Uh, welcome to the East Lang Meadow Public Schools School Committee meeting on May 11th, 2026. It is 5:03 p.m. Um, like to rise for the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge algiance 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. >> All right.
Um, call to order. Sam >> Sure. >> Samantha Velasquez, secretary. >> Emma Blair, assistant. >> Gregory Thompson Smith, superintendent of schools. >> Anela Rishela, Carrie Jarzavski, >> William Straw,
>> Amy Denta, >> Heather Brown, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and Flanigan, Student Representative. >> Right. Um, approval of minutes. I would move to approve the April 27th,
2026 executive session meeting minutes as presented. Second. >> Motion moved by Greg, seconded by William. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. That carries 5 to zero.
>> Next. >> Move to approve the April 27th, 2026 regular session meeting minutes as presented. >> Second. >> Motion moved by Greg, seconded by Greg. All those in favor, any further discussion? All those in favor say I.
>> I. I. >> William, who seconded? >> Oh, what did I say? >> Doesn't matter. >> I don't even know what I said. Greg. Greg made the motion. >> Second. >> He's do it all. >> We're all good. >> Man of many talents. >> Right. Right. >> Fine. >> Sorry, guys. You're good. It's Monday.
>> All right. Motion five to zero. >> Okay. Uh committee and subcommittee communications. Greg, >> yes, I get to go first. So, I get to mention the high school achievement night um this week that a couple of us attended. Uh what a night for these
students. Um one of at the table tonight are our our own Anna Flanigan um and several other uh participants uh that evening. Such a good night for those students. Such a good night for the community to come together who came with many of the um uh scholarships and
awards that night, too. So, uh overall good night. Yeah, thank you. >> You mentioned the art show. >> I'll leave that for you. >> Oh, thank you. A few of us attended the art show. Um the students did an amazing job
decorating that hall. They were actually able to paint the walls. Um >> the one time only. >> Yes, I know. But they did such a great job. Um it was just a nice presentation. And by the way, Anna had a does some
some work at that as well and it was fantastic. Did you draw the school on the magnets? >> Yeah. >> Oh, everyone drew the school. >> Okay. That was a team >> and they were all like on the magnets. >> I have one of the magnets forever now. So, that's great. T-shirt was a compilation of many. >> Yeah. Of all of them. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> Very cool. >> I have nothing to report. >> Nothing to report. Um, I was able to attend both those events. And I did just want to say, >> is there somebody in the building? >> Oh, get right there. >> Is that one there? >> Um,
I wanted to second everything that you all said. I did just want to mention Miss Oawa, who I know worked incredibly hard to put that together, as well as Miss Dixon, who also did an equally um, wonderful job organizing the art show, the art event as well. So,
>> great job. anything? >> No. >> Okay. Um, so I have quite a bit actually. >> All right. >> Um, prom is this Friday for seniors. It's hosted at Great Horse this year. Um, we are on to our second week of AP
exams. Um, we have two spring concerts this week with the coral concert on the 13th and the instrumental concert on the 14th. Next week for sophomores is math MCCAST testing. Um, I also have student
achievement night. And then lastly, on Friday, seniors attended a presentation by the Hampton DA's office for the Stop the Swerve distracted driving program. >> Oh, good. >> Nice. What' you think? >> It was fun. Yeah, we did um a little
driving simulator and then we put like the drunk goggles on and we had to like do mazes and then there was also a presentation at the end where um a few people came in and spoke and that was really good. Yeah. >> All right. Thank you.
Um opportunity for any visitors to address the committee? No. All right. So, I guess we're moving right along all the way down to new business. >> Okay. In your packet, you have a request
to do uh set up a student exchange for next year uh with ELPS and Costa Rica. We have Miss Raa here from ELHS. We're putting together and she had successfully put together this year
exchange program with a group from Spain. And so it was just in was it February? >> April break. >> April break that um our students were able to go over and um engage in the Spanish culture and um see how
Spanish families uh have go through their week and their school um daily approach. Uh as well as we had in the fall hosted how many students who was it? 15. >> 15. Yeah. >> Yeah. Students who came over in October.
Uh so it's really successful and looking to do it again. And Miss Rivera is here. >> Can I answer any questions or >> it's I think the uh similar format where you're looking for our students to go
out the April break, right? >> Yes. But we will not have the October part. So there will be no Costa Ricans coming here. It would just be Americans going to Costa Rica. Okay. >> And he's looking for students. Is that right? >> Yes.
>> Do they asked to come this year? They didn't want to. The Costa Ricans didn't come want to come >> um with this particular school doesn't work that way. >> Okay. >> So, it a little bit less work for me. >> Got it. >> Um do the students fund raise to help
pay for this or is it just >> We did not do that last time. Okay. Um, and that was actually never asked about, but through the forum Promeo tour, there is an opportunity to do that and they have all sorts of ideas. So, if the parents that wanted to
send their kids did want to explore that, we absolutely could do that. >> That way, we could open up the >> Yes, absolutely. And this one's actually going to be a little cheaper than Spain was. Um, Spain was about $3,000 for 10
days and for 7 to eight days, this is going to be about $2,500. It really cuts the cost down because they live with families. So, all of the food is covered um within the family and the and then the lodging and it's just a much greater opportunity for the
students to be living with families rather than staying in hotels >> and speaking and speaking Spanish. This school actually um is um the school that we were in in Spain was phenomenal. They are emerging school. The Costa Rican
school is actually going to test their proficiency when they arrive and put them in different groups, make sure that they have the classes that they need. Um they'll attend school for 3 hours in the morning and then they'll do different activities in the evening such as dance classes, cooking classes. Um, we'll take
tours of the town. We'll tour volcanoes and other natural um, parks. Um, and then we'll spend a day at the beach. But the immersion on this one just seems like very stellar. They they're very
highly trained in they have like specialists at this school that do this. So, and the the kids who went to Spain had a life-changing experience in so many different ways. It opened their eyes to so many different things. Um, my
son was a student on the trip. His family was phenomenal. They did not speak English. So, every conversation that he had with them was in the target language um for more than a week. Um, these families from Costa Rica are they do this often. They work with this
company a lot and so they are also specially trained, specially selected, vetted, all of those things. How do the students get chosen? So um my plan similar to last time is to have an
interest meeting. Um from the interest meeting, I will have an additional meeting with parents and students for students who are serious about going. They will need to write a letter of interest as to why they are interested in attending. just so I can see what the goals are for different students and
then from there I'll select students. Any other questions? >> Looks great. Yeah, >> I know. The pictures look really nice. >> And I've been to Costa Rica on two different trips. It's a phenomenal place. Amazing people, very hospitable,
very willing to work with the students and make their experience a positive one. Looks nice. Okay. Okay. Can I get a motion? Make a motion to approve the EOT High
School student exchange trip to I will not say it right. So it is okay from April 18th, 2027 to April 25th, 2027. Okay. Motion made by Carrie. Second. Seconded by Amy.
Any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any naysay? Gary's five to zero. Okay. Thank you all so much. Thank you, M. You too. Great. Next item.
>> Okay. Uh the next item uh in your packet you have uh the current use of school facilities and on top of that you have some notes from the uh ELHS athletic director, Mr. Kevin McGee.
As we move quickly now uh into a new pool and a new building, uh we're probably going to need to look at how do we expand the use of the facility, especially the uh part that's uh KF-R, which is the sort of the regulatory part
of it. Um in terms of groups using it, when they're using it, uh how do we organize and coordinate that? And um I know that in addition to this uh the town manager has put out uh an email looking to start a working group that
would involve school department, recck department, uh I believe the department of public works and um some of the school committee members as well as uh administrators. So Mr.
just put some thoughts in terms of initial revisions to KF-R which is the second part of the policy in your packet and it would be changing uh it looks like letter A prioritization approves
Gordon, can I ask you a question? On page four, um there's rates on there for custodial fees. Do you know? And those are bolded. Those updated or are those the original? >> Uh they probably were last updated in 2024 would be my guess when this policy was looked at.
>> Okay. >> So, they're probably not updated if since we just started a new contract with the custodial. >> Yeah. >> My guess is that those are older rates. And Gordon, you said Kevin had um suggestions on a Oh, this is it. The
first. >> Yes. Okay. So, he was just looking to, you know, these would be the uh I think you have one through four now. Um he was offering a revised one through four and prioritization of groups.
basically looking at ELHS physical education classes and the swimming and diving team having first priority. Then any time that the physical education classes aren't using it and the swim and dive team are
not using it, opening it up. Uh currently we have a very strong partnership with the recck department and so they've always been the first priority. Um but opening up where it says other functions of town government
being a little bit more specific in terms of the senior center possibly wanting to use and uh start programming in the new pool and then there may be other groups as well and then toward the end obviously you
get to outside groups and rent. And so if the goal of the community is to use the pool more, which was kind of how we talked with the community as we encourage them to vote for the project, um then I think it would be helpful to
have multiple options for multiple different groups at different times. And I know it might make best sense to be at the same time every day, but we have this brand new facility that really should be used most of the five days of the week if possible. And so PE uses it
for five weeks, maybe six weeks, do you think, >> in terms of the swim unit? >> Yeah. >> Um, yeah, it's probably somewhere >> and that's probably six to eight >> preset before the year starts in terms of it's a set time of year, >> right? >> Is it around the holidays even necessarily? Do you know? >> I want to say it's more in the winter
time frame because once they come in, they look for using what used to be the two small gyms or small gym, large gym and pool, right, >> area. So it's when they are indoors. So, um, Donna Prader had sent over, you all have at your location, uh, some results
from a survey survey that Wreck done in terms of how to use the pool and what folks might be interested in. Some of them are obvious. Um, some of them are a little different and outside of the box, but not against any of them. I think in the end this is a school building so
this committee would have to decide on a policy in terms of how much it's used and by who whom it's used which this starts to lay out right but then it will probably become a recreation position a rec department position that mans or uh
staffs the facility whether it be a lifeguard or a pool manager. the pool manager. They just converted a position um from director I think it was to pool manager product director >> better better term. >> Um so I think we just have to be okay
with the usage which includes how much the high school is going to use it and then the availab availability to the town but it will come upon the recreation department. I foresee it on staffing it other than which Gordon just brought up before the custodian a
portion of it. So, would the school department custodial staff be able to handle 8 hours a week of additional pool usage throughout Monday through Saturday? >> Are we talking about I'm sorry.
>> Oh, sorry. Go ahead. >> During the school day, the pool being used is part of the conversation as well. Okay. I wasn't sure if it was just after but I think it there it's flexible, but I think there's certainly opportunity for people to use it during the day. It's locked off completely separate from the building as we know
and there's a separate parking for the school for the pool itself. So in theory it can function on its own and there is you know the constant barrier between the school and the pool. So if there's a demand for it during the day I think it should be open during the day. If the
demand is after hours it's harder because swim team starts to use it, Marlin starts to use it. Um, but I don't know what the market requires, but I just think we should give this the opport opportunity for the community to use it. Yeah.
>> So, to answer your question, um, pretty much from say 6:00 a.m. to 1000 p.m. you're going to have custodial coverage. >> Okay. So, if you know once the custodians learn the new building, the opening
routine could be making sure the pool's ready to go and up and running. Um hopefully it's always up and running, but uh what I can answer is how the overtime addition would be um
staffed. >> Do you know in terms of custodial practices if the the practice would be after wreck used it for open swim for two hours, you know, 9 to 11:00 a.m. Would it require a cleaning of all the locker rooms and the pool area?
>> That's something I think that the work group that uh the town manager is putting together would need to look at because we wouldn't be able to swing custodial coverage necessarily into the locker rooms at like 11:00 a.m. Okay. >> Cuz that's when now we're running lunches at the high school. Um, which
means there you have a custodian in the calf and you have one on call around the building. >> Is there a window of time, do you know, Gordon, during the day that would be more feasible to have pool coverage? So, the custodians now um at the end of the
day will swing into if it's swim season, they're going to get to the pool later, probably somewhere in the 8:30 to 10:00 time frame, and clean up locker rooms and get the pool um cleaned up and set
for the next day. Um it it really depends on the the time frame and how long gym and pool will be used. You know, >> basketball nights, you know, you you may have the games going to 9:30. And so now
>> most of your custodians will help out and go at the end of the shift, clean up the the gymnasium, get it set up for the next day. >> Okay. I think we need to look at how often it's going to be being used because it
might be necessary to get another I don't know if we can get like a part-time custodian cuz I I think it's a priority to keep it clean in there >> or is that a responsibility issue >> with the recreation department? I mean,
>> well, and so that's the line, right? Because because it's a school building, then it's the uh obligation of the school to maintain it >> in my view. >> But I mean, are we receiving any kind of money?
>> We do. We we we received $25,000 from the recck department and part of that uh central office use a spreadsheet of custodial time like when it's a when it's a recck department basketball game um or etc. those kind of things. We have
it charted and it's a a shared document with the recck department and um central office so that they can see how you know quickly like when when we request the $25,000 because we kind of did an analysis of course we don't want to overcharge anybody but we to understand you know these are contractual
obligations that we have to pay and and we have to have a custodian in the building. So um so that all is tracked. Um and there's a very good and there always has been a very good working relationship with the recck department that you know that the town with the school. Um Donna works very closely with
Kevin McGee. Um so again I think that that group that's going to meet it'll be a great conversation um for them to because you're right the custodians already have a workload to do and we need to maintain this brand new high school and we have a very um small custodial staff. We lost a position a
good um 12 years ago, I believe, cuz it was right before I came. I've been here 11 years, >> 2014, >> and they never got it, you know, back again. So, um we do have to be very careful. >> Like you said, if we're using this in the community at least five nights a week,
>> you need some someone there all the time. >> And I I know there has not been discussion in this early phase yet in terms of uh a pool pass or, you know, charging for that in terms of revenue that it might generate. And so if there's additional revenue generated, does that mean that that number changes
the agreement with the recck department as if we're going to be open that many more hours? >> Right? It's certainly something that has to be looked at. >> So we we should talk about that in that group as well. >> And those funds go into the building rental account and um districtwide building rental account. >> We pay the custodians directly and then
they're reimbured. So So we pay them right up front. Of course, we're not going to make make a custodian wait. And then um twice a year uh transfer is done from the recck department to um the school department. >> And I think the new building may bring challenges that we are not aware of that
may require more uh labor in terms of custodial labor or less labor perhaps because we'll see. So I think time will tell. >> I think more is going to >> always more. Yeah. So, you know, even a position in the future may be looked at at an additional
custodial or half position like you said part-time. That's always a possibility. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Um, you want to bring this back and we can uh after we meet with that other group. >> Yeah. >> And then come with their thoughts at least to their vision of what they're
looking to do from a town side and then >> we can back to the committee >> adjust the policy if needed. you may need to set um a structure that probably by the end of one full year will also be changed again
just because you'll have an idea of okay how is the community using the >> right >> um I think that one of the things that everybody talks about um are these rentals we used to talk about it with the field um and they're really few and
far in between I think if uh this project produces everything that we feel it can produce, you're going to have a premier facility in the pool and you're going to have a premier facility in the field and the stadium and then maybe you
will get rentals again. Um, we haven't seen those for a while. >> Do we know if any other surrounding communities use their pool like >> for community swim? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I'm sure of it. I mean, I don't know specifics. We used to have community swim Friday nights in East Meadow.
>> Um, yeah. and Northampton does to look into because there's like memberships and things and >> just to the pool itself. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Cuz maybe we could ask around >> surrounding district. Yeah. Kevin might know that information. And if you look at the top three, it's lap swim, family
swim, and swim lessons. It makes perfect sense, right? >> Right. >> Yeah. >> You may have a group in there at 6:30. >> I'm kayaking in the pool. >> Yeah. Right. before work. They they use it for >> Health Tracks has a pool and there's people in that pool all the time and this is going to be a premier facility
and so once people you know find it I I think it it'll get used. Yeah. >> Question. >> I mean I I was the president of the Marlin so >> and I a lot of the other pools are used by the public. Um and then a lot of the
other schools will they rent them out like uh Champs is a big revenue generator for a lot of these pools that obviously the high school we could have never had it there because there was only four lanes but now having was there be six lanes >> six lanes >> that opens up opportunities for bigger
meets where these organizations will pay. So >> excuse it. >> We're going to need a janitor. >> So yeah. >> Yeah. I think the work group's going to be important. you're probably going to need to keep that work group going
throughout next year maybe just to look at how you do this. How does the aquatics director work within, you know, I think the recck department's relationship with the school department is really strong. I don't think that's going to change. Um, it's just adding these new positions and coordinating the
schedule. >> Yeah. >> And what's is constant here is that ELPS approval for the pool goes through through the schools, right? Yeah. Cool. >> Any further discuss?
We'll wait until after that meeting and then we can bring it back to the committee. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um discussion of schedule change for June meetings. >> Yes. So this was uh a request coming
from the superintendent. um we had set our assessment schedule and uh for the for the year with I Ready and um EXL and some of the other assessments that we're trying to accomplish three
times a year. Our window in the spring gets really complicated because the MCCAST schedule takes a little bit of of precedence over our internal assessments. And so we're going to be going right up to that uh June 7th, June
8th meeting. So it'd be challenging for any group to you know whether it be elementary or um secondary to present the very next day. So the hope would be um and also in talking with um last year
if you remember uh we went consecutive nights and I think it was like 20 June 21st and 22nd. However, in talking with Jamie, um that's harder for her to do the Zoom setup and it would be easier to do consecutive Mondays. So, just move it
one week and go to June 15th and we already have a meeting on June 22nd. Then we can split the groups so you don't have um four hours of presentations, although that is engaging and fun. Um you might have two smaller
engaging and fun presentations. So, the ETH or not the ETH? >> What I'm recommending is don't do the ETH at all. >> Right. Okay. >> Uh if everybody's open 15th and 22nd, you would just have two meetings consecutive weeks.
>> It's okay with me. >> It's okay with me. >> Works for me. >> Anna, you'll be a graduate. Is that with you? >> True. >> Are you going to come back for the meetings? >> I think >> I mean I can if you want me. >> We would love to have you. You can always come back here, but you don't
have to. >> I may have. >> I'm available both days. >> Okay. I'm not a conference. >> Um, do you want a motion for that, >> Chair? Chair, please. Uh, so I would move that we modify our June uh meetings
to June 15th and June 22nd. >> Motion made by Greg. >> Second. >> Seconded by William. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. I >> any nay? Motion carries 5 to zero.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> I'll let the leadership team know. They will be happy. >> All right. >> Superintendent happy. >> Very happy. >> Thank you. >> I think is that going to be your last meeting? >> 22nd would be my last meeting. Yeah.
>> Wow. >> Now I'm sad. >> Sorry. >> I was happy. Now I'm sad. We can have our last meetings together. >> There you go. Now I'm happy again. >> So our next meeting is the 15th. Wait, am I looking at the wrong not? Sorry.
The 23rd though because we have um >> talking about May, right? >> Yeah. Isn't it the 23rd? Am I going confused? Still thinking this. You're right. You're right. I'm sorry. I'm looking at May. So confusing you for a second. Okay. >> We bumped out because of Memorial Day. So we would >> That's what it is. Yep. Yep. Okay. We will be looking like I think we're here
on that 23rd which is a two Tuesday. >> Uh no it's not 23rd. I'm sorry 26th. Yeah. Um we just have to figure out what room because town council will also be meeting here. >> Okay. All right.
Um thank you. Our next item request by ELA to use ELHs for the 2027 gala. Uh my name's Kevin Lennon. I'm a member of Eleaf. Brendan Gilly, >> president of Elaf and Alex Lenn. >> Alex Lennon, board member.
>> Uh we had >> also teacher. Sorry. President. Okay. >> Is that it? >> I'm done. Sorry. Um we had proposed the idea of as you know the gala is one of our big fundraisers. Uh last seven eight
years it's been a great horse. >> Yep. >> Uh we proposed the idea of with the new school opening up having our next gala 2027 at the high school. Uh we toured it a couple weeks ago. Um and it looked like
one of those front atriums would be a great spot to have it. Uh we think we get a lot more of the community coming to this event and obviously give a lot of the residents an opportunity to see the new school. Uh we're in the very
early stages of this. We obviously this would be the first step seeing if it's even a possibility and then obviously we can get the further details. Um but it would probably be similar to the gala we've had where there would be food
served and obviously alcohol. Um so there's you guys have anything else to say about it? >> Yeah, I mean it's very much early uh stages of of development from our side. So there's a um a discussion that was
kind of opened at the board meeting and we're like is that even a possibility? And I don't think that we have like full commitment from everybody like on the board. like if we had a vote, I'm not sure that they would vote to to do this, but in an effort to kind of keep the
idea alive and see if as we explore it, like I mean obviously there's a lot of um things to think about, it's not a not a venue for this type of event generally. So, you know, getting hiring
a planner and getting that all the tables set up and and you know, do we bring in uh you know, a separate, you know, caterer? Um I I don't think make sense to use the kitchen, you know. So there's like a lot of these things that
logistically are going to be a lot more on the planning side that you know I mean we struggle to get you know uh participation to get these events planned as it is. So making more work for ourselves is you know there's some
question as to whether or not we're going to be able to pull that off on our side. Um we've had great success at at Great Horse um fundraising from a fundraising standpoint. uh we like are always trying to think about ways to
like better engage with the community. There's a little bit of a sense that you know some people don't get the opportunity to go because it's expensive at Great Horse. I don't really see it being much less expensive to set up a whole thing in the high school. But, you
know, I think there is definitely gonna I I think people would generally have like an interest. Oh, like that's something different, you know, like we could we have some high school prom theme or something, you know? I mean, um I think there that could generate, you
know, some real interest. Um so if it helps us to engage with the community, ultimately our objective is to fund raise so that we can give money back to the teachers. Um so obviously that's our main objective. Um, and but if this can
align with the fundraising goals and it's not too much of a lift for the board, then, you know, it it might be something that we could do. And if everybody thought that was a good idea, then we'd, you know, kind of explore
that more. Um, but if we don't get a good reception, then we would say, okay, we'll we'll continue to explore other options. We we just so you know uh we have looked at alternatives to great horse um and you
know the price was comparable um at a number of venues and we felt like you know great horse we've had great success there and you know it's it's been a reasonable option for us. So um we we've stuck with that over the past few years and um it's it's an option for us again.
We'll I'm sure explore some other opportunities as well. Um, if we could somehow, you know, get the cost of that event down, that would be great because that means we're going to I don't I don't think we're going to raise dramatically more or less money. So, um,
if we can get some costs down, we're going to be able to give more money to teachers, but um, you know, that we'll have to figure that out. thoughts. >> I I love the idea of the community being
able to come in and see the building. I mean, so many people have invested so much time and money into this new building. Um, we want everyone to be able to enjoy it. I think one of the big
concerns is alcohol. >> Yeah. Mhm. on school property. Um, so I think that's that's a big concern and I don't know if there could be a different kind of event or a different kind of
fundraiser that we could have there without the alcohol. I don't know. >> I mean, we're not here for that tonight. >> I know. >> But >> I know, but I'm just I'm thinking about it, too, as you guys are presenting this as well. Fair.
>> So, I don't know anyone else. >> I I just think that Well, there's the scholarship um comedy night. Who put that on the scholarship fund, you know? Right. And so, that's another event that, you know, has alcohol typically. And then I think
about just all the different sports banquetss that we tend to use Twin Hills or other places for. So, I think that once we decide to have an event, we're sort of setting the precedent for, you know, what types of events we're going to do at the at the school and
what those would look like. So, >> I'm I just I always like to know what other people do. I'm just curious if there are other any other school districts that have used their facilities and had alcohol. I don't know. And what their parameters were around that. >> Yeah. No idea.
>> Oneoff situation. think have the party bring all the booze and then get a good company in make sure it's all cleaned up and we probably wouldn't approve it again. I think this is like a you know what I mean? Like this is a one-time thing and it's a brand new high school. Everyone's saying let's use it. Let's
bring people in. I think this is a great chance for people, especially with younger kids. You know, if my children are at Metobrook, I might not have the opportunity to have been in that high school yet. that's going to incentivize me to want to buy a couple tickets to want to come and drink a little bit and donate some more money because I'm
drinking a little bit. I mean, I'm just saying like I think this is a fantastic opportunity probably for a oneshot deal from my opinion. Like I don't I highly doubt that we would say let's do it every year. I totally agree with you on that. But >> that's just one woman's perspective on this
>> and it has I'll be beat up at the meeting tomorrow night. But, you know, at I've worked at other colleges >> and their tips trained bartender like we've done a a parent nights raffles and stuff and it's been two drinks that we give out in terms of tickets per person.
So, there's a limit on what's served and it's usually beer and wine. So, I don't know if that's a, you know, again, like I would just want to know sort of what other >> but I I know that that's at two different institutions I worked at that was their policy.
>> Yeah. I mean, we're we're in the evaluation, you know, >> stage. So, we all we need to know is kind of what the parameters are and we'll we'll take that into consideration. And, you know, um I don't
think anybody's like we're not begging to have it there. It's it's an idea. I you know, I think it would be cool like that like front atrium would be, you know, an awesome place if there was some live music like kind of cocktail hour there, you know. I don't know where we would set up a bunch of tables, you
know, but you know, I don't >> cafeteria. I mean, that makes cafeteria >> back side of the um of that atrium all right there. I think it's a beautiful space. >> That whole Yeah, I mean that whole space is really cool. So, >> it could really work out. I mean, I agree with you that if we were to agree to it, it should be a onetime thing, not
a precedent setting thing because we should not open the floodgates. It's not a rental site, but to open it to the community as a the big gay gala for the um for the town, onetime deal. Um >> say that one time deal. >> Yeah. And I think also the idea of um
curtailing the uh uh the drinking. So a lot of times included with the um with the fee to go to the event. Maybe looking at some other options. I don't know if that cuts into the profitability of it, but that may be helpful in how this board decides to move forward with the event. I mean, it sounds like
there's some uh willingness to look at this um with those kind of a parameters is what I kind of feel. How how many people typically attend? >> I would say up to a couple hundred. I mean, we've kind of we probably had more like 160 in the last like couple years,
but >> you know, we've had a little bit more um prior to that. >> Yeah. And then what's your timeline when you probably have to start to decide on the direction soon? >> Yeah, very soon. I mean, we we have to um I mean, we'll we would get into, you
know, booking things pretty quickly. I if if we think it's manageable, you know, we we haven't really got there yet. >> And I agree with you. It will be more work for all of you. >> I know >> to do it this way. And and thank you for all the past gallas that you've done.
I've attended most of them. They've been a great time. Thank you for the fundraising raising that you do for the community, for the students of this town. Um, and we appreciate you moving forward on it on it, too. So, um, the other part is you would need to go to the town to get a one day liquor license
from the town council. So, we have the authority to allow the use. They have the authority to give the um, a caterer the one day liquor license. >> Yeah. >> And they could deny that as well. So, if you decide you want to go forward, that would be where you would go next. I would recommend.
>> Sure. Yeah. how you can do it. >> I I would say, you know, it is what it is. The alcohol piece is probably a a big factor in the decision, you know, um from a board perspective. My you know,
my own personal uh opinion removed. Um you know, if if there was like we're going to get two drink tickets and there's a you know, maximum of two drinks, then I would say it it it wouldn't make sense. Okay. >> You know, um,
>> no, and we appreciate, you know, not I'm not saying that's not the right thing to do, you know, but >> what about the cash bar versus >> I think a cash bar would be fine. >> Yeah. >> I mean, we've kind of we toyed with the idea of going back to that. Okay. You know, anyway,
>> I don't think it's a big factor for our decision- making. >> Just so you can imagine our our goals are to not, you know, get excessive. >> Yeah, totally. Yeah. And then in terms of the time, how long does the event usually run? >> Um, it's generally been like 6 to 10.
>> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Um, >> that's a hard stop at 10. Usually, >> sometimes we extend it. >> No, that's >> Yeah, that's what you'd be looking for, something like that. 6 to 10 again. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> And obviously access, you know, well
before that for all the setups. I mean, it's not going to be a >> Is what day of the week is that? A >> Saturday. Saturday. So, it wouldn't be a school day. >> We have the date. >> February 7th. >> First Saturday, the 6th. >> The Saturday before uh President's Day weekend
>> break since uh >> Christina, >> you were talking custodians. Would how would that work in something like >> So, you would uh you would need at least one custodian. You're probably going to need two. Uh, and you would also need at least one food service worker, even though they may not be cooking.
>> It just they're probably going to be using warmers and ovens and so forth. And so you would need one. So you'd be two custodians at least and uh I would say a food service probably the calf management. >> Could we make that happen? >> Sure.
>> It's doable. I mean, yeah, >> anything's doable. >> I mean, I won't be here, so I'm just trying to set this up. Um, generally with the overtime, what they do is they post the overtime and it's a cycle. So, whoever's up has first shot at the overtime. Okay?
>> In this case be the first two up would have a shot. But throughout the winter because of swimming and basketball and so forth, there's constant uh weekend overtime. So, >> okay. Yeah. >> And then we would just need to let Lori Paul know who's the food services
director and most likely she would ask her uh high school calf manager. >> Yep. >> I would count on not using the kitchen cuz I would imagine most caterers would be able to accommodate not using it and I think that probably be the cleanest way to do it. >> Yeah. >> Um just as you're processing how you
move forward. Uh, >> I mean another idea, I know like a lot of beer and wine festivals will offer like a discounted ticket or a free ticket for a designated driver. >> Maybe they have a wristband and so there's be promoting more people that
won't drink. We'll bring home friends and might be something we can look into. >> Gordon, do you agree with our assessment that we could make this a nonprecence setting activity that this is a one time and then I mean any future event could come as a request? board obviously has a
vote on it. They could make that. Yeah. >> Okay. >> That this is more or less, you could say, a thank you back to the community. Correct. >> Thank you to El Leaf for thank you back to the community for >> providing this uh incredible site. >> Now you're going to have to do it, you
know, right >> pressure. Yeah. >> All right. Um, >> would there be any kind of rental fee that on your >> I I think that could be waved. >> Okay. >> Uh, I won't be the superintendent at that time, but uh I think it could be
waved. >> Yes. I think >> the tough part would be um we will have to pay the uh custodians. Yeah. And the service workers >> come up with a fee to cover that cost or something. >> We would be able to project that. >> What about security or anything like
that? I'm free. So, Ben's looking for work. Got a safety badge and >> security. We usually have usually >> um generally you do >> that would be >> you would have a detail officer. You
could have a detail officer. >> I think we >> would we Oh, sorry. >> Oh, that's okay. >> Would you close off like hallways and stuff though? Right. there would be the thinking. >> So the way I understand the new high school to work at the top of those learning stairs, there's a pull down
gate so people could use the learning stairs up to the gate. Um then you would also have another on the back stairs that goes out to where you see all the windows. >> Um there's also some I think it's a gate as well. >> I think they're doors that we can lock
doors open. So >> all the educational wings. they would have access to the entire calf area and that front area and um obviously uh bathroom facilities and so forth and the kitchen area >> and then the academic wings will be locked off. >> Mhm.
>> I was just going to add that it would require some communication with the recreation department as well because of Saturday in February is basketball all day long. >> That's I wrote that >> require an alternative for them. Um, high school will be moving into end of
season at that point, their teams, and the wreck would be going strong. So, yeah, we would just need to >> block that night off. >> Block off uh at least from like three on. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Right. >> Taking a key facility offline.
>> Right. Um, are we ready to vote on this tonight or do we need any other information? How um h how do we understand what the alcohol parameters might be? >> We're going to do that right now. >> Okay, >> that's right. So, would you be
comfortable with the uh pay as you go model? Cuz I think we may get to that point. I think that's a better picture than the alternate, right? >> Yes. >> Would everybody agree? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I think so. >> Maybe you want the two. I just I would
feel better knowing what other districts have done. >> Yeah. >> Honestly, but that's just me. I mean, you can pass it without me. >> I know I'm one without me. >> Yep. I mean, we haven't had a chance to research that piece. We can put it out to
um the email distribution list, to the business managers, to the superintendents, and see what we get. That would put us out another two weeks to the next meeting. I don't know what the timeline is. >> I think that's fine if we heard in two weeks. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. So, we can see what kind of
um information we're able to pull from the uh email distribution list of just school districts that have done things like this and how it's worked and so forth. >> Yeah. Yeah. We don't want, you know, we don't want there to be any problems obviously.
you know, I mean, it's it's a it's our >> our big annual fundraiser, you know, so um >> has been successful. We wouldn't want to >> Yeah. hurt that in any >> Yeah. And I mean there's there's certainly contingency that are like, you know, we raised the most money we ever
raised last year. Why are we changing it? >> I know. So, you know, >> we'll just have to we're going to have to vote on it and see. But >> cool. I mean, it'd be exciting if we get to do it. I think it'd be a really good project. any additional work you have on that.
>> I I think it'll be a lot more work on the committee's part. But >> yeah, we I mean we're I mean Kevin and I talking earlier, you know, maybe there's some party planners that we could kind of hire to, >> you know, kind of some of the
>> decorators, >> but then you know what does that what does that cost? you know. >> Yeah, >> I know of someone if that Well, I mean, you can look other people, but I know someone who does it. >> Um, >> wedding planner. >> Yeah, she does a bunch of events, but
yeah, she worked for the Eastern States Exposition and a couple other places. So, um, >> yeah, >> I think that'd be our next step is probably reaching out to event planner and seeing what something like this would even cost us and they
>> a couple weeks that we just do that research and you could be doing your research too and you may come to a point where you decide it's, you know, you have enough information on your end to know the cost as well, >> right? Yeah. >> And we actually we're meeting tomorrow,
so we'll have further discussion on this as well. All right. Well, thanks so much for coming. >> Yeah. Thanks for having us. >> And thinking of us for a fun party. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you very
much. >> That was our last agenda item. Um, cool. Thanks Anna for coming. Thank you and everyone else. And that's it. Thank you. >> Move to adjourn. >> Move to adjourn. Thank you.
>> I move to adjourn. >> Second. Oh. >> Oh. >> Paper scissors. >> Motion made by Greg, seconded by Carrie. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> I. Nay.