So, >> if you want to silence everybody as board president, you hit the purple button. >> No, serious. Like, if you know, you can I think that's to shut everybody off. I think. >> Yeah. Right. Yeah. So, yeah, I want
>> Well, I'm not doing that anyway. Um I would like to call this meeting to order. And um anything else that I need to say >> to read the um meeting notice >> and you can read it off the paper in front of you. I think I gave you a paper copy.
>> Uh this is a work session meeting of the board of education. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided as schedule of the regular meetings at the board was adopted at the board meeting January 8th, 2026. The schedule and notice of said meetings have been posted and are maintained at the school
administrative offices 100 le Avenue mailed to the retrospect and the courier post and filed with the clerk of the barrel of calling. All of the forego all the foregoing has been done within the time required by law in accordance with the open public meetings act chapter 231
1975. Roll call. >> Mrs. Brown is absent. Mr. Chu >> here. >> Mr. Craig >> here. >> Mrs. DeMarco >> here. >> Mrs. Maya >> here. >> Mrs. McCowsky >> here. >> Mr. Sherman >> here. >> Mrs. Z >> here.
>> Mr. McMillan >> here. >> Mr. Dilkus >> here. >> Mrs. Divine >> here. Okay. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Okay. So, there is no executive session at this time. Um, so do I need to do a
resolution for executive session? Just pass by that. >> Yeah, there's no need. So, you can just go into committee though. >> Okay. Motion to come out of executive session. That's an all in favor. >> Oh, there was no closed session. She just go right past it. >> Yep. >> All right. Sounds good. Okay. So um
committee of the whole section three uh committee of the whole board member topics. So do I need to make a motion to open this? So uh let's see. >> So the committee of the whole will review and discuss the January 6, 2026
agenda. So can I have a motion to enter committee of the whole? >> So moved. Second. >> Okay, that's it. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? I So first section is uh
4.01 important dates uh and upcoming meetings. So there is a let's see if I need to read anything for that. All right. So as everybody can see there's a whole list of dates important dates from uh January to February. So I spent some
time today putting most of the stuff in my calendar. So go ahead and put some things in your calendar if you would like to attend any of these uh events coming up. Are we having a board round table on Friday night or the sixth? We don't usually have one on Fridays. That's why I'm asking.
>> Uh, says Friday 6, uh, February 6 BOE round table. >> Yeah, I see. Is that an old date? >> No, I'm not aware of that. >> Okay. I didn't think so. Thank you for the catch. I just wanted to double check. >> No, I'll take it off. I That might have been an old date. thrown around. I don't know where this came from. >> That's fine. Okay. Thank you. >> No, thanks.
>> Can I also ask, are we going to continue with the roundts or is that something that we're going to be hashing out and retreat and just thought they were really informative? Maybe not super well attended but available to the public. So, >> we completely agree. They um they were
very informative and we definitely do plan to do that. are going to we are going to discuss this at the retreat as well. But some ideas that we're talking about are uh maybe um starting to have round table discussions at other places like at each school, you know, and um you know, be more of a presence in the community. So, we'll keep you posted on
that, but we would love for you all to be there if you can. Anybody else have any other questions? >> Okay. So, are there any uh I guess Black History Month events for uh February upcoming? >> Uh there there will be we'll we'll get
you the we'll get you all that information. Thank you. >> Thank you for the question. Um, anybody else? >> So, we're going to move on to section. >> I'm sorry. I just want to I do know that um I'm sure some schools are planning
things. I know Roger I know Garfield is planning a bunch of stuff within the school and sharing it with PTA. So, Just on that note, if I can just um say something real quick. We were talking about um inviting the PTAs to come to the meetings at least somebody we're
going to have that conversation with them so that they can give us an update on all the things that they're doing, you know, and and what's happening in the school so that might help some of that too when we know what's going on with the PTS and what they're planning. Nothing isn't just just them coming up and just
sharing what's happening. Not necessarily a formal presentation, but just, you know, I haven't talked to any of them yet, so they're seeing this, I'm sure, but I'm going to be reaching out to them and let them know that like we would like to have them come and just say what's happening in their schools, you know. Yeah. >> What Oakland does, I know Jimmy, you're
going to say this, but um they actually have a liaison from the board who's like on the PTA and like they go to the PTA meetings and then at the Oakland board meetings, they report out on all the events, too. So, that might be something you can do. works pretty well in Oakland. They do a whole report every month. Yeah.
>> Maybe add in that in there, but I would like to talk more about it at the retreat with everybody for sure. Yeah. >> Can I just a process question before we get too deep in here is the plan tonight just to go through every item that's listed on this agenda in order.
>> Yes. >> Okay. All right. I I just think there's opportunity. Maybe we discuss it at the retreat or somewhere else to do this maybe more efficiently. But >> yeah, this is our first time doing it. I've got the attorney here. This way if we have any hiccups or if there's a faster or more efficient way for us to do it, hopefully he can chime in.
>> Okay. >> And then if we even want to change out like we were even discussing today in the um the admin team did we did a review of the agenda for tonight because we're still adding stuff as as we're going. Um I looked at Cherry Hills. I looked at Haden Township because there's [snorts] a couple districts also do
this, but everybody does their agenda completely differently. In Haden Township, they do their meetings all in one night. They do the committee of the whole for like an hour and a half, hour, hour and a half and then they jump right into the regular meeting. So, you're out one night, but you do like the whole committee discussion and then you go right into like voting on the agenda
items and presentations and then they go home. So, if we want to um you know fine-tune how we do the agenda or how we organize this, you know, we can discuss that. Sure. what what we talked about um during
agenda review um was not going line by line. We didn't believe that that would be appropriate use of board members time. Um and so what we would like I guess to propose for the board to consider for the first session is when we get to each session um maybe we have
a brief kind of like summary because we are public a brief summary of the roles and responsibilities of that particular committee. give board members um time uh to to either scan or read through some of the agenda items and
then open it up for active discussion which we which we believe during agenda review because when we went through line by line it it it took a long period of time. We feel the purpose of committee of the whole is to for board members to be able to do more talking rather than
listening. And so if you are amendable to that, that would be our recommendation for how to structure this first meeting and then we can make refinements during the board retreat if that doesn't work for >> Does anybody have any comments about any of that?
So tonight we're just going to do it like we're doing it currently and then we'll revise as time goes on. >> Yeah. As we get to each section like I I'll I'm going first obviously as the BA. So I'll kind of do like I normally have done and find I'll explain what's on there. Um and then if you guys wanted to take a few minutes to open the
financial documents um and then any questions you have I'm obviously can answer them. um you know so I I can be the guinea pig that's fine. >> So I think we're moving on to section
five which is routine business approval of the minutes. >> Yes. So all three sets of minutes have been posted. Um it's this December meeting and then both reorg. So just review um review those before next week. That's all. [snorts] We have no uh student board reps
tonight, so we're going to pass over that. And now we're at section seven, the superintendent report. >> So um this will be a little bit different. And so um in general for your review um attached are the attendance um
I'm sorry, the enrollment, the safety drill, suspension, and anti-bullying. Uh and next week during the formal meeting will be um more of a full a full report out. Uh we like to um get direct information from all of our schools
leading up to the open meeting. Um and so we'll be getting more information from our schools over the next week. Uh but each of those are attached. Um, and in general, u, as with the the regular open meeting, if you have questions about content, uh, we're more than
happy, uh, to to discuss. >> Fred, I one question. Normally with the HIP reports, the board receives the report at the first meeting. After the reports are done, they don't take any any action on
those reports. Then the second meeting is when they take action to approve, disapprove, whatever. Does this meeting count as the board first report to the board and then we act upon it >> on Monday or is it >> if wherever we decide we should make
sure we follow that procedure >> right so like in item seven I believe that would be correct me if I'm wrong those are like the the recent the January reported and then in item 15 miscellane not wait 13.01 1 that was the
previous month. So that's what we're voting on that. The first one isformational and then item 13 is um the the what was reported last month and they're voting on. >> So on Monday you're going to act upon item 13. >> Yes. The previous month's HIP reports,
December's HIP report. >> And what's [snorts] going to happen with the reports on number 7.04? What are those reports going to be first reported on Monday night and then acted upon in February? Yes. >> Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> That makes sense. >> Okay. Just make sure make sure I said it
right. That's all. >> A question about this month's SID report. Not talking about specific anything, but there there is I think a more uh serious record in there. And I'm not sure if we should have an executive session before next board meeting if if
if there is a um I guess issues to be that the board needs to be aware of. I not sure but >> wanted to put that out there in case um >> yeah you think that we want to we need to discuss. was going to similarly ask given some of
the topics in the agenda that do we need an executive session to actually get more information around them particularly later in the personnel section. So I just want to make sure that we're really clear on creating space. I just can't remember anything but the in particular and I guess I want to just backtrack on process. What I
understand is this is the committee meeting. So if historically we had a committee meeting it would then be at the board meeting where you're taking action on them. So, I'm not sure if that's what I just heard that we said we would do from a process perspective. Um,
so I just want to make sure that I'm clear. We've just simply consolidated committee meetings into one. This is our first review. The action is Monday's meeting. Okay. Just making sure. >> I think that's a little off because it's not that's on previous month. So,
December's HIP, not January's H. that would that would still be voted or approved in the February or the March meeting then correct >> or February excuse me >> my public meeting is mixed up >> so then should the agenda for January
included January's it's for the committee it includes January that will be seen in February but this Monday's meeting will actually be December >> yeah there's two items seven is current month kind of like letting you know right and then item 13 is prior month
where you you vote on the resolution of the hips that are in the report. Does that make sense? Yeah. So, what's in seven will then move >> because we would normally vote in seven anyway. That's just information for us to correct. Right.
>> So, about the executive session, do we need to talk about going about doing that now next week? Well, we can't we can't discuss that here, right? Because it's specific. But my my question was whether or not uh I guess if Dr. Dal thought that it was um
needed for us to discuss one of those cases or not. >> No, with this structure. And so one of the things that we talked about as a leadership team is exercising the appropriate discipline. We shouldn't be talking about specific students or staff at all. um without them uh without staff
being raced. Um and so I think uh what you have in front of you is is the information. Um going deeper. Um I'll defer to Joe. We wouldn't be this wouldn't this wouldn't be the the venue for us to go deeper. My question was
whether or not it >> like we we should do a executive session before the the regular monthly meeting. Um if it's needed to discuss one of these cases that uh in the report um I don't know if if if you think that there's a need for us to discuss it in
more detail. >> The case I I know the case you're referring to. The the staff um handled it appropriately. Uh it was reported appropriately by the by the staff member. Um the investigation uh took a pretty considerable amount of time. It
involved families, multiple families. Uh and then there was a uh restorative uh remedy and an educational um portion added uh as part of this of this process. Um and this the school did a
did did a a good job of addressing a really challenging situation. >> Okay. Thank you. If this is the same one, we're waiting on a police report though to be finalized. >> So, by state law, um based on the the
nature of the incident, um it it has to be uh reported to local law enforcement. Um we don't have that information back yet. Um they would not share that with us until it has been uh concluded, the investigation's concluded.
No. Yes. >> Okay. So, no executive session uh next week for that. Thank you for the information. I was gonna ask about something different. So, okay. Um I have a question about the suspensions of the report. Can I ask I mean it's not
specific to a person. So, um there's two on here for like substance marijuana um you know suspensions. Is there any what else is done with those kind of like infractions? I mean counseling is there legal
ramifications um just suspended? I'm just curious on >> it's so uh I believe last year um when the board um updated his code of conduct policy uh paired with that the
restorative code of conduct guide for schools. It provided a a much higher degree of flexibility for schools to be able to support students that have made poor decisions on a case- by case basis.
Um, I can't speak to the specifics of this particular child. Um, but I can go to I can go back to the school leader, get more details, and I can share with you a summary of what what took place with that child. >> I'm not even looking for something like specific on these. I just saw the
incidences and just curious overall if I guess it's not a one-sizefits-all situation and you know you just take appropriate action as required and as the admin team >> okay thank you >> Matt you had something
okay moving on to section eight uh that's the business administrator board secretary report so I'll pass it over to Beth okay so bear with me because mine is like the document heavy section. Um so in item 8.01 is the
listing of your um December monthly budget transfers. So if any of you guys want to open them um I just realized we have some board members. So what I typically have done if you sat on the finance buildings and grounds committee I I do like a I did a separate training for board members on how to read my financial statements. So I apologize all
this is changing quickly but if anybody wants to I know I've trained Roger. I know I've trained Matt. I know I've trained Jimmy. I know Megan and Kelly. But if anybody like I've literally trained I think St. I know if anybody wants to like spend a
half an hour with me on how to read them because I know you certify every month that you've looked at them and you're certifying over expenditures and whatever just so um let me know if anybody wants to be trained in them. Um but what I do what I do do in item 8.02
02, if you will open it up with me, the very first document. Um, and I've started doing this, um, thank Jimmy Hatel for this. Um, but I started doing this 18 years ago. Um, just my little tick and flicks on there. That's my way of letting you know like,
um, that um, the balance is represented as ending cash balances agree to a bank wreck that's on file in the board office. Right. [snorts] And, um, the double ticks on the bottom. over it says where it says sub to subtotal fund 10 5.3 million. If you go to page two,
you'll see where I tie the number out for you really quickly. Um, and of course the balance sheet should balance so you see where I tick and flick. But at a minimum, I want you guys to at least open this up every month because I'm presenting that cash is uh fairly represented. And then if you just page through this document, you're getting a
very quick training on how to read these things. Um, if you get to the expense portion of the board secretaries report is a very large report. It's like 40 pages. But when it gets to the expense detail all the way to the right hand side where it says available balance should be positive because when I'm saying no align accounts been
overextended. So you shouldn't see any negatives in the expense accounts. If so then I didn't do my job properly. Um but that's what you're certifying every month. So at a minimum just open this up and just take a look. Um feel free to ask me any questions. Um the December board report that um you'll be approving
uh Monday night or Wednesday if we have bad weather that does go to the county office. our financials will go to the county um twice a year. So, this one will be going to the county office. Um and then in items 8.03, I also give you every month just an update of the student activity cash reports. We we
manage about half a million on any given day based on all the student activity uh re all the student activity counts throughout the district, the high school being the largest. So, this is just an update of all of the balances and all the related student activity counts throughout the entire school district.
Um and item 8.04 04 is the food service financial statement. I give this to you every month as well um because we shouldn't be running a deficit in the food service uh program and it does give you an update on the charges. I know we track charges um I know the finance committee in the last couple years. I do
present this to them every month because we just keep an eye up um on the amount of charges and then the finance committee is used to hearing the speech but 8.05 and 8.06 they're probably going to be up by Friday. I'm still um we're still getting purchase orders and I'm
still collecting invoices for warrants. So um those go up usually end of business on Friday to be part of the public meeting on Monday because I'm still building the agenda. Okay. So that's kind of my spiel. But um and if anybody wants a more in-depth like how
do I look at these financial statement things, let me know and you can spend an hour with me being bored. Um I find it can incredibly f you know I find numbers absolutely wonderful but some people are like want to die anyway. Um so then 9.01
through 9.08 are all those items I just talked about and then we get into the meat of um the my agenda items. 9.09 is um we're accepting the audit. Um the auditor will be present on Monday and then Wednesday if it's bad weather. I
keep saying that. um he will be there to present the audit. Um but the audit was conducted um the delay was due to the federal government's um delay in publishing because we get so much federal money. We there's like separate audit you need when you get so much federal money. Um due to what was going
on with the the government shutdown, they they delayed the the audit rules um for that. But anyway, our audit is done. It is filed with the state. I just need a board resolution. Um there were no audit findings. Um but the auditor will give more of a presentation for you on Monday. But attached to this is a copy
of the audit synopsis. Um the audit what I I the entire audit is the ACFR, the annual comprehensive financial report, but that's like 300 pages. But the good one for board members to read is the AMR. That's auditor's management report. That gives you like a really good idea
of what's going on in the business office and the finances of the district. So I recommend you guys read that. Um but anyway, so this will be on for Monday night. And then uh 9.10, this came in from child study team is just approving Homeare Therapies LLC to provide a onetoone skilled nursing two
hours a day uh for a child in the district. Um 9.11 um we have a couple secretarial vacancies right now in the district. So, I realized when we looked at our um the
ESS contract, um we had like subs for everything, right? Even subs for principles, but we didn't have subs for um administrative assistance. So, this is adding uh this addendum to our current contract. Um so, we can get secretarial subs. [laughter]
Um hard to find and hard to find like on a regular basis right now. Um, so we just >> Sorry, Beth. >> Yeah. So, right now when our admin assistants are out, what happens? >> Right now, buildings are covering um I know my old executive assistant right now, she's been covering preschool,
their vacancies. She's been coming in at least three or four days a week covering them. But this will give us um more people to pull from. Um because I know we approve every year, we approve a list of subs in all different areas, but we just >> as the building staff who are here know, it's it's hard to fill subs. So this is
one area that we were kind of blind to when we did the addendum all those years ago. Um so this is just adding um this class of of u u employee to that so we can get more people. >> Okay. Do I was going to ask if like ESS do we feel that they would like can have
that many like subs for >> ads? Oh but yeah um we reached out to them. Um, they actually proposed a a a higher rate, but I wanted it to be in line with what we currently pay the people that we board approve. And then as we go into
the next budget year when everybody's rates changed and we can we can change them all. But um yeah, I'm not knocking on wood, we can hopefully um fill some of the gaps that we have. Um so that's what that item is. Um 9.12 is an annual approval. It's just our annual approval
with data services. Um it's $7,110. Um, it's an annual approval. That's that big purchasing co-op where we buy a lot of our stuff. Yes. >> No, I think there's a maybe a typo. >> What? Where?
>> Oh, yeah. I will fix that right now. Thank you. It is not for installments. It's literally just >> Okay. Um so yeah, and then um last year we saved about 149,000 by just they go out and
they bid everything and we just jump onto their to their bid. Um 9.13 is approving Leonard educational services um to provide um services for childight team on an as needed basis and the attached schedule of fees. It's about
three pages long. The fee schedule's on the very last page. Um 9.14 um is this is a generous donation of just shy $4,000 um from FreshFly Productions. They're sponsoring the
Pause TV uh art trip to New York City um next Friday. So, that's a very generous donation. And the next two items, items 15 and 16 are use of facilities for Odyssey of the Mind um with the burrow. Um there's two different applications because there two two different sets of
dates that they're looking for. Um and all the paperwork is attached um including insurance. And then just some under my discussion area. I just um again I already said this but the auditor will be present and then there's an update from our food service. I
always they always send us an monthly update on activities in their program. Um and then on behalf of Mr. Longo who's currently doing our uh projecting um the parking proposal for the secondary um is
attached where we're adding three additional visitor spots and one additional handicapped um the finance buildings grounds. We discussed this in the past and the local wreck improvement grant. Um if the board is interested um we've done it in the past. We've done the baseball fields and the basketball
court. >> Right. So it comes out every every um every winter there is a new round of the um uh local wreck improvement grant. The local w improvement grant requires a um
local contribution. [snorts] So, what we are considering very early on in the budget is um the tennis court renovation. We did the tennis courts when I got here 18 years ago and they haven't been touched. Um we patched them, we do what we can, but um so just part of discussions when we do the
budget, we do have some capital reserve funds that we could use for our local contribution. Um early pricing looks us probably over 200. Yeah. So early discussion, but we do have capital reserve for these. um smaller type projects that we can use.
But I just wanted everybody to be aware that as we dig a little deeper um as we're looking at our entire complex athletic and other otherwise u we might have to do a reinvestment in our tennis courts pretty quickly. Yeah, we have new governor coming in so we might want to snatch um and they've
been pretty good with us like if our bids come in higher or lower or wait. Yeah, I know the B the basketball we had to we had to change our documents a couple times because we couldn't get the product within the dollar amount that we were awarded in the grant. Um so they do work with us. So they don't like after a
year expires they don't say we're taking our money back. They like they kind of extended it. They want you to spend it. Yeah. >> Is it is it DOE or is it a is it a different >> Department of Community Affairs? >> Yeah. >> Um >> could you talk like what I know it's probably early but I guess if it's if
the grant's due on February 13th like what what kind of work be looking at getting done out there >> that do like the fencing as well. Then would that be replaced? Just the courts. >> How about just that soft? They have that softer surface now with the tennis courts and
it's very expensive. >> How's how's drainage now? Would this be something that would would affect Can you review real quick um the parking proposal for everybody that is was not on the buildings and grounds when we heard about this?
primarily just school hours. Is that going to blow out the uh walking core that's there right now? >> No. >> So, it's just re It's just like reorganizing. Yeah. Not Not actually adding new. Got it. We'll stay there. >> So, with your approval, um again, we can
pro we're probably going to build this into the buildings and grounds um budget for next year. Um >> yeah, we do a lot of it ourselves. Yeah, >> just the materials. >> Yeah,
>> absolutely. >> Won't do anything until after graduation. Promise. Um Yeah. >> Okay. And um >> the tennis courts be done again? >> When would the tennis courts be done
again? and if we get the grant. >> Yeah. >> So, what we'll do is John and I will we'll get working on the grant. Um because hopefully we will hear back from them before the final budget is submitted. So, we'll know a if we're
approved and then what our contribution would be. Yeah. Budgets are due March 19th with the final budget going. um April. So um so yeah, we'll get working on that document and hopefully we get some funding.
>> Perfect. Thanks, John. And that is it for me. Any questions on anything? Um we're still building the agenda. Um, so if any contracts or anything come in, usually what I I said this at the end of all my finance
committees, but if I add anything to the agenda, I'll let the board know so you guys can take a look at it. Um, because we're still building as we go. >> Okay. Um, I just wanted to thank you and John for working on that grant. Appreciate it. >> Okay. I'm up next uh for section 10
curriculum and instruction. Um, I have three or four updates that I'll just share verbally, but I'll give you a chance to just skim items 10.01 through 10.05. Um, it's a pretty light agenda this month of some field trip approvals to some fun destinations for our students
and one um, uh, home instruction placement for a student uh, for a medical reason. So, I'll just pause for a moment so you can skim those items and then I'll share some other updates. All right. Um, I just have a few updates from our uh from our department and then
I'll take any questions. Um, the academic calendar committee began meeting last week. This is to develop the 2627 and maybe the 2728 um academic calendars. Um like last year um you'll recall that uh we set out with
a goal to develop a unified Collinswood and Oakland school calendar um that uh had consistency across preK pre-K through 12 across both districts. Also like last year, we have a group of about 13 um uh volunteer folks who raised
their hand to say they wanted to serve on the academic calendar u working group committee with me. Um and again like last year that pulls in intentionally pulls in um a a range of diverse perspectives and backgrounds and experiences from folks like building and
grounds to prek through um the the high schools just to make we can make sure that we have um a range of perspectives um from administrators to teachers and everything in between to make sure that we are um kind of looking at it from a holistic perspective. Um, one thing that
we will be doing um, different this year, um, as an elementary mom myself with two kids at Zay, I can share that I am intimately aware of half days and the tension and stress that puts on families. Uh, so when I wear my mom hat,
I understand that fully. When I put on my assistant superintendent hat, I can argue around how important hefties are for the professional development time that that it allows for our staff. Um um obviously there's attention there and we recognize that. Um and so uh tomorrow
staff and elementary staff and families will receive a survey um so that they can um if they choose provide some input um and perspective and feedback to the committee so that we can consider perhaps a different or better way
forward um with regard to how we structure half days particularly for the elementary report card conference uh weeks. Um, and so, um, uh, look out for that. Look out for those communications. If you are a current elementary staff or a current elementary family, we're
looking for, um, we're looking for input and perspective to help inform how we, um, design the calendar. Um, uh, number, uh, number two update from me is, uh, we are, believe it or not, already at the midpoint of our
academic year. Um we are just around the 90th day of school which means that um half of the year is behind us and half of the year is ahead of us. Um and so it's time for our midyear universal screeners for reading and math um across
um K K through 11 uh 11th grade seniors are exempt. And so you might hear students talking about uh their reading test dibbles at the elementary level or their map test um in math at the um elementary through 11th grade levels. Um
this is just key. You've heard me share this before. This is essential information that our staff uses. Um we have our February PDS coming up on the 12th and 13th that directly are situated right after this assessment window. So the teachers actually have the time to pause, reflect, analyze, and plan and
work together um to put in motion plans to support students for the second half of the year. Um and [snorts] as we have done now, I think on three or four different occasion, families will receive those student score reports on Friday, February 20th to make sure that we are using the data internally to to
plan, but also equipping families with that information to support your support your students growth at home. >> [snorts] >> Um, and then last but not least, on Monday, um, the elementary school leaders, pre-K through fifth grade, will be, it's not included on here yet, just
giving a heads up. Um, we'll be giving a programmatic update, um, as they've done in in years past, talking about key initiatives, highlights, celebrations. Um, so look forward look forward to that on Monday evening or Wednesday if it
snows. I'll [snorts] take any questions. for the for the calendar planning. Do you anticipate the how late Labor Day is this year coming into play? >> Yes, we uh our first meeting was last week and we spent um I'm looking to see.
So, Robin's on this. There's some people here who on the committee. We spent a lot of time talking about elementary report card conferences and when we can start school. A lot of time. [snorts] So uh for calendar, thank you for um
putting it online. So we it's just now on our phones if you utilize this. So thank you. I appreciate that. It's really wonderful and helpful. Um thank you for involving the community a little bit more as much as you can uh for calendar working groups um you know and
updates and the survey and stuff. Um so I wanted to send that out. And then also universal screeners questions on how long um they typically take for either a class or a student. Is it just you get
one class period? And I guess I'm more thinking like class periods like middle school like do you get one class period is it a week? Like can you just explain that real quick? All right. Um, so anytime we're testing kids, we know that there is a balance of that
means that they're not learning new content or reviewing prior content. Um, and so obviously we have a sort of a strategic eye towards balancing the need to get new data about how kids are doing but not so taking so much learning time
away that it is further impacting that. Right? So it's a balance it's a balancing act certainly. Um, a dibbles test takes around 8 to 10 minutes. That is given in indivi at the lower grade levels. That is given individually, one-on-one kids sitting with a teacher.
Um, [snorts] and so the testing window for dibble well the testing window for the whole thing is about 13 days long. That is intentionally because the dibbles testing is given individually. Um, and uh at the at the at the upper grade levels, they do take a a whole group component that can be given all at
once. Um, MAP testing, um, has been an area as we've implemented MAP over the last year. I've been learning more, we've been learning more, families and staff have asked us about how much time is the appropriate amount of time to allocate for this assessment. Um, and so one of the things that we've I I'll just
speak for myself. One of the things that I've been making sure that I know and understand is you can't get a perfect score on a MAP test. So a kid could work for hours and hours over the course of days and days, but it's an adaptive test. you can only ever get half the questions right. The test is trying to
if you get a question right, the next question is harder. If you get that one right, the next question is trying to find that sweet spot of like the just right learning zone for a student. Um, and so as I've learned more about the how the test works, um, what we've been
able to do is shorten the testing window to two class periods. That's the we're doing that right now. Um when we first tried it last year, it took a long time and we were implementing it and then towards the end of the year and the start of this year, we had four four or five days very clearly now has been
communicated to staff. Two class periods, keep it moving. Um and so we hope that that um allows us to kind of thread the needle of giving some time to collect important new information um but not you know pulling away from the
normal cadence of learning. So, um, always open to more feedback about how we can strike that balance better. >> While we're on that topic, um, what's the what's the reasoning for the exemption of seniors on those testing?
Uh we didn't exempt seniors last year, but it was um some of the feedback that we received from staff and leaders um about um particularly with the number of seniors who are in AP classes and the really tight um tight scheduling in
terms of how much content needs to be covered by early May. um when um AP tests occur and that any time a anytime kind of pulling away from um the the very tightly paced open sequence for AP classes. Um so that was just an area of
feedback that we received last year. I think that could also be considered for juniors perhaps next year and going forward. We do have quite a large number of juniors who are in AP classes. Um but um so that's one one reason for the exemption for seniors. Um, and uh, we'll
keep fine-tuning it, keep listening, um, and making, uh, making subtle tweaks as we go forward. >> I just wanted to ask building on the inclusion and criteria and are all students including those in special included in the universal screener assessment?
>> Uh, yeah, great question. um just you know by nature of a univer universal means all and so um every student is taking the um dibbles or map assessment there's a sort of a very minor carveout for a student who is uh in that 1% of
students who would sit for the DM um which is the dynamic learning something um which is the alternative version of the of a state assessment um so it's for our the students who need the a very very different type of assessment based
on their IEP and learning needs. So the only carve out to that question would be that um what we're also doing this time around with MAP is um ensuring that um I'll give you an you know we we have students who are in um self-contained
learning classrooms at the 10th 11th grade level who have levels of academic performance who are more on a perhaps an an elementary learning level. And so we are trying to get that sweet spot of um ro assigning a map assessment to um
align to students present learning needs. And so we hope that again that includes all students and informs us of their um of their learning needs based on that uh that would be within their IEP's learning levels. >> I just had a quick question. It's not
something that you mentioned but I know it's coming up and our district is already talking about it. the new um SLA and NJGPA platform, the Cambium assessment platform. I mean, have you guys gotten like the dates of that set
on from the state? I know it's in March is the testing window, I believe. >> And did you and I assume you did the field placement testing and everything went okay with that? Uh so yeah, every every school district in New Jersey is um going on this journey together with a
new testing platform yet again. Yes. Uh we did field testing in the spring which was a really helpful learning exercise. Um and um those testing date there's a very long window for testing in the spring and typically
we test um in late April and early May. U Meredith, last month we had talked about um implementing a new grading policy for the secondary schools and you had said there was going to be a presentation forthcoming. Is that I don't see it this month. Is that going to be something for the retreat? Maybe
that will be included in the program of study um which will be up for board approval next month. So we'll have an opportunity to talk about it at committee of the whole beforehand. Thank you. >> Okay. So we have hit person out.
So really quick run through in terms of personnel. Um the way that it's organized uh we have our travel uh expense form. Uh we have a uh grant funded uh stipen for one of our mental
illness uh screeners. Um, we have an employee referral stipen. And so I believe last year uh we u established a program in order to um as a recruitment
tool. Uh and so when when staff uh qualify for that um we distribute the uh the stipens similar to that as a retention tool uh and recruitment um student teaching. And so uh we have
a myriad of master level teachers across all of our schools. When they uh graciously accept a student teacher, um there is a uh a small incentive just as a thank you
for their the time commitment to support that uh that student. We have one retirement um very sad uh retirement. Um uh we have uh one uh staff resignation and one coaching uh resignation. Uh and
we have a series of um medical leaves uh uh section 09 uh and 10 and then the corresponding u replacements for those leaves. And
then we have a series of FMLA uh that is listed here by uh employee number. Uh and we we will be now opening it up uh for questions. >> Certainly want to remind the board that
this is a kind of a delicate area for asking questions about agenda items regarding employees. So just be mindful of of that. General general questions to the superintendent certainly that's that's welcome but
specific employees just be careful. >> What's the with then with the varsity baseball recruit the recruitment for that position? What what does that look like? So I know I think at the middle school level we had a community volunteer last year. Do we think we'll have somebody from within staff or are
we looking outside? >> So we met with the athletic director yesterday. Um she actively recruits year round. Um and so right now um we are actively recruiting. Um normally we find the best candidates
through uh referral of of staff and other coaches. And so she's going through that network right now to see who's available, who's interested. Um and we're we've got fingers crossed. We're also uh going to leverage the
relationships um of the uh exiting coach. Uh the exiting coach um is exiting uh because they will be moving into administration and it would not be appropriate for them to continue coaching and to also be administrator.
So we are happy to continue to grow and promote from within. Um, but I know the kids will be sad to have to uh train a new coach. [laughter] >> I have a question about the uh travel expenses. There's two um two virtual
events that were taken for the intervention OG lift virtual course. Um I didn't I don't know what that is. I decided to look it up and I saw pricing at $1,600, but it's $1,750 here. Um, I didn't know if there was like uh $150
allowance that was uh added to that or something, but that just struck my interest. Not trying to pinch pennies, but also trying to pinch pennies. >> Say uh we can triple check to make sure that's not a typo or anything. uh uh Jimmy, but um uh that is like the
Cadillac of um uh early elementary um science of reading trainings. And so we've been working our way through getting staff trained in that program. Um and like thrilled that more want to
it's a lot of time. It's like a a master's level course smashed into like a really short period of time. It's heavy. Um, so we'll we'll just double check the pricing. >> Yeah, clearly there's different vendors that sell different things, so probably somebody just had it marked up higher or whatever. But I just wanted to bring up
that I I saw it for 1,600. So, >> any other questions related to personnel? So, it looks like we are up to the policy section and I don't believe there's anything listed currently. No,
>> no, we did receive a packet from Strauss Esme right when we got back. Um, nice thick one. So, there'll be some policies. Um, I just went through them the other day. Um, they'll be up um for first read next month. >> So, one quick note um because it it's
it's come up uh in a couple of our meetings. And so, um now that our our team um is whole again, we had some folks who were out uh on on leave, now that our team is whole, um the engagement process with the U artificial
intelligence task force, that work will take place uh this semester. The goal is to have um a formal uh policy and AI plan recommendation for the board uh in time for us to to uh not only budget for
it but also go into the summer planning and preparing for the training connected to it. Uh and so the board should expect to have a policy probably for the May meeting uh with a second uh reading for the June meeting. Is there a schedule to
get that like re revised like annually because that that whole system's moving so fast? Um like maybe even a bannual review or at least annual because again it's moving so fast. >> Good idea. State hasn't really given a lot of guidance and so some of the early
adopters that adopted an AI plan in 2023, they're still using that particular plan. We've not received any additional guidance. Uh, considering the um the cell phone law that was recently passed by Governor Murphy, I assume we're just in
compliance with that. Um, I just wondered if there was anything I know that the state board of ed was going to be getting together to kind of come up with some guidelines, but I assume that we're, you know, not >> we haven't gotten any regulations yet. So, >> yeah, I know that, but I mean, I would assume we're in total compliance with that considering the pouches, but I
guess we're just going to have to middle school. >> So, our existing on the books policies um um uh electronic devices um have have never been allowed. Um and so the enforcement of the existing
policies on the book is what we're doing. Um it just it looks different at the high school than it does at all of our other campuses, but this new um law makes it easier um easier to enforce.
And so as we get guidance and and so I mean uh Um there is a new uh commissioner coming uh uh from Texas and so we will wait uh for additional guidance that will be forthcoming.
It doesn't look like that's effective until next school year anyway. So they'll have to because they'll have to go through a rule making period for all that. Okay. So, uh, now we're at section 13, the reports for the previous month.
Have any questions about any of that? If we are allowed to ask any of that. Do you know one? Yeah. >> And then the um Thank you, Sarah. The chronic absenteeism coercive action plan for 2526.2. >> So that section is currently blank. And
so we um we have Not all schools will be completing a corrective action plan because not all schools uh fall within that threshold. And so uh any school that has over um 10% of chronic absenteeism is required
uh to complete a plan. And so fortunately uh we have made for for the second year attendance uh a priority in our schools. And so some of our schools are uh they have to complete this particular
assignment. And so Dr. Walker and the rest of the team, we're currently reviewing the plans that have been submitted, providing feedback. Uh and so the goal is those that uh have gone through the appropriate review process, you would see next week, and the ones that are still uh being edited, you
would see in the following month in February. >> Anybody have any questions? All right. So now we have our public participation. So this is our opportunity for public comment. Um before we move on to that
section 14, just quick question on public participation. Do we know where is that going to fall? on in the agenda for the regular meeting. Yeah. So, if you have a comment, uh please stand, state your name and address, and
keep your comments to three minutes or less. The public is reminded that attempts to resolve all concerns and complaints should go uh first go through the appropriate staff members and administrators. Seeing as we have no one coming up for public comment, then I guess we're going to move to um section 15, unless anybody
has any comments or anything about anything. Before we do that, >> I have a actually two questions just sort of pro process procedure type thing just because this was our first time. Um uh one is so you I'll use myself as an example tonight. I gave maybe like a
eight or 10 minute spiel. I don't know how long, you know, a couple minute. Is is that something if we use that as an example and I know like Bethanne usually does that Fred usually do that all again next week or this was like this was the occasion to share that. I'm just trying to think about
[snorts] Okay, got it. Um, and if we were Oh, if we're we're not this month, but if we were going to have an executive session to discuss personnel or any other, but particularly if we were going to discuss personnel, what's the
advanced timeline that someone would need to receive a race notice before two days, two business days? >> Uhhuh. Thank you. [snorts] >> Just wanted to give a quick update. We had a follow-up meeting today with a parent group talking about the school
lunch program. So, I want to thank uh the parents. Um one of them sitting back there, Cara, who's you'll get a shout out. Um make sure you're awake back there. Um uh four parents were able to come join um us uh administrative staff
and uh representatives from Neutraerve. Uh was a good kind of um first formal meeting with everybody sitting down kind of understanding what some short-term goals, some potential long-term goals could be of the group and ways that they can continue to work with administration to to understand ways we can continue to
keep getting like fresh fruit, vegetables, healthy options in front uh in front of kids, but then also understanding the real uh fiscal obstacles to some of the the food options we would love to see in our buildings. Um so I think There was there
was some really good um discussion about some things we could do in the short term like uh they talked about one that seemed to to really interest the group was they did like a tasting options. This was precoid where they had Neutrasurf came out and they had kids
this was in Oakland come and try different uh menu items and give their opinions and give feedback. Um so that was interesting. Another I think eye openening thing for me was that uh the I think it was the menu for next school
year was set back in the fall um of last year. So thinking about changes to food systems just because of all the ordering that has to happen and the procurement of food supplies and just how much harder that is now than maybe it was even in the past uh requires a lot of buildup. So things to consider as we're
thinking about any changes we would might want to suggest as the board. Um, and then lastly, just long term, uh, I think it was a commitment to continue to meet to discuss what could be possible as we look at the future, um, and making sure that we have, uh, good options for
for our kids here in schools. >> Thank you, M. I'd also like to, um, commend our new, um, board leadership team. Uh, we had two, um, transition sessions last week. one with
um the board uh president, vice president and district administration and the second meeting with board leadership, district leadership and burough uh leadership to really talk about uh continuence of partnerships and
um uh the uh uh opportunities for of future opportunities, the interest in future opportunities that was also discussed. looking forward to continuing u discussions uh with the u leadership team uh as well
of the board and and the bureau. Just wanted to make sure that we were um acknowledging that they are hitting the ground running. Uh they're asking really good questions uh and rolling up their sleeves. So, thank you. >> Thank you. And um Matt, a huge thank you
to you for um having that conversation with the community and serve and and bridging that gap and and making strides in what we're giving our kids. Appreciate that and thank you very much for the shout out. Um and we're all going to be talking about all of those things at the retreat like I said in the
email. Um so you know if also if you have anything that you'd like to bring up or have us touch base on, please reach out to us and let us know. Happy to have your feedback on all that. >> I had a quick question. Um uh and I I really appreciate you know the kind of immediate jumping in from Newport
leadership. Thank you ladies. Um I was really also um really thankful to be asked to join the regionalization ad hoc committee um which I I love that we're like really seriously exploring that. I was just wondering is it possible to get like I know that there's many thing like we're going to be working with the
burrow on the recck plan. Is it possible to get an understanding for everyone about like what some of the committees are like who's working on them? I mean, I know I imagine we're going to be talking more about this at the retreat. Um, but like if you have an idea of like where what this might look like at this
point. >> Our goal particularly for the retreat is allowed. Here's what's ad hoc, here's what's moving, and here's who's going to be on the point for those conversations. Part of it is we want to make sure we have identified who will be at the table for conversations that are upcoming. Um, a lot of the retreat is really all of a
sudden here's who's doing what and here's what's moving and the sequence. We understand them. I do have to say Fred and Bethan, thank you for being gracious with the thousand questions and maybe the same question over and over to make sure we're all moving together on timing. What's first, what's second, and how are we going to start to message
that amongst the board as well as the community. Um, so the goal is really to help make sure we leave the retreat all clear as to what our roadmap looks like and how we're going to hit the ground running to keep the momentum of the work that's already been underway. So that's
certainly on my to-do to actually write it out and so we can visually look at it so we're prepared and ask any questions and make sure we haven't missed anything. >> Just to add to that, so I was actually going to email and ask if we could talk about that next week, but since we're if if it's okay to talk about it now,
that's fine. Um the two committees that we've talked about so far are the regionalization committee and the uh facilities adhawk committees and um I'm not exactly sure yet if we can add any more people to the regionalization committee because so far it's um you know you and myself and Zakia and then
Danielle and we were hoping to um see if we can add one other person from you know Woodland or Oakland if if we need five for that. Um but I wasn't sure if you guys were going to be part of those conversations in your own board. So we'll talk more about that at the retreat. Um, and then the ad hoc committee for the facility so far is
myself and Sakia and Maggie and then Matt and Roger as well. So, if anybody has any um any other suggestions or anything that we need to Batman and Fred, if you have any if you know of any other ad hoc committees that we need to worry about right now. Um, I
did want to talk about um the possibility of an ad hoc personnel committee if we need to at some point in time. So um maybe I'll touch base with you guys after the meeting or you know we can talk about what the plan is for that if we have any sensitive issues
that like a committee specific we would have to discuss before anything is you know presented to the full board could I ask a different question. Um did I'm not seeing it now. I could have sworn I got a text message. I just wanted to follow up. Um, is there going to be a public update on the secondary
campus plan tomorrow night, right? >> Or did I get that date wrong? >> Yes, it's by invitation only. And so this is a targeted um community session specifically for um high school parents, middle school parents, and then all elementary grade five parents in
Collingswood. We're going to schedule um a meeting in Oakland for grade five parents and a um and one in Woodland also for grade five parents. And so it's really to kind of share what what it is that we're talking about um and to be
able to collect feedback um and and answer questions. So it's more of an information session. There is a um uh group that is working with uh Dr. walker uh of staff uh that will help with the recommendation process. Right
now, we're actively in the data collection phase um talking with with students, getting direct student feedback so that we can um make formal recommendations. Uh and so we will be providing a summary of the feedback that we've received so far during the
February retreat. >> Dr. McDow, what is the data collection from the students? What does that look like? Is it survey is it like focus groups like how >> focus groups >> focus groups >> and how are those students determined like
>> uh Dr. Walker you wanna please join us >> can you Dr. Can you come up so they can hear you on the on the microphone? >> Good stretch. >> Good evening. Thank you for the question. Um, the high schoolers, they self- selected, students volunteered to
come during their flex period, uh, which was I wish I had the number in front of me. There were probably 30 or 40 students who came and had a conversation. And middle school. They were pulled out during PE. Um, so Mr. Scronic said uh just had a diverse group
and then I kind of said, "Oh, you know, well, what was your sending school?" And it was representative of students who started in Collingswood and also started in Oakland. So, so far those have been the two opportunities. >> You're welcome.
Anything else? >> Yeah. Um, so again, what kind of questions are we asking the students? Because I'm like I'm looking forward to the meeting tomorrow night to just hear a little bit more about it and also I'm curious of what kind of feedback we're asking.
I mean, I know tomorrow I will find out, but that's what I'm curious to find out tomorrow night. So, what are we like? It was open-ended quality of life for students. Um, their feelings on things. Would you how would you feel about crossing over when I was talking to the middle schoolers from middle school to
high school? What concerns? How was your entry into middle school so far? Uh for the high school sort of the same. What from your perspective? What are things that you think we should consider? Um so there was just some neutral questions that they asked. There were some pros and there was some I wonder. So I have
that information. And likewise for families, it'll be very open-ended. What are some things you want us to know as we're moving to through 12. It could be a question about use of the bathroom to curriculum um and just jotting them down. So, if we don't have answers,
we'll make sure that anything we haven't thought of is taken into account. >> A quick question on that. What and just as um and I just trying to gauge like what other places do this 6 to 12 um unified campus initiative like what
other are there other districts around us? I know I think has one that maybe the 7 to 12 um who else >> heights they're both 7 to 12 and throughout the state um I have a list there probably I'm on camera I want to tell the truth
so I'm going to estimate and say in my handwriting a legal size piece of paper front and back of districts across the state of New Jersey who have middle and high school combined campuses not necessarily here in Hampton County, but
just from top to bottom. And that is tomorrow in the auditorium. >> Can we get a time for that? >> Anybody else have anything before close out >> really quick. Will tomorrow's thing be um available online? I know you said in
like No. Okay. All right. So, um, I spoke to Jackie Walters and we're looking at possibly January 29th, Thursday, to meet with the Wood Woodland families and probably Monday, February
2nd for our Oakland families. Uh, you know what? We had that I had that conversation with Jackie Walters and said, we just target eighth grade. Should we open it up sixth, seven, eight, make it wide open? So, we would imagine eighth grade families will probably be the ones who come. We
wouldn't exclude, you know, anyone who has an idea or comment or just wants to come and sit in and offer feedback. >> And how are the um invites uh how are they are they just being sent out um via email or?
>> Um Miss Walters, I'm not sure. I know she's sending email. I'm not sure if she's stuffing backpacks as well for her students or text message, whatever her electronic communication is. And I'm not sure what Jen Balden's plan is. Um here they came through the what is it?
Thrillshare um to our families here for grades five through high school. >> Through our Thrillshare system, we sent email and uh text message. So it went to cell phones and email addresses. There's about 38 um eighth graders in Woodland.
Um and there's about 37ish um fifth graders in in Oakland. So, >> and what about the the um the current middle school here? Um how did the did those invites go out to >> all all middle school and all high
school uh uh families? >> Okay, maybe I should check my email. Um, I want I want to go back a minute before we close out to the regionalization committee. Um, Bethany, can you tell everybody a little bit about that grant so that everybody's on the same page, they have knowledge of it?
>> Yeah, I'm sorry. So, during um while we were closed for winter break, um the the DOE released two grants. Um, one is for a um feasibility study to regionalize and the other one is for um expanded
shared services. Um I don't think we need to ex we we share just about every service we offer. So um I think I could show them a thing or two at this point. So um the the grant for the feasibility study for regionalization the way it's written is
um it's a reimbursement like everything with Trenton. They want you to put the money out first and then they're going to tell you if they're going to pay you back. Um so that's kind of how it works. We would have to it's due April 15th. We would have to obviously have a a plan uh in a feasibility we would have to have a
consultant to do the feasibility study and then the the hammer so to speak with um submitting for reimbursement to Trenton would be um we would have to have an implementation plan. So when we do meet you know um obviously
it needs to a seriousness is attached to it that um if they if they are going to reimburse us for the cost of the the work for the consultants and whatnot that um a feasibility study would have to be attached. Um so that's kind of the hammer. It's very light in the details.
It's like three pages. There is you know um I really haven't gotten into the documents yet. Um, I wanted to go online because I do know, um, two school districts have gone through this already. So, I wanted to see if there stuff was available publicly. I just haven't had a chance to to look yet. Um,
but it is due April 15th. Um, and I do know with the regionalization there are a lot of rules which obviously we would need a consultant. Um, this question came up with the Oakland board and I pulled what um the work that we did back in 2018
when we expanded the send to receive um because it's the same type of consultant um that we would need to hire. So, I did pull those documents out so I could have them at the ready. Um but just to have an idea of like what it would cost were probably in the neighborhood of $100,000.
Um, so what's not clear is like does the lead school district put it in or does each one have to put in for their P? That's the devil's in the details and there's not a lot of lot not much detail in what um went out from the department of ed. So yeah. So um
>> I know I spoke about that the other night and Oakland. Was that last night? Yeah, last night. >> It was last night last night. I know we spent a lot of time together. Uh, and I know I've spoke we we've we've talked a lot about regionalization um in Oakland. Um, but uh you said so so we had to put
the money up front because I thought it was a grant that and then we have to pay if we don't get it. And second question is the consultant is that someone we have to find or is that someone vetted through the state that they offer? I believe I believe we have to find now what I
don't know is this whole push started with uh former I what his title was senator sweetie um and at that time I thought it was attached to university people doing the workies
>> yeah like rowan and everybody would do it when we did it locally we hired um a firm that like does this um So that I'm not sure um because it doesn't say like when you go in the department they don't say pick a pick a you know here's a list
of vendors pick one. Um it's very vague in the details. So I did reach out to the county office um to you know and I'll reach back out to see if they have any information but the information is pretty light. >> You would you would think because right now there's a bill being written.
You would think that a lot of a lot of companies would be jumping on that and maybe even universities like Ruckers and Rowan that would try to offer those services, but I know it's coming fast. So, >> and and I get the
it's enticing to hire a university to do it, right? Um but when it gets down to um let's say the end roads, we would still need a we still would need a law firm because there's a lot of um laws and regulations we have to meet. I've got the attorney sitting next to
me, but there's things that we can't violate when we regionalize, right? Like the our demographic status, our financial status. Yeah. Like there's transportation issues. So all of these things. >> Yeah. Yeah. Like which teacher contracts
left standing at the end. like all of that has to be worked out and I would not do that without um legal representation and somebody very specialized in that kind of work because there are just like when you want when we wanted to expand the center receive in Oakland we had to prove to the commissioner of ed that you know I think
there was three things like it wasn't going to affect the demographics of either town in a negative manner financially it didn't affect either town in a negative manner and I forgot what the third ring was I think there was three tests we have to show that those three we passed those three tests. I forget what the third one is. It'll
probably come to me at one o'clock in the morning, but there I remember there being three specific things we had to look at. Um, so yeah. So whether we go with the university or not, we would still need an expert at the end to put all package all that together. >> I do not
it came out very quickly and you have like three months to like do something. So yeah, I mean part of the goal of identifying who's going to be at the table is to try to get to can we get it together by April 15th really. Um so that's the intention and try to see if we can make it happen
>> and if it's worth it for everybody involved. >> Right. So that's the intention of that. So just to be clear, we're not presuming we can definitely do it. It will be based on if we can get everybody aligned as quickly as we can. >> And so the intention also of getting the
consultant would be that would be the firm that would give us examples of how we could regionalize and who we would regionalize with. Is that like what I'm >> correct? And then I believe there's documentation that has to go to like the commissioner of education. And I'm quite
sure there's like a million board resolutions we would have to pass. And then there's the >> and there's also um >> correct me if I'm wrong looking at the attorney. Um all three town you got to vote on it. [laughter]
So those questions have to be drafted to go to the voters. Like there's all this stuff all this stuff that only gets done by attorneys. Um so they would do all that. >> And so when we're saying regionalization, we're talking about the schools that we're already with, >> right? and just trying to combine. Okay,
that's what I wasn't >> right. And again, when we start discussing it might take on a bigger umbrella, but originally, you know, >> that's the three. The three the three. Okay. Well, if nobody else is applying, who else are we trying to bring in because I already kind of look at it as
semi, but I understand more. >> Yes. And >> less country schools. Got it. Okay. >> We kind of sort of are. We just do it via shared services that are like all >> it would be more Okay. >> Gotcha. Am I understanding correctly? A consultant could come in and say
feasibly you need to be looking at these other towns as well. >> Yeah. >> And then if >> so we would have to and you said you needed to look into more of the details. So it's okay if you don't have the answer to this now. But if we >> we don't go through with it or we just don't have an imple implementation plan
then we are on the on the hook for it. I believe is implementation plan and our implementation could could be and I'm just making this up because I literally have no idea but I the way I read it the plan could be you know the towns meet you know but that we come up with a plan we take it to a vote if they vote no
then we're we're done that was the plan but like I I don't I don't know you know and I I'm going to have to rely on the county office in this they may see the implementation plan to be get it done so that you're regionalized
but you or again still going to a vote, you know, can't force it. So that's kind of where I need a little more information where it's really there's not a lot of information in that three-pageformational thing they put out. So >> I I don't want to keep dragging the
subject on, but um I know you mentioned there's an ad hoc committee. Um and you mentioned all the all the little nuances of of regionalization, but um we've spoke about it a lot in in uh in Oakland. Um and uh one of the one of the
big things, one of the big topics is beyond all that is town culture, right? So um it would be some people believe it would be losing face, right? So we have our own little world in Oakland and if we get absorbed in through regionalization, we'd lose our face. Um
even though I understand how the how the board would work and stuff like that, but just keep that in mind. Um because it's not just the feasibility that you have to convince, it's the community itself. So >> I I I don't think we're presuming that this is everybody saying yes, this it
feels like go team, we're done. I I think that's actually part of the big part of the conversation like how much are we prepared to all of us give up something to get something and is the something enough right? Like is it enough to say I'm all in? Um, and that's why we wanted to try to bring a group
together to start those conversations sooner to just help part be collaborative and also not appear as though we're forcing the hand of the sending districts who already right like that isn't the intention either and you can't. So, it's really just saying are we all in this together
and willing to double down on where we already are. So, that's >> and to be fair, you're you're doing your jobs, right? you would be remiss in this budget climate. Like all three districts, we all struggle putting our budgets together every year. So, we would be remiss if we
didn't try to find a solution long term. You know, >> I do think that once those conversations start happening though, there there definitely needs to be a lot of community engagement for sure. Chris, I think you were about to say
something before. >> All right. On that note, if nobody has anything else, I'm just going to um move to motion to adjurnn the committee of the whole. And um that's it. >> Second.
All right. Thank you all for coming. >> All in favor? >> Okay. All in favor? Thank you. >> Thank you all for coming. >> Appreciate it. sandwich. >> I know. I went over. I'm just going to leave this here for
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