seeing 6:00 on June 10th, 2026. Calling to order this meeting of the Freetown Lakeville Regional School Committee. We'll start with a roll call. >> Melinda Richards >> here. >> Courtney Brightman >> here. Bob Clark here. >> Jen Plum >> here. >> Tim Emery >> here. >> Becky Cushing here. >> Katherine Trust >> here. Derek
>> here. Okay. Um, now will everyone please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] >> Okay. I'd like to acknowledge our administrative team. Director of student services, Miss Kelly Steele, director of curriculum, Miss Terry Fleming, director
of finance, Mr. Jack Higgins, and superintendent, Dr. Barbara Starky. Um, before we begin, I would like to ask if anyone is recording this meeting besides Lake Cam. I don't see anyone. Okay. Um, seeing
none, um, we'll move along. Um, I do not have a chairperson to report tonight, so we can move along to the student representatives. >> Hi everyone, I'm Reagan Jensen. Even though it's only been a few weeks since
the last meeting, so much has been going on because Laker Nation never sleeps. It's been a bittersweet couple of weeks as we've said goodbye to all of the seniors with events like their walk-in, banquet, walkthrough, and of course, graduation. The rest of us have been preparing for finals with our review days coming up next week. As we look
back on everything we have learned this year, we have also been looking forward to next year as the student council and government elections are coming up. Our student council is also preparing for a rodeo themed spring fair on the 22nd and the [clears throat] underassmen are getting ready for the spring fling this Friday.
To pick up where Reagan left off, our spring season is slowly coming to an end. As always, we are so proud of our spring athletes, especially the baseball and softball teams, which both made it to the state championship yesterday and will be playing their final game. [applause]
Congrats, Lakers. Our other athletes have been getting ready for their fall sport preseason informational meetings. Throughout the school, we have been bringing some competition as the teachers and students have been joining a World Cup bracket led by Mr. Coette. While our schedules are packed and busy,
we are putting in a great deal of effort to prepare ourselves for our final exams the week of June 22nd. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um and then we have interim superintendent report. >> Thank you very much. >> Says interim on there, but
>> it's fine. It's official now. >> Call me whatever you'd like. [laughter] I uh I I show up to work. Um I just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge to uh piggyback on what the uh student rep said. We want to acknowledge our class of 2026 uh in their recent graduation. We had 190 uh I'm sorry 169
graduates out there on Griffith Field last Friday for an amazing celebration. I'd like to really thank our adviserss Pachelli and Diaz and Lombard and Fontaine for all of their work supporting our students uh during all their culminating activities. 67% of our
graduates are going off to four-year colleges. 12% are going off to two-year certificate, trade, apprentice, or two-year college programs. 4% are proudly going to serve our country in the military. 17% are going off to work.
100% of the graduates from Aponquit who sat on Griffith Field last week have a post-graduation plan. and and we'd like we [applause] want to thank YOU [applause] I just close by acknowledging that those graduates represent the entire district not just aquit it is
everyone and it's everyone's effort and I thank everyone for it moving right along it's my pleasure tonight to introduce Miss Amelia Brick Amelia why don't you come on up TO THE PODIUM >> [applause] >> MORE THAN 800,600
middle school students enter the VFW's Patriots PEN annual Youth Essay Contest. The contest challenges students to examine America's history and to consider their own experiences in America and to write a 300 to 400word
essay expressing the year's selected theme. This year's theme was how are you showing patriotism and support of our country? Amelia along with a number of FLMS peers entered the contest. And I am incredibly proud and we all are
incredibly proud to introduce Amelia tonight as the first place winner for the Commonwealth of Massachusett. [applause] >> Let's hear that essay. Um [laughter] before I begin, I just want to thank Dr. Starky and the school committee for
allowing me to be here tonight. Um it's a real honor to read my essay. Patriotism is the act of showing devotion and vigorous support to our country. Thomas Jefferson once said, "Patriotism is not a short, frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and
steady dedication of a lifetime." These impactful words illustrate the necessity for long-term commitment to the practice of patriotism in our everyday lives. I am one of many who call America home and I believe it's crucial to demonstrate support to all of America's people both
by policy and by acts of individual Americans. Policies supporting education, health, and well-being of all citizens strengthen the foundation of our democracy. It is the responsibility for all of America's people to stay informed about important issues, advocate and
vote for the good of all people. Patriotism is remembering to include the whole, not just a few individuals with the loudest influence. Even an eighth grader can be patriotic. I may not have much of a civic voice yet or be able to contribute much to policym, but I do
understand that I should be up to date with current events and question my country's actions too when I feel they're not quite right or in the best interest of the people. Patriotism is not following one opinion or person loyally and blindly. It is important to
ask questions and consider many opinions before making my own decision. Lost my spot. Um um sorry I lost my spot guys. This is very small hand. This is very small. >> In order to practice >> in order Sorry. In order to practice
patriotism in my life now, I support my school and committee by school and community by volunteering, attending meetings such as this and advocating for my teachers and other school staff members. These things may seem small, but in the
end have, you know, these tiny acts can have a ripple effect that's greater than one may realize. Being patriotic also means recognizing that our country is constantly changing and the government makes mistakes. Patriotism is working relentlessly to fix those mistakes. Although we should support the
president, for example, one should only support him to the degree that he supports the country. Our founding fathers designed the United States with liberty, freedom, and justice in mind, not just one singular leader or official. In the end, showing patriotism to your country does not have to entail
large grandstanding gestures, but meaningful ones, even if they're small. Volunteering, voicing my opinions, and voting when I'm old enough are all ways to show patriotism and support. I'm proud to call America my home, and I'm ready to support my country. [applause]
[applause] Great job. And um thank you for sharing your speech with us here. And congratulations. >> That's awesome. We thank the VFWs for uh supporting that annual competition. Uh tonight, it's also my pleasure to
present to you our retiring teachers. We have two of our teachers who are with us tonight, but we are uh going in a different order. So, Mr. Dlo and Snash, you'll have to wait a moment. Uh the first person we're going to be acknowledging tonight is Virginia Motto. She's not here with us. Principal Ward, are you present tonight?
[cough and clears throat] [snorts] Yes. All set. >> All set. >> All right. So, uh, Miss V will be retiring after 23 years of service within the Freetown Lakeville Regional School District. Miss V has been so much more than a paraprofessional. She's been
a steady heart, a fierce advocate, and a source of joy for countless students and staff. She has led with compassion, held high expectations, and had a remarkable gift for helping students rise to meet them. Whether she was playing games,
sharing laughter, offering a comforting hug, providing guidance during difficult moments, or adding her artistic and creative touch to everything she did, Miss V gave her whole heart to this work. She was always ready to step in, support others, and do whatever was
needed for students, staff, and administration alike. Her impact will live on in the lives she helped shape the confidence she built and the love she so freely gave. Miss V, thank you for the difference you have made each and every day. As you begin this next
chapter, may it be filled with the same joy, love, purpose, and beauty that you have brought to all of us. Congratulations on your welldeserved retirement. [applause] >> Also speaking tonight on behalf of Miss V is Kelly Steele.
>> So on behalf [clears throat] of your colleague Maryanne Overmmy, she expresses the following to you. For years, Miss V has been the person we could count on. Whether it was problem solving, offering steady advice, or simply making a long day better with a quick laugh, she was there every single
time. Her dedication, professionalism, and quiet leadership have left a mark on a team that won't fade anytime soon. Miss B set high standards for students and gave them the support and confidence they needed to achieve those standards. She was kind and compassionate, but never strayed from those high standards.
Even in the most challenging situation, she always kept her cool. But beyond the work, what we will all miss the most is the person. The conversations, the inside jokes, the calm presence when things got hectic, and the kindness that never needed to be announced. It was just there. She was always the person I
turned to when things got tough and when I needed some advice on artistic parent gifts. Retirement isn't the end of something. It's the beginning of a well-earned new chapter. A chapter filled with more time for the things that matter most. family, friends, passion, rest, and maybe a few
adventures along the way. So, while I miss seeing you every day, I'm grateful for the time we had, the lessons you shared, and the example you set. You've made everyone better, both professionally and personally. Miss V, congratulations. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, good health, and everything you've been
looking forward to. [applause] >> [applause] >> We invite Miss Kathleen Nash to come to the podium with Principal Ward. [laughter] >> How are you? >> Principal Wait. >> Principal Ward of just a few minutes.
Principal Ward is standing in this evening for our AES interim principal, Dr. Dale. >> Excellent. So, uh, Mrs. Nash will be retiring after 24 years of service within the Freetown Lakeville Regional School District. Mrs. Nash, an AES second grade teacher, has a love of
science and nature. Her class one is one of investigation as her students like her like to explore and investigate. She has a keen sense of our our environment and nature in general. Her classroom has taken on responsibilities in campus cleanups and she has been integral in
the traditional annual second grade lessons coordinating alongside the Lakeville Garden Club celebrating Arbor Day. She will be missed. Lisa Clutier and the AEES grade 2 team share that Kathy loves teaching and is very
passionate about helping children love learning. She has been a fourth grade teacher and a second grade teacher at AS and she enjoys teaching all subjects. Kathy's favorite subject, however, you can guess it is science. Kathy loves providing students with the
opportunities to explore and investigate through hands-on science activities. She is passionate about the environment and brings that passion into her classroom on a daily basis. Every April, she organized an annual cleanup along with the Lakeville litter lifters. The second
grade team along with the students and families in second grade would meet on a Saturday and clean up trash from various areas around Lakeville. She loves incorporating science activities in into all subject areas. One example of this, every year she has her students research
and then write a persuasive argument about an endangered animal. Kathy reads all of the students writing and decides based on the children's arguments on an animal to adopt. She then uses her own money and adopts that animal in the name of the students in her class that year.
More often than not, she would adopt more than one animal because she couldn't decide. A matter of fact, [laughter] in 2026, she adopted four endangered animals through the National Wildlife Federation. [applause]
[applause] Also, Also speaking on behalf of Mrs. Nash is uh Terry Fleming. Uh prior to Memorial Day holiday each year, Mrs. Nash takes her students to a local cemetery in Lakeville to put flags on veterans graves. Kathy is always willing
to help the other teachers. She quietly offers support to others whenever needed without recognition. She is an educator who has quietly and without need for praise or accolades impacted the lives of innumerable students. Kathy, for that
we thank you and we wish you the best in your retirement. [applause] >> [applause] >> Mrs. Mrs. Nash, Mrs. Nash, did you have anything you'd like to say? [laughter] [cough] >> Uh, Principal [clears throat] Desert
could not be with us this evening. Uh, however, in herstead, Mr. Higgins will speak on behalf of Mora Irwin. Mora Irwin will be retiring after 13 years of service in the Freetown Lakeville Regional School District and 36 years of service in public education.
Mora Irwin has dedicated her career to helping students discover their creativity, confidence, and artistic voice. After beginning her teaching career at Dartmouth High School, Mora joined Laker Nation where she helped cultivate and expand an art program that flourished into one offering one
offering a wide variety of creative pathways for students. Through her leadership and passion, students have been able to explore numerous artistic modalities up to and including their final medium in the AP studio art. As Mora retires, she does so alongside a
meaningful milestone in her own family, graduating with her oldest son, Patrick, while still remaining closely connected to Aonoquit through her younger son, Sheamus, and the music, theater, and arts programs that have long been central to the family's life. Students consistently describe Mrs. Irwin as a
teacher who made them feel supported, encouraged, and valued. One student shared, "Mrs. Zurwin has always been one of the teachers I always felt like I could go to. She is incredibly supportive and cares deeply about all of her students and she always pushes us to
be the best that we can be. Another reflected, "Mrs. Irwin is a true treasure to this school. Throughout her time here, she has helped so many students grow into their own. She has allowed me to flourish in so many ways that I am thankful to her to have had her as an art teacher for the last four
years. I wish her a wonderful retirement. She deserves the best and will be missed. Colleagues know Mora as someone deeply invested in the life of the school and in the success of her students. She has consistently worked to bring out the best in students through their artistic and creative talents
while also supporting the broader arts community at Aponquit. Her passion for music and the arts is reflected not only in her classroom, but in her family's involvement in band and theater arts, and her years of participation in the booster programs.
>> Each year, Mora devoted countless hours to organizing and preparing for local art shows, carefully setting up displays and showcasing student work so families and community members could celebrate the accomplishments of young artists. Her dedication to providing authentic
opportunities for students to share their creativity has had a lasting impact on the culture of the arts at Aponquit. In retirement, Mora plans to continue supporting Sheamus as he enters his junior year at Aponoquit while remaining actively involved with booster
clubs and the many arts programs she has championed over the years. A strong supporter of the Laker Film Festival, she intends to continue encouraging students passions for music, film, and production. She also looks forward to more family trips to Disney and to
continuing to mentor the art teachers and programs she helped build and sustain. We thank Mora Irwin for her years of dedication, creativity, and unwavering support of students and the arts. Her influence will continue to be felt in every studio, performance, and
creative space she helped shape. [applause] Tonight we also recognize the retirement of Bonnie Ferrer. Bonnie will be retiring after 19 years of service here in our district and 34 total years of service in public education.
>> For years, Bonnie Ferrer has brought energy, passion, and heart to the science classrooms at Aonood Regional High School. A dedicated biology and anatomy and physiology teacher, Bonnie has always approached her work with enthusiasm and the belief that as she
often says, bio is life. After beginning her teaching career at New Bedford High School, she brought her talents and passion for science education to Aponica Regional High School where she quickly became an integral part of the school community. Beyond the classroom, Bonnie has worn many hats at aquit, serving as
a national honor society adviser, tennis coach, mentor to young teachers, and a constant source of support for students and colleagues alike. At the same time, she has continued teaching at Bristol Community College while somehow also finding time to raise puppies, care for
her family, and maintain the daily long walks that have become a part of her routine and and identity. Students describe Bonnie as much more than a teacher. One student shared, "She leads by example with a work ethic I've tried to adopt and a way of thinking that
challenge challenges me to aim higher. She notices everything, whether it's a small win or a quiet struggle, and she gives the kind of genuine compliments that leave you thinking about them days later." Another student reflected, "Miss Ferrer makes the classroom feel like
home, but don't be fooled because she can still make a room go silent with what with just one look. Her drive, love for life, and radiant energy are truly admirable. Others speak about her humor, support, and lasting impact. She'll say she's not
funny, but she'll still make you laugh, mostly because you're not sure if she's joking or about to assign another 10-page lab report. [laughter] Even students who've never sat in the classroom found comfort in Bonnie's presence. One student recalled meeting her in the hallway during a difficult moment and shared, "She helped me
through it. She's always been there for me if I need it. Now I bring her mac and cheese. >> Colleagues know Bonnie is someone who tirelessly supports others. She has consistently helped new staff members feel welcomed, valued, and connected at AONquit. Her ability to build
relationships across departments and generations of educators while maintaining positivity and professionalism has made her both respected and admired throughout the building. We thank Bonnie Ferrer for her dedication, compassion, humor, and unwavering commitment to students and
colleagues alike. Her energy and presence will leave a lasting mark on the school community. [applause] [applause] And now, last but certainly not least, we have Mr. Henry Dlo. Mr. Dlo, would you approach the podium? [laughter]
Mrs. Dessert is not with us tonight, but m Mr. Higgins will be reading about you. [laughter] >> Henry Dlo is retiring after 34 years of service to Freetown Lakeville Regional School District. >> That's great. >> For those years, he has been a memorable and unmistakable presence at Aponicquit
Regional High School. His journey began in 1992, my graduating from high school year, by the way, [laughter] as a student before officially joining the faculty. as a history teacher in as student teacher before officially joining the faculty as a history teacher in 1993. Over the decades, Henry became
known for his booming voice, passionate teaching style, and unforgettable storytelling. While he may jokingly admit that remembering student students names was never his specialty, generations of students finally remember him remember being called buddy, or another signature nickname while
listening to one of Henry's legendary historical stories. Eight years ago, Henry embraced a new challenge and transitioned into special education where he continued to place students at the center of his work. His students describe him as helpful, wise, and
someone who always makes time to help and has our best interest at heart. Others speak of his humor, intelligence, and the countless hours he stayed after school to provide extra support, prepare students for essays and assessments, modify assignments, scribe for them, and
ensure they had every opportunity to succeed. Henry's impact extended far beyond the classroom. Throughout his career, he served as a senior class adviser, a spirited Mad Knight MC, and a dedicated union leader. He became a familiar and welcoming presence
throughout the building, connecting with students, staff, and colleagues alike through humor, conversation, and genuine care. Henry's colleagues know him as someone who consistently put students first. Even in his final year, he willingly took on a sixth class to
better serve student needs and used a very available mo every available moment to support learners both academically and personally. I also recall a time when Henry stepped into our musical here at the high school in place of a young
man who was battling cancer. He gave his time and energy to make sure that the production went on and and the student was very comfortable with you in his place. As Henry begins his retirement, he looks forward to traveling with his family and perhaps finding a new
part-time hustle. [laughter] Those who know him well can easily picture him at Plymouth Plantation. dressed as a pilgrim, enthusiastically sharing historical stories and bringing the past to life for a new audience. We thank Mr. Dlo for his years of passion,
dedication, humor, and unwavering commitment to students. His presence, his stories, and his voice will CERTAINLY BE MISSED. >> [applause] >> I NEED TO THANK THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE and the people who recognized me. Unfortunately, you didn't say anything about my good looks. [laughter]
I'm assuming that was just a a little off. Um for 34 years, I have had the priv privilege of calling a pan home beginning actually it's more than 34 years. I was a student teacher back here in 1990, but I started my career
actually teaching in and of itself in 1992. I spent 24 years as a history teacher and the last 10 years in special education dur during that time I have worked with thousands of students and the most important lesson I have learned is that everything we do must begin and
end with our children. Education is one of those most important professions in our society. Every lesson we teach, every conversation we have, and every relationship we build helps shape the minds, values, and futures of the next generation. The impact of a teacher
often extends far beyond the classroom, influencing not only individual lives, but the communities and the world those students will one day help lead. Over the years, I have watched former students attend many of the finest universities in the world. I've seen others enter the workforce, build
successful businesses, raise families, and serve our nation in uniform. Their journeys have taken different paths, but every one of those paths deserves our respect, admiration, and support. I have also experienced the most difficult part
of being a teacher. I have seen far too many former students leave us far too soon. Those losses are a painful reminder that life is precious and every child who walks through our doors matters. They remind us why we why our
work is so important and why we can never lose sight of the young people entrusted to our care. That brings me to something I feel compelled to say under these very heavy times here in Freetown Wakefield. I am genuinely astonished by
the way some select board members and town fathers speak about the district as though it were a separate and distinct entity with little connection to the communities they represent. At times the district is discussed as if it were an outside organization imposed upon the
town rather than an institution created, governed and sustained by the town. The reality is much simpler. This is their district. These are their students. These schools exist to serve their children and their families in their
communities. The district's success belongs to all of us and its challenges are our shared responsibility. When elected leaders speak about the district as though it's them rather than us, they create an artificial divide
that serves no one. The district simply the district is simply the collective expression of two communities coming together to educate their children. The town and the district are not separate entities. They are partners in the same mission. It is easy to focus on
differences among town departments like police and fire, school officials, budgets, priorities, [snorts] or the more hideous personal agendas disguised as public service. But the young people sitting in our classrooms are not concerned with these divisions. They
simply need the adults in their lives to work together on their behalf. As educators, parents, community members, and public officials, our purpose is greater than any disagreement. Our responsibility is to help develop thoughtful, capable, compassionate young
people who will leave this world better than they found it. The common purpose should unite us far more than any issue could divide us. As I reflect on my 34 years, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving the children and the families of
Freetown Lakeville. It has truly been a privilege of a lifetime. While I may have taught lessons in history and special education, the students, families, and colleagues I have worked alongside with have taught me lessons of their own about resilience, compassion,
perseverance, and hope. I began my career back in the early 1990s as a history teacher and it seems fitting to end it as one. General Douglas MacArthur famously said, "Old teachers never die." Excuse me. He famously [clears throat] said, "Old soldiers never die. They just
fade away." Allow me to paraphrase him. Old teachers never die. They live on the lessons they leave behind, the lives they have touched, and the generations they have helped to inspire. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Um,
>> typically we we take a recess. I don't know if you'd like to follow that. Take about a 10-minute recess. >> Yes, I think we're going to take a little recess right now. Um, there's some refreshments here. Um, and a moment to congratulate our retirees. >> 6:40.
>> Um, yeah, we'll be back 6:40. >> All right. Call the meeting back to order at 6:39 p.m. Okay. Um, Melinda through the chair. >> Yes. I would like to, seeing so many people out here in the audience, I would
like to make a motion to move up number five, public input, as well as 3A, the budget update from Jack, and 3B, the vote on the budget. >> Okay. Um, do we have a second? >> Second.
>> Second. >> Okay. >> All right. So, that's just a >> motion and a second. Um, any discussion? >> Um, I'd like to perhaps amend the motion or add to the motion. Um,
in the interest of everybody's time tonight, um, we do have a lot of people here. Um, I would move that we limit the public participation to 15 minutes so that we can proceed with the rest of the business on the agenda and be cognizant of everybody's time.
>> Okay. All right. So, um, and if anyone's planning to speak for a long time, maybe keep in mind we're only do we're only going to do 15 minutes of public comment. So, make time for >> Well, I I think I would keep everybody at three minutes
>> for a total of 15 minutes because the our policy does say three minutes. >> Okay. >> But then that would only be five people >> that could talk. Well, >> so you're motioning to amend that. >> You're in discussion about a motion that
has been seconded. So you would have to if you're moving forward with the amendment, right, you'd have to you'd have to remove this motion and then make a new motion. So right now what's on the floor is moving up. It appears to me the motion in the second was to move up
number five which is public input uh the budget presentation and then the votes regarding the budget. So you just had discussion about that. >> If you're looking to remove that you would remove that. Other than that you need to vote on the motion that you've made and has been seconded. >> Okay. All right. So we will we'll vote
on that. And is that just a that's not roll call. That's just Okay. Um all that was >> the only point of discussion. >> Is there any more discussion? Sorry. >> Um uh I um support this uh motion as stated
partly to Courtney's point. In [clears throat] the interest of everybody's time, I can understand um my my hesitation is uh a lot of people are here for the same sentiment that we've heard since a long time ago. And um just
a a reminder to the community [clears throat] here especially um you you're looking at a unanimous school committee who has uh supported this budget right through the process. So I'm not sure what'll be said and I can only
speak on part of the budget the overall uh town side of it. Uh but I think I think Courtney's point was I don't want to speak for her uh was to limit the repetitiveness of the the sentiments potentially, but I do support the motion
being moved forward in the agenda. >> Okay. Any more discussion? >> Are we supporting the motion with the 15minute rule in place or not? >> No, just to just to >> okay >> change the order, not not um adjusting the time frame. Okay. Um any more discussion then? Right.
Yes. >> Yeah. I don't I don't support the motion. I mean, people come out to attend the school committee meeting. We have a three minute time limit with no repetitions. So, >> the motion, Bob, the motion is to move it up. >> I don't.
>> So, that you're not voting on that then? >> No. >> Right. No, listen. >> The motion is to move it up. >> I know. >> We're not doing a motion for the time limit. >> So, you don't have to worry about >> I heard a time limit. >> No. said we we're not voting on the time. >> Well, I put an I moved for the
amendment. There was no second >> withdraw. >> I'll withdraw that amendment for the for the 15minute unless somebody wants to bring it up after we vote on this me. >> So, as a point of clarification, you are now if your discussion is over, you are now taking a vote on moving up item
five, which is public input, the presentation of the budget, and the budget votes. >> If you're done with discussion, you would take a vote on that. >> Yep. Okay. So, we get any more discussion? >> No. >> All right. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> I. >> Um any any objections >> and um any abstensions? >> Okay. >> Motion passes. >> Motion passes. >> The motion passes. >> All right. >> So, the meeting goes back to you and
that is to public comment. >> Okay. All right. Um it was public comment time. Um, I'll just [snorts] read the public comment instructions. To participate in public comment for the um, sorry
to participate in public comment, speakers will be asked to introduce themselves first and last name to the chair and state their residence. Um when commented the chair the speaker is invited to address the school committee for up to three minutes to present their material
and public comments shall be limited to items that are within the school committee's authority. >> So um and I believe there's a signin sheet for public comment up there. >> Name and town. >> So um you don't give you much room to move
this pencil. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. May I make a suggestion that the elastic be a little bit longer cuz it's really hard to write neat. >> We'll do a shorter pencil next time. >> Oh no, [clears throat] it's going to be something a little bit longer. And there's nothing here. Okay. So, I'm going to introduce myself. I'm Maria
Martin. I'm a citizen of Lakeville, Massachusetts. and I've been a teacher in some fashion at Asaw Swanson Elementary for 48 years. Okay. I right now I'm a reading interventionist at Asawans. I'm not at least bit concerned
about my job. What I'm concerned about Oh, but first I wanted to thank the school committee for one for allowing the teachers to get the raise. They definitely deserved. also for supporting the leveled budget,
leveled service budget. That's what they need. Why I'm here tonight is it's just as that young lady said about patriotism. Our schools are what makes our town great. We have your teachers are your
best resource. Everything else is is gravy, but your teachers are your best research resource. I have watched the teachers at Asawans and around this community and how hard they work for those children. So they deserve
their races. The idea that we are going to lose our libraries at our elementary, our middle school, and our grace just doesn't sit well. Our reading specialists, our math specialists, our new teachers, these
people have come into our school and made it their home. And now all of a sudden they're gone. We're losing some really great staff members who are going to help build a community. I started there right after Bridgewwater 78
and it became my home. It still is my home. [gasps] I'm just asking you to support the budget that you did put forth and make Lakeville go to a joint town meeting. Thank you for listening.
[applause] >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Sorry, I have big hands. The erase the elastic took up half of [clears throat] I'm going to leave the pen up here. It's got a fidget spinner. Okay, there's no microphone. Oh, good.
Uh, thank you, uh, madam moderator. My name is Brian Lo. Oh, wait. Wrong meeting. Um, so I came here tonight. Some of you may have seen me before. Uh, not here. Uh, but um, that's my fault. But I ask you guys to put forward the
vote, the the budget that we put forward. We are not done fighting. We will fight for it for these kids. They deserve it. You guys deserve the raise, right? The town tried to make it all, "Oh, you guys got a raise. That's what the budget." No. Every other department
got a raise every other year except you guys. [snorts] But they made you the victim, right? They decided um they would use you as a way to push forward an override that didn't work for them. So, they didn't get their raises. So, they got even angrier. They singled
this place out. Push forward the vote. Push forward to go to the town meeting. go to a special town meeting. They try to scare us into a dual town meeting. Guess what? The other town already voted to approve it, right? [clears throat] They're more afraid of that than we are.
All right. Push it back to the special town meeting because there are things that we can do if it goes back to a special town meeting. [applause] >> [applause] >> Hi, good evening. My name is Erica Cummings. Some of you saw me the other
night totally shaking [snorts] at the microphone made for giants. So, I'm going to try again with what I needed to say. The freshman students that are here today are what I refer to as prime co kids. My twins graduated with a parting
gift of an embroidered mask. Junior prom canceled. Gillette senior prom term prom on on the lawn. But [clears throat] the ninth graders now miss something bigger. They missed all the core pieces. Mid3rd grade is
where they were when the pandemic hit. They were sent home for what thought to be a week, maybe two, from elementary school. That turned to fourth grade, a new school half of the students knew for which they've never met under full COVID
protocol. Half of the students they never met, they didn't even get to find their own friends as half went on different days. The days [clears throat] of driving 15 minutes to a friend's house after school were gone. Days of being free on a playground gone. Their
last free day of playground fun was in third grade. Instead, there was tape on the grass 6 feet apart from their friends. These were the days of social development. Instead, we got a mental health crisis, increased struggles with
peers, and we wonder why we have a bullying problem. What these students had to do to adapt in their younger years is the definition of extreme. What they do, how they act, is not the same of those that are ahead of them. They
need extra support, not less. They need social interaction, not to sit in two study halls. They need to have opportunities and learn how to handle challenges like Spanish 4, AP Chemistry.
Instead, they'll rely on screens. They speak through type, and we all know it's much easier to do that than this. There is an academic education level decline despite the dedication of this district. It was the effort put forth
during COVID from this district was amazing. But we really struggled and we had no options but to follow these these protocols with these lasting effects. I know the impact. I developed your COVID tracking system for
the health team. These students that returned to normal midfrade but they lost all the benefits of precoid as they as all the students that are in the room right now. They are pleading to
not let them lose anything else. They are actually just bouncing back. So how do we do this when we weren't responsible for CO but we are responsible for the decisions that are made here today which defines what they
get to do next. High school loses a public accreditation by failing to meet standards in academics, administration, staff and safety. >> [snorts] >> What is listed for full budget cuts meets every criteria. Academics done
core only. That is not standard. Admin in a mental health crisis with substance abuse, bullying, an increase in teen suicide. We are going to get rid of guidance when their student volume is already high enough. Library doors
closed. Double check. Staff and academic staff in your teachers losing teachers. I'm gonna get back to that. >> Ask you. >> Yep. I'm getting I'm almost there. Yeah. >> Safety. Well, this is actually to this about losing accreditation. Like that's
a really big important thing. Safety. You go to guidance issues. [clears throat] For those with students who were bullied, I am sorry. It is everywhere. I left this school district with my youngest son. He went to a private school. It was his dream. He made it
happen on his own with support of the staff here. a school full of classes, courses to explore, block time of filled with clubs. But he was bullied. He sat on a school bench at lunch. We called it the misfit island of misfit toys to make
light of it. He walked in that school and out of the school every single day alone from first day to the last day. And he is returning here next year. He is returning here because of the staff and the support that he got and the kids
that he knows just that would simply say hi to him in a hall. [clears throat] >> We have to move along to the >> I wanted to just say this. I have a few ideas. >> One >> Am I done? Really? Well, can I just have one more minute? >> So, I had a couple ideas.
>> We We need to move along, but um you you could >> I had fundraising ideas that Who do I present that to later? Honestly, if um contacting us at like through our email later on and much better way to discuss >> hoping that some of them will help you. >> We absolutely would would like to
discuss. Thank you. [applause] I'm going to try to shorten this up. Um my name is Nora Smith. I'm a freshman at aquit. Good evening, school committee. I would first like to thank you all for your tremendous support you've shown for us students in the fight for a level service budget. Um, but one thing I want everybody to
imagine is walking into school next year and finding that the support and classes you rely on are gone. This is not this is slowly becoming a reality for me and my fellow peers that stand behind me. Putting us students at risk of not receiving the education we deserve is a choice that will be decided tonight. Passing a lower budget means losing
staff that have helped to mold me and my peers into who we are today. Unfortunately, my sister who is in sixth grade and my cousin who is in first grade will be here for the next 6 to 11 years and they will have to suffer with the consequences that we decide tonight. Let
these numbers sink in. I'm sure many of you here have had a niece, nephew, daughter, or grandchild pass through the district. If these graduates were able to go through school with a good experience, my peers and future generation deserve the same. Additionally, the most v vulnerable students in our district face the
consequences of these cuts. Children's with children with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and developmental delays are most affected by these changes. Without the OT, PT, and life skill services they require, these students will be illprepared for the future. As a member of Aponic's life
club, I see my friends with these disabilities improve every day through these through my high school's amazing programs. The loss of these programs will be detrimental to them, and I will have to watch some of my best friends lose the support they require. Us students are putting our future into the hands of you and mostly our community. Now is our community's last chance to
show if they care for us students in this district or if we deserve the leftovers. Years from now, when my class and others have graduated, not one person is going to remember the vote total. But I assure you, everyone will remember whether or not the community behind and watching on their TV stood up for us students when it mattered most.
Thank you. [applause] [applause] Good evening, school committee. I am Emma Decker and am a lake and I'm Good evening school committee. I am Emma Decker and I'm a Lakeville resident. I'm also a freshman here at Aponovich. I would first like to thank you all for
your efforts in fighting for the level service budget and and your contributions to our school's education. When vital services are cut, us students feel the immediate impact. My peers and I are not asking for luxuries. We are simply asking for the bare minimum.
Enough to keep the people who shape us to be great and teach us more than just English, math, science, and history. And the ones who help to form us into the people that we will ultimately become. The ones who continue to do all that they're already doing for us. I know you
all will sit here tonight and make the decision that benefits all of us here today and the future classes. Students deserve better. Students expect better. AND STUDENTS NEED BETTER. >> [applause] >> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS Nia Kantam Kpi and I am a resident of Freetown and also
a sophomore at Aonoquit Regional High School. First, I want to thank everyone here for the work that you do. I understand that these decisions are difficult and I appreciate the time, effort, and care that go into serving our community. But tonight, I want to
speak about the future. In March, some of my peers and I traveled to the state house to advocate for our schools. While we were there, a student from our a student from a community facing cuts similar to ours said something that has stayed with me ever since. This is your
job. This is our life. That sentence matters because the decisions made today will shape the experiences of students for years to come. I am fortunate to have had opportunities in our schools that have helped me grow, learn, and prepare for my future. My concern is not
for myself, but for the students who come after me. I do not want future students to have fewer opportunities than the students before them. I do not want them to inherit a school system that is constantly being asked to do more with less. As a student, I want to
attend a school that is moving forward, not one that is constantly adjusting to less. More importantly, I want future students to have the chance to dream bigger, achieve more, and experience opportunities that expand rather than shrink. [clears throat] I respectfully
ask that as you make your decision, you think not only about this year's budget, but about the students who will walk these halls years from now. Thank you for your time, your service, and for listening. [applause] >> [applause] >> Hi, I'm Laya Pereira and I'm a school
choice student here. In only one short year at Aponquit, I've become involved in student government, athletics, the community, clubs, and I've had opportunities that are made possible because of what ARHS offers. I'm the class president and I try my absolute best to work extremely hard in school. One day, I hope to become a doctor and I
can't do that if I don't have the foundation to. I'm here at this meeting tonight to share the pleas of the student body to continue to provide us with the education, experiences, and opportunities that are needed to build responsible contributing citizens. I would now like to read a statement from my sister Olivia Pereira who graduated
from Aonoquit in 2025 and was unable to attend the meeting tonight. I currently go to the University of New Hampshire where I study occupational therapy and president of my building. I'm a member of occupational therapy club and I'm graduating a year early. None of this would have been possible without the many unique opportunities
that Ponquit has to offer. We sent multiple members of our graduating class to play collegiate sports from division 3 to division 1 and they are all succeeding in their distinctive sports. Aonquit produces top performing students, athletes, and citizens. In my class alone, we have had students all over the country studying at top universities, which for some students
may not have been attainable without the scholarships given by AONquit itself. These students study a variety of subjects with hopes to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, dentists, nurses, and even teachers. All of these careers require multiple years of education. Education obviously doesn't start in college. It starts in that elementary
school classroom where maybe someone needed just a little bit of extra help in reading or math, a program that would be cut without the proposed budget. It continues into our middle and intermediate schools where specialized programs like fine arts or STEM, for example, invoked a passion in these affforementioned students who are now hoping to become doctors, nurses,
engineers, or dentists. FLRSD's job and education finishes upon quite robustly where educators like Mr. LEC provide an outlet for theater. Coaches like Mr. Cassella create those same collegiate athletes and counselors like Miss Cronin prepare those successoriented students for college. Aonoquit produces these
high achieving students who all aspire to give back to their community and their future careers due to what the school has to offer. Our small class size, various AP course offerings, and countless clubs encourage future learning and shape those excellent athletes, students, and people. I myself have two sisters in the district, one in
middle school and one who herself is enrolled at a pawn. I want my sisters to have the opportunity to grow that same motivation my class had. They deserve an education that facilitates big dreams, strong work ethics, and the ability to achieve. Education is power and clearly upon equip provides an excellent one. Felic schools and their staff are
undoubtedly special and set students up for success in many areas. Our students and athletes provide so much for our country, I mean community, sorry, to their school district in bringing up test scores, making positive changes to our community and world, and in the most recent news bringing two sports teams to state championships. Clearly, the
community's children and young adults have shown up for their school and the success carry on further than a pawn quit. So, what I'm asking is, will you show up in turn for your community's children? Thank you. [applause] [applause] Hello everyone. My name is Samuel Marshall, resident of Lakeville, and I'm
a junior at Aonoquit. Tonight I would like to speak on behalf of Patrick Irwin, resident of Aonet, graduating senior ataponquit and a good friend of mine. He was unable to attend tonight but wanted to say the following. Hello, my name is Patrick Irwin, a recent
graduate from ARHS. Unfortunately, I could not make it here today in person, but I hope what you hear now will stay will still carry over its weight. As proud as I am to have been a student at the ARHS district, I am an even prder resident of the of Asona in Freetown.
This year, more than ever, being at the lovely age of 18, I've been engaged in my community's civic affairs, including casting my vote in favor of funding for the new Freetown Library headed by the town's Council on Aging. I've also been fortunate enough to accomplish this and
more fortunate enough sorry I've also been fortunate enough to accomplish this more alongside my peers at ARHS something I hope will serve as evidence that the students of our district truly care about these matters. I found it is unfortunate however that the voice of my
town's residents has had little weight in a budget decision that will massively deteriorate our education. Remember no taxation without representation. While this budget concerns the literal taxes of Lakeville residents, Freetown residents are still undeniably tied to
this decision and will face the consequences of a smaller staff count. I am sincerely hoping for at least the opportunity for myself and my town to represent their opinions on the future to our children's education through a joint town meeting. Thank you.
[applause] Uh Sean McGee. Uh good evening. Freetown resident fees par profofessional and a graduate of this district. Uh there are two teachers in this room right now for that were former teachers of mine who helped make sure I didn't fall through the cracks. Tonight, as the year comes
to a close, we have celebrated retirements of dedicated staff of multiple decades, reveled in the achievements of students in a variety of programs, and proudly announced the encouraging future plans of this year's graduates. These are all happy things. All of these
happy things are the result of a fully functioning and fully funded school system. I hate to rain on this parade in [clears throat] such a happy moment. But with the cuts hanging over our collective heads, you can expect a lot less of this in years to come. You can't celebrate decades of service by par
profofessionals, specialists, and classroom teachers if they've been pinks slipped or have left to pursue a district with better support. And you can't expect such positive outcomes in such large numbers for the students who spend years without those very supports.
Even as other governing bodies drop the ball, I beg of this committee, the one with school in their name, to continue to hold the line as they have been doing and [snorts] we all appreciate deeply. Please ensure that future students can share in this success and share their
success stories and confident plans for their own futures postgraduation. Thank you. [applause] Hello everyone. My name is Luka Rubini and I live in Lakeville. I'm a recent graduate and you may have heard my valadictorian speech just a few days ago along with Ryan O' Connor our class
president and Asha Canam Kulathy our saludiatoran. I think that is it that it is important to mention how the speeches spoken by students on graduation. How reference referenced how our immense love and gratitude for this school but
also had to address our budget issues. While they were mentioned in satire remarks in the moment, they still mark a serious issue that can't be ignored. This is one of the student body's ways along with our walkout, constant involvement on social media and our present at these types of meetings today
to prove that something needs to change. I have benefited from the necessary support and resources that our teachers and staff have provided. I have been able to take VHS AP classes so I can save money on college classes. I have received thousands of dollars in scholarships thanks to the guidance
department for providing, organizing, and planning these opportunities for us. And I have benefited from the close relationships with teachers that helped me understand topics and prepare me for the course rigor of college. It's these opportunities that I benefited from that
are at risk of being taken away from the future generations if we do not keep a service level budget. Specifically, Mrs. Cronin is an individual who I attribute so much of my own success to. She helped plan, organize, and coach hundreds of us students for district, state, and
international DECA business competitions. She personally spent hours hours on our college applications, ensuring their perfection, and she provided emotional support and guidance to so many of us in this school. This is just my story with one of the
individuals at risk. But every student in this district has a similar story with one of the dozens of staffs who are at risk of being terminated for next year. It's these opportunities that have saved us over $133,000 in scholarships and allow us to attend our dream
universities and careers. So, I'm asking you not only to keep a service level budget because of the blood, sweat, and tears that these individuals have put towards our students education, but I'm begging you to keep a service level budget on behalf of the thousands of students in this district who are going
to have to fight an uphill battle to pursue the colleges they dream to attend, the careers they hope to reform, and the education that they deserve. [applause] Hello, my name is Hannah Kershack and I would like to thank you for allowing me the time to speak today. As a senior who
has just graduated from Aonquit last week, I can say this school has had a tremendous impact on me and my future. But that is not possible without our teachers and staff. I would like to just name a few who have not only made my high school experience special, but opened up a world of experience for me
and many other students. Miss Cronin played a vital role as a DECA officer and helped inspire me for many years. And although I will not be pursuing a career in business, the experience of competitions and meeting so many people was a vital learning opportunity for my future endeavors. And
without Miss Cronin's passion and experience, the largest club at our school would not run so seamlessly every year. Additionally, [snorts] I would like to mention Mr. K, my sophomore math teacher who reminded me that love that math can be loved and in us a class that
is usually boring can be fun. Additionally, he spends every afternoon in the fall coaching our golf team. Additionally, we have teachers like Mr. Mik and Mr. Ferington who also coach track and Mr. Fington just brought our softball team to the state finals for
the first time in over 20 years. And although I do not have the experience of speaking with all the teachers and having experience with all the teachers being cut, I do know that they have an impact on many other children like these teachers have had on me. Their impact goes far beyond the
classroom and is necessary for many future endeavors. I would like to now just share with you the greater importance of why I'm mentioning this. My best friend and her two sisters all chose upon quit school choice over Somerset Berkeley. All of you may not know, but they just built a
new school in the last 10 years. So, while it may not be the new shiny school and the convenience of it, they chose a ponoquit because of its teachers and because of its reputation. So, if there's anything I can leave you with today, it is the importance of these teachers, not only impacting young
minds, but upholding our reputation and respect as a school district. These teachers go above and beyond and are already stretched thin. To take them away from our district would place more stress and tear on the teachers we have left and take away from our education.
[applause] [applause] All right, I'll make this quick. Um, good evening. My name is Ronald Connor and I am an aonquit alumni as of Friday. Uh, like many of us in this room, uh, the biggest feeling I have right now is disappointment. Thanks to the staff in
the district, I am someone who tries to see the good in people. I try to stay positive and I believe in humanity, especially when it comes to the little ones who do not yet have the ability to stand up for themselves. That is why sitting in Monday's town meeting was so difficult. I sat there and watched
people make decisions that will affect our students, our teachers, and our community while showing little willingness to hear other perspectives or fully understand the consequences of those decisions. I sat there as our town found money for other priorities. water, soil, or non-existent sidewalks and
countless other projects, but not for the schools that shape our future. I even listened as a member of the finance committee said that funding mail and ballots would be no problem. Somewhere along the way, people became comfortable jeopardizing our schools and kids. And I honestly cannot understand how. History
has shown time and time again that strong communities invest in education because education is the foundation upon which everything else is built. This is not just a school problem and we should not solely face this burden. This is a town problem. As someone who is proud to call both district, this district and
this town my home, it hurts to watch our schools treated as an afterthought. It hurts because we know that a ponoquit represent. We know what aquit represents. We know what our teachers, staff, coaches, and students accomplish every single day. Thankfully, while I sat there feeling discouraged, I was
sitting next to a group of some intelligent women with good hearts who reminded me that not everyone has lost sight of what matters. There are still people fighting for the right cause. There's still people willing to stand up for our students. And and that brings me to this committee. I believe you will
make the right choice. I believe you will stand firm. I believe you'll refuse to back down when it comes to advocating for the students and educators who rely on you. Despite the possibility of losing their positions entirely, our teachers and coaches continue showing up every day for our students. For example,
even with the uncertainty hanging over them, just yesterday, our coaches led our teams to championship games. They keep showing up. They keep fighting. They keep believing in our students because that is what Lakers do. We fight through adversity. We support one another. We refuse to quit when things
get hard. So on behalf of all of us and especially the little kids in the hallways that we high-fived on graduation day and the generations that will come after them, we thank you. We thank you for being willing to fight when others will not. We thank you for standing up for our schools and thank you for being a small but powerful light
in what has recently felt like a very dark moment in our community. Please stand firm. We are counting on you. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is Adrien Mendes. I'm in ninth grade and I'm a resident of Lakeville. I'm reading on behalf of
Cameron Porer and the following is a statement he has prepared. Good evening, school committee members. Thank you for allowing this statement to be read on my behalf. I regret that I am unable to attend tonight's meeting in person. As I reflected on what I wanted to say, I kept coming back to one feeling,
disappointment. I am deeply disappointed by the lack of support our schools have received from the select board. Throughout this entire process, the school committee has stood alongside our students, families, teachers, and staff. So, I know many of you share that frustration. However, disappointment
cannot become surrender. Over the past year, we have fought too long and too hard to allow political pressure and budgetary manipulation to force dedicated educators out of our district. As I mentioned on Monday night, these are the same teachers who have helped Ponica students earn acceptance to some
of the finest colleges and universities in New England and across the country. Their impact cannot be measured by a line item in a budget. Now that my time in the dis in the district has come to an end, I've been reflecting on my 13 years as a student in Freetown
Lakeville. If I had to describe the staff here in one word, it would be optimistic. No matter what challenges they faced outside the classroom, the moment they stepped into our schools, they showed up with a smile. Through every challenge and every uncertainty, Freetown Lakeville remained a place
where my classmates and I felt safe, supported, and valued. Our teachers, counselors, pair of professionals, and staff pushed us to grow, not only academically, but as people. For that, I will always be grateful. What stands out most is that their optimism never wavered. Even when their jobs were on
the line, even when positions were being eliminated, and even when they were being asked to do more with less, they still showed up every day for their students. Last Friday during the senior walk, I could not help but smile as teachers lined the hallways cheering us on. Their optimism is contagious. At the
same time, I found myself wondering what our schools will look like when the second graders cheering for us that day take part in their own senior walk 13 years from now. Will they have the same opportunities, the same support systems, the same incredible teachers who inspired us? The staff of Freetown
Lakeville taught me many lessons, but one of the most important was this. Never give up. So tonight, I ask you not to give up. Do not give up on our guidance counselors. Do not give up on our teachers. Do not give up on our par professionals. And do not give up on our students. But most importantly, do not
give up on our families. And most importantly, do not give up on the quality of education that future generations of Freetown Lakeville students deserve. Leadership is not tested when decisions are easy. It is tested when standing firm is difficult. So, I urge you to continue advocating
for what our schools truly need and to refuse to accept a future that asks our students and educators to do more while receiving less. [cough] The students who come after us are counting on it. Thank you. [applause] Uh, hello. I'm Alex Baker. I'm from
Lakeville and I'm also a recent graduate of Aonquit. I've already said my piece at a prior meeting about how meaningful each of these staff members were to me during my time at Aponquit and how important their guidance was. While I would love to reiterate that their impact as it could never be stated
enough, I believe my peers and fellow alumni have covered that ground enough for me. I think now to best commend my teachers, I should allow the critical thinking skills that they taught me to speak for their incredible influence by offering a different perspective on this discussion or what I hope perspective. I
remember a meeting earlier this year where the board was under a bit of fire for utilizing ex uh excess co funds over the gap in the budget in prior years, especially since now we're facing these budget cuts. What stuck out to me then was the board's defense of these use of funds, saying that using this reserve
bought our students more time with their teachers and kept these pivotal members of our community employed, even if it wasn't permanent. I bring up this old discussion because I believe the same argument can apply here in the vote for creating a joint town meeting. At the last school committee meeting, I believe
there was some apprehension to to continue this discussion of the budget to a joint town meeting due to their complications and honestly occasional hostility. I understand the loss of hope and disappointment, but I urge you to continue buying a panic with time. I'm not going to pretend like I know much.
I'm just some kid who happens to listen to the meetings that I record. But as proud but as a proud alumni, I urge you to not give up on a panic yet. Please continue to fight and give these students the same chance I was given because I would have never gained the courage to speak tonight if my teachers didn't make me believe my voice
mattered. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> Uh good evening and um thank you all for the chance to speak tonight. My name is Lucas Source. I graduated upon class of 25 and I live in Lakeville. As it [clears throat] stands, under the
current budget being presented, if approved, the school district will be forced to operate at a nearly $2 million budget deficit. This is due in part to the result of Lakeville's town vote on Monday, which I attended.
I say this not to divide our community, nor to throw one town under the bus. Quite the contrary. I say this as a proud Lakeville resident. At the same time, I say this as a proud member of the Free Lake community who wants to bring our towns together to advocate for
what I believe is right for the district. With this in mind, I firmly believe that the current deficit budget should not be approved by this body and instead the decision should come before a joint town meeting. I know this notion seems daunting considering that we're divided
first by town. Freetown has approved the level services budget for the schools. On Monday, on the other hand, Lake Phil voted against it. And yet, I'd like to recall to the minds of everyone here tonight that the sentiment regarding the budget at Monday's town meeting was
hardly one of unanimous support. At least half a dozen motions were proposed to amend the budget in order to introduce efforts to secure funding for the district and diverse perspectives were heard from many residents. In the
end, the deficit budget was passed with 276 voting in favor and 149 voting opposed. a sizable minority of the Lakeville voters at the town meeting, voters who chose to reject the deficit budget on the grounds that it will hurt the school. Seeing as our community is
so split on this matter and that each town will be affected by this decision, I think it is only fair that the decision be made by both towns together. I personally believe there is an argument to be made regarding how the cuts will harm students and hurt the
towns. Other people disagree. All I'm arguing for is that we give our community one more chance to discuss this choice together. I believe it will not only be the right thing to do, but it will be a remarkable sign of unity for our towns in this moment. I close
with this. At Monday's meeting, there was a comment regarding a sentiment along the lines of the decline of the American way. To the contrary, I feel tonight we have a choice to celebrate the most vital American value, the
spirit of civic participation. Isn't that what this is all about? Is that not what this has been all about? As said at the open of Lakeville's town meeting, the town meeting represents a tradition of direct democracy that our
Commonwealth was founded upon. Achieving a joint town meeting will be tricky, no doubt. But I doubt more difficult than the efforts of our forebears who founded this land upon principles of liberty. In urging the school committee to reject this deficit budget and to advocate for
a town meeting, I ask, will you let the voices of students, parents, and members of the community you've heard from tonight fall on deaf ears? or will you join me in celebrating our great democratic tradition and giving our schools another chance whatever
challenges may be present. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Oh, hello everyone. My name is Ava Melo. I graduated class of 2025 and I am here today to speak on behalf of myself and Eugi Jung of Lakeville. During our times at Aponoquit, we were
very active people participating and contributing to a large amount of clubs and doing well in all of our classes. After leaving and starting college, Eugene at UMass Amherst and myself at George Washington University, we heard that a large amount of teachers were being cut from our district and we were appalled.
We were baffled that this was even a possibility. Because of Aonoquit, we were both wellprepared for college academics. I'm even able to graduate a full year early because of my AP teachers and their help scoring well on their exams.
This is the goal of high school to prepare students for the rest of their journeys, many of which is further schooling. But we don't understand is how with this goal in mind, we would ever back down on a level surface budget. These staff,
these [applause] incredible staff have been consistently helping kids reach this goal are going to be lost and we will never recover that. In the high school alone, kids are losing valuable electives, extracurriculars, the ability of teachers to focus on them and a variety of characters and personalities
that fuel Laker Nation. With fewer teachers, class sizes become larger, which prevents teachers from offering one-on-one support for teachers or students struggling. Fewer teachers also leads to the teachers who normally teach electives being forced to take on more curriculum classes. Electives allow
students to dive deeper into more specific interests. And they were personally one of my favorite parts of high school. Extracurriculars like theater and sports also provide an outlet outside of academics, but these programs will suffer because of the staff running them or being fired.
Eugene is sorry he could not attend, but this is truly a huge concern of ours. Although we only graduated a year ago, we know that life after high school does not get easier and is even more work than it was. Speaking from experience, AONquit provides students an incredible foundation for its graduates. As you
said, you have been supporting the override the entire time, which as a community and myself, we are so grateful to you all, but this is not the time to back down. We need a joint town meeting with Freetown and Lakeville so Freetown has the chance to convince Lakeville.
Freetown passed this budget unanimously. We need to speak to them and convince them to stand up for their students and their futures. This is exactly what we need. It is time for everyone to get together and work this out. It's in the best interests of every single student and staff member
and member of the community in this district. Thank you for your time. [applause] Hello everybody. Uh my name is Adam Mastersonson. I am from Freetown and I graduated from Reconquit in 2024 and I'm here on the behalf of Lindsay Dawandorf
who could not be here today to give a message. So this is what she said to me. Hello, my name is Lindsay Dawandorf from the class of 2024 at Uponquit. I wish I could be here at attendance tonight, but unfortunately I'm not be I'm not able to make it to the meeting. As I'm going into junior year at Stonehill College,
I'm incredibly upset about the loss of opportunities that the school is facing with these budget cuts. Extracurriculars like theater helped me form some of the strongest friendships I have today. And some of my most fond stories about the school come from my time being involved in non-classroom activities because our
school is so good at providing them. Another loss to the school would be the cut to V VHS classes. I'm a history and secondary education major and a large part of this was the combined programs of our school's AP and VHS classes. The school was able to offer me amazing
history teachers like Mr. Solomon, Mrs. Barno, Mr. Coat, and Mr. Cody. And when they cut the AP European history class, I was given the opportunity to do virtual high school through a ponquit. These AP credits have been extremely beneficial in helping me in college as I'm currently in 60 76% of the way done
with my schooling at only a rising junior level. The amount of cuts that this budget would force [snorts] for the school upsets me not only as an upcoming teacher but as a student who has been heavily impacted by what the school what by what the school can offer when it's
allowed to function. The denial of equal opportunity to up upcoming students compared to previous students is an injustice that I am very concerned about and the ways that this could impact the school going forward. Thank you for your time. [applause] Hello, I'm Benjamin Jenzer, president of
Freetown and alumni class of 2024 and Eagle Scout. I'm here speaking on behalf of my fellow alumni and Eagle Scout Kobe Blae who is un unfortunately unable to attend tonight's meeting. In his message he states he is a member of the class of punk class of 2025 an Eagle Scout and
the former president of the Apocry Choir select choir. Sadly I'm un not able to make it tonight as I will be at work at the time of this meeting but I felt obligated to write this note at least for the good of the classes to come. As a student who was not interested in sports the first thing I took interest in was this theater. It was fun. It
included many amazing people who soon became my dearest friends. It helped shape me into a better person, teaching me discipline and self-improvement. To be clear, the plays and musicals themselves didn't do that. The program did. The teacher and director, Mr. LC
did, the coaching, the work, the passion that he showed us every day did. Without that, I hate to think what my high school experience would have been like. Less friends, more stress, and fewer outlets for that stress. Thank you FOR
[applause] [applause] Good evening. My name is Logan Rivero and I'm a resident of Freetown and a junior here at Pont. Students are the future of our communities and the choices made will shape our education and the opportunities for years to come. We need our teachers and staff, our
counselors, pair professionals, support staff, and all those who work in our schools because they are the people who guide us, teach us, and support us every single day. We understand that budget decisions are difficult, but we but we ask that students and the staff who support us remain in the center of those
decisions. Strong schools are built by strong educators, and without them, the quality of our education is at risk. Investing in our schools is investing in the future of our towns. The students sitting in classrooms today will become leaders, workers, and community members
of tomorrow. As the class of 2027 enters our senior year in the fall, in just a few months, we are stepping into the most important moment of our lives. The year ahead will shape our final high school experiences and help us prepare for what to come. We rely heavily on our
teachers, counselors to guide us through this time without them. How would we how would students stay on track without them? Um, understanding their goals and plan for their futures after graduation. They are the ones who support us academically, encourage us through
challenges, and help us prepare for life beyond high school. I'd like to share one more thing before I go. Um, when I first came to Aonquip, the first person I met is a woman who has inspired me beyond words can express.
the first kind face I saw and I just want to say thank you for everything that Miss Cronin has done for me and that if this budget does not go through it will break not just my heart but a lot of the hearts of the students in this in this district who she's affected tremendously. So I just want to say
thank YOU [applause] [applause] Thank you. And um we're going to move on to the um budget update. >> Okay. So, what we have for you tonight is a presentation that's very similar to the presentation uh from our May 27th
meeting. Uh we always start with a reminder of who's seated at the school committee. Uh nice picture there of the senior walk during graduation uh graduation day. Uh we always think about recognize the ripple and the impact of our behaviors when we think about the
budget. And just a reminder that the original budget was built uh to specifically ensure that the daily academic, social, civic, and athletic experiences that our students deserve remain con constant and commensurate with what the community uh has come to know. And once again, we we think about
the impact of uh those above us on the budget as well. Uh so we encourage people to access this presentation to print form letters and to send them to elected officials so that we can take a good look at what's happening with the chapter 70 funding formula and any
funding uh not coming from our local communities. Uh a reminder that during this budget process, the school committee uh asked us to uh compile one-time expenses to try to defer costs to the community. We're putting the budget together. We
looked at END. We brought you a proposal and the budget presentation that you uh sorry the budget that you did approve included $930,184 from END to cover one-time expenses which include some Chromebooks, uh fire suppression system replacement of
network switches. Uh [snorts] moving forward and and thinking about we're having this meeting now after we've had two town meetings. So the uh role of the school committee here changes slightly. Uh you have 30 days from Monday, which was the date of
the last town meeting, to make a vote on the budget. You have uh really four options before you this evening. Three that are really the options you'll be discussing. You're being asked to reconsider and potentially reduce your assessment to the towns to match what
Lakeville voted at the town meeting. >> [clears throat] >> You could reconsider and elect a compromised budget, vote that budget, and then send that budget back to Lakeville for another town meeting. You could vote to continue with the level service budget that you have supported.
That too uh would issue new assessments that reflect the assessments that went uh to the town back on May 13th, and that would lead to another Lakeville Town meeting. Uh or [clears throat] you could increase your original ask to the towns. Uh we certainly uh are not
thinking you're going to be doing that because we've been looking at a level service budget since our very first presentation in January. Any budget vote uh that you adopt must be adopted or that you take uh if you're looking for it to pass, it must pass by 2/3.
Uh moving forward, this is the same slide you saw last time. If you reduce and reconsider uh the budget, the total budget would be 47,104370. Sorry, 47 million 104370. If you uh reconsider a compromised
budget, we're looking to retain potentially nine of the 63 impacted positions. I want to clarify uh about those positions as we move forward. Uh or you could continue with your proposed original service budget 49,551387. Uh if you reconsider and reduce, you
would vote that this evening or within your 30-day period. After that vote is taken, uh the treasurer would certify a new assessment and those assessments uh would go off to the town and they would be de facto approved. So there would not have to be another Freetown town meeting
to to lower the number that they voted on and there would not have to be another Lakeville town meeting because you're meeting the amount that was voted on at town meeting. I'm going to turn things over to uh Jack for a minute. Slide 11. >> Sure. [clears throat] So um in option one, the reconsider and uh reduce this
is the um the same as what we discussed at the last meeting. The adjusted general fund budget would be $47,14,370. that divides as a salary portion of 27,753,04 and the non- salary portion of $19,351,366.
This would be, as we know, is an increase from last year's operations budget for Lakeville of $350,000, 1.98% increase. And for Freetown, the increase would be $60,924 or 46% increase. This results in the
impact of uh 63 positions, 39 full-time, 21 part-time eliminated, and three full-time reduced to part-time in FY27 in addition to the 11 reductions in 26. Just to take things over from Mr. Higgins, the next several slides you have seen already, they outline the
positions that are impacted among the 63. There has been one change to that slide. I want to call your attention to it. We received our WEDA results. Those are our test results from our English language learner students. Because our English language learner students have been so successful and we've been able
to reclassify many of them as um not in need of the same level of service, uh we made a decision to reduce the number of EL teachers we have in the district in order to save one of the positions that was originally uh on the chopping block so to speak. So we have reduced by a 6
ELEL teacher. With that money in the anticipation of the title one funds that we spoke about at the last meeting, we're able to bring back the reading teacher at the uh middle school. So that is one change to these slides. Call your attention to turn things back to Mr.
Higgins for slide 15. Uh, as we stated prior, uh, the breakdown for Freetown would be an assessment of 13,410,897. And for Lakeville, the assessment would be 17,995,994, which aligns with the voted amount at
the most recent uh, town meeting. >> Option two is to reconsider and uh, send a budget back to Lakeville that represents a bit of a compromise. Uh again, you would vote to reduce the budget to a value greater than the amount that was voted on at Lakeville Town meeting. If you do vote on that uh
within the 30-day period, the treasurer must must present a reertified assessment uh to the towns and then Lakeville will be required to hold a special town meeting to consider the new assessment. Over to you, Mr. Higgins. >> Within option two, uh the town of
Lakeville. Now, this is slightly different than the last time we spoke as we as as you may noticed uh when Dr. Starky was referring to the Freetown uh Lakeville Middle School reading teacher, reading specialist teacher. There was a switch of the positions because that position is being um retained as a
result of the EL teacher as well as the um title one. Uh so it's slightly different but the uh general fund amount would be $47,728,436 which would have a salary portion of 28,377,070 and a non-s salary portion of
19,351,366. This would uh be an increase for Lakeville of $73,85 and for Freetown it would be $331,185. the this would secure uh possibly nine of the 63 positions currently being impacted in the budget.
>> Those positions are outlined for you on the next slide. There was one change to the position on the slide as a result of the fact that we brought back the reading specialist at the middle school. That position had been listed on this slide as a priority to bring back. But since we've been able to do that, we
replaced that with restoring the shared math specialist at FES and AES. You'll notice that's one of the nine positions at the top. And then we have moved restore and share the 1.0 reading specialist at FES and AES under title one grant because we believe we may be
able to to support that when we receive our title one grant allocation. So that is a change to that slide. Mr. Higgins. >> Sure. So, um I had just shared these numbers as as in [clears throat] the previous slide, but just uh so that it to to link it, uh the increase in option
two from option one would be for Freetown an increase in the assessment of $270,261 and for Lakeville it would be an increase of $353,85. >> Yes. >> And option three, uh this would be the level service budget that the school committee [clears throat] had voted
prior. uh the students will have access to the same daily academic, athletic, social, and civic programming they've had this year with the 63 positions remain as exist in today's uh district. The um as we have as you've seen this number several times through the u
through the process, this would be an assessment for Freetown of 14,444,630 and for Lakeville $19,349,278. Uh, should you choose option three this evening? Unlike the last meeting, you would have to vote on that. That's a that's a difference. Last meeting, you you took three votes. None of them
carried. And we left the meeting with the understanding that the previous assessment would still remain in place because two town meetings have occurred. The statute is slightly different. So, you would be required to vote on this uh in order to move it forward if that is your choosing. That is I'm highlighting
that simply because it's different. uh should you vote this option or you vote option two in either case Lakeville would be required to hold uh a special town meeting depending on the result of that special town meeting it would come back here to school committee before
there would be any type of joint town meeting so there would be another volley so to speak uh the presentation that we shared with you last time regarding a 112th budget which would be in play depending on your decision this evening is there for your access and then our next steps would be, you know, to
determine what happens next with our district based on your decision this evening or the decision that you make within 30 days. We certainly would like to begin our strategic planning endeavor, which I can talk to you about uh when we return to the normally scheduled agenda. We will continue to
communicate with towns via our monthly TA meetings that have been in place since April of last year. We will set a collaborative calendar for next year now so that we are aware of our meetings uh with the TA and [clears throat and cough] with perhaps some members of the school committee and some select board members if they'd like
to attend. Uh and we would plan on presenting some projections for next year uh depending on what happens uh at the next joint fincom meeting. There are no questions. I'm going to turn things back over to the chair because I believe [clears throat] your
next item was to vote. Okay. Um, we have been presented our options and we need to vote on one of them tonight. Um, do I hear a motion for >> through the chair? I'd like to make a
motion to vote on continuing the level services budget. >> Second. [applause] Okay, we have a motion in a second. Any discussion? >> Yes. >> Um, no matter what this turns out to be,
as many of you have said, we have supported our students. We have supported our teachers. We have supported the level budget. Unfortunately, the majority of the folks who voted in Lakeville against it did not support you. And I am extremely
disappointed because in front of me every single meeting there is a select board member as I'm going to mimic Dr. De u Mr. Dlo that is very much against all of this and is supporting a school and looking for a yes vote in which I
saw commercials this morning and I just could not believe that the select board in your town of Lakeville does not support your district children. We have 40ome children that go to OC. I'm very much for technical schools. My kids went to tech, one went
to technical schools, the other one is into technicals now. But to not support your own district kids when the majority thousands of those students come from Lakeville, I'm appalled by it. And to mimic what Courtney said last week, elections have
consequences. Y'all need to wake up and realize elections have consequences. If you're not electing the right people, you're not going to have the support that you need. And this is proof that this has happened. [applause] [applause] >> I I just wanted to make a comment. I um
am a Lakeville resident and was at our town meeting on Monday night. And you know, it was very interesting for me to watch all of the money that was kind of discovered in past to cover everything
that was considered an essential part of the budget where I will be super clear. I consider education a an essential part of our budget. Um, and it's unfortunately we are in this place where
there's this notion of us versus them, which is not a good place to be. And I hope that we can get past this and we can all collaboratively come together. But for now, I stand very strong be behind continuing with the
level service budget. [applause] I'm sorry. Yes. >> Um [clears throat] I just want to mimic and support what Jen said. Um, I mentioned it last meeting and and a
lot of folks out there in our towns, Freetown and Lakeville combined, don't understand that school committee elected officials are not the same type of elected officials as other elected town officials. We do not get lobbyed for the
residents ideas, thoughts, actions. We are elected to make decisions in the best interest of the schools and the students. And what you've seen over the last six months is a school committee that has tried very hard to do that. So
to see the towns think that we should act otherwise is disappointing. to see the towns vote. Otherwise, I understand that there's a lot of tension out there, but please understand towns school committee is doing school
committee's jobs now. Thank you. [applause] >> You are allowed to join in our discussions. Sorry. On behalf of students as a whole, I mean, we heard from plenty over here, but I just want to thank you for allowing everyone who
wanted to speak the opportunity to speak because it's not just for you guys to hear, but I mean, this is being recorded by Lake Cam. So, it's also just for everyone in the community because we see what happens when people don't know the full picture of what's happening in a
vote. Um, so I just think it's really important for not only voters but also select board members to hear all perspectives, especially those of students and teachers. So, thank you for that. [applause] So, I I hear I heard everything everyone said tonight and at the table. I respect
everybody's opinions and I can't say I disagree with any one of you. Um, I just want to be clear on the fact pattern and I just have a couple of questions. So, and I'm going to I'm not trying to pick on Lakeville, but we are a regional school district and there's only two
member towns. Um, so Lakeville told us they don't want to raise taxes. Don't raise my taxes above 2 and a half%. They told us at town meeting when amendments were put forward, you know, we don't want our other departments reduced. They told us
we approved this reduced budget. That's what we're willing to fund for the school district. And I'm not saying that as someone who agrees with it because I can state it. Doesn't mean I like it and agree with it. Um but what has happened since Monday since they rejected our assessment that makes us think going to
a special town meeting will be successful? >> Yes, sir. uh through the chair. It might not um it might not change, but our job, as I had just said, is to fight for the schools and the students. And if we don't do that, we're not doing what we
were elected to do. [applause] Tim was exactly right. I mean, we represent a group, the only group in town that can't vote. That's >> right. >> So, it it's just up to us to take take care of uh our students, and I don't know how successful it's going to be. It
might turn out to be like the Alamo, but I'm not I'm not throwing in the towel just because uh we're outnumbered. [applause] I think we had a lot of very impressive students come and speak tonight, which
is a testament to our schools. Um, [snorts] and every year I feel like, you know, my kids will get their new teachers. I'd be like, well, we hit the lottery this year, you know, and then the next year my younger daughter would have a different teacher in the same grade and
like, well, somehow we hit the lottery again. with a a completely different teacher. Um, we have amazing teachers in this district and we have been trying our best to support them. I I will say I don't have high
hopes. um you know for what will happen at going back to another Lakeville Town meeting and and honestly um if we vote for this the next steps is we're back here again um having this discussion once more um
but I would love for these schools to not have to lay off >> just an exceptional number of staff >> [applause] >> All right. [snorts] Do we have any more discussion? Okay. Um, does this have to be a roll call vote?
>> Roll call vote and it must be two/3. >> Melinda Richards. No, >> sorry. >> I'm sorry. Is this vote split or is this the overall budget vote? >> Oh, sorry. Yes. I want to be clear on what we're voting on, please.
>> My motion was to vote on the >> continuing the level service. >> So, overall budget as it is. Thank you. >> So, I guess that's where we start, right? And we see where it goes from there. >> Great. Thank you, sir. >> Okay. All right. >> Um, yes.
>> Melinda Richards. Yes. >> Courtney Breitman. No. >> Bob Clark. >> Yes. >> Jen Blum. >> Yes. >> Tim Emory. >> Yes. >> Rebecca Cushing. >> Yes.
>> Katherine Trust. >> Yes. >> Derek from Daryus. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> If you're doing all your votes relative to the budget, which is I believe what your motion was, you would now have to
vote the two numbers for the assessments. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, the salary and the non-s salary portion. >> Yes. >> Just one second to make sure you have the right information. >> Yeah. The salary portion is 30 30,145,221.
That is the one that Tim cannot vote on. So you would need a motion. >> Okay. >> Your your language is G. >> Okay. Oh, you got the number. All right. >> Do you want me to make motion? >> I can't.
>> Okay. Okay. All right. Um, I motion that we vote to approve the FY27 updated recommended budget salary portion and the amount of 30,145,221. >> Second. >> You have a motion. You have a second. Now you have to have discussion.
>> Okay. >> So, this is just splitting the level services into a salary portion. >> So, yes. So, >> understood. Yeah. >> Okay. Any discussion? All right. Hearing none, another roll call.
>> Sorry, it's a roll call vote. You need twothirds and Tim Emry has to abain. >> Yes. Okay. >> Melinda Richards, >> yes. >> Courtney Breman, >> abstain. >> Bob Clark, >> yes. >> Jen Blum, >> yes. >> Tim Emory, >> abstain.
>> Becky Cushing, >> yes. >> Katherine Trust, >> yes. >> Derek Madaras, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Your language for the next amount is letter H and Mr. Higgins will give you the figure
>> for all other portions. Uh the budget number is 19,596,1661 9596166. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, I make a motion that we vote to approve the FY27 updated recommended budget. Um, all other portions in the
amount of 19,596,166. >> Second. >> Okay, this motion and second. Any discussion? No discussion. Melinda Richards, >> yes. >> Courtney Bman, >> Bob Clark, >> yes.
>> Jen Blum, >> yes. >> Tim Emory, >> yes. >> Becky Cushing, >> yes. Katherine Trust. >> Yes. Derek and Darus. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> You okay? >> I believe you have concluded your
portion of >> Yes. >> what you moved up in the agenda. You'd have to return to the regular agenda. >> Yes. So, um, now the school handbook presentation. Sorry. Hey, tonight we'll be seeking your approval uh for the updated school
handbooks for the next school year. As you may recall, FES and AES have a combined handbook. You have the handbook and the list of changes uh in your packet and you had some time to review that. Most of the changes are routine edits and updates of names, dates uh and
uh some names, dates and editorial things along the way. You know, missing comma, replacement of something. Uh there is a change regarding personal devices. A changing of left or loss of any personal device to left loss or damage of any
personal device that could lead to a fine. uh changing any time in the point in the school year to um I'm sorry, changing any time to any point in the school year under page 10. Um an added line regarding Corey checks. As you
know, we do Corey checks every 3 years. The supporting line to that is that a Corey is required to be renewed. Uh and then there are changes to this handbook as well as all of the other handbooks this evening to update our bullying language to meet Desi requirements.
Uh moving on, the grace handbook changes as you can see again are routine edits to names, dates, a couple of spelling corrections. Uh there is an addition uh on page 18 regarding uh student use of vulgarity and profanity and the
principal uh Sullivan is asking to use the word drawn. So, should a student draw something uh untored on a desk or the like, it would be subject to discipline as well. And once again, this handbook changes uh includes the changes or adjustments to the bullying language. Moving on, Freetown Lakeville Middle
School. Again, you've had time to per uh to peruse this routine edits, dates, names, and the like. A change to the grade release calendar that aligns with the uh new calendar for the school year. uh a number of policies related to attendance, tardiness, absenteeism,
dismissal, and makeup work to align with uh both school committee policy and what is in the high school handbook. Uh and again, there is a significant upgrade to the bullying policy uh to align with the bullying intervention plan, which we'll talk about in a minute. And last but not
least, uh very few revisions at the high school. again, updates to dates, edits, names, uh, calendars within the handbook that align with the up andcoming school year. Um, a change regarding the makeup work policy. Uh, a change regarding the
content, just to clarify, the contents of what should be in an absentee. uh a line noting our affiliation uh [clears throat] with I'm sorry, our participation in non school affiliated athletic events to align with an MIA
policy. A revision to the dismissal policy at the school. Uh again, a line right out of the MIA handbook uh regarding our uh athletes and what they need to follow. And again, an upgrade uh to the bullying language.
There are no questions. I'm just going to move right to the bullying intervention policy. Again, you've had this uh in your folder with the opportunity to review. Uh as you know, the district is required to have a bullying and inter intervention plan. We had one uh through uh some discovery and
work with DESIE. We needed to update our policy. So, I've been working uh with a representative from DESIE to upgrade our bullying uh policy here in the district to align actually with our practices because it was found that our practices that were in place were appropriate. Uh
but our policy and our more importantly our bullying intervention plan and how students report and how we take action after that wasn't delineated enough. So we updated our uh bullying inter intervention plan after it made the rounds with students at roundts after it
made the rounds uh with our school councils and after it was vetted by Desi. So that is what you see before you this evening the updated bullying inter intervention plan. Language from that plan is what is in the handbooks. So you would have to you know approve that plan
and then all the handbooks together. I would recommend doing that as a as a slate the end of the meeting if you'd like or do the bullying intervention plan first and then the handlings. I don't know if you have [clears throat] any questions about that. >> Any questions?
>> Okay, we'll move forward. We have some donations to talk about this evening. Uh first, uh we have an AES donation from Lifeouch Spring Pictures. That is the uh the the money that Life Touch donates back to the school. So for AES that's $753.92.
That money goes into the student activities account and it is used for just that student activities. There is an FES donation from Life Touch as well from the spring pictures at FES. It is $8901 and that would go into the student
activities account at FES. The ARHS music boosters received a donation through St. John Newman Church of $150 and that would be placed in the uh music high school activities account for use by uh our music students through
uh through that line item. And then last but not least, we have a donation of makeup and associated goods, an estimated value of $100,000 donated by former graduate Michaela Nuggera, who is um
an influencer. She did make this donation and I'd like to to let you know that the items in this donation were already disseminated and I apologize for that and the high school administration apologizes for that as well. The donation was made after school. Our
guidance department received the donation. They were very zealous in trying to get the items out in particular to graduating seniors before they left. So, they used some of those items as prizes at a at an overnight and then because some had gone out, other
counselors and staff assumed they were okay to hand out and had been approved through donation. So, those did go out uh to students in the district. So, again, I apologize and the high school administration apologizes for that, but the goods have been uh disseminated. >> So, we should vote yes. I I would
recommend, but you know, we could always ask for it back if you'd prefer. [laughter] We can do that. Uh we will review the donation policy though with the high school administration. >> Thank you. >> No questions. >> Okay, I'm going to move right along then. Uh I'll talk for a second here
about strategic planning. At the last uh meeting, the school committee tasked me with looking into strategic planning. uh we had been having this kind of conversation about setting a course for the district. Uh so we at central office along with the principles did have a discussion about what our needs might
be. Uh we did consult and review local district processes and products like what did some of the strategic plans in our neighboring districts look like after work especially after consultation. Uh these are just a few of the examples that we looked at for you. We then set to task and wrote a scope.
What are we looking for in our strategic plan? Well, we're looking for a five-year plan for this district uh with a possibility of implementation for a decade. What do we want the Freetown Lake Regional School District to look like 10 years from now and how do we get there? Uh we distributed that scope of
work and we are currently acquiring some proposals from consultants who have done this work and have been very successful especially in local districts and in regional districts. Uh and we have also started to draft a participation feedback and interest form that is our
intent to send out to all constituents before we recess for summer so that we can put together a group of people who represent everyone. So, we're looking for community members who have students, community members who don't have students, local business owners, elected
officials, school committee members, students, teachers, par profofessionals, secretaries, custodial staff, everyone who has stake in the Freetown Lake Regional School District to come together and develop a strategic plan that sets a defined course for this district. And I thank you for charging
me with that work and I look forward to updating you at the next meeting on the progress. I don't know if you have any questions right now. We've become very quiet, very weighty in this room right now. [laughter] I'm going to move on to the start and end times for next year. Uh, our start
and end times for students in all buildings will remain the same with the exception of the Grace building. There is a change by 5 minutes. Grace students would start at 8:15. Now, that is in order to accommodate two things. It's a a recapture of some learning time that
was on the table for the students. So that's more face-to-face time with the teachers and it's also to assist us uh with our continued success here with busing. As we as we recall uh last year we were making some changes to the start and end time of school to address busing
busing issues. We had our youngest students in the district getting home uh if we were lucky uh an hour and a half and in some cases two hours late. Uh we were able to rectify that matter. We have monitored the situation as the year has gone on and uh we're proud to say
that it is rare that we have issues with students getting home in a timely fashion. Uh so we'd like to recoup that learning time at Grace and make that adjustment uh based on transportation. Policy IDK I believe it is or is it ID? Policy ID that I shared with you of the
school committee says it is not required for you to make a vote when we make a change uh based on busing. That I have the purview to do that. If you'd like to vote on it this night, you know, this night to support that, you can, but it's not necessary. You've taken a few votes already and you have many ahead of you
to go. Uh, but sharing that a letter will go out to the community tomorrow. Uh, solidifying the times in all those buildings and letting the Grace parents know that their students have recouped five minutes of learning time. >> And thank you for all your hard work on the busing. >> You're [clears throat] welcome. But I have to thank the people next.
YES. [applause] AND then the last thing I have for you tonight, I'm actually speaking on behalf of Principal Desert who couldn't be here. This is uh we're looking for a vote tonight to make a change to the program of studies. You may recall in 2024 uh there's an increase in the credit
requirements for graduation from 120 credits to 121. Uh and that was to recognize the students efforts in a year-long civics action project. So they were receiving one credit for engaging in that project. That pro project is a
state requirement but the state requirement does not specify the length or depth so to speak of the project. Um however as a result of potential staffing reductions in the district. We need to make amendments to how the civics action project is being executed
at the high school. Rather than being a standalone fullear project, it will be assimilated into a course. So it won't have quite the depth or breath. Uh and as a result, it's being assumed into a credited course. So you would not be issuing a credit for kids to complete
it. And we certainly don't want to put a barrier to graduation with something that the kids can no longer attain. So we'd [clears throat] be looking for you this evening to reduce the credits back to 120 credits for graduation uh beginning with the next class and uh until that is changed again.
>> Do you have a question? >> Yes. Um, if by chance a level service budget was passed, would we come back to this and maybe put it, you know, put that credit back in there? >> I feel safe saying that the high school would certainly like to go back to that.
I think our students would too. Uh, the high school administration, I think our students certainly would too, and we would bring back to you uh an adjustment again to the program of studies. We we just don't want to go into the school year with a barrier to graduation. >> Yes. Honestly, I might have a a strange sophomore who [laughter] was really
looking forward to it being a huge deal. So, >> can we just table it? >> Um, well, no, I think we can vote tonight, but then we could revisit, right, in the fall >> if you're asking. You could do either of those things. You could you could table it or you could vote this evening and
then you could uh revisit in the fall. It's your perview to do either. >> Okay. >> I have a question. Does um does changing does reducing it by one credit affect um students who want to go on to further
education? >> It does not. >> Okay. >> So, it still meets the requirement. >> It still meets the requirement. Our 120 credits and the type of classes the students take meet Mass Core. >> Okay. >> The the gradu the requirement for a civics's action project would be met
within the confines of a class that already exists. So they would meet that graduation requirement as well. They just wouldn't receive a standalone credit and the experience is going to be completely different. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> There are no further questions about that. I'm going to turn things over to Terry Fleming. >> Okay. Um good evening. We are happy to announce that we are doing some uh putting a team together for early college planning. Uh, Massachusetts
Early College provides a structured program of study and support that increases co college success and career readiness while prior prioritizing students historically underserved in higher education. We're putting a team together to explore and plan the implementation of this program at the
high school which includes a grant request in February of 2027 to support funding costs for training for this program. We are in our initial stages, but I will keep you posted as the year progresses. Um, our student opportunity act progress report was submitted that was presented
to you back in March at the March 11th school committee meeting. Um, that has been approved by the state and will be on the state website for public um, viewing. >> We thank we thank you Terry Fleming for that. >> Yes. >> Um, this year has been exciting for my
uh, for review of um, academics in this school year. We reviewed art and music programs um and those are near and dear to my heart and my uh household. So I enjoyed this time that uh with music and art teachers. There's a couple of pictures on the slide there that um just
show just a just an inkling of what's going on. And even our graduation gifts from Ryan uh to the graduates was an art program. He's not in the art class, but I got to hear wonderful stories um from Miss Lema about the um relationship that was forged through the project for the
senior class. So that was very exciting. Um and so our curriculum with music and art both align to the frameworks. Well, our art teachers and music teachers um do a great job of providing opportunities in those programs for our students. Um and we continue to um
demonstrate uh strength in competitions like Senzba and districts uh for music and as if you had the opportunity to enter any of our buildings you see art throughout the buildings um and just a wonderful talent in those areas. Um so
it was a good time looking at our alignment there. Um, also linked in your program in the um, presentation is our academic progress for the end of year. And I'm happy to say that our student growth from fall to spring in literacy
um, we went from 36% to 71% at or above grade level. So 71% of our students are achieving at or above grade level on our end of year assessments. um our students that were two or more grade levels below um decreased from 15
to 8% and our highest areas of growth were both f were phonics, funological awareness, high frequency words and vocabulary which our foundation to breaking down words um for reading fluency and our lowest growth was in comprehension within literature reading but it was not far behind. So I was
really pleased with those end ofear results for literacy and the hard work that is going on in all of our buildings in that area. Can I excuse me? >> Can I make a comment about that? >> So, I just I want to um I want to
applaud those results. Uh because it highlights how important this vote was today to keep the level of service funding because what people will see is the end result, the success, right? But it only happened
because of the reading specialists, the math specialists, those early intervention services or those early supports that help those students succeed. Without them, you would not have seen that progress. >> And I know that Miss Steel and I have worked long and hard on MTSS and
implementing that through her team. Um, and I agree the work that our interventionists and our specialists do is integral to the success of our school. [applause] Um, and not [applause and cheering] negate the improvements in math. Uh, student growth from fall to spring went from 24% to 73% at our grade level.
Yeah. Wow. It was it was some amazing growth. >> Um, students that were two or more grade levels below decreased from 12% to 3%. Um, our area of highest growth with numbers and operations and measurement and data. And then our areas that um still struggle was geometry. However,
I'm going to tack that on to the timing because we still have spread geometry throughout the year, but it still does tend to happen more after um assessments. So, until high school, then you get a whole course on it. [laughter] Um so, I'm really excited by those results. Um also in that link, you'll
see um the total for grant funding this year. Um grant funding came in at $620,698. Um and the management of those grants continues and we've um polished and shined and spent and um all sorts of
stuff. Uh and that's all I have. Any questions? >> Thank you. >> One more. >> Oh. Oh, I do. Yes. Project Lead the Way. Okay. So, we brought in Project Lead the
Way and our middle school classes, uh design and modeling classes under Miss Blau and Mr. Gallagher. um uh finished their year. >> Oh, sorry. I did write below. I'm so sorry, Katie. I'm sorry, Katie. Uh Miss
Holmes and Mr. Gallagher. Um finished the project with a therapeutic toy project. And this is just I took pictures of so many kids in their projects. I I wish I could have put them all up. Um but they have were charged with providing creating a model uh
prototype for a toy to help different students with different needs. Um, and this is just a sampling of them. I think my [snorts] one of my favorites was the maca macamole. Uh, because a person liked macaroni and cheese, so they changed it from so they get a whole
story about this student and and the student that they were designing this for, their favorite food was macaroni and cheese. And so they tried to model the toy after macaroni and cheese, called it macamole um because they were working on um hand eye coordination. So, >> um I applaud the work that was done
there and and the um the growth that happened in CAD programming and uh initial interest into designing and modeling was um solid. I think the kids would all love to continue that. >> Thank you, Terry. Thank you for for your
work. [clears throat] >> Thanks for correcting that screen. Can we turn things over to Mr. Higgins? >> Sure. So, um the FY26 budget update is rather uh rather quick. We are uh the business office is quite busy right now preparing for the end of year. Um as you can imagine it's been a challenging year
with um the issues of uh the temperature as well as the uh you know the the blizzard that we received and then of course the uptick in cost of fuel. This would be not only fuel for transportation for our buses but also for heating fuel for the buildings. So, we're watching our watching our beans,
watching our pennies very closely here as we get to the end of the year um with those understanding and keeping an eye on on on closing out the year. So, only a few days remaining. The other challenge that we find is of course we have our final warrant for FY26 on uh in
in two weeks and uh we will still of course have days of school past that time. So, we'll have expenditures um that will roll over into 27 um that we have to be very careful as we go through that process. It's just a little bit more effort and I really want to applaud
the efforts of our um of our team. They're doing a fantastic job. In the uh case of FY27, you've already received your budget update relative to that. I want to jump to the um Asawset Elementary School PTO who's who would who is offering to donate um time and
materials for the [clears throat] painting and freshening up of the teachers lounge uh as well as some donation of furniture in that same space. And then uh potentially also the painting of the principal's office to welcome the new principal. That's a question mark, but they they're they're
considering that as well. The uh in addition to that, we have received a donation from a uh from a resident uh through a family member who is a um an owner of TNK Asphalt. This is out of Whitman, I believe, Whitman, Massachusetts. Uh the resident though
lives here in Lakeville. And uh they had seen the the basketball court at AES and the paint the you know the lines on the paint and they they thought we can do that pretty quickly and do a nice job to upgrade those things. We'd like to donate our time. And so they sent a mockup, which you can see in the picture
behind me. That's not done. That's just the mockup. So that's what they would expect it to look like when it's completed. Uh this would be donation of time, supplies, and staff to paint those lines uh through TNK asphalt. Uh the next item I have for you is um a
little bit complicated, so I'm going to go step by step and go as slowly as I can. Questions will probably arise. So here's a situation. Um, starting in January of 2016, there was uh the beginning of the senior citizens breakfast, a tradition that we've had in the district for now for 10 years. It's
an opportunity to connect our senior citizens uh community members with our students in both Freetown and in Lakeville. Uh, initially it was done as two breakfasts in at Asamet Elementary each year for the Lakeville residents and then two breakfasts uh at Freetown
Elementary for the Freetown residents. uh after uh in the spring of 2020 when we closed for COVID and then the following year and a or year and a half approximately uh we um uh postponed those breakfasts and when they res when
they returned uh they were then centrally located as just two each year, one in the fall, one in the spring being hosted at the middle school. Uh in this year uh just a few months ago I discovered that these breakfasts had
been funded uh through the food revolving food service account. Uh this is an improper process. So we've remedied the error the error in the current year through our invoice and warrant process. So our food service uh issued us invoices for the two breakfasts in the current year. We
funded those things through your school committee uh expense line as would be proper as it is your hosting the breakfast. Um, but we have the prior years that I'd like to fix. So, uh, in that process, I communicated with a number of people. I communicated with
the Desi director of finance. This is kind of a unique little complicated thing. We're not talking about big dollars, but we're talking about going back 10 years. Uh, in case of the revolving fund, the food service revolving fund, it's not an issue because it is in fact a revolving fund. You can make it whole. The issue was
really from where does the funding come from from the school committee relative to making that food service revolving fund whole. So, as I said, I meant I I spoke with the director of finance for for the department of edu uh elementary and secondary education, talked to the uh nutrition financial management
coordinator and then finally also spoke to to our auditor. I spoke to our auditor uh and ultimately um the the the conclusion was uh that this should be done uh through our normal warrant process in the current year. We can solve this in the warrant process in the
current year. Um, so for those years, this would be 2016, FY16 through FY25, we're talking about $3,928.65 cents. So it's not big dollars, aboutund anywhere between uh, you know, the lowest being at $106
and the greatest being $240 uh, over that time. Um, but a credit really a credit to the work that's done in food service because as you can imagine, imagine uh your boss, me, speaking to the food service director and saying, "Could I please get invoices for the
last 10 years of breakfasts?" And sure enough, she had counts on the number of residents that had attended. Uh she was able to pull the numbers for uh for identifying and then went back and also the catering element that goes into it. There's a cost that that that is
involved. So, I've got got all um all of those invoices at my office now. Uh and they would be paid through the warrant process. But what would have to happen is that uh the school committee would have to make a budget transfer. This is not a uh to give you a kind of going back to last year. On June 11th of last
year, the school committee had voted to use $13,335 of END to conduct the Grace pool engineering study. This was really an ear. It was a hold uh money was put on the uh on hold because there was money coming from an earmark from the state uh
through the supplemental budget, but we wanted to be able to start the study. So, the school committee made the vote to set that money aside should the earmark not uh materialize that the study could still be completed. the earmark did materialize and so that
money $13,335 has been sitting in an account line for the maintenance of equipment at Grace at uh the intermediate school. Uh so the budget transfer for this process would be for the school committee to vote uh it's a simple majority vote uh to to
transfer 330 398 sorry $3,928.65 from that maintenance of equipment line. um 0140074230429 to the expense the school committee expense line uh which is 0100111536 so that it could then be paid properly
in the warrant process in two weeks. Any questions? >> Yes. >> Sorry, I I have a couple of questions. Um just for those of us who have never had the um fortunate benefit to be at one of the breakfasts which I plan to go
to at some point. Um this is a a breakfast where we invite seniors to the schools and there's an interaction with students right where so it's not just you know we're opening up the doors for free food one morning. >> Yeah. >> Correct. the students attend. There's a there's a always a core group of
students that are participating and and usually at the middle school it's a little easier because they're a little more they have more advoc um they have the ability to engage a little bit higher level than I think at the elementaryaries in the prior years. Uh and so there is uh typically a core group um of of middle school leaders
that participate. It's probably about a 2 to one in terms of number of seniors versus the number of um students >> as a community engagement project. >> Correct. That is it. That is its purpose. Correct. >> That's lovely. That's fantastic. Um, and then just to go back to you had, you
know, you had commented on the way that we would, of course, you know, I think everyone would agree we want to make good on whatever we owe and and clean that up so it's proper. Um, there's no concerns with that money being spent
from END to pay this debt. >> So, it wouldn't be END. It is out of it is out of the general fund. You had voted, the school committee had voted to to allot this money from END into the general fund. It is now in the general fund. It is just in an account line. I I'm bringing it to your attention so you
understand where the money is coming from. >> I'm following. Sorry, I I missed that piece. Okay, got it. And then um my last question would be >> what is the rest of that money get moved out to >> at the end of the year? that money will uh be moved to will will hit the balance
sheet and become part of the calculation for END at the end of this year. >> Amazing. Okay, that was very very helpful. I just wanted to clear up the intent of the program that it's a school funded program. Um the only other um comment I would have is in the future I
think it's a fantastic program maybe um partner with some of our PTOs or boosters and I think that could be another way to provide some funding. Sure. >> To keep it, you know, maybe we can even do it more regularly. >> Sure.
>> I just want to clarify something. Sorry. So, moving forward like next year. >> Um the money will come from the expenses of the school committee budget. >> The expense school the school committee's expense line >> as it did this year and then it will do and will do so going forward. And as I
said, the typical uh for a typical year um you're talking about four, five, $450 that is for both breakfast combined, not not one of them, >> right? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Now, with that kind [clears throat] of
money, is it possible to contact Aramac and see if they'd be willing to donate that uh every year? >> They certainly could. I don't I'm not sure going back all the way back. I mean going in the future I could certainly see them doing that. I mean we could we always can ask.
>> Yes. >> I think I think that's something we should do. >> Well, we are also going to bid next year for food service. So I'm sure the companies that would be looking would be happy to consider that as well.
>> I would hate to see that program. I would hate to see it go. I've gone every single year since I've been on here and it has been incredible watching the students um conversate with the seniors. It's awesome and it kind of goes towards the same [clears throat] project that a lot of our students already have where
they're at the senior centers. So, they've already built these relationships with the seniors and they're so happy to see each other. And Becky, it truly is a wonderful event. And >> no, I really can't wait to go and and my thought was, you know, reaching out to PTO's and other organizations like that to collaborate was that it could even
grow. >> Yeah. Yep. I can't believe it was even questioned, honestly. But here we are. >> Okay. >> It takes all kinds. >> With that, we'd move on to capital planning. Uh we are presenting to you
tonight in your folder uh a draft of a capital plan. We've we've heard over and over again uh that we we don't have a capital plan. Uh well, we do now. We're presenting you with a draft. Uh the plan was based on continuing work from the Khabib and Associates study that has
been mentioned several times and um a few of those projects have occurred. Uh but in looking at the priorities in that uh study, taking feedback and notes from previous capital committee work that occurred before I got here um information presented during the
presentation of this budget. You might recall back on March 5th when we had that uh very long meeting uh with both boards, we walked through uh you know some of the the capital expenses that needed to occur in the next few years uh and also based on information we've already shared with the TAS at the
monthly meeting that I mentioned before. So as a result, Mr. Higgins at my behest put together the draft capital plan that you see. Uh we're not looking for you to vote on that plan tonight. We'd like you to take a look at that and make sure you're in support of that and that it matches this the uh the priorities of
the district. And we'd like you to take a vote at your next meeting whenever that might be uh to move forward and present that capital plan with a supported vote to both of our towns. So I I know you might not have any questions because I'm not sure we've had a chance to really take a look at that,
but that is what that capital plan is. And with that, if you have no questions, we're going to move on to Kelly Steele for our student service presentation. >> I have a just a quick presentation tonight. Um this is my end of year, which I do every year. Um I usually have a beginning, a mid, and an end. So our total um in district special education
student count right now is 563. Um so that is up 52 from the start of the year. Um my projection was um about 11 students less than that. So we are a little bit above where I had projected but but not by much. Um and our audit district number has stayed um right
where it was when we started. So the numbers are the same. The students can can fluctuate, but the number is the same at the end of the year. Um and so we are at 21.5% of our students receiving special education services um through an IEP. And I did put the detailed report in your folder so you can see the breakdown
by school and all of that information. I won't go through all of that tonight. Um, I did want to clarify because I know there's been a lot of conversation with the budget and the and you know, not getting the override and position cuts and and special education services are legal services. We're still providing those services. I just want to be really
careful on how that is presented because we're not cutting IEP services and not servicing the kids according to IEP. No matter what, the IEPs will be met. So, I just wanted to clarify that so there wasn't any confusion there. Um, and then moving on to CPAC. Um, my always my
favorite thing to talk about. Uh we had our last meeting last Wednesday the 3rd. Um and they had a DJ. So I just have a picture of the kids. They had a dance party um and an ice cream social and they voted for their um their board members um for the following year. So the chair is going to be Amy Masso. The
treasur is Jessica Olad. Currently secretary is vacant but by um the board rules uh we do need to have a secretary. So that will need to be filled. So, if anybody wants to be the CPAC secretary, um you can reach out with interest and then they'll have to do an, you know, um
[clears throat] motion to vote for that person and second at their next meeting. But they are looking for a secretary for CPAC. Um and then just one other thing I just wanted to note because I think it's important not to lose sight. Our ESY programming, we're fully staffed, which I just want to give credit to the teachers. Um they're working till June
26. they get a week off and all of our staff have overly committed to working in the summer to keep their students supported and keep consistency for kids [clears throat] and now they're coming back before Labor Day as well and they still did not leave me with vacancies this year and I just really want to give a shout out to the commitment of our
special education staff are doing that because it's a short timeline and they don't get as much time off and they're still just as committed if not more than they were before. So that's what I have tonight if you have any questions. >> Thank you. Thank you, Kelly. That concludes my part. I turn things back over to you.
>> Okay. Um, subcommittee reports. Um, regional finance committee. >> So, as of yesterday, we were still waiting for I think two members of the regional finance committee to get sworn in. So, we don't have a I know you're sworn in. Um, two other members. [laughter] There's six of us. You
>> looked at me, so I'm like >> I went right away. [laughter] >> You're my counterpart on the >> That's all right. So Dererick and I are sworn in to clear the air. Um we're still waiting for two other members to be sworn in out of the six. And then once I receive that
update, I will reach out to everybody to check their availability because obviously we have a lot to discuss with all of the budget um issues and concerns. And we still have that um audit RFP that we need to um get moving on, but we're still waiting for
two people. [clears throat] >> Okay. Um and um interim superintendent evaluation committee has no update. We are pretty much not needed right now. >> I'll be presenting goals in September. >> Okay.
Um wellness and health committee. Any update? >> No update. >> Okay. Um the policy committee, any update? >> No. >> Okay. Um capital committee, >> nothing to report other than what was discussed.
>> Okay. Yes. And the pool committee, >> I have an update. [laughter] >> Um, I'd like to uh I'll I'll try to keep this brief, but it's important and it's exciting and we've worked real hard to get to where we are. So, um, I'd like to
start by thanking the major a majority of the pool subcommittee for being here tonight. Um, it's it's been a long wait already, but we're here. Um, so I I want to present you
with this. Tonight's agenda includes a motion to approve the recommendation of the pool subcommittee. I encourage the committee to vote in favor of that recommendation this evening. Before [clears throat] we take that vote, I'd like to provide a brief timeline and
update on the work that has brought us to this point. The pool subcommittee was formed last year and [clears throat] sworn in with a specific charge to evaluate pool use, including student programming, athletics, and community access, while also exploring funding opportunities,
grants, and partnerships to support both ongoing operations and potential improvements. Since then, we've met regularly, typically once a month and sometimes more frequently, to review the pool's history, understand how it reached its current condition, and evaluate
realistic options for its future. Many of you may recall the presentation of the pool subcommittee g uh given at a January school committee meeting. At [clears throat] that time, we shared the research and information we had gathered and outlined the options available to
us. Even then, it was clear that repairing the pool for its intended use without relying on local tax dollars was a more practical and fiscally responsible option than permanently closing and or filling in the pool, particularly uh as we've learned more
about the district's financial challenges since then. Following that presentation, the school committee authorized us to continue our work, including outreach to vendors and contractors, as well as further exploration of fundraising and partnership opportunities. And I thank
you for that vote back in January. Since January, we've continued meeting discussing next steps in developing RFPs for both pool repair and uh a leasing agreement. Mr. [clears throat] Higgins, excuse me, Mr. Higgins have
congratulated Philly and Associates that they've been selected for the pool repair project award with the award contingent upon final confirmation of state funding and a signed contract. In addition, we received a proposal from a company interested in leasing the pool
once repairs are completed. Such an arrangement will significantly offset, most likely eliminate the annual operating costs typically associated with the facility while still preserving access for our student athletes and swim programs. As we've discussed throughout
the budget process, finding ways to increase revenue and reduce expenses is critical. A successful leasing partnership could help achieve both goals while allowing the district to maintain its valuable resource. We've also received a letter a letter
from Senator Rodri's confirming state funding of no less than $150,000 for repairs to the Grace pool. These funds are specifically designated for pool repairs, cannot be used for any other purposes. [clears throat] This information was publicly shared by
the senators uh social media last Friday. And as of today, um there is a note from the senator uh to one of our members that the the money is in the fair share supplemental budget pending
the governor's signature. Uh in addition, we [clears throat] have received several private donations designated specifically for pool repairs, which the school committee approved at our last meeting. Given these positive funding developments, the pool subcommittee's
recommendation to the school committee tonight is straightforward. We recommend moving forward with the repair of the pool pending the state funds being finalized and received to our district. Approving
this recommendation tonight will allow us to begin the process as soon as the funding is finalized rather than creating additional delays waiting for another vote at a later date. As this work moves forward, we will continue to coordinate with the pool repair contractor, the board of health, and all
other relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is complete completed responsibly and that the graze pool remains properly maintained and operated in the future. Thank you. And I respectfully ask for your support of the subcommittee's recommendation this evening. [laughter and clears throat]
>> Okay. Thank you. Um all right. Now we're going to move on to the rest of our action items. Um we need a vote to >> discuss discussion. >> Oh, sorry. Yes. Is there any >> any general topics that you approve for discussion?
>> Any other discussions? Anyone feels like Okay. >> I just want to say the same energy that y'all gave the pool. Let's get out there at these joint town meetings and have that same kind of push cuz you all got it done for the pool.
So, >> okay. All right. Um, so moving on to action items. Um, we need a vote to approve the school hand. >> If if I may through the chair, I would recommend doing the bullying one. Do be first. >> Okay. >> Because that language from that is in
all the handbooks. >> Okay. All right. So, um, we need to vote to approve the bullying prevention and intervention plan first. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Um, hearing a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Okay. No discussion. Um, all those in
favor? >> I. >> Um, any opposed and any abstained? >> Motion pass. >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Now, we need a vote to approve the school handbooks. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Okay. Hearing a motion and a second. Any discussion? Okay, no discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> And any opposed and any abstensions? >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Um,
we need a vote to approve the AES and FES monetary donations as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion? >> Okay. Hearing no discussion. All those in favor say I. I. >> I. I and um any opposed
and any abstensions? >> I'm going to abstain. >> Okay. All right. Um we need Sorry, motion passes. Um we need a vote to approve a the ARHS music boosters monetary donation as presented. >> Second.
>> Okay. Hearing a motion to second. Any discussion? >> Okay. Seeing no discussion. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? And any abstensions? >> Motion passes. >> Okay, motion passes. Um then we need a
vote to approve the ARHS donation from um our previous graduate as presented. Um any any I'm sorry. >> Still muted. >> Second. [laughter] >> All right. Um hearing a motion in a second. Any discussion?
>> I have a a point to make. Um I am not um going to I'm going to abstain my vote for this only bec not because of the donation or the person but because I think that um and I was
happy to hear the explanation of what happened but because I think it sets a precedent that um you know voting after the fact that it was given out is um dangerous uh just that it kind of opens up the door. So, I was really happy to hear that you rectified that and that,
you know, you'll review the procedures with the staff, but I just wanted to explain why I was making that decision. Um, that, you know, it was very nice of the donation for the donation. It's just um, you know, I think that it was
[snorts] almost like putting the cart before the horse. >> Okay. Um, any other discussion? Okay. Um, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any um objections and any objections?
>> Okay. >> Um, >> motion passes. >> Okay. Now we're moving to I, right? Making sure I'm not skipping anything. >> Motion passes. >> Oh, sorry. Yeah, I missed it. Okay. We need a vote to approve the ARHS 2627 program of studies adjustment.
>> Um, do I hear a motion? >> Some move. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion in a second. Any discussion? >> This is the civics's action, correct? >> Yes. Right. Um All right. Any other discussion? [snorts] Hearing none. Um all those in favor say I.
>> I. I. >> Um any opposed? >> And any abstensions? >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Okay. Now we're on I right. >> Yes. >> Okay. [snorts] Um we need a vote to approve the AES PTO donations as
presented. >> So moved. >> Second. Okay, I run a motion and a second. Any discussion? All right, no discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Um, any opposed? And any obstensions?
Okay. Motion passes. Now we need a vote to approve the T and K asphalt donations as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. In a motion and a second. Any discussion or no discussion? Um, all those in favor
say I. I I >> any oppose and any abstensions? Okay. Motion passes. Now we need >> through the chair. >> Oh yes. >> Letter K needs to be rewarded. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Higgins, I think he has language. >> Yes. Vote vote to approve a budget transfer of $3,928.65 65 cents from the maintenance of of equipment
account line for the intermediate school to the school committee expense line. >> Okay. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Make a motion to [clears throat] have a budget budget transfer of $3,928.65
from the maintenance account maintenance of equipment account line at grace to school committee expenditures expenses. >> So move second. >> All right. Hearing a motion and a second. Any discussion? Okay. Hearing none. Um all those in
favor say I. I. >> Any opposed and any abstensions? Okay. Motion passes. Um, now we need a vote to approve the recommendation of the pool subcommittee. I don't if you want to re reiterate the
>> or not. >> All right. Sorry. >> I'm sorry. I just didn't know if you wanted to read your motion again or >> Well, the motion is to approve the recommendation. >> Okay. Yeah. Fine. >> Can we make it more specific to to say what the recommendation is?
>> Oh, I made the recommendation a few minutes ago. So the motion motion to >> Yeah, >> sure. [clears throat] Um the wording if someone would want to make the motion should read. >> You can make it, Tim.
>> Just make the motion. >> Okay. I make a motion then to move forward with the repair of the pool when the promised state funds are finalized and received
to our district. >> Second. >> Okay, a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Do we know when we expect the funds to actually be in house? >> [clears throat] >> So there is some there is some question that because of the it really is going
to be dependent on the governor signing the budget. That's part of the process and then it goes into a very similar process to the grant uh process but there are in some of these cases where earmarks where they can backdate. So we'll be notified of those things um and
and could be as as early as the middle of July or the beginning of July or it could be later in the summer. Okay. Okay. Um, any other discussion? >> I just I want to thank you hopefully.
Um, but I want to reiterate that this allows us to start the repairs prior to waiting for another vote. Uh, if the money does come in sooner, >> right? >> Okay. Um, yes. >> Thanks to chairman of the committee for all that all the work you put into. >> You're welcome. But thank you to the
committee. It's it was it's been treacherous and it's not done yet, but uh but thank you for the countless hours we've we've put into it. Thank you for your help. >> Okay. Any more discussion? All right. Um then all those in favor say I.
>> I. I. >> Any opposed? And any abstensions? Okay. Motion passes. Now we need a vote to approve the payroll and vendor warrants from 52026, 52726, and 61026.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Hearing a motion in a second. Any discussion? All right. No discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. And any abstensions? Okay. Um, [clears throat]
now we need Oh, sorry. Motion passes. And um now we need a vote to approve regular session minutes from 51326 and 52726. >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay, we're in a motion and second. Any discussion? >> All right, no discussion. All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> Any opposed? >> And any abstensions? Okay, motion passes. And um now we need a vote to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn at 8:46. >> So move. >> Second. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion?
All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any any abstensions? >> Okay. Pass motion eating a