Good evening everyone and welcome to our very last meeting for the school year. So nice to see so many folks here tonight. Um we'd like to start off with um a call to order um a pledge of
allegiance. If everybody could stand and pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stand with liberty and justice for all. >> Veronica, can I get a roll call, please, for attendance?
>> Mr. Small, >> present. Miss Kov, >> Miss Enriquez, it's not here. >> Mr. Organ, >> Mr. Organ, >> present. >> Uh, Miss Baldas is absent tonight. Dr.
Neville, >> present. >> Miss Cabral is absent tonight. Mr. Hernandez >> present and Mr. Gomez Bereda >> present. >> That's six present and three absent. >> Madam chair, can we also remind the
audience about translation? >> Yes. I'm so I'm so sorry. Um And I will now hand it over to Dr. Alvea for special recognitions. >> Good evening and thank you everyone for
coming tonight. Um, every year we do special recognitions and so we're very excited to start with our student of the year presentations. And so what I will do is call up the principal or the administrator from each
school and they will share about the student of the year that was selected for their school and then school committee member will hand the certificate to the student and then we'll take uh a picture with the student
and with um family and then we'll move on to the next the next student of the year. So um I I'm going to go ahead and start and we are going to start with uh the Burkowits and I'm going to have Miss Blanca Restrepo come up our principal of
the Burkowits. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Uh my name is Blanch Strepo, principal of the Burkowit School. I am very honored to be here tonight to present this year's student of the year award to
Christopher Czech Aguilar. Chris is Chris is an exceptional student who comes to school each day ready to learn, to work hard, and make the most of every opportunity. He is consistently
demonstrates a positive attitude, participates in class, and applies what he learns to new challenges. Beyond his academic success, Chris is a kind and caring member of our school community who leads with example. He embodies the
Virgo's values of respect, responsibility, empathy, determination, and collaboration every day. Whether he is supporting a classmates, persevering through a difficult task, and we do a lot of those in school, and contributing to classroom discussions, he
consistently demonstrates the character and work ethic that make him deserving of this recognition. So, congratulations, Chris, on being named Burkwitz Elementary School Student of the Year. And congratulations
Congratulations to Christopher's mom and dad also because we know our students. Um we are very thankful for our parents. Thank you for the great job that you're doing. Next, I'd like to call up Miss uh our principal, uh Kim Cwley of the Hook
School. Dr. Crawley. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Randy Graal. I am the assistant principal at the Hook School. I'm accompanied by Dr. Crowley, our principal over here, and by Miss Parker, a fourth grade teacher on at our school. It is a pleasure and
honor to introduce our student of the year. Her name is Arish Aib. Please come on up. Arish. And now, Miss Parker is going to tell us why Arish was named the student of the year at the Hook School.
Good evening. Every once in a while, you'll meet a student who reminds you exactly why you became a teacher. And for me, that was Arish. Ar is one of the most thoughtful, hard-working, and kind-hearted students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. She is a natural leader, not
because she seeks attention or recognition, but because people are naturally drawn to her positive attitude, compassion, and strong character. She is always willing to help a classmate, offer encouragement, or put forth her very best effort. No matter the challenge, Arge approaches it with
determination and with a smile. What stands out most, however, is her genuine love of learning. On more than one occasion, she has come back to her home room after her math class and grabbed extra homework from me. And even more impressive, she would thank me for
giving her the extra homework. Aia's dedication extends far beyond the classroom. She successfully balances swimming, Muslim school, her academic responsibilities, all while maintaining a level of excellence that is truly remarkable. The growth she has demonstrated this year has been
incredible. She set high expectations for herself herself worked tirelessly to achieve them and never stop striving to improve. Her success is a direct reflection of her perseverance, commitment, and character. Ar you are intelligent, hardworking, compassionate
and an exceptional role model for those around you. More importantly, you are genuinely a wonderful person and I know that whatever path you choose in life, you'll continue to accomplish amazing things. Is congratulations Oh my god.
Okay, great. Now I'd like to call out the principal of the Kelly, Miss Lisa Linew Weaver. Good evening. I'm Lisa Limew Weaver, the proud principal of the Kelly Elementary School, and I'm here with uh two fourth grade teachers, Siobhan Loving and Miriam Hernandez Rodriguez, who are
going to introduce our scholar of the year, Sonia Leonor. >> Sonia Lenor is a student that teachers love having in the classroom, and she is a classmate that students love working with. We chose Sonia Lenor as the student of the year because of how she exemplifies the Kelly School motto of
empathy, effort, and excellence. Sonia Lenor shows empathy when she alerts teachers to upset classmates or comforts them on her own. Her effort shines as she goes above and beyond in her work, completing assignments with diligence and offering help to those who need it. Sonia Lenor demonstrates excellence with
her leadership skills. Her class elected her to be class delegate and she exemplifies the expectations of this role perfectly. She is a great help to her teachers and a resource and support to her classmates every day. Her class also voted for her to represent our school in the World Cup soccer
tournament tomorrow. We asked a few of Sonia Lenor's classmates to share why they think she was chosen as student of the year. And this is what they said. That was from Susan. She always shows teamwork. She always
helps others in need. She shows kindness and empathy everywhere she goes. That was from Jalia Hadasa. She is very caring. If she sees you sad, she will immediately go up to you and comfort you. She's like the sister you've never had. She's so funny and has such a great personality. It makes her
pop. Such a great soul. Viviana Sonia Lenora. We are so proud of you. Keep working hard and we can't wait to see how you continue to grow. Great. I'd like to call up our principal
of Sakowski school, Kam Cam Machado. Hi everyone. Cam lost his voice and as much as he would love to talk about Polinaura, um, we are here to fill in. Um, my name is Rachel Drew and I am Polyora's classroom teacher. And my name is Brianna Kudo and I am Polyora's
special education teacher. >> When both adults and students hear her name, their responses always contain the same thing. She is such a hard worker and has grown so much in her time at our school. Polyora brings strive, succeed, and soar to new life every day. She
truly encapsulates what it means to strive and is one of the most hardworking people we have ever met. You can hear it in her post- lesson conversations with teachers and friends. Did I do a good job? In her self-affirmations, when things get tough, it's okay if I don't know it yet
because I did as best as I could, even though I don't know it. And in her encouragement of others, it's okay. Just try your best and never give up. Despite the challenges she faces in her learning, she continues to succeed, knocking down any barriers in her way in
large part to her unyielding determination, which she has shown in her incredible growth in her school work this year. accomplishing goals even beyond her imagination. >> Polyora soarses in the way she approaches life in general. She has a constantly positive attitude even when
things are not going her way, is consistently kind to all students, and seeks to make friends wherever she goes. >> We are so proud of you and the person you are becoming. >> We know we you will continue to be your wonderful self no matter where life takes you.
>> Congratulations, Paulora. an extra paper. Great. Now I would like to call up Katie Cook, the principal of Brown Middle School. Hi, my name is Katie Cook. I'm the principal of the Brown Middle School.
Um, it gives me the greatest privilege to announce our student of the year, eighth grader, Marvin Lopez. And I would like to introduce our eighth grade Camino's civics and Spanish language arts teacher, Laura Londono, to say a few words about Marvin.
Good evening. Before I begin, I want to direct this message to Marvin. Since this message comes from the heart, I want to share it in Spanish, the language that connects him to his family, his roots, and so much of his
story. Guatemala. is a proposal. Marvin to presences. like to call up our principal of Clark Avenue Middle School, Mary Ye. Good evening everyone. My name is Mary Ye and I'm the principal of the Clark
Avenue Middle School. I am so proud to announce Allison Figureroa Ramirez as the Clark Avenue student of the year. Al Allison is our student government president at Clark Avenue, plays seven different instruments, and is part of
countless other extracurricular activities. She was not able to make it tonight because in true Allison fashion, she was double booked and is um celebrating her confirmation down the street at St. Rose. I will hand it over to her ELA teacher, Matt Bennington, to
speak a little bit more about her. Uh, my name is Matt Bennington and it is my honor to represent Allison Figureroa. Whether you inquire from fifth grade or eighth grade teachers, you will hear an echo of the message. Allison truly represents Clark Avenue Middle School's
values or teachers are fortunate to get students like Allison. Indeed, Allison practices excellent through their actions, thoughts, and words. In class, they learn with curiosity and intent. In the hallways, they allow friends to lean on them. As the president of the Clark
Avenue Middle School's student government, they lead the student polity to create an enabling and equitable environment for all students. Allison's generosity, friendship, and kindness towards their friends, have brought limitless laughter. Whether they're playing hangman during lunchtime,
treating friends with sunundry gifts at Chelsea community shops, or surprising them with musical medleys, as an accomplished oboist. Another superlative that teachers use to describe Allison is superstar. It is no wonder that they voted Allison as Clark Avenue student of the year. They've made their school
community and family proud. It is an honor to have Allison represent the Clark Avenue Middle School today. Felicitations, we wish you a successful journey ahead at the Boston University Academy. We're gonna have Nate Meyers from the
right science technology. Hi, I'm Nate Myers, the principal at the right science and technology academy. I am pleased to announce Jasmine Mahia Pazul as a student of the year at the right science technology academy. She has many teachers here, but I have
her math teacher, Miss Rodriguez, to come up and our one of our special education teachers, Miss Lauren Catala. It is a true honor to recognize Jasmine Mahia Puzu this evening. From the start of the school year, Jasmine has been a natural role model, setting a standard
of excellence and character that inspires everyone around her. As an engaged learner, she is never afraid to dive deep into her studies, always asking the thoughtful questions that spark meaningful discussion in the classroom. Her contributions extend far beyond academics. Jasmine is the
ultimate team player, dedicating herself to various extracurricular activities where her reliability shines. She is someone who always follows through on her word. She is also a fierce advocate, standing up with strength and conviction for both herself and her peers.
Her academic record is nothing short of stellar, maintaining straight A's while consistently setting the highest expectations for herself. Yet, despite her many achievements, she remains humble and grounded. Jasmine is exceptionally wellresected and liked because she chooses to stay above the
drama, focusing in instead on kindness and positivity. with a smile that truly lights up any room and a great sense of humor. She is a joy to be around and an empathetic friend to anyone in need. Jasmine, we are so incredibly proud of you. We are excited to see the
remarkable young woman you continue to become and all the great things you will undoubtedly achieve in the future. Congratulations. Now, I'd like to call up Alvin Rivera from Chelsea Opportunity Academy. Oh,
Ron, you are here. So, Ron Smith, principal of Chelsea Opportunity Academy. I got a little note. So >> glad to be here. >> Change of plans. Thank you. All right. I'm Ron Schmidt, principal of Chelsea Opportunity Academy, and I'm going to hand it off to our history teacher,
Alvin Rivera, who is our students, uh, crew leader or adviser, uh, to introduce him and say a few words. Alvin. >> Hi everyone. Um, it is my honor to announce Jose Castillo as COA student of the year.
H so Jose Castillo represents every value that the Chelsea opportunity academy looks to instill in his students. Perseverance, determination, and humility. The thing is Joseity came with these values and trace before he got the COA. As a result of his
character, the staff noticed something extraordinary in this young man. We saw a student who anchors his philosophical and historical intellect in profound kindness and compassion for his fellow students. No ego, no self-gratification,
only endless curiosity and a love for his community. His care for COA has been demonstrated a few ways this past few years. These past few years he's been with us at COA. First is his natural optimistic energy and a welcoming demeanor which provides
us all at COA with a spiritual boost on the best of days let alone on the worst of days. The second is his leadership this year at COA student uh representative for the school site council. From this position, Jose was able to
bring facil uh and bring ideas to and concerns between students and the school's administration. He also served on the interview committee to select the new principal. All while working the graveyard shift six days a week at a warehouse and completing his school assignments on the side.
Jose drags himself to school with barely any sleep in order to promise himself and his mother back in El Salvador that he would complete his high school diploma and get into college here in the United States. It is the only source of energy that keeps him motivated and keeps the pain
under control. the pain from being away from his family and the toll his current schedule takes on him physically and mentally. Jose's unanimous selection as COA student of the year will hopefully serve as evidence that all the work, dedication, and hope he taps into on a
daily basis is paying off. Your fellow students see you, your teachers see you, and now the school district sees you. Congratulations, Jose. Okay. Next, if I could have Miss Meg Mancini, principal of Chelsea Virtual
Learning Academy. I'm here to uh celebrate Kaylee Marie Edwards and ask her to come up. Good evening, Dr. Abeda, Chairwoman Hernandez, members of the school committee, families, community members, and especially to Kayle's wonderful
mother, Miss Christine Vicaro, and grandmother Carol Vicaro, who are here. And most importantly, I want to congratulate all of our Chelsea students um and their families for being part of this amazing night. It's so inspirational to see everybody come up
and get this award and I can't wait. I'm a high school person and all of the elementary and middle school students, I can't wait for you. You're amazing. My name is Meg Msini and I'm the proud principal of Chelsea Virtual Learning Academy and it's my honor to recognize a
truly outstanding 10th grader as our student of the year, Miss Kaylee Marie Edwards. Kaylee embodies leadership with both strength and heart. She is resilient, kind, and thoughtful. A student who not only distinguishes herself academically, but uplifts
everyone around her. As one of her teachers, Miss AA, shared, "Kaylee came to CVLA last year as a quiet and reserved student." Hard to remember that, but has blossomed into someone who is not only comfortable taking up space,
but determined to make space for others. That transformation speaks volumes, not just about confidence, but about compassion. Kayle's impact goes beyond academics. As her math teacher, Miss Alonzo, puts it, she makes the class come to life and
inspires others to participate, encouraging students to overcome their social fears and to be open to new experiences. That is leadership in its purest form, helping others become their best selves. That growth is what stands
out most to me and to Kayle's teachers. We have seen Kaylee grow from finding her voice through writing and participating to using it to lift others up. Kaylee just doesn't participate in her learning. She shapes the environment around her in a way that makes others
feel seen and included. Kaylee is also a leader beyond the classroom, helping to coordinate CVLA community healing and craft circles that build connection and belonging for her peers. Kaylee serves as a student representative on our school site advisory council and she was
most re recently one of our four students and the only four students in Chelsea who received national recognition for a poem she wrote about baseball. Kaylee, your growth Kaylee, your growth, your voice and your
commitment to others make you truly deserving of this recognition. You don't just succeed, you bring others with you. Congratulations, Kaylee. Student of the year. And if I could call up Mr. Alan Bosley,
principal of Chelsea High School. Good evening. My name is Alan Bosley, principal of Chelsea High School. It is my pleasure to announce Dariel Medina as student of the year at Chelsea High School. >> I want to share a few words on behalf of our main office staff and specifically
our clerks where Dariel Medina has been an intern throughout the school year. Dariel Medina is a funny, kind, and respectful student who consistently demonstrates initiative and a genuine willingness to help others. He is always ready to lend a hand and goes above and beyond to support those around him.
Throughout his time in the main office, Dariel has become an invaluable asset. While it will be difficult to see him go this year, we are incredibly proud of the young man he has grown into. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dedication have left a lasting impression on all of us. We wish Dariel
continued success and a bright future ahead. We have no doubt that he will achieve great things and accomplish anything he sets his mind to both now and in the years to come. Congratulations And so that completes our student of the year. If we could have all of the
student of the years so we can take a group photo of all of the student of the years together. Just this just the students. Yeah. So, every student of the year if they come up for a photo with your award. >> Yeah.
>> I think I cried. >> Me, too. >> I know. I know. I >> Thank God I didn't put the mascara when I was going to wear >> I know. >> Yeah. It's It's very mascara. >> Oh, you should see. I'm like my stomach's always And I said, "I want to
put Congratulations and congratulations to the families um for raising such amazing students. Um okay, so now we will move on to our retirees. >> Yeah.
So, uh welld deserved, right? >> They're a little happy. >> I know. Absolutely. So, I'm going to start. So, now it's the retirey turn. Um, Phyllis Aldrich, if
you can come forward. So, so Phyllis, I'm gonna read your your site your certificate and then a school committee member will hand you a plaque and then we can take pictures just like we do with this with our students. So
whereas Phyllis has been in Chelsea public schools for four years and 10 months and Phyllis has been a dedicated educator since 2021 at the Brown Middle School. Go Brown. Uh, Phyllis has been a
positive role model for students and staff throughout the district. And Phyllis has conducted her responsibilities with dignity and professionalism. And Phyllis has brought honor to herself, her family, and her colleagues
through her contributions and dedication to the youth of Chelsea. And therefore, be it resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea School Committee extend their sincerest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations
to Phyllis Aldritz on her contributions to and career with the Chelsea School Department on this the occasion of her retirement. Congratulations Thank you so much. Okay,
the next retiree that we have is Stephen Edelstein. All right. Chelsea High School is in the house tonight. Okay. So, whereas Stephen has been in Chelsea public schools for 21
years. >> Yeah. And he has been dedicated ed educator since 2005 at the Morris H. Seagull Clark Avenue School. and he has been a positive role model for students and staff throughout the
district. He has conducted his responsibilities with dignity and professionalism and he has brought honor to himself, his family, his colleagues through his contributions and dedication to the youth of Chelsea. Therefore, be
it resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea school committee extend their sincerest gratitude and heart for Heartfelt congratulations to Stephen Edstein on his contributions to and career with the Chelsea school department on this
occasion of his retirement. Congratulations. Okay, our next educator is Lisa Button. Okay, Lisa has been in the Chelsea public schools for four years and four months. She has been a dedicated
educator since 2022 at the Early Learning Center and the Kelly School. Lisa has been a positive role model for students and staff throughout the district. And she has conducted her responsibilities with dignity and professionalism.
And she has brought honor to herself, her family, and her colleagues through her contributions and dedicated to the youth of Chelsea. Therefore, be it resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea School Committee extend their sincerest gratitude and
heartfelt congratulations to Lisa on her contributions to and career with the Chelsea School Department on this the occasion of her retirement. And it's been such a blessing to be finish. Our
next retiree is Olga Escalante. Is Olga here? Yes. Okay. Her do her daughters are here. Okay. Olga, you're gonna represent your mom, right? Okay. So, whereas Olga has
been in the Chelsea public schools for over 27 years. Yeah. She is she has been a dedicated assistant cook Baker since 1997 at the Williams School and she has been a positive role model for students and
staff throughout the district. She has contributed conducted her responsibilities with dignity and professionalism. She has honor to herself, her family, her colleagues through her contributions and dedication to the youth of Chelsea. Therefore, be
it resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea school committee extend their sincerest gratitude and heartfelt heartfelt congratulations to Olga Escalante on her contributions to and career with the Chelsea School Department on this the
occasion of her retirement. Okay. Is Caroline Chula here? Okay. So, just I'm I'm going to read it anyways because I do think I want to acknowledge her. Um, Caroline Chula has been in the Chelsea
public schools for 34 years and three months. 34 years is a long time. She has been a dedicated educator since 1991 at the Williams North and the Early Learning Center. She has been a positive role model for her students and staff
throughout the district and has conducted her responsibilities with dignity and professionalism. She has brought honor to herself, her family, and her colleagues through her contributions and dedication to staff, students, family, and the families of
Chelsea. Therefore, be it resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea school committee extend their sincerest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Caroline on her contributions to and career with the Chelsea schools department on this the
occasion of her retirement. So, when you see her, please please congratulate her. And then we have one more retiree who is not here and that this is Tracy PDO. And so again, when you see Tracy, please
wish her congratulations. Um she couldn't be here tonight. Um Tracy has been with Chelsea Public Schools for 28 years and three months. She has been a dedicated educator since 1998 at the Early Learning Center. She has been a
positive role model for students and staff throughout the district and has conducted her responsibilities with dignity and professionalism. She has brought honor to herself, her family, and her colleagues through her contributions and dedication to the youth of Chelsea. Therefore, be it
resolved that the superintendent and the members of the Chelsea School Committee extend their sincerest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Tracy on her contributions to and career with the Chelsea School Department on this the
occasion of her retirement. So, if we can now get a group picture of all of our retirees, if they could come up This is for these are for the student reps. Okay. And then this year
was the first year that I had I had wanted to have a student advisory council because I felt it was important to engage students in policy and to hear about how the policy that we make as a body and the school committee makes
impacts students at the student level. And so we have 13 wonderful students on the student on the superintendent advisory council and it has been a fabulous year with all 13 students. We have some juniors and
some seniors and I have just really looked forward to meeting with um the sui superintendent advisory council once a month and it's actually the highlight of um of my my week when I get to be
with them and I get to hear student voice listen and they they provide a lot of insight and oftentimes it's unfiltered so you have to be ready to listen because they do tell tell you the truth and sometimes they tell you things
that you don't want to hear um but things that are truthful and that you have to pay attention to as a leader and so um I've grown very close to all of them and so I wanted to say thank you and just
give them a little something um from us to say thank you for for for shaping me and making me a better superintendent and my time with you is um is is precious. And so with I'm going to call
out the eight seniors that were on superintendent advisory council and uh la last week was our last meeting that we had. We always feed our students and um we had a lot of tears on our last
meeting and um Daniel you you started us all and so so we're going to start off with uh the 2D squared uh Daniel Prudencio Deas
um if you guys come up and Dariel Medina. Yeah. Maria Adam Farooq Elm Mahil and I I can tell you about each one of our amazing students um because we we
truly know them and I'm so excited for the future because I know the type the students that we have in Chelsea. Um, Maria Montoya Lara, Kimberly Garcia, Allison Rivera Kendres,
and David Roda. us. So, um, thank you for your contributions and making us a better administration. And then I'm going to go down and um make
sure I be a part of this picture cuz I actually think superintendent advisory is my favorite part of the job. I really do. I get to be with students. So, okay. And I know we have three students that sit
on school committee. And I'm actually going to have our school committee chair do these ones. So, we have three amazing students on our board that we um I feel honored to have been able to have
spent this year with you on this board and and being able to enjoy all your reports and keeping us so up to date on everything that's been happening. It's been a um it's been a tough year. Um we've been through a lot of struggles, but we've
also been through a lot of very happy moments and you guys have been a huge part of those happy moments because with your contributions and all your information and all your input from the students, it has truly been helpful, I
believe, to all of us. And we would like to give you a certificate of appreciation to Allison called Colleen I cannot say it. Coendereas
Rivera Kenderez Natalie Sanchez Gonzalez and Daniel Prudencio Deas. Come on everyone. Okay, that completes my report.
And Chair Hernandez, before we move forward, I'd like to make a motion to go out of order so we can hear the student represent representative updates before we continue. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion? >> Second. >> Perfect. Um, we will move our student
achievement um report next. Uh, I'm sorry, our student representative updates next because they are going to go to the Northeast Metro Tech class of 2026
graduation. And I would like to congratulate um, Northeast and send our best in behalf of the school Chelsea school committee on a wonderful year and hopefully a spectacular ceremony.
Good evening everyone. Um, this year has been a blessed year where I have been able to be around such an incredible leaders in the school committee who have amazed me through their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Dr. Odeta, you're an amazing superintendent who cares so deeply about
the people around you. I am beyond grateful for all your support and for always brightening my day when you would ask me, "How's your senior year going?" Your kindness and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on me. Madame Chairwoman, I will forever cherish all
the times you made me laugh because you're truly one of the funniest people I've ever met. Thank you for always creating such a welcoming environment and for making every meeting enjoyable. Veronica, thank you for always being so supportive and for everything you do for
Chelsea Public Schools. Your guidance, encouragement, and willingness to help have meant so much to me throughout my time as a student representative, and I am incred incredibly grateful for all your support. To every member of this school committee, thank you for welcoming me,
listening to my voice, and allowing me to represent students at Chelsea. Serving as your student representative has been one of the greatest honors of my high school career. This experience has taught me the importance of leadership, advocacy, and service. And it has inspired me to continue using my
voice to make a difference in my community. As I close this chapter and prepare for the next, I leave with immense gratitude for each and every one of you. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and showing me what true leadership looks like. While this may be
my last meeting as a student representative, the memories I have gained here will stay with me forever. Thank you so much. My last Good evening, Dr. Veta, good evening, Chairwoman Hernandez, and to the school committee comm um I would say
it's also my last update, right, of the year. We had prom, which was amazing, and I have a big thanks to give to Dr. Beta for being a big support person um towards making it happen. Um, I know a lot of my peers, um, if not everybody loved it. Um, going from juniors, some
sophomores maybe, um, but definitely seniors, we had a good time and really enjoyed it. Um, I also would like to give a thanks to Malik who I know was a big supportive person and behind the scenes. I know that you helped our adviser, Miss Duffy, along the way, and I couldn't be more grateful for that.
Um, I also want to update on that today was our last day and today was the day of the prank. Um, it was amazing. Um, I think teachers really loved it. Everybody really enjoyed it and it was a really good surprise. If anybody wants videos of what was done or pictures, I
am the point person to to show you. Um, but on this evening, I want to say that this year has been a year of growth. Um, as every year has been, right? Um, for me, I feel like recently as the year's coming down, I reflected personally, but I also reflected at a more wide level,
if that makes sense. Um, and I reflected just how growth isn't seen on a daily basis, but is seen on a period of time, right? Um, and this year has been a very strange year, but a year that shows that Chosy is alive. Um, and for me, that has
been a wonderful thing to see, right? to see my peers in civics right engaging right here. It's it's been a truly a feat to to be able to see right. Um and for me it's been something that that inspires me right to continue being
here, continue doing this. Um but I also want to thank everyone here for allowing us to be here, right? Allowing my peers to be here. It's been something that has opened my mind, opened my eyes to see that not only are you guys important, not only you guys are special, and that you guys have an impact in our
community, but you guys are your guys job is hard, right? Your guys' job is extremely hard. And I think for me, you have a narrow view, right? But allowing to be here and I want to give a big thanks to Malik again for allowing me to be in positions where my narrow view opens wide, right? right? To be able to
see different views, to be able to see different perspectives, different cultures, different people, and how they're going on a daily basis on their life, right? And for me, that's been a truly a blessing, a blessing in which I've reflected on. And I have no more to thank than Malik, Dr. Beta, and all of
you guys here. Um, again, thank you. And I guess this is Daniel's last goodbye. and that's it. >> Good evening everyone. Thank um good evening committee members. Um,
I'd like to firstly start off by saying thank you to everyone on the committee for allowing us student representatives like allow thank you for opening like your like your perspective on your job to us. I think it was one of the most
like sweetest and like eyeopening experience for me and I know for my peers too. I think I really truly appreciated every single meeting I came in every meeting like sitting down and writing my script and stuff like that. It it really did
impact me as a person and I'm very grateful for the experience I had here. So, thank you so much. I think this my senior year has been quite literally the hardest year, but from going to meetings to going to work to having to handle
school and everything, it was one of the most hardest school years. But this was one of the things that I really appreciated being able to experience like being able to talk about my experience as a student, but not only my experience, but every every single one
of my peers experience. Um I just think that um for my peers like keep like an an open mind, keep open eyes everywhere. I know like it could get tough and sometime like sometimes if you feel like
giving up, don't give up. Like I I don't know. I just there's so much gratitude and so much to say with such little time. But yeah, thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you you guys. Um, there's not
enough that we can say to you to express how grateful we are for everything that you brought to the table for us and how much you taught us because this was not a teaching just your way. It was also our way. Um, so thank you and we will
forever and please keep in touch because we want to know what you guys get updates on what you're doing in college and how you're doing because it doesn't stop here. So don't say goodbye. We'll see you later. >> Okay. And have a good night.
>> Can I get a motion to go back into order? >> I make a motion to back to order. >> I will second the motion. >> I second the motion. >> Okay. We'll take a couple Okay. Um, we'll get back to order um and
and restart the remainder of the meeting. Um, the next item up is our approval. A motion for the approval of our minutes of the regular meeting on May 7th. Can I get a motion?
>> Motion to approve the May 7th meeting minutes. >> Thank you. Second. Thank you. We'll move on to public comment. If anyone has public comment and they have not signed up, if I could please ask you
to sign up on the listing there. And if you're on the list, um Veronica will call you up. Thank you. Okay. Have Zachary Ryan. >> Whenever you're ready. Yes.
Jake, could you pull the door a little bit? Don't close it all the way, but just Okay. Thank you. >> So, good evening, Zachary Ryan, uh, resident of Chelsea. As I've said, I'm going to be at all of these meetings. Um, first, I'd like to say thank you to
you all for serving. This year has not been an easy year, but there's still a ton of work to be done. Uh, I said last time, uh, I was talking about, you know, transparency. I heard one of the members say maybe we could have additional meetings where people could meet members
of their community, reach out and talk to people. That's great. I think that each one of you should try and do that in your own district. I know that happened during the budget season, but I think more should be done in the fall because again next year is going to be
another difficult year. Uh I think additionally it would be good to see some of you at the school site council meetings. I think I missed one of my schoolside council meetings this year because of a work obligation. It'd be great to see you guys there. It'd be great to see members of the school department there, superintendent,
assistant superintendent, people that we heard talk to us. Uh I saw one person come this year to to one of our meetings. Um again, transparency. We want to know what's going on with the hiring with with with raises, what people are going to be getting, who's in
what bargaining bracket. I see I saw the releases that there were, you know, numbers that were put out. That's great. Um, but we want more. I'm asking this. I'm talking to teachers. I'm talking to staff. I'm talking to other parents. We
want to know more. When I look at the outcomes, my wife always says, "Well, what are the outcomes? What What does the school want? What does the school system want?" I I look at the outcomes that are going to get reported tonight and what were reported last month and my first meeting here when I'm seeing 40% of nth and tth
graders have at least a failing grade. What's going wrong? Where are we failing them? You as the committee, you are here as our voice. You are here to back us up and we're saying what's going on. You
are not here to back up the superintendent. She reports to you. You report to us. You're supposed to work with her and her committee and her group of people, but you're there to be our voices. Something's going wrong. Again,
transparency. What is it? I don't know. But it's not just the problem at the high school. It's not just the nth and tth grade. It started before them. And this is not easy. I know it's not easy, but we have to figure out what it is. What are the outcomes that we want? And
when we start cutting the budget and we start cutting teachers, those numbers aren't going to come down. So go to the city, get more money, figure it out, tell them to figure it out. That's my time. So that's it. I'll see you all in the fall.
Anyone else? >> I don't have any other unless there's anybody. >> Is anyone? No. Okay. Um, thank you. We'll end um public comment. I'll hand it back over to Dr. Aveda.
>> Great. We have no presentations tonight. So, I will turn it over to Dr. plate ky for indicators of success. >> Good evening. Our indicators of success are tied to the district's strategic plan. It's also
um a tool that we use to make decisions in regards to what's best for our students and our learning community. Tonight I will be sharing out three of our indicators. I will be sharing our daily attendance rate, our dropout rate
and student mobility. The first indicator is our daily attendance which all of our indicators are attached to our priority as it relates to rigorous and culturally relevant instruction for all students.
For the month of May, preK through 8th grade held really strong above 98 percentile in attendance. Shout out to fifth grade for holding very strong at 94%.
High school is holding steady at above 80%. Year to date as a district, we're holding nicely at 89%.
Our second indicator is the school high school dropout rate. As of October 1st, our enrollment was 1,683 students. We've had 84 students
who have um dropped out. Our average is 4.9%. The final indicator for tonight is our mobility rate. At the ELC level, we've had one student
in, two students out. At the elementary level, we've had 10 students in, four students out. At the middle school, we've had two students in, three students out. At the high school level, we've had eight students in, 33 students
out. For the month of May, we've had a total of 21 students in, 42 students out. That's a difference of 21 less students. For a year to date, we've had 471
students in, 353 students out. We have been able to retain 118 students. Thank you. Any questions? Can I just ask one? Um I'm sorry. Yes.
>> Um the dropout the the out for the high school, is that a a uh is that number higher than than it was last year? Do you know? Or where the 33 that we had out?
Is it higher than last month? Last year. Last year. I would have to go back and look to see what last year's month was. >> Yeah. >> That's not dropout. That's mobility. >> Yeah. Right. that if there's 33 that went out. >> Yeah. >> Where did they go?
>> Where did they go? And then what was the number last year? >> You know, where did they go? >> Yeah. Where did Yeah. >> Yeah. We can get that. >> Just just um >> out of curiosity. Yeah. >> Because we typically don't have that many students at the high school level. >> I want to say that I think that number is higher
>> because it it sticks out to me. Um >> Yeah. >> But you know, when you have a chance, you can just call me. email it to me, whatever. >> Because the difference in number typically are in favor of the school department. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome, >> Dr. >> Yeah. Um since, you know, it's the last meeting of the year. I know that we don't have all the data for the whole end of the school year and the quarter four grades and everything, but I was wondering um what you and the and the
district kind of what your reflections are on all of the indicators from the year and trends you're seeing um just from a a high level perspective. What are your big takeaways from the indicator data? How is it informing your work moving forward?
Um I'm also curious about um you know now that we're this far what is enrollment projections looking like? >> Go ahead and start and then Dr. Blake County I'll just have you dubtail. So if you again looking at the data overall
you see that our data for elementary attendance is is very strong. >> We still have work to do at at the high school and and that's why we have the navigator program. We're working on different things such as Twilight
School, credit recovery and everything because you have to be in your seat to learn. >> So, those are some of the systems that we are really working on to put in place. Uh, another thing that we're we noticed is that our drop rate is lower
than it was a couple years ago. >> And and when we look at that, we we know that many of our students are are having to work And so that contributes to to some of our students that we do unfortunately lose. The dropout rate is
lower than >> the if you look at the indicator >> where it says four the 4.9 >> for this year um it's lower than let's say 23 24. It's almost the same as last
year. And so that 4% of students, a lot of our students, they're overage and they're also they they what we have looked at with that data is that they're overage and they're working. So they're not really dropouts >> if and and if you think about it, it's
like life is difficult and and so I I know that our even though this is a 4.9%, we also know why it's happening. So that's something um just based on the data in front of us. We don't have our end of year I Ready data but we we
celebrated midy year we had a lot of growth in in many of our schools on our I Ready data so we can we can get those reports um we normally do those in the fall >> but I can say that we're tracking um credits at the high school that students
are earning and and our and our seniors and so we should have definitely more students graduating. Uh we had 40 students at the beginning of the year that we were concerned about at the high school that we know them
>> and so we plugged them into programs. So our graduation rate should be higher than what it was last year. >> That's great. I will also add that when you look at our total N for school year 2425, it's 1,827
student and our total N for this school year is less at 1,683. However, the total number of students who dropped out in 2425 is 77 students and this year it's 84. So that's just a
difference of seven more students. However, the end for 2425 is greater. >> Miss Dr. Ba, I also wanted to ask um we mentioned that for the most part with
um our indicators of um success and our mobility rates, we track mostly our our high school programs, right? um or Chelsea High School for the most part. So um and you also mentioned that we have additional programs. So this isn't necessarily taking into account um
the COA and um CVLA because I >> it does >> um so those numbers are um included now because I know that in the past like um the students because of the way the um the credits are uh taken into account it
they might graduate at different times throughout the year um because it's the credit point system. So, um, that that was basically my question just to see if that was factored in. So, >> so with COA, one thing is that we're
we're educating students who are overage and underredited. So, we often keep them longer at Chelsea Opportunity Academy and that is a hit to our overall graduation >> and so I would rather take a hit in our
overall graduation rate and >> and when we have only like 30% of our students from Chelsea opportunity graduating. That's 30% more students that who are graduating with a high school diploma than not. So yes,
sometimes we we take a hit overall, but it's worth it because we know that our kids at Chelsea Opportunity Academy lean a little bit longer. So it is what it is. We're doing right by students. Sorry, I had one more question that I
think we forgot. Um, the overall enrollment trends or how's that's looking for the fall. >> So, we're I I can actually do that with my end of year report. So, um I'll first start with um our demographic data and
we've hired 100% Hispanic uh this last month. But then if you look at our enrollment numbers, um we're pretty steady this year. So we're at 5,787. So hopefully we we we will stay at that
amount and maybe we'll get more. I don't know. I would love it if we could get if we got more students because then we'd be in a different position. But we've been h holding steady at about 5,780. It's last month it was like 5,750.
So, we have a couple more students now. >> Um, sorry, I don't have the numbers in front of me. Are you projecting that our October 1st enrollment numbers will be lower than this past October or >> Yeah, we we're projected to have 200 less students >> um this coming year.
>> Okay, that's about what you you've been projecting all along. Okay. >> I hope our projections are not right. Me too. Okay, we'll move on to um the committee reports and I'd like to get a motion to
commend the reports to the record. >> I make a motion to uh commend the uh reports for the record. >> Second. Thank you. And with that, we'll move on
to new business. So, we have a lot of new business. And I wanted to get a motion to go in to do a consent agenda and do sections together to see if we could um reduce a little
bit of time. Um, so I'd like to um start with item 26 SC 30, 31, 34,
and 35 and 36. All first >> I so make a motion. >> Okay. First item is consideration and action to accept $50,000 from the Hestia fund
for school year 2627. Next item is consideration and action to accept $93459 from the University of Massachusetts for the SNAP outreach plan for fiscal year 26.
Next item is consideration and action to authorize a multi-interep departmental budget transfer of 2,980,000 for a year-end cleanup to help reallocate or fund other district accounts.
The next item is consideration and action to authorize the prepayment of up to $3 million and special education out of district tuition fees for fiscal year 2027. And the last item is consideration and
action to authorize the superintendent and chief finance and operations officer to execute all necessary fiscal year 2026 end of year budget transfers to close out the fiscal year.
Can I get a roll call? Yes. So, we're doing a roll call for items SC 30, SC31, SC34, and SC SC35, and SC 36. >> Mr. Small, >> yes.
>> Miss Kovves Karavayo, >> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> And I'm going to apologize. I may have some feedback here. Um, Mr. Orian, >> yes. >> Miss Baldetta is absent. Dr. Neville,
>> yes. Miss Gabrell is absent. Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> And Mr. Gome, Miss Perea, >> yes. >> That's seven in the affirmative and two absent. >> Seven in the affirmative and two absent. Motion passes. Thank you. The next two items
um will be item 26 SC32 26 SC33 and we'll vote on those together. consideration action to approve >> a few questions about these. >> Okay, perfect. Can we do them together
and can you ask? Okay, perfect. Um, consideration >> I think she has to ask the question first before we read it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Are you going to do you you read them first? >> I thought >> we're not doing a roll call first, right? She has to >> No, no. Okay. >> I was going to call the items and then
she was going to ask the question and then we'll do the roll call. um consideration and action to approve the non-bargaining salary and wage schedules for 2026 2027 salary positions effective Jul July 1st
2026 and the next item is consideration and action to approve the non-bargaining salary and wage schedules for 2026 2027 hourly positions effective July 1st 2026 Dr. Neville,
>> thanks. Um, I was wondering if we can just get some background about um these two items and um you know what exactly which what are these raises that are being proposed for how much and and how are how have they been decided and and
that sort of thing. >> I'm going to call up Miss Lee to share but I can give you overview and then I'll have Miss Lee um dubtail as well. So every year we have non-bargaining unit. Um so we we always do our our
educators first and everybody else and then we we look at non-bargaining and we actually take what we bargain with our our educator unit and apply that to non-bargaining. in in this case
because it was 5% we did not apply that 5% to everyone at the tier higher tiered levels it was 4% and then um so there was a certain like classification we only did four and then the rest of the unit that was was 5%. So,
>> this is the process that we use every every single year. And then >> I'm sorry. >> I'm like, >> yeah, it's been flying around. >> I'm sorry. I'm so I'm just I'm just like
paying attention. I'm like And then um for uh minimum wage because the city did increase the minimum wage, we follow suit. So, I don't know. So that was the the I remember that from the subcommittee. So the high school student
so I I did a quick calculation of what percent raises these all were just so I could figure out what I was looking at. So everything is 5% except for high school student because that was raised up to city minimum wage. And then the
classifications AB, C and D which are like higher level admin were sorry AB and C were like lower. Correct. >> Uhhuh. >> Um, and we do these raises like every
>> um, is it around this time in the year? Because I was trying to figure out I think we voted on it retroactive to July in the fall, right? >> Yeah, it's we do this every year around this time of the year. >> But I don't know if you guys if you have
anything else to add. >> No, I think you covered it. Uh, as Dr. Beta mentioned we have our contract staff members and then annually we do a increase on the ranges. It doesn't mean
that everyone is going to be at the top or it's a band based on the classification of the positions and um yeah as you pointed out A B and C 4%
and then the remainder of the classifications from D to I were at 5% and the 5% is because the CTu is at 5%. and a lot of those positions were at 5%
and the top classification are more administrators and so um we the CAA adjustment was also 4%. For the hourly folks >> sorry what's the CIA again? uh the the administrator's union. Oh, okay. Okay.
Okay, that makes sense. >> And then for the hourly, as you pointed out, we did a 5% but the the staff who had a no change item. We looked at um staff members who are in
similar positions in the district and also looked at what the market ranges for these rules and the current rates were sufficient and there was no one outside of that range at that time even if we do the increase. >> So it was basically like even if you
increase the bands nobody was near the top where they needed the band to to go up. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, I was also curious there are there some positions that are
non um that are not in unions that aren't in here or there are any positions that are in here that don't exist anymore? Like I I do we still have the reach director? Um >> I believe the reach position is here.
Let's see. Yeah. So if you look at classification he Did we get it? Yeah. I always joke flies come in my office but they don't come out. So yeah, classification E, you'll see the the Chelsea reach director is still
in there. Okay. >> So there are some positions where we might not have the actual role that is active, but we keep them. >> Okay. >> Just in case in the future there might be um there might be a change. So
usually we don't take anything out but again the the salaries are adjusted so that the range can um make sure that everyone falls within that range but it doesn't necessarily mean that everyone's
going to be placed at uh the top step or it doesn't it also doesn't mean that everyone's at the bottom range but we have this process of classifying each position and so that's how we came up with a range. originally and each year as we the
school committee uh decides on the the increase and votes on that we make the adjustments based on what increases are being given to our collective bargaining units um and comparable positions in our district. So the ranges help us when
we're hiring new uh hire when we hire with new hires and then we look at especially in non-bargaining we look at experience and then there's the range. So someone obviously that's in the range but and has a lot of experience. They
they they do start above the the minimum. >> And most of these positions I've seen like the the salary scale and the steps and everything for the educators. It's like very very prescriptive and precise. And in the types of jobs that me and my husband has had usually it's a little more
>> fuzzy, right? And these are kind of more like that where it could be kind of fall anywhere in that that range. Yeah. >> Um I have one other question. I don't remember. Um, it says assistant chief financial and operations officer new. That's a a a new position from this year
or is it just newly separated out into a different band or? >> Yes, this the traditionally there's been a is this a business manager? However, we had a uh very experienced member of
our team and so we would classify the position as assistant CFO. >> Yeah. >> And so we classified that position as C where the job responsibilities match more of the classification C.
>> So you reclassified the position from like D to C or something? Well, we kept the business manager as you'll see. >> Um, but because the title and the responsibilities are more encompassing than the business
manager role, it was reclassified to C and the title shifted as well. So we we changed the the business manager at assistant there was assistant budget director and then when when Miss Lamboy
left us I I kind of did away with the title of executive director of administration and finance >> because I I'm used to a chief financial officer and operations. So you're a seafue. >> And so when we hired Billy Joe, the
title changed to CFO. And then so naturally the bit the budget director, assistant budget dire uh business manager changed to assistant CEU CFO as well. >> And um and so to align them.
>> Okay. >> But we've always had an assistant budget director. Um, it's just we also we changed the title >> and it was in C before correct. We we
reclassified it because the we we needed to be able to pay the assistant director more. >> Okay. >> Retract someone with some skills. Mhm. >> What's what I will say with chief financial officers and school
departments is it's really hard to find a a business person who wants to work in a school department because they can go work at State Street Fidelity and make so much more. So in order to make it
somewhat attractive the the >> we we had to increase that second position. >> Gotcha. Thank you so much. Are there any further questions? No.
Okay, Veronica, can we do roll call? >> Roll call for items SC 32 and 33. Mr. Small, >> yes. >> Miss Kovayo, >> yes. Miss Enriquez, >> yes.
>> Mr. Orian, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. M. Hernandez, >> yes. >> And Mr. Gomez Pedo, >> yes. >> That's seven in the affirmative and two absent. >> Seven in the affirmative and two absent. Motion passes.
Um, we'll move on now to we'll do collectively items 26 SC37 through 26 SC41. First item is the Chelsea School
Committee moves to accept the revised Chelsea Public Schools calendar for school year 2026 through 2027. Next item is consideration and action to approve on the recommendation of the superintendent an outofstate field trip
and overnight field trip for six Chelsea High School students, two chaperones, three parents to the Nike outdoor nationals in Oregon from June 17th to June 23rd, 2026
for the students athletes who have qualified for the final competition. Next item is consideration and action to approve revisions to the Chelsea Public Schools Code of Character. Next item is consideration and action to
approve revisions to the Chelsea Public Schools student handbooks for school year 2026 through 2027. And final item is consideration and action to approve the grade levels to be
served by Chelsea Virtual Learning Academy for 2026 through 2027 school year. Are there any questions for any of these items before we do roll call? Veronica, roll call.
Roll call for item um items SC 37 through 41. Mr. Small, >> yes. >> Miss Kovas Karabayo, >> yes. >> Miss Envz, >> yes. >> Mr. Organ, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville,
>> yes. >> Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> And Mr. Gomez Peda, >> yes. >> That's seven in the affirmative and two absent. >> Seven in the affirmative, two two absent. Motion passes on all items.
Thank you very much. Um with this we end all new business and we move on to announcements which there are none. Um is there are there any comments?
>> One quick announcement. >> Yes. >> Um happy pride month everybody. It's June and around the nation and the globe we celebrate um our colleagues, our peers, uh our family members, ourselves who identify as queer, as trans within
the LGBTQIA community. Um and so just a message of love and appreciation to all the folks who have the privilege of being out and all the folks who don't have the privilege of being out. Um and all the allies in the room and in the city and beyond. Um we had a really beautiful um
part of a really beautiful ceremony to raise a queer flag for the city of Chelsea just a couple of days ago um hosted in collaboration with some city leaders as well as uh folks from the Chelsea uh Chamber of Commerce. Um it was delayed in a way because of the
rain, but look forward to more opportunities to celebrate later on uh this year, this month, these next couple of weeks. Happy Pride. So before we end the school year, I just want to remind everybody that um
summer's approaching obviously um many of our city events will be held at um conflicting schedules. Um so I want to remind us to be mindful to be um aware of summer safety. There's going to be a
lot of construction done during the summer. Sometimes during um at the beginning of school time, uh there's going to be ongoing construction. So, just um stay tuned to whatever it is that you choose to
um I don't know, pay attention to for the news. So, whether that's social media, the actual news channels, your local neighbor. Um but having said that as I mentioned um sometimes if you have more than one child in more than one building
that means that you might have to do strategic planning to attend you know more than one um event for um school planning. So, um we use Parent Square, our social media platforms to inform you
of whatever type of um engagement is going to be happening within our schools. So, I hope that we continue to do that. The bus forms have gone out um if your child is eligible. So, please um fill those out, get them back to the
parent information center if you are still eligible and need and are going to be needing them. And we hope that you have a safe and um lovely summer and stay
um cool. I guess that's all for me. It's okay. I always feel a little sappy at at this meeting. I think I cried like three times today during the student awards. Um so I as you know it's our last meeting of the year. I just want to
um thank our our educators and um thank our school district. This is a time when I really reflect on um my son's progress that he's made throughout the year. He's in kindergarten at the ELC. he will almost certainly be moving onto the
complex which is which is amazing and and huge and um I cannot thank enough the he's been at the ELC for three years now. He started off in um a substantially separate classroom for
students who had more severe autism and he is now in um full inclusion in a gened classroom. um we're looking at, you know, first grade soon and um I just can't believe the the the difference. He
was a baby when he started at the ELC and the number of educators who have touched his education over these past three years is incredible. He has been in many classrooms from extended day to the regular school day, his special ed
teachers, his speech language um therapists. Um it so many people and I'm I just really want to thank especially the the three educators who he has this year. His teacher Kyle Melo, his um Para
uh Miss Vivana Gomez, and his his one-on-one uh Juan M, Mr. M um who have just really gone above and beyond. And it really when we're thinking about our students and what they need to thrive, um I've really especially seen that from
the real attention that they've given to his education. Um the way Miss Viviana will come up to me and look at the really cute picture I took of Roi yesterday and they just I can you can feel the the love, you know, and that's
that's what and you know he has some challenges with his disability and our many of our other students have other types of challenges either from their their family situation or uh learning a new language. Um, and it's that that attention that our educators give our
kids that enables them to overcome those challenges. So, just thank you for a great another great school year. >> Thank you. And it's true. Um, we've had the pleasure of of seeing Roby um grow
and and learn and change. And it's been um it's been amazing to to be able to be a part of that. Um, for me it's um it's knowing that my grandson is going into preK next year um in September, which is
crazy to me that he was just born um it feels to me and he will be attending the early learning center with where my daughter went, where his mom went and you know in the same school I went to pre to kindergarten. So it's three generations that have gone to the same
school and it's it's um It just it's amazing and to see the teachers and to see the teachers here today how the love that they feel for these children um is seen in how they express themselves about them. You know
we had um we had a very a very challenging year this year. was a very challenging year in all aspects um in our jobs in in that what was happening in the schools what was happening in the streets what's happening in the world um
so it was just an incredibly challenging and difficult year but it was also a lot of very happy moments that we have exposure to that gets us through these moments and tells us this is why we do
this this is why we continue to do this and I think educators feel the same way. I think everyone feels the same way. You have those difficult times, but then you look around and you say, "This is why we're here." And I can't thank my my
peers enough for being a part of this with me and helping me. And I've learned so incredibly much from all of you. Um, and as we end this year and next year will be my last year on the school
committee. Um, and this is the first time I've publicly said this. Um, it's it's a difficult year that I'm going into because it's I I realize now I have one one more year and that's it. This
will be my last um I have one more end of year and it's been a great time and it's been a very learning experience for me and I will continue to learn because I say that we learn until the day we die. Um and the people that think they
know everything are only doing harm to themselves. So with this I thank everyone. I thank you all and I ask for a motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjurnn.
>> I will second the motion. >> You guys were slow today.