1 00:00:24,720 --> 00:00:32,720 Good evening. My name is Rachel Shreveport, chairperson of the Shrewsbury School Committee. Welcome to our special school committee meeting for Wednesday July 8th. 2 00:00:33,420 --> 00:00:40,900 Tonight's meeting is being broadcast live on cell code channels 29 and 329 and streams live on Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Media Connections website. 3 00:00:41,780 --> 00:00:46,320 Thank you to Liz Papalowski and Shrewsbury Media Connections for their assistance with our broadcast this evening. 4 00:00:46,740 --> 00:00:50,980 Tonight's meeting will be rebroadcast on SMC's website and their YouTube channel. 5 00:00:50,980 --> 00:01:02,960 We have a short agenda tonight but our first item on our agenda is a recommendation in vote for the appointment of the assistance superintendent for well-being and community systems. 6 00:01:03,480 --> 00:01:16,980 As a little bit of background, under mass general law chapter 71 section 59, an appointment of an individual to an assistance superintendent position is by the vote of the school committee on a candidate recommended by the superintendent. 7 00:01:16,980 --> 00:01:22,920 Search process for this position is in its final stage, and Dr. Ostrander has presented her 8 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:27,160 recommendation to the School Committee via a memorandum, which was provided to us under 9 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:31,900 separate cover, and will provide additional detail here tonight. Dr. Ostrander. 10 00:01:32,380 --> 00:01:37,840 Thank you. Thank you for having me this evening, and I am pleased to recommend the appointment 11 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:42,820 of Mr. Brian Callahan as our next assistant superintendent for well-being and community 12 00:01:42,820 --> 00:01:49,880 systems, effective in July, this July of 26. But before speaking specifically about Mr. 13 00:01:50,080 --> 00:01:53,920 Kellyanne, I wanted to briefly acknowledge the process that brought us here to this 14 00:01:53,920 --> 00:01:58,660 appointment and recommendation. So following the committee's approval of the revised 15 00:01:58,660 --> 00:02:03,520 position in the job description in June, we conducted an extensive and highly collaborative 16 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:11,000 search. We received 42 applications for this position and we implemented a rigorous multi-stage 17 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:16,040 process that included application screening, structured interviews, focus groups, which 18 00:02:16,040 --> 00:02:21,220 screws very community members, community partners, district leaders, school-based leaders, 19 00:02:21,860 --> 00:02:28,720 a performance task, a school committee, a form-style interview, and on-site site visit for 20 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:34,680 to the candidates home district. As one of the first steps in the process, our interview team 21 00:02:34,680 --> 00:02:39,980 actually developed a portrait of an ideal candidate. This document identified the characteristics, 22 00:02:39,980 --> 00:02:43,680 six mindsets in leadership actions, we believed we're essential for the iness assistance 23 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:47,360 superintendent of our building and community systems and really serve as a foundation 24 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:52,640 for the interview questions, the performance tasks, the feedback and ultimately the evaluation 25 00:02:52,640 --> 00:02:57,800 of each candidate. So before I share a bit more about Mr. Kelly and specifically, I wanted 26 00:02:57,800 --> 00:03:03,080 to share that the five core leadership skills that we dimensions we were looking for was that 27 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:07,980 this individual needed to be supportive and student-centered, have strong communication and 28 00:03:07,980 --> 00:03:14,540 collaboration is innovative and provides opportunities for continuous improvement, is data 29 00:03:14,540 --> 00:03:20,340 informed and is a strategic leader and has already established community partnerships and 30 00:03:20,340 --> 00:03:25,240 strong family engagement. So throughout this rigorous process, Mr. Kellyanne consistently 31 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:31,220 distinguished himself across these dimensions. And as the process progressed, it became increasingly 32 00:03:31,220 --> 00:03:35,440 clear that his leadership experience and approach closely aligned with the qualities that 33 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:37,400 search committee had identified as essential. 34 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:40,260 And it is this alignment that forms the foundation 35 00:03:40,260 --> 00:03:42,360 of my recommendation to you this evening. 36 00:03:43,340 --> 00:03:46,300 So whether speaking with staff, families, community members, 37 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:50,040 or district leaders, the themes remained remarkably consistent. 38 00:03:50,840 --> 00:03:53,280 Mr. Callahan is student-centered, collaborative, 39 00:03:53,900 --> 00:03:57,200 thoughtful, and exceptional, exceptional communicator, 40 00:03:57,640 --> 00:04:00,280 and someone who approaches complex problems with curiosity, 41 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:02,480 respect, and practical solutions. 42 00:04:02,480 --> 00:04:09,940 Mr. Callahan brings 30 years of educational experience, including 14 years as principal of Westboro High School, 43 00:04:10,300 --> 00:04:14,300 following previous service as an assistant principal, athletic director and teacher. 44 00:04:15,360 --> 00:04:22,380 This role requires someone who can lead and develop complex systems while never losing sight of individual students and families. 45 00:04:23,180 --> 00:04:28,100 Brian brings extensive secondary level leadership experience in supporting student well-being, 46 00:04:28,100 --> 00:04:32,860 developing inclusive programming for student mental health, strengthening school climate through 47 00:04:32,860 --> 00:04:38,260 PBS and advisory systems, and building authentic partnerships with families and community 48 00:04:38,260 --> 00:04:43,900 organizations. Many of the systems he has collaborated to build in Westboro have also been 49 00:04:43,900 --> 00:04:49,780 at Westboro High School have also been embedded in grown district wide. In addition, Brian 50 00:04:49,780 --> 00:04:55,340 brings experience over seeing Title IX processes and supporting the implementation of anti-bullying 51 00:04:55,340 --> 00:05:01,000 policies and procedures. He understands the importance of balancing legal compliance with thoughtful 52 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:06,540 student-centered decision-making and has demonstrated the ability to navigate sensitive situations 53 00:05:06,540 --> 00:05:13,280 with families, with fairness, professionalism, and compassion. Justice importantly, his demonstrated 54 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:19,020 a strong ability to analyze complex data, identify priorities, and translate those priorities 55 00:05:19,020 --> 00:05:24,120 into actionable and measurable strategies. And in fact, he did this in his performance task 56 00:05:24,120 --> 00:05:28,860 when provided with some fictitious information to help us make our decision. 57 00:05:29,940 --> 00:05:34,940 Throughout this process, we're continuously struck by Mr. Callahan's leadership style. 58 00:05:35,460 --> 00:05:40,200 He listens first, he builds relationships intentionally, and he earns trust through collaboration. 59 00:05:41,380 --> 00:05:46,520 These qualities are truly essential for the position, especially for someone who will be overseeing 60 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:53,900 student well-being, community partnerships, compliance, and cross-departmental initiatives. 61 00:05:55,460 --> 00:05:59,880 So it is my responsibility, as you said, under Massachusetts Law, to recommend the individual 62 00:05:59,880 --> 00:06:02,920 I believe is best prepared to serve our student staff and community. 63 00:06:03,700 --> 00:06:08,980 And after this comprehensive process, I say with confidence that Mr. Brian Kellyanne is that 64 00:06:08,980 --> 00:06:09,400 individual. 65 00:06:10,020 --> 00:06:14,220 I believe strongly that his extensive leadership is that full approach to building school 66 00:06:14,220 --> 00:06:17,800 community and culture and unwavering, focused on students, 67 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:20,360 make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. 68 00:06:20,900 --> 00:06:23,900 I look forward to introducing Mr. Kellyanne to you in the future 69 00:06:23,900 --> 00:06:26,900 and to our community as he begins to build relationships 70 00:06:26,900 --> 00:06:28,040 here in true spirit. 71 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:31,160 And I respectfully recommend that the school community vote 72 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:33,680 to a point, Mr. Kellyanne, as the Assistant Superintendent 73 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:35,580 for Welbing and Community Systems. 74 00:06:36,160 --> 00:06:38,440 I'd be happy to take any questions or comments that you've got. 75 00:06:38,900 --> 00:06:41,720 Does anybody have any comments or questions? 76 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:47,640 I would just like to thank you, Dr. Austender, for running a very well-run process. 77 00:06:48,780 --> 00:06:53,900 I was very impressed with our meetings last week. I thought they were very well-done. 78 00:06:54,480 --> 00:07:00,600 The fact that we could do around Robin and meet various candidates all in one fell swoop was very 79 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:06,840 much appreciated, very efficient. I'd also like to thank the focus group participants that took their 80 00:07:06,840 --> 00:07:19,580 especially kind of, you know, until I forth was around here and was a busy, a busy time and people were kind enough to give of their time once the school year had ended to kind of help us with this process. 81 00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:29,400 There was some community partners that took time, parents, students, and then staff, of course, that all gave up their time to help us with this. 82 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:43,120 Very comprehensive and well done process. It was also very pleased to see that the pool was deep. That we were able to, over 40 candidates for this position was very impressive to me. 83 00:07:44,480 --> 00:07:52,520 And it just, you know, I think it speaks well of the district that people were that interested in trying to come, you know, put their name forward for this position. 84 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:56,160 And I'm very supportive after meeting with Mr. Kelly Han. 85 00:07:56,300 --> 00:07:58,480 I think he's the right man for the job. 86 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:02,320 So I agree with your recommendation. 87 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:09,500 I'll echo that. 88 00:08:09,640 --> 00:08:11,860 I thought you did a really good job. 89 00:08:12,040 --> 00:08:12,440 Pretty much together. 90 00:08:12,660 --> 00:08:16,240 The focus interview I was impressed by all three of the candidates 91 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:18,020 that we ended up bringing in. 92 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:20,200 I thought they were all great representatives. 93 00:08:20,640 --> 00:08:22,120 We talked about this before. 94 00:08:22,440 --> 00:08:25,680 When we were discussing this position and how you re-tooled it 95 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:29,080 and what you're seeing for yourself as, you know, 96 00:08:29,080 --> 00:08:30,280 start your super-intendancy. 97 00:08:31,620 --> 00:08:34,120 We're like, we sure that this person exists. 98 00:08:34,480 --> 00:08:38,080 This is like, it's a lot, but, you know, 99 00:08:38,180 --> 00:08:41,160 for me, meeting Mr. Callahan and having a conversation 100 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:43,460 with him and his responses to a lot of the questions 101 00:08:43,460 --> 00:08:45,440 that we as a school committee asked him 102 00:08:45,440 --> 00:08:47,840 and I'm sure that he had those responses to others. 103 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:52,040 I was very much, when I walked out of there, 104 00:08:52,040 --> 00:08:54,740 confident that we did find that unicorn 105 00:08:54,740 --> 00:09:01,280 that we were a little concerned that maybe we wouldn't be able to, but truly, he stood out in that 106 00:09:01,280 --> 00:09:06,900 interview process and had such a way about him that just exuded confidence, he had such great 107 00:09:06,900 --> 00:09:12,160 ideas not just, you know, from the last few years that he's done things, but from his entire time 108 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:19,660 in his own district, and he was very impressive. So I too and very much in favor of Mr. Callahan. 109 00:09:19,660 --> 00:09:24,400 And hopefully we can see him very soon, right? 110 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:28,600 Okay, so we do need to take a vote on this tonight. 111 00:09:29,160 --> 00:09:33,940 May I please have a motion that the School Committee vote to appoint Brian Callahan, 112 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:38,320 as recommended by the superintendent for the position of assistant superintendent 113 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:40,680 or well-being in community systems. 114 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:41,720 So moved, okay. 115 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:43,940 Okay, moved and seconded. 116 00:09:43,940 --> 00:09:46,300 All those in favor please do so by saying aye. 117 00:09:46,820 --> 00:09:48,600 Thank you, the motion carries. 118 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:50,140 It's a congratulations to Mr. 119 00:09:50,300 --> 00:09:50,440 Caroline. 120 00:09:50,900 --> 00:09:52,060 And welcome to Shrewsbury. 121 00:09:53,700 --> 00:09:53,860 Okay. 122 00:09:54,020 --> 00:09:57,340 The next item on the agenda is a discussion 123 00:09:57,340 --> 00:10:01,300 and nomination to appoint a school committee member 124 00:10:01,300 --> 00:10:04,160 to the Shrewsbury master planning steering committee. 125 00:10:05,020 --> 00:10:07,200 The town Shrewsbury is initiating an update 126 00:10:07,200 --> 00:10:09,000 to its comprehensive master plan 127 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:10,880 and they're seeking our committee's participation 128 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:13,440 in helping shape the future of Shrewsbury. 129 00:10:14,160 --> 00:10:19,540 The town's master plan serves as a community vision that establishes long-term decision making guidance for 130 00:10:19,540 --> 00:10:25,560 shoes for a physical development. This one includes critical areas such as land use, housing, open space, 131 00:10:25,720 --> 00:10:31,620 national resources, recreation, economic development, transportation, and public facilities. The master plan 132 00:10:31,620 --> 00:10:40,920 steering committee has been established to oversee this entire initiative and close cooperation with the 133 00:10:40,920 --> 00:10:46,740 in individual members may be assigned to subcommittees to focus deeply on specific aspects of the plan. 134 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:55,720 So the school committee is being asked to appoint one of its members as well as a student representative to serve as our official representation on the master plan steering committee. 135 00:10:56,800 --> 00:11:02,400 We will invite the planning board to our next regularly scheduled meeting in the fall to provide additional detail. 136 00:11:02,400 --> 00:11:06,360 Tonight, we are going to appoint one of us to this year in committee. 137 00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:11,140 We will also hold off until September to appoint a student representative. 138 00:11:12,040 --> 00:11:15,720 As I would like to work with Mr. Bizzillo at the high school 139 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:22,560 to best select a representative for what they're asking us to do. 140 00:11:24,460 --> 00:11:28,740 So I have spoken with Ms. Torres is not here tonight, 141 00:11:28,740 --> 00:11:34,820 But I've spoken with Ms. Torres and she has expressed interest in being our representative to this committee. 142 00:11:35,700 --> 00:11:42,960 I think some of her work background lends itself to the committee, but if anybody else is interested to. 143 00:11:43,740 --> 00:11:54,340 I'm also supportive of Ms. Torres serving on behalf of the school committee. I do think her real estate law background will be a nice compliment to the committee. 144 00:11:55,080 --> 00:12:02,360 Okay. Okay. Okay. So then we will need to take a vote. So may I please have a motion 145 00:12:02,360 --> 00:12:06,260 that the school committee vote to appoint Nicole Torres as the school committee member 146 00:12:06,260 --> 00:12:09,220 representative to the Shrew Survey Master Plan Steering Committee. 147 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:13,800 So move, circle. Okay, move in second. All those in favor, please do so by saying aye. 148 00:12:14,220 --> 00:12:17,620 Aye. Thank you. Motion carries. The mischores will serve as our representative. 149 00:12:18,980 --> 00:12:23,540 The last item on the agenda is the approval minutes. The minutes from the school committee meeting 150 00:12:23,540 --> 00:12:29,340 held on June 17th, 2026, we're sent to us for a review. Does anyone have any changes or revisions? 151 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:34,560 No. Seeing as there are new changes, these can be marked as accepted as distributed. 152 00:12:35,380 --> 00:12:37,400 We do not need to go into Executive Session tonight. 153 00:12:38,120 --> 00:12:43,440 So, if there is no further business before the committee may please have a motion to conclude our meeting for tonight. 154 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:44,340 Second. 155 00:12:44,680 --> 00:12:47,400 Okay. This requires a rule called Vote Mr. Wensky. 156 00:12:47,660 --> 00:12:48,840 Mr. Villagaputti. 157 00:12:48,860 --> 00:12:49,300 Hi. 158 00:12:49,300 --> 00:12:49,840 Ms. Bouchai. 159 00:12:49,940 --> 00:12:51,300 Hi. My self, Mr. Ripur. 160 00:12:51,300 --> 00:12:53,200 I. Thank you. I'm good night.