Good evening everyone. I'm sorry for the slight delay. If we could all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Veronica, can we have a roll call for attendance? Miss Hernandez, >> present. >> Mr. Orian, >> present. >> Miss Enriquez, >> present. >> Miss Cabraw, >> present.
>> Mr. Gomez Pereira. >> Mr. Miss Balderas, >> present. >> Dr. Neville, >> present. >> Miss Kovas Caravayo, >> present. >> Miss Alaro. So that's seven present and two absent.
>> Seven present. Thank you. Two absent. And we'll move on to Dr. Alvea. Um for the student motion. >> I make a motion to move um out of order.
>> Second. >> Okay. We'll move on to um excuse Madame Chair. Yes. And Miss Kovas could um clarify where where you'd like to go on the agenda out of order. >> Where what are we moving the agenda out
of order for >> for Dr. Alva's contract? For Dr. Alva's contract, which is item 25 SC77. So Veronica, I make a motion to move out of order for item 25
>> SC7 >> SC77. I second the motion. Okay, we'll move on to item 25 SC77, consideration action to accept the adoption of the enclosed contract which
has been negotiate negotiated between Superintendent Dr. Alboa and Chelsea School Committee for the for the term of January 1st, 2026 to January 1st, 2031.
explanation. The school the Chelsea school committee revised the contract terms including duration and compensation using benchmark data from our surrounding districts in an evaluation of performance. Can I get a
roll call? Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Organ? >> Yes. >> Miss Enriquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Cabraw? >> Yes. >> Miss Baldas? >> Yes. >> Dr. Mr. Neville. >> Yes. >> Miss Kovayo.
>> Yes. >> And Mr. Montes. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> In the affirmative and two absent. >> Thank you. Aid in the affirmative, two absent. Motion passes. Thank you very much.
As a school committee, we were honored to be able to re-evaluate her contract and make these adjustments that she very well deserves along with much, much more. Thank you so much for all your service, all you've done for
for Chelsea and our children in this district. Um, do you have anything you'd like to say? >> Just want to say thank you. I'm grateful for a supportive school committee. Um, you make it much easier to do the work
that I get to do and I'm grateful that we can with amazing cabinet team continue the the work that we're doing in Chelsea and improve our schools for our students. And um, thank you With that, we will move back into order.
Can I have a motion? >> I make a motion to move back into our regular order. >> Second. Okay, we'll move back to um the student poem by the Chelsea High School student, Maria Adams. And I'll hand it over to
Dr. Ala. I'm sorry. Well, I was just informed Maria was not able to come tonight. Um, but she'll come another evening and and bless us with her poem that I'm sure is beautiful. And we'll move on now to
special recognitions tonight. We have a couple recognitions. We have a couple of recognitions tonight, but we're going to start with um a new addition to our our sports leagues at Chelsea High School. Um this
year um our chief academic officer, Mr. Dey, um really saw the need to have a unified sports league for our students. And he fought to do this. He came back from Melrose
and said, "This is amazing. You need to do this." and he put it together in a very short time. So, I do want to thank Mr. Dely and Amanda Alper, our athletic coordinator, who did a lot of the work in making this happen for our kids. And
so, our unified sports teams, they uh we started with basketball, girls and boys. I I did get to go to a few games and um it was a real joy. I got to meet uh and know a lot the names of students and
watch them play and um it's just a really special um it's it's special. It's I I don't I to see the kids play and they're playing with um their their peers and people
that they look up to. And I I have um a special memory with a student named Brian, otherwise known as Bad Bunny. And uh Oh, Bad Bunny's here tonight. >> So, Bad Bunny, um we have your your your
autographs and I know you'll be handing out autographs, um later on tonight, and so Okay. We loved watching you play and your f you and your friends. And I actually would like to call up Mr. Deady to to
say a few words, too. Thank you, Dr. Aeda. Um, it truly is an honor to have the privilege to recognize this group of amazing human beings. Um, as Dr. Aa said, this is Chelsea Public School's first ever unified uh sports
team. Um, and for those that don't know, it's affiliated with Special Olympics and it's it's truly a testament to the the concept of inclusivity and friendship. I can tell you that I've learned so much from watching these
students play, watching them practice. Um, it just I feel like I'm a better human being because I was in contact with these young men and women. Um, it took a lot of work and it was certainly a team effort. I want to thank our athletic director, Amanda Albert, for
all of her work on this and making it happen. I want to thank our special education department and our special education director Cindy Rosenberg and countless others who did so many things to hype up the team, get people in the stands, people who came to the games and
supported the team. We had a a a large group of groupies who made most of the game. Um, I also particularly want to thank our coaches who, you know, did all that work behind the scenes setting up practices, making staying late, making sure we had transportation home. Uh, Joe
Digitano, a longtime friend of mine, and uh, Greg Sullivan, a a shorter time friend of mine. Um, but, uh, they did a great job. And with that, I'd like to call up some individuals. So, I'm going to go over there. When I call your name, come on up. And we'll, uh, stay up there
together and take a nice picture. Daniel Romero Matut, Juan Santos, Ramos and our partner athletes Danny Alex Antonune Cruz I don't see Danny here right
Sophia Gutierrez George Brian Paneda Perez, Matthew Marino, Del Rio, Hennessano and Jonathan JJ Williams Jr. and our coaches Joe Digitano could not make it but I believe Greg Sullivan is
in the house is he not? There he is. Amanda, can you come up for a photo, too? What does it matter? >> No, because we have so many. So, we can do all
the families and ask them to come up. >> Yeah. >> Can we have the families and all the students and the partners come up so we can take a picture with them? >> The families.
>> Can we have the the kids and the partners and the families come up so we can take a Okay. If we could have the families of the um unified sports that we um so we can take a picture with
>> Yeah. Come on, guys. Three, two, one. stand up sit down. Okay. So, our next
um special recognition is actually for our amazing Senator Sal de Dominico. He is Yes, he is. S, why don't you come on up? He is our champion, a champion for
education. Come join us. We have We're going to talk about you first. >> Um so this is S's 15th year as our state senator and um S has advocated
uh for education in the state of Massachusetts. I know you were behind the so the student opportunity act funding and you're constantly and continually to to advocate for for education and for Chelsea in particular.
I know you have other districts as well, but since you're in Chelsea tonight, um we want to say thank you. Um every year he puts ear marks in the budget for performing arts. every year he's always thinking about us and what can how can I
help you? How how can we advocate for Chelsea in the Chelsea public schools? And so I have a citation here that I'd like to read and it says,
"Senator Sal de Dominico is hereby honored as a champion for education for steadfastly advancing policies that expand access, strengthen public schools, and elevate the importance of learning at every
stage of life. Through visionary advocacy, the senator has championed equitable funding, supported teachers as essential pillars of our communities, and promoted innovative pathways that open doors for
all students. This citation acknowledged the senator's deep belief that education is the foundation of economic mobility, civic engagement, and national strength. His leadership has helped secure
resources that empower classrooms, uplift families, and ensure that every student has the opportunity not only to succeed, but to thrive. In appreciation of a distinguished record
of service and a continued dedication to building a stronger, more just, and better educated nation, we proudly present this honor. given this fourth day of December 2025. So s
on behalf of Chelsea Public Schools, we want to say thank you and honor you for your 15 years of service. >> And I know my colleagues have something to say as well. So you may want to
I know everyone to say something to you. >> Who wants to go first? Because I know you all want to talk. >> I'm gonna go first. Um, I just want to say thank you. >> Just >> Oh, sorry. >> It's okay. >> And since this is her last meeting,
we're going to let her go first. >> So, you and I are kind of the same. You was you ran a year before I. So I'm leaving at after 14 years of being servicing this great committee and it's always been a pleasure working with you advocating for education. I know that
you are the number one believer on our Chelsea schools especially with the nonaccompanied children that were coming no um the immigrant rights that nobody wanted attached at the state house. you was the champion always protecting us and you still protecting all of us
making sure that in 2019 we also had resources for our uh students especially when we were facing the covid-19 uh if I keep going on and on you know you have my heart and you have my support it's always been a pleasure
being um supporting you in your campaigns as well >> um I just want say thank you so much. I know him for a long time too. Uh since I met him, I saw that I mean he's a great leader. He helps with all his heart and
he always um believe and that we can do things and he fight for that and um I think that I mean he's very transparent and he does what he say and he tried the best to do it and I really thank you so
much because I know you for a long time and I see every step that you do and every time you support or somebody needs support you there and that's you you know very respectful because a lot of people they have a positions and
sometimes they don't have that mission they have themselves mission and they don't have the mission to help others and you're here to serve us and you're here to support us and I just want to say thank you so much >> okay um well this is easy because I I
feel that um as a mother of two wonderful children that have been um prime example of what the initiatives that you have taken and the care that you have poured into Chelsea,
I can attest that having quiet leadership, steady leadership, um vigilant leadership, responsible leadership, um it's easy to sit here and say thank you for the 15 years of leading by
example um not only at at chambers but also within the community. You have um led many many many initiatives between educational um initiatives such as chap
you know Ignite fish tank and many roundt behind the scenes um powerful meaningful closed dooror heart-to-heart um mentorship. um you're always there for the community
when it counts, when nobody's looking. And I think those are probably most of the if anything the more powerful um times in which you which you lead because you lead by example and that's when it probably really means the most.
um you help so many people and and again you do it wholeheartedly because you know what the ripple effect is. Um, so thank you for always being there for our kids, whether it's um creating spaces for them to be able to continue to
perform, continue to dream, to be have food, have shelter, um, and to lead with by example with dignity, with pride, and to always remember to say, "I'm not from Boston, I'm from Chelsea." And to say
that with pride. So, thank you for always saying, you know, that you do have a lot of districts, but Chelsea does have a special place and that it's your favorite. >> And if you didn't say that before, glad he just said you said it. >> Oh, no, he says it.
>> I know. No, I know he has. Um, Sarah, >> um, everyone's said pretty much everything that I already believe, but I also just want to re-emphasize that my favorite thing about Sal is that, um, he's not someone that you have to turn
to to convince him why you have to support your cause. He's already there with you because he shares our values. He understands the issues that Chelsea face and he and and the and the solutions that we need to to tackle them. We don't have to tell him what to do. he's already on it. And so he's
always in our corner. He's always our champion. And he's also always transparent. You know, he's not going to give us some BS about, oh well, maybe it'll happen. Yeah, I'm going to do my like he he tells us, okay, this is what we're up against. This is what we're going to try and do and this is what I need from you. And and so we're really
partners in in these fights. And that's why I really appreciate S. And it's not just about education. It's about really every social issue that that Chelsea's facing. And it's also not just about the small changes and, you know, the ear marks and this, but it's also about being willing to to really and and
dreaming for the systemic changes that we need, like the big changes and the the things that get to the root of the problem. And so, yeah, thank you for being in partnership with us. >> Lucia, >> I also uh know S for many years and been
a pleasure always to talk to you when I see you and and see your commitment. I just want to say something like that you are like a truly given community person like you are really a given person and I
like when they when they talk about the transferences because you are that kind of person you you are who you are it doesn't matter and that's what I like uh or you or the somebody that I work for um to make bring some changes in the
community you are representing the whole community you're representing all of us. So, thank you so much for everything that you've been doing uh all of these years uh at the state house. So, I appreciate that. Thank you, >> Kathy. >> And I'll be short and brief. As um my
colleagues have already mentioned, we're just so grateful for this partnership. um you are someone who's omnipresent and um who's a constant presence here in Chelsea whether it's in community events, city council um or even in the most recent um state commissioner
meeting when he visited us at the Burkewoods and one of the first things you mentioned was um the pressing needs here in Chelsea and you're just such a strong advocate for Chelsea. I'm so grateful for that as a a graduate of Chelsea public schools. I'm I'm grateful that you're our bridge to state policy
and ensuring that um Chelsea gets what it deserves. Um and I'm so thankful for this full house. Um and just thankful for all the years of service that you've had. So, thank you. >> And I forgot to say you have great staff, too. >> So, I I don't have much I can say
because I think my colleagues have said pretty much everything I feel. Um, I've had the pleasure of being with you the whole 15 years. Um, I was a year before you. Um, and I I have to say I feel
honored. I I feel great pleasure in having been able to work with you and you have given you gave me back faith in politics. Um, and I told Elme this at one point when we were in at the Harlem
um visit. I said to to um Elme S actually gave me back faith in politics and politicians because you are so down to earth, so human. Um you're an amazing dad. You're an amazing senator and an
amazing person. And I thank you so much for holding Chelsea in such a special place in your heart and working so hard along with us. And not much more I can say. Well, I forgot. I forgot. Fidel Fidel, I'm sorry.
>> No, no, thank you so much, Madam Chair. And and uh we are very lucky to have uh Sal in his role in in in leadership as well, right? Uh uh Sal holds a lot of power and a lot of sway uh in in in the
Senate and and we're so lucky to have him as the advocate for Chelsea. I I have stolen a lot of quotes from Sal that that he's he shared with me. He he uh uh what I love about Sal is that he he is a a uniter, right? He he he
doesn't get mixed up in in the uh uh in the small fights because he knows what the big fights are. Um we are so lucky you're there. You answer the phone on on the weekends at night. Uh you are are constantly working for us and and please
know that this entire community and I know that that the city council as well is behind you. uh this entire room is is are are are faith believers of of your work, Senator. >> I will be brief. And my my staff is
here, so they're probably saying, "Sure, he will not be brief, but I will be brief." Um, but but before I I say anything, I just want to thank my my team because I this this is this is a team effort. You know, I have Christy Ghetto Young, my chief of staff,
who's with me the entire 15 years, who many of you know in this community, who could do my job right now without any missing a beat. Um, and I'm thankful for her and and for sticking with me and my district and our communities for the entire 15 years when she could be doing
anything else in the world. and she chose to to serve uh with us in this role. Um and then I also have Ayla Thorntona who is my elective director, budget director. She started as legisative aid in my office quickly moved up very quickly because we were
you know afraid of losing her. Uh she is she's a rock star as well and and someone who I rely on immensely when it comes to to legislation and and policy issues. So um I have and Eli Fenell in my office and Yoshki Wartz is also in my
office and Jim Henry um so I have an fabulous team. Um and longevity in my team is pretty remarkable as well. So we've had 11 staff members in 15 years which is unprecedented in the state house. So I want to thank them because all the good work that you're talking
about is a reflection of what the work they do every single day in our office. But um I'm actually blown away by what you all said to me tonight. I'm kind of taken back by by this. I want to bring you all to the state house and talk about me all the time to everybody else up there.
This this is amazing. Um I didn't know what to expect when I found out I was being being uh recognized tonight, but uh this is more than I could have expected. Um, your words really touched me because Chelsea, as was said, and I'm
glad you feel it because I say it and I and I try to show the people of Chelsea how much I care about this community. Um, my mom grew up in Chelsea. She was very proud of being called the Chelsea girl. Um, she went to the shirt school,
went to Chelsea High School. My parents got married at St. Rose Church. So, this is where my family began. This is where the Dometico family started in the city of Chelsea. And I have taken that to heart and I'm glad you also mentioned that when I say graduation every year to all the students is when you wherever
you may go when you leave Chelsea, never say you're from greater Boston. Never say from Massachusetts. Always say you're from Chelsea. Be very proud of where you came from because Chelsea is very proud of you. This is a special special community. Um and this school committee uh is school committee is the
toughest job in America. School committee is the toughest job in politics. I'd much much rather be in the state senate than in the school committee to be honest with you. You you you take all the all the fire coming at you. Um and you do an exceptionally great job in this community. U we are
doing a lot at the state house to try to bring a new culture into our school systems, to bring evidence-based curriculum into our school systems, to bring high dosage tutoring to our school systems. And what does that mean? It means Chelsea is doing all of that and
more. So, I have a bill to do exactly what Chelsea is doing already, which is giving you, the residents and the families of this community, the best education possible that is evidence-based and it has true science behind it as opposed to what has been
happening in the past. And, you know, I am so happy that I was here tonight for the five-year extension. And I was hoping it would be 10-year extension of our superintendent, Dr. Alba, who is I call her, and I'm not afraid to say it, and I have a lot of superintendents, but she is the best superintendent of
schools in the entire state of Massachusetts, bar none. And Chelsea is very lucky to have her leading the school system. And we are exceptionally happy. My my my team, when we found out we were you were being extended tonight,
Christie was like, I love that. I love that. So, so we were all excited to hear about that as well. So, and then your team too know how I feel about your entire team uh in your office, but the members of the school committee, um thank you. Thank you very much uh for
your kind words and you know that I will always be in your corner. I have four different communities. Um but Chelsea has a very special special place in my heart. And as Fidel mentioned, um, we
share this saying now because I I want to make sure you know, and he says it and I say it that at the state house, we do not need our fair share for Chelsea. Chelsea has more challenges and more
obstacles and city that the residents of the city persevere every single day in light of in spite of all that. So Chelsea in my mind does not deserve a fair share. They deserve more than their fair share. More than their fair share.
So if we talk about equity, that's what equity looks like. Not equality, equity. And that's why I fight so hard for this community because you deserve everything you get and more. And I wish I could do more for you because you deserve even more than that. So, I appreciate you uh
recognizing myself and my team for all the work that we have done. Um, but I want to recognize you and thank you for all the work that you have you've done to provide an exceptionally uh great educational system for the residents of this community and I would expect no less from this group. So, thank you very
much to all of you. So S, can we get a picture with you of school committee? >> Have your staff come up too. >> Yes. And S staff Christy. Aya. Yeah. Seven.
>> Yeah. >> And I'm gonna be the big 61. Yes, it is. >> Okay, >> thank you. Okay. >> So, I'm going to do Joe.
Oh, okay. Okay. So, they can go home here. Okay. So, I'm going to go ahead and do the next on the agenda. I'm switching out and we're going to do the um name on the
agenda. We're going to do the name strength and story awards before the outstanding service awards. And so, the first name strength and story award is a Chelsea High School teacher, Sam
Cho. Um Sam I I actually um nominated you for this, but it actually came through students at Chelsea High School. I have a superintendent student advisory that I meet with once a month and our students
are here. And I went around the room and I asked, "Who is a teacher who has uh made a difference for you at Chelsea High School?" and several students
mentioned your name. And so, um, that's the greatest honor in my opinion. And so, it was the students that, um, shared with me how how dedicated you are, how you take the time to know students and really care about them and explain
things to to the students. And so this truly is coming from the students at Chelsea High School. And um there's no greater honor than that. So I don't know if Daniel and and and Allison if you
guys want to say something. >> Hi Mr. I will turn in the the Apoku thing tonight. Don't worry. Um but um I wanted to say that for for me this is my first year having you and I know that I've heard so much praise towards
your classes um and just having like being to be experiencing in the class right each morning or yeah each morning you always ask the class like how we're doing thumbs up thumbs middle thumbs down like I feel like there's no other teacher who kind of starts a class they kind of just go in and there's no other teachers who kind of ask like how the
students are doing um and I think it really shows and it's a testament to how you care about the students, right? Um, and overall, Natalie's not here, but she's someone who really does support you and really does appreciate you. And I wish she was here to see you receive this award. Um, so yeah, Mr. Troco, we
we love you. We as a students love you and continue doing what what you're best at. Um, thank you, Mr. Tro. >> Well, hi mister. I'm also gonna, you know, work on my homework tonight. Um, one of the things I like to say is I've had you my freshman year for intro to
law. I went into this class not knowing what to expect, how my teacher would be, the kind of stuff I would learn. And I was able to learn that when uh in the future when I'm driving, if a cop ever stops me, I don't consent to searches.
And um this year I have the honor to have you for APR history. And one of the things I love about you is the way you teach with such passion. That is one of the things that I just greatly admire about you. The way you I can ask you any single question about history and I know
that you'll have an answer. And I just love that about you, mister. You're welcome. Okay, our next name strength and story award is um actually for an organization and um this is our the Chelsea Pride
Youth Football and Cheer. So tonight we recognize a community program and partner on the recommendation of member Orian as one of the recipients of the name strength and story award. Chelsea pride youth football and cheer stands
out because it understands the meaning that meaningful coaching starts with meaningful connections. And by knowing every student athletes name, strength, and story, they create a supportive community where confidence grows,
character is shaped, and potential is realized. They support their players on and off the field, and ensure their players are productive and successful Chelsea Public School students. And so, we have um several awards. I'm going to
go through the names and then we can Everyone can come up from Chelsea Pride. Um the name are the football coaches are and um you want to hand them the certificate as they come up.
>> Yeah. Um Mr. Orian has asked if Miss Clary Clovis Kavayo can hand the certificates to the as the awardees are presented. So if you can come up and Miss uh Coles Kio will give you your
certificate and then we'll take you can take a group picture and then school committee will take a picture with everyone. Okay. So the first where we is president and head coach Jack Gregorian
and I actually see him at our uh football games as well. Not just Chelsea Pride, but Chelsea High School football games. So, thank you for supporting all of our kids. Um, Sandra Castro, manager of game day hospitality and community
engagement. Kevin Orian, Sydney Best, Caesar Cortez, Nelson Medina, Jonathan Vasquez, Carlos Molina, Henry Hoffman, Jonie Phelix,
and Frank Medberry. And then for the cheerleading coaches, Jocelyn Varela, Rosa Karabio, Cassandra Thompson, and Jamie Lee Rodriguez. So, thank you so much for knowing our
students by name, strength, and story. And um if we can get a picture of all of you together and then school committee Okay. Stay there. Wait. Stay there. Stay there. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Come on.
Okay, our next is actually a retirement that I don't want to ad acknowledge because I don't want him to go but he has I know he has already left us for a couple days
already and we're very and and so it was nice to see you Joe and make sure you come back and visit us too. So uh Joe Mr. Cooney um retired on the 29th and um
Joe you were here. I know Joe was here for 33 years in the city of Chelsea. So that in itself is amazing. Um so Joe Joe Mr. worked on the city side with ISD at
first and then he came over to the school side and has uh every year I had heard actually when I started that you were close to retirement and I every year I'd be like oh please don't let this be the year please don't let this
be the year and then um a little birdie told me this was the year so um Joe I can't thank you enough during co all of you your entire the buildings and grounds team but you you anything we
asked you you were on it whether it was putting tape on the on the in on the on the floor for directions during COVID and and whether it was hanging up posters for masking. Um I have a photo in my phone of you when we got our COVID
shots together. um you were always helping out with the clinic and then people don't realize this but during COVID we uh received SR dollars and we did a lot of work in our
buildings. We replace a lot of our HVACs and Joe and and Frank and all the team buildings and grounds. You guys oversaw the HVAC replacements, some roofing, you oversaw the building uh the brand new
the building out of the cafeteria at the Williams and then the cafeteria at the high school. That in itself is a full-time job and you you did that while still doing the regular job. keeping all the schools clean and updated and and so
Joe, I don't know all that you did, but I'm going to we're going to find out because oftentimes when people leave, you don't know all that they did until they leave. And so, um, please pray for us.
If we have leaks, water leaks, if we have water leaks and our pipes break, uh, we'll have to call you and and ask you to consult with us because we're never really going to let you go. So, I just want you to know that I I still have your phone number,
but Joe, I just I can't thank you enough for um your years of service and I know every year in the last couple years was an extra year that you gave to Chelsea Public Schools and I know that and I was trying to hang on as long as I could to
you, but I I also know that It's also time to retire too and move on to greener pastures and to rest and um just thank you for giving so much of your time and I I really don't know what Frank is going to do without him.
But we'll keep Frank company. Okay. So, so Joe, I have a a um a a little uh plaque that I want to read for your outstanding years of ser uh outstanding service award. It's presented to Joseph Cooney in
recognition for your 10 years of service and dedication with the Chelsea Public Schools on this occasion of your retirement. But you're not. We're going to call on you. with deepest appreciation. Chelsea
Public Schools December 4th, 2025. Thank you. So you can come up How are you doing? Do you have you have it over to you? Yeah.
And not last but not least, our next service award um is actually for a school committee member uh Yenia Alaro. So, and I will start, but then I'm going to
hand it over to our chair. Um, yes, I want to say thank you. Um, you were on the school committee that hired me um in 2019 and thank you for believing in me and and um and for your years on school
committee. you've been so supportive and I I'm really going to miss having you on school committee. Um, it's it's I know it's not goodbye because you're going to continue to serve in other ways and you already do and continue to advocate,
which I know you're a fierce advocate for um the residents of Chelsea and you love the people and the community here and um you you're such an encourager to me and you've always supported. you've
asked questions, good questions, and you you have made me when I was hired, you made me feel right at home. And um I I can't thank you enough for your support. And I always say
I have the best school committee because you support me and I'm able to do the work that I'm able to do because of everybody sitting here. And um when an original I call original committee member that hired me leaves. Um, a
little piece of my heart goes with them, too. So, thank you. We love you. You will be missed, but I know we're going to see you and all the wonderful things that you do for the city of Chelsea. And then I'll turn it over to um our chair, Hernandez.
Well, this is um probably one of the more difficult moments for me. Um I've known Justinia for a long time. side of school committee and then having had the opportunity to spend the last 10 years with you um has been amazing. You are
probably one of the most positive people I've ever met. You always have such a a positive look at everything and such a helpful way of wanting to extend yourself to everyone, families, kids, um
the city, and it's been a thoroughly a pleasure to be with you um on school committee to share this this experience with you. Um, we've had some difficult moments, some um, moments that we
weren't quite sure if we would get out of, and we've had many, many happy moments. And I thank you for sharing all those with us. And I hope that whatever you plan on doing next will be just as
exciting as school committee was, although kind of hard to figure that one out that it would be just exciting. So um with that I wanted to extend to you a message that we extend our sincere
appreciation to you just for your 10 years of ex expl exemply ex I can't speak I'm I'm nervous I'm trying not to cry so stop I know exemplary service on the Chelsea
school committee your advocacy for student rights your thoughts leader Your thoughtful leadership and your dedication to educational equity have strengthened our community and set a standard for all who follow.
I thank you for serving with us and I wish you the very best of luck and me and and everybody in the committee and everybody in the community knows that I will be around. You're not getting rid of me that easy.
Um I'm so committed to this movement of you know not only the social change and for the reason that I ran was to make policy changes as a mother as a grandmother I going to continue to advocate for that and you will always
have me um at any given time you're going to see me popping up into a meeting and I truly going to miss all of you. Each one of you have a special uh place on my heart and I hope that I can
continue to be there when you need me. Thank you. >> Thank you. longer from us. >> Thank you. >> Yes, of course. Now we move on.
Okay. Okay. We will now move on to um can I get a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on November 6, 2025?
>> Motion to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> Um we'll move on to public comment. Is there anyone who's interested in making a public comment? Seeing none, we'll move on to presentations. I'll
hand it over once again to Dr. Alvea. Um, and I'm going to actually hand it over to Adam Deady, our chief academic officer, who is filling in for um Dr. Tamar Blake Kanty tonight with the success indicators. Um, Adam is a pro at
this, so he can fill in when Dr. Blake Cany is not here. >> Thank you, Dr. Revea. It's like putting on an old pair of gloves. >> All right, so the first thing I want to share is our daily attendance. I'm not going to go through all of the numbers,
but I will say um the vast majority of our grade levels are on pace to beat last year's percentages. So, I'm really happy to be reporting that for our dropout rate. I'm also happy to report that we're on pace to have a lower dropout rate in 2526
than um in 2425. And please keep in mind these uh percentages here are all even the past years are at this moment in time in previous years. So the at 2425 we had a 2.41 uh dropout rate that was for the
month of uh November. Um and this year we're at 1.9%. And then when we break it down by um student categories, uh uh our nonidentified students are at 0.6%,
our multilingual learners are at 4.8% um and our students with disabilities are at 1% while our dy identified students are at 2.5%. We had 12 students withdraw in the month of November. um 10 uh the location
unknown to we've moved into our adult ed program. For our uh mobility data, um overall we had 31 students in this month and 44 out. For the year we're looking at 255
students in, 137 students out. And for our failing grades, uh, well, that's it's anything other than a zero is not a good number. Um, I will say that all of these numbers are on pace to be lower than last year. Overall, our
total percent of 9th graders failing any subjects at all is 43.4% which is lower than the 46.5 from the final um number from last year. And for our 10th graders, um we're at 37.3%
which is a tick higher than the percent um from 2425. And that is all for indicators of success for tonight. I'm happy to take any questions. >> Um I just have a couple questions. Sorry, I was I was just trying to keep
up. Um, going back to the mobility rate, um, just because I'm trying to keep really close tabs on, you know, what's happening with our enrollment due to, um, you know, our big enrollment drop. Are we, um, seeing basically the the
same what we we would expect for this time of year and we still have that same like, you know, 350 or or is there are we making up ground at all or is it just what we would expect? Um I the in and out is is pretty much
the same. >> What is not the same is that we just didn't have as many students come at the beginning of the year. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. And the only Yeah. The only thing I would add is uh the students that are coming in, we have lower numbers of um
newcomers to the country, which is not really a surprise. For example, I believe last year for the month of November, we had something like 65 ninth graders enter. This year we uh as far as newcomers, and this year we had two.
>> Oh, wow. >> So, the the numbers are roughly the same, but it's the types of students that we're bringing in are are different. And um that was my next question is how that is affecting our our indicators and like are we seeing
any any changes or you I was um you were mentioning like our our dropout rate is looking better and like various like do you think that our our demographics are affecting our our indicators? >> I think slightly. Yeah, I think you're probably right on that.
>> Anyone else? Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> And then our student update, representative updates. >> Good evening, Dr. Beta, Chairwoman Hernandez, and school committee members.
Um my first update will be as the class of 2026 continues to fund raise. Um we are proud to share that we recently received two generous donations. Um one from Senator Salo D Dom Dominico and another from Robert Hilddrth. Um the support is making a real difference and
we couldn't be any more grateful and thankful for the support. Um we I also wanted to thank you Dr. Beta um and your team uh mentioning Dr. Jennings and Mr. because their support continues to um to grow and they continue to make an effort
to make this year memorable um for me and my peers. Um I also wanted to celebrate an incredible achievement from one of our own um one of my own peers and sheriff. Um he has been selected through QuestBridge National uh match which is QuestBridge is a national
nonprofit program that helps achieving high achieving low-income students um to apply to top colleges with with the full ride scholarships. It connects students to partner universities through the national college match and their mission um and other mission opportunities. Um to give some context, there were around
30,000 applicants this year, which was I think I believe one of the highest if not the highest there's ever been. and about 7,000 were being admitted to the first stage and there was only 20 about 200 who actually matched with the
partner school. Um so Ahmed being one of them um is a really big achievement and he matched with Yale. Um so yeah, this is a major accomplishment and we are extremely proud of him. Um additionally, the school continues to enforce the phone policy through regular reminders um and classroom checks. Um we
appreciate everyone's cooperation as um we work together to improve our learning environment. Um I also wanted to highlight our continued involvement in the community next week. Some of our students will be volunteering at the toy drive hosted by Senator S. Um events like this allows us to give back and
support families during the holiday season and many of us enjoyed Thanksgiving recently. Not only by spending time with family but also by sharing moments of gratitude and celebration with friends. Um, I also wanted to to talk about the amazing experience at the Katie's closet ribbon cutting ceremony. Um, it was inspiring
to see a res u a resource inside our school that gives students access to clothing and hygiene products, things that might seem simple but often overlooked and truly essential for confidence um and success. I thought it was very touching to hear the CEO's story of her sister. Um, and I think it
really gives a background of the purpose of Katie's closet. Um, but I love that there are new opportunities being created for my peers and that we are building a school environment where everyone feels supported and able to show up as their best selves. The event highlight the importance of addressing our community
needs and it showed how students needs are being are to be accounted for beyond the classroom. Um I also wanted to to show my support um to Natalie who wasn't here because she had her opening tonight for um the show her her show
Rumors. Um, and I wanted to invite any everybody here on her behalf um to go see the show. They're having um they're showing it tomorrow and um Saturday. Um so yeah, thank you. >> Good evening, Dr. Ala, Chairwoman
Hernandez, and school committee members. I'll be giving an update about the clubs and sports at CHS. I will also be speaking about Katie's Closet ribbon cutting ceremony. As we dive deeper into the school year, fall sports have wrapped up for our seniors. It was a meaningful moment marking their final
season playing together before stepping into the real world. Having attended most of the senior nights, it was truly touching to watch my classmates play their last games and finish strong as the family they've become. Winter approaching our winter sports teams indoor track, basketball, wrestling, and
cheer are getting ready for the new season. I'm excited to attend the games and watch our school continue to thrive. The winter sports schedules are posting are posted on the Chelsea Red Devils Instagram page. Meanwhile, within our school clubs, the National Honor Society is preparing for its induction ceremony
on December 16th at 6 p.m. in the Chelsea High Auditorium, where new members will officially be welcomed. The class of 2027 is also planning an amazing winter formal on December 20th for all CHS students. Meanwhile, our newly formed fashion club is learning
new skills and created handmade Christmas gifts. This Tuesday, I had the special opportunity to meet Michael Kenny, the director of programs for Katie's Closet. I enjoyed being a part of the pre-event meeting with the superintendent student advisory council, and I discussed ways to spread awareness
for this amazing resource throughout our school. I also had the honor of meeting Mickey Cochril, the CEO of Katie's Closet. She shared the story behind why she started the organization and it truly touched me. Hearing her passion and vision for helping people in need resonated deeply with me. Her story
reminded me why I'm so committed to my education and why I want to study business and political science. My long-term goal is to create a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping others. Meeting Miss Mickey only strengthened my aspirations and inspired me even more. I got to be a part of the
ribbon cutting ceremony and I left feeling encouraged and confident that anything is possible when we believe in creating change for our communities. I'm also wishing my fellow colleague Natalie and the drama club the best on opening night for rumors. Thank you. >> Thank you.
And just as a reminder to everyone, rumors will be at um the Chelsea High School auditorium on December 4th, 5th, and 6th um at 700 p.m. So, please try to make it. Tickets
are at the door, or $8 at the door, and $5 in advance. Thank you, and hope to see a lot of you guys there. Thank you. Um, thank you. And so I'll move on to our personnel
report. Um, for this month, we've hired 13% Caucasian, 87% Hispanic, 0% black, and 0% AsianPacific Islander. And for our school enrollment,
uh, we are numbers as of today are 5,764. And I'd like to commend these two reports for the the record. That completes my report for tonight. >> Thank you, Dr. Va.
Um, moving on to committee reports. I'd like to commend um our reports to the Can I make can I get a motion? >> I'll make a motion to commend the um reports for
>> and I second the motion. >> Thank you. We'll move on to new business. Um I'm going to do the new business and the consent agenda form. I'm going to do it in two parts. I want to do the
first part that entails um up to item 25 SC75 which are all the monetary um items. Does anybody is anybody looking to table
any of these items before I start? No. Okay. And then I'll do the second half. will be the remainder of the items since they're more um um policies and and and contracts. Okay.
First item is consideration and action to accept six $50 market basket gift cards from the ZA Club of Chelsea. Next item is consideration and action to
accept a gift of four Holiday Pops tickets for Boston Symphony Hall with a value of $252 for Burkowitz family donated by Rodman for Kids. Next item is consideration and action to
accept a gift of $5,000 to Chelsea High School class of 20126 from the Robert Hildrich Foundation. Next item is consideration and action to
accept a gift of $5,000 from the soccer without bound borders in grocery cards for Chelsea public schools families. Next item is consideration and action to accept $3,000
for fiscal year 26 from DESIE for the influence 100 grant. Next item is consideration and action to accept up to $75,000 from the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education for the Transforming Diverse Educators Pathways Grant. And the final item for this section is consideration and action to accept an increase for the supporting students
seal behavioral and mental health and wellness grant for the 2025 2026 school year to $44,910. Can I get a roll call? Veronica. Madam Chair, do we need a cons um a
motion to accept that consent first? >> I'm sorry. Can I get a motion to get to accept the consent agenda? >> Motion to accept the consent starting on item 25 SC69 ending on item 25 SC75.
>> Second. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes, >> Mr. Orian. Yes, >> Miss Enriquez. >> Yes, >> Miss Cabraw. >> Yes, >> Mr. Gomez Pereira. >> Yes, >> Miss Balderas. >> Yes, >> Dr. Neville.
>> Yes, >> Miss Kovas Caravayo. >> Yes. >> And Miss Salaro? >> Yes. >> That's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in affirmative. Motion passes. Do we need another motion
for the second half, Veronica, or is this enough for them? >> I would just do that just to be and then just removing. So, we're doing a motion for items 25 SC76 >> through items
SC 2585. Um, with and that's taking out the one we have voted on. Um, that's item 25 SC77. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to accept um to
to consent agenda for items starting with 25 SC76 to item 25 SC85 >> um >> and withdrawing I'm sorry and
withdrawing item 25 SC77. Um, can I request to pull out uh the item 76, the non-bargaining salary and wage schedule? Um,
and can we can we can we at least uh kind of go over what the policies are before we accept them. I I'm fine with keeping the homeschooling petitions, the field trips in the consent agenda, and then we already we already voted on um Dr.
Abda's contract, but can we at least just explain what the um the other items are before we vote on them? >> Do the explanations for them or to have um Dr. Abda speak on them? >> Um yeah, to have to have her speak on them perhaps
>> on which items did you want? >> Um the new policies and the policy changes. >> Okay. even if it's just for a minute. >> Okay. So, I'll scratch the consent agenda for the second half. I'll just do them individually. I think it'll be it'll be
easier than trying to do them all as a one big group for the second half since there's questions. >> Thank you. >> Okay. No problem. That's what I That's what we were looking for. You know, when situations like that, then I'd rather do it this way. >> Madam Chair, I have a question. um uh
through the chair. Uh Dr. Neville, are those not your your your subcommittees? I I just have a question regarding uh what exactly are the questions that you would like explained since they are your subcommittees that you that you are the chair for
that you would like to elaborate on? Um I think well that's why we're gonna >> She wants She wants an explanation so that everyone can hear what the explanation is. So the people at home I think can hear what the explanation. >> So we're still reading the explanation to them.
>> Yeah, we we well we normally don't read the explanation. We normally just read the item the consideration action. She wants that she wants she feels that the explanation needs to be given to so that people can understand what's what's being what's happening with these
specific items >> which is fine. It's it's understandable. >> Wonderful. I just wanted to just wanted to clarify exactly what the confusion was. Just specify Sarah um Dr. Neville the ones that you want. Okay. Um consideration and action to amend the
non-bargaining salary and wage schedules for 2025 2026 for hourly positions and salary positions. Explanation. Each year, the school committee reviews and approves the non-bargaining salary and wages
schedules for hourly positions and salaried positions. >> Um, can can an explanation be provided for what the what the changes are? Um, from the attachment, I'm just not entirely sure. It says effective July
1st, 2025. Are we only making is the only change that we're making is to remove the two that are joining CTU or are there other changes are also being made? >> There are other changes but just over overall um after we negotiate contracts
with all the units then we look at the non-bargaining and then we adjust accordingly. And I'm actually going to have Miss um our HR director, Miss Christine Lee, come up and explain a little bit more as well in detail.
>> Hi, good evening. Um so our hourly employees are reflected on the scale that you have tonight. And uh back in July, we had updated all of the our
units that we had negotiated contracts for um and our salaried employees had received a wage increase, but our hourly folks had not been increased. And so we wanted to make sure that they are also
given an increase. And so this will be retro back to July 1. Um As you'll see, there are ranges, a minimum and maximum. These are for part-time employees. And then some of our employees, uh, like substitutes, there's a a standard rate
that they're given, but Dr. Abda, uh, wanted to extend, uh, an increase for all of our staff this year, and so we needed to increase the wage schedule. >> I see. Okay. So, we already voted on the non-bargaining salaries, and this is non
salary. I didn't get that. I was like, are we doing this again? >> So, um, so then in columnif fiscal year 2526, those are all new salaries that are that are >> and the old salaries were fiscally fiscal year 20 24. So, I see that
increases from from here to there and and the increases were determined um to to mirror the increases that other units got. Is that right? Yes, the ranges are a little bit different because again this is these are part-time employees
and so um some years there are times where we do not provide increases and so um the ranges are a little bit different from salaried employees for example um CTU members they might have a set three
four 5% increase based on our negotiations but for part-time employees um the range will will be updated as needed. So there are essentially folks in each band that will uh could receive
within that band. Um and so the ranges are a little bit different than the salaried employee just because our part-time employees fall in a different schedule. >> Okay. because you're you're updating the bands, but it doesn't necessarily mean
that every single employee is getting a a uniform increase. >> Everyone will get an increase this year, >> but I guess is was your question asking if each of the bands are a certain rate. Um I guess I don't know what I was
asking but yeah but yeah essentially um people similar to salaried employees they are provided um a set rate based on their experience education level depends but there are some folks like building substitutes
um the crossing guards there are set rates as you'll see on the sheet that are set for everyone. >> Okay, I got it. Thank you so much. Yeah, no problem. Okay. Can we get a roll call, Veronica? >> Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> Mr. Organ,
>> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> Miss Cabraw, >> yes. >> Mr. Gome, Miss Perea, >> yes. >> Miss Balderas, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. >> Miss Kovayo, >> yes. >> Miss Alfaro, >> yes. >> It's nine in the affirmative.
>> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. We'll move on to the next item which is consideration and action to approve the career and technical education middle school policy. New DESIE regulations require any district with a formal part partnership
with a vocational school to maintain a policy that ensures both partnership details and district's efforts to educate students and families regarding their CTE educational options and pathways.
Does anybody have any questions regarding this item? Um, so this is a this is a I can't remember if this is a new policy or an amended policy due to um uh desi regulations, but I wonder if
maybe Dr. Aveda could just briefly explain if anything is new or or changed. >> Yeah, this is a new policy for us. This kind of snuck up on us. As a matter of fact, um Jesse was sending it out to all the districts and half of us didn't even know that we had to write a polic
Um it was a surprise and so I did reach out and ask and they said yes you have to write a policy. I said I don't have a career tech program in Chelsea public schools. Why am I writing a program a policy? And the answer was because you send students to Northeast Votech. So
you have to have a policy that addresses the middle school students and how you're educating them um regarding career vote. So that's what this is. And did this policy change anything that we were already doing in regards to our
middle school students in the votech? >> Um, not really. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Any other questions? >> Can we get a roll call? >> Miss Hernandez? >> Yes.
>> Mr. Orian? >> Yes. >> Miss Enriquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Cabraw? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gomez Perea? >> Yes. >> Miss Valdas? >> Yes. >> Dr. Neville. >> Yes. >> Miss Kovas Carabio. >> Yes. >> Miss Al Faro. >> Yes. >> That's nine in the affirmative.
>> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. >> We'll move on to the next item, which is consideration and action to approve the civil rights policy. Updated regulations required. Some language changes in our current policy, including pregnancy or
related conditions and veteran statuses in protected classes. and include language that all students have equal access to the general education program and the full range of any occupational
vocational education program offered by the district. We also needed to update contact information for DESIE superintendent and special education administrator. Any questions regarding this item? Yeah,
I just want to briefly comment that um all of these next few policies that we're adopting um as and Dr. Beta can um correct me if I'm wrong, but basically because we were going undergoing um Desi special education and civil rights
monitoring, Desi pointed out some places where we need to make some minor changes even just like changing the address in a phone number that was in the policy or things like that. So, um, the way I, uh, understand it is these new policies are really or the amended policies are are
pretty minor and just a result of that. But that's why we're adopting so many policies all at once. >> Correct. >> Okay. Can we get a roll call? >> Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Rean? >> Yes. >> Miss Enriquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Cabal?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Gomez Beda? >> Yes. >> Miss Baldas? Yes, >> Dr. Neville. >> Yes, >> Miss Scovascaro. >> Yes, >> Miss Alaro. >> Yes, >> it's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. Next item is consideration and action to
approve the bullying policy. Updated regulations require some language changes in our current policy, including protection for all students regardless of legal status. We also need to update link update the link to desi
PRS system. Any questions? Can we get a roll call? >> Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Orian? >> Yes. >> Miss Enriquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Cabral? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gomez Pereira? >> Yes. >> Miss Balderas?
>> Yes. >> Dr. Neville? >> Yes. >> Miss Kovas Caravayo? >> Yes. Miss Al Faro. >> Yes. That's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. Next item, consideration and action to approve the physical restraint policy.
Updated language to our current policy includes a statement that we do not utilize any timeout spaces methods for preventing self injuries, behaviors, and suicide. I.e. follow safety care procedures and
ensures parent access to referencing in handbook. Any questions regarding this item? Seeing none, can I get a roll call, please? >> Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Orian? >> Yes.
>> Miss Enriquez? >> Yes. >> Miss Cabraw? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gomez Bera? >> Yes. >> Miss Balderas? >> Yes. >> Dr. Neville? >> Yes. Miss Kovas Caravayo. >> Yes. >> Miss Alaro. >> Yes. >> That's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes.
Next item. Consideration and action to approve the no vehicle idling policy. This is a new policy required by Desi that summarizes expectations that vehicles do not idle on school grounds.
Any questions regarding this item? Roll call. Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> Mr. Organ, >> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> Miss Cabraw, >> yes. >> Mr. Gome, Miss Pereira, >> yes. >> Miss Balderas, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. >> Miss Kovayo,
>> yes. >> Miss Alfaro, >> yes. >> That's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. Next item, consideration and action to approve the annual program access and equity policy. This is a new policy that ensures that
the superintendent or designate will work to ensure that all obstacles to equal access to school programs are identified and removed in accordance with state laws. Any questions?
Roll call, please. >> Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> Mr. Organ, >> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> Miss Cabell, >> yes. Mr. Gomez Pereira, >> yes. >> Miss Valdas, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. >> Miss Kovas Carabayo,
>> yes. >> Miss Salaro, >> yes. >> Stand in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. Next item, consideration and action to approve homeschool petitions for two Chelsea families with a total of two
students for school year 2025 to 2026. Any questions? Can I get a roll call, please? >> Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> Mr. Organ, >> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> Miss Cabraw, >> yes. >> Mr. Gomez Pereira, >> yes. >> Miss Balderas,
>> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. >> Miss Kovas Carabayo, >> yes. >> Miss Salaro, >> yes. >> It's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion passes. Next item, consideration and action to approve on the recommendation of the superintendent an overnight field trip
for four students and eight chaperones to Wsworth Hotel in South Burr, Mass to attend the bar winter covenanting aligned with the CHS re imagination work. Can I get a roll
call? >> Mr. Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Mr. Orian, >> yes. >> Miss Enriquez, >> yes. >> Miss Cabraw, >> yes. >> Mr. Gomez Pereira, >> yes. >> Miss Balderas, >> yes. >> Dr. Neville, >> yes. >> Miss Kas Caravo, >> yes.
>> Miss Alfaro, >> yes. >> That's nine in the affirmative. >> Nine in the affirmative. Motion carries. Thank you. That is the end of our items. We now move on to announcements. Does anyone have anything
they'd like to announce, comment? >> Kathy, >> I just want to first off uh start by saying happy Sagittarius season and happy early birthday, Anna. Um and >> happy early birthday, Kathy. >> Thank you so much. Um and I also just wanted to echo the sentiments um to
celebrate u Miss Al Faro and all her years of dedication. You mean so much to this community. Um, I know that you are such a powerhouse in your home from supporting Jennifer, Kimberly, and your grandchildren and even my own sister. So, I just want to thank you so much for
all that you do here, right here in Chelsea and all over Massachusetts. So grateful for your years of dedication to this community. And I know that you'll continue to have an impact um regardless of um whether you're a part of school committee or not. I'm so deeply grateful
for you. Thank you. >> Can I also say something? I feel like when you were like, "Oh, can I say something?" Then then then none of us got the chance to give you compliments, you know, because you jumped in first and I was like, "Oh, man. Are we really going to end this meeting without all saying how much we appreciate you, SA?"
But I just want to echo what everyone said. You're such an incredible organizer and I've um really been it's really been such a pleasure to work alongside you and I have to say that this fall I feel like I really got to see you shine when you were busting your butt on your campaign and you mobilized
so many volunteers and I just was in awe of you and it was really fun to be able to do that together and I'm excited for the next time. >> Thank you. >> Um I just want to SA you know that I appreciate a lot you uh we've been
working together for a long time. You are my supervisor and Chelsea collaborative and you teach me a lot and I really appreciate you and I know anywhere you go you're going to shine and you I told you all the time that you
have a gift and you have to put it you know that don't don't think that you cannot do things that you can do anything that you you can do that you want to do and I really I really have that pleasure to meet you and and share
with you so many things. Thank you so much for being part I mean now I'm part of here but you were part of us for a long time. So thank you for all your service. >> Thank you. >> Well thank you for your quiet leadership
for your guidance. Um, I got to see you in different aspects. So, I know how you lead. I know um how you come to the table and
how you just give different perspectives um from so many different unique and vulnerable angles, right? Um because you're that wild card. you're the person that can come in and say this is what I experience. So you you really do bring
that that leadership you you know quality but not because I just got here by nepotism or because you looked the part even though you do
but because you worked hard to get there because you you came from the people um the underdog you know you know You know your constituents, you know your community. I called you frantic and you
you felt you felt my my manga and you said, "Clar, just stay with the boys." And you went out there and in the middle of of the summer um and you went out and you looked for that little boy in your district. We didn't make a fuss about it
because you know we the current climate we you know you helped me while we quietly looked to see the child had just moved into the community. We figured it out. You sat there. You got in your car and you you went and you did your thing.
No fuss, no mus, you know. Um, those are the the little moments where people don't realize the kind of leadership and the kind of person that you are. During the campaign season, I said, Jesse, my my district is super tough. Um, because as we know, District
5 is a very, very high immigrant population. Um, for every one door that I knocked on to get a signature, I had to knock on pretty much 15. and you experienced that with me. Um, as a white
passing Latina, you you saw that, you know, it's like, "Oh, I didn't realize that you were Latina, you know, and you saw that firsthand." So, you saw my my district's issues and you you could hear me
knocking and you could hear the the running inside the house and and we obviously knew that the they were home, but we know that the fears are are real and and we knew what our communities were going through. So, you know that my my district is a district that we serve
that I serve on a daily basis very much served by Chelsea public schools but under represented in numbers. So, you know our struggles. So, thank you for understanding
my the pain behind my anger because you probably were one of the only people and as Anna said, when the old ones leave, that's that's a hard one. Thank you for always understanding
the pain behind my anger and calling that out for me because it helps me be a better leader and it just brings it to the forefront and it validates the fact that it's okay
to be human. It's okay to be, you know, vulnerable at times and if I have to pivot and and and regroup, that's fine, too. Um, I'm going to miss that. And thank you for being there. And thank you for letting me know that it's
okay to call the BS when I see it. I just have to be more tactful, but I'm not going to stop doing it. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. We're going to continue doing our work in the community. This is not
the end. This is this is a new era like you are going to start something different but we're still going to be part of the community. So I start with you start with me. So let's continue where we start. >> Thank you. I always admire uh Lucia. She
I don't know if many of you don't know but Lucia was like the first Latina that run for school committee on a tough community at that time. So I always look after you. So, it's the other way around. And I I'm just a phone call away. Like Mr. Cooney said, I always
want to be around. And it's been a pleasure and honor and I feel humble uh about all the comments. I'm not used to get a lot of, you know, comments at me. Uh it is easy to comment about other people, but it's not easy to hear about
you. But anyway, I just want to say that I u very appreciative and I learned a lot and your team amazing team. I'm gonna miss you all too. And Veronica, thank you for always calling me and
reminding me. I gonna miss that. Um late, but I'm always here. Thank you everybody. And it's been an honor to be in service in this community and I want to continue to serve the community. Thank you. Well, I have nothing left to say to you.
You know how I feel about you. Um, and um, thank you for all the help you gave me with my daughter and help helping make her the woman she is today. Because you truly helped mold her while she was at the collaborative with you.
Um, so you were you were a huge help to her and you know that you're very special to her and she said to send her regards to you and her love. So you know you always have a piece of my heart.
>> We are we are um with that um I just want to say thank you to everyone for coming for spending this special day with me today. Today I will share with all of you and with everyone listening. Today is a very special day for me because many many
many years ago which I will not say the number. The Garcia family, my family, my mom, my dad, my brother and I arrived in Chelsea, Massachusetts today. Um December 4th, 4 days before my fourth birthday.
Um so and we never left. We um Chelsea became a part of me in a big way. Um I moved down the street from Shift School and went to kindergarten at Shliff School. And
it's to me amazing that I came so long ago to Chelsea and that today I sit on the school committee for the same town that I came to and I wouldn't have changed one single day. Um, I would not have given up a single day of living in
Chelsea ever. And everyone can say the the terrible things that are in the news or the people seem to highlight the the negative things about Chelsea, but there are so many wonderful things about Chelsea that we all know. We get to to
live firsthand. So, thank you so much for every one of you that has made my years here very special. And don't forget to go to Rumors this weekend and see um our wonderful kids performing. Um and I'll hope to see you
guys there. And with that, I wish you a very nice evening. Thank you for coming and spending all this time with us. Can I get a motion to adjourn? >> Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Meeting has ended.