Were the comments on January 14th an example of a loud voice or were they the position of this committee as a whole? I look forward to the Norton school committee's public clarification about your collective position. It's unexpected. The MTA believes that a historically positive relationship between the school
committee and the MTA is exactly why so many problems have been developed responsibly and collaboratively with the needs of our students in mind. We encourage members of this committee to abandon efforts to grow trust within this community and join us in preserving this mutual mutually beneficial
collaborative effort. Thank you. Donna Dolac. I live at 104 Newcome Street. When I come up here to speak, I usually speak from the perspective of a parent because I feel more comfortable in that role. However, in talking to my friends and colleagues who are also par
professionals, I realized that a lot of us don't feel like we have a voice and a lot of us are feeling kind of undervalued. I think that there's a perception out there that par professionals are just teachers aids who make photocopies, pass out papers, and assist with classroom management. In reality, here are some of
the things that PAR professionals actually do. work one-on-one with struggling students. Lead small groups providing and reinforcing academic instruction. Take data and help students achieve IEP goals. Assist with implementing accommodations and
modifications for student success, provide behavioral interventions, and increasingly we are being asked to deal with more complex and more challenging behavior problems. All this and we are frequently told and asked to substitute for teachers on a regular basis. Many of
us have bachelors or even master's degrees. And even though that may not technically be a requirement for this job, the reality is that in the educational setting today, you desperately need to have good, strong, highly skilled pair of professionals. This is not really a job for someone
with no life experience or educational background. We love our teachers and we need them. But the truth is, you also equally need to have good skilled paras to make our schools run smoothly. And that's why we think we're worth more than a 60time race. Is there anybody else before we close
the public comment period? U moving on to the next item agenda is vote to approve the minutes of the January 14th open session meeting. Have all members had a chance to read those? Um, entertain a motion to approve the
meeting. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I will abstain since I was not here. Uh, next is the motion to approve the meeting minutes of January 21st, which
was a joint meeting. Motion to approve as written. >> Second. All those. And there'll be two things on that since he works resident as well. Okay. Next is the warrants. Mrs. Gell,
>> um I have reviewed the following school expense warrant January 14th, 20265,36073 cents. I wish to um public. >> We have our student reput. >> Hello everyone. uh from the high school winter sports are off to a strong season
with several teams and individual athletes qualifies have been a great opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our student athletes. Midyear assessments have concluded last week and the second semester officer today look ahead to a strong second half of the school year.
And from the students are actively participating in the PTO booster thawn fun run fundraiser which runs from January 1st daily character lessons activities lifetime booster ths and then
continued from the yell the global fun will take place this Friday in the gym fund raise will support student assemblies fifth grade yearbooks the book vending machine and other student activities incentives are keeping students motivated with schoolwide reward plan if the $20,000 goal is
reached. Then from the LG representatives from STMath and 18 Foundation visited the LTN to observe instruction and learn about the school's success with the program. The PTC hosted a well attended movie night for families
and plans are finalized to add a new playground equipment during April break. ers are also holding data meetings this week to review the CVM and STAR data and adjust student supports and interventions. That is all from us tonight. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thanks. >> Any questions? >> No. >> Uh next we have our spotlight section uh with our 351 ambassador uh with Mr. Ronnie Goldstein. Come on up.
All right. Hey everybody. Uh once a year I like to come before this group and u talk a little bit about one of something that's very near and dear to me. Um and so every year we have the privilege of choosing an ambassador to represent the
town of Orton. And 351 is the largest >> organization of its kind in the country. And the idea behind project 351 of course is 351 communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And so each community in the Commonwealth sends one eighth grade ambassador
their service year on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. And I'm going to let Teddy do a little more talking about that. But before I do that, I just wanted to make mention of the fact that you know many of our students who have become ambassadors over the years have gone on
to do great things and you know are well known in the community. One is sitting here before you today. I just like to acknowledge Benson Chang because he of course is a senior is graduating but of course has done great service to the community at whole as a whole. So I just wanted to give my props to Benson because he's sitting there. But I do
want to give Teddy his chance because this is his year this year to speak a little bit about his day. Um, so if he could uh just kind of tell everybody here about how his day went and just what it was like. >> Thank you. >> I'm trying to remember what day it was.
>> Saturday. >> Um, that day I got on the bus and I had no idea to expect what was going to happen. Um, I was a little scared to be honest, but it ended up actually being really,
really fun. Um, we we went on different service buses and we went different places. My group had gone to IBU Hall. Um, I'm trying I can't remember what it
stands for. Um, >> it's a union. natural brotherhood of electrical. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um but there we made rice and bean bags for people who needed meals. Um we made Annie kindness blankets for people that
were like struggling with mental health and just needed like a hug from somebody. Um, and we also made these sewing kits with like letters of encouragement and such as, "Don't give up, you got this," and such.
And it was just a really awesome experience. We got to like actually help people in our community and it was just amazing. And I met so many fun people that I wish I could meet again. I think I will be meeting again in the spring
service. Um, but it was just an amazing opportunity and I'm so thankful that three project 351 gave us this opportunity to do this. >> In addition, um, I just want to add to the fact that that day there were several service sites throughout the
city of Boston um, and in Chelsea for that matter. And so in total that day, the efforts of all the ambassadors who were there that day and of course talking about hundreds of students from across the state, their combined efforts um participating in and doing various
different things helped in total over 25,000 people were affected by the work that took place that day. And that's just that day. And so it's really, you know, remarkable to see young people come together um for a common purpose and to really take time out of their
schedules and days to do that. And so I just, you know, I I think that we're in good hands with Teddy. Um I think that, you know, he understands the value of what's happened. And I know that he'll continue, you know, the legacy that we've created in this town of, you know, great leaders and great student ambassadors. So I'm excited for that. I
actually have some ambassador handbooks here for you folks. So, if you just want to pass them down, you can keep those. I have a whole stack of them. I just ended up with them somehow. I'm not sure how. So, um, but if anybody has any questions, we're happy to answer any questions um, any of you may have. I know, like I said, I've done this year in and year out. So, I'm happy to answer
any questions somebody might have. >> So, I know you mentioned that there's multiple sites around the city. Do you go to all those sites or do you just stay at like IBW for the whole day and just do those activities like or are you constantly moving around the city to different do different things? Um, we
stayed in IBU for the IBW for the day. >> Okay. >> And so I actually was not at the same service site. I actually ended up at La Calaborativa which is a uh site in Chelsea which serves the under, you know, serves the underprivileged
community in Chelsea. So >> So now you mentioned this is 351. So it's one student and like one administrator from all over the across the state or could it be more or how does >> So larger districts do have multiple ambassadors. So for instance the city of Boston has I think has about a half
dozen um for obvious reasons because it's a huge district but there are other districts that you know send two or three that sort of thing. And as far as my involvement goes I I I've just I've been doing it's this is the 16th year of project 351. I've been involved for 15 years. Um, and that's just a personal
choice that I make because I believe in the mission of the of what they do and I think it's important. Um, and it's something that gives me great personal fulfillment. And so that's why I so I have selfish reasons for doing it, but I also like being around, you know, accomplished and, you know, uh, capable young people like Teddy. So
>> So do you for this type of project, do you receive recommendations from the staff or do you like what's your process to select? You know, we've had a long line of tremendous ambassadors. So what's kind of your process, Mr. Goldstein? >> Uh, so the process is involves certainly
me seeking feedback from staff in the building. Um, I I usually seek out the the feedback of, you know, teachers, guidance counselors, uh, and specialists as well really because they see students in a different light than I do. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my position, I don't always see the best of
students. Um, sometimes I do and I and I cherish those moments and I really enjoy the time where I get to see students at their best, but unfortunately sometimes I don't. And so I do rely on that input. Certainly that plays a factor. >> Any other questions?
>> Teddy, you did a wonderful job sharing your experience and thank you so much. I think this is such a great project and Mr. Goldstein, thank you for continuing um to to involve Norton. Um, and just props to you because it's not easy to get up in front of a bunch of people
that you may know but also don't know. And uh, you did a really good job. Thank you. >> I have a a certificate for Teddy. Um, but I also have a question. So, um, Teddy, now are you going to be doing a community service project here in our community as well?
Um, I'm not so sure. >> Oh, I thought that was >> I didn't know it was >> All right. Tell us about spring service. >> Um, >> I'm not the sharpest on this. Oh, >> but um
>> I Yeah, it's a clothing drive. Um, where we donate clothing. I think some people I've seen it made post about it and like what they donate Um, it's going to be in the spring. >> Wonderful.
>> Um, for Kratos to Crayons. Um, >> yeah, I'm not I don't know too much about that. That sounds great. It's not spring yet, so you don't have to worry about it. And I'm sure you we'll hear more from you when you guys are ready to get started, but this is just a small token of my appreciation for you, Teddy.
Just a certificate of recognition. Congratulations. We'll have somebody. Come on second tonight too. >> Thank you. We look forward to hearing what your next project might be.
Uh, next we have discussion vote on the use of the Yell Elementary School and the high school grounds for the annual Norton Veterans Council. Mr. Marson and guest. >> Mr. Cameron. >> Mr. Cameron. >> Yeah, the name escaped me. I apologize.
I'll take care of that. >> That's why I just said and guess. So, I was trying to be polite as I could. >> Well, good evening. Thank you for having us here. I'm Roger Marson and I'm here with H. Gary Cameron and we're representing the Norton Veterans Council. Uh just to talk about the uh
carnival that we put on each year. Um for the past four years we've been doing it at the Yell School. Um we want to thank the uh school committee um and school department for the use of the facilities and we look forward to being able to use them again. Uh this is our
fourth year of running the carnival. Um and it's really become a tradition in town and it's a great place for people to gather um in the summertime. Um this year we're using the same vendor as we had last year which is uh an improvement over the our uh experience that we had
the first couple of years that we ran it. And um we're hoping to include Founders Day again this year. Um fireworks on uh Saturday night. Uh we'll have a car show on Sunday and um we're always looking for volunteers. So I know
that there's uh volunteer time that's needed for some students. So if any students are interested in helping out at the carnival, um give us a call and we'll be more than happy to have you come down and give us a hand. Um the dates for the carnival this year will be
June 25th through the 28th. Um so and that's a week end before the 4th of July. And I think it puts us far enough past the end of the school year so long as the snow stops >> crossed. >> Um it uh kind of seems funny that we're
here talking about the carnival and we're just get done shoveling out all that snow, but >> we got to look forward to something. Roger. >> Yeah. Um but it takes this much planning and this much time to put it together and make it a success. So, um I'd just like to take a minute and uh give you an
idea of uh the funds that we raise and what we do with some of those funds so that people know where why we're doing this. Um aside from the uh fact that we put it on for the town and it's a great place for the town to gather and uh something that they can look forward to,
um we also give donations. We helped out uh families of veterans in town. We had somebody who had a fire in their home that we were able to help them. Um, we put together, they call them graband-go bags around Thanksgiving where veterans just drive through and they pick up a
bag full of all kind of uh groceries and gift cards that we put together for them. Um, people who uh need a little bit of a hand. Um, during the holidays, we also help out with Pat Tarantino and Reach Across America. We make donations
to that effort as well. Um, we give uh we've given thousands of dollars to the veterans office to help our veterans through our veteran services here through with the Estelle. Um, we put on the Poppy's lunch through the veterans office. Uh, we give scholarships to
students who are every year that are going into the military. We give, you know, scholarships for students who are moving on to higher education and veterans council gives a a scholarship to students who are going into the military as well. Um and this year we're
really proud that we started a program where we call it home for the holidays where we actually have um reaching out to um people who need would like to come home for the holidays and have the ability and we take the take that burden off of their shoulders so they don't have to worry how they're going to get
home. So we uh we help veterans come home who are serving now. Um, so I guess we're asking um if you wouldn't mind uh helping us out and letting us use the facility again this year. >> Yeah, I'm
but of course. >> How do we say no to that? >> Yeah. No, I mean it's >> Do you have any questions about anything as well? >> No, I mean it's it's always a good partnership for us. Um, you know, obviously the concern is always that that schools are not in use and we've avoided that. Um,
do you have anything like you've learned in past years that you need us to address like parking or anything like that or you know traffic flow or anything like that or or you know like a remote parking area? Like just want to make sure we're giving you everything you need to have a successful carnival
cuz I know many years ago there was an unsuccessful one um by a different group. So um you know we're obviously looking to to assist as much as we can. So, um, >> so we've, um, obviously we, uh, learn
things as we go, like everybody does hopefully as you go year to year. Um, the, uh, we've partnered up with Nema here in town, and they are an asset that is unbelievable to us with helping with traffic flow and parking. So, we make it just, it's a one-way traffic system. um
when we have it, we split the main road that goes into the high school in half so the pedestrians can walk down one half and it's in traffic only and everybody uh exits out through the uh exit that comes out over near Freeman Street. So traffic's only moving one way
and they are um really help us out a lot on that. And as uh something else that we learned this year when we started doing fireworks just this past year is um we allow people to come onto you've allowed us to have people go out onto the turf fields and we have volunteers
stationed at all of the entrances to that to make sure that they're not bringing in chairs that can poke into the uh into that. Um but you know we learn things every year. We're going to tweak a couple of things this year. Um, we have a new fireworks
company that we're using this year that's more local than the one that we had last year. So, that hopefully will help us out some, too. So, we learn things every year. But, the help that you folks have given us has been u great. Um, I can't think of anything off
the top of my head. You know, we may ask that at our expense if we can maybe repair a couple of the um outlets on the side of the building that you know, we may be able to get power easier or something that uh we can partner up with here and take care of some of that stuff.
>> By the way, >> what's that? I'm sorry. >> Fine by me. >> Sold. Um um but they're just little things like that that we've learned. Um, so >> now I know um the the workers of the carnival typically will park in the public, not behind the school, right?
Okay. >> Yep. They park over um behind the old senior center over there on town property >> um and using the uh company that we're dealing with. Uh they're out of Seabbrook, New Hampshire. So a lot of their people
travel with them, but they're a really big company. They're the same company that puts on kids day over in North Attboro and they have they're someplace every week they put do all of the festival of lights even for at Christmas time around. So, >> okay. Any other questions, comments?
>> No, I think uh just thanking you guys for all your work. I know you guys do a ton with the veterans, not just the carnival. Um there's a ton that goes on in town and the work is definitely appreciated. >> Okay, >> all right. Uh so entertain a motion to approve the request for the use of
facilities as presented. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Thank you, gentlemen. >> Thank you. I'll see you when it's a little warmer. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Next, we have discussion on the proposed budget with Mrs. Hatfield.
Sorry, you got to start. >> All right. Good evening. Um, so this is the first look at the budget for FY27 uh for the Norton School Committee. Um, it's crazy to think that we're talking about FY27 because it feels like
yesterday we were just going through I don't even know whatever. Um, so you can see that uh what Christine has shared with you. I'm going to let her kind of go through the specifics, but this represents a level service budget. um which you know as I've shared in the past with people a level service budget
allows us to retain the same levels of service um same levels of teaching and learning um for all students in the upcoming school year. It is a financial increase over one year from the next because as we know all of our costs go
up from one year to the next. Um this is actually the lowest level service budget that we have shared with you since I began in this role. Um as I believe you'll recall a few years ago it was 12% and that was the year that we had um our massive
layoffs. Uh last year was just under five and this is about 4 and a half. Um a 4 and a.5% increase is still an increase of 1.691 million. Um, our current budget is 37,11,669
and level services for FY27 would be 38,793,654. I'm going to let Christine kind of walk you through the way that we break things down in terms of mandated educational costs, what that includes, and then our jud general education and operational
expenses. And then we'll also talk about how we actually get to that number, the the the things that we do to get us there. So Christine, >> thank you. Um so as Jen said, Dr. O'Neil said, we separate um the budget out between the mandated ed education and
the general education. Um the mandated educational costs include the special education services um staff as well as Sorry, I hate this mic. >> I can hear you. the rest of them can >> um as well as our out of district
placements, transportation and other costs as well which is our e um English language learners, homeless transportation and other uh translation services. So as you can see this year um upcoming year um we're actually going to
have a decrease in these services um of a 86% so just about a percent decrease um which is um one 132,596
and then about an 8 1/2 8.4 for increase for the general education, which is pretty much everything else in the budget, all of our other salaries, um, all other departments and operational costs. Um, but when you're looking at what's driving this in the total
Oh, sorry. Thanks. Um, what drives the total increase of the 1.6 million to get us to the 4 and a.5%. Um salaries account for the largest portion of this increase with around 2,999,622. And this reflects all of our contractual
obligations, staffing deeds that maintain our current services. Um and this includes everyone in the district. So um all of our unions, all of our collective bargainings, um and all the other contract substitutes. So,
um, this was a little challenging because as we're preparing, um, with a lot of uncertainty this year and then hypothesizing for next year. Um, so this right now is our largest increase. Um,
but not as what's the word I'm looking for? >> Not what you're always planning, I guess, because we don't know yet. Yeah. Well, I think I think what you're what you're trying to say is like there's still a lot of unknowns when it comes to salaries. So, for example, um all of our teachers um have the ability to move
from one column to another if they are enhancing their educational background, if they're receiving another degree, if they're going from masters plus 15 to masters plus 30. So, um we try to build those items into the budget. They are required to let us know by December 15th
if they feel that they're going to move. Um, but not everyone. Sometimes often people will say, "Yes, I think I'm going to move." And then it might not happen. Um, we don't have a lot of retirements yet at this point. Um, I think right now we have two districtwide. So that those
could be a factor. Um, this is definitely the line that changes the most over time, especially when um, you have someone that may resign or someone that may leave um, to be on maternity leave and then you backfill that person with someone else. Um, so that is
definitely something that is consistently a moving target. And as Christine mentioned, as we all know, it's the giant elephant in the room. We haven't settled a contract yet for this current year. So, it makes it really challenging to kind of budget for next year when we really haven't finalized a
budget for this current year. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Sounds like what you were trying to say. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Um, also in here is the transportation for our in district students at an increase of 118,142.
Um, that is already set in stone with our um, big yellow buses. Um, the next is our instructional operation areas. Um those are all smaller increase than they tend to be. Um for the instructional supplies and contract services and dues
and travel that is 80,637 and all of our maintenance and operational costs is about 59,199. >> I think the other important line for us to look at and kind of talk about here tonight is the second line down. It actually says decrease in out of
district special education costs net of circuit breaker. Um so number one um this current year we received additional funding um in state reimbursement from circuit breaker which is great and it was unanticipated and that money must go directly to supporting student tuition
services. Um additionally student needs are con constantly changing. Um this savings here um is because of students that are either aging out of their current placement. um they're turning 22 or they're graduating
or a student need is changing and so they may no longer need as restrictive of of a program as that they have in the past. So, um I'm sure those of you who have listened to us present on budgets, you know, this is another area where
today we're looking at a a savings of almost $500,000. We could have two students move in next week and that could totally flip. Um, so this is something that is constantly changing and I am sure we will share and you'll see between now and when we actually
have to go to town meeting in May that number will likely change um whether it's to the good or if we're spending more money. So just to be aware of that as well. So I think this is important to just note that this is you know as it mentions it's it's the draft you know I
mean a budget is always a living breathing document and can change at kind of the drop of a hat. So um but thank you for this quick presentation tonight. Is there any questions? >> I have a couple other things if you guys don't mind just to kind of share with you. Um so while this is a level service
budget, this does actually include um two positions that are needed for mandated educational costs. So the first is a um special education position at Norton High School. Um we have students that are aging up and we need to
increase the number of program um programs that are available at Norton High School. Um and the other thing that it includes is a 0.4 increase um to our L teaching staff. Um, again, we have a huge number of, actually, it's not, sorry, it's a large number for Norton.
Everyone else thinks it's not a huge number. Um, but we do have a number of L students. Um, and it's not just necessarily the number, it's the level of language proficiency that they have when they come to us in town. So, currently we have 3.6
FTEEs for student for teachers that are our English language learner teachers. And the recommendation is to increase that to um four full-time staff members. Um there were another a number of other positions that were um requested um from
the administrators and from the department. One is the um another fifth grade section at the Yell School, which as I believe you guys all know is at the very top of my list. I actually think we're going to be able to absorb that from somewhere else when we see um
smaller enrollment and lower grades. Um so that is not in here as an added position. I believe we'll be able to do that regardless. Um and I also wanted to share with you you guys all have a binder. Um we gave that to you tonight. Our next meeting which is February 11th is will be our full budget workshop. And
so during that time you'll have the building principles here. you'll have our admin team and we'll be able to walk you through um the conversations around what was what are priorities for each of the buildings. One of the requests um that was made from the committee was in
terms of FTEES, all of these are in there for you as well. So when you take a look at each school by section, the very last page of each school is that line item and it has the FTE. So for example, if the line item is um
kindergarten teachers, you'll see okay at this particular school there are five kindergarten teachers and you'll see um administrative assistance there are two. Um so that is the last page for each of you um in those school sections.
Um Christine, as you as you all know, has spent an incredible amount of time putting this together with all of the unknowns. Um, so if there are other things that the committee would like to see prior to or for us to discuss at our February 11th meeting, please just let us know and
we'll put them all together for you. Um, and that's where we'll really kind of dig in and and start um, you know, refining some of these things. Um, as things come up, we will definitely update you in terms of changes in any of
of the line items that we see coming. Um, but with that, we're happy to answer any questions. Um, or taking a request tonight. >> I have a question. Um, this might be opening a can of worms. I'm sorry. Um, so that we I know that we're working on
district alignment as well, correct? Yes. Focusing on elementary start times and school start times in general. And I know that that ties to transportation. So, is the transportation bud budget here also maybe a moving target or pretty solid? >> Yes.
that it is any changes are not currently included. Okay. Um we are going to have um Ross Habber come back out on February 11th as well. Um and so perhaps maybe we want to move him to the 28th. We all have to think about that. Um he is currently running transportation.
He just we actually just met with him this morning. He gave us some updates on alignment strategies which which was very interesting. Um and then he's doing the transportation components for us and we'll have them for us on the 6th. So we'll meet with
him that day on the 6th to get more updates. Um we also have to acknowledge the fact that any changes that we make, we want to make sure we're giving families lots of time. So it might be a conversation for the following September versus this September. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Of course. Um, so I think it's important just, you know, to talk through the committee that, you know, we just got this binder tonight, but obviously we have a couple weeks, so take your time to go through it. Um, and obviously come with any questions in leading up to that meeting
if you wanted to see something else that maybe isn't here, you know, through me to Jen and Christine. Um, see if we can get that included. So, um, so you know, it's it's like a homework alert for you guys that, you know, in 2 weeks, uh, any comments or questions, uh, make sure we
have them ready to go. >> Uh, just one quick one, Jen, when it says FY27 superintendent budget and under general ed, it's 23,500 and change. >> Mhm. >> What is like what is all included in on that? And the only reason why I'm asking is it's like a almost a $700,000
increase from last year. So like why such a big jump on that one? >> Are are sorry Nick are you looking at um >> here the bottom? >> Yes. So that is everything that's not mandated. Um so
all of the salary lines go under that um under that category that anyone that is not a special educator or L teacher all goes under that line. um anything that has to do all of our contract services. So, transportation um on the big yellow
buses, um our food service contract, anything else that we do that is not related to mandated education. Um the cost of, you know, electricity and keeping our lights on, our custodial team, any cleaning materials, everything else comes under there.
>> Got it. And then in that same box, if you will, 23.5 million, are is the teachers and all contracted employees, is health insurance included on that number or is that not? >> No, health insurance comes off of the
top at the town level. So, we do not make any payments towards health insurance. That is um simp simply comes from the town. >> Okay. So when we see this number of uh sorry lost my thing here uh 38.7 million call it that does not include any health
insurance as well. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So that would be paid by the town prior to the budget being divvied. >> Got it. Okay. >> Anything else? >> I just want to give a big thank you to Christine. >> I love a good binder and I appreciate
all the tabs in the organization. This is certainly not my um forte by any means, but this makes it a lot easier for me to understand. So, thank you for all of your hard work and for the homework, I guess.
>> Okay. Um, anything else on this? Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next, we have the first reading of the meal charge policy revision again with Mrs. Hadfield.
>> Um, so we discussed this several times um last year. Um, we do have to do a first reading again because it's a new fiscal year with new committee members. Um so the old meal charge policy was before um we all became universally free
and this new meal charge policy is pretty standard. It's a little guidance from the state after we had our uh review from DESIE with our admin review for our school lunch program last year. This is one of the mandatory items that we had to correct which we knew ahead of time as well. So all we did is we made it a
little more user friendly for parents as well. It it gives some key terms describing reimburseable meals um versus non-reimburseable meals, second meals, what's actually free, and um other guidelines. So, everything else is
pretty standard. Um we also include a non-discrimination statement in there and um policy communications as well. So, I don't know if you had any questions on this. So this is more bringing the policy up to the new guidelines that were set by DESIE and
the USDA. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> And the reason why we this has got pushed back again is because of them because they were redoing their policy and now it's coming back to us. >> Right. We we qualified last year for um
a CP district. So when we were talking with Desi, they did they want us to remove some of the language about reimburseable meals, but we could fall out of that. So, we thought why would we go and change and then have to change it back. So, we thought we'd include it because what what's the harm? But we were waiting for guidance and then we
decided to just go for it. >> Okay. >> EPS. >> Anything else on this one, guys? >> EPS. >> Nope. Okay. So, once again, just review that. If you have any questions or comments for next meeting where we would read the final policy and uh bring those
to that, please. And >> hopefully we'll actually get it across the finish line this time without intervention from Desessie in the meantime, who is arriving next week, by the way. So hopefully. >> All right. Next, we have the review and vote on proposed school calendar. Dr.
O'Neal, >> thank you. Okay, another hot button issue. I'm sure everyone's excited to talk about this. Um, so when we last met, we um took a look at the um calendar for the 2627 school year. And
because Labor Day is so incredibly uh late this coming year, we are looking at coming back with both staff and students um before that um September 7th date. So, I did um I asked the committee for
feedback and then I also asked um the staff for some feedback as well um to kind of help put this section together here. So, um in the past we had two professional development days before the start of the year. Should we keep this as is or move PD to later in the year?
3/4ers of our staff said they liked having those two days before um the beginning before the school year begins. I couldn't agree more. I actually feel like it's a great way for us to kind of frontload um professional development, especially if we're doing new programs
or we have um you know new new initiatives that we're working on for the year. You don't have to wait until November to get this work done. Um so that was really good. Um the second question was if you had to choose, right? This is like a would you rather
um type of situation here or choose your own adventure. Um, would you rather have a half day on December 23rd or the Wednesday before Thanksgiving? This was pretty close when it comes to, you know, how people were were feeling somewhat in one versus the other. Um, and then the
third question I asked was, "What means more to you? Extending the summer as long as possible or getting out early in June?" Um, and again, almost, you know, 75% of our staff said they would rather get out earlier in June. So, I think that shows I I think we can all agree. I
mean, especially when Labor Day is so so late, it really is the latest it could possibly be. Um, there is value in for for us coming back before um that with both students and staff. So, I know people in the audience can't see this and I apologize. It's very small, but
you all did receive it earlier. Might have been yesterday from Pam. She sent you all the link. Um, and so this calendar changes a few things around here. Um, we have staff welcome back on Monday the 31st of August with our professional development day on Tuesday
the 1st. Students in grades 1 through 12 would come back on September 2nd um and be in school on the 2nd and the 3rd. um we would have a long weekend and return on the 8th and um students in grades one
through 12 would be able to just roll right in and that would be the first day for kindergarten and Little Lancers preschool. Um, I think what we would probably do for our um, kindergarteners, and we haven't done the back of this calendar yet, we would have their open
house prior to um, the long weekend and have them come in, meet their teachers, do those screening things that we do ahead of time. We could probably do the Little Lancers open house before then as well. Um this has so what I did here um in
order to get us another day um prior to the end of the school year is I brought back the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as a half day and I eliminated one of the early release days in March. I
believe it was the 31st. Um, this gets us to the last day of school on June 15th, which is a Tuesday. Um, and it gives us a couple days to play around with that weekend be that week before the observance of Junth on the 18th. Um,
and you know, I think you can never really predict what the winter is going to hold as we know from earlier this week when we had two snow days and we've got another storm coming. Um, so this is the proposal I have here. This is version three. Um, happy to take any
questions or feedback from the committee. >> I have two questions. Yep. Uh, first question is with both kindergarten and little answers starting on the same day, is that going to put strain at all on JCS trying to cover all of that
happening at the same time? And I only ask because again just from experience our elementary school we have two separate days and there's like pointed reason for that cuz every parent is like ah so >> they start at two different times though.
>> They do and it's I think >> that's why I just honest answer yes probably. Um I think it's challenging because then you keep kicking the can down the road a little bit more when it comes to preschool. So I mean >> I know >> I'm not married to a lot of it
>> only only and I and I know that again that's where your flexibility lies because those are not mandated. Correct. Yeah. Okay. Just it just >> and I think that's something that we could probably have a conversation with. I I know um we chatted
>> last time. Oh, you and I chatted last time about just the early release days and and the best way to make that happen so it's more equitable >> for families. So, um, I would like to sit down maybe with a couple of the preschool teachers and Maria and Casey
and see if we can figure out something to help make those days a little bit more equitable, okay, for families. So perhaps that could be something that we discuss as at the same time >> if people feel strongly about it. >> Okay. Um, and then my only other one, and again, I'm sorry. Um, so I know that
at the last meeting we had talked about, well, I had talked about because it's me, um, making a that tradeoff of the full day on the day before Thanksgiving to having like a half day added to the day before Christmas Eve. So, I wasn't sure. Um, I was just curious about the thoughts on that. Is it something that
you had mentioned maybe to other superintendents and they were all like, "Yeah, no, we're not doing that." So, I didn't know >> it's actually really um district specific. Okay. And so it it's really it's really up to whatever people feel
is is most appropriate. Um I chose one >> instead of both, but >> you know, just throwing a bone here and there. It's always nice. >> And it's funny cuz I went and I looked at a bunch from this past year and they're it's really different. It's >> No, I know. There's some districts that
came full two weeks. There's so >> and especially when you find like so this past year we had like a really long break because of just the way the holiday fell. >> Um next year will be a little bit shorter, >> right? Right. Well, that's the other kind of piece to it too, you know, because Yeah, that does make a
difference. >> Just that's it. I'm done. Bye. >> Yeah. I mean, I I can say like the the four school districts I service, everyone was different and it it made transportation kind of a nightmare. Um, but it and I mean there's districts, two
of my districts didn't get me a calendar till August 1st. So, we're way ahead of the game. So, um, it's it's literally it's going to be you could ask somebody and you're going to get a different answer as to why. So, >> yeah, that's what I was just curious. >> Okay. Any questions, comments, concerns?
Um, so of the I've been counting eight early release days, six are professional development for teachers in Paris, obviously. Um, and then there's just two more last day of school and I
missed the other one. Oh, uh, Thanksgiving. >> So those two days are half days for everybody. No one does PD on those, >> correct? >> Okay. >> Well, staff staff's days are to clean up or no, I I I don't know. staff has a certain amount of time they
work after students get dismissed. It's about 90 minutes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> I entertain a motion to approve the calendar as presented. >> Version three. >> Yes. Version three. >> Uh so moved.
>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> Anyone opposed? >> Sorry, I'm just stuck on that half day. >> One opposition. All right, next we have uh where are we?
Any other business not anticipated 48 hours in advance? >> Um I just wanted to give a shout out to Mr. Lazot and his crew and the DPW and the crew and Jared and everybody for um all their hard work and the long hours
they put in with this past storm and um the sidewalks, the roads, the driveways, the parking lot, all the things. So um shout out to them and all their hard work and time. >> Thank you. Couldn't agree more. It's we've got a very hardworking crew. Um,
the extra snow that we got Monday night did not help us at all yesterday. I would have loved to have gotten that day in, but I'm sure everyone enjoyed their snow day as well. So, we'll try again. Maybe sooner rather than later.
>> Anybody else? Anything else? All right. All right. At this time, we are going to adjourn our general meeting and enter into exe executive session for the purpose of collective bargaining updates and strategy. We will not be returning, so we will do a roll call vote. Uh
Justine, >> yes. >> Nick, >> yes. >> Audrey, >> yes. >> Laura, >> yes. >> I am a yes as well. Thank you all. Have a good night. >> Have a great night.