--------- Good evening. Calling to order the Rea School Committee meeting of the whole of July 21st, 2026. Will all rise and salute the flag 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. And in attendance we have Miss Montteroso >> present. >> Miss Milbury Ellis >> present. >> Miss Dam Mr. Damiano >> present. >> Mr. Kajiano >> present.
>> Miss Rizzo. >> Miss Rizzo is here. >> Miss Basella >> present. >> And Mr. Kingston >> present. >> Mr. Kingston's here. Great. And myself Mayor Patrick Kefir. Okay. First off we
have the uh approval of the minutes. Any questions on this? >> Any questions? >> Do I have a motion? >> Okay. Yes. All right. Financial reports? None. Oh, warrants. Sorry. Questions on
the warrants. We have Mr. Cruz here. >> Mr. Damiano. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, just a couple questions. Um, line 17, the postage. Is that uh is that the whole district or is that how can
you explain that a little bit? >> Yeah, that's our oneot one time for the year installing onto our Pittney Bose mail machine all the postage that we would need for all districtwide mailings. We tend to do it um infuse it
at the in the month of June so that it's live for July 1st. >> Awesome. And then um line 77 uh chemical disposal. Um is that something that we
do annually? Is there is it I understand the you know the chemistry classrooms both science classrooms have chemicals but um do we do any type of like regular is that a regularly occurring cost or is that scheduled or
>> Yes. I've paid that bill 27 years in a row. I'm I'm not sure about the invoicing pacing. It may be a contracted services that they do the work during the year and again a big amount shows up in June cuz we're covering for the service for the school year.
>> And that's just the high school, right? It's not there's no like chemicals at the other >> um right under cost center high school means that we encumbered those funds from the high school non-s salary budget. So we're expending it for for them. >> Yep. >> And I'll just to add a little clarity
there. Um, we do have a pharmacy at the high school where all chemicals are stored, so they're not stored in random classrooms. Um, and we work with the EPA to have regular inspections of the pharmacy and uh dispose of any chemicals that may be outdated in a responsible
way and that's what uh this this cost is. >> Thank you for the clarification. Um, and the last one was uh last two uh 601 through 603. Emirco. Um, it's very self-explanatory except there's um
there's two exact uh invoices. Are those is that catchup? Is that two different buildings? I mean, I understand it's >> perfectly observant. So, one of the things you notice about this month's warrants, there's a lot of them, >> almost a thousand. Uh, that's because
it's the last month of the fiscal year. So, we're paying any bills that are payable by June 30th. So, in this case, you're seeing the month of May and June getting squeezed into the same warrant. You'll probably notice that in a few
other places, and that's why the volume was so high. >> Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Uh, anyone else questions on warrants? Mr. Kajiano, >> one question, ma'am. on the legal
services 48 49 and 50 close to 40,000 is that mostly attributed to uh the uprising grievances. >> I I'll say it's a combination of that and um some litigation that we have
annually at the end of the year when um employee statuses change. But remember that also includes all of our special education legal legal services that are also done through Valario Dominello and Hillman. >> He's on mute. >> Thank you.
>> And also >> also similar to what we had just said in a typical month you might only see one of those two 14,000ish charges, but in this case we got them both in to to
close the PO out as of June 30th. Thank you. Any other questions on warrants? No one down there. >> Okay. So, just a quick preview of financial reporting coming up for the committee in the month of August. We'll
um vote on student activity accounts for the upcoming school year. I'll also present the financials for the food services program. So, the first year with our our new vendor, we'll have that in August. And then uh in September we'll roll into the more typical
financial reporting that we get once the fiscal year has been fully closed out in the accounting system. So the next two months we'll have those two sets of reports coming. >> Can I get a repeat that one more time? >> Sure.
>> In the month of August we'll uh vote on student activity realities for the upcoming school year. That's a requirement. and I'll present the financials for the food services program for the fiscal year school year that just ended so we can take a look at that together make
sure that we're tracking on our plan. It won't be until September that we'll review the final financial report and other financials for FY26 because in the summertime we're closing out the fiscal year which takes a little longer than a than a quarter typically
does. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Can I add one thing before we move on from financials? Um, so we are very pleased. I was glad to uh be with Mr. Damiano and uh Mrs. Montteroso and Mayor
Keefe at the state house last week when the governor and the lieutenant well the governor announced that um she was allocating another hundred million in funding for K12 education. Um based on what we were told then and that still needs approval from the House and the
Senate. So, it's not all the way done. If anybody wants to advocate at to our state legislators, that would be great uh to send them a letter of support saying that you support this expenditure. Um we anticipate that we'll get about 850,000
additional dollars from that, which is wonderful. Um it is one-time funding, so we do need to be thoughtful about how we want to spend that. We don't want to put ourselves in a position where um we're using that money in a way that creates a legacy of needing to be able to fund it
going forward when we don't know what the forward budgets are going to look like. Um I'm also super encouraged by the fact that the governor's budget included the reestablishment of the foundation budget review commission. That gives me hope that there will be a change to the funding for formula that
will um you know give stool school districts funding in a way that they don't have to rely on these one-time um you know late in the summer initiatives that we can't really use to play into our budgeting process. Um, so we're hopeful that in August ideally,
but maybe in September, um, we'll be coming to you with a plan on how we, um, anticipate the best way to spend those funds. And just to to preview that, one thing we're hoping to do is reestablish the principal's discretionary budgets
that we've cut for the last two years that has really handicapped their ability to um, bring in professional development and things that serve their building initiatives. >> What do we cut it by? 40%. >> We cut it to 40% of what it originally was. >> So 60. Okay.
>> Yeah. Um a second piece is we have for the uh fourth year now applied to the state for their early literacy grant that pays for our ignite high dosage tutoring. Um we know that we're eligible
for less this year than we have been in the past. So, we're hoping we can maybe use some of these funds to augment that program as well, which has been incredibly successful. And um Mr. Damiano had requested an update on what we're doing around early literacy that
um Briana Sup is going to be sharing with you at the at the August meeting, but that's one of the things that she's going to be talking about and sharing data on um the incredible achievement gains that we've seen in students who have participated in that program. Um, so Matt and I will have more for you on
this $850,000 that I've spent 11 times in my head. Um, and and and put a proposal before you next month to see how we can spend that. >> Miss Montrosa. >> Yeah, I think it this would be a great opportunity where we can send a
committee letter to our delegation if we can all vote on that. That's something that we can draft and then once uh the sub budget has actually been filed and has bill numbers then we can vote on it maybe in the August or September meeting uh depending on how people feel. So
either we can craft it in policy and sub or one of us can work on a draft. It'll okay I'll craft it and then I'll bring it to everyone. Um what else was I going to say? I think Rivier is one of the districts that has shown the most
improvement with the early literacy high dosage tutoring. So seeing how much of those funds we can get and what we can make up for it, it's going to be really big. The the impact has been notable across the state when it comes to our district. >> Thank you. >> One more. >> Mr. Kajo,
>> with the money that we'll we will be receiving, is that going to be for next year's budget? >> Not for this year this current budget. >> It's for this current budget. Yes. So, so we will be getting the fun in time for this car budget. >> Ideally, >> that's what I'm that's what I'm just saying. Ideally, are we anticipating?
>> Do we have any idea? >> The governor put a challenge, I'll call it a challenge, out to the legislature to vote it by the end of this month, meaning July, so that they can do what the work that's necessary to get the money out to districts. But once the funding is approved, we can start
working on contracts and moving forward with the program to start spending the money until it actually comes into um our hands in September, October, uh whatever the case may be. And I actually believe, Mr. Mayor, correct me if I'm wrong, it's
going to be a deposit to the municipal account that then you'll allocate to the schools. >> That's typically how it goes. >> Yeah. >> U but it would be good uh Mrs. Mrs. Monttoroso to put in that letter that's going to come from the committee an encouragement to hurry up and um and
vote and move this forward because it is for this current school year that's coming up. And if we don't get it until November or December, then we've lost half the school year. So, >> and I think I think if we're being realistic, it's we'll be lucky if we get it filed in end of August or September.
So, yeah, probably spring funds. Thanks Matt. >> Thank you Matt. >> Thanks. >> So attached communications uh technology equipment disposal from the IT department section A. Would you like me to read it? Sure. Dear
school committee, we would like to formally request permission to discard old or broken RPS technology equipment. The majority of the hardware we are requesting to dispose of is chronologically approximately 8 years of 8 years old. The items are either no longer functioning, broken to the point
where the cost of repair exceeds the cost of the device or so old that they no longer support current software or the newer operating systems adequately. The items are at the point in their life cycle where that they would need not be of use to the city department or other
municipalities and should be disposed of. All systems will be stripped of any usable parts and will be recycled in a manner considered to be echofriendly. Sincerely, John Ferrar. Any questions? >> No. Great. Okay.
>> Sure. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm just curious if there's some sort of uh system or catalog system for this equipment. Like, will we know what's We're not just going to have like a pile of like old Terminator style parts,
right? It's all cataloged. >> That's correct. Whenever a new piece of technology comes into the district, our IT department barcodes it and and keeps track of it that way. And and just a followup to that, um I I certainly appreciate eco-friendly. Um is there any
plan to try to salvage anything that could be valuable like some of the rare metals or anything in that technology like uh I don't know if it's like laptops or what what it is, but um there's probably some salvageable stuff in there. Maybe >> we we take the pieces that we can as
John described, but then we work with a um I with a technology recycling firm. that actually takes it from us and they probably do make a little bit of money off of things like you're talking about, but it would be money we wouldn't be
able to extract ourselves, you know. >> Okay. Thank you. Good questions. Any other questions on technology equipment disposal? >> Okay. uh outdated sheet music and various music equipment disposal at RHS fine
arts. Uh dear school committee, the letter this letter is to request permission to remove and dispose of outdated sheet music and broken music equipment currently stored in the Reva High School music storage closet and band room. Sheet music has been saved for many years from many years ago that
is outdated or no longer usable for the instruction or performance. Additionally, there are various pieces of music equipment that are broken, beyond repair, obsolete, or no longer serve a purpose. These materials have been reviewed by music staff and have been determined to have no practical
value to the district's current music programs. The continued storage of these items occupies valuable storage space that could be better utilized for active music education programs, [cough and clears throat] performance materials, and resources. At this time, we respectfully request permission to dispose of these unusable
sheet music collections and broken music equipment in accordance with the district procedures. Thank you for your consideration of this request and continued support of our music programs. Sincerely, Kelly Williams, director of fine arts. Any questions on Miss Williams' letter?
>> Miss Montrosa. I get the um having to come to us for equipment, but is there a reason the director had to come for sheet music? >> Yes. So, technically anything that belongs to the district needs your permission before anybody can dispose of it because it was purchased or procured
with school department funds. So, even if it's 80 years old, >> you have to tell them that they're allowed to throw it away. >> I just wanted to make sure we weren't being cumbersome and asking her to go through us, but Okay. Mr. Demiano. >> Um, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I did
notice on here, uh, a lot of things are listed, but instruments are not listed. Musical equipment is listed, but, um, so there aren't any instruments being disposed of. >> I I believe there are not. I can confirm that with Kelly, but I believe what they're talking about are broken sheet music stands and things of that nature,
microphone holders that won't stay up anymore, you know. >> Junk. >> Thank you. Thank you. And um obviously the um we like the fact that the school has some pretty good policies and I appreciate them asking
for permission. Sometimes they'd rather that they just [laughter] threw them in a dumpster, but it is nice that they follow Hey, you can't say they don't follow follow protocol and I appreciate that it's there. So, good job. >> Okay. And uh any other questions on that? No. Okay. The last one I think I
for we we threw away. Okay. So, we're not we're just going to go on to the next piece of business. No. Okay. The last one is a communication from Dr. Kelly regarding retirement. And I would ask that Dr. Kell, would you like to read this yourself or would you like >> um Sure. I can read it. Okay. Fine with
that. >> Um I I the committee has all seen this. I know it's out in the public. It's not a very well-kept secret that um I'm going to be retiring at roughly this time. Actually, at this time next year, I'll already be retired. uh which I'm
very excited about. Um not that I'm in a hurry to get out of here, but you know, there comes that point. Um and so as my letter says, I will have been serving the REI community for 32 years at that point. Um 12 of them as the
superintendent. And it has truly been an honor and a pleasure uh to work here. I've been very very fortunate to work with some really incredible people um both as colleagues as my bosses that I've been the boss of um school
committee members all the way back to when I was assistant superintendent 17 years ago. Um that's how long I've been fortunate to work with uh some pretty incredible school committee members um and some past mentors of mine. It's just been really great. it. We've been very
fortunate to have um for the most part a very collaborative city council that works well with the school department and makes sure we have what we need and some some great mayors, the current um mayor included, um who really help us
see a vision through to help the kids achieve their greatest potential. Um, but with all of that said, I and I'll say like my my proudest accomplishment of course is seeing the groundbreaking on the new high school. That's been um 10 years now in the making. Uh the first
time we applied to the MSBA for a new high school building grant was in 2016. And so that's when I first wrote uh my first appeal for the new high school. So to see that actually happening um makes me feel okay leaving. I feel like it's
going to happen. It's going to uh come true. Come through. And that's because of this school committee, prior school committees, the current city council, past city councils, the current mayor, past mayors, um and students and families who have really advocated for that. So, I'm thankful to everybody uh
everybody here and everybody I've worked with in the past for the support and for the opportunity and I look forward to new adventures. [applause] come back. >> I'll certainly come back for the ground break for the uh ribbon cutting on the
new high school without a doubt and anything else that people need me to do between now and then. >> Thank you. I I don't know if any committee members wish to make comment. I I will say that we we um I I'm sure a few people may have gotten called from like the journal the advocate for some
quotes and you know 364 or 350 days or however many days you have left um >> 349 >> not that you're counting >> um you know we we'll spend a lot of time over the next year um throwing as many bouquets at you as you deserve and you
deser deserve a lot of them so I haven't really formalized a statement and I know that each of you probably has some really kind words to share uh give you some time now, but don't think that this is going to be the last you hear of us. >> At the I have 11 more school committee meetings, >> right? You're counting those down too, I'm sure. [laughter]
But um I I did I did make a statement. It'll probably be in the paper tomorrow, but you have been the cornerstone of our River educational system as a whole and you are irreplaceable. So I want to make sure that everyone knows knows that this was not a sought resignation. This was
Dr. Kelly realizing that there's a point in everyone's life and you can speak for yourself that you know what it's time to um take your your own time and and and en enjoy retirement. I've I've met so many friends that unfortunately worked to the very end and a month after
retirement, you know, were stricken with illness or just weren't able to enjoy it. So, I'm I'm I'm happy for you. As sad as I am for the district, I'm very very happy for you and your own peace of mind. So, congratulations. But >> we'll go this way. That's okay. Anyone?
>> I'll save. >> Okay. Save. >> I was on the hiring for her. >> Um, you know, we've had a lot of issues back and forth. We've been honest with each other, good, bad, and different, but
always respected each other's um ideas and just the hard work both of us have done. Um and I also have to say in the state being on um Mass Association for School
Committee and her for the Mass Association for Superintendent, she has been very very respected throughout the whole state. So it has been an honor and hopefully I'll
see you on your last day. If not, I'll make it a point to aggravate you somehow. [laughter] >> That's what you want to do. >> I just like to say enjoy your retirement. It's very welld deserved and you've had a remarkable career and
coming in like every Tuesday and Thursday and meetings with Matt and yourself and everything. I' I've learned a lot and I want to thank you for that. Uh first of all, Dr. Kelly, congratulations. Um and it's very important that you do enjoy your life uh
after work, right? Time to hang up the work boots. But um we really appreciate all your devotion and hard work. And as a new committee member, you know, I hope that the next superintendent um is as you gave me so much information in the
beginning and you were just always open open door policy. You have a question, come and ask. and you and I did ask and you did tell me what I needed to hear and uh I'm very appreciative of that. So, thank you so much for all your hard work and your your whole tenure and I I
was you were a math teacher when I attended River High School. So, so um um so it's it's cool to see the whole process. So, really thank you and I hope I hope this next year is is wonderful. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Anything else? >> Sure. Oh, what do I say? [laughter] So, um, you know, coming into this, you have all sorts of preconceived notions and, um, about, you know, how you were going to be and working with the new school committee member and the new
school committee. And um I have to say that I'm so happy that I consciously made the choice to come in with an open mind and without any preconceived notions about you because um you know although we didn't always agree on every topic and we fought tooth and nail
against certain things there was always a path forward and um and that's because of a I believe a mutual respect for one another and for the process and for you know um the intentions within our hearts and how we feel about these kids. So, I
just want to say that I've grown to respect you. Um, I enjoyed working with you. Uh, you know, I know that it's tough to have a committee that had so much to say, you know, and I'm sure that was a change for you and um I just think
that you adapted and rolled and and um worked really well with us and I appreciate it. I I really I wish you weren't leaving because I feel like we're kind of in a groove right now of getting some some good work done. Um but I'm happy for you and I wish you all the best.
>> Thank you. >> Yes, this is only the first of of many things we'll say. I think Dr. Kelly only you know the weight that you have carried for 32 years helping shape this district, but I think you're also an example of what a homegrown pipeline looks like. like coming in as a teacher
and rising through all the different positions and I don't think people understand how political this position can be especially working with the city um having a mayor as a chair and I think only you will know all that you have carried in your heart and your shoulders to make this district what it is and I
think I I thank you also for the respect that you've given me. I think imposter syndrome in this role is very real, especially coming in much younger. And so, you've never questioned if if I need to be here and you've taken my advice and you've taken my push back and know you and I have had a lot of one-on- ones
as well to grow. And never have I thought she doesn't see me as a peer in this work. And so, I thank you for that. And now for the committee, this does mean that we need to get on establishing a superintendent search subcommittee. So I will you know if anyone has interest
in being in that we can have a max of four members from the committee so that we don't have a quorum and then once we form that subcommittee uh we should talk about what that looks like for us. I think personally I would love to have something modeled that hasn't been in review before. So having students
teachers administrators union leadership be a part of it whether it's focus groups interviews by our students or our teachers. Uh so if folks want to be on that search committee know it is going to take a lot of time. It's going to be a very timeconsuming uh committee. So if you have the
capacity to join it, the experience like you know Miss Bronson and Rizzo I'm not voluntelling you but would love for you to join it. You've walked through this process um more than anyone. Yeah. So if you're interested, please send me an email so we can form that subcommittee as soon as possible and start that
search. for the time I've been here. I want to thank you. You always gave me information I needed. If I was confused, you will help me. Thank you very much. I hope your retirement is a good one. Enjoy it to the fullest.
>> But think of us when you come occasionally. I will come and visit us, okay? And enjoy it to the fullest. I mean, retirement is is very good. >> I want to see you in the Bahamas soon. Okay. [laughter] >> I love it. Okay.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, actually, Jackie, I just wanted to ask you a question. Um, would it be possible? I mean, I understand adding more uh legs to the chain might might make it more complicated, but this um search
committee, right? Could it could it be the com all of us? Could it be the whole committee? >> No. >> No, it has to be a sub. So then we'll it's like when we do negotiations like even when we do negotiations with Dr. Kelly like the personnel leads that part. Uh but then some committees usually branch out and do a whole
different subcommittee for this. It doesn't just live under personnel. So that's my recommendation and then we can see how we grow it. >> Thank you. Thank you for answering my question. I was just curious cuz there was some ideas floating around of that
and I didn't think it was a bad idea but if we can't we can't that's it. So thank you >> Miss Rizzo. >> I realize we only have a year um and I I know everyone has ideas of what they want to see but I think we
need to stop and think how we're going to go forward. people usually um 90% will use MASC for the superintendent search um and it's usually it's not the whole committee because
that would be a quorum um but it is always included with students, families, um educators. It's usually and it's like a four-month process. It's not something you just meet once or twice. And so I think we
need to all think about instead of jumping in um there might be other there are other companies that do the superintendent search. Um >> center, >> huh? Yeah. >> Nast
center. But >> and you know what? I might be partial, but as far as I have ever seen, MASC has done the best when it comes to the superintendent search.
>> Great. Thank you. Um Stacy and I and where you've been through it, I'm sure there'll be some guidance um requested by you, but I'll just say this that there is everyone is going to be part of the process in one way, shape, or form. So this isn't going to be made in uh in a closed door session where there isn't
going to be uh feedback and questions that are going to come directly from the committee. So but what all I would ask is it it's not this is not going to be idea of the moment 6 months from now you go ah I wanted to ask this like let's
for formalize your thought process now your wants now >> what you what your expectations are now and then we so we can go out and draft the quarterback that we want and not not you know nine months into the process hear something and from and all of a
sudden react and say oh it should be something like this that's not that's not a good process. Um so we we will come together really really quickly to to to formulate what the expectations are, what our asks are going to be, what our presentations are going to be, you
know, all of it. We're going to have a package and then we go out there and we try and um find the best candidate for the job. Okay? And and and we can we can we can certainly think of what we want that best candidate to to be and and that's what we'll hopefully get. And
again, if we can model, get the clay model right of this person to the left of me, then that would be wonderful. Um, so well, I I that's just my opinion and I'm only one, but um thank you Dr. Kelly. Thank you. And
and again, we'll we'll I'm sure we'll talk more about this throughout the next 11 months. Um and I'm sure we'll talk a lot about it over the next 11 months, but thank you for uh letting us know and giving us the time to prepare as a district. as always a consmate professional.
Okay. Um en no enrollment update uh personal items attached. We have new hires, resignations retirements and terminations. Dark to Kelly. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> Um given what we agreed on last time, last meeting, technically we should be
moving to the regular meeting. I don't know if >> we moved up the time, but I know no one no one's here. So, it's up to the committee if we want to keep going if we want to start the regular and move this the old business of that one. >> All right.
>> I can't hear this. So, >> uh there was cur curiosity of going to the regular um uh school committee meeting or do we want to finish up the committee of the whole? I think >> we could probably wrap this up in five minutes.
>> Great. We can keep going. >> So, why why don't we just Yeah, I think we wrap this wrapped it up. >> Okay. So, um new hires, resignations, terminations, any questions >> regarding Dr. Kelly's um communication? >> No.
>> Um just have a question. I thought she had a sorry >> I thought she had someone under her that covers her when she's not here. We we couldn't hire that person. You know who covers her? >> Well, we have multiple assistant superintendent. Is that what you're talking about? >> Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
>> Correct. >> Okay. So, so one of those multiple superintendent could not take over to be the superintendent. >> If they if they wish to have >> they'll be I'm sure that if one of the assistant superintendents wishes to to take the role, they'll be applying for
it. Yep. So it'll be a very formal uh interview process that you know we'll we'll put out the call to action and the interested parties will apply and uh we'll go from there. >> For superintendent it has to be open for anyone to apply. So it's not like we can
just go to the side and say Richie what are you doing for the next four years? >> 14. [laughter] Okay. So, any other questions on the new hires retirements resignations terminations? >> Those days?
No. Okay. Acceptance of gifts, gifts, and donations. We had a Mr. Dr. Kelly, you want? >> Sure. We have one uh gift that we're very thankful for. It's $75,000 to the fine arts department from the uh Murray Bernstein Charitable Trust Grant. And these funds are going to be used to
establish a Latin ensemble and a pop choir. Um, which are two things that students requested in the student survey at the end of uh the school year last year. Um, and you know the $75,000 will pay teachers stipens, but it'll also
help u procure any equipment or supplies and materials the kids need for those programs. >> Thank you. And then we have um update on lead teachers. Dr. Kelly. >> Um so just briefly I wanted to share
with the committee. um you know that I discussed with you back around February, March, we were talking about um how we could ensure that teachers at Rivier High School still had support in in the in the face of a challenging budget year
where we were anticipating eliminating five coaching positions and we talked at that time we met with then principal uh Bowen and deputy principal St. Lawrence, who's now the principal, and they had put forward this idea of reestablishing
lead teachers, which we had uh years ago uh back up here at the high school. That was before we had any kind of coaches. Um we hit a stumbling block with the teachers union. Um their um concern was that the program that Mr.
Bowen and uh Miss St. Laurent established would give each lead teacher one period off when they could work with their colleagues. That's something um that didn't exist previously. Um but what we found in the program before and both Dr. Moab and I were our lead
teachers at the high school uh during our teaching days. Uh we never had time to meet with our colleagues and so if we needed to meet with somebody or somebody wanted to meet with us, we had to do it outside of school time and what we wanted to do was eliminate that barrier for teachers so that they could
collaborate effectively. Um the teachers union sent us a letter in June saying when we were pushing them to negotiate with us around this um saying they didn't want to negotiate anymore and that they didn't approve of the new um
program. And so I did respond um after consultation with our legal counsel telling them that we'll be proceeding with our plan despite their opposition. Um and so principal St. Warren has sent that invitation to teachers to apply for the lead teacher positions and I just
wanted to make the committee aware of that. >> Thank you. Any questions on that? >> Okay. Thank you for the explanation, Dr. Kelly. >> Okay, that uh that takes up our committee of the whole. Do we have a
motion to adjurnn? And I motion to adjourn. That was a mess. Okay. Part: 2
Good evening. Calling to order the Rea School Committee meeting of July 21st, 2026. We'll all rise and salute the flag 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. >> Mrs. Basella >> present. >> Mrs. Brunst >> here. >> Mr. >> President, >> Mr. Damiano >> here. >> Mr. Feliciano
>> here. >> Mr. Kingston. >> Miss Milberry Ellis >> present. >> Miss Mrs. Montroso >> present. >> Mayor Keefe >> here. >> We have a quorum. Um I know we're going to get started in just a second, but before we did, I do
want to offer and and I know the district as well as the city um had a wonderful sendoff, but we were we did not have a session last month uh before this unfortunate tragedy. Uh but we did uh we do want to offer our our condolences from the school committee to
the family of William O'Brien, a 25-y year educator in the district uh who unfortunately passed uh this last month. Um again, I want to um thank the entire school department, all the educators, the families that um really had a wonderful tribute and the amount amount
of wonderful words that was said uh about a good friend to a lot of people in in the schools. Um so I I don't have a lot of personal words. I know a few of you may have personal connections, but I wanted to offer the city's condolences once again on the record at the school committee.
Um, and we're going to we're going to um do a moment of silence, but at the same time, I'd also like to offer our sincerest condolences to Mr. Feliciano, one of our colleagues here uh who unfortunately lost his brother just last week. I know that uh it was sudden and
uh we want to send our sincere apologies and and prayers to you, Mr. Feliciano. Uh the services are on July 30th if and Mr. Feliciano shared them with us. If anyone's willing able to attend, certainly certainly do so. But if we can just take a brief moment uh and pause
for brief moment of silence. Thank you. Okay. So, the first item is going to be the consent calendar. Do we have a motion to approve? >> So, moved. >> Second. [clears throat] >> Mrs. [snorts] Bisella. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Mrs. Bronston Rizzo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kajiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Damiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kingston. Miss Milellis. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Montteroso. >> Yes. >> Mayor Keefe. >> Yes.
>> The next item is there's no student representative today. Uh hopefully they're enjoying their summer. >> Uh and we're going to public speak this opportunity. M. Montoso. >> Robin. Do we have anyone? >> No. On Zoom. Dr. Hey, Kelly. >> I Well, M. uh
>> Kingston is present. John >> John Kingston is present now. >> And there are no uh participants for public speak on the Zoom. >> Okay. And then for anyone who's watching, Mr. Kingston's joining us virtually at the moment, so his connection might be in and out. So with
that motion to close public speak. >> All in favor? I I >> we have the superintendent report. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um the first item on the superintendent report is the introduction of um Bianca Quirk, who is
the new principal of the Paul Rivier School. Um I remember Bianca from her days at Rivier High School when she was Bianca. Um and I was a teacher up on the second floor as she was finishing out her high school career. And as I am contemplating
my retirement one year from now, it brings me great joy to see a former student here taking on a new leadership role as a principal of the Paul River School. Uh Bianca has been an incredible asset to the district throughout her career. Uh as a student, as an educator,
as an administrator, and we have full faith in her ability to lead the Paul Rivier School and look forward to the great things she does there for students and for staff alike. Um, I know the staff was perfectly thrilled when we announced that uh, Bianca was being promoted to that position as Mr. Coyle
was moving over to the Lincoln School. Um, so without further ado, I'm going to invite Bianca up and this is her family who she's [laughter] taking them all out to dinner after this. Um, I'll invite her up to say a few words. Uh, and then the committee
can ask any questions they have. Good evening everyone. Thank you for having me here. Um, this is my whole family. I told my dad about this night and the news spread. I told my husband and my daughter. But
um I feel like this they are the reason why I have been a successful student and a successful teacher and a successful administrator. Um so thank you all. Um I am a product of Rivier. I graduated the
class of 94. [clears throat] My sisters are Rivier High graduates. My parents before us. Um so to serve this community for as long as I have is truly a privilege. I started my teaching career at the McKinley School in 1998. I loved every second of it. Um it my heart is
there. It's was the best experience. Um Stacy was actually there with me those years and for a building that didn't have a whole lot of amenities, it had a whole lot of heart and I feel like that really shaped who I became as an educator and what is so important to me.
Um I'm l have been lucky to serve as the assistant principal at the Paul River School for the past 12 years. Um, it is my home away from home. I love the people in it. I love the place. I love the community. And to be have reached this point in my career to continue um
as the principal is truly an honor. And I thank you all for giving me the opportunity. I'm excited to continue to work with you all in this new role. Um, does anyone have any questions? [laughter] >> Vanessa. Oh, I can't Vanessa. It's not
my job. Bianca and I went >> true principal. Take the ch take lead. [laughter] >> Bianca, congratulations. We went to school together. We graduated together. I I knew then that you were going to do great things and I'm just so glad that you brought those talents, kept them
>> where we came from. >> And that's what it's all about. I just I'm so proud of you for staying and putting your efforts here where where it counts. >> And so, thank you for that. You're well respected. >> Thank you. and I'm so glad you're sticking around and you're giving us you. So, thank you.
>> You're welcome. And when Robin called me to tell me about this meeting, I chuckled and I was like, "No, why do you have to introduce me? I've been here for a really long [laughter] time. I don't think anyone needs No, I don't need an introduction." But it it is it feels special and it is a privilege. Thank
you, Vanessa. doesn't work. >> Bianca, it has truly been a privilege and an honor to watch you grow. Um, from that new young lady to this beautiful
mother and I couldn't believe that was your daughter coming in. I was like, what happened to the baby? >> Um, you have been amazing as an educator. you have been an amazing person to your co-workers. Um, I was so
sad when I saw the McKinley school breaking up and moving on to different sections. I was like, "My family's going, my family's going." But so many went over and they were so proud to have you as an administrator. So, I am so happy for you and everyone at Paul River
and the families. Thank you. Mr. Deiano. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Principal Cork, congratulations. Uh, I really appreciate the homegrown family strong story you bring to our to our school family and I
wish you all the luck in the world and if we can ever do anything to help you in any way, please don't be shy. >> Congratulations, >> Miss Milbury Ellis. So I too went to school with Bianca when she was Bianca Squatieri and [clears throat] we ran track together.
Um but I also got to know Bianca as when during my time on the PTO at the Paul River School for both of my daughters and um I have to say even when Mrs. Kelly left we were like Bianca you have to be the principal. You have to be the principal. So this has been a long time coming for many of us. We're really
thrilled that you accepted um finally and um [laughter] and um I mean we're just over the moon. I'm so happy you've been you you are the cornerstone of the Paul River School. Like that's always been your building without a doubt. I'm just glad that you're wearing the crown now and I know
you're going to be doing amazing things there. So we're always here to support you. Thank you, >> Bianca. Miss Quirk, uh great job. Congratulations. Every time I go in the school, I smile. It's it's you you run a wonderful school already, even in a different role, but I know that you're
going to take it to a new level. And we're happy for you. We're happy for your family. And we look forward to many good years of uh success. And who knows what's next for you in this in the school district. Not for a while. You got some time. [laughter] I'll do the math. You have some time.
>> Congratulations, Dr. Kelly. >> I I was just going to say when you close, let me know. I'll be happy to be your mentor. [laughter] Mr. Feliciano, >> even though I don't know you, Bianca, congratulations. I'll be visiting your school occasionally. I like to visit all the principles in schools. And I want to say your daughter looks more like your
sister. You look very young. [laughter] Okay. Congratulations. Don't get mad, husband. [laughter] >> Okay. Thank you. >> Congratulations. Where we going? Where we going for dinner? [applause] Shout out to Marios in East Boston. If
you've never been, go. [laughter] >> Great. >> Thank you all. >> All right, we have the new mascot presentation. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so the second item on the superintendent's report is
the presentation of the new mascot. And, um, Mr. Shay, our athletic director, is going to share the information about the committee that was formed, the work that they did. Uh, and I believe you all have a picture of the image um in your
packets, but I'm going to put one up to go on the screen as well. So, without further ado, Mr. Shay, >> and will you just introduce your team too that worked on this? >> Yes. Thank you, Dr. Kelly. Uh, if I could, I just want to mention one more thing about how wonderful a person
Bianca was. Is uh when I first started at the McKinley school, I had three or four months on the job and um Bianca actually organized a baby shower for my son at the school. So, she's just a wonderful person. I'm so happy for her.
She deserves it. >> [clears throat] >> So, in the fall of last year, Keith Korea, physical education teacher here at the high school, um, sent out an email to myself and Dr. Kelly with an idea of forming some unity around the
new school logo. And, uh, his reasoning was we had three or four images that were floating around that different groups would use. um he thought it was a good idea going into a new high school to have one solid logo that would be on
uh uniforms and paper correspondents etc. I met with Dr. Kelly and she told me to to chair a committee. Um so I'm here to acknowledge who who was on the committee and the work that they did. Um we had um Michael Hillosa, director of
parks and recreation. uh Miss Julianne Falerano who's a vice principal here at the high school and a former chair coach. We had Miss Jill Foley who's the director of health and wellness. Mr. Keith Korea who I mentioned, Mr. Michael Flynn who's a teacher at the high school
and our current cross country in tennis coach, Mr. Kepler Salami who is the senior class president. Mr. Harley Don who is a student in AP art and design. and Miss Soanita Va who was an art student and
member of the art club. And I would be remiss not to mention that when we had all the edits um Miss Va was tremendous with changing things, moving things around, giving us new images. Um so she was a
great help. We met five times over the school year. Uh after about the third meeting, we decided to have a vision of what we wanted. And like I said, between Miss Va and Miss Foley, who are good with graphic design, um this is the logo
we came up with. Uh it has some similarity to the Rever Junior Patriot logo. Um so that the students took a little bit of that image, but certainly um redesigned the hat and the face and just did a tremendous job and had had
enthusiasm doing it. So, we're proud that this will be our logo moving forward and um I can't wait to see it on some new uniforms. >> Thank you, Doc. Mr. Shay, >> I I can tell you that I'm looking forward to seeing the physical mascot
with the hat with with this wearing this running up and down the sidelines or in the club in the the fieldhouse. If you didn't notice, that's the uh Massachusetts logo with the star where Rever is in the inscription in their face. So, it's pretty cool. Very, very,
very talented. I know that you said the students helped design that. So, look forward to seeing it out there. >> Yeah. >> I'm just going to, while we have it on the camera for folks at home, highlight what you're talking about, Mr. Mayor, with the shape of the outline of the state of Massachusetts with the star
where Rivier is. >> Very creative. >> Thank you. Great. >> Thank you. Any Okay, great. Thank you. That was easy. uh the next item on the superintendent report and I'm going to see I don't know
if um I'm trying to promote Mr. Kingston because I believe this was something he wanted to bring up. >> He brought it but you had mentioned you also received an email from the elections commission. I did I I met with um the elections commissioner along with
Kyle Spenson and Mr. Gluchcci who just left unfortunately but um we met to talk about um what is going on with elections and um you know she had mentioned that she was approached and asked if she felt like it would be better if we didn't
have school on the September 1st primary election day. And of course her response was um sure that would be great. Um, but when I talked to her, I said, "How certain are you that we need that? Do you have any data that you could share?"
She shared that there are typically about 7,000 voters across the city um on an election day um on a primary election day and that the majority of them either come before the work hour, before 8:00
a.m. or after work hours after 5:30. Um, I've shared with this committee repeatedly that we have had open schools during elections for the 32 years that I've been here. Um, and there I I guess there was some talk about maybe closing on September 1st and moving that day to
the end of June to to the end of the school year, which would be um later in June. Uh, my own opinion is that we shouldn't do that. What that creates is a week of school where the kids would come in on Monday, be off on Tuesday, come in Wednesday, Thursday, and then be
off on Friday because contractually they we're closed that day before the um long holiday weekend. Um so my recommendation is to not do that. I don't know if um Mr. Kingston if you want to speak to that. I don't know. I don't
>> He is on there but >> Hi there. >> Is that >> Yes. You hear me? >> Yes, we can hear you. >> Okay. Um I was concerned like at the Hills flu where they have to use the cafeteria and the kids would have to eat in their rooms. Also, they'd be using
all the gyms and I was just concerned about parking and voting. That's all. I mean, my concern is is that looking at voting numbers, I mean, the number of people that have voted is so is is low. So that works in our favor of the school, but also to me as a casual voter
that's driving by a polling precinct goes in the Hill School or on any other one of the schools and can't find a place to park, they're just going to go home. And I just think it hurts the voting process overall. And I it's just that that's an issue for me. And then there's also the stranger danger. Um you
know, there's going to be people in the building. Um in some of the buildings, it's harder to coordin. So I just worry about you know if who's in the building. >> Thank you. >> If I may also >> you know we've had this discussion I
don't know [clears throat] how many times now and um I am 9.9 out of 10 times never going to be supportive of closing the schools during elections. Um this is a primary. As far
as the safety concern, if I'm not mistaken, I do believe that there's a River police officer who is usually manned at every location. I don't think the numbers come in hundreds at a time to vote like they used to. Um, this is a it's a primary. I just don't think we
need to close schools. We've always managed to be able to keep schools open and have elections. I know the high school, they vote down near Miss Williams' office. That's a a a cornered off section. Um >> they actually at the high school they
moved it to the back of the gym, >> but we divide the fieldhouse in half and students are only on one side. And in addition to the rea police that are at every polling station, we also deploy school staff to make sure that um every area is secured as well.
>> Yeah. And so I mean lastly, the only thing I'd like to say is that I wish we would not approach members of city hall and offer um or inquire as to whether changes should be made. I think if there's a request for changes to be
made, then those individuals should go through the proper channels of going through either the mayor as the chair or going through the superintendent of schools. It's not our role to question people as to what they want and to and to present things on their behalf.
>> Miss Rizzo, >> I did owe every single word and comment I'm [clears throat] sorry that Miss Milberry Ellis made totally agree. [cough] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, [clears throat]
so I don't think that every polling location that is a school in in our city is is equal. So the Hill School, they have they take up the entire cafeteria and the parking lot there is very small
and it is a challenge to uh welcome voters in that particular school. Um, but a school is a wonderful polling location. It's lit. There's bathrooms available for the pole workers and it's a public building. Um, I'm sort of on
the fence because I think that we do a great job of separating uh the public from our kids, but I myself where I vote the Hill School, I noticed that people do circle the lot um and
just leave and they'll say, "Sorry, there's no no parking." And as someone who was elected, uh, you know, that was detrimental to my campaign. Um, what we also have to consider is the stranger danger element. And just
because nothing has happened yet, we do a good job. But I think that maybe uh it would it wouldn't hurt to maybe review every school that is a voting location and have a master plan that is a little more equally balanced because like I
said, the Hill School, it it works if there's nobody in the building. But with people in the building, there's a lot of displacement. Like here at the high school, there's plenty of space. There's plenty of parking. We can section off the gym. This the kids can still have gym in a smaller capacity, but they're
not that affected. Um, it's just something that I'm torn back and forth with in my own mind. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Did you have a question? >> Yeah, a question. Before the Hill School, didn't >> didn't we vote at the fire department at
the fire station? Before the Hill School, it was the It was broken up between the American Legion, the the the Central Fire Station and the Lighthouse. >> Oh, that's right. Okay. >> And I will say >> almost all of them had no parking. But I
I do understand what Steve Mr. Demian was talking about. The worst location I ever voted at was the Hill watched voting was at the central fire station. Literally fire engines running through the the most narrow corridor in the world. You didn't know which door to go into. And that was precinct for many
many years. >> So I do want to make it clear that if people want to vote, they're going to vote. They're going to vote. There's no I've never seen anyone, you know, yes, sometimes we want to make it as convenient and we have and that's where we have things called mail and ballots and early voting. We we have never been
more accessible to voters in the history of the city. >> But there's also v um parking right at Walgreens. There's a huge parking lot right there. >> And early Exactly. Early voting is uh week week usually two weeks in advance weekends at the at city hall very accessible very easy to in
accommodating. So but I do understand where everyone's coming from. I'll just share with your your sentiment montroso I think that it is good you know on the general election day we did vote already to not have we I think it's a professional development day. there will not be uh students in the schools on the
general election when there's generally a much larger turnout and we expect in certainly on presidential elections much larger turnouts. Uh primaries get a little wonky because sometimes we don't always know there's going to be a primary and yes this year we did but um probably staying with the same kind of
cadence of having it during primaries is probably a best practice. However, we can continue to do better with making sure we either map out certain parking, trying to work with the staff to maybe even shuttle them uh so that they can uh save preserve a few parking spaces and do whatever we can to accommodate the
voter because we do want to do that. But I want to make it very clear and this isn't just river. This is the Commonwealth. This is most of the country. Voting has never been more accessible. If you don't I if you don't think that then you're just find trying to find an excuse. you can register a
lot easier. Uh and and that doesn't mean it's illegitimate. It means that you can easily register to vote uh up until a certain po point in time unless they change that law. And you can go and early vote multiple weeks in advance. And if you all got mail this last week and you're registered to vote in the city of Air, there's a good chance you
were one of the 16 or 17 or however many thousand we sent out to get a mail in application if you wished. Okay. Mr. Damiano. >> Feliciano. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Feliciano. Sorry. I worked both in I I worked in both fire
departments as the ele working in the elections area. Both >> both. And I worked at the Hill School. I have never heard anyone complain about parking. You know what I'm saying to you? I mean, they have access to Walgreens. Walgreens manager say usually
on election days, one of us will walk over there, please don't tell people if they're coming over to to vote. And they don't they don't do it. But I have never seen and I worked for years at the Hill School in the election. >> Mr. Kajiano. >> Yeah. One question I wanted to ask you
with the high school with all the mail and b vote uh the mail and ballots now. How come we never why do we never go back to where the front of the school is, you know, in that small area? Because with mail and ballots, there's a lot less people coming, especially in the primary. I was
just Yeah. So the the election department makes those decisions and we honor whatever requests they make. Um they know they know best. They have the data and um I feel like our job, the school department's job as partners is to
accommodate um as we can. And so we do uh things like we reserve the space after school on the Monday, the day before election day, so that they can set up and get everything set that they need to have ready to go in the next morning. and then you know we close it
off so that nobody's in that space um and they come in the morning and they they run the show from there. But yeah, we just we follow their lead. I think that um because you're right, the elections used to be it's what you were saying uh Aisha that um you'd go in the
door out the front near the entrance to the superintendent's office, but the one that goes into the auditorium and the voting would be in that hallway. And I know that um they've added how many precincts vote here at the high school. So that made it a little bit more complicated. >> Um, and also there were questions about
parking when it was up front here because there's no open lot and uh we I believe we were running into some problems where especially at dismissal time when parents are lined up to pick their kids up and buses are lined up to take the kids home and voters are trying to find a place to vote that created
some confusion. Um, so we've worked with the election department and now they vote in the back of the building. We cordon off that area of the gym which is which doesn't you know prevent kids from doing anything. Um but we also move our buses that park on the apron outside of
that entrance either to the back of the parking lot or sometimes we've moved them up to the Lincoln school to make sure there's enough room. Um and that leaves space for the voters, dedicated parking space for the voters that they don't have to worry about during the school day. There's there's ample
parking there for them. and we worked that plan out um with the elections commissioner last year and um that's [cough] where we are. Yeah. >> I was just curious who made the decision on that. Okay. >> And and um Mr. Kajiano, just to also follow up um part of the elections
commission uh that makes these decisions and votes on these decisions is is create that continuity. So, and I will I was I remember three was broken up into multiple uh districts. Uh and when they voted to consolidate a lot of this was post pandemic, too, because we were
holding in nursing homes and places where there were vulnerable residents. Um when we moved and consolidated multiple precincts into wards for four, specifically six and three, uh all are in one location each, it's actually really it's easier. However, yes, there
is a resident that may still think it's at Lincoln. But by now, year three, again, I don't know how many address changes. You just, you know, you you keep it. You hope after a few years, everyone will figure that out and you don't change it for a while unless it's absolutely necessary. So, we are coming
up on that. We're developing that continuity and and I think that, you know, it is it's a good thing and and we're going to continue to get strive and get better. Um as well as one of the if just to give you a little bit more context one of the other reasons of consolidating polls
uh I'm sorry precincts into one district was amount the amount but two was the amount of capable you were a former pole worker the amount of competent and capable pole workers. It's just not a desirable position. It's a part-time position. You know you have to really uh pull poll and prod. We use and and and
get support from other town clerks when we're having a heavy election. other town clerks will send their best and brightest. So, there's a lot of moving pieces to really be able to staff them where um I don't know if there was just a lot more people back in the day that wanted to do these where we're getting student volunteers and stu not
volunteers, we're paying young students that are capable and they're doing they've actually been the best. I will say some of our student senate has been phenomenal. So, that's another reason why they consolidated. But, I think it's working. Is it perfect? I don't think this perfect. We have a high bar. So,
we'll get there. >> Um, the last item on the superintendent's report is a request. There was a request for information on early literacy practices and I foreshadowed this a little bit at the committee of the whole meeting. Um, Mr. Damian Damiano put in the request and so
our director former director of elementary curriculum now director of early childhood and title one um um Briana Supus is going to be here at the August meeting um to provide a full scope of picture of all
of the literacy work that we do uh especially in grades K through three I'm going to say right now but with her new role she'll be expanding that literacy work into the EC world. So, we're really excited to see that continuity um with her new position and um she'll be
talking about all of the different programs and curricula that we use and sharing some data on what we've seen from the literacy programs that we've been implementing in particular the high dosage tutoring that um Mrs. Montteroso mentioned um a little while ago. So, I
just wanted to share that update with the committee and if anybody has I have she has your questions, Mr. Damiano, if anybody else has specific questions they want to ask, let me know and I will get those to um Mrs. Sup. >> And that concludes the superintendent's
report. >> Okay. So, next is we have uh [clears throat] report of the subcommittees and policies and procedures. I believe that's Miss Milbury Ellis. >> Yes. So, I apologize in advance folks
>> for [laughter] the amount. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But anyway, we're I'm going to try to make this as as um least painful as possible, but I think the best approach is if everyone has not already done so, you've all had these um
copies of these policies as well as the red line versions. So that way we should be able to move fairly quickly through these if it's okay. I'll give a brief brief highlight with respect to each one. And if there's any further questions about these policy
changes by any members of the public, feel free to reach out to me and I have no problem with providing um a detailed explanation. So with that said, um GBBC gifts to and solicitations by staff as well as JJ deals with student
fundraising and KBE its relations with booster and parent organizations. These policies we discussed um I want to say last year. They have been updated. This is the MASC recommendation. This is what we agreed
to go with. Um at sometime later on down the road if anybody wants to revisit these we could do them at that time. But as of now we are accepting the policies as is. the subcommittee has um recommended that these three policies be
presented to you um for a vote. And so if there's any questions with respect to JBEBC, JJ and KBE, we can we can discuss them now. Otherwise, I'd like to motion to approve. >> Thank you. >> Second. Oh,
>> any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Basella. >> Yes. Yes. Mrs. Bronston Rizzo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kajiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Damiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Feliciano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kingston? >> Yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis?
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Montteroso? >> Yes. >> Mayor? >> Yes. >> Okay. The next policy deals with the school food and nutrition. It's EFBA. Um, we took the MASC recommendations.
Um, aside from where we input the Revier as our school district, um, the suggestion was made and adopted in subcommittee that the red paragraph which reads, "Re public school encourages inclusive meal planning practices that consider the dietary needs of students when feasible and
appropriate within program guidelines and operational capacity. The district may provide or explore reasonable alternative meal options to support student access and inclusion." um was inputed into our policy for your
approval tonight. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Mr. [clears throat] Deiano. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I don't want to hold anybody up here. Um but I just want
to make sure that it's clear. Uh our programs will ensure that meals offered through the district meet the meal pattern requirements set by the USDA. They're the go they're the gold standard. They're they're who we're using as a that's Yeah. Okay. That that was really I just wanted to put it out
there. It's written right here in black and white, but I just need to >> on record. >> And I'll just add that because we participate in the community eligibility program that provides free lunches to all students. Um we are required to have that in our policy to get that federal
grant funding. >> Thank you. And I think there's a I believe there's a a motion on the floor. So I think we just have to have the vote, right? >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Bisella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bronston Rizzo, >> yes.
>> Mr. Kajiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Damiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Feliciano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kingston, >> yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Montteroso, >> yes. >> Mayor Keefe, >> yes. >> Okay, the next one is KBG. This involves
parent advisory councils. Um, this basically is everything that we're doing with respect to CPAC um, and our advisory councils. It's already in existence. We just did not have the district-wide policy updated in our
district-wide manual. Therefore, we're suggest we're recommending that um, KBG be updated to reflect our current practice. >> Motion to approve. Second. Any discussion? >> Roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Bisella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bronston Rizzo, >> yes. >> Mr. Kajiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Damiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Feliciano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kingston, >> yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis, >> yes. Miss >> Mrs. Montterroso, >> yes. >> Mayor Keefe, >> yes.
>> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Okay. Thank you. The next one is JJH regarding student travel. Um, so this this policy was discussed in the pro proposed um, revisions include eliminating the six-month advanced
notice requirement and replacing it with the 30-day notice um, requirement. We made some additional clarifications with respect to um, those types of travel agendas that fall into certain
categories in which the policy would apply. Um but other than that, that's the major change. Before they had to get six months advanced not notice in order to participate. Um and now it's only 30 days with an
exception that you know if they're extenduating circumstances, they could still still participate. So can I just speak to that for a second? So, I think back in the day when they when we had that sixmonth provision, it was in the schools who were running like uh foreign
exchange trips and that they would be planned a year in advance. So, you would have that six-month window, but we no longer >> um uh do that. Our our overnight out ofstate trips are now typically for athletic or club activities and awards.
>> Thank you. >> Could we have a motion, please? I >> motion to approve. >> Second. >> Mrs. Mrs. Basella. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bronston Rizzo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kajiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Damiano. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kingston. >> Yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Montteroso. >> Yes. >> Mayor Keef. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> The next policy is ECAB access to
building and grounds. Um, so you have two versions of ECAB. The first, um, is about a few paragraphs. There's no real red, um, red line on it. And this is the MASC recommendation or their suggestion.
We, um, completely overhauled it. Um, so if you take a look at which what is a two-page document with some redlinined paragraphs, this is the subcommittee's recommendation for approval. Um, so the additional language
was incorporated to reflect existing state and federal legal requirements regarding the protection of student information, maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment, and procedures for responding to requests from law enforcement, immigration officials, or other governmental agencies seeking to access um school
ground students or student records. Um, again, we're memorializing what the law already provides and what our practice currently is. Um the committee noted that the added language again reinforces the district's existing obligations under applicable
law. Um and I think that should cover it. We also I mean you'll notice the the presentation is different from the original in that we um broke it into two par uh two different categories. So
access during school hours and access during out of school hours um for clarification purposes. And we also try to reference any relevant policies whenever we're working on a policy change. Um, and on that note, if anybody
ever notices that there's a policy on the agenda and you've noticed another policy that may um cross reference, feel free to let us know. Sometimes we miss them and it's helpful to have more eyes on this than um than just the subcommittees. So with that, if we could
have a motion to approve ECAB, that would be great. >> So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Can I ask a question, please? >> Yes, Miss B. Hello. >> Uh, I just I'm reading through this and I just want to make sure we're not um mcking the waters for like say for example, I picture myself trying to run
an IEP meeting and I need outside documentation. This is specifically in regards to citizen status. >> This is guidance that the attorney general and the governor have put out in general for like law enforcement, anyone coming in, right? Like let's say >> specifically law enforcement, immigrant.
Okay, I see it. Okay, never mind. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Basella, >> yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kajiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Damiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Feliciano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kingston,
>> yes. >> Miss Milberryis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Montroso, >> yes. >> Mayor Keefe, >> yes. >> I just wanted to make a comment for the community. You know, we've been working on adding things to this policy for over a year, ever since I introduced my safe
haven resolution. And like Ms. Malbury Ellis echoed, we're just copying over guidance that the attorney general's office has given what our said policy for the district has been if immigration, if ICE or law enforcement came in, but we didn't really have it memorialized in a policy. And so I think
for me it's really important that we do so the community knows what we're following and what we're doing if if any situation arose. So I appreciate seeing the unanimous support behind this policy. >> Thank you Miss Montterroso. And I guess I'll just add that's why there's a
difference between doing the work and just and not not this is no slight on you but this is to the general public doing the work which you you have all done versus just optical politics. and this is doing the work. So, good job. Thank you.
>> Um, so that passed. And the next one is IHBH. This is the alternative school programs. This was um this was a joint effort with the assistant superintendent and the superintendent as well. Um, as
well as um our outside legal counsel. I believe Richie um obtained an opinion as to this. So, um, the alternative school programs policy was, as you'll see, is substantially rewritten. The revised policy language recognizes that students
may benefit from a range of educational pathways, instructional approaches, um, and supportive services. The updated policy outlines the circumstances under which alternative educational programs may be developed or implemented, including when students needs have been
identified, when programs are educationally appropriate and and most importantly financially feasible um and when they fall within the responsibilities of the Rivera public schools. So the committee incorporated language addressing the purpose of alternative programs including
supporting students in meeting academic standards, transitioning between educational settings, developing social and career readiness skills and pursuing post-secary education, employment or other individualized goals. Um, everyone has had a chance to review this in full
um and therefore uh I would request for a motion unless there is any discussion and and additional questions. >> Motion to approve. second discussion. >> Can I add one piece to this? So, I just want to highlight um for the committee
and for the community that um one of the things this policy does is it names Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical School as the school to which um our students any student in the city of Riviera would need to apply if they were seeking enrollment in such a
program. And what that will help us do is ensure that we're maintaining our financial uh responsibilities and not having kids all over the state that we're responsible to transport and pay tuition for. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Um I JND,
>> we have to do a roll call, please. Roll call, please. >> I'm an eagle beaver. >> You're killing it. Good work. [laughter] >> Is the motion. >> Okay. Mrs. Bisella, >> yes. >> Mrs. Bronston Rizzo, >> yes. >> Mr. Kajiano, >> yes. Mr. Damiano, >> yes.
>> Mr. Feliciano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kingston, >> yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis, >> yes. >> Mrs. Montteroso, >> yes. >> Mayor Keefe, >> yes. >> Okay. >> Are you ready? >> Okay, this is the last one for tonight,
but I'll be back. Okay, so JNDF >> Oh, JNDF electronic device policy. This is our essentially our cell phone policy that um you know extensive extensive work went into. It is reflected in our
current handbook verbatim. Um but we notice that it was not reflected in the district-wide policy manual. Therefore, the um proposal here is to simply um approve this cell phone policy so that
way we can have it shown on the MASC policy manual for our district. Um everyone should be well familiarized with this. This policy came to fruition after um community engagement, after uh I mean tons of work put in from all
people, all aspects of um of the district. So, um, with that, can we have a motion to, um, put forth this electronic device policy? >> Motion to approve. >> Second, >> discussion,
>> Mr. De. >> Thank you. Um, Aisha, I really appreciate everything you've done and I just wanted to touch upon um, I would like to revisit this. We need something on the books. It's very important to get something unified. You [clears throat] and I have had discussions over the past
couple days. Um I do want to just after this we vote on this and if it goes in I do want to revisit this at at our next policy meeting. >> Absolutely. So um briefly what I will say is that there's there is some um discrepancy between city year and high
school and so the discussion is going to be centered around gaining some more information as to how that came to be. I'm sure that there would city lab. I'm sorry. What did I say? City year. >> Oh good lord. too many commercials. Um, okay. So, um, yeah. So, we'll we'll discuss those um differences. We'll
educate ourselves as to the the reasoning behind them. I'm sure there's there's um explanations for them and if we decide to um for consistency purposes update the the policy, then we'll do so at that time. So, to be continued. >> Can I add?
So just a as you're ruminating on this before the next policy subcommittee meeting I just want to highlight the difference in programming at city lab than we have at Rivier High School uh where those kids especially juniors and seniors leave and are off campus. So we've just got to be cognizant of that
as we're uh you know thinking about what restrictions we're going to put on those kids around their cell phones. >> I have a question. So we're banning kids from using cell phones in schools that we doing? >> Absolutely. We already have. We already have. >> You already have. Yeah. >> So there there are restrictions uh
regarding the uh usage of cell phones during school hours and during learning time. >> So if if you read the policy, Mr. Felisiano, you'll see the different levels we have, how students have to put them in little lock boxes and then just for gratification. We've been having this conversation for almost 3 years
now. So the only thing we're voting on is actually putting both in the student and family handbook in an actual policy for the school committee. Um and on on piggybacking on what Dr. Kelly just said with respect to our thoughts going into this um cell phone
policy, the differences that we noted had to do with the consequences. Um so that's the area that we'll be looking at and um that will be the discussion. So anybody interested feel free to come to the next policy meeting. >> You'll be discussing the consequences of
the next policy meeting. Um maybe second >> maybe second or third. It's going to be put on the agenda. There are probably about a dozen or so items um on the next agenda already, but we just keep adding them. I know you sent some over as well, so yours will be added as added to the
task list. We I have a running um Excel spreadsheet of policies that we're working on. Um and we just try to get through them as as quickly as possible. So there's no guarantees. It's possible. I did have a very specific question about this one right now that we're looking at. If you look at the second to
last page at the very top, the third offense, it talks about the teacher confiscating the device. Um I I as a high school teacher that that makes me nervous. I'd like to see administration remove and confiscate as opposed to the teacher. And I don't know if that's something you guys are open to
discussing. Is it too late for that? Um if that's going to remain in, then I will just um be present and I'll abstain from voting. But that is a huge um roadblock for me >> turns into it becomes a power struggle
between the teacher and the student and it will um deteriorate relationships on a level in an instant uh with no repair. And so I think that the admin needs to come in on that confiscation piece. >> So just just to be clear that's specific
to a classroom >> issue. Okay. So, the administrator would go to every classroom every time there's a cell phone issue. >> It would happen a couple of times and then it won't because the admin would keep it till the end of the day. It'll happen once to each kid if they want to push it that.
>> Okay. What happened to the days when you opened up a teacher's drawer and it was loaded with things that they took away from kids? >> Well, now you're talking about thousand phones and you're talking about kids who are unhealthy. They have unhealthy emotional attachments to their phones and they see that as their it's almost
like a um uh soothing strategy. It's it's part of their coping and so they there's I'm telling you from experience uh working in this situation having to take phones and I won't and I can't in at my school for this very reason. Um it
can get physical and it does >> and so I'm just concerned for the teachers being put in that position. I think a once, twice, put it away. No, I'm calling admin and it won't h it will only happen a handful of times. >> Okay. Well, we can what when this gets
put back on the um policy subcommittee, feel free to to raise it so we don't forget about that. Okay. >> Any other discussion? >> No. >> Mrs. Bella, >> present. >> Mrs. Barnston Rizzo,
>> present. Mr. Kajiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Damiano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Feliciano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kingston. >> Yes. >> Miss Milberry Ellis. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Monttoroso? >> Yes. >> Mayor Keefe? >> Yes.
>> Um, with that, I believe that is the end of our report. You guys will receive minutes once they've been accepted by the subcommittee policy. Um, and that's it. And I I'll just add for anyone watching,
we went through a lot of policy, so they'll be a part of our minutes. Most are already posted in the packet for today's meeting for anyone who wants to see the changes and follow along. >> Thank you ladies for this. I mean, all of you, whoever is on that policy, this is a lot of work. I And I know you still
have a lot to go, but I really appreciate we doing a a deep dive here. So, thank you very much. >> I I second that. A lot of work. I think your your your legal work, your lawyer expertise has really come shining through on the policy subcommittee.
>> Great job. Thank you. >> I have to also agree um when we first did the policy manual over um I think it was in like 98 the first time it was 1972
policies. So it was the whole book. We had to have MASC come in take the book and we just did se section by section. So >> you need to >> can have you sent all the policies that
we've already voted on to MC? >> Yes. >> Because there was one I couldn't find my paperwork on. I didn't know if it was updated. >> Yeah. No. And like and if for some reason you think there's a discrepancy, send it to me and I'll follow up with them. No, I just just like I couldn't
find my paperwork. So, >> yeah, to compare, but thank you. >> Of course. >> Thank you. >> Uh, [clears throat] next item is the hearings. We do not have any. And then we're on to unfinished business. Miss Montroso. Miss Montroso.
>> I just wanted to ask the personnel subcommittee for an update on Dr. Kelly's evaluation. I know she's leaving, but we still need to make sure to evaluate her. Ideally, it's done by July so she can set her goals and present them to us in the fall. We need a training. I've been asking since
February. So, I would really like to know. We know we don't want to set a precedent and let the incoming superintendents know that we we slack on this. So, what's the update, please? So, where it was supposed to be done last year, um, and we finally decided it need
to be done this year. And, um, knowing that she was going to be leaving, um, what I would like to do is have MASC come in because we do have a lot of new people and we can practice with her.
>> Well, we practice. Oh, practice what >> process? >> Doing evaluations. So it would be the first time for many of us doing the evaluation. >> Hers doesn't really count anymore. She Well, you count, but >> it counts to me. She's still accountable
to me for another year. So it's very real. It's not just [clears throat] practice. And it's an evaluation that happens every year. So she >> Well, it should have been done last year. So it it >> every year, >> huh? >> It should be done every year. >> Every two years. >> One year is the shorter one. One year is the fuller one.
>> Two years. The second part should have been done last year. So when I was looking to coordinate dates with MASC to come in and do it. Um I had already known she was going to be so I thought
it would be good if we could all do it together and use her as a practice. And I'm saying practicing, but it gives us more time to be ready for the next ones coming in, which will only be one year
evaluations with the new person. >> They wouldn't be two years. They would be one year. >> So, do you have a timeline for when you can get us all or do you need our availability? Like, what do [clears throat] you need from us so that you can get that moving? I would like what I was going to ask after the
meeting ended if everyone would give me their preference as far as days, afternoons, mornings, Saturdays, Sundays. So, I you know what? Maybe I'll just send out a whole sheet of times and then
we'll go see who's available at MASC to come out and do it. I know the girl that I want, she is our person, h our lead person. I know she was having um some trouble with her mother and she was taking care of it
after that and then it was last month I was out. I had an aneurysm. So now >> knowing that she's leaving, I think it's more important that we have a whole committee
>> foundation. Mhm. >> Could I just make a suggestion? Um, would anybody be opposed to what if we did it like an hour and a half or an hour before our >> Well, I was that was another thing. Again, I was going to ask this after like instead of doing committee of the
whole, >> we could do that >> or do it beforehand. Yep. Okay. That I just wanted to throw that out there just because I know everyone's schedules, we're all going to give you different dates and it's going to get crazy so we can kind >> Yeah. I don't want to put a lot of dates out because then it's like two here, one
here. That doesn't even make sense. Um, we just initially have to do the work and come up with a couple of good dates. >> Thank you, Miss Rizzo. And if you want, send out some recommendations maybe in the next week or so. And we're all committee members, so you know, and this
isn't certainly not an order from you, but it is our responsibility. So, we have to make the time to be available. And if that's an hour or an hour and a half before the meeting, if we plan out in advance, we can certainly get it done. Okay. >> Great. >> Absolutely. >> And I'll just add that I'm happy to participate as uh
>> guinea pig. >> Sure. Guinea pig. I was going to say as a as a somebody who can support the training of the newer committee members because it really is important that they understand the process and I think it'll be helpful to the next superintendent. So I'm happy to serve in that role.
>> Good idea, Steve. Thank you. Good idea. >> Any other unfinished business? >> Just two quick updates that I should have given under the superintendence report, but I forgot to if you don't mind. >> Is this new business? >> I I think it's new stuff that we haven't talked about. >> Sure. New business >> that the committee hasn't talked about. Oh, new. So, you want me to wait? Okay.
>> Again, we're on to new business. Go ahead. >> Okay. All right. Um so the first is I just wanted to let the committee know as you all are aware we had some significant issues with the elevators at the Garfield um over the last couple of years but um they've reach reached a
critical point and I want to thank the mayor and his team for allowing us to go out to bid for a whole replacement of the whole system of the three elevators which is fantastic. Um the two principles Dr. Napierre um and um Mr.
King together with Carl Senson are going to be interviewing three finalists this week and we anticipate that process will roll uh Michael Picardi in the procurement department has been a a a terrific partner to us in moving this forward. So we're seeing some progress there. It is not going to be done before
school. We didn't anticipate that it would be. The design process needs to happen all of that. So uh we've got some time to go but there is some progress there. And then the other thing I just wanted to share for the community at large in case people didn't get the emails that we sent about student email
that was compromised. Um if anybody needs help accessing their student email, I've actually had two students email me already, which is great. I love to see that they're using their email over the summer. Uh but it has set up a a a place where they can go and uh send
their information and they'll work with them to get their uh accounts reactivated. For everybody else, they'll be we'll be doing that work the first week of school when we return. >> Thank you for the update. >> Quick question, >> Mr. K. Oh, >> yes. >> No, no, you can let
>> Mr. K. That's a new business. Oh, no. I I just have a question about um the Do we have an an estimate a range for the elevators, financial range? >> Um what we're out to bid on right now is the design process and once it's
designed, we'll have a more accurate price. >> Gotcha. Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. If I could, >> Mr. Kingston, >> I just want to thank the Catholic. They've been impacted by the elevator situation, their school rooms in the basement and sometimes they've had to
carry some stuff upstairs and I just wanted to thank them for the rest of the work that they're putting in. The elevator situation really impacted them. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. And if you didn't hear that, um, Mr. Kingston was thanking the staff at the cafeteria workers that have been lugging and and doing a little bit
more um, man and custodians. Thank you. and the and the staff at the school custodial as well are helping get the product up to the second and third floor. >> I have a question about >> the elevators. Um why you have to have a design? I mean they're just an elevator
going up and down. Just remove the old ones, put new ones in there. >> If that were the case would all be engineers. >> Yeah, exactly. >> No, I'm [laughter] just it's a question I'm asking. >> Yeah. No, they have to design the system and look at the existing resources that are there, the space and all of that and figure out whether they can put the same
kind of elevator in. I know that they can't the the type of elevator that we have in that building is antiquated and they no longer make the parts for it. So they have to look at redesigning to a more modern model. >> Um and so that's going to that takes
it's a requirement in building if you're going to spend a whole lot of municipal funds. >> So municipal procurement law and things like that over a certain amount of money you need to have either design bid build or uh you have to have what 30 what's it called? Chapter 30 Chapter 30
>> 30E which uh requires design services to accommodate the uh the building of pretty much anything over I want to say it's $50,000 or $100,000. This is going to be over $100,000 easily. >> So they may end up moving the elevators too or not?
>> No, the elevators will still be in the same existing shaft, but how they design the the way that they work and where the mechanicals are are housed um is what could change. uh once they once they study the problem. Um and you know,
we're not I should knock on wood as I say this. We're we're not without elevators. They've been we we've been fortunate to have one sometimes two um occasionally all three of them working at the same time. But there have been, as Mr. Kingston point out pointed out,
occasions when none of the elevators were working. and he is correct that our cafeteria workers and our custodians did yman's work lugging things up and down the stairs when those events occurred. So we we definitely owe kudos to them.
>> Mr. Damian, >> thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh Dr. Kelly, I I understand this is a process that we have to, you know, we have to go through all the right steps for when the elevators are actually being worked on and rebuilt and re redone. Uh, do we
anticipate any needs for accommodations for any ADA compliance for any students? >> Yes, we will have to look at that. And if it's the case, we don't know this yet until they design the rebuild, but if it's the case that all three elevators need to be down at the same time for an extended period, we would have to look
at making accommodations. We're hoping there's a solution where um they replace one while the other two are still operational and then you know uh transition through the three until all three of them are done. Um we won't know until they design the process whether or
not um that's possible. >> Thank you Mr. Kajiano. >> Thank you. new business. >> Uh, Northeast Northeast Regional was approved by the Department of Education, a plumbing program for our new afterdock program which will be starting in
September where students will be a do their academics in their community and then from there they will be picked up around noon time at Northeast Regional by bus. We will be picking them up. uh Reier has been was the only approved
community that will be doing this because of so many people on our waiting list. So 12 sophomores this year will be going every day to Northeast Regional around 12:00 every day in their sophomore, junior, and senior year.
And uh they will be getting a diploma from Rivier High School, but they'll be getting a certificate from Northeast Regional for the vocational accomplishments. and uh what else is there? Uh we will be looking in the future for more curriculums and uh more
students in different communities. Right now, Rever is the only one uh we will be doing it with. And I want to thank Mr. Barry, you know, putting the curriculum together and getting approved by the Department of Education and Dr. Kelly for the grant that will be paying for all this. And I want to thank you
personally. >> Thank you. She's still real. >> Quickly, I I just want to thank um Mr. Kajiano for all of his work and his dedication to bringing um the trades into River High School. Um
a lot of people don't see the work that gets done behind the scenes. Um it's, you know, it's not all about just showing up, taking a picture. There's a lot of leg work that's going on. And with respect to the trades and and really um advocating to have um that
alternative present in the River public schools, Mr. Kajiano has been at the forefront and our um our go-to person. So, I just want to thank you. I think I speak for the entire committee when we say that we truly appreciate your efforts. We
couldn't be any um happier to have somebody with such an in on the other side doing this type of work and making it look easy. Well, I want to thank all you guys for all your support also. >> Whenever we started with the plumbing program, everybody was always on board with everything. Absolutely. Especially the administration and I thank you.
>> Absolutely. >> Thank you, >> Mizo. >> Okay. I just I want to remind everyone that they need to RSVP for next Wednesday um for the site visit if you have an opportunity 2:30. So, it you
know, at least try so they have enough equipment for everyone to be there. Um, just a reminder though. >> Thank you. Great reminder. Thank you. And also just a if you do go uh read the RSVP uh requirements for dress code and
specifically uh your footwear. >> No heels. >> No heels. >> No sandals. >> No high heels. No. >> All right. Thank you. >> Any other new business? >> Can I add one more thing about the high school? >> No.
>> Okay. Um, so people might notice tomorrow morning four giant trucks that have been making their way from Canada that will be delivering the first shipment of steel uh that they'll start erecting this week for construction of the new high school. So uh that's really exciting and um we're looking forward to
that. We'll be able to see it. Mrs. Rizzo, thank you for the reminder uh during the site visit next Wednesday. Thank you. >> Motion to >> um doc taken. Motion to adjurnn. >> We have a motion to adjurnn. >> All in favor?
>> I I