Oh yeah, I've seen. Good evening everybody, and welcome to the meeting of the Westfield Public School Committee. We're gonna hold off for just a second before we call in attendance, and we're gonna invite our guests that are outside in the NED in the foyer to come on in. Nope, nope, nope. Maybe you're not Pledge of Allegiance. Come on. We got the Pledge of Allegiance. Ready to go. We can't, they can't. That Who's gonna lead it for us? There you go. Hello, everybody. Welcome to the school committee. Today's February 2nd. It's nice to have everybody here. Uh, Mr. Sullivan, can you call the Roll please? Jeffrey Goslin.
Here. Jeffrey Gunther. Here. Kathleen Hillman. Here. Mo Sullivan. Here. Kick Sullivan. Here. Mike Terrell. Here. Chairman McCabe Here. Anybody like to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance? Ready? Here we go. Pledge of Allegiance in the United States of America. In to Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Well done. Nicely done. Okay, Before we get to the Westfield Middle School, I'm gonna open up the floor to public participation. I didn't see a lot of people here,
but, uh, it's on the agenda, so I have to take that item first. Is there anybody here that would like to address the school committee for any reason? Saying none. I'm going to close the public portion of the Westfield School Committee. And Mr. Solomon, do you have a motion? Uh, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to move item five up in front of item four. So to let the Westfield Middle School presentation go First, Motion been made. And second. And any further discussion, say none. All those in favor a. Aye. All those opposed. Motion carries. Westfield Middle School. Good evening, everybody. Jesse McMillan, principal
of Westfield Middle School. Mr. Goslin. Mr. Sullivan, nice to meet you. Welcome. So, I'm pleased to introduce Ms. Alta, our chorus teacher at the middle school, and to highlight just a very small group of our students from our chorus. I, brevity is not my strength, so I'm gonna keep this incredibly short. And my team is laughing because they tell me that all of the time. So I just have a few things that I'd like to highlight about the chorus before they get started. In the 2223 school year, we had nine students enrolled in our full-time, full year course.
We had 20 students per seme per semester. 2324 school year. We had 42 students in our chorus, 24 25, we had 27 students in the chorus. And this year, under Miss sipa, 25, 26, we have 71 Wow. In our chorus. 46 and seventh grade. Yeah. Woo-hoo. Wow. We have 46th and seventh grade, which is the first time this year where we had to create two sections in our schedule for seventh grade course. And we have 25 students in our eighth grade.
This was also my first year that I've been at Westfield Middle School as principal, where we've had standing room only in our auditorium for our concert. And I credit this to all of the work that Ms. Valletta has done and bring students to our building. Uh, she used to work at the intermediate school, so when I had the opportunity to hire her, I, I did that very, very quickly and we're glad that she made the jump over to us, um, in a very short amount of time. As you can see, she has strengthened our program. She has increased the presence in the community by attending local events. And you can see she has substantially increased
the numbers in our course. And we're starting to get creative with scheduling next year to see what we can offer. So I'm gonna turn it over to Ms. Ett and a few of our students. Here you go. Hi, my name is Sierra McBride and I'm in the eighth grade chorus. The Chorus Room is a wonderful and positive environment where we all work together to make beautiful music. When we walk into the classroom, all of our smiles light up the room and all the stress of the day goes away. Chorus at Westfield Middle School is more than just making music. It's a family and a calming environment. Thank you for having us here tonight,
and we hope you enjoy our performance. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. My name is Amelia Maar and I'm the president. I'm the President of eighth Grade Choir. I'm blessed to be here tonight to tell you that music has changed my life For the Better. Choir offers me the opportunity to express my feelings and give me motivation to keep going. Being in choir has taught me that if you have a passion for something, you should pursue it through Chorus. I have had so many opportunities and made so many friends, these memories will stay with me forever. Thank you so much for having us here tonight. I'm Mrs. Oleta, uh, the course director at Westfield Middle School.
This is my first year at the middle school and I'm absolutely loving it. The support from the staff and administration has been incredible. Starting a new building coming off of maternity leave was a bit scary. Uh, but working with such a wonderful group of students and faculty, um, it was an easy transition. Um, we have prepared two songs for you tonight. The first is called A Beautiful Noise. Uh, the song was originally written and recorded by Alicia Keys and Brandy Carlisle. And it features some of our incredible singers. Then we'll perform. Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Arrange By R Dilworth. The powerful song uses the text from Langston Hughes poem
titled Words Like Freedom. Thank you. Our Aunt Bluetooth connected. Do you mind if I have a Sola thing in here? I wasn't sure if I'd have a microphone. Is that okay? Sure. Cool. Yeah, she can take it right off if she likes to. So you get to hear them a little bit better. And then do You wanna take that off? You can take it right off the stand, Actually. Oh, thank you. I Can't really reach even though I'm in heels. Okay. Lemme help you. You. Thank you. You're welcome. When Charlotte, Charlotte, when you're done, will just Thank you. Awesome. Wanna is a test. Go ahead. Hi. Ready? Yeah. I have a voice. Started
Out as a whisper, turned into a scream, made a beautiful noise, shoulder to shoulder, marching in the street. When you're all alone, it's a quiet breeze. But when you band together, it's a choir under rain. Now we have a choice. I have a voice. I'm not living a die. Don't stand in a way saying, look at me in the eye. Stop living alive and stand up next to me. You gotta front the other with the hand
and hand not to each other. Go on and rejoice because you have a voice. It is like, than the we can dream. Like our brother, our I the one who hear than can. Can you, can you hear us now? Now we have a Ain't gonna let nobody turn, turn, turn. Ain't gonna turn.
Freedom. Marching freedom around. Gonna on talking on marching up freedom. Ain't gonna nobody turn around. Turn me around. Around. Ain't around. I me cry on, on, on singing, on marching up, marching up to,
Wow. Amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Burns. Councilor Burns. Mike Burns. It's time for your time for your performance. You could do a duet with Councilor Figu. Item five, four. Item four. You're good. Just Thank you. You don't suppose to have any swimmers coming up in that group, do you? We need to look. Hello, I'm Colin White. Uh, it's 12th grade, uh, president of the E-Board. Good evening. Sharon Gurung. Um, 11th grade, um, board. Part of the e-board.
Gonna be hard to pull that performance up. I'm not a good singer. It's been a while Anyway, but starting out, we're gonna talk about the beginning of January, which something I'm sure we're all familiar with. On January 5th, we had our very own mayoral inauguration at Westfield High School. It was a wonderful time. We had our band and choir perform. Okay. Um, Our very own, uh, hockey team got involved, uh, with the community on January 18, nine ninth, going to four different elementary schools in the district to read the students for their last activity.
Uh, read, read to students for their last activity, uh, of the day. January 13th, there was a FAFSA workshop held at Little River Elementary with many experts from local colleges attending. And, um, the Westfield Height, uh, transition program visited local businesses during, uh, January to collect food, which was donated to the food pantry. January 17th was an exciting day for students when Westwood High students represented the western mass district jazz band, choir, and concert band. The following Saturday, there was also
Allstate Band auditions. We are two students. Matthew Bussel and Reagan McGrath were accepted. We'd like to congratulate all those involved and our two students being chosen to represent WHS at the Allstate level. Wow. On the 17th, we also had over 50 students, um, uh, accepted to Westview State after they came to, uh, came to Westfield Highs. Now only a few days ago, January 29th, we had our 26th annual science fair. I know we had our very own Ms. Hillman as a judge there, and I had the honor
of being judged by her. Thank you. We'd also love to con thank our around a hundred judges who volunteered to be there as the event could not be possible without them. We'd also like to give a congratulations to our top three who, uh, consists of Teagan Chisholm, gods Stock, Caitlyn gt, and our win Giovanni Sentinel, as well as everyone else who qualified and will be going on to regionals. Recently, our, uh, culinary, culinary classes held their annual food truck event in which they created menus, um, and presented food to staff members for judging. Culinary, also created lunches for our science fair judges.
Over The past week, we've begun to roll out a new app called Doorman, the goal of preventing students from using their phones during class to improve Focus. Doorman has currently been implemented in a few classes, and I know we had the founders to our school on Friday to help with its introduction, but there are still plans to expand into every class. Now going on, we're gonna be talking about some upcoming things. Next week we will be having our February Spirit Week put on by the Student Council. We also already have Spring Sport registration started as some of our winter sports come to an end. I know that Swim Senior night was amazing.
Alright, something lost a good group of kids. Thursday, February, uh, 12th. Our choir will be presenting, uh, how, how far we, we will go an evening of Disney Musical Enchantment at six 30. The price of admission is $10. Next week, key Club will host their Kindness Week time for them to remind everyone the wonders of being kind. And they do that through many means. And today is the beginning of national, uh, school counseling week. And we want to thank, uh, thank all of our counselors for the work they do,
helping out and supporting our students. Finally, we're gonna fast forward way into the future to talk about March 13th and 14th, which will be our 74th annual pops concert put on by the WHS band with the theme of an American Spectacular. And that is all. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thanks guys. Thank you. You good? It's amazing how, how much gets done. Like Right. Reagan goes on to states in band. She also goes on to states in swimming. You know, the, it's amazing what these guys are doing.
Mm-hmm. How about, uh, item six? Uh, I'd like to make a motion to approve the January 5th, 2026 school committee meeting. Meeting. Minutes second. Motion been made. And second, is there any discussion? Say none. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carried. Item seven, I'd Like to make a motion for the approval of homeschool applications. Number 180 5 to 180 9 for the 20 25 20 26 school year. Second. Second. Motion has been made and seconded by Mr. Sullivan. Any further discussion? Saying none. All those in favor?
Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Item eight. I'd like to bring forward the first reading by title only of policy file. JECB, Westfield Technical Academy Admissions policy. Second. Motion been made in second there. Further discussion, Ms. Hillman? Um, yes. Just, um, we, the policy, the subcommittee policy group met and it was a three to zero vote. And, uh, Mr. Dan Paquette and Christine, she and Susan Doji and the subcommittee worked on this policy
to make sure we're in compliance with the state regulations. Um, and they did a tremendous job. It was a big document, and I would like to thank them for working so hard on this policy. Any other discussion? Saying none. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. I'd like to make a motion for the approval of a field trip. From what? For Westfield Middle School to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut on April 15th, 2026. Second. Second. Motion been made and seconded. Uh, we're gonna have to give that one to Mr. Terrell.
Um, is there any further discussion saying none. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. I'd Like to make a motion for a field trip for Westfield High School to Bush Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia, May 7th through May 10th, 2026. Second motion Been made and seconded by Ms. Hillman. Any further discussion? Mr. Sullivan? This one's actually for the concert choir. They take that trip every year. Um, so they're performing down there and their competition and festival. So we wish them all the luck in the world.
Anything else? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carried. I'd like to make a motion for a field trip for Westfield Technical Academy to the University of Connecticut in stores Connecticut on March 20th, 2026. Second. Second. Motion been made. And second, we're gonna give that to Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Chuck. And when is this? What? This one, This one is for students, uh, to attend the true colors. I'm gonna mess this up. S-O-G-I-E. Soji Con, is that right?
Am I saying that right? Youth conference and attend a musical at the bush now. There You go. Nice. Strip Any further discussion? Say none. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. And while we're on the field trip, um, line here, um, Cindy, can you look back through the minutes and find out when we're supposed to revisit the Peru trip for us? April. April, okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Uh, item 10. I'd like to make a motion for the approval, uh, of creating a new gift account. The WTA Allied Health Gift account.
Second motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion? Mrs. Barry, how are you today? Good. How are you? Um, so many of the shops at WTA already have a gift account set up. The Allied Health program does not, and they are going to be receiving a rather large gift in the amount of $150,000. Um, so before we can accept that gift, we need to set up an account. Sounds good to me. Since you said the amount, is it restricted anything? No, it's unrestricted. So just anything for the really? Yep. Anything for the what? The, the Allied Health Program? I used to have friends. Yeah. Not too bad.
Any other questions? Mr. Vaa? Do they Have a person assigned to this like account or that oversees it or? I oversee it in the business office. So then, I mean, any, any purchases that go through will be on a purchase order. That will have approval by me. But I mean, it's an unrestricted, they can use it for whatever they need for the program. There's no like school advisor or anything like that? Not for a gift account, no. Okay. I mean, it's, it's the, the teachers in the program that are making the purchases though. Any further discussion? Mr. Sullivan?
Jeff Gunther? Yes. Kathleen Hillman? Yes. O Sullivan? Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin? Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Item 11. I'd like to make a motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Westfield School Committee and Westfield Public School Custodian Association for the period of July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2028. Second Motion been made. And second, is there any further discussion? This is nothing more than the formal signing of the document that we already voted on and approved.
Is there any other discussion saying None. Mr. Sullivan? Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Bo Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Item 12. Dr. Gunther? Um, yes. Or whoever. I'd like to make a motion in order to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Westfield School Committee and A-F-S-C-M-E. I know that there's a phrase you could say. Um, council 93. Local 3 46 Westfield Clerical Union
for the time period of July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2028. And authorize the mayor to sign on behalf of the committee. Second Motion has been made and seconded. Again, this is, uh, a formality of something that we've already, uh, passed through this committee. Mike, do you wanna, uh, is this the one you have to step out? Abstain? Yeah. Okay. Um, Mr. Sullivan, you wanna call the roll? Bo Sullivan? Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Mike Terrell.
Abstain. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Thank you, Dr. Warren. I'd like to make a motion for the acceptance of these special revenue accounts. Second motion has been made. And second, is there any further discussion Mr. Barry? I, again. Um, so I did just want to point out on the gift accounts. So I know we've had discussions about trying to close out some of these accounts that have been here forever, or ones that have had a very small balance. So I wanna point out a couple. I've reached out to the schools, um, or other district staff in some cases to try
to, to close these out. And that's the Franklin Avenue gift account, the Fort Meadow gift account, the virtual school gift account, Highland Library, the high school technology, and the high school gym. Um, so obviously as you know, some of these schools don't exist anymore, and then some of these have just been hanging around for quite a while. Um, so a few of them have already been closed out. Franklin Ave Virtual School and the high school technology are now all at zero. And Then, thank you. And then just one other item. The insurance reimbursement. I believe I've talked at this at a previous meeting. Um, the 2024 van we had purchased for the science program at the high school was unfor,
unfortunately totaled in an accident. Um, so I have reached out to Mark Marco Ford about a replacement. They do have a van coming that is available. Um, so I'm going to propose at the next school committee meeting that we transfer the balance of the funds we would need. Um, we have just under 38,000 insurance reimbursement. Um, so I'm gonna suggest that we transfer the balance to purchase a replacement vehicle for the high school as it is in great need. And that's all I have. Any questions? Mr. Sullivan? Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Mo Sullivan. Yes. Mike Terrell.
Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Thank you. Ms. Mayor. Number 14. Okay. That's me. Um, I would like to give a report of the weekly signed warrants. I never realized how much there are. It was like my arm was sore. The first time I did it. I had to take Advil. Um, so for December 26th, 2025, we had 19 batches totaling $590,118
and 66 cents. On January 2nd, 2026, we had nine batches, totaling two hundred and one two two oh 1000 with $631 and 21 cents. The next one was January 9th, 2026. 24 batches totaling 975,395 and 88 cents. In January 16th, 2026, we had 22 batches, totaling totaling $342,948 and 60 cents.
And on January 23rd, 2026 19 batches totaling $625,802 and 23 cents. Well done. Hey, first time. First time. Nicely Done. Item 15. Thank you. I'd like to make a motion to approve an expenditure of school choice funds in the amount of $39,253 and 59 cents. Second. Motion been made. And second, is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Sullivan. Jeff Slan. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman.
Yes. O Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. I'd like to make a motion to accept the following gifts and donations donated to Westfield River Elementary School from Brendan Bear Enterprises in the amount of $1,349 and 22 cents to be used for educational purposes for the Westfield River Elementary School gift account. Donated to the Westfield River Elementary School from Stop and Shop Community Bag Program. The amount of $7 for educational purposes in the Westfield River Elementary School gift account from Highland to donated
to Highland Elementary from Grin and Barrett Enterprises in the amount of $1,550 and 27 cents for educational purpose in the Highland gift account donated to Southampton Road Elementary School from Grin and Barrett Enterprises for $999 for $990 and 85 cents for educational purposes in South Hampton Road. Gift account donated to the Westfield Intermediate School from the New England Air Museum in the amount of $2,585 for educational purposes in the Westfield Intermediate School gift account.
And donated to Westfield Technical Academy from the Hampton County Improvement League for $1,500. Uh, for the purchase of an attachment for an excavator, uh, at Westfield Technical Academy for the or ornamental horticulture gift account. Second Motion I made. And second, is there any further discussion Mr. Rell? Just like to say thank you as always. Sure. To, uh, to all the generous donors. Good stuff. Mr. Sullivan. Jeffrey Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. O Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe?
Yes. Um, obviously there's no report from the superintendent. Do are you coming up? Oh, you Got Oh. Oh, Did I? Yeah. It's not on this list. Um, acceptance of Grants B It's not Oh, yeah, Yeah, yeah. It's Not on here. Okay. I'd like to make a motion for the, to accept the Gulfstream grant and the amount of $25,000 the funds will be used to support the aviation program at Westfield Technical Academy. Second, any further discussion? I have a feeling there is ms. Um, Maybe, um, so Gulfstream is, again, a very
generously donating, um, $25,000 through a grant. Um, there are a couple of training, training equipment, um, that we are looking to purchase for the students in the Aviation Aviation program. Any further questions? Mr. Sullivan? Jeff Goslin? Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Bo Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. I'd like to make a motion for the, uh, acceptance of the MFA Rothwell School Bus Fund Grant in the amount of 1252nd
Motion I made. And second, is there any further discussion? So these funds are going to be used to transport sixth grade students, um, on a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to see the ancient Egypt exhibit. Nice. Sounds like fun. Yeah. Any further discussion? Can we go? I was thinking Mr. Sullivan. Uh, Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Bo Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan. Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. I'd like to make a motion to accept the Gleam Preschool
Grant in the amount of $38,000. Second Motion been made and seconded for the discussion. Ms. So the Gleam Preschool grant, we have received the past two years. This is a final expansion extension, um, that they're provided for us. Um, again, we are going to be using the material, uh, the money to purchase our, um, curriculum materials and do training. Um, so tools of the mind, some library books, and some evaluation. Mr. Sullivan? Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Mo Sullivan. Yes.
Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. I'd like to make a motion to accept the Westville Cultural Grant and the amount of $1,690 second, Which been made and seconded by Mr. Terrell. Ms. La, actually, Mr. Gunther. Mr. Gunther. Sorry. Mr. Gunther. So these funds are going to Bell used to provide an event educating students about Puerto Rican culture identity and history, um, at the intermediate school. Any questions? Mr. Sullivan? Bo Sullivan? Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes.
Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Uh, I'd like to make a motion to accept the Career Pathways Extern Externship Grant. Mm-hmm. In the amount of $12,000. Second Motion has been made and seconded by Dr. Gunther. So these funds are going to be provided, um, for students and staff to do externships, um, as part of the, um, innovation Career Pathways programs. Um, we haven't determined exactly which businesses the Stu
schools and the, the students and the staff are going to be, um, shadowing and externing ship at. Um, but we are looking at towards the, um, allied or the biomedical and the manufacturing engineering programs For the folks at home. You wanna explain what an extern is Pretty much an internship, but, um, they are going to be paid well. The staff is more of a training hands-on. So they're going to learn, um, the, what's going on in the industry currently. And then the students will also be participating in that with the staff members.
Thank you. Ms. Hillman, Is this for the high school? Yes. Okay. I just wanna be sure. Mr. Sullivan. Bo Sullivan. Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin. Yes. Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman. Yes. Mike Terrell. Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Thank You. Thank you Ms. Leman. Um, there is no superintendent's update. We wish him well. Um, The mayor's update is only going to be brief. Um, I've gotten to spend a lot of time at the, the high school and the middle school over the last couple weeks. It's, uh, you know, they're, they're thriving.
They seem to be, uh, you know, it's pretty cool to watch what's going on there. Uh, again, I know I spoke before, um, two of the people that won the science fair are also representing their schools at Western Mass and in, in sporting events. So, uh, it's pretty cool stuff to watch. Um, I will tell everybody that we expect the budget to be done on March the sixth. Um, so that's done, when I say it's done, that's done in its, uh, in-house practice. And then it will come to the school committee for, uh, further deliberation. Um, holding my breath.
Shannon, is that maybe a good way to say it? 'cause it's gonna be, it's gonna be a little bumpy, right? Um, I think we all know that going in, but, uh, the preliminary reports aren't, uh, rosy. So we'll just kind of see where that goes. The regular school, the regular city budgets are coming in on February the sixth, and we're about roughly half and half. So there we go. Um, it's gonna buckle up, I guess. School committee update. Um, I attended, um, I went to the high school for the science fair, um, which was fabulous. I was one of the judges for the Giovanni, who, who
captured the title, the title, uh, first place. Um, and then I was able to connect with two different places in the high school that I would like to talk about. The first is the culinary. I don't know if you've been to the culinary room lately, but they have a brand new sink and they have new tables and there they are moving forward with the culinary program at the high school. I think it's really important that all students are able to go into this, um, special class because Katie does a beautiful job with her students
and the community has really reached out to her and they've donated different equipments for that culinary program. Christy G's was one of them. And it seems like more and more people are hearing about the other culinary that we have up at the high school. And I'm very proud of that because it was one of the programs that we thought was gonna be eliminated during the budget, but it is really moving along and Mr. Dreek does a really nice job of promoting that area. The second one was going to the community closet.
I have never been in the community closet, and I saw that it was opened. And so I, so, so I went in and I'm like, oh, there were students there looking at the clothes, looking at what was provided. And there I talked to the teacher who's in charge of it, and she was telling me how even staff use that program. Um, one teacher broke, spilled coffee all down her shirt, and she's like, oh, I need a shirt. Where can I go? She went to the community closet, Mr. Dries, it got a tie from it.
Student athletes go in there if they miss something that they were supposed to bring into the school. So it is a place where all students feel comfortable going in. And at first I thought, oh, it's just kids who really need this, this, these items. But there were kids hanging out there and browsing it like it was a store. So it really provides a really nice place for our students to go. They're also always looking for donations right now. She was telling me folders, they need folders.
Kids come in and want folders and pencils. She said that was the one thing that if I wanted to donate something to go and do that. I also asked her about items of clothing and she, she was telling me about one fo she has like all these bags up at the top and they're foster bags. So if a kid is going into foster care, they provide this bag for them. And it's just, it moved my heart to see that we're really caring for our students. If you want to donate, you can just drop it off up at the high school
and they will put it into their store. Thank you. Thank you, Kathleen. Anybody else? No. Okay. Items for referral to subcommittees old business. Back to you, Kathleen. It's me again. Okay. Um, the Human Resources and Policy Subcommittee met at on January 20th, 2026. And what we worked on during
that time was the admission policy for the tech school, which was approved tonight. Um, and I also wanna make a motion for the minutes to be approved of the Human Resources and Policy Subcommittee on January 20th. Second. So second by Mr. Terrell. Any comments on that? Seeing not all those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Kathleen. You're welcome. Anybody else? Chair Sullivan Subcommittee. Um, report for Facilities Capital Planning, um, which met this evening, uh, we discussed three items.
Um, the first, which was the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the MSBA Statement of Interest, um, which we, I believe we need to bring that to a, uh, the formal committee for discussion, um, as it needs to be turned around fairly quickly. Um, so I, I'll make a motion to not yet. No apologies. Um, second item was the, uh, Westwood Public School's Capital Plan, um, which we reviewed, um, in detail, um, and agreed that we would review the matter, um, quarterly,
um, or if not, um, sooner or later. Um, and then the third item on the, the, that we discussed this evening was the Community Action Head Start program. Um, which I believe, uh, we also, uh, decided to, to bring to the, um, committee formally for the three items on the Agenda. I think it's the chair. 'cause we, Mike Terrell suffered the same problem when he was over there. Okay. You gotta get closer to your microphone. My apologies. Sorry. So, PI think it's the chair though. Remember Mike, we went through this for about a year. Um, so go back to item two
Item. So, uh, I'll start from the top. I, item item two was the Westfield Public School's Capital, um, plan we reviewed in detail, um, and agreed to continue reviewing it on an ongoing basis. So the reason why I asked him to go back to item two is because we received a bid from under the capital expense side of the house. We received a bid of, um, $637,000 roughly to redo the bathrooms at tech. That's never been something that's been in the, uh, school department's budget in order to, uh, get fixed,
which is why it's in the condition that it's in. Um, finance director Barry submitted a letter to me last week and we submitted it before council. So the reason why I'm bringing it up now, um, as members of this body, if you have any, uh, your favorite city counselor that you might like to talk to, uh, we'd really like to get this done and we'd like to get it done, uh, in the February City Council meeting. So, Mr. Sullivan, the February of this, This Thursday, this Thur Thursday night at on the fifth. The fifth, yep. Is that right? So if, if I remember correctly,
it'll go into City Council on the fifth, it'll go into subcommittee, and then it'll be reported back out on the 19th, I think. Okay. I think that's how it goes, right? Well, the committee acts on if, if, if they act on it. And I, I think they, they might, they, they might, I don't know if they will, they won't. Item three, Item three was the Community Action Head Start program. Um, which was the, we discussed the, uh, putting what was gonna be that the, the program there that is there now that just not the cities will be vacating. Um, and what we can be putting into that,
that, uh, facility. Um, and we just had decided that we would like to bring that to the committee formally. Super. And I have a small update there as well. Um, I spoke with, uh, the principal of, um, community Action. They believe that they're gonna be all set. They don't think that they're gonna need a, an extension beyond the, um, June date there. Their, their lease officially runs out in, in May, but they're gonna look for a one month extension, which we're certainly able to give them.
Um, I would like to ask you to speak to, um, the folks that are planning a use of that building so we can get a little bit better fleshed out, because my impression of the use is slightly different than, than the actual use. So, um, I'm trying to be delicate here. Right? So, um, yeah. Could, could we just check in on that and make sure that the, everybody understands what the usage so that when it comes up as a topic of conversation, we can all be edified and we're on the same sheet of music moving
forward into September? Yes. Okay. I think we need to move that forward so we can make some plans for that building. Well, I think that we've already talked about there being plans for that building. That's exactly my point. But the, the plans I think that were originally spoke about was they were spoken in terms of, um, the immediate financial benefit to, um, the city of Westfield and the school department by creating a space where, um, maybe out of district pla I, I'm trying to be delicate here, right?
Maybe I, I, I'm fully well aware who's here, right? Um, uh, at a district placements might not have to go out of, um, out of district, but really that's a down the road kind of event. You, you, it's not gonna happen exactly the way we think it's gonna happen. Greg, you wanna take a shot at it? Yeah, come on Doc. Good, good. Is that something I know, just introduce yourself, doctor? Yeah. I'm, uh, Greg Rosenthal, director of Special Education for Westfield Public Schools. I believe a proper presentation is probably gonna be in
order for this to really be communicated out. Um, right now, uh, I was able to do a tour. They, the great people over there, uh, showed me around. And there's a lot of potential over there. There's a lot of opportunity for our school district to go there. Um, and it's potentially a setting that we will be able to use, um, that will provide some small group instruction in a separate setting, give it an opportunity for students, um, to develop their, um, skill acumen, uh, in a, in a setting that's more beneficial to them.
Uh, I, I wanna wait until the full presentation to give that, um, as you were saying, there would be a potential to have a cost savings for the district. Um, if we can have the programs in-house instead of going to an at district school, uh, we'd be having that cost savings. Um, but I can definitely hash that out in a presentation in another, uh, school committee. So do you think that it's possible to have that presentation on the 16th of February? Yes. No, there's no school committee. Oh. What happened there? President President's Day.
We need another Monday holiday. That's what we need. Just me. Uh, I'll be more than happy to share something. I I'll be, I've been working on it for the last six months with my team, so I, I will have something ready if you wanna review it prior to the next school committee. Sure. That'd be great. Yeah, that'd be great. Mr. Sullivan, Two things. Could you just tell everybody what building we're talking about? So it's a little bit past SRS, it's the Early Intervention building. It's a, um, there's Actually, it's three 90 Southampton Road. I didn't know the exact address. So Yes, the, The Head Start building on South Hampton
Road. Yes. I get what I just wanted to make sure everybody Else do it. There's actually two of them. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so I just wanna make sure people understand it's a little bit past SRS, Right? Correct. And, and I don't know, I know the, the budget's being done and we're looking at March 6th. Is there gonna be a chance that your presentation with numbers is gonna go to Shannon? So when the budget is there, we know that if there's gonna be some cost savings on this end of it, it's built into the budget that we're gonna vote on. Yes. We've been, uh, we had that discussion a little bit.
It's all preliminary at this point. I get it. But, but yes, Every, every, it sounds like every dollar's gonna count. And if we know that number now, or by the time March 6th rolls around, it would be nice. Yes. Uh, again, it'll be preliminary, but I, I, I can have some projections for you. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate. Thank you. Sorry about that, Dick, but appreciate that goes on. Can I just, I'm on The facilities too. Um, I, number two, we need to
give authorization for Stefan to move forward with, um, MSBA. I don't have that in front of me. Yeah, that was, that was number one. But yeah. Meeting, you mentioned that we We're gonna Bring it forward. Oh, I didn't Hear that. The, the two, the item number two was the, that was item number one I spoke about. We spoke about three things I couldn't hear. That was the second item on the agenda. First item I brought up was the, the M ms B-M-S-B-A statement of interest, um, for the Westville Technical Academy. Okay. And you're suggesting that that needs to be done at this meeting?
Possibly. Do we need, you guys are much closer to ground on that than I am. Right? I can't, I I, I, I do agree. I think that there may need to be a motion to, I I, I think put it on the, I don't know that we need to put it to vote on it. This meeting. Is that what you're suggesting, Kathy? No. He has a deadline of April 17th. Right. But like, has anybody else ever seen this? It needs, it needs to be an agenda item. I was thinking it to be presented to with formal committee to be put on For approval. I, I, I think the motion that needs to be made is that it's put on the agenda for March 2nd. Yes. Yes. Correct. And that's where we take the vote. Yes.
When we see the work that the superintendent, and I know Chris Rogers is working with him on the application kick. Do You wanna make that motion? Go Ahead. Yes. I will make that motion. I'll make a motion to get the, um, Massachusetts School Building Authority statement of interest on the agenda for, um, March 2nd. And We're gonna give the second Ms. Hall. Yes, please. Thank you. Thank you. I just wanna make sure we didn't over overlook it. Sure. Any further discussion on it, Mr. So, um, What here? Uh, Bo Sullivan? Yes. Kick Sullivan? Yes. Jeff Goslin? Yes.
Jeff Gunther. Yes. Kathleen Hillman? Yes. Mike Terrell? Yes. Chairman McCabe? Yes. Thank you for that, Kathleen. Thank you. Okay. I'll get it right. Okay. Is there another, well, I should probably announce it. I can announce the next regularly scheduled meeting is March the second as opposed to February the 16th. 'cause there's a holiday on the 16th. Is there another motion? Second? I Dunno exactly what don't, was there could have been a motion to adjourn? Well, did somebody go to The articulate one? Mr. Rell And your second? Second, Ms. Hillman for the second. Any further discussion saying none all is in favor? Aye.
Opposed? Motion carries. We are adjourned. Act 7:53 PM.