WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 2
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=E09J4Hp_WLA
Video-2: youtube.com/watch?v=4YccrnjSrRM

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:02:19.800
--------- Mhm. >> Yes. >> Welcome everybody to the budget hearing for the Holyoke School Committee. Calling this meeting to order at 5:01. Roll call. Ms. Feliciano.

2
00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:35.400
>> Here, Garcia. >> Here. >> Dr. Racaloud. >> Present. >> Mr. Shea. >> Present. >> Ms. Vega. >> Here. >> Uh Ms. Lebron Martinez. Ms. Tansi Williams. Ms. Teresa Acea.

3
00:02:35.400 --> 00:03:34.920
Michael Ms. Lubo. >> Here. >> Want me to let Jackie >> Everybody let's stand up. >> All rise for the pledge of allegiance. On March 29th, 2025, Governor Maura Healey signed

4
00:03:34.920 --> 00:03:50.920
the entitled an act of relative to extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency ACT of interest to all governmental public bodies in Massachusetts, the act extends until June 2027. The authority for meetings of multiple member bodies

5
00:03:50.920 --> 00:04:06.680
to be held in an remote or hybrid format. All public bodies may hold fully remote or hybrid meetings without the physical presence of a quorum of the public body as long as adequate alternative means of public access is also provided.

6
00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:30.080
Pursuant to Mass General Law chapter 38 section 20, I'm hereby informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of the meeting. Ms. Felicianno, do we have anybody signed up for public comment? >> No. >> So, on our new business, public hearing

7
00:04:30.080 --> 00:04:45.200
of the fiscal year 2027 Holyoke Public Schools budget. And I want to give a little bit of feedback or more like background for how we got here.

8
00:04:45.200 --> 00:05:19.600
Bear with me 1 second. The Finance and Operations Committee has been working on the fiscal year 2027 budget since November. This process began last fall when committee members worked to identify district goals and priorities. Since January, the committee has met

9
00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:36.080
multiple times to develop the budget proposal before us this evening. The fiscal year 27 >> [clears throat] >> budget has also been available for the public to review. As part of this process, the Finance and Operations subcommittee held a meeting

10
00:05:36.080 --> 00:05:52.600
on May and May 7 to which all school committee members were invited. During that meeting, Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto presented presented his budget recommendations, which also incorporated input from incoming Superintendent Glynn

11
00:05:52.600 --> 00:06:09.440
Members of the committee had the opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Soto and the entire cabinet. The committee also welcomed questions and comments from members of the public and other school committee members during the public comment portion of the meeting. During our regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.,

12
00:06:09.440 --> 00:06:24.440
members of the school committee will have an opportunity to ask additional questions and propose amendments to the fiscal year 2027 budget. I would like to take a moment to thank interim Superintendent Anthony Soto for his willingness to serve not only as

13
00:06:24.440 --> 00:06:40.960
interim superintendent, but also as chief financial officer since October. This budget reflects the hard work and dedication of the superintendent's cabinet and our principals to ensure that all students have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed.

14
00:06:40.960 --> 00:06:56.640
The committee also extends its thanks to budget manager Amanda Smith and her team for their work in developing this budget. The purpose of tonight's meeting is to provide members of the public with an opportunity to offer comments and share feedback regarding the proposed budget

15
00:06:56.640 --> 00:07:12.200
before the school committee considers final actions later this evening. We welcome your participation and ask the speakers, if anybody signs up from this time until I finish this, >> [laughter] >> uh [snorts] to state their name for the

16
00:07:12.200 --> 00:07:32.160
record. We ask that remarks remain remain respectful, focus on the budget proposed, and limited to 2 minutes. At this time, I open the floor for public comment. And no public comment. Thank you, everybody who participated

17
00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:47.400
and shared comments throughout the process. The school committee appreciates all the input as we prepare to to consider the fiscal year 2027 budget later tonight. If there are no further comments,

18
00:07:47.400 --> 00:08:07.600
I will entertain a motion to adjourn the fiscal year 2027 public budget hearing. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Resendez seconded by Mr. Shane. Roll call vote. >> Resendez

19
00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:27.840
Mr. Lubo >> Yes. >> Mayor Garcia >> Yes. >> Dr. Raquel Colon >> Yes. >> Mr. Shane >> Yes. >> Miss um Lefave, sorry. >> Yes. >> LeBron Martinez >> Yes.

20
00:08:31.320 --> 00:20:01.840
>> The meeting is adjourned at 5:07. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm.

Part: 2

1
00:02:08.879 --> 00:02:28.120
Welcome everybody to the Holio School Committee regular meeting on June 8th. Calling this meeting to order at 601. Roll call. Miss Feliciano. >> Garcia >> here. Dr. Colon >> present.

2
00:02:30.959 --> 00:02:47.000
Mave >> present. >> Miss Kenzie Williams. >> Okay. >> Uh, Miss Lebron Martinez. >> Zaza >> here. >> Here. >> Here. >> Please rise for the pledge of allegiance.

3
00:02:50.879 --> 00:03:12.879
>> United States of America for which it stands. One nation under Gody andice for all. >> On March 2020 20 on March 29, 2025, Governor Marahilly signed the title an

4
00:03:12.879 --> 00:03:28.640
act relative to extending certain CO 19 measures adopted during the state of emergency act of interest to all governmental public bodies in Massachusetts. The act extends until June 2027. The authority for meetings of multiple

5
00:03:28.640 --> 00:03:43.840
member bodies to be held in an entirely remote or hybrid format. All public bodies may hold fully remote or hybrid meetings without the physical presence of a quorum of the public body as long as adequate alternative means of public access is also provided.

6
00:03:43.840 --> 00:04:00.400
Pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 38 section 20, I'm hereby informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of the meeting. Welcome everybody. Today we have the honor and privilege of

7
00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:15.360
recognizing retiring educators and staff, which we appreciate you more than you will ever know. We recognize and celebrate our retiring educators and staff. Collectively, these

8
00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:35.759
eight individuals have dedicated over 220 years of service combined to our schools and students. [applause] [applause] While each career is unique, they share a common commitment to education,

9
00:04:35.759 --> 00:04:53.680
service, and making a difference in the lives of others. On behalf of the school committee, thank you for your dedication, your impact, and the legacy you leave behind. Congratulations on your well-earned retirements, and best wishes in the years ahead.

10
00:04:53.680 --> 00:05:11.680
The honores are Peter McAndrew, Patrice Afalo, Anna Suarez, [applause] and I will say to hold the applause for the end so that way we can I can be on the applause too.

11
00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:39.600
Manny Ria, Mary McAndrew, Jessica Jaru, James Hbert, and Norma Palasios. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] So, if these awesome people are present, I would like for them to come up so that we can have a picture and give you a

12
00:05:39.600 --> 00:07:47.199
certificate. [applause] coach. HEY >> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> GO >> [applause] [applause] >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

13
00:07:47.199 --> 00:08:03.680
NEXT, we have our public comment. So, just as a reminder, everybody gets two minutes. It is not a conversation. Only the items on the agenda will be covered.

14
00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:23.919
All right. So, first we have Rachel Ingram. >> Name and address, please. >> Rachel Ingram, 290 Lynen Street, Holio. Hi, my name is Rachel and I live in Ward 4 with my two kids. I'm here tonight on behalf of some of the most wonderful and

15
00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:40.719
selfless people I know. the pair of professionals who work with my kids and others across this town. I have two kids who require a lot of support in different ways. My son is a kinder dual language student with some big emotions and my daughter is in a subsparate ABL program.

16
00:08:40.719 --> 00:08:56.880
I watched really frustrated last year as the district and the city dragged out negotiations with the teachers union and I do not want to see that happen again. Last Friday, I was a chaperon on my son's field trip. Two days before that, I had gotten a message from the teacher that my son had hurt the parent in his

17
00:08:56.880 --> 00:09:13.120
classroom during a behavioral incident. I sat on the bus next to Miss Maria and she turned to me, my son to my right. She said, "Mom, he is so smart and so bright. I just love him so much. It's nothing compared to the love that I have

18
00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:30.640
for Miss Maria and everyone else." My daughter is in a classroom with one teacher teacher and four paras. I don't even all know all their names. I call them Miss Lopez and her amazing elves. And I know it's not just about the four women who are assigned to my daughter's classroom. I know sometimes one of them

19
00:09:30.640 --> 00:09:45.440
is needed somewhere else in the building doing a hundred different things. I know that other paras in the building step into my daughter's classroom when someone is out of work. They all support and love her during times that I cannot. The work that paras do is too important

20
00:09:45.440 --> 00:10:02.399
to undervalue them monetarily. They are not salaried employees and do not have access to the same work work protections as teachers and administrators. They are also my neighbors, the parents of my kids' classmates, and a part of my community. And I consider it my job and my privilege to take care of them the way

21
00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:21.519
they take care of my family. So, I'm here, one of many with thousands more behind us, to say it's time to sweeten the deal. HPS >> [applause]

22
00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:40.560
>> Next we have Maria Perez. >> Name and address, please. >> Uh my name is Maria Perez. Uh 195 Farnum Drive. Today I'm here to ask you to consider what para profofessionals are advocating for. 30 minutes of instructional readiness time, their sick

23
00:10:40.560 --> 00:10:56.480
days, a pay scale that provides a living wage. Recognition of para educator roles roles and experience the option of 26 pay per peers and protection in the event of injury. Parap profofessionals are paraprofessionals are an essential part of the classroom environment. They

24
00:10:56.480 --> 00:11:12.480
support the teacher in meeting the individual needs of students and assist in implementing daily lessons and instructional activities. Their responsibilities include supporting students with behavior management while instruction is taking place, leading small groupoup activities based on

25
00:11:12.480 --> 00:11:27.519
teacher guidance, and assisting with classroom routines and transitions. In addition, PAR professionals play an important role in supporting students during their toilet needs, which may involve taking students to the bathroom at scheduled intervals throughout the day, which teachers cannot do while they

26
00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:44.079
teach. They also help supervise and carry out lunch, recess and dismissal duties, ensuring students remain safe, supported and engaged throughout the school day. I myself was a PAR professional since 2001. I became a teacher in the last few years. I know the importance of PAR professionals and

27
00:11:44.079 --> 00:12:04.399
their value in the classroom. So today we are asking you to please sweeten the deal. Here we have another 11. Next up, Lindsay Dodd. >> Name and address, please. >> Uh, my name is Lindsay Dodd. I'm at 104

28
00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:20.079
Allen Street. Hi, my name is Lindsay Dodd and I'm the parent of two students enrolled in the Holio Public School System. I have a 17-year-old that attends Dean Technical High School and an 11-year-old at McMahon Elementary to whom is supported by a PAR educator.

29
00:12:20.079 --> 00:12:36.240
Navigating school was a challenge for my daughter. The first few years in elementary school, a child on the spectrum, she had a hard time adjusting to routines and schedules, new people and new surroundings. There were power struggles mixed with outbursts and refusals, constant alopments, ranging

30
00:12:36.240 --> 00:12:51.760
from minor run out of the classrooms to leaving school property. After finally accomplishing to get our daughter para educator services on her IEP, the impact was almost instantaneous. Aubrey began to learn. She began to develop trust,

31
00:12:51.760 --> 00:13:08.160
structure, and routine. When times got tough, she had someone beside her to bring down her anxiety and focus on the task. Aubrey had come with a warning label, but it's one that her parah refused to read. I cannot explain to you as a parent of a child with special

32
00:13:08.160 --> 00:13:24.639
needs how hard it is to trust a person with one of your most fragile possessions. You have so much doubt that they will understand and accept them and love them in their hardest at times. and it leaves a knot in your chest every single time you drop your child off at the front door every day. It saddens me

33
00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:40.560
to see the lack of acknowledgement that is given to para educators. I challenge you to put yourself in the perspective of a parent with a child with special needs. You couldn't possibly imagine how it feels to get a phone call that your child is missing from the school and they can't find them because no one was

34
00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:56.320
watching them when they were disregulated. Try and imagine watching your child struggle every day. Imagine wondering if someone is going to step up and help them when they're emotionally unstable. A par educator is an important tool for success for these kids. And I think their appreciation is completely

35
00:13:56.320 --> 00:14:12.320
underrated in the eyes of those who perhaps haven't had their had them in their or their children's lives. You see dollar signs on a paycheck. We see our children's future and how negatively you would be impacted. Holio public schools preaches inclusion and quite frankly it

36
00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:33.199
would not be possible without our parent educators. Thank you. And next we have Alec Haley. >> Name and address. >> Good evening. My name is Alexander Leang Haley and I live in Springfield. Uh I am a PAR educator who is long-term

37
00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:50.240
substituting at PE and I have worked for HPS for three years. Um and I am also a member of the bargaining team. My job is incredible. I love it. Um but I will be frank there is not ample time to prepare for it in the day ever. Not any day. Um

38
00:14:50.240 --> 00:15:07.040
PAR educators currently enter the building at the same time as our students. This practice is stressful, hectic and it leaves us with no time to prepare for our daily duties. Pared educators need to always be prepared for the day. We have data sheets for our students. We need to scaffold lessons.

39
00:15:07.040 --> 00:15:24.399
We need to consult with our educators on how best to support our plan our students who have education plans. We need to print. We need to look at our emails. And we need to plan a lot of things. Um entering the building at the same time as students is frankly ineffective. We begin each day in a

40
00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:41.279
deficit of time at the very start. We need instructional readiness time. 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after would be perfect for us to finish all of the duties that we need every day. We're professionals and we know how to prepare for the day and all we ask is time to do

41
00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:56.880
so so that our students can get the highlevel education that they absolutely deserve. Thank you and I am so excited to see you all at bargaining and I truly believe that we will all have some very sweet lemonade at the end of this bargaining.

42
00:15:56.880 --> 00:16:20.160
>> Thank you. Next we have Ron Leang name and address. I'm Ron Leang Haley and I live in Springfield. I have been a parro with the a parah with the district for three years now. I wanted to talk about instructional readiness time both from a parah perspective and a teacher

43
00:16:20.160 --> 00:16:35.120
perspective since I am a parah as a long-term substitute. When I was a shared parah, the only collaborative time that I had with my co-workers was the two to three minutes between each class for a small debrief. Thankfully, my students were able to

44
00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:50.959
self-regulate, but I cannot imagine, and I shudder to imagine how I would be able to be ready to support students with bigger needs with the little to no time that we have to prepare. As a teacher, I wish I had time to

45
00:16:50.959 --> 00:17:07.520
collaborate with my parents. For example, I have a student with extreme vision difficulties and she has a onetoone parah. If I had instructional readiness time with this parah, I would be able to work with her to ensure that the class is more accessible to the

46
00:17:07.520 --> 00:17:22.160
student with uh severe vision difficulties. Um, I'm thankful that this student is very engaged and ready to learn with these small acts of accessibility that I'm able to provide as our teacher and

47
00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:38.799
the pair is able to provide with her. As a teacher, I am preparing scaffolds for my students, something that my parents can and should be able to do with me. These are only three examples from the of the top of my head, but I hope I was

48
00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:55.039
able to give you both a teacher and a parent perspective as to why instructional readiness time is crucial. I hope that you will take this lemon as a reminder that we are ready to make some sweet lemonade for us to enjoy.

49
00:17:55.039 --> 00:18:18.640
Thank you. Next, Brandy Bellachica. Hello, my name is Brandy Bellico. I live at 10th Street in South Hadley. I kind of have a lot today. First, I'd like to express my discontent with the proposed school times next year. Uh, just simply put, it doesn't make sense to start at

50
00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:35.280
7:45 and 8:45. Students struggle to remain academically engaged and emotionally regulated in the afternoon, not in the morning. It is in the best interest of students, families, and staff to maintain the school start time of 7:30 and 8:30 and begin instruction

51
00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:50.720
instruction earlier at 7:45 and 8:45 and dismiss students earlier. I've been told that transportation needs an hour between the morning routes and I must be confused because there was an hour between 7:30 and 8:30 this year and there will also be an hour between those

52
00:18:50.720 --> 00:19:06.400
times next year. We never had problems transporting with transportation timing with our early dismissal on Wednesdays. So, I just urge you to consider the student experience when making decisions about the start time for next year. I also need to talk about the amazing PAR

53
00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:22.640
professionals that I work with. I'm a special education teacher and this year I work directly with seven paras who serve our students. The paras I work with do so much work outside of what they're paid to do without students and without me just to name a fraction of

54
00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:39.600
what they do. They review behavior plans, lesson plans, accommodation, organize data they collect, prepare visual scaffolds and tools, and so much more. I cannot do my job without the paras that I work with. They are an integral part of our schools and they're critical to the success of our students.

55
00:19:39.600 --> 00:19:56.720
The paras are my superheroes. Our paras are amazing and should be treated as such, but they're really just asking for the minimum. Our paras need instructional preparation time without students in order to do their jobs and deserve a living wage. So, I'm here to

56
00:19:56.720 --> 00:20:17.520
ask you to sweeten the deal. [applause] >> Thank you, Jenna Dup pre. Hi Jenna Dup pre South Straight in Hoyoke. I would like to start by mentioning that students cannot differentiate the role between a parah

57
00:20:17.520 --> 00:20:32.720
and a teacher because the role of a parah is so vital in the classroom. Imagine being told that all of a sudden you are going to be making less money because you are your work hours are being cut. Not because of your performance, not because you are failing at your job, but simply because your

58
00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:49.919
employer does not want to pay you. Think about what that would do to your morale. Think about how it would affect your commitment, your sense of value, and ultimately your decision about whether you would continue working for that organization. If we truly want to attract, develop, and retain our outstanding staff, then

59
00:20:49.919 --> 00:21:04.880
everyone in this room needs to reflect on the message we are sending. Every one of you sitting across from me is here because you care about Holio and because you want to be part of its success. We share the same commitment. What are we asking for? We are asking for fair

60
00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:21.440
wages. We are asking for enough hours to earn a living. 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the afternoon would be amazing. We are asking to be valued and respected as an integral part of the Holo Public Schools community. The people standing before you today negotiate fiercely because we care

61
00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:37.120
deeply about our students and children. Every day, Paris put ourselves in physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding situations to provide the best educational environment possible. We do this alongside our colleagues because we believe in the mission of the public education and in the future of our

62
00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:52.799
children we serve. But dedication alone does not pay the bills. Commitment alone does not retain staff. Respect must be demonstrated through action. If Hoyoko public schools wants to keep experienced, passionate and talented PAR educators, then it must invest in the people who make this district successful

63
00:21:52.799 --> 00:22:14.600
every single day. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness. We are asking for dignity. and we are asking for the recognition that the work we do matters not only for our students but for the future of this entire community. Thank you [applause] >> Christine Alger.

64
00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:32.640
>> Hi. >> Uh I'm Christine Alder. I live at 337 Sergeant Street. Um hi friends. I've been a par educator at Dunnoo for eight years. I've seen some of your grandchildren grow up. I have seen some of your actual children grow up. Um,

65
00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:48.400
every Saturday and Sunday I work my third job at a restaurant. The restaurant opens at 11:00, but I have to get there at 10:30 every morning because there's things I have to do right before that restaurant opens. I got to make sure there's backups of the salad dressing. I have to make sure I have fresh, clean plates and silverware. I have to set up the iced tea station. I

66
00:22:48.400 --> 00:23:04.880
have to take a quiz on any menu changes that happened since my last shift. Um, and I've been doing that the entire time that I have worked for the Holio public school system because I need that money. Um, and I do all of this so that the rest of the day when you're at one of my tables and something goes wrong, I have a backup ready to go so that you don't

67
00:23:04.880 --> 00:23:21.440
even notice that anything went wrong. Imagine if we had that time in schools every day, time to collaborate with the teacher, view lesson plans to be better able to back up teaching goals, get supplies ready for the day. Some parents could be setting up centers in their rooms. Some could be helping prep for a class project or helping do a bulletin

68
00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:37.440
board instead of, you know, doing it on our lunch breaks. Um, these things could help be could be worked on to help students see their own progress in their own hallways in their own schools. If we had that time, we would be so much better prepared for when that student does fall apart, when the chaos starts to amp up, and when emotional breakdowns

69
00:23:37.440 --> 00:23:53.360
need immediate attention. No other job would ask this of this with no time to prepare, and certainly not for less than a living wage. While on average I make more per per hour at that restaurant, I'd really I I really want to work there just because I want to work there, not because I need to to pay my bills. Thank

70
00:23:53.360 --> 00:24:14.400
you. [applause] >> Thank you. Next, Brendan Bernier. >> Hi. Uh my name is Brendan Bernier. I live at 205 State Street in Northampton. Last year I started in the Holio public

71
00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:29.840
school district as a pair professional. I have the benefit and privilege to not have the responsibilities of kids, husbands, wives, pets, any of that. And still being a professional was

72
00:24:29.840 --> 00:24:47.039
difficult. It was stretch a stretch on the bills. And the people I see in the schools on a daily basis dedicate a lot of time and effort to your kids. And I think everyone else in this room has done a fantastic job of explaining their

73
00:24:47.039 --> 00:25:03.279
importance in schools. And as it stands, it's not that these pair of professionals aren't putting in the work. It's that they're not having the opportunity opportunity to put in the work. the reduction in their hours of I

74
00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:19.520
believe 110 hours over the course of the school year is equivalent to almost three weeks of work being gone. So I believe that additional provisions whether it be for extra work hours, extra preparation time or possible

75
00:25:19.520 --> 00:25:39.640
stipended extra responsibilities must be added to the contract in order to provide for these educators. That way you don't see the people who teach your kids opening up lemonade stands on the street. Thank you. [applause] Thanks, Veronica Santana.

76
00:25:49.039 --> 00:26:05.200
Hi everyone. I'm Veronica Santana. I live at 5 Jarvis Avenue. Um hello and good evening. You've just heard from parents, paras, and teachers. The common perspective is of the imperative work parrot educators provide to the Holio School District every day and throughout

77
00:26:05.200 --> 00:26:20.640
the school years. We have a bargaining meeting scheduled for Thursday of this week, and we hope there can be some real movement with our contract as we deserve the same amount of support as we provide daily for each of our students. If you can acknowledge the work we do is important, but are unwilling to pay

78
00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:36.963
people a living wage to do it, how can you say that you are supportive and working to better our community for fruitful and successful future for our kids? This year has already been sour. Sweeten the deal and grant us what we ask for, a fair contract. Thank you. [applause]

79
00:26:39.600 --> 00:26:53.279
>> That is the end of our public comment. Moving on, communication and reports. I mean, graduations happen. Do we have any student reports? [laughter] I wouldn't think so, but we celebrated

80
00:26:53.279 --> 00:27:12.480
them. Superintendent report, Mr. Sto, thank you. So, the only thing I had in my report um was I was hoping to get the employee and the family and student handbook uh referred to the policy

81
00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:30.320
subcommittee so that uh we can um review it and have discussion. Uh there was there the the there are a bunch of policies on the tomorrow's policy meeting that represent the substantive

82
00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:48.080
the substantive changes that we are proposing in both the employee handbook and the family and student handbook. For the family uh for the employee handbook, it's really just a change in the child bonding and sick leave. Obviously, there's a lot more in the handbook, but

83
00:27:48.080 --> 00:28:05.520
that was the substantive change that we're looking to make next year for non-bargaining staff. And then in the family and student handbook, um, as we do every year, we try to stay up to date on on any regulation changes and wanted to

84
00:28:05.520 --> 00:28:22.399
make sure that the policies for non-discrimination, harassment, retaliation, physical restraint, and bullying are updated uh, in accordance with the regulations. So, we had our uh Matt Makavoy, who is our attorney for

85
00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:39.919
for things like this. Uh take a a pass at the student handbook, and um that those are the the policies that we're going to be discussing tomorrow that are uh you know, were substantive changes to the handbook. Other than that, there wasn't any major changes. Um we did

86
00:28:39.919 --> 00:28:56.880
review these handbooks last year, did a big a big change or or upgrade to them. So this year the you know the substantive changes we'll be talking about tomorrow. >> May I have a motion that the school committee vote to refer the employee and

87
00:28:56.880 --> 00:29:14.720
student family handbooks for school year moved by Miss Tensley Williams seconded by Mr. Reessa. Discussion Miss Lubalt. >> How do like families or students how do they weigh in on on the on the process? I know there like with policies people

88
00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:28.960
there's like a two-eek period but is it different with like a full handbook or is it the same process? >> Yeah. Um once we get approval on the handbook we you know right now it's posted publicly but um this is one of

89
00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:45.919
the things that our uh school councils. So each school has a school a site council, a school council. Um and part of what we expect the you know the each leader of the building to be uh getting

90
00:29:45.919 --> 00:30:01.840
feedback on is if if there's any substantive changes to the uh student and family handbook, there should be a session on that. Um this particular year we didn't have a ton of changes other than the state regulation ones that were

91
00:30:01.840 --> 00:30:20.000
required. Um they provide feedback on the uh the school improvement plans and they provide feedback on the budget. So um those site councils are are critical in that. And then obviously the the public, you know, the the fact that we

92
00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:36.480
have it on the agenda and um you know, welcome anybody from the public to provide any feedback or comment. But this this upcoming year, we didn't have any substantive changes to the handbook itself. just on just on your comment about the site council. So, is that like

93
00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:54.320
a standard process that's uniform throughout like so every time this comes around there's a standard agenda item for every site council that they take this up? Like what's the the cohesion there? >> Yeah. So, um, at the beginning of

94
00:30:54.320 --> 00:31:10.320
last year, uh, Miss Glashen and, uh, Miss Gralin worked with, uh, to put together some guidance on the site councils. And one of the things that you know they have a a running agenda

95
00:31:10.320 --> 00:31:27.600
um that that both Miss Gleen and Serita have access to. But part of the guidance that we gave principles is to make sure you know the site councilors are going to come up with other things that relevant to the school. But those were the three things that we we provided guidance to principles that we want to

96
00:31:27.600 --> 00:31:46.720
make sure that they you know they are bringing that for feedback to the principles. Thanks. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? >> I. Any opposed?

97
00:31:46.720 --> 00:32:02.000
So moved. Next on new business, out of state travel. May I have a motion that the school committee vote to approve and authorize out of state travel? >> So moved.

98
00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:17.360
moved by Mr. Michaelelsson, seconded by Mr. Isasa. Any discussion? >> Miss Luvel, >> it's more of a a comment. So, I know that we we have these trips and people go and there is a policy that requires

99
00:32:17.360 --> 00:32:32.240
people to come back and share what they learned or what what is the process for that to continue because I I don't I I just would like to know that. Yeah, I mean we we have been keeping a

100
00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:49.519
report of all of the um conferences that were approved by by school commi uh by the school committee this year. So, um I'd be happy to uh share that report. Um, I don't think it was I I don't think

101
00:32:49.519 --> 00:33:04.640
it was an expectation to have people come back and talk about it, but I'm I'm happy to draft a report for all of the travels that have happened all year. Uh, unless the school committee, you know, has uh, you know, has a desire to call

102
00:33:04.640 --> 00:33:21.519
people back in and and have them talk about it. But my thoughts were to make sure that we're keeping track of all of these and then uh you know we have a essentially we have a a an Excel spreadsheet that has all of the travels that were approved and then we're

103
00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:38.159
keeping you know kind of a narrative uh uh for each of the the travels that had happened and asking staff to fill that out and I could provide that information to the school committee. Yeah, I think I think the policy is is is a written report, but I just think it would >> a written report,

104
00:33:38.159 --> 00:33:54.559
>> but it would behoove the for the public to understand like we go to these conferences, this is how it ties into our technology strategy or this is how it ties into our inclusion strategy, this is what we learned. It's just a value ad for um you know the the

105
00:33:54.559 --> 00:34:17.200
opportunity to go and and learn Any further discussion? See none. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> So moved. Next up, we have the May I have a motion that the school committee vote to

106
00:34:17.200 --> 00:34:34.480
approve an authorized travel for a salves. So moved by Miss Tensley Williams. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Michaelelsson. Discussion. Seeing none. All those in favor?

107
00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:49.200
>> Any opposed? Abstensions. So moved. Moving to budget transfer and reports that the school committee vote to accept the report warrants have uh listed on the agenda.

108
00:34:49.200 --> 00:35:06.400
>> So motion made by Mr. Michaelelsson. Do we have a second? Second. >> Seconded by Miss Lubald. Discussion. Seeing none. All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Absentions. So moved.

109
00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:23.119
Orders. Order filed by school committee member Louisville that the superintendent report to the school committee on the internal process for Holio public schools. The public public schools uses to receive, act on, and communicate information from DBW, gas

110
00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:38.640
and electric, and water department about construction, street closures, and detours that affect school transportation and student access. May I have a motion that the school committee vote to refer this to the joint city council and school committee?

111
00:35:38.640 --> 00:35:54.880
>> Motion made by Mr. Sheen, seconded by Miss Lero Martinez. discussion. Miss Lubald. >> Yes. Um, thank you. So, I I filed this order because in my short tenure here, this is the second time that this has

112
00:35:54.880 --> 00:36:11.599
come to my attention that students have missed the bus. Um, and I'm not sure where the breakdown is in communication because the first time, um, in this situation, we had called to the DPW. DPW put it on their agenda. There were some

113
00:36:11.599 --> 00:36:28.800
things that were discussed and but somewhere along the line the communication process gets fragmented. Um I received some other calls most recently um where students were missing the missing the bus or you know a bus that had 40 kids only had eight kids on

114
00:36:28.800 --> 00:36:44.640
it because parents somehow didn't didn't get the communication. Um so I this is not like a person issue. I feel it's a system breakdown. Um, and it's the second time it's happened in my short tenure. So, I just um I feel like

115
00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:58.800
there's some discussion that needs to be happening from a departmental level at the city and also with the school department just to kind of address um the communication challenge that or process that's existing because it's not

116
00:36:58.800 --> 00:37:18.720
it's clearly there's there's an issue. >> Discussion. All those in favor say I. I post name. Motion passes. >> Approval of meeting minutes. The school committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of the May 11th, 2026 school committee meeting. >> So moved by Miss Tensley Williams,

117
00:37:18.720 --> 00:37:35.839
seconded by Mr. Michaelelsson. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Nay. Motion passes. >> School committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of May 26, 2026. Moved by Mr. Zaza, seconded by Miss Tensley Williams. Any discussion?

118
00:37:35.839 --> 00:37:51.880
All those in favor say I. I. Any oppos say nay. Updates the committee's policy and governance. Anything to update? >> We have our meeting tomorrow. >> Okay. Finance and operations subcommittee has a recommendation the school committee adopt a general fund operating budget $128,731,841.

119
00:37:55.280 --> 00:38:11.920
>> Motion moved by Mr. Michaelelsson. Is there a second? Second by Mr. Zaza. As you can see, um, school is voting on the attached budget memo. You all have the budget booklets which both electronically and here which was also made available to the public. Uh and we

120
00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:29.520
had our posted budget hearing at 5:00 this evening. Are there any questions or motions or any amendments to the budget? Okay. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose say nay. Motion passes. Uh

121
00:38:29.520 --> 00:38:45.280
joint city council school committee. Any updates? >> Has taken place? >> Okay. Leadership, accountability, and measurement. Any updates? >> I want to say it's the 10th. No, wait. >> Wednesday the 10th. >> That day. Yes.

122
00:38:45.280 --> 00:38:59.760
>> Okay. >> Tomorrow's policy. >> Okay. Ongoing business. The school committee vote to approve and authorize out of state travel for M. Courier J. O'Neal M. Cooper Tymore A. Graziani to attend the Massachusetts Urban Special Education Director's Conference in Felmouth from July 22nd to the 24th.

123
00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:15.560
>> So moved. Moved by Mr. Michaelelsson. Is there a second? Seconded by Miss Tenley Williams. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> Oppos say nay. Policy updates, additions, removals. Um policy CH.

124
00:39:16.240 --> 00:39:32.400
>> There are no changes. >> Okay. So there's no motion needed. Uh entertain a motion for a first reading of DA management goals. >> So move. >> There a second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. Any oppos say n motion passes. Uh

125
00:39:32.400 --> 00:39:50.520
first read of policy a motion uh for first read of policy DBC budget deadlines and schedules. Moved by Mr. Zaza. Second by Miss Tenley Williams. Any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Post say nay.

126
00:39:55.760 --> 00:40:14.800
The school committee vote to receive and recommend changes for policy DBJ. Moved by Miss Tensley Williams. Do we have a second? Seconded by Miss Lero Martinez. Any discussion? Miss,

127
00:40:14.800 --> 00:40:31.280
>> can you just clarify for the public how how they can comment on these policies once they're posted? Can you can we just share that there's a there's a process for these policies >> miss lef >> effective today

128
00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:48.160
>> it's well I guess it's been effective for months but from now on it's once it's put on to on here on the agenda the public has the ability to look at it they can come and speak on it um make their comment and we

129
00:40:48.160 --> 00:41:04.240
can discuss it and then it comes back again for a second read. So there's your two weeks right there where they could have sent um comment over to Miss Feliciano and uh we'll bring it back forth here. It's also when it's even brought forth

130
00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:21.040
at the subcommittee meeting that they can attend or submit public comment to Miss Bisiano. >> We also added um it goes on to the HPS website. Um, >> it will not as of >> Oh, the two week notice. >> Two week no longer there. It's there.

131
00:41:21.040 --> 00:41:36.960
>> Sorry. You're right. >> I thought [laughter] it was the right public comment. There's so many of them on the twoe one. >> Okay. >> So, that's what it'll be. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Michaelelsson. And so in in reviewing these policies, I I looked at

132
00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:51.760
our actual policy manual, and it looked like some of the dates that were at the bottom of those policies that were up for their first read actually match the dates of the posted policy in the policy manual. >> Am I the only one who saw that?

133
00:41:51.760 --> 00:42:09.040
>> So if we are, let's look at DBJ for one, right? So that one says last updated was March 2024. When we looked at the tracking, it only came um for Was it a first? No, it

134
00:42:09.040 --> 00:42:25.760
wasn't a first read. Oh, that has no changes recommended. Did that's DBC. What am I looking at? I um Miss Feliciano, hold on. Yeah, but the one attached to it is DBC. So, it's not that one. I'll tell you

135
00:42:25.760 --> 00:42:43.040
that. So, DBJ, we need to um I'm going to put a motion to table. It's got to come back to the next meeting because it's not the correct attachment to it to it. >> Unless I'm not. So, Huh? >> You're right. >> I'm right. Right. Okay. So, we're going

136
00:42:43.040 --> 00:42:58.560
to I'm going to ask for a table on that. We did talk about um [cough] >> give me one moment. >> Motion to table policy DBJ made by Miss Lefib and seconded by Miss Tensley

137
00:42:58.560 --> 00:43:15.040
Williams. Any discussion? We're going to table the DBJ, right? >> DBJ. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? So moved. Miss Leave. >> If you can just give me one minute so I can look at the email that I sent. I

138
00:43:15.040 --> 00:43:32.079
just need to make sure that I'm on the right one. The following are to go to be brought on the next agenda for first reading, which is DA, DBC, DBJ, DGA. I bring back.

139
00:43:32.079 --> 00:43:54.880
Okay. Recommendation. No change. Let me look at Hold on. I got to go back to the policy tracker. >> Is that >> Miss Lef the information you're looking for is still DBJ?

140
00:43:54.880 --> 00:44:11.280
>> Yeah. >> Since the motion was to table. >> No. No. Um, I'm not understanding why I would even send to bring it when it there's no recommended changes. That's the part

141
00:44:11.280 --> 00:44:27.599
>> that I'm not understanding. >> Since it's tabled, you'll have time to figure it out. No, >> even for the other ones. Oh, for example, >> because there if there's no recommended changes, all we had to put was that there's got not going to be a change to the policy. Um, that's why I'm just

142
00:44:27.599 --> 00:44:47.839
trying to look at the tracker here because the only one that I put to bring to full committee with no change recommended was CH. Unless it's just because we never went through the process with D. That's why I brought it because there's we never

143
00:44:47.839 --> 00:45:04.319
brought D to to the table. So it's but it's no recommended change unless one of them has a recommended change. I suggest just if we can correct it to just reflect that we are going to vote

144
00:45:04.319 --> 00:45:21.040
no change no need to the only one with a change would be DGA. >> All right. So, is there an amended motion? >> Yeah, amend the motion to not even bring those for first read. Um, there are no recommended changes,

145
00:45:21.040 --> 00:45:35.680
>> Mr. Sheen. >> Point of order. I mean, we've >> they're out. We voted. They're out for a first reading. >> All right. So, be it. >> All right. Moving on to that to vote to receive and re the recommended changes

146
00:45:35.680 --> 00:45:51.359
to policy DGA. So, moved. Motion by Mr. Michaelelsson seconded by M Stley Williams. Discussion Mr. Sheen. >> I have an amendment to the policy.

147
00:45:51.359 --> 00:46:08.960
>> So my amendment is to uh strike out the the committee will designate any member of the finance subcommittee to be responsible for the review and approval of all warrants >> as correct and approved for payment.

148
00:46:08.960 --> 00:46:26.000
>> EA. Yeah. >> What are we doing? >> I I'm >> Oh, no. I just just so I can just visually >> And it's to replace it with the language the chair of the finance subcommittee shall be responsible for the review and approval of all warrants as correct and approved for payment um in the absence

149
00:46:26.000 --> 00:46:52.560
of the finance committee chair and then it continues with the chair and vice chair. That's my You got that Irene? uh in the absence of any available. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, Mr. Sheen on the amendment seconded

150
00:46:52.560 --> 00:47:08.240
by Mr. Isasa. Mr. Michaelelsson, >> can you spell that out one more time for me, please? So it'll strike out the first line and a half or so and it say it'll say the chair of the finance subcommittee shall be responsible for the review and approval of all warrants

151
00:47:08.240 --> 00:47:25.440
as correct and approved for payment. In the absence of the finance subcommittee chair the chair and vice chair of the school committee may review and it's the continued language >> Mr. Michaelelsson. >> Okay. So essentially we're striking out any finance subcommittee member and make

152
00:47:25.440 --> 00:47:40.000
it the chair of the finance subcommittee and then to the chair and vice chair of the school committee. >> Okay, understand. Thank you >> Mr. Sheen. >> And just rationale like this policy changed a year and a half ago and I don't think the appropriate language

153
00:47:40.000 --> 00:47:56.319
made it over um because it used to be that a quorum of the finance of committee had to review all of the warrants and sign them. Um and so that so I think that some of that language stayed and wasn't cleaned up

154
00:47:56.319 --> 00:48:11.839
properly um and it was delegated to the chair. So this is just this is cleaning up the practice. Um I mean everyone can still review them and look at them but it's the responsibility just so it's not multiple and the law doesn't require multiple like we're this is aligned to

155
00:48:11.839 --> 00:48:39.920
the law. It'll be a second read. I mean, >> yeah, Irene will have it. >> Are we good, Miss Felicia? Miss A. All right. So, we made it to the announcement.

156
00:48:39.920 --> 00:49:02.839
>> Oh, still need to vote. Sorry. Go back. All those in favor? I. >> Any opposed? So moved. You all have been cordially invited to the Latino scholarship fund. >> On the motions, you guys, I'm sorry.

157
00:49:07.359 --> 00:49:27.599
>> On the motion as amended. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? So moved. We have been cordially invited to attend the Latino scholarship fund dinner this Friday at networking starts at 5 I think

158
00:49:27.599 --> 00:49:48.960
but the actual program starts after 6. Um so if you are interested we have five tickets make sure that you contact Miss Feliciano so that you can confirm your attendance. It's at the log cabin. >> And of course, if there's more than

159
00:49:48.960 --> 00:50:05.119
five, anybody can go. But I I need to fill this first five. >> All right. May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion that we >> Miss Liber Martinez on the motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Michaelelsson. All those

160
00:50:05.119 --> 00:50:13.319
in favor? I I. Any opposed? Huh? We're done everybody. Thank you so much.