present a piece. Okay. Thank you, Mel. Thank you, Mr. Um, I also would like to thank Mrs. Main Mill for and the long range subcommittee for your hard work on
this. Um, and Mrs. Mayfield for your attention to detail and thoroughess. I really appreciate that. Um, as she stated, um, the date on this is very tight. Mrs. McDougall is going to have
those forms for you to get um the blank forms to fill out. I would request that the members complete their evaluation of superintendent powers and upload it by Friday, June 6th, if possible, so I can have that weekend to compile it before
our meeting on Wednesday, June 11th. Um so, as Mr. Gibbons did state, Mr. Dia Marino and Mrs. Martelli, since they were here this past year during the cycle of long range, they are invited to fill out that
evaluation as well. Um, our two new members, Mr. Guthro and Mrs. Hoy Thomas, you are invited to fill out that. Um, if you don't feel comfortable because you do not have enough information, you are welcome to abstain as well, but it is your right as school committee members
to fill that out. Um, as well as our former members, Mrs. Martelli and Mr. Dino. Um, but if anyone has questions on it, um, please reach out to me and let me know beforehand. And again, very much
for do we have any questions on that long range or any of the timeline questions on May 12th 2025 the budget subcommittee met at 5:30 superintendent conference room. In attendance were Mr. Fifth Given, Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Lo,
Superintendent Powers, Assistant Superintendent Barry, Mrs. Folo, director of business services, Masho, the district treasurer, Mr. Chaka, director of facilities, Majenti, fiscal assistant to business services, Miss Watson, the high school principal, Mrs.
Healey, director of human resources, Mrs. McDougall, our reporting secretary, as well as myself. Um the first item that we did discuss um which was the fiscal year 2026 budget discussion um I'm going to go over a few things and
then I will ask Mr. P to um discuss his presentation as well. Um he did outline at that meeting um the current fiscal year 2026 budget and potential override on both sides of the district and where we were regarding projected staffing
cuts um in alternative high schools at the high school alternative schedules at the high school next year. Um regarding capital, Mr. P did speak with both town leaders regarding potentially increasing capital funds and reallocating those to the operational budget if the over does
not pass. Uh regarding insurance. Mr. Powers did indicate that Mrs. Healey and the business office have been negotiating this rate down from a 20% quote to 15% the next fiscal year um by adding a dental plan. They have also
opened discussions with the cooperative to join in the following fiscal year to reduce that increase for the following year. Um due to our large enrollment, the cooperative may wave our buyin fee. They have also discussed switching insurance advisors and potentially
reconvening the public employee committee, the PEC, to go over this and work with that committee on any insurance changes. Those school committee members that are part of that committee are Mrs. Conrad Larento and Mr. Giddens. Do you have anything
regarding the I missed? Um and reviewing the potential override. Um we also did discuss the subcommittee's position with Mr. Powers um using any and allocating any more potential END funds to close that $6.4
million gap. Um the current balance in END is 2.2 million and the end of year anticipated rollover is 1.9 million. Those figures will be set once we close out the year, but those are tentative right now. Um 2 million in EMD is being
allocated for next our contribution our contribution for fiscal year 2026 which would leave approximately a little bit less than 2 million in END. Miss Bola will have that concrete number after we close out the year. Um at this time the subcommittee did not
want to potentially pull out any more funs. We want to wait and that looks like as well as what the status of the override is. So, we did not take any action, but it is something that we will put to the next June meeting to discuss um depending on our
status. Um we also looked at the fee schedules. Um we're looking at all of our fees as well. Um trying to make sure we are not losing any money, especially depending either way going into the override, passing or fail failing. We
want to make being fiscally responsible with everything and thinking about any alternatives. Um the first fee that we did look at was athletic fees. Um pending the override failing, one of the areas that we indicated um review is
athletic fees, which we've talked about a couple of meetings now. Um collecting sports fees, the athletic fees have a shortfall to the budget of about 400,000 per year. To make this sustainable, we may need to do the following, which were things that we
discussed at that time. Um, removing freshman athletic teams. Um, increasing athletic fees from $360 per athlete to between 900 and a,000 per athlete per sport, removing the family cap, or
requesting FRA to help with a large fundraiser to close that gap. Um, Mr. Powers and business office were going to review the and athletes enrolled um and stipens paid and returned in June and July with further recommendations for a
fee increase for the fall. Um I'll pause there if anyone wants to question what stands for oh should be a friend
um Mr. and the business office are going to review that and bring that back in the next meeting. Um, also we did look at clubs and extracurriculars. Um, we did look at increasing this club fee which is currently $55 per club per student.
Um, this we also looked at potentially requiring a minimum amount of students to run that club to support the advisor statement. Um, admin will also potentially to confirm all members of clubs are paying the club fee on school
pay. Um, for instance, my own daughter is in probably 10 different clubs. I cannot even say if I paid $55 per and that's not one of the fees that they really chase down. Um, so that was one of the things we did talk about is
making sure that the liaison or someone at the high school um is looking into making sure the club fees are paid as well. Um, we also did adding a transportation fee to some of the clubs that travel. Um, some clubs such as photography are just at the high school.
They don't go anywhere. Um, but we do have other clubs that travel and are not sustainable paying their $55 fee. So, that was something else we did discuss. U Mr. in the business office. We're going to review the clubs and students enrolled um and the stipens paid and
then also return in June and July with further recommendations on a club fee increase potentially as well as potential transportation fee that would be added on to clubs that would be marked as travel clubs. Um so we did not take any action but those were things
that we had discussed as a way to look at the fees for the clubs and extracurriculars. questions and I guess I would just hope that if we looked at this person right is
um if we do that maybe per quarter or semester or something because kids are doing multiple sports multiple clubs per semester quarter it's I do
understand different things. Um the other is the club that comes up middle school. So that I know some of that is sustained through funding. So how is that taken into account? I don't know if they pay for
the buses funding or whatever. So I was just asking I don't know this to be looked at individually, club by club that that we are kind of [Music] looking at, right? For whatever whatever reason,
they're So yeah, I guess I would just um I think we need some more um because I know they're going to go back and bring some information. I'd also be interested to know if we have data about the percentage of students
who are low income. I am concerned that um we might beating or making preventative particip how much of our families are considered low income families and um a
proposal around that funding to support students and students. That's a huge question. It's not going to be higher
because of Yeah. I mean I think the club and the sports I think now for sports now I don't think the club thing but just knowing the process and how that looks and know the actual cost too
because I remember getting feedback last year we've increased the fee but we don't know like where you know what is being covered so finding out like what's the true cost per student to support that
yeah we'll definitely bring this evenard I think it's responsible question because I just know there's been a lot of conversation at high school and it's very inclusive like if you want to start a club and
student right so like sometimes kids because they want to make it all inclusive and be able to find something for kids I do want to keep that in mind I don't want to
Not all of those clubs would have a paid advisor. They have to ad I just like to add a lot of times we don't look at these fees for years and so it might be more responsible to look
Perhaps you refer to our policy subcommittee on a policy where we look at setting a fee each and every new school year to keep up with inflation to keep up with any other costs that may be
incurred by the club. So instead of making one huge jump in any particular year, there are just little small increases each year to reflect the rising cost of living so to speak just that we the next fee that we looked
at was the preschool program which To Mr. Fitzg's point, we have not increased the preschool program fee in a substantial number of years. Um, we did increase the base as well as many of the other fees, but not the preschool program.
Um, so we did have a recommendation after this discussion. Um, admin at that time indicated the two-day program to be removed. Um, it was not cost effective and it would free up significant space to have in regular day program. Um
there's a lot of staffing and scheduling issues to run both the two, three and five day program. It's my understanding. Um so having only the three and five day option um would free up a lot of space and staffing. Um we also had a
discussion regarding current prices and the subcommittee requested further data to bring recommendation to the full committee to vote on um as they have been taking inquiries but they have not started registrations um for the next fiscal um school year. Um so there was
in your packet um the preschool rate projection which Mrs. provided from the business office. Um the current so striking the two day per week. Um the current price that we
have right now is a three day per week or 5 day per week. The yearly rate is for 3day is 2250 $2,250. The five days per week rate is 3750. Um as you can see if you've looked
at that projection um there is a shortfall each year. Um less than but it's still a shortfall and that revolving account covers 2.2 full-time employees in that revolving um so it is
not sustainable. Um it is not losing a ton of money but it is not sustainable as it is right now. Um the proposed recommendation that they had again striking the two days per week and going with a three and five days um were to
increasing the three day per week to and five days per week to $5,000. That would be an annual rate. Um with those increases, um the projected revenue would be an $85,000 revenue for the year
potentially. Um and that would cover within that fund three full-time salaries. Do we have anything else you want to say to that? Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, and obviously thank you to the business office for putting this information
together and certainly Mrs. Barry and the preschool staff as as well. Um, we did have an opportunity to review some statewide data. Uh, there was a statewide survey put out through the Mass Superintendent Association around preschool fees. And so our recommendation is in line with many of
the three and five day programs uh that we looked at. Certainly there are some programs that charge less for three and five days and there were certainly some programs that charge more for three and five day programs but we felt as though this was you know reasonable request
certainly as Mr. Chrisgiven has shared we have not looked at these fees um and all our fees for some time depending on the program obviously we you know feel confident that this would be sustainable we would still have families interested in our preschool program even if we to
go to these new rates. Even looking at preschools in the area and certainly we were all most of us were all there at some point looking at how much we we paid for preschool daycare. I think these rates are reasonable for um you know certainly what we're providing. Uh
obviously you know I think at the end of the day what we're really looking for is to make sure our preschool is sustainable uh in we do have enrollment full enrollment. U obviously we have 88 students currently enrolled. Uh we're looking at next year in terms of the 35
days what we currently have slated uh 80 students currently slated for next year. Uh obviously we you know may be able to increase that with capacity but that's what we know right now projected. Certainly our preschool is is an ongoing enrollment because of the the screenings
that we do and obviously as we add more students we also have to add you know our peers as well. And so, you know, when you do see a projected, you know, positive balance in the revolving fund if we were to go these increases, uh, that simply just means that, you know, we would obviously look to then, you
know, be able to charge additional salaries, whether it be, you know, multiple ESPs or possibly another teacher or or portions thereof, which then helps us free up money in the operating budget. Uh, you whether it be towards the end of the year, we're reclassifying, which then, you know,
allows us to have additional money to go to ED or other expenses that we know we need to cover, we would certainly do that. So I I you know the the intent of increasing these fees is certainly not to have a surplus of funds at the end of the year and carry a large balance uh
but it really would be the intention of being able to cover the cost of additional salaries. Thank you, Mr. P. Um, I'm going to entertain a motion to put this on the floor for discussion purposes. Then we can ask some questions. Um, bearing the
30,000 increase for 3 days and 5,000 increase for 5 days. Um, motion made by Mr. Gibbons and a second by Mr. Questions and comments regarding this. Question is the Does that run to the school year? Um, it
does. It start it does get open. Uh, because we do screenings at the end of the year. Uh, but in terms of it starting, it does start at the same time. And here is the same schedule as the rest of the school district with the exception of at the end of the year. Preschool and kindergarten get out roughly I think it's six days maybe or
five days early. 175 days a year. Yes, approximately. I I mean I was just looking at this 165 days a year $5,000 for the cost that's like $30. I was trying to figure out what the daily cost
was for that. And Mr. Um my question is for the preschool programs do we accept um childare vouchers for those? We do not but we accept for kids that may be involved in
DCF or whatever they pay us for some. Yes. Correct. So obviously if there was you know family or child that was you know in the custody of the department of children family or or some other state agency you know we certainly work and
and they qualify for preschool. accept and then as we have discussed I think it is good to have a specific policy this is a percentage wise it's a big increase it's still a very low cost per day but
it is a high increase I would rather that we had a policy of consistently looking at everything and doing minimal increases need to keep up with prices because going from a very very low to what is
the average that's a big increase but if you're looking at it as it is still a small a small fee per day for the area um and every account that we have we're really trying to look at every program
and every account making sure we're not especially with everything going on there's so much on the district and the budget. Um, and every every little bit counts. So, I want to make sure that we're giving services to all the students, but we're also not running
programs that are not being fiscally responsible. Do we have other questions on this? What's the significance of the refund? Sure. Great question. So, actually that's reflective of Any family that
were uh originally intended to go to preschool, they may have signed up. They may have uh paid. Um obviously they have to pay. They have to prepay. Uh if we we collect fees for preschool twice per year, once before school starts and once middle of the year. And so it could be a
case of a family registered, paid, and then their circumstances change. They may have come for, you know, two, three days and then decided that it wasn't for them or they found, you know, dayare or alternative. And so we do issue those
families a refund for what they have paid. Obviously we prorate it based on the number of days that they've attended and then obviously issument and the two day have the highest. into that
um in terms of uh why those uh why five days is less. Yeah, because now we're eliminating two days, but that actually has the second highest. So, it it actually has to do with the the some of it has to do with the structure of the preschool program and the space. There's
less space in the five-day program because we do offer the two-day and threeday. Um we don't have as many seats in the five-day program. By eliminating the two-day, we're actually able to free up some seats uh that we would now be able to spread out over those five days.
Um you know, certainly in in some cases, u you know, parents are not always looking to send their student uh or their child for the full five days. Um obviously they, you know, they depending on the circumstances at home may just want, you know, the two-day or the three-day. Um and and obviously that's
very appealable to some families. by eliminating the two-day program, we we will actually be able to free up space and um the three-day and then consequently the 5day program as well. So that's why we're anticipating based on just conversations that our preschool
staff has had with families and information that we have. We're anticipating that because there's more spaces now in the fiveday program, more families will actually take advantage of that. And I do think especially for our kids that have been in preschool for um you know maybe this is their second year
um you know the the fact that they're able to be in a five-day program only paying $5,000 is a significant reduction in what they would find in say private daycare. So I I do think we'll we'll see a greater interest in the fiveday program now additional seats.
Did I hear you correctly that that assumption was informed by your conversations with the parents? Uh so our u director uh one of our special education administrators uh who oversees the preschool program with Mr. Bray and Miss Zachary at the Mitchell uh they
have now started to reach out to families after screening to kind of gauge what their availability and interest would be. And so as they're talking to families that have now been screened and are interested there, you know, it's through these informal conversations that, you know, parents
really are interested in fiveday and and just also looking at years past just in speaking to Mr. Bray, Miss Zachary, and Miss Seline, you know, obviously parents are always reaching out. They want uh some parents want the five day program again because of the
the you know obviously being able to be there 5 days and certainly the reduced rate that they would pay compared but we just don't have the seats in those five day programs. I just want to clarify through you to the superintendent. Um, none of these
charges apply to students who are three years old, say coming off head star or something like that who have documented need of services as an IEP and and that fall the free appropriate public education uh section
of the law. This is for the um the That is correct, Mr. Fitzk. Yes, this is this charge is only for our peer group. So any student requiring services through the special education uh team process, IP process, uh they would not be charged
with Mr. I don't know whether you know this or not, but from what I've heard through the years from parents is parents consistently get turned away from this program because there is not space in it. That is correct. I can confirm that. We we always had a waiting
list for preschool. Um, and so I, you know, again, that's why we're anticipating increase would would not turn most families away. I still think it's reasonable. Um, given the fact that we have that weight list for for some time now, I do think we still be able to
fill this program. Any other questions? Seeing none, I will take a vote. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much. The last fee that we did look at
um as requested at our April budget subcommittee meeting, Mr. brought forward his proposal for a new facilities used fee structure to be posted on the district website under facilities. He compiled this based on historical use of the facilities as well
as researching fees charged by surrounding communities. It is organized by venue, location within that venue, and what services could be provided and utilized. This would ensure we're having everything itemized so all parties are aware of the fees prior to booking and
while they have their booking. and we can ensure we are not losing money with staffing and or resources. Um, and that also within your um drive to review um I will entertain a motion to put that on
the floor so we can then discuss that as well. Um, I will entertain a motion to accept the school use protocol and facility use schedule effective 2526. Second. Motion by Mr. Lo, second by Mr.
G. Um, and then Mr. Do you want to come forward in case we do have any questions on this? Do we have questions on the sir? I was as I read this um I was wondering if there are any groups based on their
mission, their values or the services that they render that will be excluded from using the facilities. I believe currently on the website there are statements made by the school committee on policy of who can and can't
use the building that's currently on the website. years ago in Mayville when I was uh helping with the youth baseball in town and we'd applied for a permit for the high school field to play baseball there. Uh one of the conditions
stipulated that you had to sign was that you weren't a member of any group that was organized to overthrow the US government. I think we do have a few. Would it make sense to add it to this document so that is that facilities or does it mean
our policy facilities? It's on the facility site now. Correct. Isn't there a contract they have to sign and that's part of that contract? They sign a contract that's facilities use form that they have to
fill out for all their information and then goes to for initial review and approval and then you know process out the individual buildings but we certainly look at all the groups that are requesting our
space I don't think we've ever had a group that we not comfortable or possibly goes against our mission and values to use our facilities. We've had room because they're looking for we can't
accommodate their request on certain days to my knowledge. I don't think we've ever had anyone apply to our values. We really had religious choose our buildings.
over the last number of years. So we really try to again look at this as how can we offer community space but also you know charge a fee that's reasonable given the amount of use that are
um I mean under the purpose I I do think that it it does say our goal is to ensure these public resources are used responsibly and equitably while maintaining safety integrity and primary educational function of our buildings and grounds and you do list out the
groups. So I think it gives you enough flexibility and to determine and to bring that to Mr. P. I don't know if we need to put it on specifically. I'd like to give them a little less customs.
So right now the way the process works is when you apply for the permit we will then we will then send you back what we believe the the cost will be before you and then you have to resign resend it saying you agree to those fees. So if
you had a you know dance recital here um that would had thousand people and kids all over the place and glitter that could cost two custodians for the entire time where if you had a smaller venue um that you just needed a class that obviously just need one custodian to
going backwards, but those fees are given to them ahead of time so that they know what they're going to pay and the only charge that they could have is if they damage the property additionally. Do we have any other questions districts? No, I agree. And I like that you're
listing out everything. I think that's a big thing, too, to try and promote the district for rental, especially at the high school, all the things that would be available because that's our school as well. Seeing no other questions, um I will
take a vote on this. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you so much for putting that together. Next is Mr. P's update regarding budget and staffing. Do you want us to do a presentation?
Thank you again. Just wanted to provide a quick update on FY26. Um, obviously, as I've already mentioned, this past Friday, we did share out additional information with the school community. be our buzz and
and our website. Just to provide a quick update on where we currently stand with Apple 26 and what we may be faced with. Obviously, we've shared this uh information out in different formats. We thought it was important to try to get it into one as much as possible. Uh
trying to make it as easily understandable. More charts and graphs, less words were appropriate. Obviously, you know, we've gotten feedback that prefer the words. Uh we've gotten feedback that others do not. Um and so we really wanted to make sure that we
were trying to you appeal to all of our stakeholders. And so what this information really does in the information that we sent out on Friday, which I know you have a copy of it in your drive and obviously our stakeholders have a copy of as well, is just to kind of go over again provide
some context as to where we currently are, why we are having cost drivers, what our recommended budgets to the towns were, what the towns could support with their available funding, and then sharing some of the implications, what would happen with an override, what
would happen without an override. Uh, obviously I know this is information that you certainly uh have heard multiple times. Uh, but it really is around, you know, first and foremost class size. And so obviously with an override, we would be able to add, as
we've talked about, potentially up to 37 positions. And obviously without an override, we're looking at losing anywhere from 30 to 45 plus. Uh again, depending on where we come in, there's still some other uh factors out there in play that are, you know, kind of prohibiting us from having a definitive
number at this time, but we expect some clarity uh relatively soon. And then obviously, you know, the impact uh because we're adding staff, we're losing staff, uh really is about class size. We're doing everything we can um you know to minimize class size at the lower grade levels or at least
maintain uh the class size that we currently have. So obviously we're lowering it with an override uh and trying to maintain it without an override. Uh but that means we're making sacrifices in other areas. Uh obviously as you go into the middle school and high school with an override again we're able to lower class size without an
override. uh they are taking uh you know a very significant hit at the middle school and especially at the high school levels because we are trying to maintain um the class size that we currently have at the elementary level. Um what I did try to share in the next few slides is
to just show uh if we were able to add positions where they would go uh certainly at the K to8 level on either side of the district. And let me just you know also bring some clarity around when you do a quick math. You don't see that it adds up to 37. Uh, one of the
things that the towns uh really asked us to prepare for them and uh working with u you know members of the committee was to provide a five-year projection and obviously we know things uh are not always predictable. Uh but you know when
we looked at past trends of spending uh past trends of revenues uh we put together a fiveyear projection and we felt as though that over those five years we would be able to build up to positions and ensure that they were sustainable. Our fear obviously and I
know the towns shared the same fear. If we were to go for an override and add all 37 positions next year, which obviously, you know, the funding would be available for all 37, would the funding be there, you know, would those positions be sustainable the following
year, the year after, year three, year five? Uh, and that's obviously a concern. We want to make sure that they they they are there. And so we took a little bit more of a conservative approach uh recommending that you know if all things are what they appear to be
right now on paper that we would initially be able to add 25 positions in year one and then incrementally add up to the 37 over the additional four years. So we would be able to get to 37 positions by the end of fiscal year 30.
Um in addition to that uh we do believe that obviously if you know expenses uh are down to the same and revenue increases, we would be able to then uh you know bring on additional staff uh possibly sooner or maybe even above the 37. But obviously based on our our
projections, we we wanted to start off conservative. Obviously there's so much talk at the state level about you know redoing the chapter 70 formula and so how would that impact us going forward? And certainly, you know, as I've I've said, and I know you echo this as a school committee, we we don't want to
have to be back in front of the towns in three to five years saying we need more money because we we've over spent from the beginning. So, uh, as much as I would love to be able to say we're going to hire 37 positions day one, I do feel as though if the override passes, we need to take a little bit more of a
conservative approach. Really, where we saw um, you know, the decrease, what we actually looked at, if we were going to add positions at the K to8 level. We were talking about 11 and five. 11 on the Bridgewater F and five on the radium
side. Based on our current enrollment, we're actually 10 and four. So, we're not significantly different uh in our K to8 level. Again, it really is looking at uh the high school level and some of the additional offerings that we were really looking to uh bring on board. And then same thing with our special
education student services. We wanted to try to uh maintain uh those numbers, but obvious down slightly. We anticipated seven to eight and we're we're holding on six. Uh at this point, we originally thinking we might need u additional
unified arts teachers, especially if we're able to bring on all 37 positions, but because we're being conservative. Uh I had originally said we would need approximately five uh unified arts, we reduced that to two. So that's where we've been able to absorb some of that
37 going down to 25. Again, really our priority has been on K to K to 8, especially K to 2 and then special education and obviously you know we made some sacrifices in other areas. But just you know with again as you can imagine
we will be able to maintain our full slate of uh extracurriculars and athletics um and also maintain all our current electives. over. We're looking at, you know, significant reductions in staff. I tried to again based on enrollment what we're
looking at provide an overview K to8 if we were hey uh if we did have to reduce staff um and again you know when you add up the numbers from the K to 8 level the high school level districtwide you know we are looking at the you know the 30 to 40 plus again depending on how many we
also have to factor in employment but we don't anticipate it having to go uh you know further hopefully that is our hope but you know obviously significant reductions you know being down 13 the K to8 level is going to have an impact on
class size we did everything we could to maintain our current class size at the elementary which as we know and as we've heard is not great it's high so when we say oh we maintained you know 28 students in the class that's that's not
um that's not a benefit to our students or our faculty But it gives the alternative, you know, of going up to 30 plus um in at all grades. And so again, middle school is anywhere from 31 up to
30 almost 36. And then high school looking at anywhere from 30 all the way up to, you know, having 40 plus in some classes. And again, some of it has to do with enrollment. Some of it has to do with the number of classes signed up for
at the high school. Looking you know, where we can obviously absorb some of those students. But, you know, and then obviously making uh, you know, significant reductions districtwide to facilities and operations, administration, you know,
secretarial positions and and some of the other building supports and then obviously, you know, we've talked about high school fees as well. You know, we're concerned obviously at the high school is accreditation. We've heard from several parents about that. Um, you know, talking that through with Miss Watson and the last time the district
significant budget challenges. The high school was put on on probation. It seems as though if we found ourselves in a situation uh that would be the first logical step for us to be placed on probation versus losing our accreditation altogether. Um obviously you know colleges and universities um
still use that as a metric. It's not the only um metrics that they look at. They certainly want to uh see that high schools are accredited but we also know that some high schools are moving away from accreditation and it doesn't seem to at least initially doesn't seem to be
negatively impacting students and their ability to get into college but obviously that's you know we don't want to put ourselves in that situation and find out exactly the negative ramifications of that so that's just an overview again you know I know you have
this information our families and caregivers and faculty have this information as well I am pleased to to share with you that rightand had their town meeting on Monday evening. I know some of you were there and I'm being repetitive but the voters did speak
which is great and they have decided to voters have voted to approve a proposition two and a half to be placed on the increase to be placed on the ballot. The board select board will determine when that will take place and
we're hopeful that it'll be right around the time of Bridgewater. for their override on the 21st and there's some talk from the town of that conversation last night but I have to confirm Thank you, Mr. Powers. Does anyone have
questions on that? I would just like to commend Mr. or his staff or whatever. This presentation, the way it's laid out is very clear to me and straightforward. Um, and it does a nice job of laying out
without the override with the override the impact on staff and class and class sizes. Um, it's I appreciate all the work that's gone into this. Thank you. No, I agree. And then
the the staffing that we decided. I think it does have a good balance of it is frontloading 25. It's not the 37 that we had said up to 37, but I think it's a good balance of addressing class size, addressing the high school, addressing
special education, but still making sure that we can prove to the community and the towns that we're being fiscally responsible and we can support this for at least five years, if not more. because that is the number one thing that I've heard from people in the town.
Are you going to be back in another year or a second year and not have enough money or be cutting those staff on? So I think this is a good balance of making the changes that we need to affect but also being
responsible on that. Chair just a quick question I thought when did you send those five years projections over the uh that was the middle of last week. Um I I can't remember exactly this if it
was Tuesday or Wednesday but definitely by the middle of the week they hit Have you heard anything back from anyone in either town? Um, one followup question from a member of the finance committee in in Ringham and just, you know, acknowledgement and
thank you from but no uh no additional questions. Thank you. Any other questions on that? I don't know if this is the right place to ask a question.
Um we are going to talk about fiscal year 25 and I will ask you next is discussion on the fiscal year 2025 from budget stuff. U Miss Bala gave her monthly report and recommended the following transfers to the district
stabilization funds. Um all right the this will be three different ones I've put on the floor to discuss. Um I will enterain a motion to transfer $50,000 from the fiscal year 2025 budget into the stabilization fund.
by um questions and comments. Before we get to that, I did ask Miss Babalola um and she did respond the current stabilization fund balance for that um is $342,39121. Um we have had a history of putting $50,000 every year into that
fund. Um, Miss Babalola, could you come and just give us, especially since we have two members, what is that stabilization fund for? And why is this your recommendation? Good evening. All right. So the stabilization
fund is a ready day fund and yearly we put in 50,000 um we did attach um the policy regarding spending on that and I believe that is
in the folder to look at but I can I do have it right in front of me just a brief of what we what we generally use that forum would that be used for since we we put 50 in there but we normally have not been taking it out.
We're keeping that in there. What if we needed it? What would that be for? So that will be for capital projects as we major in relation to any capital project that we may have and as advised by the
school. I know when you thought was obviously one of the uses that it can be used for is um athletics and so you know through the school committee in the towns number of years ago we replace the turf field and then knowing we were going to have
to replace the track sports and then you know because those all have a life expectancy you know be back possibly another 5 to 10 years depending cycle of the project. So it was also looked at as could this be a way for us to start you putting money aside so that
we do have to replace the turf field again or make you know repairs to the track and tennis court in a number of years that we would have the funds there wouldn't necessarily have to rely on the full amount as you know replacing a turf field depending on the the site but it
would be anywhere from you know 400 to a simple replacement all the way up to a million if there has to be sight work So we wanted to be sure that you know we had those funds and see if there can give some insight about the $50,000. It sounds like it's been historic but
what is your for the $50,000. Again, it depends on uh the NDF funds that we have available. Evaluating that helps to determine to suggest that the 50,000 consistently that we've been
doing towards that is realistic. So basically to be able to determine that number and for the past few years and okay
I went last time we funds from this this is a fairly newly established account yeah after the turf deal so maybe five to six years ago um money's been put in. I don't even take money out, but we can
certainly confirm that. Now, and now that you did mention that, I do remember that was the budget subcommittee's discussion. Um when we did the chfield that we should make sure we're putting money aside for upkeep and maintenance and this how long
does it cycle? as long as we maintain it anywhere from 10 to 12 years. A lot of it has to do with the cushion of the field and whether or not it's safe for play in terms of concussions, but as long as you know the grounds department
to maintain that they did provide us with extra fill that we can put down that helps with the cushion, but it does you know eventually get to a point where we will need to replace it hopefully 10 to 12 possibly
more. All those in favor any motion regarding transfers will be I will enterain motion to transfer $50,000 from the fiscal year 2025 budget into the pension fund. balance is currently $11,927.
I believe this is a requirement that we really have to do um or at least make a good faith effort to stop putting money in there. It's used very favorably by auditors and folks that ask you money.
in favor on the transfers. I will enter a motion to transfer $50,000 from the fiscal year 2025 budget into the unfunded liability fund. The current fund balance in that account is $17,243.
Do I have questions? I will entertain the motion to do $10,000. First, So in terms of OPED, we all know what OPEC is. It is the other post benefits, employment benefits that the district
offers to um retired employees of the district. It's like a promise that the district gives to uh their retired members. Example of such promises are health insurance after retirement and it
could be also life insurance. Um so the open um the open liability fund is the promise given by the district and the available funds that the district has in their trust
fund to fund that. So if the benefit is out if the benefit outweighs the uh funs that district currently have in the assets. The difference or the gap of that is the
open and that is what we put 10,000 to every year. So, thank you for providing on that fund and I saw that it mentioned that there are some um folks that
are drawing funds from that that are 65 and over and have recommended that some folks be gone to Medicaid or Medicare. I was wondering if any of the recommendations in that report had that explored.
No, but I know if I can gave a [Music] couple. So for employees who are Medicare eligible at 65 and they have retired um they are expected to apply for Medicare part A and B at that point
we would transfer their um if they had a spouse or themselves to the Medicare enhance plan which is significantly lower than the individual um HMO or PO um this would be for any of our retirees
however there are about I don't know the exact I'll say 20, but maybe less. Um, people who were in that time frame where they weren't getting Medicare taken out, so they didn't have enough quarters to actually um they they didn't qualify for
Medicare, so they have to stay on our plan or um HMO. So, we do have people who are retired still there. All those in favor? Any oppos? I'm going to go back to the
prior. So, Miss King, I'd like to make a motion to reconsider the prior to that. All those in favor?
Thank you. I will now enter since we're reconsidering it. I'll entertain a motion to transfer $10,000 into the old. All right. surplus Mr. regarding old unusable office
furniture that cannot be repurposed all that it will motion to declare the items. I did have a question. As of today, the audit is undergoing. They signed up from their quality
control team. As to how long that would take, I don't know. I continue follow 2025 Mr. The next budget subcommittee meeting
will be Monday at 5:30. Good evening from the nursing department and thank you all very much members and assistant superintendent. Thank you all for your
devotion, your time, your effort invested in our the community. Um before I delve into the annual report, I just want to express our gratitude from health services to Dr. George Gier who's retiring June 30th as
a school physician. In my tenure of 25 years, he's always been in school position. So there will be a transition July 1st um pending final buttoning up by Miss Healey on the appointment of a new
school position. Um are any complications? I believe that there'll be meet and greet in June at your next meeting. Okay. Thank you. And so before you have your report, um it starts out with an overview or
summary of what we're about, what we do. PR has a comprehensive health services program. Uh much was accomplished. We have a diverse population. Um currently
2,887 students with medical special considerations considerations that planning and coordination. We hope we secure access to the program. Further, further on, we have a
little breakdown of some of the considerations, medical considerations. It then moves into our screening numbers, the referrals, etc. Specifically some of the social emotional screenings desperate signs of
suicide. Ongoingly there's immunization surveillance. We have state medication administration program and we have community collaborations as outlined. I am in receipt of some school committee questions. First being how does the
district determine the effectiveness of the collaboration between health services and guidance? Collaboration amongst the nursing staff and guidance is an integral component in early recognition of student need and appropriate referral to timely intervention. As with most health
conditions, early detection for mental health concerns is more likely to be successful early on. rather than intervening at a later point. Um to add a data point that illustrates this collaboration, 964 students were
referred to the guidance after presenting to the nurs's office during school hours. Additionally, most buildings hold what's called student assist meetings monthly. At the high school, they're weekly and nurses are present in participating in these meetings. At
these meetings, shared concerns and student issues and plans are discussed amongst the health guidance, etc. in an effort to increase awareness of student struggle or students academic access and achievement
barriers. These all feed into early intervention and approved outcomes. Question for service for screenings like Esper and Signs of Suicide. How does the district measure these screenings and any interventions as being effective? The
expert screening where a student's risk of substance use is assessed. It's highly confidential to optimize accuracy by encouraging students to respond to truthfully. So while the data is unavailable, I can say that this tool
allows nursing to evaluate potential need for a confidential during the confidential onetoone educational session with an RN who can impart practical and evidence-based substance use knowledge. often conflicting with their uh Facebook knowledge and connect
the student to existing resources. The confidential connection between the student and nurse with the assurance of the nurse's availability to help with questions or concerns is immeasurable in its effectiveness. However, it is our staunch belief that
even if one student's risk of overdose is recognized or use um is addressed and minimized, we consider the program to be successful in aligning with the harm reduction of our collaborative sub anti- substance use
groups. As far as the SOS screening, the effectiveness of that screening is in the dstigmatizing of mental health concerns and the imparting of to facilitate recognition for the need for professional support services. Again,
um even one life saved is a tremendous success. Question. The report mentions working with community groups. How does the district make sure that these partnerships are truly benefiting our district and our students? The benefit of the benefits to
the district in the health services partnerships with the several mentioned community groups are numerous. Community Health Center certifies the health services staff free of charge in the American Heart Healthcare Provider CPR AED first aid training every two
years. They also assist central administration um in occasionally um the need for the prek and K um CPR programs with discounted rates. They provide health services
professional development space for free when requested. And all of these of course saves considerable funds that would otherwise be spent on those programs. BSU's collaboration um ESU's wellness director Dr. Christopher
Frasier is a member of the BR health advisory council and she has trends and observations with his student population regularly. He opens campus events and opportunities to our staff. has a suicide awareness and prevention walk team that joins the campus out of
the darkness event to help remove the stigma stigma of mental health issues. The benefits of dis stigmatization are well documented in scientific literature on youth mental health collaboration with Massasoy
Community College. Massoy rotates students every semester through the district nurses office. students while learning often lend a hand during busy recess hours etc. Um they share current evidence-based changes in practice and research connecting emerging data and
best practices which are constantly evolving in response to new science from the classroom to the nursing practice collaboration with bridging lives in VR. It's um Bridging Lives is our school
uh substance use prevention coalition. It works in close collaboration with the High Point Treatment Center Brockton. High Point printed and supplied the district's expert student materials. Bridging Lives presents high school point clinician
developed substance use prevention sessions to all of our athletes, to all student and as part of other student safety initiatives including a fifth grade student mentorship program throughout the district collaboration with the health
advisory council. Health advisory council provides a forum for VR to connect with wellness advocates out in the community. Currently there are two MDs who regularly attend. We meet quarterly. Um, these MDs
offer information about current youth trends and generalized medical advice such as emerging best practices and strategies. It was a lifesaver during the pandemic. Children's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital. Um, we have an
annual blood drive pint for half pints. It affords the district a convenient opportunity for high school students and staff as well as community to assist with a tangible identified need. times affects our own community as we have a few students currently who rely on blood
transfusion during their cancer treatments. We have other students whose infant or early childhood survival was the direct result of life-saving blood transfusion during surgery or medical treatment. This partnership allows our community to give back in a meaningful way. Participation has remained steady
since we started the program in 2013, indicating sustained community interest. Question, how does the district amilies know about the results of these screenings. Like any institutional screening performed in mass um vision,
hearing etc. families are informed of the upcoming screening and if there are no concerns then you do not likely to hear from us again. However, if the results of screening such as um SOS, I'm sorry, SOS is signs
of suicide, social emotional screening, um if those results are concerning by the students own reporting an issue, we refer students to the appropriate VR staff providers who hel who hold lensure in
mental health. If after this assessment by these school providers a concern is verified, guardian is made aware of the need for further intervention and a plan is developed in collaboration with the parent guardian mental health staff guidance and health services. Um again
collaboratively yes you can be having a bad day and we don't want to overthink and over a meltdown could be a meltdown from bad day or issues. So the more
perspectives lens we take to look the more accurate it tends to be. Esper um espert is a highly confidential Massachusetts screening that assures a student of no parent or family knowledge unless there is an immediate threat to safety. The
deidentified results is submitted to the state annually otherwise there's no family interaction. Other questions? Thank thank you so much for that. report. Do we have other questions? Yes. Um, thank you for your
report. It's very helpful. One question I have is just looking at some of the numbers you have in here of um, you know, students require special consideration. Um, I have two
questions. One is you say there's 287 children with special healthcare needs. That's over half the district. I just want to kids have special needs and but my question was with that list that's down
below the considerations where does that information come from is it from your electronic health record is it from parent report at the beginning of the year we fill out where does that come from so there's a process at the beginning of the year we solicit the information on the student emergency forms so
parent driven information starts it's then a matter of case management a lot of time and resource goes into with the nurses. Um some years we benefited by 10 hours prior to the start of school where some case management would happen before the end of school.
Um in a perfect world you'd like that stuff all in place before the student presents to your face. Um however it's usually pro process and I'm going to tell you sometimes takes about a month the month of September to get everything in line because they have to reach out to the care providers or specialists in
many cases. um to kind of shore up things or and it's often at that point we've kind of discovered there's more more considerations multi considerations um so it's a combination
that's some of these and the more intense special consideration is obviously um the more we solicit medical documentation to support a lot of parent right it's a combination anything aren't
significant accommodation or collaboration but we overlap a great deal with SPE. We work well with our department and before we are reaching out to providers to support and document the need for
foundation. Any other questions? Thank you so much. Next is new business approval of payroll warrants dated April 3rd 2025, April 17th, 2025, May 1st, 2025, and May 15,
2025. I will entertain a motion to approve those payrolls I just noted. Motion by Mrs. Davenport, second by Mrs. Connto. Any questions or comments? All those in favor? Any opposed? And I have
one extension by Mr. Motion passes. Sorry. Can I strike that or you want me to do another It was Laura. Yeah, sorry. Um, any other business that may come before committee? Does anyone have anything
else? Um, we have our second public comment. Do we have any members of the public that would like to speak at public comment? Seeing none, I will move on. Um, I have some announcements of end of year things that people should be
noted. Senior prom for VR is this Friday, May 23rd. Um, RA salute to Veterans Parade in Rainham is Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. Uh, the VR High School scholarship night Wednesday, May 28th at
6 p.m. VR graduation Thursday, May 29th at 6 p.m. The high school graduation, Friday, May 30th at 6 p.m. Uh, the next policy subcommittee meeting is Monday, June 9th at 4:30 p.m. I believe. Budget sub,
Monday, June 9th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. And our next regular school committee meeting is Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at the high school. Um, also, if any members have agenda items they would like to
Please email me and let me know. Um, and do we have any announcements? Um, just in regards to the parade on Saturday, any parents of Merrill and the Liberty kids, obviously the kids can come and we have a float, so you can
meet us at the Merryill at 9. We're going to decorate it. So, if anybody wants to partake, an adult just has to be with them. So more the marrier location announcements. I hope this concludes our regular school committee meeting. I will
entertain a motion to adjourn our May 28 1st, 2025 school committee meeting at 9:41 p.m. Motion by Mr. Lo, second by Mr. Giddens. Any discussion? All those in favor?