WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=ygoqcy2WH9o

Part: 1

1
00:02:11.920 --> 00:02:35.519
Welcome everybody to the regular Holio School Committee meeting. It is April 27. Calling this meeting to order at 6:01. Roll call, please. Mr. Sodto. Miss LeBron Martinez

2
00:02:35.519 --> 00:02:58.000
>> here. >> Sorry. Give me one second. >> Uh, Miss Tensley Williams, Mr. Zaza, Mr. Michaelelsson >> here, Miss Norris Lubold >> here.

3
00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:39.760
Uh, Miss Wilson. Uh, Mayor Garcia >> here. >> Dr. Rivera Cologne >> present. >> Mr. Sheen >> present. >> M. Lefave >> present. >> All rise for the pledge of allegiance. On March 29th of 2025, Governor Mora

4
00:03:39.760 --> 00:03:55.680
Healey signed into laws bodies of age 62 as amended by section 256 entitled an act relative to extending certain COVID 19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. CACT of interest to all governmental public bodies in

5
00:03:55.680 --> 00:04:11.599
Massachusetts. The act extends until June 2027. The authority for meetings of multiple 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

6
00:04:11.599 --> 00:04:26.800
as long as adequate alternative means of public access is also provided. 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 and the meeting is being live stream on

7
00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:42.240
and run live on the city's community TV channel. We do not have student showcase for today. Moving on to public comment and I have a list of people present for public

8
00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:58.320
comment. to start with is Saka Axel Axel Rod and I will remind everybody that you have two minutes and this is not a conversation. We will have to stick to the topics on the agenda. Please name

9
00:04:58.320 --> 00:05:15.120
and address. My name is Isac Axelrod. I live at 201 Madison Avenue and I have three children in HPS and they all attend the dual language program first at Medcaf and now at Ian White. I'm here to speak on two issues. One is teacher retention, which I've addressed multiple times before this committee and wish to

10
00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:31.039
highlight again. I have a fifth grader and two second graders, all of whom have attended HPS since preK. This is the first year my second graders have had the same teacher as their older sibling. Many of my fifth graders, former teachers, have left the district. As a parent, having an established relationship with my children's teacher

11
00:05:31.039 --> 00:05:47.360
provides continuity and reassurance. Knowing that the care that this teacher gave my oldest child gives me confidence in the support my younger children will receive. It's frustrating that this level of consistency is not something most families in the district can rely on, especially when it's something that most teachers want, but district

12
00:05:47.360 --> 00:06:04.240
policies and support do not reflect that commitment. The second issue I wish to address is the tying of teacher pay to lensure rather than experience. As a teacher educator, I value strong preparation. At the same time, I see how policies undermine these efforts through restrictive licensing, reciprocity, and

13
00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:20.240
requirements like exams offered only in English, even for teachers instructing in other languages. Each year, I receive around six notices from my children's school regarding the status of their teachers, stating that ESSA requires all schools to notify guardians after a class has been taught for four

14
00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:35.600
consecutive weeks by a teacher who's not considered highly qualified for the specific subject area. And then in the next sentence in bold, please be assured that this does not mean this teacher is not qualified for this assignment. Given their professional experience and local reputation, we believe that your teacher

15
00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:53.400
is receiving a highquality education in their class. I'm wondering how administrators reconcile telling me that my child's teacher is qualified for their role in providing them a highquality education while also arguing at the same qualification should not determine pay or professional value.

16
00:06:54.400 --> 00:07:21.039
Thank you. Next up, we have Kyle Chambers. Name and address, please. Good enough. Good evening. Ah, let me try that again. Good evening, everyone. Uh, Kyle Chambers, 85 Lincoln Street. Uh, I look

17
00:07:21.039 --> 00:07:37.759
around, I see a few new faces in here tonight, and I, uh, please accept my congratulations on earning your positions, uh, on the school committee. One thing that doesn't seem to be going away, though, is uh, the fact that we're still, uh, seeing a continuing round of bargaining with the HDA.

18
00:07:37.759 --> 00:07:53.840
So, let's talk about solidarity between educators, parents, students, and why we are all here tonight. We are here because educators have gone unheard for over 300 days after their last contract expired. We are here because 30% of

19
00:07:53.840 --> 00:08:11.280
staff and faculty leaving for our neighboring community, forcing our school communities to adjust year after year is unsustainable. We are here because our educators are saying their working conditions are unacceptable, meaning our children's learning conditions are unacceptable. We

20
00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:26.639
are here in support of teachers and education support workers for a good reason. Since we had an interesting conversation on Facebook today, uh I want to highlight one thing that Mayor Garcia said. Our children are not bargaining

21
00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:48.080
chips. So please stop treating them like they are. Give our educators and para educators the contracts necessary to keep them in the city so we can all get back to working together for Holio. Thank you. Thank you. Next, Rebecca Chavari.

22
00:08:48.080 --> 00:09:04.560
Name and address, please. >> My name is Rebecca Chavei and my address is 48 Boon Avenue in South Hadley. Um, I have been here in the past. Um, I actually think last time I went over my two minutes. Uh, this time I am going to

23
00:09:04.560 --> 00:09:22.320
be brief and to the point. Um, I am here to tell you that the Holio School Committee has the ability to earmark and carry over the money necessary to create professional salaries for teachers and living wages for Paris. You are in

24
00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:42.720
control. Do the right thing. Carry the money over and pay your staff to stay in Holy Public Schools. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, Anthony Serpali. Hi, Anthony Zeroli, 122 Chestnut Street,

25
00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:58.240
Springfield. Uh, first I want to say hi to everyone, particularly the school committee uh uh representatives for the negotiation team. It's been a while since we've seen you. Don't get to see in negotiations anymore. It's great to

26
00:09:58.240 --> 00:10:17.440
see you here. So, I want to talk about lanes. So I have two master's degrees. I am ABD on the history of philosophy and political thought with focus on the 17th century. I have presented at the Royal

27
00:10:17.440 --> 00:10:35.440
College of London MIT New School for social research NYU and I have five years postsecary teaching experience. I'm on my fourth year of secondary teaching experience. So my question to y'all as someone who

28
00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:52.480
is an an expert in my field and I know I'm speaking to some people in here who are also experts in your fields with the contract the district has offered us. Why would I stay here?

29
00:10:52.480 --> 00:11:07.279
I go down to Northampton, I get 15 days off. I go down to Springfield. I walk in the door at 73K. Forget Boston. Let's forget Let's forget that side of things.

30
00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:27.839
I am an expert in my field. Why should I stay here when I can have a much better contract somewhere else? Because that's what you risk losing, expertise. I'm not the only person with

31
00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:42.959
these advanced degrees. I'm not the only expert that teaches at Holioai North or in our system generally. And you risk losing those people by insisting that our education levels that we spend time and money mean

32
00:11:42.959 --> 00:12:09.120
nothing. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, Maria Paris. Sorry. Thanks. Hi, my name is Maria Perez. I live at 195 Farnum Drive in Holio. And I come here to urge you um to settle our

33
00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:25.040
contract. Um as a person that's on the bargaining team, we've come down a lot to try to meet HPS's offers. And with that said, um I have an issue with the way HPS is proposing their contract focused on compensation where they want

34
00:12:25.040 --> 00:12:42.160
to tie uh master's degree with professional license. And you will not be able to move unless you have a professional license. So my issue with that is the way HPS recruits teachers. They go straight to Puerto Rico. They recruit teachers. They bring them to Holio. Their license are not worth anything over here. The tests, the MTOS,

35
00:12:42.160 --> 00:12:57.279
which is not a HPS problem, it's a desi problems are not in the languages. So they struggle to pass them. Um same way we translate uh letters for for our kids at at school. I think even though again this is a desi issue um teachers should

36
00:12:57.279 --> 00:13:13.200
have uh tests in other languages because I bet you there'll be more licensed teachers. So with that said, um also uh let's see what I was I forgot what I was going to say, but anyway, so my issue with HPS's proposal is that part where

37
00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:28.720
whole where us the HTA is bargaining. We want to be compensated for our education. So we have lanes, we have bachelors, masters, masters plus 15, masters plus 30. It compensates teachers where HPS's proposal it's um it's kind

38
00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:45.600
of uh I don't know how you say this but it's um how do you say that when they're Huh? It punishes that's the word I'm looking for. It punishes teachers that are here from the dual language program especially which are brought from Puerto Rico to come teach the monolingual kids especially because that's the majority

39
00:13:45.600 --> 00:14:00.880
of our dual language in a second language. So those kids are able to compete for jobs in Holio in the future. They're not bilingual. they'll be able to compete in another language, but yet our teachers are being um punished for that because they can't pass an MTEL. They're saying you're not going to get

40
00:14:00.880 --> 00:14:17.120
compensated for teaching. So, we're good enough to teach these kids in Holio, but not good enough to get paid for it. Um, also, I know plenty of teachers who have a license, and I I know many who teach better than those teachers that are licensed. Um, so a piece of paper shouldn't determine your uh how you

41
00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:44.959
teach and whatnot. Also, um, okay. >> Thank you, Wendy Blumenthal. >> All right. Oops. Sorry. Don't My time is not started yet, is Good evening. My name is Wendy Blumenthal. I reside at 25 Sheldon

42
00:14:44.959 --> 00:15:01.440
Avenue in East Hampton. I am a fifth grade teacher at Morgan School with prior experience in special ed at both the middle and elementary levels. I came to public education um in the past eight years as a career changer from community mental health and the field of HIV and

43
00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:18.399
AIDS. Since joining HPS, I've worked diligently to meet Massachusetts lure requirements. I fully understand that lure requirements are a desi requirement that that's not something that you all control. Um, I value continuous learning and I believe wholeheartedly that all

44
00:15:18.399 --> 00:15:34.000
teachers should be licensed. Since arriving, I have earned a master's in education and I have passed four of the five MTELs that are required. The remaining exam is math, which ironically um is the subject that I teach and to toot my own horn, I'm doing a pretty

45
00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:50.240
darn good job at. So, while I take lensure seriously and I will continue to pursue this last MTEL so that I can obtain the license, I come to you tonight with to share a brief look at how my ability to impact positive change in the classroom is not necessarily

46
00:15:50.240 --> 00:16:08.000
directly related um to my passing of an MTEL. You all are hopefully familiar with DNA that the district uses. So when I compared data from math DNA from quarter 1 to quarter three, a very astonishing point is that we had 11 kids in quarter

47
00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:24.800
1 for fifth grade at just at Morgan that were in the red, which means urgent intervention. That's the the lowest of the low of our kids. Quarter three, we have four. That's a pretty significant increase in two quarters. Um we also had a student for the first time achieve the

48
00:16:24.800 --> 00:16:41.120
highest green. That's advanced. Um this is all without my math MTEL. Um so I'm just making a plea for you to consider that compensation not necessarily be tied to lure that you consider um compensation in relation to longevity

49
00:16:41.120 --> 00:17:00.959
and in relation to experience and in relation to progress. >> Thank you. Veronica Santana name and address please. >> I'm really short. Um, I'm Veronica Santana. I live at Fal Jarvis A in

50
00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:17.120
Holio. Um, I am the sitting vice president of the HPA and I graduated from Holio High in 2001. I went to magnet. I was in Kelly. So, I am one of our traditional people. She and we

51
00:17:17.120 --> 00:17:34.480
graduated together. So, this place continues to have revolving door teachers and revolving door paras. And we're hurting our students every single time because they only give us their trust and their progress and their

52
00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:50.400
determination if they know that you're here forever. If they know that you're here and you actually care about them. So in order for us to do that, I implore you all to understand that we have to pay our teachers. We have to pay our

53
00:17:50.400 --> 00:18:05.919
paras if we respect them. And we are teaching the future. And we come here every single day. No matter if we're sick, no matter if things are going on at home, no matter if mentally we can't do it at home anyway, we come to work

54
00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:23.120
every single day to see those faces. You have people who have been here for 30 years and still feel like you are not respecting them. And I keep talking about community. You talk about community as if you honestly care about it. If you did, you would see us as community members. You would see paras

55
00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:38.480
and teachers and the students that we're supposed to respect, you would see them as community, and you would treat us with the respect of giving us a living wage, of giving us a fair contract, of giving us the very reasonable things that we're asking you for. Because at the end of the day, we have to meet

56
00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:53.120
accommodations. We have to meet inclusion standards for these students. We have to make sure that they feel like they are seen and heard. And we ourselves don't feel that way. So, I'm asking you to please take into consideration. We come every single day.

57
00:18:53.120 --> 00:19:10.919
We try our best. We show our faces. We help your kids. So, at the end, please treat us with that respect and give us what we're asking for. It's not unreasonable. Thank you. Next, Mary Brazzo.

58
00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:29.840
Good evening. I'm Mary Brazzo, 74 Pearl Street here in Holio. I'm a taxpayer and a teacher. I did jump through the hoops to become a licensed teacher back when my oldest went to college. It took three years to

59
00:19:29.840 --> 00:19:47.600
move from a preliminary license to a masters with my initial and more years to become a professionally licensed teacher and I have many privileges in my life that allowed me to do that work to jump through the hoops to go to college.

60
00:19:47.600 --> 00:20:04.799
The pay increase we are asking for is close to what Hyoke public schools is offering but we need our lensure to be not how we're graded but our education our effort. Our school year is longer with more

61
00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:23.679
mandatory professional development but that hasn't led to more lensure. In the past we had professional development focused on lensure and that has disappeared. I'm doing my part to help. I partner with a local college. I take student

62
00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:40.320
teachers and specifically I take student teachers that match our student population and they leave. They get hired. The last two got hired the very first day my principal saw them

63
00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:59.679
teach. Bilingual Latinex people. not staying. Licenses require expensive tests, $139 and at least three for your minimum requirement.

64
00:20:59.679 --> 00:21:14.080
They're difficult to obtain and the district does not reimburse those fees. Many people need to take them multiple times to pass the money we are labeling as our investment in our teachers. This pay

65
00:21:14.080 --> 00:21:35.200
that increase we need will be very welcomed by all. Thank you. >> Peter Duffy. >> Hello. My name is Peter Duffy. I live at 446 Appleton Street in Holio. Um

66
00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:51.760
I wanted to talk about another priority uh for our members which is just humane uh sick leave and parental leave. But I I would just one more note on the lensure thing, right? This is this is just not how teachers contracts are anywhere else. This is a this is an

67
00:21:51.760 --> 00:22:09.280
experiment to try and up the lensure in in Holio um with no evidence that that would actually be the case, right? And I think we've experimented enough on Holio for the last 10 years on our students and on our staff as well. Um but I really just wanted to talk about uh sick

68
00:22:09.280 --> 00:22:25.440
time. So what we're asking for is the industry standard of 14 days of sick time. That's what we're asking for. And we're asking for that because Holio actually our staff has one of the highest attendance rates in the state with 95%. Personally, I didn't take a

69
00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:42.640
sick day for like my first three years. I don't know if someone I thought I was going to get a cupcake or something, but um eventually I did. There was a they gave us a stipend one year of $1,000 and I was awesome. Next year I didn't take a sick day. They gave me a $50 gift card. So, I learned that lesson. Um,

70
00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:58.880
but what we're asking for here is just what other teachers unions have, right? Um, because if I do get sick and if I have kids, you know, and they get sick and I go over that 10day threshold that we're offering, which really isn't much,

71
00:22:58.880 --> 00:23:16.320
then I don't get paid for that time. And when like you get sick, it doesn't matter how bad your fever is, you got to stay up that night and make sub plans for the person who's going to cover you the next day. So, you know, it takes a lot of work just to take a day off as a teacher. Um, and I've known many many

72
00:23:16.320 --> 00:23:32.320
members in my building who do have kids and have to take that time and they come asking me like, "What can I do? I'm not going to get paid. I'm not going to get paid." I say, "Yeah, that's our contract." Um, and so, you know, we are here just to say like sick time, adequate sick time, 14 days, adequate

73
00:23:32.320 --> 00:23:50.440
parental time, you know, so that you can actually bond with your child. We're being offered right now 5 days. Now, I don't have kids now, but I think some of you do, so please consider it. Thanks. >> Thank you, Brandy Chico.

74
00:23:54.960 --> 00:24:10.080
Hello, my name is Brandy Bellachico. I live at 10 Smith Street in South Hadley. I'm a teacher at Holio Public Schools and I've been working under an expired contract for 300 days. Today I would like to talk about incumbrance.

75
00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:24.480
Um, I do not have the exact dates because there's a a lot, but here's a rough timeline regarding retropay. In Januaryish, we were told at the bargaining table that that money for retropay did not

76
00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:42.320
exist. It was spent. It was gone. In March, we were told that that that money did exist and it would exist until April 15th and then it would disappear. Today, April 27th, we know that as long as you, the school committee, choose to

77
00:24:42.320 --> 00:25:00.159
encumber that money, it does exist. It is wrong to play games that incite fear amongst my colleagues. We have continued to show up every day for our kids with an expired contract

78
00:25:00.159 --> 00:25:19.520
and you are in the position of power to ensure that we receive a fair contract including retropay. >> Thank you so much. That is the end of public comment. Moving on to communication and reports. Do we have

79
00:25:19.520 --> 00:25:36.400
any student reports tonight, Mr. Sodto? >> I did not receive any. No. >> All right. Also, no superintendent reports. I'm moving on to new >> Excuse me. >> Go ahead, >> Miss Wilson. >> So, this is not the first time I've said it with student rep. Are we talking

80
00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:51.919
about like this the high school students reports? I am extremely frustrated. I've mentioned it. I continue and I will continue to mention that I'm extremely frustrated that we are not getting representation. Thank you. >> Thank you.

81
00:25:51.919 --> 00:26:07.600
New business, outofstate field trips. May I have a motion that the school committee vote to accept the out ofstate field trip to High Meadows Graby, Connecticut in June 1st, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion B by Mr. Michaelelsson, seconded

82
00:26:07.600 --> 00:26:24.960
by Miss Wilson. Any discussion? Miss Lewald, >> um just briefly, I just wanted to thank the submitters of these field trips because I felt like they had um a tremendous explanation not just about the field trip, but about the lessons that will be learned and um across them

83
00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:41.200
all, especially um transition academy and learning how to handle money and and I just thought it was just really great and I really appreciated it. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? I

84
00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:56.320
>> I >> Any opposed? Abstensions? So moved. >> Motion that the school committee vote to accept the out of state field trip to Sunny's Place Summers, Connecticut on June 15, 2026. Motion made by Mr. Isasa.

85
00:26:56.320 --> 00:27:15.919
>> Second. >> Seconded by Miss Lubold. >> Yes. Please make sure that your microphone is on when you're making the motion. Thank you. Any discussion?

86
00:27:15.919 --> 00:27:32.159
Seeing none. All those in favor? >> I oppose. >> Abstensions. So moved. Next motion that the school committee vote to accept the out ofstate field trip to Brownstone Adventure Park Portland, Connecticut on June 4th, 2026.

87
00:27:32.159 --> 00:27:47.840
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Wilson. Seconded by Miss Lero Martinez. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?

88
00:27:47.840 --> 00:28:03.919
Abstensions. So moved. >> Budget transfer reports that the school committee refer the budget transfer attached for teacher salaries to various projects to finance and operations subcommittee. Motion by Mr. Isasa.

89
00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:20.240
>> Second. Second by Miss Lero Martinez. Discussion. Miss Lef. >> So I just heard a comment on this that um the teachers association was informed that the money was not available any longer in January,

90
00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:47.679
but then we changed it to April 15th. >> I I have no recollection of of that ever being said. >> Okay. So, I'm just confused right now. I know about the April 15th,

91
00:28:47.679 --> 00:29:08.279
but I'm just concerned that it was already said since the beginning that it was back in January, and here we are, where we're telling them it was April 15th. I don't know. Okay,

92
00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:29.600
>> Miss Lub, >> um could someone explain to me uh the the necessity of the transfer? >> Yes. So, >> sort of >> um these the what you see in front of you is a list of items. So every year we

93
00:29:29.600 --> 00:29:45.520
reach out to our principles and sit down with them and make sure that um you know uh we we have an opportunity to ask them like if funding were ever to become available. Um you know what are some improvements that you'd like to see in

94
00:29:45.520 --> 00:30:02.559
your school or funding that you need that's not necessarily part of your normal operating budget. Um Sean Sheidi uh and myself have sat down with all of the principles um and we do this every year. So uh in case you know

95
00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:17.279
if if there's things that aren't part of the normal operating budget, we either include them in the capital improvement plan that we work with with the city. Uh my experience with that is that unless

96
00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:32.480
you know uh unless there is MSBA funding tied to it, we um or or there's a CDBG grant or a CPA grant. Um we haven't we haven't had any of those uh those

97
00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:47.919
capital improvements uh approved through that through that process. Uh the city has definitely been generous in in funding all of the projects that have MSBA funding. We've done a couple of uh

98
00:30:47.919 --> 00:31:04.080
school playgrounds through CDBG and other funding sources that the city might have. Um so that you know that that that has been really successful. Uh but this list represents all of the items that did not get uh funded this

99
00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:20.320
year. Um, and we we how we handle that is we carry that over into next year and we sit down with the principles again and we say, "Hey, none of this got funded last year." Um, do uh because of budget constraints or because the city

100
00:31:20.320 --> 00:31:35.279
was not, you know, wasn't in a position to bond for some of these items. Um, are these still things that that you need and that you would like to see in your schools? And if they're if they're like, you know what, that's no longer a priority. I' I want to prioritize this.

101
00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:57.480
Instead, we update the list and wherever the whenever there's an opportunity to um to identify funding sources to fund those, we we bring them forward to the school committee for approval. >> Any further discussion?

102
00:31:57.519 --> 00:32:20.399
>> Seeing none, all those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? No, >> that was two. >> Okay. Uh >> any abstensions? >> Who which? >> Okay. >> Pass it.

103
00:32:20.399 --> 00:32:40.559
>> Yes. >> Next, we're moving on to approval of meeting minutes that the school committee vote to >> I'm sorry. Excuse me. I'm not sure I'm allowed to, but I would like to change my vote to a no. And I'm not sure if that's acceptable and I understand if it's not.

104
00:32:40.559 --> 00:33:02.399
But but before we move on, I'm sorry I've been spending 28 minutes trying to log on here. So, >> Madam Chair, I'm ready to move on. >> Motion stands >> on the motion of the approval of meeting minutes.

105
00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:19.519
Move to approve the meeting minutes of March 23rd, 2026. >> That was Mr. Sheen on the motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Michaelelsson. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? >> I.

106
00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:36.320
>> Any opposed? Abstensions? So moved. Updates of committees. Policy and governance subcommittee. Order filed by school committee member Miss Wilson that the school committee be informed of any requirements or disqualification by each school for

107
00:33:36.320 --> 00:33:52.399
students participation in school events and or field trips whether school or PTO sponsored. This order has been complied with Miss Wilson. Thank you. So, um, this originally came to me from a constituent who shared that their child

108
00:33:52.399 --> 00:34:08.720
couldn't go on a field trip because there was not enough chaperones. Um, and so I know as a body we approve all these field trips. Um, and I just wanted to make sure that when we approve a field trip that the students are able

109
00:34:08.720 --> 00:34:24.800
to go on them and what are the limitations if any by the school um for students to attend. Um my understanding is and I'm going to ask my two experts here who were at the policy subcommittee

110
00:34:24.800 --> 00:34:40.879
uh meeting was that um unless it's an event sponsored by a particular group which they then can put their own um qualifications on all of our events are open to all of our students in good standing on that day. So, my

111
00:34:40.879 --> 00:34:57.839
understanding is if a student is um has like an in-house suspension on the day of the field trip, they would not go. Um but uh but everyone is allowed to partake if they are in good standing with the school. I'm not sure,

112
00:34:57.839 --> 00:35:13.440
Mrs. Glen, you know, Mr. Soda, did you want to add anything to that? I know we talked about there's some field trips that are PBS based and so you would have to meet qualifications for those trips, but overall like a grade level trip

113
00:35:13.440 --> 00:35:29.839
that's sponsored by the school or PTO everyone should be able to attend. >> Yeah, that that's correct. We reached out to all of our principles and kind of to get a sense of what their process is like for you know uh not allowing a student to go and uh the vast majority

114
00:35:29.839 --> 00:35:46.800
of our schools responded that if a student is present and not you know suspended that day or absent that day that they would be allowed if it was a you know grade level um field trip. There was conversation about incentive.

115
00:35:46.800 --> 00:36:03.280
So like um an example of that is like you know uh let's say you know I I I want to create a hypothetical situation here but um if there is you know an incentive being being given for uh a

116
00:36:03.280 --> 00:36:17.680
particular reason at a school like we wanted to make sure um that schools had flexibility to to you know encourage and and and and rally up the students to to really compete in in a particular

117
00:36:17.680 --> 00:36:35.040
competition. Um, but we agreed as a as a as a leadership team that we needed to put some parameters on that. So, uh, we are working with our team, our our leadership team to put some parameters and bumpers on, you know, when there is

118
00:36:35.040 --> 00:36:52.240
an incentive based either field trip or event. um that that uh we put a lot of thought into the parameters that we would put in place so that so that there's consistency across all of our schools. When it comes to just standard field trips, if you're there, if you're

119
00:36:52.240 --> 00:37:13.359
present, um you're allowed. And if we need to provide more support um for whatever reason, then then the schools will provide that support for for a particular student. Jackie, did you have anything to add? >> No, I One of the questions was um from the

120
00:37:13.359 --> 00:37:30.480
constituent I they said I was not able to go. I do know for sure that school principles will offer parents if you would like to come we will pay for you and support your student. If you cannot we will certainly find somebody who will be able to do that. But it is often you

121
00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:46.960
know um if a family member wants to come and they feel comfortable with the student that's our first go-to. Um but if they don't, we certainly would provide it. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Point of order. >> Go ahead. >> Um just so you know, um under Robert's

122
00:37:46.960 --> 00:38:03.520
rules, a member may change their vote before the chair announces the result of the vote or once the vote is announced, the the vote can only be changed by permission of the assembly, which is handed via a voice vote or a unanimous consent.

123
00:38:03.520 --> 00:38:22.079
So, it is a point of order that we should be able to vote if I can change my vote. >> So, are you making a motion? >> I am making Yes, I am I am making a motion that we retake um the vote for

124
00:38:22.079 --> 00:38:41.680
the budget transfer from salaries to various projects. >> Do we have a second? >> Mr. Sheen, >> I think the motion is to change your vote, not to retake the vote. Right. >> It's to change my vote, but it has to be a unanim says the vote can only be

125
00:38:41.680 --> 00:38:57.640
changed by permission of the assembly, which is handled via a voice vote or by unanimous consent. So, I would be voting to allow me to change my vote. >> So, you >> No objection. >> If there's no Yes.

126
00:38:58.160 --> 00:39:16.560
>> Any objections? So moved. Just make sure that the record reflects that Miss Wilson's vote is changed to a no. >> Thank you. >> Motion carries. Next up, the school committee of approve

127
00:39:16.560 --> 00:39:34.160
and vote accept the CTA and be amended that the CTA director change to the principal or designate for making decisions. >> So this um the new >> Do we have a motion? So the motion is to approve the dean campus education

128
00:39:34.160 --> 00:39:49.760
recruitment admissions and retention. I'm going to call it procedure. >> Got it. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Michaelelsson. Discussion. So with the new um state uh

129
00:39:49.760 --> 00:40:07.200
regulations according to um how students get in to our vocational and technical and agricultural schools. Um we had to update our dean campus uh policy. along

130
00:40:07.200 --> 00:40:22.960
with that um I know our administration looked into much in depth um the flexibility that we previously had as in if Mr. Sodto knew that there was a student struggling at Holo High School

131
00:40:22.960 --> 00:40:39.200
and talking with the you know proper individuals and they realized that in order to keep this child in school you know let's do the chance and make that chance and let's move them over to dean see if that that hands-on um experience

132
00:40:39.200 --> 00:40:55.200
might be able to reinvigorate them back into the education side as well. Um, and so I um I'm bringing this up because that is no longer possible. So right now every student who has applied

133
00:40:55.200 --> 00:41:10.720
has um there was a drawing and the drawing gave their number and we went through how many seats we have and after that that starts the weight list. So Mr. Sodto or the superintendent can

134
00:41:10.720 --> 00:41:27.040
no longer make recommendations to change a student from Hoyokai North to dean unless they are the next number or they're on that list and their number is called. Um the state has tied our hands um to this and I I just wanted I thought

135
00:41:27.040 --> 00:41:43.880
it was very important as a school committee that we are aware of this that internal flexibility is gone um and that you know we are meeting the requirement of the the new state requirements.

136
00:41:46.240 --> 00:42:02.880
>> Thank you Miss Wilson. Mr. Sheen. Yes. So, I have two questions. The first is probably just a naming convention, but um maker of the motion said procedure, but everything that we're on here is

137
00:42:02.880 --> 00:42:18.000
policy. So, is it a procedure or is it a policy? >> Can I take that? >> I would like to know what came out of the committee because it was referred up to us as policy and the title of the documents policy. >> So, it it is policy. I I will

138
00:42:18.000 --> 00:42:35.520
>> Okay. Okay. And then my second question is so the just on the motion it's that be amended and the CTA director changed to principal or designate for making motions. Has that language been updated in the document that we're looking at? Because I've gone through this a couple times. I just want to make sure that what I'm looking at is the

139
00:42:35.520 --> 00:43:01.119
>> it should have been. Okay. If my computer and is there a certain section that was supposed to be in because I still like in transfers it still refers to approval by the principal and CTE director >> should be an or

140
00:43:01.119 --> 00:43:16.640
>> Mr. Sodto. Yeah, I I didn't go in and make any changes. Um, so the the what I was what we were looking for approval. I wanted you to I wanted this full school committee to see how it was as written

141
00:43:16.640 --> 00:43:33.680
initially. Um, but I am looking to make those changes um from wherever it says CTE director. I I I think it would be wise of us because it's a policy to uh to change that to the principal or

142
00:43:33.680 --> 00:43:50.480
designate um because you know you know God forbid something happens like there's you know and um you know there could be a a chance where there's a vacancy in that position or we're trying

143
00:43:50.480 --> 00:44:06.960
to hire somebody but there's never an like if we don't have a principle of a building like we immediately have to appoint an interim principal who could serve in that capacity. So because it's a policy I I think it's important that we just change anywhere where it says

144
00:44:06.960 --> 00:44:22.720
CTE director to a principal or designate. >> Mr. Sheen, >> so just procedure, what was the how did this come out of committee? This was obviously voted on in committee. How was it delivered to the board? >> Miss Wilson,

145
00:44:22.720 --> 00:44:38.720
>> so let me clarify. um we should not this should not be in front of you without um a highlight and a crossout for additions. So that was an error on our part. Um so I I because when it comes to full committee we should have the

146
00:44:38.720 --> 00:44:54.960
language um very clearly explicitly written so that you know what you're voting for. So I'm going to u make a motion to table this to the next meeting so we can give you the the correct language. >> Do we have a second? A second. Second.

147
00:44:54.960 --> 00:45:16.760
>> Seconded by Mr. Sheen. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Abstensions. So moved. >> Yeah, I'm good. >> Finance and operations subcommittee updates. Mr. machine.

148
00:45:21.280 --> 00:45:43.920
We're going to go back a little bit. Um, our student rep is with us via Zoom. Hello, Miss Vega. Go ahead. >> Hi. Um for things that have been going on uh recently we started testing for

149
00:45:43.920 --> 00:46:01.359
the seal of bi literacy. Uh I believe they get the results around this sometime this week if not this month at the end of the month. Um I know that we're working on moving the juniors onto you know the senior ideas and the senior

150
00:46:01.359 --> 00:46:18.400
titles. Uh, and the juniors are also really working on fundraising for their senior events right now. We're also uh we're getting ready to apply for colleges as well, getting the general idea of what it is to apply for that.

151
00:46:18.400 --> 00:46:36.560
And the freshman's have gotten their shots. >> Oh, good. May I ask a question? >> Go ahead, Miss Wilson. So, with the shops, how did that go over? Were you were you able to be present or have you

152
00:46:36.560 --> 00:46:51.520
heard the rumblings because there's always excitement and some disappointment that needs to be managed? How how are the freshmen handling it? >> From what I've heard, it was a generally positive thing. That's great. I know

153
00:46:51.520 --> 00:47:08.319
that some of them were upset, but they I know they they were also given more time than the previous freshman and when I was a freshman. And I'm not too sure how the proceedings go for when they're not really enjoying their shop and they want

154
00:47:08.319 --> 00:47:25.119
to switch. Um there's it's it's a lot of speculation that I've heard that they're not too sure if they can switch it. Okay. So, sorry about >> Well, thank you for that. I appreciate it. Thank you, Miss Lee. Anybody else has

155
00:47:25.119 --> 00:47:42.560
anything? Any questions? All right. Thank you so much for your report. Going back to updates from subcommittees, finance and operations subcommittee. >> We we haven't had a meeting. Nothing to report. >> Thank you. Join city council and school

156
00:47:42.560 --> 00:48:00.960
committee. Miss Lero Martinez, there has been no meeting. There's nothing to report. Thank you. leadership accountability and measurement subcommittee. >> Well, we haven't met, but we'll still speak. No. Um, >> go ahead, Miss Lave. >> Before my computer got possessed, and I

157
00:48:00.960 --> 00:48:18.000
can't look at it. Um, April 29th, um, is our meeting. Am I correct? 6 PM Zoom. Okay, great. And, um, we do have, um, filed the order. Um, so we're looking at using the modified being that it's going

158
00:48:18.000 --> 00:48:34.640
to be the evaluation on our interim superintendent who obviously will no longer be serving as um the interim superintendent come June 30th. So, we were looking at using the modified version that we used last time >> and until this started speaking to me, I

159
00:48:34.640 --> 00:48:50.880
was actually looking at our next dates because I want to make sure that we have have it in so that then the subcommittee can review it and um come up with a summary. So, we're going to leave that till the

160
00:48:50.880 --> 00:49:08.280
next meeting um where I can look at all the dates, but also when Miss Feliciano comes back from vacation. Thank you. >> Sounds good. So, we have >> that recommendation. Yeah. >> Oh, I'll put it in myself.

161
00:49:08.319 --> 00:49:24.400
>> Damn, that's Oh, sorry. that the school committee used the modified version from last year for the current interim superintendent evaluation. >> Second. >> Second. Second by Miss Wilson. Any

162
00:49:24.400 --> 00:49:41.200
discussion? >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Abstensions? So moved. On to ongoing business policy updates. First read LBC relations with non-public

163
00:49:41.200 --> 00:49:58.400
schools and KHB advertising on school district policy. May I have a motion that the school committee vote to receive recommended changes to above policies and recommend that the interim superintendent review recommended changes and post above policies for feedback comments for two

164
00:49:58.400 --> 00:50:12.800
weeks. So move >> moved by Miss Lave, seconded by Mr. Isasa. Discussion Miss Wilson. Thank you. So the first policy is uh clarification around non-public schools. Um so according to

165
00:50:12.800 --> 00:50:30.079
state law that we as a city um the school committee um we need to approve a private school um that enters our uh city's you know area that uh we make sure part of our due diligence is that we make

166
00:50:30.079 --> 00:50:46.920
sure that they are meeting the instructional pro program um that we have for the city of Holio um and that um we will cooperate with schools um that you know when mut mutually beneficial

167
00:50:48.960 --> 00:51:06.000
>> Mr. So just for clarity looking at the document the top document in that we're looking at says I suggest MASC language here for clarity is that eliminating >> that's the current policy is >> is that eliminating and replacing what's below

168
00:51:06.000 --> 00:51:30.000
>> so that we would replace it with what's below the relation yes >> any further discussion Mr. Sheen. >> So then just on KHB, >> since >> I think the motion has both, right? >> Correct.

169
00:51:30.000 --> 00:51:46.800
>> Can I speak to that before >> you just explain Yeah. how it works on here? >> So what where we got here was that um you know, typically there are limitations as to who and why we would allow advertising in our schools. And when we were looking at um updating

170
00:51:46.800 --> 00:52:02.319
the policy, the policy is um so what I have which is not clearly lined up is on the first top of KHB is the Holo policy. Then underneath you're

171
00:52:02.319 --> 00:52:18.559
going to see that I stole some information from conquered because when we looked at as a subcommittee there was concerns about groups um you know having signs up um let's say a football team you you know you get your sponsors you

172
00:52:18.559 --> 00:52:33.599
put the team you know the the companies around and they help um raise money and so if we had taken the policy as written we would not be able to do that and that we our students need a source of revenue

173
00:52:33.599 --> 00:52:49.119
for their events. And so we are allowing sports and clubs um you know for fundraising to temporarily advertise um policy temporarily sorry to temporarily

174
00:52:49.119 --> 00:53:07.119
advertise. Now, with that, um, we want to make sure that, um, we still have the say over it because we want to make sure that we approve the policy, you know, like I, while I I'm sure we're not going to have a cannabis

175
00:53:07.119 --> 00:53:24.800
company, you know, on a sports field, even though they have money to spend and they want to give it to the community, but in some ways, we have to be thoughtful about that. Um so when it comes to student f student

176
00:53:24.800 --> 00:53:39.440
student focused like the Herald like such as the the plays, the musicals, sports groups, um other you know other groups that they can do some form of advertising in order to have an income.

177
00:53:39.440 --> 00:54:05.040
Did that answer your question, >> Mr. Xan? I guess what I'm just looking for clarity is what is so is the new policy only going to be what's in yellow. So >> no. So once again I the the policy was not

178
00:54:05.040 --> 00:54:22.240
clearly presented to you and so I am going to table this because I don't feel with the pre-eread that you are able to have the uh clear information as to this is what is next. So, I apologize for that and I will have these two ready

179
00:54:22.240 --> 00:54:37.359
tomorrow and get this over for the next agenda. So, I'm going to make a motion to table. >> Just for clarity, both of them. >> I'm going to be clear for both of them. Um, just because I I want to be certain

180
00:54:37.359 --> 00:54:51.760
as to what we're voting on and what we're going to be posting publicly and I I want to be clear about that and make sure our constituents are clear as well. >> Sounds good, Mr. Michaelelsson on the second. All those in favor?

181
00:54:51.760 --> 00:55:15.520
>> Any opposed? So moved. Announcements. They're posted on the meeting agenda. Any other announcements that anybody wants to add that are not posted? Miss Lualt, >> not an announcement, but I just wanted to thank u the Sullivan school team and

182
00:55:15.520 --> 00:55:31.920
their kids for coming out for the cleanup day on April 22nd. It was really awesome. There was so many of the young folks that came out to to do uh work in both neighborhoods um surrounding the school and elsewhere. So, it was really really fun. >> Thank you so much.

183
00:55:31.920 --> 00:55:47.680
Now, may I have a motion not to open to the public because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body for the purpose of collective bargaining of all units. >> So moved. >> Second.

184
00:55:47.680 --> 00:56:11.119
>> And superintendent contracts and not to come back to open session. >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Michaelelsson. Do we have a second? >> Seconded by Miss Lauren Martinez. Roll call. Mr. Sodto. No, I'm just trying to get the

185
00:56:11.119 --> 00:56:27.280
the motion made in the second right so Irene has less to do when she gets back. So, >> uh, Mr. Lebron Martinez, >> yes. >> Miss Tensley Williams. Mr. Isaza, >> Mr. Michaelelsson, >> yes.

186
00:56:27.280 --> 00:56:41.559
>> Miss Norris Lubold, >> yes. Miss Wilson, >> yes. >> Mr. Garcia, >> yes. >> Dr. Rivera Cologne, >> yes. >> Mr. Sheen, >> yes. >> Miss Lefave, >> yes.