Good evening, Danvers. I'd like to call the February 9th uh meeting of the school committee to order. If you'd all please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The mission of the Danvas public schools states that we are creating a supportive environment where all learners thrive. This meeting is being broadcast on
Danvas Community Access Television. Is anyone in the audience recording this meeting? Seeing none, uh we'll move to our first item on the agenda and that's in items of interest to the superintendent, school committee, community, and any
public comment. Is there anyone who would like to give public comment? >> Julie, do I need to put the clock on? [laughter] >> Thank you for being in >> because I have my little my little guys with me tonight.
>> Child care is uh getting a little uh turned upside down with the other meeting that I know is uh coming after this in the town. So um again for people who don't know me my name is Julie Baldock Defilippo and I am the proud
chair of Dra CPAC. Um thank you so much for the the thoughtfulness and time everybody put into the budget workshop. Um all the staff and and uh teachers and everybody that was here. It was really clear um how how much time and
dedication um is put into putting those things together. Um, I was really excited to get some um, outreach from other families and parents after the workshop and reading our letters and our statements. Um, and specifically from
uh, parents of students that are now in high school or even have graduated um, and sharing their experiences of how, you know, special ed worked in Damverse 10 years ago and more. And you know, it's it's really clear how much progress
has been made. And it's really clear that those are going to be longstanding impacts for those families of of the things that their needs, their kids' needs weren't met. They were not feeling heard or validated. Um and so I think, you know, just want to make sure that
we're holding that as well. And uh also want to just speak to a a point that a parent wanted um urged me to make sure was clear for the school committee. Um there will always be a need for out of district placements because diversity it
diversity and disability specifically is so complex and so the point is in district programs are I'm glad we're invested in building them so that we can meet the needs that should be met in district like a parah or reading instruction for you know um mild
learning disabilities those things in district and the needs that can't be met in district we will continue to have to meet them out dis out of district. Um that's our, you know, the commitment to honoring FAPE for those students. Um and it's not at all a reflection of, you
know, capacity in terms of the students capacity or teachers, staff, administrators. It just simply is a reality of how complex human diversity is. Um, and so the parent, you know, rightfully so, wanted to need to make that clear that
in district programming will never replace out of district programming. They're just two very different things and met to to meet very different needs. And so CPAC isn't at all advocating for that. We want, you know, just like we know, um, you know, the administration
is really committed to making sure that students are appropriately placed in the least restrictive environment. I think on its face, the numbers that we saw last week, they're great. I just don't know. We We can't know because of student privacy reasons. Does two out of 10 mean that we've kept eight students
out of district that should be? Like that's that's the questions that I look at that from a parents perspective. Um and you know, time will tell. It's going to take um you know, sort of looking at the trajectory of those students. Um, we just know for a fact though, if we do
not meet needs early, they're going to get more intense. And so the opportunity is there. I think we're doing a great job. Um, and you know, I really uh urge you to uh continue the momentum by uh making sure the budget for special
education um really is as robust as it needs to be. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Julie. Anyone else? Good evening. My name is Paul Pollock. I'm a member of the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee. I just wanted to
remind everyone that uh last Saturday's event celebrating uh Black uh Pride in the in the country actually was postponed because of the snowstorm. It's been rescheduled for February 21st at the Maple Street Church, same time, 5 to
7. Come enjoy the food. It's a film festival of those that took part in the film industry way back. Okay. So, all are welcome. Please show up if you can. February 21st at the uh at the church downtown. Okay.
Any questions? No. Thank you. Good night. >> Thanks, Paul. Anyone else public comment? >> Seeing none, we'll go to the next item on the agenda. Information >> information from the uh items of
interest from the school committee. >> Sure. >> Um I have been lucky enough to serve the town of Danvers for 25 years plus now as a member of the school committee and the last couple have been as enjoyable as
any of as I've experienced. Um it's also sort of apppropo for what I'm about to say that uh Sally Karns is sitting in the audience. Sally was probably my first political friend in town because we go back to 1972
when we bonded over the George McGovern campaign while we were in middle school. Um yeah, it's true. Hate to say it. I'm calling I I'm I'm admitting just how old we are. Sally, what can you do? Um, Gardner Trasp from the selectman is here and he's here to to honor the wonderful
social security social studies department of the high school which is going to be honored tonight and deservedly so and his daughter Lisa is a a big part of that. Um, so it has been
my honor. I have enjoyed this. Uh it is also the year when my term is up and after a lot of thought I have decided that I will not be a candidate for reelection. I've served 25 years here. Before that it was uh three years as a
town meeting member. Um that doesn't mean I'm going away. I hope I can find another way to serve this town. Um I love Danvers. Everything I have in life is due to the start that I got in Danver. So, I'm not going away, but I think it's time to uh let someone occupy
the seat for a few years. Maybe the next 25. I guess Gabe, you're the closest to the 25 next year. You gonna try for it? No. Anyway. Yeah. So, thank you all. I just wanted to to say that with your indulgence in April, maybe I'll have a little more to say my last.
>> Absolutely. >> [applause] >> and uh thank you for those many years of service to the students and staff of public school. >> Thank you. Been an honor. >> Um we've been asked to make an adjustment to the agenda. So if you indulge us,
we're going to move item 3D up the seat of hope award. >> Great. Um, if we could have uh, Representative Karens and uh, Lovely, Senator Lovely come up please for the presentation. The seat of hope award
this is a big night big night in Dantown meeting. Many recognitions our social studies department very proud, very proud of you all. Um, we're here for a very special
recognition of an amazing ninth grader, Grace Bernett, who is already making her mark in the world. Um, just by way of I guess legislative
update, we could go on for a very long time and we won't because there's so much happening in your meeting tonight. However, we are just beginning the budget process. The governor will bring her budget has released it. Ways and
means committee starts this Wednesday. That's the first salvo, as you know, in a very long process, but we're very mindful of um because Dan and his colleagues do such a phenomenal job uh of the need for uh funding for special
education, special ed transportation particular and chapter 70. We know that those are pinch points. So very mindful, Eric, like you threw a curveball. I didn't think that we'd also be recognizing you. We'll do that at
another time, but I'm I'm awfully um happy for you and grateful for all you've brought to school committee many years. Um >> so we were going to talk literacy. We've done great things on an early literacy bill.
>> We want to maybe do the presentation and then >> back up if you want. >> Yeah. Okay. Without further ado, I think many of you already know this story and why Grace um Bernett has um attracted
attention. Not because she is seeking credit. I think we've already learned she doesn't like to do that. But um at the uh MLK event, Seed of Hope, the Move Like King event, which was spectacular,
um Grace received uh the first award, the Seed of Pope award. Uh and we are just awfully proud. And so we wanted you to know um Grace and we wanted to let you know that um we're going to read this want to come
up. [applause] All right. This is fine. This is fine. Okay. Ready? Okay. So, you want to say incredibly officially And I just have to add because you are
involved and have been with people to people food pantry. Um the food hub has come to the greater Boston Food Bank probably know the food pantry that will now service
all of our all across the north >> and they're still going to need you. So, so don't go thinking, "Oh, they're not going to need me." Um, so anyway, so Grace, this is from the House of Representatives. Be it hereby known to
all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers sincerest congratulations to Grace Bernett in recognition of starting and sustaining grace gives back to help the Dammer's people food pantry and earning the first
seat of hope award from the Dammer's human rights and inclusion committee. The entire membership extends its very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors given April
sorry jumping ahead February 9th uh of February 2026 at the state house signed by speaker Ron Mariano and Sally state. Very proud of you. Well done. [applause] We have another quotation from the
Senate and I will read it briefly. Be it known that the Massachusetts Senate hereby extends its congratulations to Grace Bernett in recognition of starting and sustaining. Grace gives back and earning the first seat of hope award from the dammers human rights and inclusion committee and be it further known that the Massachusetts Senate
extends its very best wishes for continued success that this citation be signed by the president and it is offered by me your state senator. It is signed by our president Karen Spila. Congratulations and keep up the amazing work. [applause]
[cheering] [applause] Sure. Sure. >> Oh, us really in the picture. Do you want us >> kidding? Awesome. Would you like to get a
>> [applause] >> So, while everyone's taking their seats again, I just did want to note that um in addition to Grace's great work that and I think part of the great work of this team behind me is that it creates a
culture of civic-mindedness and civic ownership and service to the community. So, um we have a number of young people. I know they're going to be recognized by the DPW for their artwork, many of them here tonight. Um, and so we congratulate
all of you. I won't read all the names. I'm sure you will all be reading the names. Um, and also wanted to shout out a young woman named Allah Milani who is a project 351 service ambassador and she will spend a
whole year doing service. and uh I I did not meet her, but I did attend the Project 351 launch. It's incredibly inspiring. She's an eighth grader. She's one of 351 eighth graders who participate in that
program, and it's it's a wonderful source of uh community service, but also pride, civic pride. So, and then final final note, um, great honor to nominate Gabe Lopes for a Black Excellence on the
Hill award, and he'll be coming to the state house, I hope, um, pretty soon. I think it's in the 25th. It's the same day as the superintendent's breakfast. Sorry, can't make that one, but well aware of all of your concerns. So, so
much to celebrate in the town of Damverse tonight educationally. So, thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right, we will now go to the student representatives report. Olivia. >> All right, good evening everyone. Um
just a few quick updates today. Um so today over at the high school we had a blood drive um which we have quite frequently over the school year um every year and we had nine students and 11 adults that donated blood today. So, we just wanted to thank them for doing that
and remember to always sign up. It's a great way to give back. Um, we had senior Kayn Hampy and junior Brooke Lachowski. Um, they attended the musical all states and they both received the highest scores in the state. So, just want to give them a big congratulations. And then yesterday,
Kayn performed at the Carnegie Music Hall in the prestigious High School Musical Festival. Um, same with the DHS Axe. The drama festival is a student written and directed play competition and that is taking place on February
28th in exactly sure where but um that's coming up as well. Um looking at the sports. So we wanted to congratulate boys hockey, girls hockey, girls basketball and boys basketball who are all attending the NEC championships. Boys basketball is right
there. They're very close to making it. and then indoor track, swimming, diving, and gymnastics as well as wrestling all wrapped up their seasons. They had great, fantastic seasons. Um, looking at the seniors, a lot of seniors are already um committing to their schools. We have one going to
Vanderbilt, um, one at Wake Forest. So, lots of really prestigious um, great schools. I'm attending URI. I just committed last week. Thank you. Um, so I'm really excited about that. Um, but a lot of students are wrapping up their decisions now. And we also have
for the um juniors, sophomores, and freshman, they're doing their course scheduling, picking um what courses they'll take for the upcoming next year. Um and then back with the seniors, they're also picking their internships. Um so I'm hopefully interning at one of the schools here in the town, um one of
the elementary schools. So I'm really excited about that. Um but a lot of really great internships um that are being picked and happening. And then my last little piece of information is for here tomorrow night at HRMS is the Shark Tank Championships
and that's for the primary school winners led by the DECA students that are part of that project. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Electric calendar is next on our list. >> Yes. Could I have uh Miss Bond and team
come forward and recognize the wonderful artwork and our wonderful students? So before we get started, any students who are here um as calendar contest winners, if you'd like to come up and just line up front right here.
[applause] Awesome. Okay. Good evening everyone. My name is Erikica Biscante. I'm with the Danver DPW. Um, thank you so much for allowing me to present our 2026 DPW student calendar contest winners. Uh, this
year's calendar recognizes the creative talents of our sixth grade art students at the Holton Richmond Middle School and Miss Bonds and Miss Bane McNeltey's classes whose illustrations help demonstrate this year's topic of water conservation and water efficiency.
Our winners along with their classmates learned about where Danver's drinking water comes from, how it's treated and delivered to our homes, and why it is so important to use water wisely. Students explored the difference between conserving water and using water
efficient tools, as well as simple ways families can save water indoors and outdoors. They also learned how protecting our water supply helps ensure we have enough for everyday needs and emergencies. After this discussion, students were encouraged to help educate
the community through their artwork. Their illustrations highlight important messages such as fixing leaks, using water saving appliances, collecting rainwater, and practicing responsible landscaping. These creative pieces remind residents that every drop counts
and that small actions can make a big difference. Their hard work will help educate and inspire our community throughout the year, encouraging residents to be mindful of how they use water and help protect this essential resource resource for the future. So, a
big congratulations goes out to all of our participants and our contest winners. And thank you to the students and teachers for continuing to support this meaningful partnership each year. And I'm going to have Miss Bond come up to help me um read our names of our
winners. All right, Miss Bane and I are very proud of all of our students. They worked really hard. I'm going to read off all the names. Um, not every student was able to come tonight, but we do want to recognize their names and make sure that everyone gets their awards. So, when you guys hear your names, you can come on up and get your award and then
stand right over there so we can take a picture. Okay. All right. Quinn Lazero, [applause] Juliana Bara, [applause] Cameron Tat,
[applause] Fiona Campbell, [applause] Abigail Alfant, >> [applause] >> Callie Smith, [applause] Gabriella Regio, Aubrey Hussy,
[applause] Molly Hayes, [applause] Santa Ramsdale, >> [applause] >> Luca Sylvester, [applause] Denica Haron, [applause] Madison Lopes.
[applause] Well, we have you students. Hold a little higher. Yes. Thank you, Miss. That is awesome. Congratulations. [applause] >> [cheering] >> Next on the agenda is the DHS social
studies department recognition. All right, we're going to have Principal Alen Strauss come forth as well as our prestigious social studies department. Come on down. Social studies department. Come on up. [applause]
Before uh Principal Strauss begins, I just want to say um my personal congratulations. You never could say former social studies teacher. You're always one at heart. And that's um I love walking the halls and certainly visiting social studies uh classes. um
they just really do so much and to see the recognition is just unbelievable and I'm very very personally proud and very honored and very humbled by their work. >> Thank you Dan. >> When I came here in November, one of the things that I talked to you all about
was we had to tell our story and we've done that a lot. But what happens every day in the classroom is a story that's not told. For me, excellence is the bar. Nothing else matters. We have to be excellent in
what we do on a regular basis. Yet, that's very difficult to quantify. Yet, as a former social studies teacher, one of the things that I know is that the data never lies.
It's not just watching them teach. It's seeing their numbers. It's seeing the number of students engaged. It's seen their AP scores across the board. And so the opportunity to nominate this department was one of the easiest things
I've ever had to do. The Massachusetts Council of Social Studies every year names a department of the year. And ironically, when I told the department that I had nominated them, they were very humble. They were very appreciative. And they kind of left it
at that. And last night it it watching that debacle in in the Super Bowl, I realized that showing up or just being nominated wasn't enough.
I wanted them to win. So to receive this is one of the biggest honors that they could receive individually, which they certainly deserve, but it's also really important for our school and for where we're going as a community. They are
intellectually curious. They love history in the social sciences and they love kids. That is an elixir for excellence. And I'm really proud to present 2627 social studies department of the year
from the Massachusetts Council of Social Studies. [applause] >> Would you like any of them to say anything? I would you'd like to say anything? >> You'd like to >> speech? >> I'll say something.
I've never been known not to say something. >> I I don't mean to uh disregard any other subject teacher that my kids have had from Thorp to HRMS High. They've had excellent education
all the way through. But all three of my children connected to somebody or multiple people in the history department social studies department. In fact, our youngest um loves history and because of his love of
history uh applied for Gilda Lairman schol uh scholarship at Marish University and and was and received it because of his love of history due to these people. So well welld deserved and I just appreciate the way you engage
kids. Thank you. [applause] >> I have something to say too if I could. Um and I'll I'll be brief. I've had the luck and the good fortune to get to know most of you in one form or another over the years. sometimes on the opposite
side of a negotiating table. Um, there you go. And Lisa, I think I met you when you were probably in middle school. Um, I am um so proud of all of you and you know for years I've tried to say especially when everything was about
um math and English and science and which is all important. Everything we do is important. But I often thought as a society we sort of started to not pay attention to history, not pay enough attention to civics, not pay enough
attention to what has gone before so we can put what happens to us now in context. And all of you have worked very hard to make that happen for our students. And um I think we can see the danger that happens when we don't
respect and learn from what has gone before. So I just thank you all so much for what you have done and what you continue to do for the students of Danver High School. It's much appreciated. >> [applause] >> So, um, as the teacher leader of the
high school social studies department, I felt like I needed to say something. Um, so, thank you first of all to Principal Strauss for, um, nominating us. It was quite an honor and a surprise, frankly, because to be honest, we're pretty humble people. We do love our craft. We
love history. We love our students. and we um we show up every day because this is this is our v vocation. This is what we do and we're not looking for, you know, recognition. We're we're we're just we're just like um we put our
hearts into it. Um and the other piece that I I want to say is I am honored to work alongside these professionals. Um it's an outstanding group and we make we make each other stronger. We lean on each other. We share materials. We share
horror stories. [laughter] You know, there's some bad days in teaching. You might not you might not realize that. Um but we we work really well as a group as well. And and and I do definitely want to say that I'm I'm super um I'm honored and I feel such a
privilege to have been able to lead this group for a few years now. So, thank you all very much. >> [applause] >> While you're getting ready for that, I just want to say that Ali is going to school to become a teacher and we're
really proud of her. >> No, no, no. That's Let's take one more. I do have to say we have great departments all the way across the board. And I look at Meg with DECA and the work she does. We all know that. Um
if every every department in the state created awards, we would nominate all of ours. But uh Mass Council is the only one I believe that does it. Thank you. >> I believe so. I think we saw a little
bit more there. Legislative update. Y 75% of yours is already done, right? >> Yes. [laughter] Representative did that very well. Uh I'm just going to add a couple of things. The um first thank yous. Thank
you for what you do. all of you educating Denver students past, present, and future. U school committee is a hard job. Superintendent is a hard job. We recognize that. So, we just want to say thank you. You put in a lot of time. You are boots on the ground
to make it happen for for your kids, for our kids. So, we want to say thank you. Want to say thank you to my my partner in the legislature. They don't get any better. Um and she's a Damas girl through and through. So, I follow her lead and I'm grateful to to be able to
do that. So, just quickly, the Senate just passed an early literacy bill. You may have seen it uh in the news, a little bit of in the news. And it's because we're seeing that third graders um are not meeting their not reading at third grade level by the time they get
to third grade. And we've seen some stats on that on what that means. And really looking at the statistics right now, it's about 42% of third grade students across Mass are not meeting their expectations on the MCCAST um
English language arts exam. So Danverson numbers are right in there. Every community's numbers are right in there and it really is probably we're seeing those numbers decline and it really is CO related. You know, we we've we've seen it before COVID hit the numbers
were much higher for Danvers. was over 67% um and now in 2025 it's 38%. It's across the board. It's not just this community. So the legislature, the Senate took a look and said, "Okay, we need to come up with a literacy bill. We need to do it
better. We need to and we need to fund it." So it's not an unfunded mandate, which is which is a problem. You know, if we're passing uh bills and policy and then we're not funding you, that's not rare. I mean, that's not fair. That's not right. So, we came up with a
literacy bill um and the rep will talk about a financial literacy bill as well that we're working on together uh to to be able to put it um to give give you the resources, educators, the administration, school committee, the
resources to be able to put that into place. And what came up over and over during the debate in the Senate is um phonics. We don't teach phonics anymore. Um it's kind of like the whole word reading. It's been a long time since I've, you know, looked at, you know, my
my my children are in their 30s, so it's been a while. Um, but we want to be able to give uh high quality quality literacy curriculum to our communities, professional development programming and trainings. Um, that's what Desi will be
doing. Um, and working with school districts on what is the best fit for what you want to teach for these uh to bring these third graders up to speed. Am I okay? I'll I'll continue. And um what we'll need from school districts in
this bill is um it'll won't start until 26 27 and there'll be a twice a year assessment for each third grader to see where they're K to three, see where they're at. And if there's some students are are uh struggling, there will be um
you know to be able to inform parents, guardians about screening results, and there'll be data reporting requirements. Jesse will come up with the curriculum, a variety kind of a menu, whatever works best for a community. And again, we fund
it. So that is um I've got I've done a big hive fly over with that and I'm happy to send you the bill and really all of the data talking points. You can see that happy to share that. So we think that's going to help our communities and help our kids and hope
that you agree and again just want to say thank you. Um the representative already talked about the challenges with you know again fly over with chapter 70 with special education transportation. We and the governor just put out her budget. The house will follow in April.
The Senate will follow in May. This timing is couldn't be more perfect. What are Danver's needs? So, we can advocate that when we go in to meet with our Ways and Means chairs, respectively. That's where we're at. Um,
I'm not going to go into into much more. I'm going to turn it over to the rep. But again, I just want to say thanks for all you do. I know how we know how hard you work. We appreciate it. [clears throat] >> So, sorry not to put too fine a point on
it, but the other literacy bill that we did, and by the way, no surprise that Danverse, I think all of my communities, Danverse, Peodyy, Middleton, Topsfield, Lenham, all using the high quality
curricula that teach, thank God, phonics. But I, my niece is 40, and I remember [clears throat] reading with her saying, "Sound it out." And she looked at me like I had spoken a foreign language and
I was like, you know, sound it out. So, thank God the pendulum is swinging. But there are districts where they're not meeting the literacy needs of children. So, thank God we're were there. Um there's another literacy bill
here um that I just wanted to note. Uh there's a guy, he's fairly recently out of high school. I'm going to say six years out of high school. Ryan Hamilton represents Mthuan. And to hear him talk about the need for financial literacy
because he's 23 or four years old. Their whole world is right here. And so even explaining a checking account and compound interest, those are kind of very basic, but kids now are bombarded
with all kinds of financial products and instruments they might not know about. They might not even know that they are a sales product. A lot of people think of insurance as a something not as a product that you buy. So, this is a bill
that will strengthen financial literacy, understanding of all the ways and the complexities of being a consumer, not just buying a house and having a checking account, but knowing about the Consumer Protection Board, knowing about
credit scores, um, and on and on it goes. Knowing about crypto, that should be a short unit. don't don't use crypto, but um or don't at least ever get crypto out of a coin machine up at the um stop
and shop. Um so I just I'm happy that we're doing it and it's just one way in which we're hearing younger people who are saying hey and in fact when the education commissioner came um we were here and then we went over to Peabody
and the eighth grader who was talking said you know like we need to know about things like buying like having an apartment. She was very well spoken. She's going to be running for mayor someday. And it was a reminder that young people are looking to us and so
anything we can do to better equip them to go out into that world we should do. Um we are off to special town meeting and uh thank you for the time and um I also want to echo Joan's comments like thank you school committee is the
hardest one. Oh questions >> chair. Yep. So, I just want to say thank you. I know uh we'll have our legislative lunchon uh with the superintendents, but I know the advocacy for increasing circuit breaker funding and last year the supplemental bill that
brought the funding from I think 45 or 44% was hugely helpful for us. So, we know that we're supported and we I know how hard your job is, but we really appreciate the advocacy on that piece. Um, and I know the the early literacy part, right, and the uh compet the grant
that we received for some of the tutoring has really made a huge difference and I've seen in action. So, um, these are very important pieces and I know um, you're doing the best we can. We so appreciate I appreciate it because I know we have a great relationship and our district is supported. So, thank
you. >> Thank you, Dan. Thank you to all of you. really you make it easy and on a night like tonight are you know unbelievable where they go >> the students >> really incredible. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. We're lucky we're we're very
lucky to have the districts we do. >> I'll just say thank you for all you uh you both do. I've always felt that it comes across that you more than anything else are in this for the right reasons, which is to make make the world a better place, but in
particular that part of the world that you can touch every day, including the counter gambers. And if you're in it for the right reasons, I think that's half the battle. So, thank you for what you do. >> Thank you, Eric. >> Lastly, >> we'll always have 1972. Yeah. on the
25th. Can can can Gabe bring any guests on the 25th? >> 27th. >> 25th. I had it right. >> Hold on. >> I'll clear my calendar. Can you bring any guests? >> Yes. If >> Thank you.
>> Are we going to need security for you? >> Thank you for being here and thank you for your kind words. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. Always a delight. Highlight of our week. I think we're in unfinished business.
>> That is correct, sir. >> We're moving forward. Um, we have four policies that we are recommending for a second reading and these all fall into the area of challenge instructional materials. Um and again these were recommended by our council regarding challenges to
instructional materials uh revisions to the library material challenges teaching on controversial topics and exemptions. They all fall into place. Um so move forward. Uh the first item is the instructional materials the challenge instructional materials
looking for recommendation for a second reading. Again this really uh creates a separate policy. um and assistant superintendent uh Anderson really pushed forward with this uh recommendation. We appreciate her work on this. Um so want
to make the recommendation for a second. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? Any questions? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I opposed. >> The next one is just uh clarity on the
challenge library materials. uh just the additional language to explain that nothing would be removed solely because they present view points which some individuals may disagree. So we make the recommendation for second reading for challenge library materials.
>> So move second. >> Any questions? Seeing none. All those in favor please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Next is the policy uh just revisions and updating on controversial topics. Um
this basically is just to look at creating a wide range of perspectives consistent with our district goals. The recommendation is teach on controversial topics for a second. >> So move [snorts] second. Any comments or questions?
Seeing all those in favor, please say >> I. >> I post. >> And lastly, exemptions. This revised policy streamlines the language so it applies uniformly to all required instruction materials. Initially was for health education, but it's a broader
span. So we recommend the exemptions for second. >> So moved. Second. >> Any questions, concerns? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. >> Oppos. Okay, up we have um I don't have a slide
for the great deca uh overnight trip, but as we've revised our challenge uh excuse me as we revised our overnight and out of state field trip policy. So our teachers that move forward and our facilitators, they've gone through the process and the last piece is final
approval by the school committee. This has been in the uh consent agenda, but we want to bring this out in case there are any specific questions because these are very important trips and we know that a lot of work goes into it in a lot of areas uh providing you know obviously create educational experience but to
ensure that there's equity for all students. So >> absolutely thank you. I'm Bangan Bullier, the DECA uh adviser at the high school. And this March, we will be attending our it's the state career development conference. There's about
4,000 students from across Massachusetts competing over three days. Um and Dammers is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest, attending the conference with 129 students. So we have 129 students and third 13 faculty
members which will be coming with us. It's a 10 to1 ratio. Um and we stay in the Weston in the seapport and we will be competing in the convention center the Manino convention center that's attached to the hotel. So I welcome any questions about the trip or things
associated with it. >> Are school committee members able to be chef? [laughter] >> Absolutely. If you wanted to we would love to have you. questions. >> Everything you do is just great for those students who participate in DECA. They just get so much out of it. So, uh,
full speed ahead. >> Thank you. >> And congratulations. I was thinking back to the first time I had to speak and present. I think it was about 22 years ago, the first time we took one student away. And I remember answer one student to our international conference that
year. And I remember standing up here for the first time presenting to Eric and how supportive you were from the start. So I know the support from you guys is what has allowed us to be able to grow and be successful. So it's meant a lot to us. >> Everybody who's qualified to go wants to go can go.
>> Absolutely. Um financial need is never a deterrent to coming to the conference. So we do things throughout the year. We have great support from deep. Um our partnership with them is wonderful. Um this year for our state conference we have 17 families that reached out for financial aid or scholarships and
everyone was provided with an opportunity to meet the need and everyone is attending who chose to attend. >> Good. >> Thank you. And we can't wait to see you tomorrow night. Um as a couple of you are judging our um event tomorrow night
right here. So it's going to be a great opportunity for the community to come together. All five elementary schools. Um the 10 finalists will compete right on the stage behind you for our Shark Tank or Shark Tank Championship. So thank you very much. >> Thank you.
>> Um to approve overnight >> second. >> Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say I. >> Opposed. >> All right. Next up we have our DHS program of studies. We have our
curriculum director, Mr. Peter Dearo, and principal Helen Strauss. >> Hello. Good evening. So, it is that time of year where we're looking ahead to next year and putting our program of studies together, including all new courses we're looking to add uh into our
programming for next year. So, the majority of the program of studies is staying relatively the same, but as we typically do, we just like to highlight all the new offerings that we're planning to offer for next year. some of which we did give a preview in the budget presentation. So, some of these may sound familiar. Uh, we actually just
launched the course selection process. Um, so we had grade level assemblies with all of our students. They picked um their core classes, their electives. We met with eighth grade parents and families last Tuesday, which was great. Um, I had the privilege of coming down here with one of our counselors um to give an overview to the eighth grade
parents and families. Um, so we're all getting ready um to go through with all of these course selections. So, here are some of the additions that we're adding to the program of studies um by department. Uh we don't have to go into the nitty-gritty of each, but just a
quick overview. Um for our ELA and social studies department, we're planning to add AP research and AP African-American history. Um as we talked about during the budget presentation, the AP research course is a core component of the AP diploma. So,
students take the AP Seminar course and the AP research course. They can graduate with an AP diploma if they score a three or higher on both, which is a huge resume builder for them. Um, we are adding the following, the performing arts department, beginning band for any student that gets to high
school and has not uh learned an instrument yet. We don't want that to be deterrent to them. So, that's open to any student grades 9 to 12 that would like to start playing an instrument in instrument. In addition to our already uh existent marching band, we have adaptive performing arts which are
hoping to partner with our performing arts department and our special ed department providing opportunities for students to take um that course and partner with um older students to serve as mentors in the class and students that may want to become teachers or
special educators in the future. Uh in our science department, we're adding AP Physics C. Uh we already have AP Physics 1. Um so we're adding AP physics C as well which is just another um rigorous course offering and involves students uh
utilizing calculus along with the scientific concepts as they take the course. For world language, we're adding a more traditional Spanish intermediate 4 course for students that want to take a full four-year sequence of Spanish but may not want to uh take the leap and go into AP Spanish language and culture. So
really it's just adding more options for students want that want to continue their language acquisition um but at at a level that may be more of a comfort level for them. Um for our PE department uh we are offering intro to strength and conditioning conditioning for an entry- level course for that. We already have
one in existence uh for students that are more uh practiced and skilled in that area. And then to the business department, uh we're adding AP business with personal finance. Um that'll be tough on Miss Fuller, uh who has already been using some of the materials and
piloting it. So we're very excited about that. Um and what's exciting about that is that'll be a course offering that many students in our school can access regardless of their prerequisites or previous um courses that they've taken. Um so we're excited to be able to have students take that as well.
>> We don't need that. I think it's important to understand that we were very intentional and and I go back to your question or your statement, Mr. Lopes, last time about what are we doing for the middle of the road kid. So, every department is up here. So, we
wanted to make sure we have something for everybody, whether it's special education and music all the way up to AP physics C. Um, so, so we're very excited about these course offerings. We're now going to be at 26 AP courses, um, which is the largest in the area and the only
one with AP diploma. So, we're excited. Since this needs a vote for a motion second >> any questions comment >> I I I think you know I I love to see all this and and we we got a sneak peek of
this during the budget and um the AP business with personal finance I think is fantastic too. I mean, we just had our our legislature partners come up and talk about that and talk about the need for that. And um just speaking personally, when I first got into freshman year college, and maybe there's someone in the audience that can relate
to this as well, she was in the same boat that I was, but we uh you know, you go in without a lot of business courses um back when we graduated in the 90s and it's like you don't have that. We didn't have that, but now that we're starting to see this, I think this is great. So, um Since this is under new business, is
this for a first reading or is this first and final vote? >> Nothing else. All those in favor, please say I. >> I. Thank you. >> Transportation. >> Thank you very much.
Okay. So, I'd like to bring up David Pulsiver. He's our transportation coordinator. Uh we've been analyzing our fees as we mentioned in our last meeting. And David will give an overview for the bus cost analysis. We're not asking for a vote tonight. We just want
to present the information, the research, u in order to give some time to mle over if there's any public comment maybe for the next meeting necessary. Um and then take recommendations from the school committee. They're come back next month with the recommendation for the increase.
>> Yes. Good evening. Um I just like to take a a few minutes to go over um a bus fee analysis review. Dan and I had um discussed some ways to help offset some increased in uh
transportation costs. And if you can go to the next slide, I can start just kind of give you a a brief overview. Uh so when I started asking questions I said oh when was our last bus fee and took me some digging around but uh 2012.
So that was you know 15 almost 15 14 years ago now. Um, and we are up into uh a new bus contract coming into uh FY27 and we've all seen our transportation
cost rising um not only in a district but also just the home to school side of things. Uh our bus contracts, you know, just like anything else, every year goes up a percentage. Uh hopefully we can get a a good rate going into this school
year. But you know, last year our total fee for the nine buses that we ran, well this year actually is uh 691,000 uh minus the bus fees that we collect from the from the families. Uh brings it
down to our cost of a little over 500,000. We're currently transporting, you know, roughly 1121 students in the district. Uh and you know it's a at 180 it's a dollar a day which is which is very
economical for for the families in the district. Uh but there is some opportunity for us to recoup some of the higher costs. Uh break even cost you know if it was full price would be $616.
We're not looking to to charge that obviously. you know, just a kind of a visual of of what it costs to transport a student home to school. Uh, and then on the other side of it here is an average of 270. I looked at some data
from surrounding districts and you can see that Dan is is real is really low. Uh, and I think Beverly is highest at at 315. So, 270 is is a good average. And again, you can go to the next slide.
So, what we're proposing is to increase it up to 250. Um, I think that's a decent ask and as an incentive also um going into the S SY27 registrations,
you know, if we offer a incentive for families to register early, they could save, you know, $50 and it would be 200, which is which is a good value. And what also that does is It gives the district a better idea on how many students we
might have for the next year. Um, that could be the difference of adding or removing a bus from the contract. Um, and then from June 1st to July 15th, it would just be the full $250 rate. Uh, we
have a family cabinet district of 540. I don't see any reason why that would change. Uh and then just the proposal of a generated increase of $70 would be $53,000 more uh in user fees
that we would collect as a district. Um which is a small offset on an increased year um on a transportation budget. That's a good buffer um to kind of recoup some of any additional costs of a new contract in the district.
And then you know recommendations would be for you guys to vote next month. Is there any questions? >> Just one quick. Do we have and maybe it's for for Dan but is there a hardship program like if we do there is a hardship program I'm assuming? Right.
Okay. So if people find this to be too much or too steep, they can talk something. Correct. We have a class. >> There is a there is a financial waiver option. Yeah. Okay. Great.
>> Is that paid up front? Is that paid monthly? >> Uh it's paid up front. Would that be an option? Possibly the pay monthly or um No, because I'm looking at the number and it's right like you said it's a dollar a day. That would bring up
to $1 138 cents a day. So, you know, if you were jumping on the silver line, I know it's but I know some people budgeting. I I think anything could be worked into that program. Obviously, it just makes more sense to collect the fee up front because then you have to chase more more down. But I'm sure we could
work, you know, discuss that further. >> I think we Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry, Gabe. >> Um, just a thought. Um, seeing that we haven't like done any increases like over the years, um, would
it be feasible or even consider like new families paying like a higher rate and grandfathering like families as they phase out? I know like that's a 12 year process, but I'm saying like a slight increase for current families and a higher increase for new
families as they come in potentially. It's just an open question. consider maybe we do some math on that. >> It's just it's a good it's a good topic of discussion, right? There's no idea that's a bad idea. I think you know it we you guys Danvers has had that fee for a long time and it might just be a
community thing. That's just a great great option to you know be a member of citizen of Danvers right town. Um but there also you know is an opportunity to recoup some some costs. So, you know, anything any questions that you guys you
might think of or if I can get you any information, I'll I'll be happy to connect with Dan. And >> not I mean top of mind the elementary is like the highest volume. Would I be correct in stating that or where's the highest volume writership come from?
>> So, it's pro yeah over yeah elementary is the highest volume and then middle middle school is the next and then high school the least. >> Right. >> Okay. And I mean, I just see it as to kind of soften the blow to some existing families. When you're bringing in a new
family, that fee is the fee. I don't know. It's Yeah, actually, Gabe, you bring up a good point. The districts are not required financially to provide uh transportation for grade six and above. It's really just six and under.
So like you could in like keep elementary at like one fee and then like you know grades 9 through 12 you know could pay a higher fee. So there is there is some like there is some options. >> Yeah like you know some ways of you know meeting our requirements but also
increasing it for the option and again I'm not speaking for anyone's economics but just just seeing if there's a way of without over complicating it creating an additional administrative burden but I just want to the chair. Um so you know bringing it
breaking this down um and understand you know that was part of our process too is like what is you know we we certainly want to make sure that we you know try to do the best that we can to increase but also I think you just said it you know there's also crossover with the administrative burden as well going to
make sure that we don't add to that that piece because we also have fees from other entities that we're collecting. Um so to have something that would be customized like monthly might be a challenge. You know I know we have the fee waiver as well. Um but you know we're willing to take anything into
consideration and come back with the recommendation. So u but we understand and certainly if I can go back to the earlier slide like um we we certainly you know that's why we wanted to show the community comparisons. Um, and I also, you know, we would be open to, if
necessary, as we did for the preK, to do a two-year incremental if that would be something of interest. But I certainly know that, you know, since 2012, you know, we we know that the fees have gone up. We know we're getting a new contract. We're going to do everything we can to consolidate, you know, down to
maybe one more bus. Um, so we're trying to to be conservative, not to put an increased burden on families, but u we're also trying to do the best that we can to at least keep the you know, I mean, no matter what, we're we're paying more with the transportation. So, we're
doing everything we can to offset, um, which we feel is trying to be reasonable, and we still would be within our communities, still on the lower end. Um, but again, I understand the piece of going from A to B. You know, if there's some incremental piece, we definitely
would take a look at that. I think we all hate to raise fees and that's why in dampers we usually go a long time between fee increases but given the rates of inflation price of gas and and the likely cost of the
bus contract I don't see how we can avoid it and I I do like the fact that existing parents will have an option to keep that increase to 20 bucks which is um not bad. Um having said that you know maybe as you look increments. Maybe you
have um you know something similar. Maybe not just $200, but something for um students who are new to the district. You know, after May 30th, maybe you want to consider something there. Maybe not. Um but uh those are just ideas, but I
think we probably have to consider. >> Thank you again. >> You're welcome. Have a good night. >> Nice. You too. >> Awesome. athletic music. >> Okay. Our athletic director, uh, Drew Betts is on the way. Uh, they have their, uh, senior night for girls
basketball. They're having an outstanding outstanding year. So, he is on his way. Just we'll go a little quicker. So, I'll I'll get started with the proposals as he comes in. We can jump into that. And Mr. Betts, >> perfect timing.
>> How How was the uh, introductions and just kicking off. >> Things are going well. >> Things are going well. Nice crowd. Huge night. Some good group. >> It sure does. >> Well, it's I got football. Yeah. Well, it's funny. Anytime now I'm I'm like,
you know, doing something outside of work, I I don't even actually have any clothes to wear. It's just like everything and I live in Wakefield. So, um All right. Well, thank you guys again for kind of hearing me out on this. Um hopefully you guys are able to sort of see these slides. um but just wanted to put together a proposal to sort of
address um our user fee situation. So we use user fees for athletics to help sort of supplement coaching stipens um and other parts of our you know athletic budget. So I put together just for you guys to be able to see tonight uh three different proposals with a different
tiered system. Um, so if we can jump to >> Yeah, I'll jump to the slides and just to preface this the same concept, just putting the proposal out tonight to talk through any suggestions and ideas. We'll come back next month for a vote.
>> Um, so with this, so we we have not increased or changed our user fees um in about 12 to 13 years. So it's the 2012 2013 school year. Um, but all of our coaching stipens, which are part of the DTA contract, increased at the um
percentage rate of that year. Um in addition, we've also seen an increase in transportation in like costs moving up, officials are, you know, increasing their rates at about a 7% increase. So our our user fees have not um shifted.
So I think in terms of a value, it's still a very very affordable cost um for the product that you're participating in, whether it's um a JV sport or a varsity sport. Um so that's where it's on this you're able to hasn't moved since the 12 201213 year. Um, and that's
what as I kind of referenced before what it's meant to help offset and cover. Um, and with this we took some information from other neighboring districts um, and tried to create three different options um, to sort of present to you guys. Um
and in addition, the hope would be that by going with one of these three tiers, we're also able to s sort of support our booster clubs by removing any, you know, coaching positions that they are supporting and funding. Um so that's that's that kind of that last piece. Um
and then the other thing to note is we do we will still offer the opportunity for any student athletes and families um that may need a financial waiver. that is something that would still very much be a part of this um process because again with an increase we're not looking
to exclude um any student athletes or families from participation but we're just trying to essentially align um with the current expenses. So this is our current structure. We have it in a four tiered system really more of a three- tiered system. So we have our three high school sports um
three tiers of high school and then our fourth tier I've listed just as our middle school component. Um on there is a summary you can see how much money we bring in per fees collected. Um but the growing gap so traditionally when this will have started the goal was to try and cover around um 50% of coaching
stipens for in the DTA contract and that's something that because they continue to increase and our fees do not shift that gap has continued to sort of widen. So this is our current structure. Um the first proposal that we put
together um is also in a similar setup. It's a three tiered system as well with essentially just oh sorry. So this is also something that you guys so you can see what other local districts are currently charging. So you obviously see Beverly High School um you see Masco
which again they have a little bit of a a bigger range. Um you see a district that's that's lower than us in in PEved but then you see Hamilton Wenham Swampskit North Reading um Manchester Essex um and how they how they do it in
different ways. So some do it as a tiered sport system, some do it as a sport by sport um and others do it um just one sport or one fee for across all sports. The first proposal provides a $30
increase for every sport. So, it keeps our tiers exactly the same with the exclusion of middle school, which is would be a $25 increase. And then in addition, we also have a increase in our family cap from $745 to $1,000. Um, this
proposal would bring in a projected roughly $12,000 more in additional revenue. Um, and it gets us a little bit closer to covering 50% of the coaching stipens as per originally, you know, the goal behind it. Our second proposal, um,
one that some neighboring districts like Ipsswitch and Lynfield use. Um it is a one-time athletic fee of $600. And that doesn't matter if your student athlete were to participate in one sport, two sports, or three sports. Um so it's a model that's designed to encourage the multiport athletes. So it's like if you
sign your child up for a fall sport, you know, you're paying that $600, you might get to the spring be like, "Hey, let's give another activity or another sport a try." Um, and that's something that again has increased participation rates in some of the neighboring districts that do use it. Um, but it does create
some concerns for certain families that do emphasize the single sport model because then you're paying $600 for one sport. Um, in that proposal, you'll see that we would estimate bring in uh $270,000 in fees, which would be a $125,000
um additional revenue, which again puts us a little bit over that window, but it's also we still remain um very competitive and on the lower side of NEC schools and other districts. So, that's this proposal would actually get us over the 50% component of covering coaching
statements. Then the third and final um similar with the tiered models, the average average increase for each sport would be $53.75. Um this has a little bit more round numbers, so it might be more a little bit appealing on the eyes with seeing
300, 250, 200, and 150. Um but this would bring in an additional roughly $32,000 in revenue. Um and it would still then it would also have for all of these tiers, we would have a financial fee waiver. Um, and that's something that we would have it as a reduced model
from $100 at the high school to $50 at the middle school. >> So, do you have any questions or anything that I can help kind of answer with the three just proposals that hopefully you guys all have an opportunity just to kind of see? And >> on the third proposal, how close does it
get you to the 50% step? >> Right now, it would that would get us over the 50%. Um, and so that's something that it keeps in the same model that we're at right now. similar just because of those pieces continually going up on a on a cons like an every year basis. It would get us over for
right now. My assumption is that would keep us over for I would anticipate about four years. >> Just one quick question. If we thought about doing a hybrid of a couple of these, like you know, looking at this $600 onetime fee, right? That makes sense for somebody that's doing
something every season, right? But for the one kid that's playing cross country in this in the fall, that's not even close to making sense. >> Correct. Yeah. So I I will say so we tried I tried to take I used the NEC and the CAL which is the K band league and I essentially compiled all of their
current models and tried to just take each system that's a little bit different. So it's like that's where you see um some of them have like a low range. So you keep it in that tiered system. So if you are a cross-country runner, you do pay that. That's where like that first and sec and third proposal might be a little bit more
appealing to that group. >> But what Lynfield and sort of Ipsswitch shared is that it's like it gets that cross country runner to then do indoor and outdoor track because as a as a parent you spent $600 and now it's like well what else are we going to have you do? Um and so that that is appealing
more for the multiport model. Um, but for some, you know, in some cases, like there's other schools that will, if you were a hockey player, if you're playing football, you're actually spending more than $600 even just on that one sport, >> right? >> So, long story long, I do think there there could be a hybrid. I just haven't
really seen a district that's that's done that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Do we know what percentage of our students just play one sport? So, we actually did that data and right now it's it's right about 50%. Um, we have uh we had this
year from or last year's numbers because I can only speak to last year because we haven't obviously gotten into our spring season of this year. Um, but we had 77 uh three sport athletes. Then we had about 182 sport athletes. So, we had um
you know that that with 470 kids playing sports, it put us right around 50%. >> Okay. My hope is this year that would actually be increased because we actually did a we had a no cut policy in the fall which increased our numbers substantially. Um
and my hope would be that that drives sort of our spring participation numbers up as well. >> Are you locked into the $600 one time fee? Because I'm looking at your third option and I think you can maybe adjust that
number to drive your goal of getting more participation make it more attractive. somebody who plays sports. >> In full transparency, none of these proposals like stand out as like really um like eye opening. I will say selfishly from a parent perspective, I'm
never interested in charging more for activities. Um just as I sign my own kids up for summer camp and you know see what those come into play. But um I there isn't one of the proposals that stands out to me as as strongest.
And these fees are only paid by the actual athlete. So if a student doesn't play any sport, they don't pay anything. >> That's correct. >> Question, and this is something to consider. Have we ever thought about
charging every single student that attends Danver High School like a student activity fee to try to offset this? Because I feel that sports is contributes to the entire student body and and maybe it's a way of eliminating,
you know, ticket sales during games, you know, for specifically for students. That way they don't have to worry about I mean, do students pay to go to the game? No, they don't. Okay, good. That's good to know. I >> We do have We do have some students pay in certain ways. We do a ton of different nights to try and offset that like a senior day game. So, it targets a
senior day class or like Mr. Strauss will said like I'm covering students for this football game. We do do we do charge our students presently, but they do do a lot to try and >> Oh, so they do. All right. So, they are charged. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I was just shaking my head because you can't charge all students for an
activity that they participate in. >> Oh, okay. I I I mean, I get it. I was thinking like university model where there's like a student activity fee or maybe offer you know something where you know if students are paying per activity but 20 bucks or $30 for the year they
get a pass. >> So we've actually so to credit a two senior classes ago we do a falcon pass um and that's something that um so that I think it was 2020 the class of 2023 they created it as part of their passion project um and it's $40 or I think this
year was $30 and it got you a you know, into every single varsity home game with the exclusion of MIA tournament games just because we don't control that. >> Um, and I I think it's honestly an outstanding idea. Um, it's one that hasn't gotten as much traction. Um, but we do try and do a ton of season passes
also for parents as well. So, it's like if you're a, you know, a parent of a pick on basketball right now, you got 10 home games and if you were spending $7 for that, you got a $185 user fee and are spending another, you know, $140 in tickets. So, we did try and we always do season passes for ticket for families as
well to help offset that cost. >> No, I was just thinking of I mean figuring if we can't do that, but that would have been a really great way to like figure 10 bucks a kid shaving $8,000 collectively, but I'll just leave it
there. I guess we can't do the chair. >> So, a couple of things. We're trying really hard to balance being realistic with increasing cost but not declining participation. Um you know obviously we value participation in all sports but
also in our fine arts performing arts because we do have fees associated with that as well. Um so we're trying to find a a balance for that. Certainly as a transportation this doesn't come anywhere near covering all of our costs for athletics. Um, and you know, we're
not going to be like some that are full pay, um, unless there was a decision made and it was a community decision. So, we value trying to bridge that gap. And we also know that, um, I didn't go through this with my children, but I also know if you go through a private uh, AEU and things like that that this
is an incredible bargain, incredible bargain. And the value that you get participating in your your child's school sports is just unbelievable. So, um, you know, we know that contractually every year stipens are going up and we need to at least offset that. But this
isn't anywhere near covering, you know, transportation official fees, right? Entrance fees and things like that that really have risen. So, we're trying to be as reasonable as we can and stay within the region because we don't want to deter students from participating. We also have the
waiverss for those that may qualify. So, it's a line we're walking. So, we're trying to be as creative as we can. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you guys. The budget discussion. >> Thank you, Mr. Betts. Good luck tonight.
Um, so I put together just I know you got this late, but we've been working with our team and just really this probably more of an update where we stand. Um, and still know we have a lot of work to do. Pam, if you want to come up if you wouldn't mind. And Christine, I know you're in the audience as well in case
there's any student services questions as well. So, yes. So, we we basically at this stage, we want the feedback from the workshop and the subcommittee. We know how important it is to move forward with their specialized programming, right? It's critical. Um, and really prioritize, you
know, our needs and and and balance it with student achievement. Um, we have to do that both. We can't just have one, student services or student achievement. We need both. Um, and we're really looking for ways to be creative with our funding and really tying it into a strategic plan, strategic priorities
2030. That's when our plan will u be over with. We're also [clears throat] looking like can we be phased in in terms of some items that may not fit into the budget this year. And just really the the priorities that were presented are priorities, right? and whether we can fund them this year, next year, that doesn't mean they're not
priorities. So, we need to be loud and clear about that. So, just getting back to the the town goal, which is really to take both, you know, innovation and excellence as well as continuing the progress that we've made in our student service programming. We need to combine both, and I think we we've done a good
job with that. So, I'm just giving you some some quick updates. These are very very very rough numbers. I know we'll have a subcommittee on Thursday to refine this more, but if we look forward in terms of our obligations, we know that these are non-negotiables. Our salary line is a
salary line, right? And right now that's at a 3.99. That's contractual increases for all employees looking steps, lanes, every unit that we have, teachers, instructional assistance, uh food service, administrative assistance. Uh
also we have our administrative team. um and our non salary student services that's not negotiable either and that's pretty substantial and I'll point out why that is we we always have the out of district tuition and transportation
those costs will continue private placements are in the double digit range for increases right our contracted services we've used a lot of them to bring our programs and we're looking to move off of those but that still will be a reality next
And last week, you know, we're anticipating an increase from the consortium of 100,000 about 10%. That'll be finalized more in March and April, but we want to get ahead and put that into this budget. But I will tell you that when you look at the tuition line,
like our numbers are down, but the costs are going up. So, and at the consortium, you know, they're talking in terms of some of the programming, you know, there are there is some declining enrollment, but their costs are going up even higher. So, they're trying to balance that piece. The non salary is in yellow
for a huge reason. There's still some work and I got to thank Kristen Anderson for her work because she's trying to move all we're going to take care of all the curriculum and as it looks like right now get it under grant funding. So, that number is going to go down in that category. So, that's why I'm just pointing that out. So, that's just
placeholder now. Um, but we're also accounting for a 5% increase on transportation contract. Um, and the aed service and the vape detectors that's in there. We feel that's important for safety. Um, but that's in yellow because that number is probably going to come down, which is good news. Probably not a
lot, but a lot of work has been done to move the grant stuff over the offsets, right? What can we do to bring down our obligations? So what we're dealing with right now is we're trying to dig in deeper to circuit breaker. If we can increase that, that would bring down the
obligations. Our grant funding we're really working hard personnel we're really really digging into with retirements, attrition, reallocation, flexibility. So that means we may not fill some of our retirements, right? And there might be situations where people leave the district. We not fill those
positions. As we try to move in, we have to do that. The early retirement incentive is in the early phases. Um, and that's a situation where we're looking for ways where you can creatively uh provide an incentive for those that are close to retirement. Almost 60% of our staff is at the top
step right now, which is great. We have tons of experienced teachers which is wonderful but also for an organization you know that step keeps moving up and um you know that we've been researching it and we're very close to coming back and you know working with the school committee and providing an option on
that and I can talk more about that u later but the idea there is if it's feasible for us to move forward um we can save considerable amount of money this year without using this year's money and five years down the and then moving contracted services to
positions which we're trying our best to do that possible revenue right now this is possible because this is important for later our school choice tuition isn't 225 this year right was 74,000 we were very minimal but we know that we
certainly have room for growth there um you know and it's possible um you know a tuition if you take this year's 74 and then you add on top of that could be eas without taxing and exceeding and creating any issues within our schools.
Right. The program has been successful. Um and that that's and it's also attractive for kids to come back into our district. Tuition and polic possibilities. That is talking about if our student service programs are strong
enough and fully um operational where they should be. We can bring in students from other districts that are looking to save money with placements and we can do that for them. We're really, really, really close. And that that you can bring in 50,000 plus per student depending on the need of the service. We
would never bring in more that would create a burden on our programming. And then user fees, we talked about the increases, but really those are just to kind of offset the cost. So why the possible revenue is important is because maybe the things that might not fall in right now that we can defer off and
still away this year with improving our programming. So, right now, some of the offsets we're at is we're still real rough here. We currently have seven retirements and we're looking at our staffing needs and enrollment. They're we're pretty steady with our enrollment, which is great. Um,
but there are some areas where we may be able to collapse in areas which would reduce um some of that piece. So, I'm not fully prepared to give a final number on that yet. the additional circuit breaker. We know that we have to dig in deeper there. That's a big area
that if that all falls, that can really bring down um increase the offset for us. And then the non- salary reduction, the one to one non-renewal of the Chromebook lease for the middle school uh would save a substantial amount of money. That doesn't that doesn't mean we won't have technology. We will have
technology, but that's an area that we can bring in some savings and we know we need to change the model. What's in yellow right now is where we're at. Where I want to get to is the 2.8 million, right? That would be that's optimal. We're getting close.
The specialized programming, which we talked about that we need to get forth in this budget, are the instructional assistance to fully vet out several of our programs, right? To make sure that we meet compliance. And a number of them were funded through the EA grant, the SLP, and the team chair at the high
school. We have to have those. That's a substantial amount right there. But what I want to show to the team here is that we've been thinking really hard. So the reading teacher and the budget, we can keep that under title one for another year because that's going to be
level funded. The pathways director, that's a reallocation will not cost us additional money. the BCBA for the elementary, the behavior certified, board certified behavior analyst, um will pull that off contracted services, which is tremendous. The two teachers
from um the rise and the sore program will move them uh from Smith to the middle school to beef up the programming here. Uh the director of strategic initiatives, we have a funding source. The AP training is done. We have we have grant funding for that. That's all set.
Uh that's happening as we speak, actually. department chairs to create stronger leadership within our schools, the middle and the high school. It's just reallocation won't cost us anything and that's going to go a long way to move our schools. ELLL teacher that we
need compliance uh we can continue grant funding on that which is great curriculum move that to grant funding and the van driver we're going to work through our transportation because that is a huge savings for us. So that to me is a lot. We've really worked hard. Um,
and I want to show this slide here too because I think when you look at where we where we were and where we are, we know we still have more work, but our specialized programming in terms of uh student services, uh, we're really really close, you know, and very proud
of the work. You know, the SLP and the IAS for the Stride and Bark will bring us to a point where we'd be very close to franchising that out to bring in tuition. the RISE program um the elementary BCBA um and moving the teacher to the middle
school and the IAS will bring us in a great position there. The secondary school psychologist, we can move that to one more year and be strong. Uh the sore program, you know, we have the special educators to boost that and uh another one for the middle school. the team
chairs. What we're really excited about that, you know, we we've established two at the elementary, one at the middle, and with this budget, we would push forth for one at the high school, and we're looking for creative ways to bring another one for the elementary. And then DHS 2030 priorities, which I
think is important because I I want people to see like we're moving we're moving the high school, but this does connect to the whole district. The curriculum we're moving forward, the math curriculum actually across the district. So, it's not just the height across the district, which we need. I'm very proud of that. A lot of work on
that. Um, our pathways programming, um, you don't see the check boxes because those are going to be in the following year anyway, right? Uh, interventions, we are close to, and the next slide will cover that. Early college, we're in it already. Um, and the associates degree
pathway will be moving in a year, which we're real excited about. So here, this is where I know the committee asked like what can we move forward to strengthen our programming more some of these items if you remember when I talked about revenue that isn't there yet but we can
project out for example with tuition choice and if we're able to pull off the early retirement incentive can fund these items at least some of them right so the work study program we know we can we can do that that's just adding stipens right the assistant principles
which is a big ask but we know the importance of it you know can we use the phas in approach and defer it and get one this year possibly and create a combined share AP at one of the schools that has the most need right I know that's something very important and we're working hard to see if we can do
that the math specialist we might be able to utilize some title one and we may not get in every school but at least get this seated best that we can um the teen chair at the elementary again maybe we can combine that with the assistant princip to bring that in would be huge.
The ACE program, which is the program at the high school for students who are struggling uh that that need a centralized programming, we think we can maybe do that with uh the deferral with reallocation and anticipated revenue. The lunch recess monitors, we're going to work hard with food service because we might be able to utilize some
overages there to take care of that, which then might free up the opportunity for the digital liter literacy specialist. So what I'm trying to say is that it's a tight year but the need is there right um and we met with the principles
earlier to talk about this and our team who's working really really hard um in a in a year where districts around us are cutting districts around us are in huge deficits for us to move forward and to add these and keep within a reasonable line again great support from the town
you know I would be proud if we're able to do these things but we have to be realistic and we still have more work with the town. We've had a meeting with them. They gave us some guidance. We're not there yet. So, I just know like if I put this up here
for projections, this is not the final number. Not the final number. Remember, obligations may go down because of the curriculum, right? That's going to come out. That's going to happen. The offsets, if I can get that to 2.8, which we got a lot of work to do. The specialized programming is there. That
still puts us under six. Again, that's not a final number at all. And if I can get that down and keep bringing these programs in, I think we would be in a good shape, a good piece, right? Because and again, the offsets that that we need
to talk about the assessment for Essex Tech, although we will have fewer students attending, the assessment's up because of the transportation cost as well as the capital. So that's not seen in our budget, but that's a realistic obligation that town has. So we're
trying to balance everything we can. Obviously, we have our subcommittee. We want to talk more in detail and get more feedback. Um, and again, just as a reminder, you know, obviously we have the 13 14 year average this year is is
exceptional in many ways because of all the pressures, but we have so much momentum. We got to carry the ball across the goal line, but we also have to keep balancing the relationship we have with school committee, with the town, advocate for teachers and our
families. So, these are the things we have to do. The personnel, we got to really tighten that up. the non salary request the circuit breaker Pam is working really really hard with our student services team because if we could take out more of
that that's a hu larger offset for us maybe we can get a few more things accomplished the deferral planning is important for us because that's not saying no that's just saying that in this time when we have to bring this through March 1st to the town
you know knowing that this is on the radar remember last year deferred We're able to bring in a couple of items such as the U math, excuse me, the literacy reading interventions at the middle school and we're able to get the team share done through a few creative ways and it was after the budget in a lot of
ways. So, um the bottom line for us though as a school committee, we have to be on the same page on the 23rd of the budget year. So my ask for the committee is obviously I serve at the the will of the committee and I will work hard with our team to bring the best budget that
we all can be proud of. So when it comes on the 23rd we're in a good place to move this forward so that you heard the commitment that CPAC has and the willingness and how close we are getting. Um, I just want to say thank you to our great team for all the work
they're doing and I really want you to hear this update where we are because I know you've said to us we need to sharpen our pencils and we are definitely willing to do that. So, I'll stop there um because the next step is on Thursday. >> Thank you for the uh for the update. Any
questions discussion? I think you're taking a very um measured approach, a very smart approach to getting where you need to be, looking for everything you can possibly find to
get us to a bottom line that um allows us to actually make some forward moving. Continue the momentum that we have. So, I would say keep doing what you're doing. I know you'll bring us the best budget you can and I think working with the town we'll get to a place that will
work to not just sort of keep status quo but allow us to keep the momentum that you've all created Mr. J. I think we're we're making progress here I think but you know one of the things I like what we are doing is
on some of those things like the assistant principal things it's not no never it's no right now so I think phase that you can try one of those I think notical so
to the chair if I may. Yes. So to that point, thank you Josh because currently with our team chairs as they are set in the elementarymentaries, they're just so overwhelmed with everything that in a year, you know, there could be possible shifts with those responsibilities too
that might come in alignment. So that that may help us down the road. Good. All right. Thank you. And uh I think you probably have this that I didn't make the slide. I'm sorry.
Ran out of time. Yes. I apologize for saving money. >> Oh, yes. It's in your folder, but um I was going to make a slide and I ran out of time, but I'm happy the chair, if you'd like me just to go over the highlights of the calendar quickly,
please. Yes, sir. Um so number one um with Labor Day beginning later you know we will we will open school for our staff you know those you know Wednesday Thursday school will start that Tuesday after Labor Day on the 8th as we revised the calendar last year there's only two
early release days on the 8th and 9th we moved the third early release to December right before December break. So that's consistent. Um the other thing is the professional development day u January 15th is consistent as this year.
So that helps you know get us up to speed quicker for the start of the school year. Everything else is basically the same format as the calendar this year. But really there are no substantive changes. We just need motion to approve school calendar.
Second. Any discussion? Any questions? I I absolutely love having been employed for 28 years uh the three districts. I love just starting Tuesday afternoon
helps at the end of the year make some decisions on weekend and last day of school. Perfect for the app that Seeing nothing else. All those in favor of the school calendar, please say I. >> I
order minute order. Or order of business number six. The minutes, please say I. >> I. Second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor, please say I.
>> I. >> Oppos. I would move that we table the remaining items on the agenda until the next meeting in March. I appreciate that second.
Is there anyone against I would actually before I enterain a motion to >> wait a second. >> I'll do it. >> I already second. >> You did second. Thank you.
>> Um all those in favor please say I. I >> oppos. Our next meeting will be on March 9th. With that, I would >> motion to adjurnn. >> Second. All those in favor, please say