Yeah. Are you okay? >> Yes. Are we okay? We've already opened our third United States of America.
We are welcoming our friends. to be back. Uh so I'll start off with sports update. So all spring officially finished triyous full swing last season. So make it both boys and boys volleyball
scrimmages today. Boys and girls have their first game tomorrow. Monday Ashland Church at 4. Japanese students visited the school. members of our ambassadors club. The students get to learn about life at HHS.
Personally, it was really exciting. kind of like the resources we have at how we learn. Um, and then today in the library, girls who code club hosted a hop hack coding competition where participants worked in teams to complete a coding project, computer science
trivia round, and present their work to judges. So, highlighting. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Well, good evening everyone. It's nice to see you all. Like Ryan said, it has been a while, so it's good to be back. Uh, and there's a lot to
update everybody on since the last time we've met. Uh, so this is the superintendent's report for March 26, 2026. I want to start with something that brought a lot of smiles and collaboration across the district this past month, and and that's the joy of reading. In honor of ReadAcross America
week, which was the first week of March at Elmwood, our second grade teachers went allin for the rainbow fish theme for character book day. Uh the kids absolutely loved it, and these are the little moments that make reading fun and memorable for our students. So, I just want to thank our second grade team. I
also want to highlight our librarians across the district for rolling out a new multilingual collection across all five schools. These books are in a wide range of languages from Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Hindu, Arabic, and many more. And the goal is for students to be able to see themselves reflected
in the literature and to learn a little bit about each other. About 95% of the collection is in now and being processed. And we're excited to start to get some of these books in our students hands. So, >> that's great. >> Thank you to our librarians. One of my favorite moments of the month was the community reading day at Hopkins uh
where staff, town officials, police and fire, select board members, and even our construction team, as you can see in the back left corner in their their bright yellow, uh vests, came together to to read to our Hopkins students. We read the book The Power of Run from Trudy Lewig. So, I want to thank our Hopkins
administration for organizing the event. Uh, and this slide really just captures the many efforts around the district to build genuine love of reading, not just as a skill, uh, but something the students actually enjoy. So, kudos to all. Speaking of joy, uh, earlier this month, our second graders took a field
trip to the Discovery Museum in Actton. Uh, the grade was split into smaller groups over multiple days to get the full experience. As you can see, lots of engagement and learning uh, for our students. Uh, from everything I heard, the kids asked great questions and had a blast. So, a big thanks to our teachers
and staff for organizing an opportunity like this. And speaking of field trips, this one was for the adults. We had a chance to go over to Charleswood recently uh with our principles to check out the construction. Uh we were all very impressed with the coordination happening uh and the progress that's
being made. It's one of those things when you hear about the updates at school committee meetings or at the ESBC2 meetings, it's one thing, but when you actually see it and unlock the space, it really comes to life. you can uh we saw where the main office was going to be, where the gym was going to be, where the cafeteria was going to be. So, um we we really enjoyed it. Uh and
big thanks to our team at Vertex, especially Chris Kenny and of course Steve Divine. They were wonderful tour guides taking us around. So, we want to thank them for that. >> And speaking of principles, a quick shout out to Mr. Carter, pictured here, who spent time earlier this week uh walking around the building with Mr.
abroad delivering a lesson to several of our fourth grade classrooms on closed circuits, insulators, and conductors using what we call the Hopington water piano. Uh it's a great example of what strong instructional leadership looks like in action. I think our principles do an outstanding job of leading the
buildings and everybody knows that. Uh but engaging with teachers and learning alongside with students and staff is really special to see. So, >> what's a Hopington water? >> Oh, you have a picture? >> I don't have it. You can kind of see it in this picture here. Um but it's about conductors. So he it's um you can put
things together and you know you were in the classroom. I don't know if you want to talk a little bit. >> Well so it's the whole point is talking about what what serves as a conductor water. Um but also getting the kids to identify that they themselves can be conductors. Um and then the the end goal that Mr. Carter does with this this
lesson that he's done a few times is have all the kids link hands >> and then by the end. >> Yeah. So pretty impressive stuff. >> What you see on the lefth hand side. So thank you. Thank you Mr. Um, let's uh next, speaking of pianos, let's take a moment to highlight the important role music has played across
the district as well this month. Uh, most of the pictures here are from a recent middle school concert. Uh, but I can assure you it's happening all across our district from the Hopkins concerts to the Elmwood Meeting of the Eagles to the Pit Orchestra for the spring performance of Our Town at the high
school to the Triam Jazz Cafe. There's a lot going on. It's really impressive. Uh, really big thank you to Mr. Haye and our music staff. this time of year means a lot of nights out uh which requires real commitment and time away from their own families. So we just really appreciate everything they do for our students.
And staying with music, this slide is the flyers for the upcoming Micah competition, the Massachusetts Instrumental and Coral Conductors Association. This is a statewide festival where students uh perform and are evaluated by professionals around the area and it's a showcase of their
work, their teamwork. Uh, and at a really high level, uh, we have our band, our chorus, and our orchestra performing both at the high school, but also at Westboro High School over the weekend. Uh, so if you are around this weekend and looking for something to do, it's definitely worth checking out and supporting our musicians.
Now, moving from one creative outlet to another, the next slide highlights some really impressive artwork from our HHS students. We recently held the honors exhibit at the HCA. Uh, this show highlights some of the strongest work currently being produced by our students at the high school. And a big thanks to
Miss Janino and our art staff. There's a lot happening behind the scenes. This this exhibit goes on for a month. We want to thank the HCA for allowing our students to be able to put their artwork up there. Um, and it really is all about students curating, displaying their work, getting feedback from the public. So, uh, kudos to the students as you see
them in the bottom left corner there. From arts to athletics, and Ryan talked about this a little bit. Uh, spring sports kicked off last uh, week both at the middle school and high school. You see pictures here of the outdoor track team. girls lacrosse, boys volleyball, as well as girls tennis. Um, these are
some of the early tryyout photos. As we know, it's been a little bit wet out there, so they've had to be making some adjustments with scheduling. Uh, but teams are making the most of it. They're starting scrimmages and starting games now. So, just wanted to wish the best of luck to our spring athletes and coaches, and we look forward to a great season.
from sports to the boardroom. Uh the high school BPA, business professionals of America team, um had a really impressive showing recently at the state conference in South Brbridge. We actually had a great Hopington connection as well. School committee vice chair Susan Stevenson was on site
as a judge. A couple of highlights, uh Ree Amigud was selected state treasurer and Cooper Dold was selected state historian, which speaks to the leadership of our students that they bring to this organization. Overall, 22 of the 24 students placed in the top three in their events, which
means they'll be advancing off to Nashville uh for nationals, which we'll be talking about shortly uh for our our trip conversation. So, huge thanks to our students and their adviser, Mr. Scott, for all the time and preparation that he puts in. And now, speaking of honors, want to
take a minute to celebrate some of our amazing teachers across the district, uh because there's a lot to be proud of right now. On the left you see Elmwood music teacher Miss Leedberg as well as speech language pathologist Miss Cedar recently presenting at the MMEA conference sharing strategies around
working with students with motor speech disorders and really leaning into inclusive practices uh which I think is a great example of the kind of expertise that we have here in Hopington. And then also on this slide here on the right hand side you see marathon teacher Jen Jen Kaine and middle school science
teacher Mary Francis Kersinbomb who were Hington's honores for the recent tech celebrates teaching event. Also pictured here are the proud principles Mr. Lefave at the middle school and Miss Dau. So big thank you to them for all they do and honestly for all of our educators while we're just spotlighting these
tonight. Uh this type of expertise and creativity is happening all across our district every single day. So thank you to our amazing staff. Um, also more exciting news, I'm pleased to announce the hiring of Miss Amy Davenport as the next principal of Hopington High School. Uh, Miss Davenport currently serves as
the principal at Westwood High School. Uh, she brings a really thoughtful student- centered approach to her leadership and what stood out throughout the process of the interview process was her ability to balance high expectations with strong relationships and her commitment to building systems that support all students. Uh, it was clear
to the team and to me that she's the right fit for Hopington High School right now. Uh so please join me in congratulating and welcoming Miss Davenport to our team. She'll begin the principal job starting July 1st. >> Very excited to have her. >> Very excited to have her on board. And finally for the top of the hill
spotlight, which was tough this week given all that's happening, goes to our best buddies clubs at the high school and the middle school. Uh these groups alongside strong support from the administration organized the second annual Special Olympics Poland pledge. uh despite the cold and damp conditions,
what stood out to me most was the Best Buddies commitment to inclusion and belonging. Uh a lot of excitement in the cold in the parking lot at the middle school. Even though, like I said, it was cold. They raised over $14,000. >> Wow. >> Uh and had over 60 brave souls go for a dunk, including principles Mr. Pomville
and Mr. Lefay there on the left hand side. >> Did you go for one? >> I didn't. I did it last year, not this year. Yes. Next time I'll do it. uh but just a great example of our students and staff coming together uh for something bigger than themselves. So, thank you to our best buddies group. And that is the superintendent report for tonight.
>> Thank you very much. As a attendee of the middle school concert, it was exceptional. Um great school committee chair report. Payroll warrants S26017 has been removed and warrants 26 10S
2610 1S 2610 2S 2610 3S 2610 4S 2610 5S 2610 6S 2610 7S 2610 8S 2610 9S 26 1 F A S and 26 2 S
Ahs have been approved. The warrants are included in your folders. Leaison requests. >> Not really a baazone, but um >> the um
BPA um >> Oh, yeah. Tell us about it. It's just one of the most amazing things I've ever I see is is students coming hundreds and hundreds of them and the the quality of they the work they
present and uh just the um commitment and it it's it's truly an amazing program. That is great. >> Yeah, I'm sure they were happy to have you as a judge. any other >> um the sustainable green committee had a
meeting with district leadership to talk about safe routes to school and they are pursuing some connections with state level officials >> um to support Compton's exploration of safe routes to school for walking and biking for our students.
>> That's really exciting. >> So, thank you for facilitating that meeting. I appreciate it. >> Very good. Feel like we're getting feedback today. All right, moving on. Maybe that's it.
Something's going on here. Um, >> getting reverb. >> Yeah, we're getting some >> We're getting reverb here. >> Um, so we invited our colleagues in the select board. If you'd like to come up
and join us, you may. I I'm sorry, we only have two chairs. >> Okay, good. >> Excellent. Thank you for having us. It's a pleasure to be here. Um, so I called the meeting of the select board to order. And can we
just do a quick sound check? Amy and Brian, can you both hear us? They're both remote. >> I can hear you. Can you hear me? >> Yes, >> Brian. I'm good. Thank you. >> Very good. >> Wonderful. Glad to have you all in attendance tonight. We brought you here
to um explain and give some context for the decision we made of how I'm paving the loop road in a change order from from the funds from the Hopkins school project. Seems like things are better now. [laughter]
>> We didn't get that. >> That or we have no pick. So, we have affirmed our decision and we are moving forward with the um loopro change order and we just wanted to give some um feedback about why we made that
decision and give you the opportunity to ask some questions while you're here so that we could present a united front to the community and also explain to the community. We've gotten a lot of questions about this from the community. Um so, um to understand this
Apparently, people are telling they can't hear me. This is what negotiations going on here. All right. So, this gives you the article that was originally approved by town meeting in order to work on the addition and renovation um
for the Hopkins Elementary School. And it gives us the authority um to go ahead and um make these decisions for um change orders. Um and our oversight talks about the
project scope, the budget alignment and responsible use of public funds and we are as I mentioned we are proceeding with the paving of the loop road and the work will move forward um as part of the broader broader project
scope. Um we are trying to have this meeting tonight um in front of the community and with the select board in order to have transparency to the process and talk about um why we made these decisions and the procurement
guidance that we've gotten. I know I had asked for some explanation from our um school council and I heard you did the same from the town council. So, and both were in agreement thankfully um that we had the authority to go and were within
our scope of going through to this. Mrs. Rothermitch, would you like to give us some history? >> Sure. Um so, at the appropriations meeting on Monday, I believe it was. Um there was some recollection of some um
work being done to the loop road. So, we did some digging. Uh this is before my time so we had to do some research. Did >> you retend that? >> No, I did not. But thank you. Uh so that is correct. uh the memory in May 2013
there was money that was appropriated to do some work on the loop road and it included a section 1100 ft from Hayden Row down um the loop road and at that time the engineering study gave that um
repair work an estimated life of 14 years. So you can see at that time that would bring us to excuse me 2027. So in terms of the current engineer uh when we asked a little bit about what that mill and overlay I do not have the
actual engineering of what was done in 2013. Um but the current engineer said there's a number of factors that um would play into that lifespan. traffic loads, the underlying the original base
condition when the road was constructed because a mill overlay does not get down into the base. Um, and just basically maintenance and in general 8 to 10 years is relatively reasonable explan ex life
for that uh for that project. So when they were evaluating the loop road, there were core samples that were taken all throughout, 10 in total in various points throughout the road, including one that was in the area that
was repaired. Um, and you can see that from the the red dot. So, and again, according to the engineer, some of the core samples taken had a thinner pavement profile, that's the asphalt and the base, than what they would have
expected. So in this next um slide, the blue line is what was done in 2013. So again, you can see it was from Hayden Road down to the intersection of the of the loop. And at the time that engineer gave it an
expected life of 14 years and due to the core samples that were taken uh for this project, there is some overlap. And you can see that with the with the yellow. So there is some overlap because that was considered failing.
>> I'll turn that back to you, Kyla. >> That's great. So um some of the rationale between behind how we're doing this um or why we're doing this. It we believe the roof road is a driveway to the Hopkins School, which it really is.
It's used mainly um by our students coming and going from the Hopkins school and the high school buses actually uh or all the buses that live behind the high school you might want to say. As well as for curriculum for our Hopkins students there often I
know my son was involved in the science project um along the loop road there's often um children um moving along the loop road. It's by you students walking, biking, as well as parents as well as members of the
community as well who like to do recreation around the loop road, but hopefully not during the school day. Um, so these are some pictures that show um when I was out in my jog the other morning, I took some pictures. >> You didn't fall into any of the falls, did you?
>> I I I could break an ankle if I did. um [laughter] given my age, this is that would not be um advantageous for me, but you it shows you a little bit of some of the portions of the loop road. Um and frankly, you know, it needed to be done anyway. And
then the fact that we've been driving construction vehicles on it for the last two years hasn't helped the situation either. And also part of the Hopkins project, you see that um dark blue or purplish line had already included, I
like to say a quarter. It's probably not quite a quarter um of them um of the loop road. So they're already going to be paving that portion of it already. So to stop at the end of that um and then pick up a year later seems quite
um silly if you might say um because we already have the vehicles, we already have the in construction there. Not only is it the pavers and those contractors that we're looking at, it's also the supervision of the pavers and contractors that we have in place for
the Hopkins school project um which are already there. if we had to bring them back a year later, um that would be a a significant additional cost for us at that point. Also,
um oh, these are the the we're also going to be moving the modular classrooms that have been at Hopkins that we're no longer going to need because of the addition over to Elmwood until the Charleswood School is being built. >> It's the other way around.
>> Other way around. Yep. from [snorts] from Elmwood to Hoppies. >> Oh, sorry. Excuse me. We're moving modular classrooms. And um those would that would be happening at the same time as the paving if we were to wait to have
this go through town meeting and do this uh in the summer of 2027. As you can imagine, you want to want to be moving heavy things when you're paving a classroom. um paving. I went through a paving of a driveway a year ago and that was bad enough. Um never mind [laughter] a whole
whole road. Um and we are concerned about the escalation and costs of waiting an additional year when there are some efficiencies already um being handled within this project. >> Is there anything I think this add? Yep.
That's it. So, we wanted to give you the opportunity if you had any questions for us. >> And so, first off, like thank you for inviting [clears throat] us. I do think it's important to kind of speak about this as a community. Uh, do you mind going back to the picture with the >> Yeah. So, just to clarify for everyone,
the blue was already in scope as part of the Hopkins expansion. And then this change order is really the yellow >> yellow, >> right? And then the other picture had a little bit of overlap and that was the 2013 that that light blue is it? Um, so that was done in 2013. Just
that's like the entrance next to the high school, right? >> Yeah, that's from the Hopkins entrance here. >> Just Yeah, just wanted to make sure understood that. So, yeah, I I I think and and I'll kind of open up to my board for questions. You know, my first one, you know, you talked about how you don't
want to like wait another year. You've got, you know, resources on site. >> Um, why wasn't this in this year's town meeting warrant? like that that the warrant was open you know less than 60 days ago and it was clearly top of mind
like why >> so this is also we are moving forward with this project exponentially um within right now before town meeting is going on um because the paving is going to be done this summer.
Yeah. So, as the project moves along, the the um money becomes clearer. So, when you're putting the warrant together, I wouldn't be able to tell you that the money was completely clear. So,
and we also still had to go to um through Concom um and some of those meetings did were not able to take place until January, February time frame. Concom could have put additional requirements that would have made it not
possible for this summer. So that the timing would not have worked. >> Uh so just to clarify, what do you mean the the the money wasn't clear like the the cost to do this? Well, the cost to do it one, but also the as the project's moving
along um because in the uh December is when we started doing the renovation in the existing building. Y >> when you're getting into a renovation costs are can be un unknown um because you don't really know existing
conditions. >> Yeah. So you would be taking a chance of putting an article on the warrant in December when they hadn't started the renovation yet and also had not gone before concom.
So there were a lot of things that were not in place that would have made that an opportunity. >> Yeah. But so so the cost is determined by at this point. So it's before town meeting. So you're saying because you just said like this is already starting
and so in my mind we put warrants on we put articles on the warrant all the time that aren't fully vetted you know and we use that time up until you know this year it's May 2nd there's plenty of time before town meeting it's really you know if town meeting starts at 9:00 on you
know Saturday May 2nd like we literally have up until 9:00 to kind of vet out these numbers and make sure that the community has them. So, I don't I don't really see there being like a timing issue here. >> It it wasn't anything that had crossed our mind to put it on as as a separate
warrant >> when it fit within the four corners of the project that was already authorized. >> Gotcha. Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then it did come up in appropriations this I think exact question about this town meeting and we were told that we could not get it on the docket for this town meeting.
>> Yeah. again. So like the and and again what's do we have the month of January for the the warrants open basically? >> Yeah. As an example to the chair we have the ebike one that's on the warrant right now. We don't have language for it yet. This is under active discussion but there is a placeholder on the warrant
which will eventually represent whatever the community aligns on and we will make a recommendation as the empowered parties. This is standard practice in town. >> Yeah. I I just I'm struggling with if the warrant and I I forget the exact dates it's open, but I I want to say most of the month of January, but you
know, it assuming it's the month of January, you know, how do we go from that in, you know, 5 weeks later? It wasn't even on the radar to be to be done in time and then a decision's made. So, um like and you've got bids from obviously the current general contractor, right?
>> Yeah. and they're getting um additional bids. >> But did you say it's already moving forward >> in terms of getting bids and you know trying to finalize who the contractor will be? >> Gotcha. Okay. Um I I'll I'll pause for a moment. I'll look to my board. Um do you
guys have questions, comments? You want to start? >> Sure. So one question I have is u first off I think this is an interesting situation uh and looking at the rationals and looking at you know the drivers for this
I I I totally see the need for it and the reason for doing this. I mean obviously uh again being in the four corners you have explained how the timing and everything kind of lined up in terms of the priorities and in terms
of catching the train with the um current contractors who are working on that. So there's a lot of variable on this and u being kind of okayed by the uh legal council on both sides that also assures that it is within the you know
legal parameters and within the four corners. So and so I think the situation certainly looks like that is something you know that is that makes sense and that's needed and prioritized and within the four corners of what you are doing.
So I agree with those two and I support that. I I I probably don't we don't do voting here on this right but we are analyzing it in terms of the situation and how we see it. That said, I think this gives us a opportunity to also
understand for future how can we bring this transparency in a you know more streamlined way because that's our ultimate goal. I mean we are in a you know heavily budget constrainted situation. Every capital project is heavily scrutinized because our taxes
are going up and all those are you know um [clears throat] hurting in many ways our pockets. So we want to be cognizant and um be more understanding of that and I appreciate that this effort that you are putting in extra effort I would say to make it more transparent make it more
visible and having this conversation giving us an opportunity on the appropriations committee to discuss this and rationalize this. uh so if I was not too convinced with the rational and within the you know authority that you have I would have thought of it
differently but those drivers I think supersedes my um u overarching drive towards making it more streamlined that said this gives an opportunity for us to learn and see you know in future how can we make it more streamlined from both
ends and I agree going to the town hall and going to Town warrant would give everyone more comfort in this uh you know constraint budget situation, cap capital project situation and u another opportunity we can also look at if there is ambiguity in charter if this makes
sense to also bring it up with the charter committee to consider that you know uh how can we streamline and clarify it better so in future we don't >> if there's a threshold change orders >> right if there is a threshold if there's a rationalization if there's a change order if there's more clarity for
certain warrants that can catch the train on time. Uh we can analyze it from various angles. So those are my thoughts on this and you know it's it's again I'm very focused on how we manage our capital projects, our costs, our taxes
that hits our pockets. But this is certainly looks like um well rationalized effort. Um that's what I wanted to say. So, unsurprisingly, I have a slightly different view on this. I'm a little disappointed. I appreciate that we are
here and that we are having the conversation. I'm breaking stuff. I thought we gave pretty clear guidance on this when you came to see us and you were not beholdened to us, but from my perspective, you have called us back to explain and nothing has changed to alter our perspective and the guidance that I
think we gave. This is one of those we were so focused from my perspective on if we could, we did not ask if we should. I think this is a great idea in terms of work that should be done. If this came on the warrant and it went to town meeting, you would see this face go up and talk about what a good idea it
is. I would also vote for it, but you can't check. I promise I would. The process by which capital expenses are approved and validated in our town and prioritization is given is through the annual town meeting. I am incredibly concerned that this looks like a
circumvention of that process. The fact that you spoke to appropriations the other day and you're speaking to us now tells me that you believe that this does walk like a duck and it quacks like a duck. It could perhaps be a duck. I think you are aware there is some concern in the community about how this is showing. We want to support this but
right now this looks like we are completely going around the normal capex process and it looks like we are making a unilateral decision on behalf of the community about how unspent dollars can now be allocated. I understand that you have the authority to do this. I would
strongly suggest and caution to you whether you should. This is the start of a big can of worms and I think we will find the community is not going to be excited about being disenfranchised and disempowered from expect from expressing their opinion. You guys win whenever something cap comes to town meeting.
There was no world in which this wasn't going to get supported. I think there is a lot of benefit to doing in a slightly different way. I think this is largely the guidance I gave when you came before us. But I appreciate the opportunity to give it to you again. >> Thanks, Matt.
>> Amy, Brian, either of you have questions, comments, >> I can speak next to if that's okay. >> Did we lose them when the mic made that little >> Can you hear me? >> Hold on. >> I can see Amy.
>> You can see me, but you can't hear me. >> You need to turn around. >> Okay. Um, so I just wanted to add, um, so I really appreciate the the presentation, especially the photos and the maps of what's being done and proposed. Um, and that that you've checked it with town council. It sounds
like town council and school council and it seems to be within the four corners of the article and um so I really appreciate that and I don't think I have any objection with going forward to town meeting if as long as council has agreed um that it's okay or not to town meeting
but that you just go go ahead with it is what's already approved. If everybody was really uncomfortable with it or town council was uncomfortable, we could always call a special town meeting to be held within the town meeting without any additional expense really if people really feel strongly. But um I'm
comfortable with the explanation given and it's it can you can confirm that town council's agree that this is within the four corners of what was originally approved. [clears throat] >> Got it. Thank you. Amy, >> did she did she just ask to confirm that
town council agreed that this is within the four corners of the original motion? >> Is that what you asked, Amy? >> That's what I'm asking. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, we had at least uh you know, uh Talman and assoc of the article. So, it was never this
was never in my mind like about your ability to do it, but you guys know that your council agreed with that as well. Sorry, did you have more, Amy? >> So, I guess what I'll just say is if you really want them to, we the select board could call a special town meeting to be held within the annual town meeting to have it a special article for it if we
really felt that. I'm comfortable not doing that, but it's up to you guys can think about it. >> Yeah, I think that's a wonderful idea. Amy, um Brian, you have any thoughts, comments? I want to make sure everyone's heard.
>> Yeah, thanks. Um, I got a couple, so give me a couple minutes here. Uh, Susan, I think the 2013 uh town or loop road repairs, I believe that was a separate article at town meeting. Can you confirm that with what you're looking at there?
>> Yes. The the 2013 repair was its own article. That's correct. >> Yeah. And and the loop road has been a a thorn in our side for a long time. really since the high school was built and the whole loop road went in went into service. Um it's it's built on a a
very wet area back there and it's been a problematic road for a long time. Um we've had the loop road come up in previous budget discussions uh over the years about spending money beyond 2013 uh different times and it's been passed
over several times because of concerns around operating budgets and debt exclusions etc. So the community's had this discussion about the loop loop road several times. We did do something in 2013. It had its own article and I think there's a precedent out there for this
asset to be managed through town meeting um as it has been in the past and really it's not gotten a lot of money. I get that part. It does it does need to be repaired. I'm 100% behind fixing the loop road. I do think though if we're going to do this, and I really like the
idea of a special town meeting, Amy, if we can pull that off because then it then then it'll pass, I think, and there won't be any objections. But if we can do this, and we can do this through a special town meeting, we should also put money in there to do the parking lots that that are adjacent to the loop road
and fix them as well. My understanding is right now you're just going to do the roadway itself, but the parking lots are you're going to break that ankle in those parking lots getting out of your car to go across the new road. uh to [clears throat] see the g kids play and so forth. So I I think it makes a lot of sense uh what Amy is suggesting. If
we're going to do it, let's get the parking lots done as well. You'll get a lot of support from the community, but I think if we don't give them a bite at the apple, we will be hearing about it well into the future. Thank you.
>> And just a note, um to do the parking lots, we would have to go back to conservation. So, at this point in time, there's no authority to do the parking lots. >> Okay. Thanks. >> And that wouldn't be I mean, that
doesn't seem as urgent as dealing with the driveway to Hopkins, which has been torn up by construction vehicles, >> um, and doesn't fall within the original article. And so I would be comfortable putting
that off to some future thing. It also probably wouldn't fall within the scope financially that we had been expecting. >> Um >> to add the parking lots, >> right? >> Yeah. >> It's not as integral with the school project anyway. The the loop road is how
you get in and out. The parking lots are >> for other >> as a parent who drives loop road every day to pick up my daughter from after school program. It is >> How are your tires? I I I also drive the loop road a fair amount and but I also am very familiar with some of the challenges of the parking lots and if
there was a if there was a funding source to be able to do both um and we were able to get it through Kong in a way that wouldn't um >> inhibit the ability to do the loop road in a timely manner. I I don't I don't know that you would be able to get
permitting for the parking lots in time for the May tummy meeting >> and it we wouldn't be able to potentially identify a funding source in that amount of time unless there's a >> secret select. >> Do you have a secret park funding bucket?
>> Nope. All of our all of our funding [laughter] sign off goes through town meeting. So town. So yeah, I I think you're hearing um a majority of our board feels that again I I share exactly what Mr. Kner said. I would come to town meeting and I would
speak on behalf of this and vote for this. Uh this is strictly around like process. You guys started this conversation with transparency. um we are you know uniquely aware of uh transparency and we get a lot of pressure for that um on our board and so
like I just don't know how we don't bring this to the residents to make the decision. I think it would be supportive. I think it is a needed project but it it just to me it goes against our form of town government and how we you know make capital expense decisions. So,
>> so [clears throat] we did a number of change orders that evening that we voted on this >> and and can you remind me the the dollar value for this one? >> The dollar value for this one's 1.8 >> 1.8. >> Yep. >> Yeah. So, so again, I think Mr. [clears throat] Manan brought up a good
point around, you know, we think about like future, you know, actions and the way we do things as a town moving forward and as a community. And I think, you know, things like a threshold for change orders is I thought it was a very appropriate suggestion just just for that reason. You know, I I just I go
back to, you know, almost $2 million. You know, this this upcoming fiscal year is is going to be really challenging for the town. You know, I think we've presented a budget that, you know, we've been able to maintain level services. Uh but these next couple of years are
really tight. And again, I just, you know, for someone that, you know, personally supports the loop road getting paved, I don't feel comfortable with the majority of the town and the residents at town meeting not having a say in how $2 million gets spent.
>> Two two things if I can just respond to that. One is when I made the comment about the funding source, I was not intent trying to imply we go around the residents. I was more thinking of we identify funding sources before we get to town meeting. I don't want to read about that in the independent tomorrow. Um [laughter]
uh the the second thing is I and we have not discussed special town meeting within town meeting as a committee. I am not opposed to that and I I like transparency as a general rule. >> Um to the extent that we're able to to do that, I don't know if that's maybe a
conversation that needs to happen offline before it comes back to us. Um the feasibility of that. down. >> Yeah. And and you brought up some good points around like concom and stuff. I think you know because because I love the idea of a special town meeting um that that Amy brought up. Again, I say
that without knowing all of these little things. I think you know what what my ask would be of and this is not everyone in this is room. This is really the town hall concom that path and observe it like I would need conversations like starting
tomorrow. We would need people to mobilize very quickly. And I think like as a community we have the ability to move quickly on things and like that's why we have the ability to like set up meetings in short notice. You know we obviously open meeting law we need like 48 hours. Um so we're certainly running
out of time with you know call it five weeks left. Um but I if there's something that we could do to give the residents the ability to make a decision I I I would love that. And again, I think as you guys said, you guys as a committee have the legal authority to
make this decision, but you've heard our board's feedback. I don't know if we we need to, you know, put it to a vote. I thought it was clear that there was a majority kind of against this, but if our board feels that way to make it more clear, we can do that. >> So, to the chair, I think I want to sort
of say the implied piece out loud, and I guess as our resident bad boy, I get to be the one who says it. This is an item that would cause me to vote against the town budget. This is an item that would cause me to not >> It's not part of the town budget. >> Help me understand why
>> it was the money appropriated for the renovation for the Hopkins school. >> We're already there. And in that case, I would very much like to have an article from us voting on this so that our opinion is on the record, especially if it goes in another direction. I think it is to our benefit to capture where our
mind was on this. >> Yeah. So, um I I'll just make sure anyone else from the board Amy Brian Chidul do you have any additional thoughts? >> My other thought is um let's analyze and understand the options now that we are
talking about that if we go for the special town meeting does that overcome the timing the cost additional cost and other issues that was uh mentioned earlier. Um there would have to be a notice to
proceed. That's what would give the authorization for any contractor to do the work this summer. >> And you don't think waiting till May 2 would um would enable to do that?
>> That I I can't confirm. I don't In other words, if the vote is on May 2 and you get the decision, then would it impact all these, you know, adversarial >> Yeah, I I think I know where you're going with that and I think that it sounds like you're saying that's kind of
like there's a couple things that need to fall in line before you could answer that. And and [clears throat] my view on this is, you know, especially where you said you're you're getting um additional quotes, right? You know, to for or bids, I should say, for the project. It's
looking for a summer start. Um, you know, really nothing tonight, you know, changes any of that. That process still has to play out. The only thing we could do come tomorrow morning is vet out the other side of it if this special town meeting was a possibility. It sounds like we have time over the next, you
know, tomorrow, Monday to figure out, hey, what would this look like? We, you know, I heard comments on Concom needed to be involved, you know, potentially permitting all of that. >> Concom already has been involved. Yeah, concom would only need to come in if the parking lot question was going to be
added, which would be detrimental to being able to complete the loop road paving on. >> So, I I would not I would not advise I I understand Brian's comments. I would not advise tagging the parking lots on. So, >> so that was just that was just the
parking lots, right? Okay. Yeah. So, Okay. So then either way, but my first question it's really to town hall. Is this idea that Amy proposed feasible inside of five weeks? If it's not feasible, we would probably know by
Monday or Tuesday next week. And I think that would give everyone all the information that they need at that point because I think this, you know, we've shared our sides. You know, I [clears throat] don't think anyone's wavering in their opinion like at at this table. So, um I don't really see
the need to like continue the conversation, but >> um can I do have something to add when you're done, but >> Sorry. Yeah, Amy, feel free to chime in. >> Yeah, I guess what I was going to say is although I brought up this as a possibility, it's not really what I'm advocating for. I'm convinced that it is within the four corners of the money
that it was the same. It's not any additional money that was originally appropriate approved and it's with the explanation tonight. I do believe it is within the four corners. So, I'm not really advocating for the special meeting route. I'm just saying it's a possibility if if three of you think we need to do that
>> through the chair. One other data point I think would u help I I agree that you know we want to resolve it um you know as much information as we have today based on that likely it would be good if we had couple more days and bet out the special town option and do the math that
way and figure out if it's still um feasible option without triggering the adversarial effects that you mentioned earlier. I wanted to understand um or just uh see if you have the numbers which is the additional cost involved. I
understand the qualitative part of it. Do you have a ballpark understanding how much additional cost it could be should it go into you know out of time next year. Of course the contractors will be gone. you have to do it all over again
and then other um kind of uh hazard that it'll bring with the move of the um >> the modular classroom >> modular classrooms. [clears throat] All those are not probably quantifiable but that is one probably quantifiable if you have any ballpark numbers. >> So we would not take this out to bid
until the fall um or even early winter. So it we we would not have a number right now. So >> I makes sense. Thank you. >> Um so I'll look to my board for any final thoughts.
>> I'd like to make a motion and vote. >> We we can all >> May I make a comment? I'm sorry. Um so I think that at our base both school committee and select board want to work together in a cooperative and positive relationship. >> And I I appreciate everyone coming
tonight. I think that's important and I'd like to be clear that our intention was never to circumvent any process. It was always with the intent of finding an efficient use of the funds that were approved for the project within the four corners of
the project. I understand that there's been a difference of assessment for what that means and I appreciate the difference of opinion. Um I I think it's been an unfortunate event where we've had you know we've heard of people going to select board meetings to complain
about something that we've voted on and I I hope that as we move forward if that happens ever in the future that you both you know say thank you so much for sharing your opinion. I really encourage you to go to school committee >> because we would love to address those things in person right
>> and directly with our stakeholders and the people in our town. It was listed on our agenda and discussed and voted on in a public meeting where people had the opportunity to attend and comment on on it beforehand, but now we're hearing
about things after. >> And it's not that we're jealous that you're so popular. We appreciate your popularity. Um but in the effort of working for moving forward in greater cooperation, I think that this came to a much more contentious head than it ever
needed to. >> Yeah. I I understand. I don't really think this is contentious. This is this is us working together. Just because we have different opinions doesn't mean >> No, I didn't mean to imply that different opinions meant contentious. I meant some of the tone and I I just I'd like us to be able to agree to move
forward in a cooperative way, maybe with more open communication. And I think if I could just piggyback off of that, I think when we talk about being a resident bad boy, just to pull the phrasing out, um, and it the feeling on the other side, and I can only speak
for myself, is that it is contentious in that way. I think we want to work with you guys in a way that serves our town. Um, and difference of opinion is fine. I I we differ in opinion amongst ourselves. I would expect as a board, another board of five, we'd differ
individually and collectively at different times. I just >> think that there are cooperative ways to have the conversation. >> I guess through the board, you're chiding me for my tone and I apologize, but it doesn't change my message and I'd still like to make a motion.
>> Yeah. So, so hold up. Yeah. So, I No, I I got you. Um, so yeah, like the if it's if it's the tone in which we discussed this tonight, you know, I'll apologize on behalf of the board and at least for my part and stuff. So, we can certainly improve that. As far as what I think
this started when he was going to make a motion, it's what our board does for that motion. It's really just an opinion of leaving an opinion of how the board feels about it. That's all. It doesn't change anything for you guys. It's just, you know, our board documenting how we felt tonight. That's it. And so,
>> not looking to police the tone at all. It's just some of the actual words felt a little bit and I'm not looking to chide you. I'm providing my feedback. >> Yeah. Nope. And that's that's fair. So I think I agree. We can all do better and it's in the best interest of Hopington for both our board and your committee to
be working together closely on anything that impacts Hopington. So I I'm in complete agreement. >> Um so for our last thing I had someone that was going to make a motion. >> How would you like to So to the chair, how would you like to frame this? Because we're not voting on an actual thing. We're trying to capture like a I
don't want to say disapprove. >> No, a consensus of opinion on support. >> Okay. So, I'd like to make a motion to capture the board's opinion on the proposed >> the proposed use of existing or overflow funds for the paving of Loop Road.
>> I would I would recommend you amend that to >> give me the language, John. >> Just no. Make it your opinion and then so then in everyone's yes no because we've got to go. You know what I mean? say to like you and I share the same opinion. I would say to not support going forward without you know going in
front of the town. >> Okay. >> Is that a motion valid motion even? I'm I'm just think >> it's just it's just capturing uh a view and an opinion. >> Yeah. I have never heard a motion like that to be honest. I mean maybe I missed
it just for an opinion cuz >> do you want me to make a motion in the affirmative then instead? >> Yes, that's completely fine. Please. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Okay. So, I would make a motion for the select board to support the school committee in their decision to make a
change order using existing funds within the four corners already approved at a previous town meeting. >> Okay, we've got a motion. >> Second >> and a second. All right, this has to be roll call since we've have remote people. Shel, >> yes. >> Matt, >> Matt Kisner, yes. Oh, excuse me. Matt, no.
>> Brian, >> her no. >> Amy, >> Amy Rush, yes. and Joe Clark. No. So, um, yeah, that's that's our opinion. And then you guys have thoughts or [clears throat] I'll do a motion to adjurnn. Any We really do appreciate you
guys bringing us here. And again, if it was our tone or wording was negative, I apologize. I do really want [clears throat] to work with you guys closely moving forward. So, um, you know, thank you again for the time. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> To move the motion to adjurnn. >> Second.
>> Got a motion in a second. Roll call. >> Sherman. Isler. Yes. >> Amy. >> Amy Robush. Yes. >> Brian. >> Brian. Her. Yes. >> And Joe Clark. Yes. Thank you guys all for the time tonight. >> Thank you. Appreciate you guys coming out.
>> All right. >> You'd like to ask? You want to continue the loop road discussion? You want to get >> I just want to ask logically the loop road is really only used by the school. Is
that correct? >> Mainly. >> Mainly. Um. Yes. I mean on the weekend. >> Why is it not considered >> within the whole scope of >> Well, it is. I think it is. It is. It is by lawyers and by two. >> Okay. That's it.
just makes sense to me that that's all one thing and I didn't want to talk because I I don't know anything. So >> I you absolutely know lots of things. Um >> I very much believe as we brought this forward on whatever date it was that
prior meeting when we voted for this >> that it falls within the scope of our purview and the scope of this project. >> I feel like we did not do anything that raised any flags from our end. the feedback came through a vehicle that was
not us. Um that said, I personally support the exploration of if doing a special town meeting would be another vehicle to reach the same uh means different means of the same end. Um, I support that because I I do think that
it we don't need the extra noise of >> right >> everything going around and people kind of losing focus on something that badly needs to be done >> which they would all agree needs to be done. >> They they all agree needs to be done and I you know I think >> who does it it's received
>> significant um feedbacks that we I think will continue to follow us >> if we don't explore other avenues for this. I think that um you know I did not expect what we got in terms of
reaction because again we do make change orders with a regular basis. I hear the concerns people have had and I I would rather focus on the project and what needs to get done. >> Do we have any I I'm not against adding a special town meeting to
demonstrate the need >> to [clears throat] just vote on one thing. Right. Well, it's a it's it's it's a special town meeting within the town meeting. It's the same out because that would be expensive, >> right? No. So, it so it wouldn't add cost to creating a town meeting which is
very costly. Um does it do we know if it would affect >> the process and the timing? We we don't know >> that I don't know. I don't know yet. >> Okay. I think we need answers to that and then they can do their work and then >> talking about >> I will attend the select board meeting
on Tuesday to see if there's any further comment about okay >> I missed the last >> I'm going to attend the select board meeting on Tuesday to see if there's any further comment about this [clears throat] >> and we welcome anyone from the public to come to our meeting share their thoughts
on anything that we do here >> of course always. >> All right. Well, let's move on. >> Okay. [laughter] >> To the superintendent findings, which we're I'm very excited to hear. >> Yes. It's a very exciting transition. Yes. Thank you. Yes. I'm very excited to
present these as well um with you and with the community this evening. Uh I had the chance to also share it with our admin team and the district staff for their back. So, as I've talked about over the past eight and a half, nine months, I I have worked hard to engage with students and families, uh staff
members, town leaders, community members, um with all matters related to Hopping Public Schools, uh what are our strengths, what are the areas in which we need to pay a little bit more attention to or need to be addressed, and where we want to be in the next 3 to 5 years. And these entry findings really
are a summary of what I've heard. uh it might not be everyone's lived experience but I tried to capture um the thoughts, the opinions and feelings that were consistently coming up in these discussions. So I deliberately didn't include isolated feedback in this report. I was looking for more patterns
and trends. Uh so when the same themes continued to come across uh different subgroups when I would speak to them, that's what really stood out and that's what's ultimately in this report. So there's certainly some redundancy as I go through these slides across different subgroups. uh but that signals to me areas for growth for us as we move
forward. So what's in this report? Uh it's broken into five sections. The report begins with an executive summary that includes a highle look at the district's strengths and opportunities for growth. It also includes the actual entry process of how I came to these
findings which includes data reviews, community surveys, listening to our debriefs as well as school visits. The report also includes the different themes or buckets as I'm calling them that have come to light across all the different subgroups. Uh and the report concludes with some student learning
data as well as the core findings and what I'm calling our strategic investments as we move forward. So let's start with the executive summary and and this is something that I have known uh being in the district for over 20 years. But this process was just another reminder
>> uh that this is a really really strong and special district and I don't say that lightly. Uh I think the it's important to start there. Uh Hopton Public Schools are a source of pride for this community and rightfully so. We have incredibly talented educators, amazing students. We have strong
academic outcomes. We have vibrant extracurricular activities and we have families who are deeply invested in our school. Uh and there's a lot here that is working really really well. But these findings are not just about highlighting the successes because if that was the case, we could do that very easily. Uh
but it's more about talking about taking a closer look under the hood to find the areas that need some finetuning. Uh and to set the course to invest our time, energy, and efforts in these areas as we move forward. So with that in mind, um Hopington as we know today is not the
same district as it was 1015 years ago. Uh we've grown and our enrollment has increased. uh student needs have become more complex and there's more pressures socially, emotionally, and even politically than there used to be for our students to navigate. And on top of that, we're managing two major building
projects as we know, uh, the addition at Hopkins as well as the new Charleswood School, which are exciting and important investments in our future, but also add a strain uh, to the system and uncertainty to folks as we reconfigure our buildings and in essence open up two
schools come the year 27 uh, 2027 2028. So, as a district, we're definitely evolving, but as our systems need to evolve as well. And one thing that became really clear throughout the process as I was meeting with different folks uh is that we have a lot of excellence in the district uh but too often that excellence depends on
individual people not consistent systems uh and that's really the opportunity I think is in front of us to clean up our systems and structures to ensure alignment across grades and across disciplines. So the approach I took here was really grounded in inquiry and systems
thinking. I wanted to understand Hopington not just through perception but through evidence uh what people are really experiencing and what the data is telling us. So, this report pulls from a broad cross-section of interviews, community staff, student surveys, uh
data reviews of MCCAST, STAR, AP, and many other local assessments, and building visits, as well as classroom walkthroughs to see teaching and learning in action. Uh, and to feel the culture of the buildings uh which had helped me give uh a better sense of of a balanced picture of what we're dealing
with here in Hopington. And I do want to emphasize this is this is a starting point. It's not an end point. From here, we will move into a five-year strategic plan, which we will start this summer with our admin leadership team. Uh, and then we'll uh translate that into action through a yearly district improvement
plan. Uh, and from there, each school will align their school improvement plan to this work as well. So, everything is connected and is moving in the same direction. So, this slide shows the different themes or buckets. Um, and you'll see in the report that they're not really
surprises. They're they're not um isolated issues. Uh they've come up consistently throughout the process. They highlight both what's working well, but also where we need to uh improve and where we need to align uh and be more intentional. So the first is around growth, capacity, and system alignment.
The second is around teaching and learning. The third is around behavior, belonging, and mental health. Uh fourth, communication, and trust. The fifth bucket is expanding the definition of student readiness. And the sixth and final bucket is resources, facilities, and grade configuration.
And I think it's uh important to be clear that, you know, we're we're trying to um recognize where we are as a district and where we need to grow. This isn't um pointing out the problems that we have. You know, we are a very strong, high performing district. And I think it's important that we continue to
evolve. Uh and I think it's critical for us not to sit back and just rest on our successes. we always have to continue to keep reflecting, keep fine-tuning uh and pushing ourselves to meet the needs of all of our students. So, um let's take a look at the different uh buckets that we have here. So, first is the growth
capacity and system alignment. Um as we know, like we've talked about, uh we have experienced some significant growth, although it's starting to level off a bit. Uh but it does impact every part of how we operate uh here in Hopington. Uh across all subgroups, there was a lot of appreciation for our
staff. Uh rightfully so. uh but also a recognition that things feel stretched. Uh students needs are more complex, classrooms feel fuller, our curriculum needs more alignment, and there's uncertainty about whether our systems are sustainable in keeping pace with that growth. I think it's important to
note that it isn't about effort or commitment. Uh I think we have that in abundance with our staff. Uh it's really about alignment and as we grow, our staffing models, our intervention systems, and our structures need to evolve with that growth as well. The next theme is around teaching and
learning. Uh and academically by all measures uh we continue to perform at a very high level. Uh but this theme really came about uh under this bucket is is revolving around kind of the idea of vertical alignment in instructional consistency uh especially in literacy at the younger levels. However, we're we're
doing some really good work right now um and we're addressing it with our elementary literacy task force led by Mr. Lead. So, I'm excited to see where that goes and how it'll fit into our PD plan moving forward. Um, not unusual, but a lot of subgroups also express um some variability across classrooms and
schools in terms of instruction supports as well as enrichment. So, uh I look at that as an opportunity around making sure every student has a consistent experience regardless of where they are. And that's really the work that we have to be doing under this under this theme. Uh also going back to that teaching and
learning, I think a big part uh of this work uh moving forward is around strong PLC work. I know we've talked about PLC's here at school committee a number of times. Um which will be just a focus of ours next year and into the future. It's critical for our educators to be collaborating, to be using data and to
refine their instruction together. Uh that's how we move from pockets of excellence um to a more consistent district-wide approach. And so that high quality instruction isn't dependent on the assignment, but some is something every student experiences here in Hopington. Uh, another clear theme is that students
needs have become a little bit more complex. I know we've talked about that during our budget cycle. Uh, we're seeing high levels of anxiety, uh, more executive functioning challenges and more behaviors and attendance issues that are impacting classrooms. Uh, students also talked about feeling pressure academically and socially from
their peers, uh, from parents as well as the community. Uh there was a lot of discussion around MTSS and making sure that there's a full understanding of what that looks like in Hopington with our staff and students. Um and under this bucket particularly um the need for more clarity and consistency on how
supports look in tier 2 and tier three of our MTSS model. Right now we certainly have that in pockets um and it's quite impressive but the implementation does vary. So again the the opportunity is to bring more alignment both with our MTSS work but also our SEAL work across the district.
Uh belonging also came up pretty frequently. Um according to our students, we have strong relationships between students and staff, which is really important and I think a strength, but it's not always experienced in the same way by all students. Uh so that's an [clears throat] opportunity for us to be a little bit more consistent as well. Uh and really what stood out during this
theme for me is under this bucket, there's strong agreement, desire, and focus for all of the subgroups um around the need to focus on the whole child. Um the academic piece, the social piece, but also the emotional piece. And so um that to us, we've been working on that as a district for a long time, but it's
aligning the efforts that we have. We have anal task force working right now that I think is making progress towards that. So I'm excited about the work that we're doing there as well. The fourth theme was around communication and trust, and I think communication came through as an area of where we're making progress, but also
still need uh still some work to be done. Uh at a district level, uh people noted more regular updates and increased visibility have been helpful. Uh but at the same time there's been some variability at the building and classroom level and how often communication happens and how clear it is and how visible the work is to
families uh especially when it comes to supports uh and services and expectations. So there's an opportunity here for us I think to tighten up uh clearer expectations across the district more transparency in how we're making decisions increased uh visibility um into the work that's happening
day-to-day and making sure we follow through with what we say because I think trust in Hopington is strong. uh this really is about maintaining that by being visible and making communication more reliable and easier for families to navigate. The next two themes, there's two on this
slide. Um the first is around how we're defining success. I think we all know that Hopington does a great job of preparing students for two and four-year [snorts] colleges, but we need and we've heard the desire to broaden that definition by expanding opportunities, whether that's different career pathways, internship opportunities, life
skills, classes like financial literacy is and of course AI and how that's going to be used at our students in the future. Uh the other major area that came up during this process is facilities and the grade reconfiguration. I think there's a lot of excitement with Charleswood uh in
Hopkins, but it's also important for us to to really be thoughtful about how we're opening those buildings from staffing to culture to alignment to communication. Uh I believe much of next year we'll be focused on preparating uh preparing for that transition for sure. So those were the six different themes.
Um this slide here talks about uh our data review. Um student learning data really helped kind of ground everything that we're talking about with this report. Uh again, we remain a high performing district. uh and that's consistent across grades and across measures. Uh but the data also points to where we need to get more aligned and
sustained that success across uh the next few years. At the elementary level, we're seeing strong growth in math, especially with targeted supports in place. In literacy, we're also seeing strong results, though there's a little bit more variability. Uh so many students are doing well, but outcomes can differ depending on the classroom,
which points to more stronger, more consistent tier one instruction and early intervention. Uh across the district, outcomes for students with disabilities are an area that we need to continue to focus on. There are pockets of really strong performance uh which is something to celebrate, but there's opportunities to
better align and support our general and special educators. So instruction is accessible and we're seeing more consistent results at the middle and high school performance remains uh really high, especially math, AP participation, and overall academic outcomes. But we are also seeing the need for stronger intervention systems
and more proactive supports particularly when it comes to student attendance and overall student engagement. Uh also student voice adds a lot of context because while performance is high so is the pressure that they're feeling. We hear that a lot. I'm sure our seniors over there can tell us a little bit about that. Uh so there's work to be
done around prioritizing uh and teaching our students ways to better find a healthy balance as we move forward. >> So really our charge moving forward is pretty clear. Uh it's about making our sure our performance is not just high but equitable, not just strong but sustainable and not just happening in
pockets but consistent across the district. And I think at the end of the day true excellence is about making sure every student in every classroom has access to the same high quality experience and that's where equity becomes our throughine for the work and just here are the core findings
which I've talked about a little bit. Uh the first is around instructional alignment in MTSS uh focusing on literacy uh being more aligned prek to 12 um in focusing on our multi-tered system of supports. Uh the student experience whether it be schedule
structures, access to supports, opportunities for belonging um that student voice and choice and well-being is something we're going to be prioritizing. It's the special education continuum aligning our work uh and improving the home and school partnership. uh and then the communication and expanded readiness for
our students and families. So, as we move forward, this isn't really about major overhaul. We're an excellent district doing a lot of wonderful things. Um we're in a really good place. Uh and we should be proud of that. Uh it's really about being disciplined, uh fine-tuning [snorts] some areas and being strategic as we
think ahead for the next five years, whether it be budget, whether it be staffing, and whether how we can make sure that we're meeting all of our students needs. Uh to me, we're really not deciding whether to improve. Uh we're deciding how to evolve intentionally and together. So this last slide here is our commitments to every
member of the Hopton public schools. Uh it's our five-year guiding investments kind of using the all means all uh mantra that we've used before. Uh breaking it down into six categories. All students grow and achieve. All students thrive beyond HPSS. HPS excuse me. All systems uh support
sustainability. All students belong. All staff grow and lead. and all community voices matter. And so I'm excited to build on what's already a really strong foundation here uh with a really really unbelievable team that we have uh and ensuring our systems are con uh
constantly reflecting the excellence of our student staff uh and community and um you know this is been a process that I've really enjoyed um hearing about the different buildings. Obviously, I've been at the high school for a number of years here, so that's an area I knew a lot about, but being able to meet with staff and parents and community members
and hear all the great things that are happening uh district-wide, but also areas in which we can continue to improve has is has been really uh helpful for me, and I'm excited for that work uh moving forward. So, happy to answer anything. >> Yes. >> When you mentioned um executive
function, >> it's the second time today that I've heard that brought up. Um, is there is there a rise in difficulty with executive functioning?
>> Uh, I wouldn't say there's a rise in difficulty. Um, I think we are trying to figure out ways to better support our students when it comes to executive functioning. I think it's become more of of of of common to be able to talk about that and and what kind of supports there are for students.
>> I think it becomes more difficult with technology and the and all the things that are happening with students. um and they need help and they need work on it and it's not really embedded into our curriculum. I think a lot of teachers are doing a lot of great things in their classroom to how to help students with their executive functioning. Um so
that's great but I think it needs to be a little bit more systematic and aligned across the the district. >> I was going to somebody else wants to go. So now that we have this what are our next steps? >> Yeah, next steps. Um so we take this report um we'll share it with the community.
>> Great. so they have access to it as well. Uh and then we'll take this and this summer as a leadership team start to prepare our five-year strategic plan. >> Wonderful. >> Uh so we're hoping by sometime next year we'll be able to share that with uh the school committee and the community and then we'll use the five-year strategic
plan as [clears throat] a guide for us to have our yearly district improvement plans for the schools. And then each individual building will have their school improvement plans all tied to the strategic plan. >> Wonderful. That's great. and all of our our our budget asks will be um kind of
focused on this work as well. >> So, it's all tied together. >> That's great. >> Any other comments? >> No, I think this is great. Thank you. >> Wonderful. All right. >> Moving forward, we have some exciting news.
>> We do have some exciting news. Yes. >> Okay. Let me just jump off the screen here. Give me one second. All right. As I'm trying to get off the screen here, we can just jump into the next uh
exciting news. Uh I am pleased to announce the recommendation uh to the school committee of Helen Dejardan as our next director of student services. Uh this was a very thorough and thoughtful process from start to finish. I know many of you are part of it. Uh we had a strong pool of 24 applicants which
speaks to uh the quality and reputation of Hopington. Um from there we had a screening team carefully review the materials, conduct initial interviews and narrow the field down to seven highly qualified candidates. From there we moved two candidates forward um that were met with the community, met with
the school committee uh and Helen really um rose to the top >> and really separated herself uh throughout the course of the process. Uh Helen brings 18 plus years of experience uh from the north burrow southboro school system. Uh she is currently the director of student services there as
well. Uh she has a deep understanding of the role uh strong commitment to students and families and a collaborative approach. all the re all the recommendations that we got around her were extremely positive. Uh we think she'll fit in really well with with our team. So I'm confident she's the right
leader for this role at this time and I respectfully ask uh for your support in appointing her to be the next director of student services here in >> absolutely agree. She was um very knowledgeable about special education law, very personable. Um and I think she
will interact great with both the community, the teachers, and the administrators. >> I was really impressed by her. I think it's an amazing addition to our team. I'm really excited. I would move to approve Helen Dejardine
as the director of student services contingent upon su successful contract negotiations. It's getting late. >> Second. >> She second. >> Second. Uh wonderful. Um >> all in favor? >> I. >> Yes.
>> Great. >> Great. We have more exciting news. >> Woohoo. >> Keep it going. >> Yeah, keep it going. Um, >> as we continue to build our our our leadership team here in Huffington, I'm pleased to recommend Miss Cindy Maher as our next chief financial officer for the Huffington Public Schools. This was also
a very thorough and competitive process. It was a smaller pool of applicants, but still is strong. Uh, we conducted multiple interviews. Um, and Miss Maher really rose to the top uh, really from the get-go. Uh she brings 30 years of experience in public sector and school finance, most recently serving as the
assistant superintendent of finance and operations in Welssley public schools and before that in the same role in the Weston public schools. Uh she has experience in high performing districts, navigating enrollment growth, developing budgets, multi-year forecasting, financial reporting, procurement, and
managing significant capital projects. And she even does her own enrollment projections. Uh we're excited about what she'll bring to Hopington and I'm confident that she'll be a strong addition to our leadership team in attempt to fill the large shoes left by my colleague to my right. Uh so with
that I am recommending Miss Cindy Mar for the position of CFO of the Hopington Public Schools and respectfully ask for your support in appointing her pending contract negotiations. >> Fabulous. I would throw in because I was on the screening kit in many ahead. I think she would have risen to the top
even if we'd had a much um much larger applicant pool. >> Um she is wonderful to me. I'm also as much as there will be a hole in my heart when you're not here, [laughter] I I think Cindy's going to be a wonderful addition. Um and so I move to
approve Cindy Maher as the director of finance chief financial officer contingent upon successful contract negotiations. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Excellent. >> I'm excited for those budget workshops. Yeah, she does run a budget. [laughter]
>> Maybe Susan come back and do a co- budget party. What do you think? [laughter] >> She's busy. >> Susan will be continuing to watch from home. >> Of course. Of course. Of course she will. >> Texting us. I'm sure.
>> Thank you so much for your support with those positions. I think they're really important hires for us and our and our leadership team and I'm excited to have them on board. So great. >> Thank you. Uh next up is uh just some acceptance of donations. Uh the first is a request uh for approval of uh accepting a donation for the high school
uh for a guitar amplifier uh valuing a little over $1,000. >> I move to accept the donation for the high school valued at $1,025. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. Great. >> Thank you. Excellent. Appreciate it. The next is um request approval to accept a
donation from the HPTO for our middle school jazz band uh of a guitar amp as well as a bass amp uh just also over $1,000. >> I move to accept the donations for the middle school valued at $1,14. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> We are grateful for the donations. >> Sure. Thank you very much. >> Did the PTO um it sounds like they went out and purchased those. Fabulous. Okay, >> this is Oh, sorry. [laughter] This is Roth. High school tray wash
installation. >> I've been waiting all evening for this. [laughter] >> This is what you've been waiting all evening for? >> I have been. >> Um, so the capital plan has had a placeholder for this um tray washroom at
both the high school and the middle school. At this time, we're looking to utilize the cafeteria revolving and move this project up to have this done this summer. Uh the estimated cost for the project is approximately 525,000.
There's sufficient balance in the cafeteria account uh to fully cover the project. Um the cost covers the design, bidding, installation and the small wares which would be the trays and anything else that is needed for the um
tray dishwash machine. Um and this design is a continuation of the feasibility study that was started in 24 uh for the cafeteria by Perkins Eastman and this will eliminate the use of disposable trays and this project can be
completed this summer. So, we're looking for authorization to utilize the cafeteria revolving for this project this summer. >> And the money in the cafeteria revolving count comes from >> um so students are all on free lunch.
>> Yeah. >> Uh so this is reimbursement for student lunches. So >> from the state >> um students don't pay for the lunch but >> although they do for miscellaneous other items, >> they pay for alle cart items. My daughter manages to find a lot of things
that not put it in the lunch. [laughter] All a cart is a big a big piece. >> That's the lunch that >> she eats the lunch too, but I think maybe not. I don't know. Yep. So, the money does come um through the state. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um I move to approve.
Does the motion as written work? The installation of the dishwasher at the high school paid through the food service revolving account. >> Second. All in favor? >> I I wonderful. And now for flooring. >> Flooring. This is for the middle school.
Uh an invitation for bid for the flooring for the middle school was made available in February with proposals due in March. 15 vendors requested the bid. A walkthrough was conducted in February and 12 vendors actually submitted. uh
and we need to do these contracts uh secured now for a summer installation. The funding is subject to approval of the school's operating budget at the Maytown meeting. Um the number of classrooms to be completed can be
increased or decreased in accordance with the bid to stay within the budget appropriation. Atkinson Carpet and Flooring submitted the low bid at 67,888 for 10 classrooms. However, these classrooms also require asbestous
remediation. Uh so there is a budget of 100,000 for this flooring project in the FY27 uh budget. So I'm looking for approval for the Atkinson carpet um contract at
67,888. >> And this was part of the capital request that we had forth to the appropriations committee on Monday night. This is the This is within the operating budget. >> Oh, it's in the operating budget. It's not a capital. Okay. Thank you.
>> I move to approve the contract with purchasing carpet and flooring for $67,888. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> wonderful. Intent to travel. >> Great. Yeah, we just we talked about this earlier in the superintendent
report. Um we have two uh final intent to travel proposals. The first for the BPA. Uh they'll be traveling to the National Leadership Conference this year. It's in Nashville, Tennessee. Uh May 6th through the 10th. So I'm looking for your >> How many are going? >> We have uh 22 students going. >> Phenomenal. Very exciting.
>> I move to approve a BPA trip to Nashville, Tennessee from May 6th to the 10th, 2026. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I too bad as a judge that you don't get to go with them. >> I know, right? >> You know, >> they're staying right beside the new Grand Old Opry. Oh,
>> I'll let you know if they need a chevron. >> That's okay. [laughter] >> Uh, and the >> I grew up with country music. >> Uh, the next is the VEX World uh, final intent to travel. Uh, this is for our high school robotics team to attend the
VEX World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri um, April 20th to the 25th. So, I'm asking for your approval to approve the final intent to travel. We have two teams going. I don't know the total number of students, but generally a team is about four to six students. So, it's going to be around 8 to 12 students that are not.
>> I move to approve the HHS robotics travel to St. Louis, Missouri from April 20th, 25th, 2026. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> And last is the items by consensus. So, I recommend that the school committee approve the items by consensus as listed
below in your packet. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. And that ends our meeting for March 26, 2026. And we'd like to note it is 8:29 p.m. and 30 seconds. [laughter] >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. All the papers.