Good morning. I'm Kim Craven. I will call the meeting of the finance subcommittee of the North Middle Sex Regional School um school committee to order at 8:03 on February 25th, 2026.
Um if we could uh do a roll call of the members present. Um Michael Bosier >> here. Lisa Martin >> here. Ian Francois >> here
>> and I'm Kim Craraven and I am here and from the administration we have IBY, Brad Morgan, Nancy Haynes, Jeremy Hammond, and is Kevin on?
Not seeing him. Okay, see him. >> All right. And do we have um someone that would like to make a motion on the minutes from our last meeting? >> I'll make a motion to accept the
minutes. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Is there a second? Thank you. Um all in favor? Lisa Martin? >> Yes. >> Mike Labosier? >> Yes. >> Gina Francois? >> Yes. And I'm Kim Craraven and I am also a
Yes. Was there anyone for public comment, Robin? Either >> Let me check again, but there wasn't when I checked earlier this morning. >> Okay. >> No, we're good.
>> Okay. Um, so I'd like to open it up. Um Nancy, I saw that you had in the packet um a budget uh review for us for FY 26 as of February 5th. And I noted that you did add in the transfers. Did you want
to give a an overview um on that? >> Sure. Can you hear me? Okay, >> I can. Um, I think uh I was thinking I have updated that since the February date, but I just wanted to maybe share my screen with the uh FY26 as to where
we are and and at the moment I'm thinking we hold on doing any of the transfers and I'll I'll kind of show you why that is at this point. >> Okay. Is there one very specific reason or is it a lot of smaller reasons, the changes?
>> Um, no. Well, I I mean, right now I I had moved a fair amount of money into the um tuition um area of the budget, the the last section, because we had the assessments um for school choice and charter school, and it was almost
$300,000 that I moved into that area to cover those. Um and at the moment, because the tuitions are lower than we anticipate, I don't think I'm going to need to have that much in there. So, I still have a balance in that section of the budget. So, again, I
I happy to point it out if anyone wants me to do that or if you want to just keep moving. I can just uh if that's enough explanation, we can >> I I I did want to know the biggest changes. I'd like to know what uh the rest of the committee wants, but I'm I'm interested in in reviewing what you have
that's different than us. And if um when you have a moment, you could drop that over to Robin to share with us, that would be great. Sure. >> I do think if you put it up on the screen, Nancy, and just go over it. >> Yeah, >> it will be quick.
>> It's important. You don't have to rush. >> Can everybody see that? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay, great. Um so this is the uh top level basically of all the categories. You guys have seen this in the packet in the past. Um but the the areas that I'm
watching are there's a couple of areas actually that still that if you look under the remaining balance column which is um right over here. Um this is right now given all that I know what I think we're going to end the year with.
um the transfers needed um represent what's necessary um based on what I've transferred so far. But if you take a look at here, this 297,000, which is what I was talking about for the assessments, um we transferred in 297,000 into this
to try to um support those charter and school choice, but we still have a remaining balance of 980,000 there. So, I really don't need that transfer yet. If this were say zero, I would need to have it covered by this. So, I'm just
watching that area. Um, I do have some deficits, which you can see here, operations and maintenance. And again, I have it showing a deficit, but I'm still expecting they're going to spend money. This anticipated expenditures is my best guess as to how much more I think they're going to spend. So, they haven't
spent it yet. So, we're not technically overdrawn, but from a projection standpoint, um that's what I'm looking at right now. And, uh the biggest of those right now will be the heat for around 60,000. Um the electric is and the wastewater uh
sorry, the the water and the waste removal is around 72,000. we're running over on uh the grounds area of uh facilities and that makes sense because of the snow removal costs have gone up this year. So again, I don't have final
numbers and I'm kind of thinking we keep an eye on this this these transfers that are needed because at the moment even though it says I need them, I think I'm going to actually need to move some of this money that we transferred here back up to operations and maintenance to cover some of those shortfalls. Um, on a
positive note, I did run the activity for the uh, heat and um, electric and there are some schools that are way higher than we anticipated. Again, this is going through January bills. And then there are actually some of them that are lower, which surprised
me. So, I I kind of want to dig into that a little bit, but looking at the individual schools utilities, I think we'll will will help uh, solidify that going forward. But, um, at the moment, this is where it is. and I just wanted to share it quickly.
>> So that's about 300 um as you say in the positive from the 1.6 remaining balance that you had projected with ours and that's where the difference is is just that that one category essentially. Um
you mean like in the in this number here? >> Yeah. Yeah. the this is what this is. Like I said, if I if we spend what I'm expecting we're going to spend between now and the end of the year, we'd still have this left over. >> Okay. >> Now, of course, it's only partway
through the year here still, but uh you know, keep we'll keep eyes on that for sure. And that's assuming that I'm 100% spending some of the areas where the department heads have have budget money still available. So, I would assume that those things will still come through in
the next few months. Um, but again, I think uh holding off for the moment on a transfer makes sense just to see where this next February um utility bills and such. >> Any questions from other members?
>> No, looks uh looks good to me. As long as as long as we're not in imminently about to run out of money in any of those areas, I think it makes sense to just keep going and and see where the transfer, you know, have as much information as you can have before you
actually make the transfers. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Otherwise, otherwise you're going to be shuffling back and forth or whatever. just um curious. I think I saw there um in the instructional category the positive in unspent like that we're
going to leave that we're going to have as part of that 1.9 I should say um the I believe I think it was classroom teachers had a positive balance of almost $800,000. Is that just
over shooting or um in during process or >> I think the biggest changes this year have been because of all the shifts of staffing um because of the adjustment again there was more savings from the um
um the you know the consolidation of buildings. There was also transition there's been a number of uh transition of staff. So when that happens, um, you end up potentially getting somebody exiting at a higher rate and
somebody coming in at a lower rate. >> So again, that was there was a lot of estimates going into this year. Probably the the most estimating we've had to do over the years because typically we roll our staff and it just rolls in autom, you know, automatically with a new rate and there you have it. But in this case,
there's just a tremendous amount of change that happened this year that I think resulted in that. Cool. Thank you. >> Oh, um I just saw Kevin Cormier is is in the he's in the attendees list. >> Thanks, Mike.
>> I'm sorry. I was looking for a file in my Google Drive and I completely lost track of time. >> Is that my fault, Kevin? I think I asked you. >> Yeah, I can't find it. >> Okay, that's all right. Sorry, I sent you on a goose chase. First thing,
>> um, Lisa or Mike, do you have any questions about the FY26? >> Nope. >> Not at this time. >> Okay. Um, I have a question about this year's
budget in relation to next year's budget. So, I I was pleased when I saw your projections leaving 1.6. I wasn't sure that it would be that
number. Um, you know, just kind of looking at it on my own, trying to do some of it. Um, with that, just a reminder, if you could send it um over in Excel to us rather than just the PDF. Um, it's harder to navigate when I'm looking at some of the numbers. um if
that's possible, it just helps me compare some of the things that condense some of the the rows that um for an analysis. So given that it is still um
you know a bit for the year to go and we have snow coming down, I know that's going to affect the operations. I expect that request to be greater um than what you're showing. you know, I just think it's natural that with what's going on and I did see um I had to go check a
building myself um later in the storm and I saw the crew out there balding. Uh you know, I know everyone's working really hard to keep the the grounds clear of the snow and that does cost some money, but I feel that there's there's some of a buffer. Is there
anything in that FY27 budget that's been deferred? um whether it be curriculum materials or technology materials that that Jeremy needs or whatever it might be that could be purchased the 2026 budget
rather than the 27 budget. >> Yeah, I think we could definitely look at that. Um and another alternative would be so that would be one option as far as you know having help with the FY27 budget. The other option might be to consider the fact that if that closes
out to um END that we know that amount will be in END. So in theory if we're replacing END with what we're spending we could we could potentially increase that. But again I I I think that's
that's a possibility I guess is what I'm saying. It's just another way to handle it without it being, you know, pushing all this, say, equipment purchase or I mean, I'm pretty sure if you ask Jeremy if he could come up with some things that he plans for next year and this year, I'm 100% sure he could say yes to
that. So, um, either way could work if it's easier to do it that way versus say talking about, you know, our 2 million in END that we're planning on using and making that either a little higher or or shuffling a little bit for next year. Some of those numbers
So that so that we could end up with a lower assessment. >> Yeah. >> For the town. >> I um I had appreciated a chart that you had given us earlier where it had um the total amount for each town and then
where you were at. And I know it had been around 400 to get to the exact ask that the municipalities had put forward. Um so I'm not exactly sure where that number is right now. Um, if you know that that would be
>> I'm based >> Sure. I'm pretty sure based on based on what Pebb is looking at, I think they're looking at trying to get to a three from their newest letter that came through or thereabouts and they're at they're at um hold on they're I just
don't want to just want to give you the um they're currently at 4.33%. Um, and I think they would prefer to be at a three. Uh, that's about $500,000 in either reductions or savings
of fun or or additional revenue. So, it's it's either an adjustment in the in the expenditure side or the revenue side. But either way, it's usually it's a when when you're trying to get there, you can get there either way um to try to get them to a three. That's the about the number.
>> Okay. Um so we probably delved more into the FY27 budget now, but if I could leave the FY26 budget if um my peers don't have any other questions with that ask of a review of um any deferred
purchases that they be considered within the FY26 budget in the appropriate categories um to take them out of the FY27. And um if nobody has any other questions, we can fully move into the 27
that way. Anyhow, >> yeah, that's um that's okay with me. I guess this is a 27 question now, but I think I'm looking at the letter right now and it says, quote, "With this in mind, we are hoping that NMRD can continue to keep can
continue to consider our need to keep the assessment to PEP in line with our revenue growth. Currently, that is projected at 2.89%." So, I maybe I'm just interpreting this poorly. That sounds like to me that they're trying to get us to 2.89 289 as
opposed to three. But I mean, it says three in the next sentence. >> Yeah, we we we've been asking the district to keep it to a maximum of three. So, I think what they're saying is they can they can shoulder a little bit more than their projected revenue growth, but only a tiny bit.
>> Well, I guess translation it' be somewhere between five and $600,000. >> Yeah. five and 600,000 less than the current uh draft budget is what you're saying. >> Um >> or is that
>> yes or or if we had revenue coming in >> additional revenue coming in then we could >> right >> some in the expenditure and some in the revenue or shut or also consider um you know use of END as an example.
Um I forgot the the current draft uh budget how much END was it set to use for revenue? I can't remember. >> 2 million. >> 2 million. Okay. Out of how much how much how much is in there?
>> Uh around three and a half million. >> Okay. Right. Did you have handy the um revenue that you can bring up? Sure. Yeah. Let's see if I can
is that visible for people? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um I don't think too much has changed uh with these upper categories since
the governor's proposal, but we did get one minor change um to the minimum local contribution due to a transfer between of a student between Monty Techch and North Middle Sex. So, there's a slight one student change to the these numbers here.
Um and the local revenues right now are right here. The would be the assessments for the towns would be the the these numbers and then the debt service down here. >> So on your calculation oh sorry >> oh sorry this is this is a the a revised
budget since the public hearing of 2.95%. So the public hearing was 3.06. So this includes some minor changes. I don't know Brad if you want to explain that right now or do you want me to keep going?
>> Keep going for now. Um so we are still waiting for the GIC to be voted but their number is significantly lower which is good really good news and so is the um the health insurance line appears like it's going to come in um
essentially level funded um minus for the rates minus u you know we're assuming there'll be some larger impact on people transferring into our plan. So we've included all those changes. In addition, this is this includes adding
back in with some of that savings the middle school um teachers to two at each building so that they can sorry so that they can um um so they can they can move back to the
team model. So it it might not be possible. Um but in in your formula, is there a way to easily in quotes um
reduce the the ask from 2.95 what it looks like if it's like 2 2.75 sort of reverse engineering it might not be that easy to do. No, it's it's fairly straightforward. I can't do it in this this
particular one, but um I can do it and and and are you looking to see like what that does for um the towns and pepper ashby numbers? Yes. And to talk through what what that means. So, you know, Mike asked a great
question like what what are we using in END? What's going to be left in END? balancing that with what you're projecting to be less. And at at the time that I was thinking through this conversation in preparation for this meeting, I was looking at 1.6,
feeling like if if we could get, you know, 1.3 um before for the remaining balances that I was comfortable with that. Um, and obviously it's
it's an unknown, but feeling a little bit comfortable that we're leaving some in END, that we will have some projected um, you know, cushion for FY26 and knowing how much advocacy is going
on, that there's, you know, that hope that there'll be a a return on some of those efforts with the eventual change of the formula so that we are not in this position ition next year or at least the year after to be able to balance the needs of all the
municipalities. I'm encouraged to hear that you're bringing some of the teachers back. Ken made a good point. There's some some money left. you know, is is there enough money left even in the budget to um hire a pair for one of the classrooms or whatever it is um
operations wise that would alleviate some of the um highest uh ratios um you know, whatever relief there might be and still leave you in a good position. So, it sounds like we're talking somewhere around 600 um that if there's a benefit
to the schools this year um and a benefit to the budget next year, what does that look like? And and you know, from an operation standpoint, how are are you feeling superintendent and and finance team of where that looked like
last year and the year prior? And is is that feeling better for you um than it was last year? Is that a comfortable spot? Like like talk it out with us. Um cuz I know last year I had no time to talk to you um before I tried to push
your budget down to match the the towns. So, I mean, I think we can certainly consider using um I would recommend maybe another 250,000 out of END in that range and then that
would leave us again with with a balance of um you know 1.25 25 in that range uh going into the next year. Um and then potentially look at a combination of some other reductions in what we're
proposing right now that in just doing some quick math and I apologize for being quiet there for a minute. I was just putting some numbers together. Um and and I'm coming up with the potential uh without looking at insurance at all because I do think we have to be
cautious of the insurance piece because even though as I've shared before the GIC has not gone up as as we thought it would um they have gone up on on the members. So they haven't increased the percentage cost but everything else has
gone up as part of their membership and that plan. So that's going to be noticed I would think by the people that are carrying GIC elsewhere. So I am still a little concerned about a potential swing to our insurance plan and I do think we
have to keep some money set aside to absorb that should that happen. you know, uh, outside of that, um, you know, if we use another 250,000, um, you know, I can talk to, uh, Nancy,
Kevin, Gary about potentially reducing, um, our staffing ask by 250, excuse me, by 170,000 to staff. Um, we have asked the special education department to do a staffing audit and it does look like
we're going to see some um potential flexibility there to move at least a couple of special education teachers into general education positions. Um, and a lot of that has to do with again making sure that we're in compliance. We're servicing students appropriately
but not overering because that can get us into some trouble as well. But then also with the shift of the steps program um to Townsend um we've just realized that there are some adjustments that can be made. So all in all if I mean if we were to use another 250k and then make a
s a staffing reduction in the proposed budget which again I think can be covered by the special ed savings that we're seeing. We're going to look at probably a $420,000 swing. um it doesn't get pepper exactly
to the um5 or $600,000 that would put them in a position I think to support the budget, but the possibility is that maybe the insurance isn't going to swing the way that it could and maybe we see some additional savings there and that
we don't see a large shift in membership to the district plan. Does that make does that make sense? The only other concern, I don't I don't mean to interrupt, sorry. Sorry, Kim, is um is that we're going to go further and further away from our reserves, our
recommended or our our our reserves policy. Um because we're actually using now well over half of of the funds. I mean before I mean it was two it was 200 out of excuse me 2
million out of three 3.5 now it would be um you know two and a quarter um in reducing the amount in END for the next year and potentially putting us at risk for what we're going to get the next year
Lisa I see your hand up um could we like go halfway with the towns. I know that they want us to go to the 500 600,000, but could we do 300,000
because we can always lower when numbers come in. Um, and like you said, e use 250 out of E and D and could we drop um 50,000 from stabilization? I know we've dropped from stabilization. I know we
don't want to do that, but it at least maybe keep our a teacher or a pair or two. So I I think the only concern that I would have with um you know giving Peril with meeting
Peril halfway is that it's putting us deeper and deeper into the spring and potentially into the summer without having an answer on whether or not our budget can be supported. Um, you know, I I think we're in a spot now where where
Ashb um is and I mean any reduction at this point is going to create a situation for Ashby where their increase is almost at zero. Um Townsend is still a question mark. Uh we are being asked to lower our budget
for Townsend as well even though their assessment is is quite low and it is below I know at the last meeting and I have shared this um with with um the select board member that spoke at the last meeting even though that letter was sent that was not that letter has not
been referenced really at all in any of our budget summits. It's been getting the towns below 3% for the assessment. That's been the goal in all of our discussions. um really nothing more than that and uh we've done that for two towns at this point. Um my concern with
Peril is that again you don't we only need two towns but you don't want to put a town in a position where they're going to um you know have to cut additional services um and set them up
for an even more difficult FY28. So, I I do think that we should be trying to do everything we possibly can to try to get as close to that number as we can without carrying forward the
issues that existed this year in our K classes and our 78 classes um with very very large class sizes. And I do think that we're in a position now after that special education audit and you know
having a couple of positions being added to the FY27 budget that we should be able to address those concerns. Um you know are we going to have everything that we want? No. Um would we love to add a a split team at both
middle schools? Yes. Yes we would. Um, but I I don't think that that's in the cards because that would only increase our budget at this point. But I do think we have a a potential situation where we can address those problem areas where
class sizes are in excess of 25. Um, and you know, hopefully try to maintain 25 or below districtwide with the exception of some high school electives, which are always going to be problematic because
the only way to address those are by hiring um fractions of staff which really don't exist. >> Yeah. I think from from my perspective what what I'm hearing is that if we just based if we
move some staff around with the the special education audit that you mentioned and and then we're we're adding in some staff to address the class size issues which I think is a fantastic idea because you know my my my son's in seventh grade so he he has
experienced those those high class sizes and it has not been uh it's not been ideal to put it mildly. >> And so um and I think that you know by using a little bit more of the END like yes that's not ideal either. You know we
we specifically don't want to do that. Although we did I I believe we we voted to sort of to suspend that particular policy for this coming fiscal year specifically because we knew we we continued to have these challenges regarding the the the budget and
specifically the town assessments and even more specifically the pep role assessment. Um, but I think that using a bit more END plus the the, you know, the staffing adjustments that you were talking about that gets us most of
the way there um to to what PPL is asking. It sounds like not all the way there, but but a lot closer. And I think that that making those adjustments makes sense. Um, and that, you know, obviously that doesn't get us to the a
final a final point yet, but I think it gets us a lot closer and shows progress in the right direction, which is always a good thing, >> right? No. And um again, and there may be there may be the opportunity to look
at FY26, you know, in in the in the coming month or two to see if we can potentially prepay uh for certain things in FY27 and take that, you know, that that 420 number I threw out there and potentially increase it. Um I will say
that right now my confidence level in all of this is um I would say 50% only because I have not shared this with um the business office at this point because um they were not a part of the meeting u with special education. So I
just want to make sure that um that we're all on the same page. As you know we rely heavily on uh on on their ability to take our numbers and you know make them a reality. Um, so those discussions will happen later this week. Um, but I do think that um it it does
make sense to me. I'm hoping it will make sense to um to Nancy and Kevin. Um, and again, I I do want to just be sure that everyone knows the audit that was done was an internal audit that was done by um by the special education director
and the assistant director. So that was really that was a deep dive into how um special education teachers both inclusion and program teachers were being used but then on top of that how power professionals being used throughout the district um you know is
there equity and how they're being used uh programmatically and then on top of that the the real hope that um that bringing you know a neck program and a landmark program to the district will help support our budget, our special
education but budget, namely moving forward and and could um help with revenue down the road. But it's going to take a couple of years probably to get those up and running until we really start to um reap some some some uh
revenue from both of those programs. >> I appreciate that um sort of lens that you're looking at. Um, Kenan, you have a question or comment? >> Yeah, I was just um I just shot back over to the preliminary budget message just to see if I could get clarification
on something. Um, the FY26 capital plan list. Um, obviously though there's a number of items in there like elevators, AV upgrades, building and grounds equipment, blah blah blah blah blah
blah. um how much of that was included in the FY27 budget? Like how much do we have budgeted for that um in 27 if any of it? Um cuz I was just I
was just thinking ahead about if we can prepay out of 26 um you know where does that land us? Um I don't know if you guys have that information at your hands. Um have done some quick maths in my head. >> Yeah. So, are you are you asking about
the the plant facilities budget mainly >> like what's planned for in 27 >> like any anything that has substantial one-time purchases coming up. So, I guess a lot of that would be facilities. Um the only I would say the the the bulk of
th those one-time um costs would be either our transfers which we well they're not one time but they're they're not supporting um operations um like the stabilization transfer and um other post-employment transfer but it
um this the capital lines that are in the budget we increase slightly for this FY27. Those are the um you know when for whatever capital projects we want to tackle across the buildings. Uh so that's uh I think at the moment to try
to move up any of those costs right now would be challenging. I I don't know if Jeremy has a comment on that but we have a lot of uh capital projects in front of us right now and you know given this winter it's been challenging getting through getting those up and running and
bid out at this point. Um, so I I I know they're in process and but I don't know if we could add more to them before June. >> So if you have any one time if Jeremy has any onetime costs in his, he could maybe speak to that. But I I suspect um
his are replacement cycles mostly. So like projector replacements and Chromebook replacements and that type of thing. >> Yeah, we are. I mean, I constantly look at what we can move forward if I have
any funds available. That's just part of my process. And part of my budgeting for the technology lines includes refreshes and planning at that out uh with the goal of having my ask be as stable from one year to another. So, it's not a
sudden increase because this year we're replacing desktops. I try to spread it out so it's as stable of a request as I can. Um, from the capital planning standpoint, uh, we're certainly going to continue to look at it. Uh, quite
frankly, we're running into issues with, uh, staffing and manpower, uh, to take on too many more capital projects. We have a lot that needs to be done. Uh, but we're just spread kind of thin. And between there's a lot involved on the
district side for every capital project. I know u it's often looked at as being something that involves contractors and therefore shouldn't be as much of a staffing issue. Uh but it is a long process to go through the bids, getting the quotes, uh evaluating everything and
then it all it takes a good portion of manpower uh particularly from my Dave from Dave myself uh and the foreman and some of the tech staff uh to kind of project manage our end and be with the
uh contractors throughout. Uh so to answer your question, yes, we'll certainly look at it and yes, we'll continue to look at it. Uh I am not hopeful that we're going to be able to take on a lot more than is already on our plan. Uh simply because we're struggling a little bit to keep up with
it as it is to be completely frank about it. >> Thank you. And I just ask cuz you know I'm going going through everything and you know listening to the concerns. I'm really I'm really hesitant. I think I'm here
with Superintendent Morgan of taking any more than we already have out of END. Um I was vehemently trying to find the END history in my drive, but I just can't remember what the document is called. Um but I think if we're already if we're
going into next year with 1.5 left, um especially after the last two years, we drained all of it. Um I'd rather do everything in our power to keep that 1.5 intact and you know keep building it um
as time goes by cuz you know last year was an opportunity that you know whilst we did end up closing a school um that windfall um of extra funds you know that's not going to happen again um unless something remarkable happens. So
thinking I'm thinking more long term in this, but obviously we need at the end of the day we need to make a budget that you know everyone can at least somewhat work with. Um but yeah, >> thank you. >> You're muted.
Thank you. Um I I'm more comfortable trying to work work in something from FY26 first and then going to the the END after that. Like I said coming into this meeting
with your projections um with the 1.6 I was comfortable um you know asking for for you guys to look at going um with a balance of around 1.3. So there's more there's more available funding than I
anticipated um from FY26. So I think it could be that balance, right? that while there's never 100% known, if we if we know right now that the END is standing at 1.5, there's some potential
to move some of the um core purchases that might be needed um into the FY26. I would like to to have you consider that first and see what that brings us to. And then some of it realistically
might have to to come from from END if it's staffing obviously. Um there's well there's been deferred staffing. We can't pay for them in one year when they work the next. Um but the the last thing that I would want you to do is cut out teachers. So really looking at some of
those other areas. The other question I had was about the um any other revolving accounts. Um, is there are there any funds in any revolving accounts that can be used for any of the needs from FY27?
So, at this point, um, the admin team is going to be meeting um, early next week to to look at all of these items and we can certainly add revolving to that list. Um, I I don't think we can answer that now. I mean, we
we do have revolving funds, but we do have to be cautious where those really should be dedicated to one-time purchases as opposed to ongoing costs. Um, I would recommend that um that we have the opportunity to review this and
then make a proposal to the finance committee in advance of our next school committee meeting because I do think we need to have another finance meeting uh to share with you what we were able to come up with and then present to you um a revised budget message and revised
FY27 budget so that it can hopefully be supported by the finance committee to bring to the full school committee on March 10th. >> I appreciate that and I know, you know, this time of the year there's so much going on with with the budget. Having
what Nancy produced really helped me take a look at it to see what that comfort level is. And if if there wasn't 1.5 in END, it probably wouldn't feel comfortable with this big of an ask. But I feel like leaving that there's a
cushion and knowing that there still will be a little bit more of a cushion for any, you know, drastic event. Um, you know, obviously there's all this snow coming there. It's very easily could be something happen, right? We understand that. So, I don't want to
leave you um in a in a difficult position. Um, I want you to be able to start moving towards that optimum even though it's not the full optimum. Um, but what you envision to make it a better learning environment for the children while still at the same time super like you said if if one of our
towns um is suffering and we can help alleviate that um because it has that pendulum effect right of of affecting the town's people and affecting what's happening with their operations. So, if we can balance that out and are in a position to um I'd like to give it uh
you know it's due diligence which I know you do anyhow but anything that we can do um to you know to shape that number down a little bit um I think it would be wellreceived communities um get us through this as as communities
and not three towns. I think it will go a long way. So, I appreciate all the discomfort. Um, any anyone else have any thoughts or comments on this, Lisa? So, do you want us or
do you want to give back to us at um two options like one that is at 500,000 and one that's at 600,000 or something like that? What works best for you?
I think it's what works best for us and I I try to be descriptive and not prescriptive to the administration. Um that I think they're I think they're hearing the range that I'm personally comfortable with, but we're a committee.
Um that coming into this meeting I was comfortable with 1.3 carrying over. Um, so if there's there's if the administration is a little bit more comfortable taking a little bit more off END, what that looks like, they're going to have the ability super tight, but the
ability to look at the February numbers um before we meet next that I I don't want to say it has to be 600 or it has to be 500. I'm going to rely on their knowledge and abilities to come back to us. I think they're hearing my personal
request. I I wanted I want to know from all of you. Um if you're comfortable with that. Um but I don't want to tell them it has to be this number. I'm going to rely on their professionalism to come to the best number that they can. >> Yeah. I I I think getting as close I
think the goal should be obviously to get as close to that ask that Pil has as possible because you know again we want to support all the all of the towns in the district and that includes doing our best to keep keep our budget asks within
the constraints that they that they provide to us. you know with the understanding of course that it doesn't it it doesn't bind us completely but it it is you know an important factor to consider is that you know that the towns do have limited budgets and you know and
so I think coming back with a with a revised uh draft budget that gets closer to that point is obviously the ask but if you can get to if if there's a reasonable way to get to that $600,000 reduction
from the from the previous uh draft budget. If there's a reasonable way to get there and to not sacrifice too much in order to get there, then I think that should be the goal. But if it would require too much, if it would require
sacrificing too much, then I don't think you have to force force it there, but like try to get there, you know, aim for that. And if you can get there, great. >> Yeah. and and I think that getting there within the funds that we have without
cutting staff is is possible. >> Um it's it's not the budget of years past where there was a lot of flexibility, but there's a little bit of flexibility. Um um it's more where the money comes from versus asking the
administration to actually cut things that they believe they need to operate. I'd rather have it come out of the budgets than see things taken out of the budget, if that makes sense. Lisa, go ahead.
>> Um, I just want to be cautious that we don't vote in a lower budget um because we can't go up if if things do come back from the state
um because there is talk that there will be a supplementary budget. I don't know where those lines will fall. I mean, there is talk that they may increase that per pupil. I just want to be cautious that we don't cut out too much and that we
>> I don't I'm I'm not asking the administration to cut out teachers. I think they can reduce the budget by using available funds either FY 20 26 or E and D without cutting staff without
cutting their operations and that's what I would rather see feeling like you are that there could be something coming in the future that the the budget is remaining the same
so to speak but how it gets paid for is shifting. >> Does Does that make sense? So >> So if if our budget is $1,000 and we're going to spend $100 in FY 2026 on one-time expenses that would have been paid in FY27,
do that. If if keeping at their budget and taking a little bit more out of END is the way to go, like let's hear that proposal. What I don't what I don't want to hear and I'll be clear like I don't want them to come back and say we're cutting three teachers.
It's it's not the it's not the ask. It's how we get to the number. I don't want to hear the cutting of teachers or stuff or anything either. I'd rather use the money in different spots.
>> Yep. or use some money from >> Yeah. Um I think my personal opinion on this is to exercise best judgment. Um we have money, it exists. Um and as long I just
want to see it used conservatively but you know also factoring in the needs of students. Um, I would rather not see teachers cut, but you know, I'm also I want to remain
cognizant of, you know, well, where where health insurance is going to land, you know, where we might actually land on at the end of 26. Um, I think my only guiding hand would be I'd not like to see it all come out of
26 if possible. Um, I'd like to exit 26 with at least a million. Um, so we can then have an alleged END in 27 um, coming in at 2.5
assuming we spend no more END. Um, but if we if we my guiding hand is if we can at least at least leave a million left in 26 absent un factors out of a control, that's okay with me. And I'm, you know, I'm not a budgeter, so
whatever options work best for the administration. >> What are your thoughts, superintendent? >> Again, I would just ask that that we have the opportunity to meet next week and and then have another meeting, I would say, towards the end of the week.
>> Okay. and and we we will look at all at all avenues to see what we can do. I do want to be clear that that we're not we are not recommending any cuts to staff at this point, existing staff. >> It would be the addition of staff. Um
and again we I still feel that there's um some positive news to address our issues in CLA with regard to class size based on a combination of the staff were asking for and the budget but also the the audit that was done.
>> Appreciate that. Um and I know that you we had asked you to put together the the sort of interim optimum budget of what that would look like. um if if if retaining those positions at this point
gets you closer to that um you know show us what that look like. Maybe you know I don't want to put more work on you but if if as your um discussions go if you have a different options that you want us to consider you we're happy to do that. Um,
obviously the operation side is left to you, but I'm hearing, you know, from from parents, parents on this committee that the class size is an issue. So, if if you get relief there and can come in with um the funding parameters, um Kenan
is is very flexible on I'm I'm pretty flexible. Um not sure where Lisa stands on it. Um, but I I you know, what do you think, Lisa? >> I'm flexible. I just
It's just unknown being through so many of these processes before. Um, >> and I don't want to I don't want us to go to petrol for an override. I don't that's I want to avoid that. Um, as I
think I made clear a few ago when we met with the towns that I know that people in Peril are not favorable of an override at this time. They just are not. I don't think they ever are, but I think that the the the appetite for it is such
that I it would be unlikely to pass, which would mean again like if our ask is higher, that probably means that Pepper Pever would have to cut services or whatever elsewhere and nobody would like that. >> Yeah. I I I
think if we don't have a budget that at least gets us to 3% for PEP roll, then, you know, I think, you know, I I don't I I should say I want to see a budget that's at least 3% for PPE. Um I don't especially, you know, considering they
work with us, you know, so hard. Not that any community doesn't deserve um the utmost attention, but at the end of the day, they are getting um just the way that the numbers fall um they're getting the short end of the stick. And I think we should be trying
to work with them, you know, as best as possible. >> Mhm. >> As I think we would work with any community that would be on the high number here. It wouldn't just be Pepper. It' be We'd work with Ashby or Townsen. We work with all the communities to make
sure that they're all addressed appropriately just depending on the budget cycle that we go through sometimes. >> Yeah. It just just so happens that this time around it's pepper roll that is at the highest. >> All right. Um well, I know we we put
some uh work on the table for for you all and the administration. Um but I think you hear that we're we're flexible in the approach. um that we don't want you to cut yourself short, but use what's available. Um we'll get
through this. We're going to continue, you know, I know personally I'm continuing to support the um the project 211 group, fix the funding formula, and you know, we're exhausting all all possibilities there, too. So hopefully
the future is better. Um but I appreciate what you're all doing to to help get through this. >> Yes. So, do we want to put another meeting on the calendar for next week so we can have another meeting before the school
committee meeting on the 10th? >> We for next week first. >> Was it two meetings we were looking for or just one? I don't know. I It's misinterpreted when I was listening. >> Oh, wait. Robin, did we proactively put one on or did we just talk about it and
not put it on for right before the >> I don't see another >> We definitely didn't because it's not in my calendar. >> Yep. I just looked too. Um should we look to to the the fifth or the sixth?
>> If we could do the sixth, um that would be helpful. Uh and then hopefully um that afternoon any changes to the budget narrative we can get out >> okay >> to the committee. Um
I just wanted I know it it's come up a couple of times that um that the packet isn't um isn't where necessarily everyone wants it to be, but we do we would need some time. I I think that myself and and Gary and just looking
we're scheduled to do school visits. Um so we have to be cautious of that on Thursday. >> So just just wanted you to be aware of that. So it just may take a little bit of time to get the budget message out. Um but the
hope would be is that it would be minimal revisions at that point based on what we um talk about and talk about and share our finance. >> Okay. Um, >> that time wasn't me >> is I don't know if anyone else has
flexibility. Can we do later in the day on the 6th or is that not possible or >> what time? >> Uh, hold on. Let me just look at my
>> calendar here. I was I don't mean to interrupt, but could we possibly consider later in the day like a one like a 1:00 meeting on the 5th or a 2:00 meeting? We have a leadership meeting at 3:45
and I have a Keystone meeting in the morning. >> A keystone meeting? Is that on the 5th or is that on the 6th? >> That's on the 5th. But I'm I'm just worried the if we do it on the 6, later in the day on the 6th, we won't have time to turn the budget message out to
the committee um the updated version. >> So I'm wondering if we could possibly do again a meeting at one um two or even 2:30 on the 5th. >> It's fine for me. I don't know
if >> if if all else fails, I can do the the 8 a.m. on the 6th. It's just I usually work I usually work mornings and with all the snow and whatnot, I've been kind of screwed out of um some some shifts
here. Um I could do one on the 5th or one or two on the 5th. Um but if that's causes complications, then we can do 8 a.m. on the 6th. >> Lisa and Kim I'm good. Whatever time I'm flexible with Kenan's schedule.
Let me just double check something on the fifth. I should be fine for the fifth at one. >> Okay, great. Yeah. >> Um also, uh Kim, can we put on I don't maybe not the next meeting but
we need to discuss the solar panels at Ashbine to see how with those um it's not on the meeting today so we can't discuss it but in the future finance needs to >> decide Robin do you mind putting that as
a topic for the fifth ash >> it doesn't have to be on the fifth meeting it could be on >> well >> I can have And then if we don't get to it. Yeah. >> And then we can always defer it. >> Okay.
>> Even Lisa to to give you an opening to start to talk about it even if it's not a full discussion. >> And do you want the the agenda to just have the FY27 um budget and remove all of the sub
>> sublistings that we have on there now or >> Yeah. But keep keep the 26 budget on there, please. >> Okay, we'll do. >> It may need to remain just in case we're recommending prepayment on anything. >> Yep. >> And then um Robin, could you include
like the um the END packet that Kenan was looking for that I know we've had those numbers out before? >> END history. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, >> I will. and whatever other history you think that we've used in the past.
That's helpful. >> Yeah, we'll probably need the revolving funds. >> Kevin and Nancy, can you share that with me? >> Yeah, we can share that. Well, we can update it as well. >> I said the update was on my list to do today. So,
>> yep. Great. >> Yeah. So any types of those documents that you guys think that would be helpful to us that would be great. >> Actually I think is I there's a there's a file called END analysis. I think that
might be the one that uh that you were talking about Kenan. >> There's also a slide too in the public hearing presentation which is in the budget directory. >> Yeah. I was looking a little harder to find. >> Yeah. The the Google search is just not not doing me good things here. I'm
looking up END um excess and deficiency. I just couldn't find it for the life of it. But >> thank you for that. Yep. >> And I think for um March 10th, um a lot of that key information I think that might be prudent to have like printed
out in, you know, in physical, you know, packets or notes or I don't know how you're planning on doing it, Robin, but I think some of that might want to be printed out and accessible because someone's going to ask for it at some point. >> Yeah, generally we do things
electronically. Um just because in the historically anytime I've printed things they they either >> they do change. Yes. Um but um people just don't look at them and then it's it's wasteful. So I I'll review it and
um with Lisa and Brad and see what makes sense because it does take a lot of time and it's expensive to do. But obviously want to we want to have you prepared for the meeting. So, of course, >> I mean, perhaps we can have one copy that we can pass around if people want
to look at the physical copy at the time or something like that. >> Or a couple. Yep. No problem. >> All right. Um, and no one's joined us for the second public comment.
All right. entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So move make a move. Oh, right. >> I'll take the second then. Kenan can have >> Kenan and Lisa. Um Kina made the motion.
Lisa seconded. So roll call vote. Kina Francois. >> Yes. >> Lisa Martin. >> Yes. >> Michael Bosier. >> Yes. >> And I'm Kim Craven and I am a yes as well. Thank you everyone and um enjoy
the more snow. >> Yes. See you soon. >> More snow. >> Take care. Bye. >> Bye.