Good evening. Today is Tuesday, May 13th, and we are at the MRO Public School Committee meeting, and I would like to remind everyone that we are being recorded live and streamed on WMCTV. I now call this meeting to order at 7:30. Can I have everyone rise for
the pledge of allegiance? I aliance 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. Thank you everyone.
We will now jump down to the superintendent reports. Thank you, Mayor Christian. I wanted to update the community on the good now principal s search. Um please join me in welcoming Jennifer Collins as the next
principal of the good now um brothers elementary school. Give me a second, Jen. So Jen, um for anyone that doesn't know Jen, Jen began her career in education in 1999 as a teacher in the Marorrow public schools.
Over the next 24 years, she taught kindergarten through grade three. During that time, she was also a grade level lead teacher or teacher leader and a district responsive classroom trainer. In 2021, Jen completed an MSAA
leadership license program and principal internship in the Marorrow district. In 2022, Jen left Marorrow public schools to pursue school-based leadership positions which she couldn't find here and we were very sad. Um, she joined the
Oxbridge public schools where she assumed the role of elementary assistant principal. Please join me in congratulating Jen as she begins this new chapter in her career and returns to Marbor as principal of the Goodnau Brothers School. Welcome, Jen.
Good evening. Um, I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you tonight as I accept the principal position at Good Now Brothers Elementary. So, thank you for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility. Um, as I
embark on this new chapter in my career, I can't help but reflect on my long-standing connection to this remarkable district. My journey here began many years ago when I walked through the doors of our schools, specifically Jark Elementary School, as a wideeyed student eager to learn and
grow. Little did I know that those formative years would shape my passion for education and my commitment to this community. I've had the privilege of serving as a teacher in this district. Each day in the classroom has been a blessing, allowing me to work alongside
the dedicated colleagues and inspire countless young minds. These expectations experiences have not only honed my skills as an educator, but also deepened my understanding of our district's unique strengths and challenges. As a current resident of
this district, as a lifelong resident as this district, my investment in our schools extends far beyond the classroom. I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact that and quality education that we have in our community. My children have thrived in the schools
and I've act and I've actively participated in various community um aimed initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing our educational programs. As I stepped into this new role, I bring with me a vision for good now that builds upon our strong foundation while
embracing innovation and growth. My goals include fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, enhancing communication between school, families, and the community, supporting our talented teachers and staff in their professional development, implementing
evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes, and preparing our students for the challenges and opportunity of the 21st century. I want to ensure you my commitment to this district and our student remains unwavering. I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the high standards of
education that our community expects and deserves. And together we can create an environment where every child can thrive, discover their passions, and reach their fullest potential. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude once again for this opportunity. I'm excited
to collaborate with our exceptional staff, engaged parents, and supportive community members to lead good now to a bright future. Thank you for your trust and confidence and I look forward to coming home to Malboro, the district that has supported me. So, thank you so much. I'm very happy and excited to
start this new endeavor. Welcome back, Principal Collins. Um, to update the committee in the community on the Marbor High School principal search, Marbor High School principal Dr. Dan Riley has been appointed superintendent of of the West
Boilston School District. He will remain in Marbor through June 30th, 20125. We beginning a search process for the new Marbor High School principal. We sent out requests for parents, staff, and student volunteers to serve on an
interview committee, and we had our first meeting earlier today. the rest of the timeline, we are scheduled to have um interviews next Wednesday and Friday. And then s finalist site visits the week
of May 26th and we expect to appoint the next principal at the school committee meeting of June 10th or uh introduce them at that time. You um finally the Marbor Public Schools walking zones
update. I think I'm going to do this every single meeting till the end of the year to try to get as many people to hear this message as possible. On Thursday, May 5 1st, we held two community forums for the
FY26 school no zones. Each elementary principal will schedule a schoolbased forum in June. I will attend each of them as well with them. So, they're trying to work on five different schedules at this
time. The we are reviewing each schoolbased walking um street list at this time and we expect that they will be posted but for our website by Friday. So, that is this week's update on our
walking zone at um on the list is also going to be Mr. as well as determining what a registration process will look like for FY26. We'll be sharing that in the next meeting or so. Okay. Yes. Quick question on that.
Um where is our process in line with having those further conversations with DPW and traffic commission and all of that? Is that going to be embedded into like traffic commission meetings or what are you guys envisioning out of curiosity?
Yeah. So, um the last streets update or intersections I gave to DPW. So, if there's any further updates, we'll pass that information on. So, and we've also um Ted Scott has been um talking to Mr. Wells and I on a regular basis because
of the school building process. We were um just specifically Mr. Wells and Ted Scott were talking the other day about a particular crosswalk that would extend an area. So that's where we're at looking at those um issues and that's
exactly why I'm asking because we've had some of these offline conversations about some of the crosswalks and knowing that we had had some conversations about the crosswalks near Jarrick and obviously it's taken a bit. I guess that that's why I'm wanting to make sure we're putting it up front because I
would think that we want to make sure the painting and is executed this summer so we're all kind of good to go with a lot of lead time. So the other thing is one of the things that we learned by talking to by looking at some of the projects that are going on in the city
and um sidewalks are usually added but potentially I think that I'd love to talk to the miss um mayor Christian at some point about how we also add if you're going to do a sidewalk adding those crosswalks and potentially the
stop button crosswalks when these projects are being put in I think it's an opportunity we're not taking advantage of. It wasn't a priority. It wasn't needed, but I think it is now. Yep. So, okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Anything else? Superintendent reports. Seeing none, we'll move on to the assistant superintendent of student services equity, Mrs. O'Brien. Thank you very much. like to uh provide the school committee information on unified game day that is
coming up. Marbor Public Schools will be hosting a district-wide unified game day sponsored by the Special Olympics on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Morrow High School track and field. This will be the first time postcoid that students and staff across the district will be
participating all together in an event celebrating an inclusive school community. Michaela Mahoney uh teacher from Wickham and Nick Rolando teacher from the high school are leading the organization of the event. Opening ceremonies will start at noon and then
students from Kain Jarwick Goodnau Richard and Richard Elementary schools as well as Wickham um my god sorry in Wickham and Malbero high school will compete in a variety of games including relay races, shot put, long jump, botchi, ring toss and some other events.
The closing ceremonies will occur at 2 pm, after which time students will head back to their respective schools to be dismissed at the end of the school day. We welcome school committee members and the community to come cheer the students. And we're really really excited for this.
Uh we have uh t-shirts this year uh that are being ordered. Uh so we'll have all the staff, students. So, I just remember my first year in going to Framingham State and what a fantastic event that was. So, I'm really happy that we're able to get back to that.
Excellent. Questions? Yeah. No, me is just saying I am so sad that I'm not going to be in town when this is happening. I absolutely love that this is coming back. Um, being able to go when it was over in Framingham and be a
part of the the the day and the events, it was lovely. I can remember Mr. Scaza, you were over there doing a lot with all of the kids and it was it was a ton of fun. It was just a a great day and they felt so much accomplishment and the
parents loved it and it was just great. So, thank you for getting this back on track. Welcome. I just I have a question about the field and the track. I mean, as we've heard, it's not in the best shape.
Um, we feel like it's in good enough shape that the students are going to be safe. I I believe so. I haven't I have not been up there myself. I know that last year Wickham and the high school did a joint unified game day just at the
secondary level up there. So, they have had events up there at the high school. Yes. Okay. And I believe Good now has their whole field day up there as well, right? So yes, I think big events have been taking place there. Okay.
Okay. Anything else? We're moving on. Moving on. Thank you. All right. My favorite public comment. Is there any public comment going once? Seeing none. Public comment going
twice. Seeing none. Public comment for the third and final time. Seeing none, we will close the public comment portion. Moving on to action items and reports. Memorandum of understanding between the
AFL-CO State Council 93 local 1709 custodial houseworker house workers. Thank you, M. It's a mouthful. Um uh earlier this evening in executive session I presented the memorandum of
understanding between the school committee and the custodians to the committee. We took a vote on this new contract that which begins July 1st and goes for three years to 2028 and we voted in favor of a new contract. And um
I'd like to make a motion for public um voting now. So motion to approve in public session theou between the cafeteria and the custodian. Sorry custod are getting me. That'll be next
week. Yeah, the custodians and Marvel public schools. There's a motion on the table for theou for the custodial house workers and it's seconded. Questions, comments, concerns regarding theou. Seeing none, all in
favor? It is so moved. Thank you. Moving on for policies for first read policy IDA health and wellness. Thank you so much. So before you you have a number of policies tonight for
first read. Um policies are policy IDA health and wellness which is um more of an update to a policy that is um existing and on our books. um policy uh KB which is school visitors/v
volunteers policy. Um this policy is one that um had been on our books and we just were making some revisions. Policy KBA volunteers chaperoons for the schools. This is kind of teasing it out
a little bit further. And then policy KBB, which is observations of special education programs. We felt like it was um needed when we started to look into um what MASC and a number of different districts offer. We felt like it would be helpful to make sure that we kind of
put the different labels, if you will, to really put some of this um parameters on understanding what you're doing when you're in school, um asking to be in there, getting approvals, all of that kind of thing. So those are the four
policies for your the first read. Uh so that's my motion is for a first read. I'll second your motion. Thank you. Questions, comments, concerns regarding your first clarifying question on KDA.
Um your one of your last signs it looks like you were going to insert the fingerprinting scheduling link. Um, as we know, we don't like to live ever put anything in there that can actively move. Would a suggestion would be that please contact our human resources
department for the most updated um application information? Yeah, we certainly because you don't want I mean you don't want anybody to have to maintain that link. That link agreed. Um, that link is similar. There's
another link that we have in like a safe um what is it Mary? Like a safe sites around transportation for one of our field trip things that we have. We do have a link that's in there. I think this and that link are like the only two. We can certainly put that there. I
just I just think you're looking for possible issues. Yeah. And we did have that before where we had to then go in and it is something that has to be monitored. So, um, I can definitely take it back and put it into like a contact.
That was just my only concern, but thank you. Not a problem. Thank you. It's first read. Thank you. Oh, we The motion's on the table for just a first read. Just first read. I don't think you have to. Yeah, there's
nothing. Yeah, first read. First read. So, we can move on. Correct. Yep. Since it's a first read, acceptance of donations and gifts. So, we have box tops for education for Kane School for $13.80.
Motion to approve. Motion to approve is on the table and seconded. Any questions, comments, concerns regarding the donation? Seeing none, all in favor? Motion carries. Next one is the Global Alliance Energy for the Wickcom School for $500.
Motion to approve. Motion to approves on the table. Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the donation of her $500 for Wickham? Seeing none, all in favor? Motion carries. And the last one is Special Olympics for Wickham School for $500. Motion to approve. Motion to approve is
on the table and second. Questions, comments, concerns regarding the donation to Wickcom School for $500. Seeing none, all in favor? Motion carries. Thank you. Moving on to reports of school committee
subcommittees. And yes, Miss Hennessy, um we'll be planning a policy subcommittee meeting um so we can do some approvals of a few policies we've been talking about. So that'll be coming soon. Thank you. Okay. Anything else?
Yes. Um obviously, uh I reported out and we approved theou with the custodians. We have also come to an agreement with the cafeteria workers and that will most likely be on our next agenda for our meeting to approve. Okay. Uh and
yes, that's it. Else seeing none moving on members forum reviewed and signed the warrant. Thank you. I miss Mr. Rul. Hello. I'd just like to update you all on the world's
trip. So, um, we competed with over 830 teams. It was roughly from 53 countries. Wow. Um, yeah, it was a great experience. It was three days of competing, like full days. It was long, but it was a great experience. Um, and overall in skills, we came 59th out of those 800.
Congratulations. So, in all of the Massachusetts teams that made uh worlds, we were second. Um, so yeah, a great accomplishment. And I think all of us were really happy about what hap uh outcomes. Um we met so many different people from so many different places,
New Zealand, China, South Korea. It was just great to see everyone's own spin on things and you know like perspectives on um how they do stuff. Just great experience overall and I think hopefully we'll make it next year back. So excellent. So for those that are at home viewing, it's the robotics team. Um went
to Texas to Dallas. Correct. and they had a pretty cool demonstration of their robot last school committee meeting. So I just want to update. So they went to the worlds and congratulations on that. So yes through you just a quick question
at is there any way that um you the three of you might be able to go to the middle school to do some show and tell about this incredible experience that you've been able to do here at Marorrow because sometimes I kind of feel like
people don't know. Yeah, but if you can put it right in front of them, it'd be awesome. That's Yeah, we can totally do that. Yeah, set something up with Miss Mahoney and then the middle school. For sure. Yeah, that'd be awesome. Thank you. Of course. And maybe you can get Mr. Major to put together some sort of a
compilation of all his videos and pictures and everything that you could bring along. Thankfully, everything was live stream so we can get clips of our like actual matches and then we were able to get u good photos from Mr. Major, too. So, that's great. That's great. That's awesome. Did you share those live videos with some of us too?
Yeah, we we can put a little clips together. Totally. Yeah, thank you. Through the chair, one quick question. Obviously, it was a great experience and meeting all these people and I'm sure you kept looking at everybody's robots and what they were doing. Did you walk
away having gathered some good intel like for future thing? Obviously, the next project. Oh, and did they announce the new one? So, they did release the new game. It was at the very end. Um, and they kind of set everyone off like, okay, here's your new challenge for next year. It's a little different. It's regarding with balls and different
scoring stuff. But yeah, and then regarding the other question, yeah, walking away, we got to we learned a lot of stuff from a lot of teams just like seeing how especially like overseas, right? Everything's a lot different like the way they structure teams. I think team organizations a big thing we learned. um how you can you know uh a
lot of teams do a lot of professional like team management with the actual software and you know trying to get on that level of like really making it a team of um people working on a project rather than just like a robotics team. So it's a pretty cool Did you find that
most of the top 50 had those better? There's there's a lot there's a lot of organization stuff that I think we can do too. Just a great great learning experience too. That's great. That's wonderful. What a lifelong experience that is or lifelong. And yes, I I would
like to suggest that when you we put together this kind of presentation that um our friend Meredith um gets to see it because I I really think that this is the kind she's the person who runs the MEEDC. Okay. and they're the um
organization in the city that interacts with all the businesses and brings business and the chamber of commerce as well. Um because I think there are companies out there that don't realize that we have this going on and we know DuPont does and they've obviously been
very generous. Yeah. But there's I think there's more support out there and as you want to up your game there's going to be a cost to that, right? So yeah, that would be great. I can put it together and share it around. Yeah, in your spare time, you know, you got a lot on your plate. Yeah.
Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Yeah. Anything else for members forum? Yes. Thank you. So, after several years of submitting restrained budget requests at the direction of the previous mayor, um this year we proposed an 11.1
increase. Now, uh, this request to me was a necessary step to address inflationary pressures, um, that had gone unacknowledged for years. Um, I want to take a moment to commend the mayor for thoughtfully considering our proposal and taking the time to
thoroughly understand the historical context as well as the needs of our students and the broader community. Thank you. Um although the final recommendation included a reduction from our original request, I truly appreciate the mayor's leadership in advancing a
significant 9.5% increase. This is a substantial commitment uh especially when compared to average increases of just 3.485% over the last six budget cycles. His recognition of the vital
services that we provide while also managing the diverse needs of the city is deeply valued. This decision marks a meaningful step towards aligning our investments with those of comparable school districts, ensuring that we adequately adequately support our
students and their futures. Beyond the direct benefits to our children, this investment also strengthens the city by making Marorrow more attractive to families and potential investors. That said, during last night's finance committee meeting, a recommendation was made to cut an
additional 250,000 from the mayor's proposed budget. We still remain committed to moving forward for the sake of our students who are always our top priority. I sincerely hope that this increase signals a renewed and sustained
commitment from our city to invest in the education for our students, paving a way for the stronger future of Marro. And I sincerely mean it, Mayor Christian. Thank you. Thank you. I know it wasn't easy. We didn't make it easy,
but that's also not our job. And we all said that. But respectfully, we had tough conversations. you went to the table to have to figure everything out and you moved forward a tough budget and I give you a lot of kudos for that. Thank you. So, thank
you. Thank you. You know, this job isn't easy and I'm not here for to ask for pity, but I again I value everyone coming together, especially the leadership team. You know, like I am just the one that gets to make the final decision. It's all of them
that gets to do the hard work each and every day. and I and I respect that, but I have a whole city to to manage and and look out for and protect the residents regarding their tax rates. I respect that and I appreciate that. But I don't want people to forget how much I'm committed to each and every single
person that's comes to work every single day. And I I think regarding budget, it's hard to get see past that um because um we're all very passionate um and and I respect that. um and things are discussed and things are said and um
we all still have to come together at the end of the day. So I I do appreciate your kind words and it's water bridge and let's move on and pick up the pieces and come together like we always do and I'm so proud to represent the pride of Malboro and and I will continue to wave
that flag regardless how many hits I take or how many um agree disagreements we have. But at the end of the day, like I know that my heart's in the right place and I know that all of your hearts are in the right place and and that means something to me. So, um, do I like
the process? Not necessarily. But I know that we'll get past it because everyone that comes to work here is extremely dedicated and um, and we just need to foster that passion and and for the better. And I know that that we will and
and I do appreciate those those kind words. So um the past of the past now let's move forward to the future. So thank you for for that. I do sincerely appreciate that. Um having said that anything
else for so I will say that Dan and Michelle and I went to the fashion show which um was was yeah which was pretty incredible the pieces. So I I I loved I loved that. Um family fun day is this Sunday as well. So all the kiddos um can
enjoy family fun day on Sunday. Um rain or shine. Um Ward Park I believe it starts at 11 11 to three. Um I believe I will be there with my booth. We have to coordinate that. So, yes. And you reminded me Voices Required is um
performing on Saturday with um Five:00 Shadow, which Caleb Weldon, who is our coral director and ac capella director, is a part of that group and they're participating um in and it is for tickets and stuff.
It's at um Pilgrim Church in South Bro, right? So, um, there's a Jubilee at the Wickcom. Yeah. Tiona Brown is a variety show as well on Saturday as well. Oh. Oh, no. That's Ta. Tiona. Yes. No,
that's this Saturday. Yeah. A lot of things going on this weekend. So, um, yes, on that note. Yes. Again, that's what that's what I love about the city. There's always something, you know, like the calendar's chocked full of events if you're in tune with it. So, um, having said that,
motion to adjourn and seconded. All righty. Questions, comments, concerns about adjourning. I'd just like to draw it out a little bit because I know you're all eager to leave. Come on, get it to 7:59. Do it. You want to wait till No. All in favor
of journinging at 7:59. So moved. Thank you all for watching and have a great night.