Finance and law subcommittee will come to order. Attendance, Dr. DeMello. >> Present. >> Mrs. Shaves. >> Present. >> Chairman Vierra is present. First item on the agenda, students activities request. Superintendent Cabral.
>> Thank you, Mr. Vierra. So, in your packet you you you you will see a list of expenses and the reimbursement that the high school is seeking for expenses incurred dating back to March 25th all the way through June 1st. And the replenishment request is in the
amount of $9,443. As you can see, a lot of it is student related in particular to to the junior prom and to the senior prom. >> Questions, comments from the subcommittee. >> No. >> I think here here >> Motion to accept. Um is this a payment
>> To to replenish. >> the $9,443 and zero cents. >> Okay, the chair will second them. >> Second on the roll call, please. >> Okay, Dr. DeMello. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Shaves. >> Yes. >> Chair vote yes. Motion passes three nothing. Okay, item two, disposal of surplus textbooks. Superintendent Cabral. >> Thank you, Mr. Vierra. So, as as part of our work to go through the materials at Hamilton Street, uh we've we've already
declared furniture surplus. Uh Mr. Barada, uh working with the librarian staff of the district, have identified textbooks that uh uh that they've deemed that the librarians have deemed uh not serviceable or not functional for the town public schools and we've declared
all the following items surplus. >> Motion to disposal of the surplus materials as presented. >> Okay, the chair will second the motion. So, we motion made and second. We have a box of
50 bucks, 21. All these items are are poor and in damaged condition. Any comments, questions from the subcommittee? Okay, hearing none, I'm going to roll call. Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shawbs? >> Yes.
>> Chair vote yes, motion passes three nothing. Okay, item number three, special education expenses, see attached. Superintendent Cabral, if you could. >> So, as we've done in the past on a monthly basis, you have charges for
the months July through March of 26 and for April. So, through July 1st through March of 26, legal expenses total $76,915.84. For the month of April, we were assessed legal fees on the student service side and also special education side
of the district in the amount of $12,277.50, bringing our yearly total to $89,193.34. So, as you can see, we have substantially gone over budget on the special education side. However,
there have been a lot of items that we've had to involve legal counsel related to student matters and also matters related to special education. >> Mrs. Shawbs? >> Just a question. So, are we just approving the April charges or the entire charges?
>> The So, everything through March has been approved. It's the April charges of $12,277.50. >> Okay, so I'll make a motion to approve payment for the charges for service rendered for April 2026 in the amount of $12,277.50.
>> Second. >> Okay, motion made and seconded on discussion. Hearing none, on a roll call vote, Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Chaves. >> Yes. >> The chair votes yes. Motion passes three to nothing.
Item number four, Coaching for Change. >> Thank you, Mr. Vierra. Uh same process as we've used in the past. Uh Coaching for Change, uh we budgeted $51,000 for the fiscal for the fiscal year. Uh for May, uh they provided us with
services totaling $2,657.16. Year-to-date, we have spent $40,243.96. Uh we still have a balance of fiscal '26 in the amount of $10,759.04. >> I make a motion that we pay for services rendered for Coaching for Change for May 2026
in the amount of $2,657.16 based on the list of services they have provided for us. >> Second. Okay, motion made and seconded. Discussion, questions, comments. Okay, hearing none, on a roll call vote, Dr. DeMello. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Chaves. >> Yes. >> The chair votes yes. Motion passes three to nothing. Okay, item number five, bills payable. Bills payable in the amount of $2,998,000 uh and
$929.72. >> [snorts] >> Wishes of the committee subcommittee. >> Approval on discussion of the amount listed. I don't have it at the end of my agenda. >> Second. Okay, motion made and seconded on discussion, Mrs. Chaves.
>> Okay, so the first thing I have is on page one, the Asser Financial Leaf Capital Funding LLC for instructional technology, $189,252.59. >> That was a payment for Chromebooks for one of the grades that we discussed during our spend out plan.
>> Okay. The second one I had was on page eight. Home Depot maintenance of building supplies, $2,430.72. >> On which page? >> Page eight. >> Yeah, mine
>> Yeah, yours are different. Um, number Okay. >> Sorry, I found it's $2,430. Uh, so that was maintenance of building supplies for Taunton High School and for Chamberlain. I don't have the specific items that were purchased. One was for maintenance of grounds, so
that would have been purchases for the groundskeepers, and the other would have been for Taunton High School. Most likely for Taunton High School. Usually when we're making purchases from Home Depot, it's usually for Mr. Turgeon and the students in the in the shop. Construction craft labor, sorry.
>> The next one I have is page 10. DBT in School LLC Professional Development Outside Provider for $26,490. >> That was professional development training that was held on May 12th and May 13th.
And DBT, that acronym, Mr. Barada, a little assistance, please. >> Dialectical behavioral therapy. It's evidence-based uh practices. We're talking allowing or promoting students to use their words to express their feelings in a positive
manner. >> What school or what teachers were attending this? >> That's actually district-wide, so it'll be school counselors, school adjustment counselors, social workers that are attached to the reset rooms. >> And that would be work overseen by Dr. Watt and her department. >> Okay. Thank you.
Um the next one I had was page 16, Hewlett Packard financial services for $338,667.10. >> That was another purchase for Chromebooks for I believe this was the grade nine Chromebook purchase.
>> Grade nine. And the last one I have is um page 21. It started on 20, McGraw Hill LLC for $749,513.04.
>> That was a three-year purchase of the Wonders curriculum that we discussed during our FY26 spend out meeting. >> Yes. Yeah, and that's what you said a three-year contract. >> That will I believe that'll get us to fiscal 30. >> And that's K or K through 12? >> K through six.
>> K through six. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chairperson. I'm all set. >> Thank you, Mrs. Shavs. Dr. DeMello? >> I have nothing. >> All right. And my questions were all answered through Mrs. Shavs list. So, if there's no
further comments or questions, on a roll call vote, Dr. DeMello? >> Yes, in the amount stated. >> Mrs. Shavs? >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. Motion passes three nothing. Since there is no other business, a motion to adjourn would be in order.
>> Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Okay. On a roll call vote, Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shavs? >> Yes. >> Chair votes yes. We are adjourned. Thank you, everybody. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Mhm.
>> I'll try this again. Good evening and welcome to the second regular June meeting of the Taunton School Committee, Wednesday, June 17th, 2026. Please stand. >> [clears throat] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Oh, say can you see by the dawn's [singing]
early light what's so proudly we held [singing] at the twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright [singing]
stars through the perilous >> [singing] >> fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly [singing]
streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night
that our flag was still there. >> [singing] >> Oh say does that star-spangled [singing] banner yet wave o'er the [singing] land of the free
and the home of the brave? >> Lord, as we begin this session, let us acknowledge the goodness and mercy and ask your blessings on all our deliberations. We thank you for this opportunity to be of service to our
community and to the young people entrusted to our care. If you could please remain standing, I have an obituary to read. This is for Paul J. Fairbanks, um who recently died, passed away on March 30th at his home
in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He was 83 years old. After courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, he was born in Cambridge, later lived in California and Colorado, and he settled in Dartmouth, South Dartmouth in 1987.
Paul was the husband of Diane C. Borges-Fairbanks, who was a retired math teacher from Taunton High School, and the son of the late George and Mary Sylvia Fairbanks grew up in Taunton, Massachusetts, graduated from Taunton High, earning a
bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State University, a master's degree from Southern Illinois University, and a doctorate of mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado. He began his professional career teaching in Long Island before he decided to join
the Air Force, and during his 20-year military career, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He courageously served in Vietnam and while flying many combat missions aboard B-52 bombers, he was shot down and rescued. In recognition of his service and
sacrifice, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart, along with other with numerous other medals. During his military career, in addition to time serving combat in Vietnam, he taught mathematics at the Air Force
Academy in Colorado Springs, ending his career at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Following his time in the Air Force, Paul devoted nearly 30 years to Bridgewater State University as a professor mathematics, bringing discipline, clarity, and a deep respect
for learning to generations of students. He shared for 42 years a devoted marriage with his wife Diane, living in South Dartmouth, survived by his stepchildren, Eric Droniuk and Stephanie Droniuk Bennett, and his step-grandchildren,
Emma and Brian Droniuk. He was preceded by his grandson son Zeke Droniuk. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Gary of California. Predeceased by brothers Douglas, George, Harold, and Albert Fairbanks. He's also survived by
his sister-in-law, Judy Tremblay, and her late husband, Philip. Rita Borges and his wife, Bernadette, and sister-in-law, Frances Fairbanks, as well as several nieces and nephews. If his life wasn't busy enough, he did find time in enjoying playing golf,
sailing, walking, reading, and spending time at home with Diane in the company of family and friends. He was an avid golfer, had a wonderful sense of humor, and a very quick wit. He was generous and loved making people people laugh, even when enduring many years of Parkinson's disease. He
continued to have his sense of humor. He carried himself with a steady sense of duty and devotion to the people and pursuits he held dear. He will be His funeral He will be buried, excuse me, with military honors on September
2nd, 2026 at 1:15 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave in in Bourne. And memories um donation is memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.
We have Please have a moment of silence and keep keep in our prayers his beloved family. Thank you. >> Mr. Sousa is here. >> Okay. Roll call, please. Mr. Filosky? >> Present.
>> Mrs. Fagan's present. Mrs. Mullen? >> Present. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Present. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Present. >> Mr. Laura? >> Present. >> Did you say present? Okay.
And Melissa Santos is absent. Oh, and I'm sorry. How did I get you? Chairwoman, Mrs. Shaw, I apologize. >> I'm present. Thank you. Pursuant to Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, this meeting is being recorded and live streamed via YouTube. The recording
will be made available to the public on YouTube via a link on the district website as soon as practical. I also ask if anyone else is present and is recording this meeting, please notify the chair now. No one is here. Present, so we move forward. First thing on the agenda is
approval of the minutes for June 3rd, 2026. >> Motion to approve the minutes from the June 3rd meeting. >> Second. Roll call, please. Mr. Polansky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes.
>> Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Shaw? >> Yes. >> Um is there any public input tonight? >> There is not. >> No public input. Okay, on to you Mr. Goral for the superintendent's report.
>> Uh thank you, Madam Chair. So, at one, it's with great honor that I provide you with the last superintendent's report for fiscal 26 as this is our last meeting for the school year. So, we'll see you in fiscal 27. So, I'm very excited uh to I to point out I'm
sure many of you have heard that I would like to congratulate Taunton High School junior Bella Burke on being named the 2025-2026 Gatorade Massachusetts Softball Player of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement, and character. Bella helped
lead the Tigers to their sixth straight state championship, Division 1 I may add, after adding an other outstanding season in which she batted .589, which means she got on base six out of 10 times. She had 34 RBIs, she scored 42 runs, and
had 22 extra base hits through 21 games. She is a three-time state champion, actually four-time state champion, a two-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic selection, and has committed to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina, which is a Division 1 school. Equally impressive,
Bella maintains a 4.61 GPA and volunteers with the Taunton Girls Softball League, helping inspire the next generation of student athletes. Congratulations to Bella on this outstanding and well-deserved recognition, and I also want to take this moment to recognize the outstanding Lady Tigers who captured their sixth
straight uh Division 1 state championship, the 11th in the program's history, uh with an 11-8 victory over Attleboro, which was also, I heard, the highest-scoring Division 1 softball state championship in MIA history. And
we look forward to bringing the the Lady Tigers before us, and we look forward to celebrating their sixth Division 1 state championship sometime in July, and I will keep the committee uh updated. >> [applause] >> I and I do know that the team and the coaches, they really appreciated seeing
the school board members and the uh school officials who were able to attend and support them along this run. It really did help bring the city and the community together. So, I'd also like to talk about and recognize that the Taunton Public Schools were completing, as part of our the part of our strategic initiative in
an area identified in my evaluation, how to develop a stronger sense of belonging, and we are participating in DESE's Belonging Fellowship. So, I am pleased to recognize that the Taunton Public Schools team that completed the Bridges to Belonging Leadership Fellowship offered through DESE and Equity Imperative. The year-long
fellowship focused on strengthening relationships with our caregivers, improving two-way communication, supporting shared decision-making, and creating more meaningful family engagement opportunities. Their work directly aligns with priority four of our strategic plan, stakeholder engagement. I want to thank our
participating staff and for their commitment to building stronger partnerships with families and helping to ensure caregivers are active partners in the success of our students and our schools. And a special shout out to the director of student services, Stephanie Hoy, who was leading that work as this
work involves many Zoom meetings, but it also means uh several trips to Everett uh to meet at the at the SEA campus. I also like to state that we had our third uh coffee and conversation in East Taunton. This one was very, very well attended on June 4th. The Taunton Public
Schools hosted our third coffee and conversation event of the year at Deep Pond Farms and Stables in East Taunton. The event brought together families, students, staff, and community members for an evening of conversation and connection. We were especially pleased to see our strongest multilingual family
participation to date with interpreter services utilized in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Haitian Creole French. This event reinforced the importance of bringing outreach directly into neighborhoods and creating welcoming spaces where all families can participate fully. Thank you to Deep
Pond Farm Stables, our staff, volunteers, interpreters, and families for making this a wonderful event. And if everyone whoever's available tomorrow, we have our final uh coffee and conversation uh tomorrow and I believe we are going, Mr. Barada,
to Hopewell Park under the pavilion. Thank you, Chris. And that'll be our final at 5:00. And and actually, what we'll have on display uh during the uh coffee and conversation is we we have welcomed all the neighbors who live along Hamilton Street. We've invited them uh to the coffee and
conversation so that they can have an opportunity to meet Principal Byron, some of his staff members, some of Mr. Byron's student ambassadors, and also get to see the rendering that Mr. Bock is in the process of developing that will be placed on the outside of the school. So, we're very excited to be to be welcomed into that neighborhood and
to welcome the neighborhood to to the Taunton Public Schools. And then last but not least, I'm really excited. You may have noticed those of you watching from home, and I'm sure the board has noticed that was as part of our new strategic plan, we also revamped our logo. So, I'm pleased to share that
the Taunton Public Schools logo, which is on display on the banners hanging in front of you, has received an award of excellence from the National School Public Relations Association. The logo was designed by Taunton High School graphic arts teacher Matt Bock and was introduced alongside
our new strategic plan. The national recognition highlights the creativity, quality, and talent that exists within our own district. Matt's design reflects the student journey in the Taunton Public Schools and has helped establish a cohesive visual identity across our schools and district communications.
Congratulations to Matt on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you all for helping to create a symbol that reflects the pride, purpose, and belonging of the Taunton Public Schools. With that, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Superintendent Cabral.
Uh next matter of business is administrative business. First thing on the agenda is staffing report. Back to you, Mr. Cabral. >> Uh just providing the committee with an update on our staffing report. Uh just normal professional staff that have been hired,
uh staff that are that are on leave, and staff that have resigned or retired. And everyone who's retired has received a personal card uh from me, handwritten, and also a letter from the school department. >> Usually make a motion.
>> Would be appropriate motion to receive and place on file. >> Yes, so moved. >> Second. >> On a roll call. >> Cole. >> Sorry. >> Mr. Pulaski. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello. Yes. Miss Mr. Laura.
and Chairwoman Chaves >> Yes. Okay, second thing under administrative business 2026-2027 school committee planner, see enclosure. >> So, it's hard to believe we're already planning for the next school year. So, I just wanted to provide the committee after meeting with Mrs. Chaves or excuse
me, Chairperson Chaves and Secretary Fagan, we've identified the presentations that we will have before the school committee. We also have some open dates. I do want to note for the July as was in the memo that you received a couple meetings ago, we're going to be meeting on the second
and fourth Wednesday Thursday Wednesday in July and then the first and third Wednesday of August and that'll keep us on our two-week cadence and it won't back us up against the 4th of July week which a lot of family a lot of staff take vacations and it's also usually very difficult for us to get a packet
out on time. So, you can anticipate receiving that school committee packet on the 6th of July because of the because of the holiday weekend and again, if there are any issues or any conflicts, please let me know. I did speak with the chair of the high school subcommittee and the high school the chair of the elementary subcommittee to
make sure that we would follow the same schedule with having the school improvement plans held before our regular school committee meetings. They felt that that seemed to work. So, again, if you have any questions, please let me know and what's important for the committee to note for the summer months is I would I'm personally inviting all
the school board members to our retreat on August 13th and 14th at the Cove in Fall River. If you can spend any time, you're more than welcome. You simply want to come down and join us for lunch, that's fine. You want to participate in one or both days, you are more than welcome to attend and again, so I
graciously invite you to to attend that retreat with a with 70 plus administrators. And then the other piece of that of note is we need to I'll be polling the committee in the near future about our first retreat for the school year. I blocked off the 23rd and the 30th. So,
depending on which date we have the best attendance, we'll schedule our retreat, uh the first one to kick off the school year on the 23rd or the 30th. And that'll focus on the work that the rules subcommittee has been conducting and will be conducting with the Massachusetts Association of School
Committees on the policy updates. So, they plan to review that with you and we could possibly also use that time to establish some school committee goals. And again, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. And then you'll also notice in November uh that we have the MASC annual conference.
Please note that the MASC annual conference this year will not be held in Hyannis. It'll be held in Danvers. So, Mrs. Devine will be reaching out to you shortly to see if you're interested in attending one or all of the days. And then we'll have our second retreat on January 27th. That'll be a mid-year
check-in. And that'll be a focus on governance, how is the board working together as a as a cohesive group. And then on the 14th of April, we'll have our budget workshop. And then on June 23rd, if all goes well,
that'll be our end-of-the-year retreat. And again, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. And the most up-to-date version is on the school committee newsletter that I created on the site because if you'll notice on August, there's a typo on August.
The week of the 16th, I omitted the 19th. So, please you'll get a clean copy on the site's website. >> Mr. Viera, do you have a question? >> Um I I I did, but I can ask the superintendent later. It's not >> Okay. And you can >> It it was I mean, for the interest of
transparency, are we going to have speaker at the retreat in August? Do we know that yet? >> I If anybody was going to join us in August, it'd probably be a representative for MASC to help review the policy work that the rules subcommittee has worked on. >> Okay. Makes sense. Thank you,
superintendent. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> I can't really hear him. Um Dr. DeMello >> Thank you. I'm still a little concerned and especially with the brief letter of change. Um What exactly is that? >> I can't hear him.
Can't Can't make Can't >> Can't make out what you're saying, Dr. DeMello. You're in and out. >> You're actually frozen. He's actually frozen. No, we can't hear him. Um >> So, if anyone has any questions regarding the planner, please feel free to reach out. And again, it's a it's a
draft, and as we did with this year's planner, things things do move around. >> And Superintendent Cabral, um we haven't heard back from MASC yet, though. >> I have not heard back from MASC yet. >> So, we have sent them an email requesting that they be part of the um
our looking at our suggestions for changes, but we haven't heard back for the rules. And then that one will start to present to you guys what we've recommended for changes and bring it to the committee as a whole. Um is there a motion to accept and place
on file? >> Motion. >> To accept and place on file. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. For the agenda. >> Mr. Klowsky. >> Yes. >> Ms. Fagan votes yes. Mr. Smallen. [clears throat] >> Yes. >> Mr. Viera. >> Yes. >> I don't know if they can hear us. Dr.
DeMello? No. Mr. Laura? They can't hear us. And >> I heard a >> I heard a >> I heard a >> Yeah. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes. Yes. Okay, next on the agenda is the READS
Collaborative Quarterly Report and Board Meeting Schedule, see enclosure. Back to Superintendent Cabral. >> Yeah, just informational purposes. As you as you're you're aware, you voted me to continue serving as a board member just sharing you the quarterly report that reads shares with me as a board member.
The appropriate action would be to receive and place on file. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> All those in favor, aye. Mr. Pulaski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Yes.
>> And Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Okay. And Madam Chair? >> Yes. Um the fourth thing on the agenda is the South Coast Educational Collaborative Financial Review Report seeing closure back to Superintendent Cabral. >> Again, same procedure as the previous.
This is informational purposes from the South Coast Educational Collaborative in which I serve as a board member just sharing the quarterly report with the committee. >> Motion to receive and place on file. >> Second. >> Um roll call. >> Mr. Pulaski? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello? >> Yes. >> Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Next on the agenda is the subcommittee report. The first one is curriculum and instruction and I have
Miss uh Santos' report. So, Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee Tuesday, June 16th, 2026. Meeting was called to order at 1:01 p.m. In attendance was um was Miss Santos, myself, Mrs. Mullen,
Chris Barada, Carolyn Blenau, Dr. John Harrison, Greg Gay, um Jillian Licchetti, um Early College Coordinator, Early College Specialist Miss Jennifer Nolan, and Miss Samento, and Miss Soares, two
Early College students. This was a type of meeting that necessitated active participation, so while I notes will be focused more on capturing the themes of the conversation. For specific Early College information, I would ask that the public and the committee members to review the packet that was made
available on TPS website. However, there were two important updates that I want to include. The first is that TPS has earned early college designation with UMass Dartmouth. These courses are primarily focused on earning credits in pre-medical and pre-nursing pathways.
Therefore, those participating would be will be juniors or seniors. The second update is the early college pathways with Bristol Community College, specifically with a change to course offerings for the ninth graders. Previously, these participants were able to partake in a variety of liberal arts
courses, but as Ms. Blinn stated, it was overwhelmingly as far as workload. So, they now have one course option CAS 103 Career Exploration and Discovery. The purpose of this course is to provide a student with an introductory look at
what being in college means. This will hopefully give them a solid foundation that will help them better succeed in the academic courses in their sophomore year. Much of our discussion discussion was deservedly centered on Ms. Adelza Semedo
and Ms. Jayla Soares. They were finishing off their second their sophomore year at THS, and they had already completed four early college courses through BCC. They were also enrolled in the intersession course Personal Finance with Endicott College.
They each spoke openly about some of the anxieties they faced when first entering the early college experience. However, they faced anxiety head-on and have been exceptional students balancing between a high school and a college student. They spoke extensively about the importance
of all the resources they are provided, not only by Ms. Lucetti, but also by Ms. Nolan. Ms. Nolan carries the title of academic tutor, but when she explained to us the amount of support she provides these early college students, you can understand why these students have been
so successful. The adoption of these embedded tutors is a new feature of the early college program and they are a conduit between the professor and the students. She helps them with technology issues, academic issues and honestly with mental and emotional support as
well. The students also discussed how much they've learned about what it means to be a college student and the expectations of the college environment which will help them transition into a regular college work once they graduate from TAHS. As an educator, I can say that after our
brief meeting with Miss Samento and Miss Soares would be a dream student in any class. These young women were poised, enthusiastic and helped support how important these programs are. I want to note that they were both ESL students because Miss Luchetti stated that they
had wanted to encourage more ESL students to participate in early college. This speaks to their commitment to engaging all students to challenging themselves academically and mentally. Mrs. Shaw did suggest working with Superintendent Cabral to schedule an early college presentation sometimes in
the fall so the rest of the committee could hear firsthand how these programs have benefited our students. The meeting adjourned at 1:41 p.m. And I'd just like to add that of all of the presentations that I've seen, it was one of the best presentations I had ever seen and I was
so proud of the work that the high school and the leadership team and the school committee have done in putting these programs into place because it was outstanding and maybe Mrs. Mullen would like to add something to it. >> Yeah, I I would say as a parent, I was
beyond impressed and I wish that I had known about this earlier on. Um So, I I think it's a tremendous opportunity for our students and I applaud the superintendent and all involved in this. It really was a fabulous presentation. >> So
>> Oh, you want to add something? that? >> one I want to personally apologize to the curriculum sub committee for not attending yesterday's meeting. So, I apologize for not being there. But, um Mrs. Mullen, don't feel bad cuz I think this is only year two or year three that we've had the early college center. But,
it it's it's building a lot of momentum. It's gaining a lot of traction. I I the data was very impressive. I think when I did the when I analyzed it real quick, one out of eight high school students, so 2,900 students or 2,700 students, one out of eight uh participating in early college. And when
the program the program is fully established, you're probably looking at one out of four. So, that's going to be a huge game changer. And we're already setting some lofty goals with Dr. Harrison for next year as far as students applying to college. I want to see that number increase cuz I believe when more students apply to college and
they realize that college is accessible, college is attainable, that we'll see uh higher attending rates as well. >> Mhm. I just want to note too these these students are getting college credit, which was really important. And they talked about the financial implication of their families and being able to come
out with all of these credits for free. And so, it it's a game changer. We asked them whether or not they had thought about college before this. One had and one hadn't really considered it. So, it was a big push for them to take the courses and come out with a lot of
college courses. And I we did ask about um their GPA. So, whatever they get in the course, it corresponds to a grade on their Taunton High transcript. So, >> As an AP >> Yeah, or AP level. >> about the weight. Yeah. So, that's it's even better. Yeah, so it gets weighted for
>> Yeah, so it gets weighted for them. So, it was it was all positive across the board. >> I'm already working on scheduling that presentation. >> Yes, I do I really want you guys to see it because it was I was so excited when I left. I think it would be important. It made us proud to see what we're doing and what we're what opportunities we're
providing for our students. And I want parents at home to be able to see it because as Mrs. Mullen said, I don't think a lot about this and I think having a presentation at the school committee would be able to put out the word to everybody. So. >> Thank you. I need a motion to place on file.
>> So moved to place on file. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Polansky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira? >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello? Mr. Laura? >> Yes. >> And um Madam Chair
>> Yes, thank you. The next on the agenda is the Rules Subcommittee report. The rules did not meet due to conflicts with um other things that were going on yesterday. So, that's that meeting will be rescheduled. Um so, the next thing we'd go on to Finance and Law Subcommittee and um Mr. Vieira is going
to give that report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. The Finance and Law Subcommittee met today, June 17th, 2026 5:45 p.m. In attendance was myself, Dr. DeMello, Mrs. Shabs, Superintendent Cabral, and Assistant Superintendent
Pradah. First item on the agenda was the student activity request. Um there was a motion made to replenish the student activities account in the amount of $9,443. Uh the expenses were mostly based around um
junior and senior prom. The motion passed three nothing. Second item on the agenda was disposal of surplus textbooks. There there was a host of uh textbooks that were in uh fair to poor condition.
Uh motion was made to dispose of them in accordance with TPS policy and procedure. That motion passed three nothing. Third item on the agenda was uh special education expenses. There was a bill in the amount of uh $12,217.50
for the month of May. That was also approved unanimously by the subcommittee. Item four was Coaching for Change. We had expenses and receipts that were provided, the services that
Coaching for Change gave the district in the month of May. And again, that amount was $2,657.16. Motion to approve um passed three nothing. And the final item was item five, bills payable in the
amount of $2,998,929.07. $0.72, excuse me. Questions were asked and answered by the superintendent. And motion passed three nothing. That concludes my report. >> Motion. >> Motion to approve.
>> And place on file. >> Second. >> Mr. Polowsky. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. Laura. >> Yes. >> And Madam Chair.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Vieira, for that report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Next on the agenda is new business. This is a letter regarding Martin Middle School Speech and Debate Club. And I always love it when we have nice letters. So, dear members of the School Committee and school administration, I'm
writing to express my sincere appreciation for the speech and debate program at Martin Middle School and the tremendous impact it has had on my daughter, Ava, during her seventh grade year. When Ava first joined the program, she was unsure whether public speaking was something she could successfully
take on. Like many middle school students, the idea of standing in front of an audience and presenting her thoughts was intimidating. However, through the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities provided by this program and Mr. Daley, she steadily developed the confidence to challenge herself and
grow beyond her comfort zone. Over the course of the year, I watched Ava transform from a hesitant participant into a poised and confident speaker. More importantly, she gained a sense of pride in her accomplishments and learned first first hand that hard work,
preparation, and perseverance led to success. The skills she developed extended far beyond public speaking. She learned how to organize her thoughts, communicate effectively, think critically, and present herself with confidence. Ava learned the importance of shaking hands, looking others in the
eye, and carrying herself professionally. All skills that will benefit benefit her throughout high school, college, and her future career. One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been seeing Ava recognize the connections between effort and achievement. Through her
participation, she discovered that academic success is not simply about grades, but about developing the confidence to share ideas, advocate for herself, and engage thoughtfully with others. Programs like speech and debate provide students with opportunities that
cannot always be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. They help students discover strengths they may not have realized they possessed, while fostering confidence, leadership, communication skills, and personal growth. These experience experiences
contribute significantly to the well-rounded education that our schools strive to provide. The impact of being surrounded by like-minded peers outside of the classroom cannot be overstated. The program provided Ava with a community of students who share her
interests, challenge her to grow, and encourage her to push herself academically and socially. I am incredibly grateful to the educators, advisers, and administrators who make this program possible. Their dedication has created an environment where students can challenge themselves, build
confidence, and celebrate their achievements. Thank you for your continued support of opportunities that enrich the educational experience of our students. The positive impact this program has had on Ava and undoubtedly many other students is truly invaluable.
Sincerely Sincerely Tonya Miller, parent of Ava Miller, Martin Middle School, grade seven. And I just want to say that I met Ava at our awards ceremony and what the mother described is is just the tip of the iceberg about what a poised
and outstanding student she was. I had a long conversation about about this program and I can tell you she she can sell it. This is really a wonderful program. So I'd like to make sure that we recognize Mr. Daley and the entire program by the school committee.
>> So if someone would make a motion to authorize me to send Mr. Daley a letter regarding the communication, I'd be happy to do so. On behalf of the committee. >> Make that motion for the superintendent to send a letter to Mr. Daley. I will say I was so impressed with those
kids and their handshakes, their eye contact. I mean I know business people that don't present themselves that well. So kudos to them. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you. Second. Roll call. >> Mr. Palowski. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes.
>> Dr. DeMello. Mr. Laura. Madam Chair. >> Yes. Motion passes. So next one is unfinished business. Action item update back to you Superintendent Cabral. >> No action items at this time.
>> Okay. That's it. Motion to adjourn would be in order. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor. Oh, roll call. >> Mr. Palowski. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Fagan votes yes. Mrs. Mullen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vieira. >> Yes. >> Dr. DeMello.
And Mr. Laura. >> I don't think they can hear us. >> Oh, there we go. Yes. >> Yeah, there we are. >> Yes. >> Okay, meeting is adjourned. Everybody have a good night.