[0:00] It being 6:00, I'd like to call the School Committee meeting of Thursday, September 10th to order. If we could please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
[0:14] I pledge allegiance.
[0:15] 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.
[0:28] Thank you.
[0:34] So welcome back everybody. It'll be good to get back to a regular schedule. Um, first item on the agenda is residents concerns.
[0:49] Are there any residents wishing to make a statement? S3:
[0:51] Come up to the microphone, please, and state your name.
[0:59] Yeah. Go the other way.
[1:04] This is.
[1:11] Perfect.
[1:14] So my name is Gwen Buckley, and I have a ninth grader and an eighth grader. I had a concern about ninth grade English, honors, English and band. I understand that they're at the same time in the schedule. So our honors English kids are not able to participate in the performing arts with band specifically. And from what I understand, it was a challenge in the past. I don't know if you were aware. So I wanted to bring it to your attention. When we got the schedule because he chose bands, the schedule came out up on his English was on there. So I had reached out to the guidance counselor saying, oops, must have been an oversight. There's no band. So she was the one that explained to me that there's a scheduling conflict. And so my question for her was for Mary Beth was if he wanted to be in band over on his English, would that be an option? And if he did choose band over on his English, would he be able to take on his English in 10th grade? But would the scheduling continue to be a challenge? So there was a combination of the assumptions of setting them up for honors English. And I completely understand why, because it's on English. But I also want to make sure that he has that opportunity and to the importance of continuing the performing arts on a weekly basis. For him because as a parent, I always say, well, you might not get into BC for hockey, but you might get in there for Banff. So really just kind of painting that picture for opportunities for him. So I didn't know if there was a way to address the scheduling conflict.
[3:19] Well, I want to thank you for coming and bringing that to our attention. That is not within School Committee purview. But as you do, is set up an appointment with the high school principal just for a second.
[3:32] Oh, sure.
[3:33] Sorry. Um, so I think in the past, it's been a long time where we had issues and this might go back to you. We had band after school, um, for students and we had chorus, I think was after school as well. And one of the things that came forward was people wanted during the day. So that was what that change was. You were talking about did happen. Um, and then that, but that created some schedule conflicts as far as the schedule, and we can certainly Jen's here tonight. Um, that's something we can can obviously look at anything. Um, but I think that's where some of the conflicts, because as a small school, we're trying to make sure everybody can play sports after school, but then everybody can take it just becomes sometimes plugging kids. It's a, it's a huge Herculean task to make sure we're trying to get everything the kids want and need, but then also offer those same things, um, at the times that are workable. So I would say the best thing to do here, um, and I don't know what the wiggle room, that's really the function of the high school, but we can certainly meet and look at it. Um, right. We'll look together, we'll take a peek and see if there's any adjustments we can make. Um, I'm not having not seen it and be in front of it. I don't know where we could shift or if we could shift, but I will promise you, we will look at it. Um, and we will see if there's any adjustments we can make.
[4:46] Obviously my child, but I know of at least 3 or 4 other students that are all in English. English, honors English who are also not in bands because again, it wasn't even presented for the auction. And, um, and I'm not even sure if they wanted to be in band, but I just want to make sure that they have the opportunity to do both. If we, if we can. And for me, it's not the same teacher. So I think that's where I struggled with how can we. It was two different teachers. Can we how can we not make it work.
[5:20] With the English on it?
[5:21] Correct.
[5:22] We can certainly look at it. We'll take a look at that and we will certainly get back to you. Um because we do want to accommodate all of our students to be able to do all of the things they want to do. Um, sometimes that's pretty challenging, but we'll certainly look at it. Okay. All right. Appreciate it. Thank you.
[5:37] Thanks.
[5:38] Thank you.
[5:42] Any other residents concerns? Mr.
[5:57] Buckley? S5:
[6:46] Hey hey hey now now. uh.
[6:51] Right at right place to ask that question, or.
[6:54] Certainly a forum where our athletic director, Mike Bolger, is here. We've had a long history with this discussion, as well as football, boys volleyball, and some of the other sports, because some sports are starting to decline. Right. And it's time to look at things. So we're always looking at that. We do take input. I do know what you're talking about with Ben looking into that and I don't Mike, if you want to speak to that.
[7:14] In the past, we have a great relationship with them. So it's something we can look into, but we would have to survey it. And I don't know how quick the turnaround is. The league is pretty flexible with us, so I have to see what their numbers are. But I'll I'll come talk to you either we can set up an appointment.
[7:32] Okay. Actually, thank you very much. Perfect.
[7:35] Okay.
[7:36] All right.
[7:38] Thank you.
[7:42] Any other residents?
[7:47] Okay. then next we have the superintendent's report.
[7:51] Okay. Do you want the girls to go first or do you want me? Usually the girls go.
[7:55] Oh, yeah. Sorry. My bad.
[7:57] We're so excited to have you. We didn't have you this summer, so.
[7:59] Student advisory.
[8:00] We got.
[8:01] Rusty, per usual. Please identify yourself. So we get the minutes right and like that. And speak up for the camera.
[8:09] Hi, my name is Amanda Yanez and my name is Salma Ziad. And we're both seniors. Um, as for the first day of school was last Wednesday, Wednesday, September 2nd. Um, and obviously since the school year is just starting, we don't have a lot of club news yet, but Deca will be holding their first meeting on September 22nd. As for athletics, the fall sports season has officially started. Varsity volleyball won three zero against Blue Hills varsity boys soccer won one zero against Boston Collegiate. Charter varsity girls one zero, lost 0 to 7 against Blue Hills and Games will continue tomorrow with varsity volleyball and varsity soccer playing against Bristol County Agricultural and for seniors. Their first event will be next Friday, September 18th for their senior sunrise. It will be at 6 a.m. at the turf on the turf field. Seniors are also selling fall concessions at the soccer and football games, and seniors have also begun their Hilliard Bar fundraiser. So if you guys want to buy some Hilliard bars, please find a senior or contact our advisor, Miss Haskell.
[9:17] Very good. I know things are just starting up and it's a big year for you guys. A lot of timelines coming up at the end of this fall period.
[9:31] Any ideas where you'll be looking for your post high school experience? S7:
[9:32] If it's too early, that's okay too.
[9:34] Um, I think a lot of the Boston schools, I think we have a lot of good ones.
[9:37] So that's a big trend with kids kind of staying a little closer to home. A lot of kids used to go out outside of the state, but seeing a lot of kids stay at home. We love that as parents. Keep looking locally. All right. Well, we'll get some updates as the year goes on. And and, um, good luck on your senior year. It's a big one. We're excited to have you guys.
[9:58] Thank you.
[10:00] Thanks.
[10:03] All right.
[10:04] Superintendents report.
[10:05] Thank you. So tonight I'll be giving more of a kind of district wide overview of things, as both principals will be doing their annual traditional opening of school report. Um, and you'll get more specific details about each building in just a few moments. Uh, but globally, the opening of school went very smoothly at both buildings. Uh, our district wide enrollment is steady and healthy. We had 1349 students last year at this time, and we have 1346 at this time. So we're very much, um, dealing with that steady enrollment. And some students are moving out. We have a lot of registration still going on. So I expect that number will start to grow again. Um, we do see that before October, a lot of students still moving in, and we're keeping our eye on school choice because as numbers fluctuate, that might open seats. And so we're reviewing that as well. We had our first fire drill the other day and it went very well and the weather cooperated. It was such a beautiful day. And so the students, it's going to get chilly pretty fast as the nights are getting cooler. But it was wonderful weather and the students did well and the faculty was excellent. Mr. Bolger and I had a chance to sit down with the Holbrook Police Chief and our SRO, Alex Occhipinti, to discuss some safety plans, and we had been kind of putting off discussions until Chief Del Papa was put in place permanently, because we want to relook at district opportunities for trainings, scheduling our first lockdown drill, which will be on in October. And typically we don't release the exact date, but it will be in October, and we will send home immediate communications to families that this was just a drill, you know, and our students did a you know, however, that went well. What, you know. Um, we're also revisiting the district safety plans and we're going to be collaborating with both chief McFadden and his department, as well as Holbrook Police, to ensure that our responses to all safety protocols are research based and the latest best practices. Um, as we mentioned before, our new strategic plan has been edited and finalized and put together, and I will be presenting this next month to the school committee. And as it's a multi-year plan, I'll be highlighting the actions for this school year that we're trying to really focus on. And miss. DeRosa will also be going over the district's MCAs data at that time as well. That is, assuming that the Department of Education has taken the embargo, lifted the embargo on that information. And I think there's some pleasant news coming. So we're very excited on that front as we approach the anniversary of nine over 11, um, our learning community will be reflecting on the lives lost, the families impacted, and the extraordinary resiliency and unity our country showed in the days following that unthinkable tragedy across the district. Our schools will handle this day with care and with age appropriate knowing. We have a large range of students. While older students may be engaging in deeper conversations within their classrooms or having moments of reflection. The priority for our younger students is ensuring that they feel safe. They feel supported and surrounded by a community of kindness. So ultimately, we want to honor the memory of this tragic day by fostering a spirit of unity and care for one another across the district. On the horizon, some dates that you want to think about and include in your calendar. We have the kickoff to celebrate our early college designation of Holbrook Middle High School with Quincy College. That was a long time in coming, and it was a lot of Herculean efforts by guidance and administration and grant writing. And we have finally been given designation and granted designation. That's a very big thing for the students here. They will have so many opportunities as a result of this partnership. Early college, dual enrollment as well as career paths that we're still exploring. So that kickoff event is on the, um, that's the 30th of September at 9 a.m. and if you didn't get your invitations yet, they are coming electronically. We're sending them out and it's they'll be swag and exciting presentations and just a real opportunity for folks to really learn about the opportunities that are going to be available to all of our students. Uh, also on September 17th, we have the Holbrook Middle High School open house that's back to school night, and that will be at 6 p.m., uh, followed the next week by the JFK open house. We stagger those for families who are dealing with children at all ends of the age spectrum. And that event will be at 6 p.m. as well. So you're going to be getting a lot of details coming up. So that's all I'm going to say. But it's exciting. We're off to a great start. We're excited to have your students back with us and our faculty and got a really positive a few days of PD and getting everybody reinvigorated and ready. And given the tools that they need and preparing tech and everything else, the building looks great. So thank you, Mike, to you and your team and we're excited for the year ahead. So hold on to your hats ladies. It's going to be a great year. All right first up we're going to go with Principal Stephens from JFK.
[14:41] Oh, sorry. I'm sorry I skipped, I skipped sorry.
[14:47] Uh, next item on the agenda we have Journalism Education Association award.
[14:55] Okay, I don't want to forget that. This is exciting.
[15:02] Good evening.
[15:03] I am Brett Zinger, the Massachusetts state representative for the Journalism Education Association and executive director of the New England Scholastic Press Association. I'm here tonight because it is my pleasure. On behalf of the Journalism Education Association, to name Zack Gorman of Holbrook Middle High School, as the 2026 Broadcast Adviser of the year. The Broadcast Adviser of the year program honors outstanding secondary school advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year, as well as throughout their careers. Zack has taught video production at Holbrook Middle High School in Massachusetts since 2017, and he is also the Holbrook Community Access and Media executive director. In his letter of support for the nomination, fellow adviser Scott Perry of West Bridgewater High School said, quote, through the partnership between the school and the local cable station, students are able to cover community events, gain professional publication experience and see firsthand. Our broadcast journalism serves the public. Zack has built a program that extends far beyond the classroom and allows students to be immersed in meaningful, hands on learning experiences. Jenna Cabral, his colleague and fellow broadcast adviser, said, quote, what began as a modest afterschool video production club with just five students has since grown into Code Blue News, a nationally recognized, student produced news program. I've personally witnessed how Zack has built the program program from the ground up, inspiring not just aspiring broadcast journalists, but all students, regardless of their interest in media. Aside from winning awards, his students are the best representatives of the program, whether they are presenting sessions at the state conference, state convention or attending them. As I wrote in my nomination letter, I have seen his students at spring convention. They are eager to get started on sessions. They seek out feedback and ask questions of presenters. And probably most telling, they are incredibly enthusiastic during the awards ceremony, applauding for everyone and being incredibly energetic whenever one of their own is honored during the ceremony. It is truly wonderful to experience that kind of student. Community doesn't arise without the right person as advisor. The New England Scholastic Press Association didn't traditionally serve broadcast programs, but Gorman worked to change that. He started the Fall Frenzy, a broadcast contest where students interview, shoot and edit the broadcast package in about five hours. The contest has nearly doubled in size since it began in 2023, with plans to expand it to other media. He also ensured there were sessions geared toward broadcast during every time slot during the state's spring convention. As Nespa treasurer, Zach has modernized the operation, getting paperwork filed to convert the organization to a nonprofit, and continuously brainstorming ideas for how to best serve students and advisors through the organization. NASCAR Secretary Brian Baron said it's not an exaggeration to say that Zach Bowman has been the single most important voice in the growth of a true community of broadcast advisors and programs in journalism over the last three years. The Journalism Education Association proudly named Zach Corman as the 2026 Broadcast Advisor of the year.
[18:18] Can we get a picture with everybody.
[18:20] In.
[18:20] The School committee?
[18:23] I'll send you Zach.
[18:25] Yeah. That's great.
[18:26] Yes, it's been very well deserved Honestly, because I.
[18:31] Always brag.
[18:31] About.
[18:32] Them.
[18:32] All the time. You got HBO.
[18:34] Guys.
[18:35] Like.
[18:35] Scorsese and he makes really wonderful media. Wonderful.
[18:46] Thank you so much.
[18:48] Thank you very much.
[19:18] Now we're ready now.
[19:20] To first hear from Mallory Stevens. John F Kennedy Elementary School principal.
[19:30] So I'm going to start by having you turn I love it. This is very short.
[19:39] And I will explain after.
[19:47] Might be crazy and I might say.
[19:53] Somebody tell me.
[19:59] How did that go? Wait.
[20:04] What the fuck, I don't care. By the way, because I'm. I'm moving. If you feel like I won't, I won't move. Cause I have. Come on. If you feel like having dinner. Because I'm like, no, you don't have to stay. Because I'm not alone. If you feel like that's what you want.
[20:35] To do, stop listening.
[20:40] And if you don't want that.
[20:47] I support you.
[20:49] All right. I kept my promise. It was short. But I start with that because I think that sometimes starting a new school year brings a lot of emotions. Summer is over. There's a warning that goes on. But generally speaking, the staff at JFK were very excited. I just asked them. I gave them an assignment to just take a picture with your team, and they went above and beyond. And I truly have seen that over the past few days. Um, their excitement is definitely there. And I think that's a testament to what really makes JFK special for our students. So, um, I appreciate my staff for rolling with my crazy ideas. So we kicked off the year on the 31st. Staff participated in multiple professional development opportunities, including just to name a few. An OG refresher CPI training. We looked at curriculum documents and like I said, that's just to name a few. Um, it was a great time for them to collaborate, kind of get back into the swing of things. Students came on Wednesday in grades one through five, and I feel like every year I say this, but every year it gets better. The morning drop off routine is going very well. Um, few reminders being given, but generally speaking, it's going well. Um, I do want to make the pitch. Keep going. Parents keep doing it the right way. Sometimes we kind of settle and you know, lives get crazier and busier. But I always stress safety is the number one priority. Everyone's time is valuable. Our children are the priority. So thank you. And keep keep following those procedures for a safe and smooth drop off. Um, we continue and I also want to I did have some parents reach out with a few things like suggestions, and I value that. I already put a few things into place with parents. Ever see anything or have some a different perspective? I welcome that feedback. Um, we continued with our tradition of making the first day of kindergarten special by inviting families to a farewell drop off on the kindergarten playground, which was held this Tuesday, which was a nice event. Um, so they were able to take their pictures, kind of settle in without the hustle and bustle of first through fifth graders entering. And then our integrated preschool program has not started yet. We will welcome the youngest JFK Bulldogs on Monday, September 14th. The bus routes, like I said, every year they get better and better. We've kind of been in this building, so they're kind of established, so they went out even smoother than the past years. I feel like. um, kudos to Mrs. Franchi who again has that down pat and and is revising where and when necessary. Um, again, every year I get excited when I introduce new staff and this year is no different. We have new kindergarten teacher Ashley Faiella, a new phys ed teacher, miles Durney. Erin Allaire is a new special ed teacher, Morgan Welch. I had her in fourth grade, uh, is a new paraprofessional, Victoria Doe and Jackie O'Keefe, our new ESL teachers, Sabrina Santopietro, speech and language pathologist and our newest member to our behavior staff, Odair Santillo. Um, and we're also very excited to welcome several full time practicum students from Stonehill. Currently, we have three this fall to our shadowing or working with special ed teachers, which is wonderful because sometimes that's an area that there's a, there's a shortage of sometimes. Um, so it's great to have them in the building learning kind of the way we do it. So when and if should there ever be an opening? It's great, great option to consider. And then we have another one who is in second grade, shadow of seventh grade teacher, a lot of other one day half day placements as well. So it's wonderful. Our teachers are very cooperative and it's a great experience for everyone. Currently, we have 675 students at JFK. That's about average. That's no different than any previous year. The numbers are again pretty consistent kindergartens at 102 with five classes, grade ones at 104 with five classes, grade two at 106 with five classes. Grade three is our smallest with 96 with four classes. Grade four is at 111 with four classes. Grade five is at 106 with four classes. So no big changes there really. Um, you know, with only being the fifth day completed, we haven't. I don't have too much to report on in the curriculum world bridges, OG morphology, handwriting without tears. All of those curriculums that we've been using for years are continuing to be implemented. And that's wonderful because we're starting to really start to see the trends in the data. We are having several staff who are piloting Excel take off, which is a math program this year. So that will be exciting to get in and look at and see what that looks like and whether that's a good fit for, for us at grade levels and whatnot. Um, we are a huge focus lately. Obviously, to start a new school year is routines and procedures. So we are really reinforcing our PBIs program, um, with the procedures routines in all areas of the building, reviewing the behavior matrix with students. Um, we are implementing the second step curriculum, social emotional learning right from the get go and reviewing the zones of regulation, which is a building lie kind of language that we use for kids. So that way, no matter where they are in the building, they can say, I'm in the red zone. That means something. And the same thing to any teacher or staff member. Um, talking points is up and running. I believe for most families, if anyone's experiencing an issue, please, I've been able to resolve a lot of them. Um, and if I can't, I know a guy who can. Um, so yesterday we had our first practice fire drill. As Julie already mentioned, it went very smooth. And I'd like to give a shout out to our kindergartners. It was day two at 930 in the morning for them and they did an amazing job. They were calm. They were probably the quietest. There was no panic or fear or anything like that. So I was very impressed with them and the other students as well. But kindergartners that can be sometimes a little bit scary. Um, our booster thumb will be arriving in just over a week. We're kicking off on Monday the 21st and are hoping to stay on track to have another successful outcome. We have band chorus, math Olympiads, Robotics Club that will be starting up and always have huge, huge lists. I don't expect that to be any different this year. And then lastly, our back to School night is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th at six, and we will have our book fair during the day for kids on Wednesday and Thursday, and then it'll be open that evening as well. So, so far, so good. It's five days in, but I think that the smiles you saw are real.
[27:53] The hype is very real. It's very real.
[27:56] Hopefully they only get bigger.
[27:59] And Mrs. DeRosa and I had a chance to walk in and out of classrooms at JFK, and the energy levels are great. We heard everybody talking about their positivity. Corners and common corners and routines are already established and they're being. I love we saw, for example, that because you have the universal and vertical alignment with your your language, right? The teachers were saying, well, last year, it's the same thing. It's this year and, you know, this procedure and it's so wonderful that it's so universal and the kids really respond so well. And I'm so impressed. And to your point about we saw Miss Viola, she was wonderful. And your new hires, terrific new hires for the district. So we're just really excited to see, you know, what our kids are going to get accomplished this year and, and celebrate their success.
[28:42] And I'll end with a kindergarten quote this morning, a kindergartner was coming in and he said, um, he saw Mrs. Sawyer and said, mom, we learned something in music yesterday. And guess what? She says we're going to learn more and more.
[28:55] So excited.
[28:57] It's real.
[28:58] It doesn't end there.
[28:59] We are.
[29:00] Pretty apt.
[29:01] It's pretty accurate. So yes. Thank you. Thank you.
[29:05] All right. Thank you.
[29:08] Mallory, did I see that Miss Francis shirt said my last first day.
[29:12] Yes, yes.
[29:14] I saw that.
[29:16] Yes, she has shared it and I.
[29:19] Assume she did. If it was in there.
[29:21] She has put her letter in. I don't think it'll be like the. I'm hoping it's not the.
[29:26] It won't be the last time you see her. Yeah.
[29:28] No no no. Last first day is what I'm saying. Like you know.
[29:31] Yeah. So she is retiring.
[29:32] In that role for sure.
[29:34] Yeah. But yes.
[29:36] So yes, she had that shirt on opening day.
[29:39] Big big shoes to fill.
[29:40] For.
[29:41] Sure.
[29:41] 100%.
[29:43] We're trying to get her to change her mind. It's always time.
[29:45] There's still time.
[29:46] Still time.
[29:47] I don't.
[29:47] Know. Nothing's permanent yet.
[29:49] It's been several years that she's been talking about it, though.
[29:52] Those papers can be pulled back.
[29:54] That's right.
[29:55] Yeah.
[30:03] Chief of the rest of our Bulldogs. Principal Bates.
[30:07] Good evening, everyone. Um.
[30:09] Our amazing students have.
[30:11] Already shared some of the. The more intricate details of what's been happening at HMS along with the superintendent. So I'm just going to give you a little overview of what's going on in the building. We've had a really smooth, high energy start to the year. Mr. Winkler and I have noticed a really positive momentum across the building as we began the new school year at HMS. Um, we all decided to unify behind one clear vision, and that is to embrace culture, a culture of accountability, follow through and high expectations where every student and staff member is committed to excellence, embraces rigorous learning, and works together to achieve continuing growth and success while supporting the district's strategic plan. So that's kind of pulled from the strategic plan that we'll be talking more about, I believe, at the next School Committee meeting to align with this vision. Our teachers are actively developing and executing targeted initiatives to increase student engagement inside the classroom. They'll be heavily supported in this work by our department chairs and administration, who will ensure that our educators have collaboration, resources, and leadership in the alignment necessary to drive our student achievement forward. Our students have quickly settled in to their new routines of academic daily life, and I want to give a shout out to our sixth graders who are adjusting beautifully to middle school life. Um, they've thrown themselves into the experience with excitement, and they're really thrilled with their newfound independence. They really feel like, you know, big kids now and they, uh, are especially excited about the variety of choices in the cafeteria. That's, that's like the biggest thing I've heard about. Wow.
[31:54] I was going to tell you I did lunch duty and they are enthusiastic. They really are for sure.
[31:59] And they do a great job in, in the cafeteria keeping things exciting. They've been doing some around the world tasting things that they did last year that they're going to try to increase this year, that the kids and the staff have really enjoyed. The campus is also buzzing with activity beyond the classroom. As the girls talked about, sports teams are already off and running. With fall practices and games fully underway. Student activities and clubs are going to be starting within the next week or so. Um, and that will give our students an opportunity for new interests in leadership roles. And we're already looking forward also to our homecoming events coming up in October this year. As Miss Hamilton said, we are officially beginning our first year as a designated early college school in partnership with Quincy College. This designation opens up a transformative academic pathway for our students, and the faculty is working hard to prepare for our official kickoff event later this fall, which we just said was September 30th. That will be happening during our school day. Finally, we have added some amazing new teachers to our team, including former School Committee members.
[33:13] This year.
[33:14] We.
[33:14] Rub it in.
[33:15] He's doing great. He's doing really.
[33:17] Have done an amazing addition to our community. They're already making a profound and measurable difference with our students, bringing positivity into the building every day and a fresh perspective, which is nice. Um, and they really do seem to have a deep dedication to our students. The staff, students and administration are grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to keeping you up to date throughout the year.
[33:41] All right.
[33:42] Thank you. Thank you. Jen.
[33:43] Anybody have any questions for the principal? Because I realized I forgot to ask.
[33:50] All right. Awesome.
[33:51] Thank you. And to your point, I'm just kidding. It was very nice to meet you to see all of the students. Uh, although Mike and I were forced into lunch duty, we enjoyed seeing all of your three lunches, and. And the kids just have a nice energy. And, and again, I'm just going to shout out the fact that they're not on telephones and phones all the time, and they're talking and they're playing and they're, you know, lightly walking around. But we're doing things that are very much, um, enhancing their social experience. And I'm really happy to see that. I don't know if the girls are looking at me like, oh, but I think we've come to see that there are some benefits, right? Of just kind of interacting with your peers. I'm sure when you get home.
[34:27] And you were ahead of the curve because.
[34:28] We were.
[34:29] Mandated in all schools. So, you know.
[34:32] Well, it's mandated kind of sort of.
[34:35] But we weren't looking to torture you guys. We really wanted you to have a full, robust social experience because when you're home movies and media, we can't control that. But here we want you to problem solving and look at all those clubs and amazing experiences. So I'm really pleased at the reaction the students have had and the staff. And it's year. Is it year 2 or 3? It might be year three for us. Yeah.
[34:57] But also just for the students to be able to have actual face to face Conversations with their peers. Mhm.
[35:07] All right. Well thank you.
[35:11] Next we have the FY 26 financial report. 27. Oh, it says 26.
[35:18] Time is flying.
[35:20] Time is flying. Oh, yeah. It does say. Okay. It is the right one. Sorry.
[35:26] Um, so in your packet, you have the operational expenditure report from July 1st through September 3rd. Um, same report that you get every couple of months is the original budget, the encumbrances, which is the monies being held for expenses that we know that are coming. And then actually what's been expended. And then your far right column shows you anything that has not been encumbered is still a balance.
[35:57] Then you also have the same report. It's for the the actual payroll. And I told you in the past that we do not encumber payroll. So you see the original budget and what has been expended through September 3rd for payroll.
[36:12] And Christina, we usually where we're at at this time of the year.
[36:15] Yes, we're actually really on track.
[36:20] Excellent.
[36:21] As of right now, five days in.
[36:25] We usually meet later in September.
[36:28] That's a good thing to say.
[36:31] And then the other report you have is just the schedule of warrants paid by the school department. You have the first column shows the payroll numbers and the amounts and then the accounts payable warrants.
[36:47] Does anyone have any questions for me? S1:
[36:52] We do. Okay. We've got Victoria Doe, ESL teacher for the John F Kennedy School. That was effective August 25th. We have Jacqueline O'Keeffe, ESL teacher at the John F Kennedy School as well, effective August 25th. Sabrina Santopietro is a speech pathologist at JFK that was also effective August 25th. Morgan Welch joins us as a paraprofessional to JFK. That was effective August 25th as well. Margaret Morgan Foster is a music teacher at Holbrook Middle High, a new music teacher, effective August 25th. Kimberly Tibbetts is the ESL teacher at Holbrook Middle High School. It's kind of a new department effective August 25th. And Megan Willis joins us as the high school math teacher at Holbrook Middle High. And that was also effective August 25th.
[37:40] All right. We have a series of discussion items starting with the MOA of the H e teachers unit. Um, this is effective September 1st, 2026 through August 31st, 2029.
[37:59] Um, do you want to talk? S4:
[38:44] And don't want to go into specifics or I.
[38:47] Don't think you need to get to.
[38:49] Okay.
[38:51] Um.
[38:54] Next is the food service workers MOA also from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2029.
[39:08] I can speak to that as one of the school committee members and members on that subcommittee, and I echo what the superintendent says about working with the Holbrook Education Association, working with the members of the food service workers. It was very smooth. I think we came to the table and we all wanted the best for students. So I appreciate everybody's work on that. I know, Christine, you were down there with us negotiating. So thank you to everybody who got that done. I got the agreement complete. Thank you. Yeah.
[39:41] Next item is our annual school committee member appointment. Sorry. Wrong one. Um, the mass Association of School Committees, official delegate to the delegate assembly at the conference, which is November 4th through seventh in the delegate assembly is Friday afternoon, the seventh.
[40:03] Um.
[40:06] So I know we have to vote in the next section. So I know what the answer is, but I'm sorry. Um the next item is the school committee member appointment timetable. So having given this some thought um this is appointment has not been done since I applied for an open position 31 years ago. Um, so we're kind of feeling our way. Um, but we received three statements of interest from parents interested in being appointed to the committee, and this appointment will be just until the election in April, and then they can run for a full three year term. And I'd like to suggest either Tuesday, September 15th, which is probably a little short notice or Tuesday the 22nd for interviews. And I'm kind of thinking, um, I'd prefer in person and if we could use the mill high school library media center, um, that would be great. Um, or I mean, we can do it over Zoom, but I just kind of prefer the face to face. Yeah.
[41:24] Agreed. I think that's better.
[41:27] Um, and trying to time it because we need to do a joint meeting at the select board because it's a joint appointment and the select board meets on September 23rd and October 7th. And obviously I need to put a request in once we kind of figure out what works. And by suggesting Tuesdays. And I'm also hoping that Chris will be able to zoom in and participate and I will reach out to him once we kind of figure out, um, but I, I did Tuesdays so as not to conflict with select board meetings. So if members of the select board would like to join in and attend. So I wanted to be cognizant of their schedule as well. So those are my thoughts. I don't know if people have any thoughts or opinions, but, you know, obviously we want to make the appointment as soon as reasonably possible, but not to rush the process because, you know, we want to go over the, the applications and, you know, know, everybody brings skill sets to the table. So we want to make sure we do our due diligence and also develop a list of questions to ask them. And also said kind of a time for how long we want the interviews to last.
[43:09] So your thoughts? Those are mine.
[43:12] Yeah. I mean, I think the 15th is awfully short. I quick unavailable, but definitely the 22nd. I don't know if that works for you.
[43:22] I can get that on the calendar.
[43:25] Second. What time.
[43:30] Um well I don't know. Does six work or do we want to make it later? I mean if we're doing three back to back interviews. I don't want it to run too late.
[43:37] You want it to run at five?
[43:39] Well, I'm trying to be cognizant of people's work schedule. If you do.
[43:43] 45 minutes, only 15 in between. You guys should be able to make that appointment for the next day. Right. So maybe six is the starting place. Six is it'll get very late, very fast.
[43:53] Right?
[43:54] Yeah. You want.
[43:54] To be.
[43:55] At the end.
[43:56] Sometime? Do you want to start at five.
[43:58] Or can you guys do five?
[43:59] I could be there for five.
[44:00] I could.
[44:01] Would you be available for five?
[44:02] Sure, I can do five. I'm just thinking of the applicants also. That's true. Coming home from work? Yeah. Um, but we want to be cognizant that.
[44:13] We can.
[44:14] Actually work for.
[44:15] A.
[44:15] Living.
[44:16] As we reach out to do the interview. See where they can fall.
[44:22] Some people might be able to make the first one. Yeah.
[44:24] That works.
[44:24] Okay. So we want to.
[44:25] So we'll sketch out the 22nd Media Center is what you'd like to have it.
[44:30] Yeah. I think it's a it's a nice space and we can set it up. Um, and um.
[44:41] I had something and I lost it. Um, yeah. I mean, do you think 45 minutes or a half hour.
[44:49] And we already have the questions in hand.
[44:53] Well we will.
[44:54] Yeah. So if we already have them, that'd be pretty quick.
[44:58] Okay. Um, so if we could ask Bridget, would you be so kind as to reach out to the three candidates, please?
[45:13] On top of the 20 bazillion other things you have on your plate. Um, and we also need to host a meeting.
[45:22] Yeah.
[45:24] And I will reach out to Chris to see if he will be able to zoom in. So he can also be a participant in. Once I know that, then we'll need a Zoom link so Chris can join in if if he's able to. Okay. Um, so I should, um, request the town administrator that we go to the select board meeting on September 23rd. Mhm. Mhm.
[46:02] Okay. And then.
[46:06] The two of us selected will have at least a couple weeks before we actually meet on the 14th.
[46:16] All right. That was easier than I thought.
[46:22] Next we have a a whole series of policies. Um, excuse me. The first one is a first reading of policy ACL. This is the Protect act, which was just passed through the legislature. And the policy, um, Is basically what Disney sent out and MAS in their attorney vetted and pulled it together. And I know.
[47:02] You know, it falls to the superintendent to develop all the procedures. But we're already doing a lot of that stuff anyway. So it's not it's not really a new policy. It's one we haven't had, but it just codifies the things that we're already doing for the most part. Um, next we have a series of second readings, uh, policy, a deaf school district wellness program, uh, policy, JFB school choice. Just a small update. Um, policy JKAA um, this is a new policy timeout. Seclusion and physical restraint of students.
[47:47] Policy JCD administering medicines to students.
[47:56] Policy JLCDC S1:
[48:03] Policy KBG. Parent advisory councils and these are all updates on group M, a s, c and the second reading.
[48:21] So does anybody have any comments or questions on any of those policies? S1:
[48:31] Anything to report? S1:
[48:35] Any school committee member reports? I have several items. No big surprise. But the first thing was it was brought to my attention that our May School Committee meeting is scheduled at the same time as the JFK Spring Concert on May 20th. Um, you know, I looked over my calendar of the past couple of years and it kind of flip flops from one week to the next. So I would like to, um, request if we could change our meeting to the previous week on May 13th, which, um, also the winter concert is the night of our budget presentation. Uh, which this one I will accept responsibility for because when I went back and looked at my calendar, yes, the JFK concert is always this exact week and I just must have glossed over it. But, um, so is it possible for us to change our School Committee meeting either to the 10th, which is the night of parent conferences at the JFK, which is why I put it on the 20th or Wednesday the 16th.
[49:53] Is this for April.
[49:55] To have it moved up?
[49:56] Okay. So you would prefer the 10th.
[49:58] We always have that budget done at that time.
[50:00] Is this for April?
[50:01] December.
[50:02] December. December.
[50:03] Sorry about.
[50:03] That. Because we need to submit to the town. We always have it done in advance. So that would actually work out wonderfully well for us to do the 10th.
[50:10] Okay. I just thought I just thought I'd toss the 16th out there.
[50:14] You heard QB 12 will be ready.
[50:15] I'll be.
[50:15] Ready.
[50:16] No, I know I just and so I would suggest if we're doing it on the 10th. And because it's at the same time as the JFK parent conferences. If we could meet at seven. Mhm. In order to allow as much time for those who need to do parent conferences, I want to be cognizant that.
[50:34] So we're at seven.
[50:35] Yes. Yes. If that works with people.
[50:37] Of course it does.
[50:45] And my usual update. It's not too late to register for the joint conference. I think the early bird deadline has passed, although they do often, um, extend it. Um, but it looks like, I don't know, people should have gotten this if you didn't see it. It may be in your school community mailbox. It looks like there's some really good workshops. And I know that there's at least a couple on air quality or Hvac. Fred.
[51:16] Also, Division three is hosting a resolutions clinic on October 8th at Southeastern Regional at 6 p.m.. Um, and there's also a learning lunch the Friday before on the resolution. So I figure if people can't make lunch time, they could come out to dinner and learn about the resolutions because they're not. There's not a lot. There's only there's only a handful of resolutions this year plus a number that we want to renew.
[51:51] So any other School Committee updates?
[51:56] On to action items. Um, first item is the He teachers unit MOA from effective nine 126 to 8 3129. Is there a motion.
[52:10] So moved.
[52:12] Second.
[52:13] Any further discussion? All those in favor.
[52:21] Um and next the food service workers contract, which is.
[52:31] From July 1st, 2026 to 6 to 630. 2029. Is there a motion so moved.
[52:38] Second.
[52:40] Any further discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Thank you.
[52:46] This is the.
[52:47] Yeah I know right.
[52:48] This is the hardest.
[52:49] Next I will entertain any nominations. Plural for the school committee. Official delegate to the delegate assembly at the conference.
[53:01] I'd like to nominate Barbara Davis for the school Committee delegate.
[53:06] I'll second that.
[53:08] Great.
[53:10] Thanks.
[53:11] Why break tradition?
[53:13] Yeah.
[53:14] It works. Don't break. Don't fix it.
[53:17] I know. Um, are there any other nominations?
[53:23] Yeah, I didn't think so. Nope. Um. Okay. All those in favor? Aye. Um, we also need an alternate on the off chance that I can't make it.
[53:37] So I'll, um. I'll nominate Fred, who we know has registered for the conference.
[53:43] I'll second that.
[53:45] Anybody else?
[53:49] All those in favor?
[53:51] It's not broken. Don't fix it.
[53:54] Um, do we have any unfinished business? Any new business for a future agenda?
[54:06] Yes, I will be doing for a new agenda. I will be sending Bridget the, uh, for a donation to both the middle school and high school.
[54:19] So you will have your.
[54:23] Your products.
[54:24] Okay. Any other new business or anything?
[54:28] Um, we're going to be bringing you the administrative assistance because that unit also, um, was, uh, we had negotiations yet and it wrapped and ladies, again, wonderful to work with. Um, and we really appreciate the time and we're very excited, but it wasn't prepared for this meeting. So we'll bring it to the next task.
[54:46] And then it.
[54:46] Was smooth sailing.
[54:49] Yeah.
[54:50] Yeah, that was, that was pretty quick. We don't have them, so we can't do them until next meeting. Yeah.
[55:01] Like she's been bombed.
[55:03] Really, really bombarded with work.
[55:06] Keep doing a fantastic job 100%.
[55:09] So we'll have them at the next meeting. Um, well then if there's no new business or anything else, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.
[55:19] So moved.
[55:20] Second.
[55:21] All those in favor? Aye. Meeting adjourned at 655.
[55:27] Thank.
[55:30] You.