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Good evening, South Windsor. I'd like to call the October 28th, 2025, South Windsor Board of Education,

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meeting to order. Please stand and, as Mr. Brown, at least, please believe me.

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to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

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and the individual, with liberty and justice for all.

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Thank you.

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Mr. Mackie, would you do roll call, please?

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Yes.

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I wish I had a list of everybody.

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Mr. Pervang.

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Mr. Manilin.

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Mr. Jimman.

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Mr. Jimman.

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Mr. Sassman.

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Mr. Sassman.

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Mr. Kimber.

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Mr. Calia.

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Mr. Markz.

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Mr. Markz.

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Mrs. Quarcee.

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And I am here.

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Thank you.

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Good job.

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Thank you.

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Ms. Sessman, would you decide to visit?

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Certainly.

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Sure.

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The South Windsor Public Schools promotes an engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepare

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students to achieve their own individual excellence.

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With an emotionally safe environment, educators will foster students academic, social, and personal growth.

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Our students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking, self-direction, collaboration, adaptability, kindness, compassion, and civic responsibility.

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The South Windsor Public School graduate will possess a learner's mindset, exhibit resilience,

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and social consciousness, and be empowered to participate in an ever-changing global

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society.

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Thank you.

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And as a board chair, I like to take a minute to recognize some things.

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The mission same as the South Windsor Public School speaks to the future of excellence, compassion,

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civic responsibility.

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That is not only modeled by our students, but by those who lead in service of them.

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As we prepare for the upcoming election, we honor the Board of Education members who

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have faithfully carried this vision forward and whose contributions will contribute to

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the shape of our schools for years to come.

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So this evening, I'd like to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for four members

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of the Southland's Board of Education who are concluding their service to our community.

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Each has contributed in unique ways and lasting ways, and together they have shaped the

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success of our schools and students. Mr. Craig Zimmerman has served on our district for

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an extraordinary 15 years, including time as both Chairman and Secretary to the Board.

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His leadership perspective and steady hand have guided the board through many transitions

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in milestones.

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Craig's, I can call you Craig, Craig's commitment to collaboration, integrity, and

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student success has led a lasting legacy to South Windsor.

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Ms. Bessasman has given ten years of service to the Board of Education, including

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roles of Secretary, Vice Chair, and for a time, Chair, when she stepped in mid-term to ensure

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the continuity of leadership.

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Thank you, Beth.

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Best thoughtful insight, calm leadership, and dedication to students have been invaluable to the progress in the sense of our teamwork.

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Bless you.

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Ms. Calia has served four years during which time she has had been a strong advocate of advanced coursework and enrichment opportunities for our students across all grade levels.

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Her belief in academic excellence and equity has enriched our district and opened doors of opportunities for countless students.

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Thank you.

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Ms. Ken Kimber, who is a human servant one year old, but has been a remarkable year.

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She's brought enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine care for every meeting, and committed

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and committed that she has joined.

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Always prepared, always positive, and always respectful.

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Ken is thoughtful comments and collaborative spirit made a meaningful difference during that

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time on the Board of Education.

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To gather these four members, example five, what it means to be served selflessly and with a purpose.

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They work across the aisle regardless of political affiliation, focusing always on what is best for the students and Southland's community.

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As a team alongside the superintendent and her central office staff, they successfully completed the district's tenure plan,

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which included unprecedented achievement of building four new elementary schools on time and under budget.

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I love saying that.

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They're collectively a ship dedication and partnership

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have left an enduring mark on our schools.

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And for that, we stand our heartfelt gratitude.

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So on behalf of the Southland Board of Education,

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thank you, Craig, Beth, to Pauli and Kenna.

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For your years of service, your collaboration,

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and your unwavering commitment to the children

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of Southland's schools.

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So we've given them a plaque that they have at their desk,

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and so.

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Thank you.

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All right.

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Next.

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Approval minutes.

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Ms. Kaya.

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Move to approve the minutes of the September 30th, 2025 special meeting.

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Can I have a second?

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Any amendments?

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All in favour?

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Opposed?

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Motion carries.

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Ms. Kimber please.

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Move to approve the minutes of the September 30th, 20.

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Can I have a second?

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Any amendments?

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Any amendments?

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All in favor?

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I'm sorry.

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Opposed?

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Opps?

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Motion carries.

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Next, communications.

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Dr. Carridge, do you have any other communications for Superintendent?

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Yeah, I have one item.

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Last Wednesday, we hosted an event to promote careers in the skilled trades.

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And thank you for all the board members that were able to come that night.

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The event was a huge success.

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And I have heard incredibly positive feedback from parents and students as well as the professionals

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who were there representing their trades. Some of those partners included local business owners

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who employ licensed workers in the trades. We also had representation from the unions, including

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operating engineers local 478, who brought a trailer with a simulator for operating cranes,

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a hands-on experience, which many students participated that evening.

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Pratt and Whitney, CCSU, Lincoln Tech, as an Untuck Community College,

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goodwood university as well as the technical high school system were also represented.

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Partners who helped to deliver our four new elementary schools on time and under budget were there.

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Including Gilbain, Collears, and the Carpetor's Union. We had nonprofits such as trades up, and the Greater

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Hartford Trade Scholarship Foundation present. Our culinary students did not stand in job with

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the refreshments. As many of you know, I have been passionate about promoting the trades throughout

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my entire career as an educator, and it was extremely gratifying to see such a robust response

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to our first attempt to promote the skill trades in a district-wide event. That concludes my

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remarks. Thank you. Our summer business.

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On Tuesday, October 21st, Ely Terry celebrated

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unity day by wearing orange to stand together against bullying. On Friday, October 24th,

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second graders at Wartred Hill had a fun and educational visit from the South Windsor Fire

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Department. Firefighters saw students about fire safety and making safe choices and an emergency

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situation. PRS fourth grade students will be participating in the annual bike week. They will

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learn to check the air in their tires that their chain is fastened and to check their breaks.

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Pleasant Valley recently conducted its PTO lead walkathon fundraiser that exceeded the $25,000 goal

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earning the reward of a school-wide skating event at Southland, Zerrino.

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The PTO launched the fall book fair in conjunction with the school wide readathon.

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At Timothy Edwards, their field hockey team organized a staff bake sale on October 14th

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and also collected donations at their game at Grand Beyond the same day.

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This year's event carries a special meaning as all Procedure donated to help a Southland

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their family who six year old son is battling brain cancer.

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They also celebrated the Unity Day on October 22nd, which celebrates a visible message

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of building community through kindness and exception by wearing orange.

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At South Windsor High School, senior Sylvia Sophia article,

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her article, growing talent in South Windsor,

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spotted lantern flies was recognized as

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a best student news organization selection.

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This recognition is very difficult to achieve and is an honor,

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which highlights the best student journalism from across the country.

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Her submission will carry a permanent, best,

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as a known designation on the BAPCAP trial website and as a known national site.

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The South Windsor High School's College Fair was a October 9th for students in 10th

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12th grade, over 120 universities and colleges were showcased.

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The fall athletics had a great success as a season ends.

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They had great sportmanship, team connections, and school pride.

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Here are some of the scores from the teens' respective state tournaments.

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The boy soccer team reached 13 to 1 to 2 and he didn't accept the record for all time goals in a regular season.

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The swimming team went 8 to 1 and the girl soccer went 10 to 3 to 3.

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The football team is starting the year through to 2 which is a great way to introduce Thursday night lights

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and to show our community pride that we play under the lights at Rice Street Park.

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Homecoming was last week where we had an exciting pep rally homecoming dance and spirit week in November

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We are excited to share a number of honors society awards and celebrations grade level parent meetings and the school play

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Thank you

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Members this is a man

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Thank you chairwoman Manila

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Since this is my last meeting after being on the board for almost 15 years

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I'd like to make a few remarks tonight

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Being a board member has probably been the highlight of my community service.

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With all the challenges and accomplishments, hopefully I was able to play at least a small

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role, a small part in the quality of our school system.

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I want to thank Dr. Carter, her administrative team, and all the past and present board members.

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While at times we each had different roles and responsibilities and opinions, I'm glad to

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that we all tried to do all our jobs professionally while treating the others with proper

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respect which is very important now more than ever. In addition with a few rare occasions

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to the contrary, almost always during campaign season, our Board of Ed has always worked

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together across party lines to do what is right, needed and best for both of our students,

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both our students and staff. I was happy to see both Democrats and Republicans on the Board

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had loudly object when the majority on the town council first proposed their $1.35 million

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cut to our budget.

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Some of the best arguments against this large cut, which severely depleted our reserves

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came from two of the board's leadership, who just so happened to be Republicans, Mrs.

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Medellian, Mrs. Esman, and I want to thank them because this was an example of their leadership

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and their character. It wasn't easy at times.

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Well, I won't be on the board of ed after next week's election.

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I hope to continue supporting our talented and hardworking teachers, staff, and students.

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I'd like to wish good luck to the other five people running for office, Lisa, Miguel,

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Genevieve, Paul, and Mitchell, and the three people who have chosen to take a break

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hopefully is short one from public service, Beth, DePauli, and Kenna.

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Thank you all.

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Thank you so tonight is my last board meeting after 10 years and who would have done 10 years ago when I wrote my crazy parent emails that it would have started me on this journey.

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But it's really been an honor to serve this community and to work on behalf of our students, families and taxpayers.

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And Dr. Carter in the administration, thank you for all you've taught me about education and about leadership as well.

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You know, your dedication and professionalism has given me such an appreciation for the complexities and the heart that goes into everything that happens in our schools every day.

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So thank you. And for our teachers and our staff, thank you for your commitment to our students.

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Your passion and creativity makes such a difference every day.

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And to my fellow board members, past and present, thank you for your willingness to listen.

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Work together and respectfully engage in meaningful conversations even when there have been very differing opinions.

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For those sitting here who will remain on the board and to any new candidate who will be joining the board,

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please always remember why you're here to advocate for and better our students and our town.

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Don't let egos or political agendas allow you to deviate from that purpose.

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Be willing to listen and to learn because as board members we are not the experts in education.

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We are stewards of it.

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Lead quietly, work to move the district forward, not for attention or for credit, but because that's what we are here to do.

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And finally, never lose sight of what public education is really about.

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While schools are vital community centers, we must remember that our primary mission is education.

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It has been an incredible experience to serve this district and community and thank you for

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the trust and the lessons and the opportunity to be part of something.

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So, I'm

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sorry. Thank you, Chairman Manili. I realize this is our last meeting before next week's election.

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And I would say, I just want to say, regardless of next week's results.

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For myself, it's been a privilege to have sat on this board or to be sitting on this board.

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And it has been an incredibly humbling experience,

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but I just wanted to express my gratitude

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to Dr. Carter and the administration for the amount of information,

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clarity, and wisdom that you've imparted.

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And not only in myself, but as well as my fellow board members,

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and I really appreciate that.

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Dr. Sanzo, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Marka, and Mrs. Walsh.

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And for my fellow board members,

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you know, I really, I thank you for your service.

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Mrs. Caliam, Mrs. Kimber, Mr. Zimmerman, as a parent and as a resident, I really appreciate

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the dedication that you put into this board, and for always looking out for the best

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interest of our children, and Mrs. Esman, I consider you a friend, and the amount of wisdom

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and advice, and insight that you've given me, and all of us on this board, is second to none,

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and you will be truly, truly missed, and I appreciate everything you've done for the board,

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and for those of us who are your friends. Thank you.

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Good evening, everyone. As I complete my term on the Board of Education, I would like to take a moment

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to reflect on what an extraordinary journey we have shared and expressed my gratitude. It has

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and a great pleasure collaborating with each and every member of this dedicated team, working alongside each of you has been a true honor and privilege, so thank you.

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Together, we have championed the district's vision and remained steadfast in our commitment to providing students with a high quality education.

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One that not only meets academic standards, but also nurtures the whole child.

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Despite the challenges of tight budget constraints by working together, we have cultivated

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a learning environment that not only prioritizes academic excellence, but also celebrates

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the full spectrum of student life, from athletics, performing arts, and robotics to visual

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arts, leadership, and service.

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A place where students can participate and thrive, not just academically, but socially, creatively,

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and athletically as well.

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These opportunities give our students the chance to grow, explore and shine, helping to shape well-rounded students and future leaders.

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I am proud of what we have accomplished together with grace, creativity, and a shared belief in what is possible when people come together for a common goal.

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I would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kay Carter and her team, and all of our outstanding administrators, teachers, and staff.

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Your dedication, resourcefulness, and tireless efforts are what makes this district exceptional.

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You are the unsung heroes behind every successful program, every smoothie event, and every student who feel seen and supported.

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To our parents, thank you for your generosity for your involvement, volunteerism and unwavering support.

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Your partnership is vital to the success of the school district's vision and the very foundation of our students learning.

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To our students, I encourage you to get involved, dive in, try something new, pursue a leadership role, join a club, try out for a team,

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Audition for a play, font here in the community.

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These are the moments where you will meet lifelong friends,

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discover new passions and talents,

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and develop the leadership skills that will carry you forward in life.

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And finally to our community,

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I would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in us,

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the Board of Education, as stewards of public education,

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especially during this time of unprecedented student population growth.

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Your support has empowered us to make meaningful decisions and advocate for quality education

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for all Southwins for all Southwins or students.

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It has been an absolute pleasure to serve and I leave with a heartful of gratitude and pride in all that we have accomplished together.

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Thank you all truly for the opportunity, the collaboration and the shared commitment to our student success.

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I'm excited to see what is next for the district for our students and for each of you.

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Thank you.

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Is this higher?

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I'd first like to say a big thank you to the community for giving me this opportunity

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four years back to be in this position.

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Honestly, when four years back Mrs. Estman reached out, I never thought I would make it, you

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know, woman of color.

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I did not have my chopes, but with a lot of gratitude to the community for giving me this

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opportunity.

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When I first decided to run, to be honest, it was because I wanted to give back to a school district

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that has given so much to me, my family and I am always going to be very thankful for where

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my boys are just because of the district and everything, every teacher that have come into their

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lives.

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These past four years have been incredibly meaningful.

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I've learned so much about leadership, teamwork, and the complexity of what goes on behind the scenes.

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To the entire administration, thank you so much for welcoming my ideas, some of them have been crazy,

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but I have had so many meetings with so many administrators behind the scenes.

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And we've talked about all the madness and all my ideas about how college admissions is changing

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and what we can do as a district to support our students.

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So thank you so much for listening to my ideas.

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Thank you to the board for making this job so easy.

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I was very nervous the first time I came on board and I never felt like an outsider from day one.

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So extremely thankful and you know this opportunity has been this experience has been very meaningful

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and hopefully it's a short break.

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I've decided to not run again because my husband travels for work and I want to take care of my aging

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mom back in India and be able to travel with my husband.

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So, hopefully it's a short break and this is Dr. Carter, it's so.

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Hard felt and I hope to come back something in the future. Thank you.

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Mr. Marx? Thank you. I just wanted to take a moment tonight to share a few thoughts since this is our last board meeting before the election next week.

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Serving on the Southland's report of education has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life.

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When I was elected I became the youngest person ever served on the sport and from the very beginning I learned that leadership is not to find by age, but to find by commitment, compassion and a willingness to listen.

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These past two years have been an incredible learning experience. I've gained so much from my colleagues.

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Our administrators, our teachers, and more importantly from our students and families.

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It's been a privilege to help strengthen our schools,

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advocates, to invoices, and plan responsibly for the future of a district that has meant so much to me since I was a child.

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Growing up, you're walking the same halls as to these students, and now having the opportunity to help shape their experiences of an incredibly meaningful.

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None of this would have been possible without the people who make our district such a special place.

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I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who make our district what it is.

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First to Dr. Carter, thank you for everything you've done over your 15 years of service as a self-hunter.

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As I've said before, your first year of superintendent was my first year in the district as a kindergarten student.

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So it's pretty...

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Sorry.

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So it's pretty special that our paths have come full circle during the culmination of these two years.

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Your leadership has left an indelible legacy on this community.

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Thank you all for the Dr. Sansa, Ms. Peterson, and Mr. America for your tireless work behind the scenes.

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In the dedication you bring every day to supporting our students and staff.

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You each play a vital role in keeping our schools strong and innovative and welcoming places to learn.

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To every teacher and our district, thank you for all that you do.

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You are the heart of our school system and your commitment to helping every student succeed and never goes unnoticed.

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And to our students, I want you to know that I have always tried to bring a perspective to the table.

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I hope I have enabled to give your voice from mind everyone that every decision we made, it should be about you.

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I also want to take this moment to recognize some of the past board members I've had a big impact on my life.

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First of all, Madison Gonzalez has served on this board of four main was the youngest person who liked to part of my term.

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For example, show that young people are fully capable of leading with energy, fresh ideas and a passion for service.

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At the beginning of these two years,

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she was incredibly generous to support and advice,

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helping me navigate being the youngest person at the table.

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I hope our collective example shows

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that young people can step up and evolve

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and make a difference.

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To Craig, thank you for being such a strong mentor and example.

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You're 15 years of service to this board,

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including six years of share, have made a lasting impact.

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You're the first person I reached out to when I decided

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to run two years ago and you've been supportive

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every step of the way.

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I am deeply grateful for your guidance and friendship.

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To my fellow Democrats, Paul and Genevieve, thank you for your constant support and for

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always being there to share ideas and encouragement and perspective.

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There's been a privilege working alongside you and to my Republican colleagues to Miguel,

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to Lisa, to Beth, to Canada, and to the Polly.

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Thank you for your collaboration and professionalism and friendship as well.

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Even when we may have disagreed at times, I've always appreciated that her discussions

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have been grounded in mutual respect, the spirit of bipartisanship, and a shared commitment

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to doing what is best for self-administered students.

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To my family, thank you for the endless support and encouragement you have stood by me through the long meetings of late nights and campaign seasons, including the one right now, and I could not have done this without any of you.

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Your belief in me means more than I could put into words.

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Finally, thank you to our community, our parents, our volunteers and residents.

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If you are in encouragement, your feedback and your dedication to our schools,

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Self-winter's success is built on the strength of its people and I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve you.

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It's truly been a privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated people who care deeply about our students and community.

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As we head into next week's election, I want to say how grateful I am for the trusted communities placed to me.

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For everything I've learned and for the chance to serve the town that shaped why I am.

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Whether or not I have the opportunity to continue serving after next week, I will always be proud of what we've accomplished together

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and remain deeply committed to cellphones as a continued success.

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Thank you all for the privilege of serving and I hope to continue working on behalf of

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cellphones as students and families if I had the honor of being where you'd be elected.

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Thank you.

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Ms. Quarcey, thank you.

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I will never enjoy giving a speech as much as Mr. Marks does, so I appreciate the opportunity

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to say Ditto, but I do want to just say a sincere thank you to Dr. Carter to our administrative

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team to my fellow board members. I have learned a lot over the last two years. I appreciate everyone's

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patience, especially our new members, try to learn everything in those budget books and exactly

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what every number meant and how it was going to affect our students because at the end of the day that

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is why we are all here. I do hope that future board members and town leaders consider that

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whether it is in our regular meetings or our budget meetings that their words do matter and their decisions have real consequences.

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I would like to just propose that our future town leaders really consider our district vision statement that we read at every single one of our meetings.

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And I've made it just a slight revision, but I just want, and I was really just considering the words in this statement and how it affects leaders.

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So within an emotionally safe environment, town leaders should foster students, academic, social

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and personal growth with their decisions.

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Our town leaders will demonstrate critical and creative thinking, collaborative, collaboration,

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adaptability, kindness, compassion, and civic responsibility.

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I just want to put that out there.

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It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on this board.

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I hope to continue to do so in the future.

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Thank you.

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Mr. Mackie, sir.

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I just want to say that this love festival doing, there wouldn't be a government shutdown

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if we could get along and get everybody else.

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And if you watch other boards or know other districts, it's not like this.

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So I think the residents of South Windsor may take this a little bit for granted, but not

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school district as a board that can function in a way that sees both sides and can come

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to a decision that ultimately is best for the kids. So I think that's something that we

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should be really, really proud of. As everybody else, I also like to think the central

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office team, not just those that are here tonight, but everybody that works at Ellsworth

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as well and within our schools. The work you do behind the scenes, sometimes goes unnoticed,

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But it is huge reason why our schools run as well as they do.

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As a board member, I appreciate your commitment to doing what's best.

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As a teacher, I respect how aware you are of what's happening in all of our schools.

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And as a parent, I thank you for always putting our kids first.

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To our current board leadership, thank you for never letting this group become a political mess.

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I've always felt we've treated each other with respect.

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And that's something, as I said before, a lot of districts can't say. I think we've done a really good job and we're going to hopefully continue to do that job.

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To Pauli, when you speak people listen, your passion for stem and thoughtful insight have made real impact. And I'm sorry, it took me over a year to realize it was your son that was our student rep, so I'm hopeful if any of your parents are running, you let me know, give me a little heads up, because it was about a year until I was like, oh, okay, but that's on me.

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kind of your positivity and empathy has made this board better.

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I'm happy to have gotten to know you.

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I'm also definitely going to miss you at our capital projects meetings

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because those will, I'm just going to miss you having you there.

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Okay, so I appreciate that.

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Beth, I will admit, when I first met you, I was a little apprehensive.

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Not because I thought you might be the crazy Republican,

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but because you're smart, confident,

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and you don't have time for nonsense and I respect that about you.

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When I, what I admire most actually goes beyond the board.

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At a town council meeting, a little while ago,

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you were kind of unfairly called out for something you didn't do.

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Your daughter immediately had your back.

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And that told me everything I needed to know.

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If any of our kids are willing to sit through a town council meeting

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just to spend time with us, you are doing something right.

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And I think that said a lot about you as a parent, as a person, and getting to know you

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in the short time in the two years that I have, I think it's exactly who you are.

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If your kids can respect you enough to do that, that's the exact person we want representing

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our board.

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And I think that our board is better because of having you on it for all these years.

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So thank you.

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Jennifer Yvonne Mitchell, I think the three of us bring different passions and experiences to

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the table.

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Those different perspectives allow us to be a good team when we're talking behind the scenes,

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with each other, and I look forward to hopefully continuing this work together.

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To Craig, your consistency, your dedication, and willingness to help has meant a lot to all of us.

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For someone who has done this as long as you have, what I was most impressed with was that you never just go through the motions.

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I'm confident you will completely regret switching to the town council.

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But what I do know is that you will continue to do what's right for South Windsor.

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There might be people that say that lots of signs that are ugly signs all over the place,

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but what I think that is is just proof that our town residents recognize good leadership.

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And I think that's something that you should personally be proud of.

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All jokes aside, the best part of serving on the sport has always been about what's doing right for our schools.

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Even when we disagree, we did it with respect, and I hope that tradition will continue.

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And finally, to the residents of South Windsor, thank you for allowing me to serve.

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Never in a million years that I everything not only did I what I run for this role, but

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actually want to keep doing it.

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These last two years have strengthened my drive to continue to work and keep South Windsor schools

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among the very best in the state, and I hope future boards will continue to build on the work

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that we've done as I hope past boards feel we have.

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So thank you for everybody at our table here, and everybody at home, sometimes this can be

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I think feel like a thankless job, you know, that people always say you're doing that, you're doing that.

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But you know, ultimately when it's all set and done, I'm hopeful that we can all look back and be proud of the work that we've all done.

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So thank you and good luck.

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Definitely a love test going on.

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Here we go.

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So now the board members that have all had chance to talk.

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Is there any way from the audience who wishes to be heard?

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This is your chance to speak and our chance to listen.

425
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Just a reminder that the board does not respond to public comment.

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Each person should limit their comments to three minutes until public comment will be limited to 50 minutes, so that's extended by the board.

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Just reminded that there will be a second opportunity for public comment. You're the end of our meeting.

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Most importantly, this is your opportunity to be heard and the board's opportunity to just listen.

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We'll keep track of time and we'll let you know when your time is needed to quickly finish up your comments.

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Anybody from the board wishes to come forward? Please do.

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Yes, please, Darya. Mrs. Plumber.

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You

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can have all the time.

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First of all, this has been the very best meeting that anybody

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could ever attend or listen to because we learned so much about each and every one of you.

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And I think if we did it to administration or student representatives, we would find

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the same thing. I found it absolutely heart-worrying. So I'm going to tell you a little

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about myself, I'm old, and I started here at Wapping School in 1967 and left in 1970, came back

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00:34:54,710 --> 00:35:03,530
in 2000 and left in 2008. This was the cafeteria. It still is the cafeteria. Only you have

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done a marvelous job in being stewards for this school district and moving one student's teachers

441
00:35:14,310 --> 00:35:20,850
staff when you've needed to and reclaimed as you've needed to. This is my first time

442
00:35:21,890 --> 00:35:27,070
in here since the board has made this the board room and I have to tell you

443
00:35:27,070 --> 00:35:33,830
compliments. It is absolutely magnificent. This was before that we were out to recess.

444
00:35:35,110 --> 00:35:42,150
And I'm here for two particular reasons. One of which is to thank you for our new schools,

445
00:35:42,150 --> 00:35:49,270
for the plans, and for the plan you have in front of the town has in front of it now for

446
00:35:49,270 --> 00:35:58,630
student campus safety for the high school. I walked down those hill, down to the tennis courts,

447
00:35:59,070 --> 00:36:05,150
down to where our kids were playing, and it was not safe with, I was just newly married

448
00:36:05,150 --> 00:36:08,950
and when I came back in 2000, it still not safe.

449
00:36:08,950 --> 00:36:16,150
It's not ADA compliant, and I hope that anyone who is listening understands that you

450
00:36:16,150 --> 00:36:21,130
are stewards of this community, and you're looking out for student safety.

451
00:36:21,590 --> 00:36:30,330
Their education, yes, 62% of our students and the high schools take some outside athletic

452
00:36:30,330 --> 00:36:36,410
activity, which is absolutely remarkable, but you are in charge of that, and you're

453
00:36:36,410 --> 00:36:43,250
I think the fact that it is not safe down there and those tennis courts and that help need

454
00:36:43,250 --> 00:36:50,030
to be replaced and I for one am all in favor of it and I love you for doing that and I'm just

455
00:36:50,030 --> 00:36:56,230
hoping that the public will agree because it is absolutely time to replace those and be

456
00:36:56,230 --> 00:37:03,470
community-minded to include pickleball, make it a wellness program, and involve seniors. So thank

457
00:37:03,470 --> 00:37:11,770
for that. Secondly, y'all stole my thunder, because I came here to thank those who are leaving,

458
00:37:12,990 --> 00:37:18,970
and those who are remaining, and running for reelection, out through ladder first,

459
00:37:19,330 --> 00:37:25,470
wishing you each well. I hope you return. So I will start with Mrs. Kimber.

460
00:37:25,470 --> 00:37:29,950
Um, we go back to referendum days and Pete.

461
00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:55,700
And you are, you are a charge, you're then, and you are a charge, you're now. I want to thank you very, very much to Pauli. You just are amazing. You're a wonderful human being. You've added so much to this board. Travel well, come back, but please know that you, everything you have done has been recognized and earned.

462
00:37:58,250 --> 00:38:00,750
Beth Esman, I just,

463
00:38:02,090 --> 00:38:07,590
It is so respect, every word that comes out of her mouth.

464
00:38:08,850 --> 00:38:16,050
And I had a period of time, not education-related, but I needed to reach out to her as a human

465
00:38:16,050 --> 00:38:17,710
being in another profession.

466
00:38:19,390 --> 00:38:26,210
And she did not feel me, and to this hour, I will tell you, through the emotional wisdom

467
00:38:26,210 --> 00:38:32,910
that you can hear? I am so very, very grateful that she was part of this board and part of

468
00:38:32,910 --> 00:38:37,110
this community. And I know she and all of you will remain part of this community.

469
00:38:38,970 --> 00:38:48,010
So that leaves Craig. Where's the cake? You know, he and Dr. Carter came in at the same time.

470
00:38:49,150 --> 00:39:00,070
Mitchell, you came in. When they came in, and I've been here since 1967, honey, that says a lot.

471
00:39:00,970 --> 00:39:02,650
The Mr. Zimmerman is the goat.

472
00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:12,420
We have had great, great leaders sitting at this table, wherever it has been placed.

473
00:39:12,420 --> 00:39:15,020
But he is the goat.

474
00:39:16,120 --> 00:39:22,600
No one has worked harder for this community than Craig Zimmerman.

475
00:39:23,440 --> 00:39:32,400
He is constantly reading, talking, collaborating, and doing what is the best in the name

476
00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:38,180
of students, staff, public education, and entire community.

477
00:39:38,180 --> 00:39:50,720
He wears many hats, and some of you sitting in front of me or sitting in front of me saved his life and we're ever grateful.

478
00:39:51,480 --> 00:39:54,540
Craig, this community owes you much.

479
00:39:55,400 --> 00:39:59,740
And I know he's embarrassed if he could slip right down, he would.

480
00:40:00,540 --> 00:40:06,780
But I am telling you, this man is remarkable, and you have my utmost admiration.

481
00:40:06,780 --> 00:40:09,940
And so I want to thank each and every one of you.

482
00:40:10,120 --> 00:40:12,360
I want to thank Mr. Zimmerman in particular.

483
00:40:13,480 --> 00:40:16,820
And to each and every one of you good luck and have a great meeting.

484
00:40:25,880 --> 00:40:27,420
Anyone else from the public place should be heard?

485
00:40:29,610 --> 00:40:33,110
I know it's hard to file on this diploma, but maybe somebody wants to say something?

486
00:40:34,070 --> 00:40:36,010
Okay. Seeing that.

487
00:40:37,780 --> 00:40:41,700
Dr. Carter, the next item I'm going to report is...

488
00:40:41,700 --> 00:40:42,000
Excuse me.

489
00:40:43,380 --> 00:40:45,460
At this time, I invite Mr. Clifton to the podium.

490
00:40:54,550 --> 00:40:58,010
Good evening members of the board, members of the central office team, most importantly,

491
00:40:58,210 --> 00:40:58,970
members of the community.

492
00:40:59,730 --> 00:41:00,370
I'm Jared Clinton.

493
00:41:00,790 --> 00:41:02,950
Please be the Associate Principal of Timothy Atters Middle School.

494
00:41:03,070 --> 00:41:07,430
And it is my pleasure tonight to introduce one of the many programs our students participate in.

495
00:41:07,590 --> 00:41:08,970
And I couldn't tell you enough about us.

496
00:41:09,050 --> 00:41:10,930
We're going to let our Bizer and Surgeoning Extension.

497
00:41:11,430 --> 00:41:14,350
And the kids talked about the TE writing projects.

498
00:41:14,490 --> 00:41:16,550
I'd like to invite them up to the mic at this time.

499
00:41:23,460 --> 00:41:23,720
Good evening.

500
00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:24,880
Thank you for having us.

501
00:41:24,880 --> 00:41:26,400
My name is John Extension.

502
00:41:26,920 --> 00:41:27,920
I'm one of the advisors.

503
00:41:28,780 --> 00:41:35,880
I'm one of the advisors here for the, for the Timothy Edwards writing program, which we gave

504
00:41:35,880 --> 00:41:42,420
an acronym of WIT writers inspiring tomorrow. That was a student selected name. We developed

505
00:41:42,420 --> 00:41:48,140
this program back in 2023, myself and Mr. Mallard. Just based off of a little bit of need, we saw

506
00:41:48,140 --> 00:41:53,040
that there was an opportunity and a need for students to get further writing experience and we thought

507
00:41:53,040 --> 00:42:00,540
better way to do it than from their peers and we developed that program with the help of our administrators,

508
00:42:01,460 --> 00:42:09,480
collaborating with UConn and making sure that students had access to different programs through UConn

509
00:42:09,480 --> 00:42:20,200
to continue their enrichment and we do different programs after school to help. There we are to help

510
00:42:20,200 --> 00:42:24,420
step away and let the students kind of speak for themselves. When you come up introduce yourself

511
00:42:24,420 --> 00:42:29,140
and then we're just going to talk a little bit about the program and why we love what we do

512
00:42:29,140 --> 00:42:33,000
and why we're so happy to be doing this in our third year.

513
00:42:35,480 --> 00:42:41,020
Good evening everyone. My name is Shrini Kapatil and I like to talk about our mission for

514
00:42:41,020 --> 00:42:48,460
WIT so at the Writing Center our mission is to cultivate confident and capable of writers who

515
00:42:48,460 --> 00:42:55,980
sore on their own. We believe in nurturing the skills that go beyond great, so empowering students

516
00:42:55,980 --> 00:43:02,040
to embrace the writing process with enthusiasm and creativity. Our main goal is to create

517
00:43:02,040 --> 00:43:05,200
confident and lifelong writers. Thank you.

518
00:43:10,180 --> 00:43:12,740
My name is Si and I would like to share some information

519
00:43:12,740 --> 00:43:18,240
regarding the Timothy Edwards Middle School Writing Center. The Timothy Edwards Middle School Writing

520
00:43:18,240 --> 00:43:23,520
Center offers comprehensive tutoring and constructive feedback for diverse writing assignments,

521
00:43:23,780 --> 00:43:27,520
including essays, poetries, and claim evidence and reasonings.

522
00:43:28,180 --> 00:43:32,980
We are ready to cover various subjects such as English, social studies, and science.

523
00:43:33,820 --> 00:43:38,960
Riders inspiring tomorrow is essential for improving students' writing skills and building confidence

524
00:43:38,960 --> 00:43:44,400
through personalized support at every stage of the writing process, from initial brainstorming

525
00:43:44,400 --> 00:43:45,500
to final revisions.

526
00:43:46,300 --> 00:43:51,420
Additionally, the Writing Center at Timothy Edwards offers guidance to students involved and

527
00:43:51,420 --> 00:43:54,540
programs such as Jumpstart and the Yukon Writing Project.

528
00:43:55,100 --> 00:43:57,860
We also provide help to multi-lingual students.

529
00:43:58,900 --> 00:44:01,880
Our web page displays a list of tutors, goals, and policies.

530
00:44:03,160 --> 00:44:07,680
Our main focus is guiding students through the Writing process and offering strategies to

531
00:44:07,680 --> 00:44:10,960
improve their work, rather than having tutors rewrite it.

532
00:44:10,960 --> 00:44:18,080
To maximize the benefit of our sessions, we encourage students to bring a draft of their project to facilitate discussion.

533
00:44:18,940 --> 00:44:23,900
As they are on our home page, we assist all students who commit to being responsible and cooperative.

534
00:44:25,140 --> 00:44:32,800
To seek help from our team, students need to sign up for WIT tutoring on our website and complete the form to schedule a session.

535
00:44:33,480 --> 00:44:40,200
Our list of expert tutors is readily available on the web page to provide extensive support across many areas of writing.

536
00:44:40,200 --> 00:44:46,860
We allowed students to schedule multiple sessions with tutors who best accommodate the writing and scheduling needs.

537
00:44:47,460 --> 00:44:53,820
Finally, we are a team dedicated to cultivating confident writers by encouraging enthusiasm for the writing process.

538
00:44:54,460 --> 00:44:59,880
Our aim is to transform the center into lively space and encourages all students to think critically about

539
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:04,140
Writing. Often, my asking questions that developed their arguments are interpretation.

540
00:45:09,080 --> 00:45:18,280
I'm going to talk about what we offer at our program. Our program offers many ways for students to be assisted, such as helping with the grammar, improving their vocabulary,

541
00:45:18,920 --> 00:45:24,080
and boosting their interest in their writing. We also make sure the student is getting the skills that they need during their session.

542
00:45:24,640 --> 00:45:28,740
Overall, we focus on helping our students become better at writing and feel more confident in their abilities.

543
00:45:32,680 --> 00:45:38,520
So, these are um, we'll be talking about our goals for WIT.

544
00:45:39,160 --> 00:45:44,400
We want to expand the learning abilities of aspiring values to do Timothy Edwards to the

545
00:45:44,400 --> 00:45:47,780
use of experience and proficient writing tutors.

546
00:45:48,180 --> 00:45:53,560
So what they mean by this is that clearly we have gathered students who have their strong

547
00:45:53,560 --> 00:45:59,520
suit in writing and English and we will be using those to help those who definitely they

548
00:45:59,520 --> 00:46:04,140
want to become better in writing or those who are struggling in writing as it can also be

549
00:46:04,140 --> 00:46:10,120
hard for teachers to constantly monitor their how they're doing and these tutors who

550
00:46:10,120 --> 00:46:16,640
are they're very experienced you're writing they can they can provide the experience

551
00:46:16,640 --> 00:46:23,080
a knowledge needed for those students who want to get tutor so they can improve in their expertise

552
00:46:23,080 --> 00:46:23,960
and mastery.

553
00:46:27,370 --> 00:46:30,750
We also want to raise awareness of the benefits of the writing center brings

554
00:46:30,750 --> 00:46:36,250
to the students. So we will advertise the Writing Center as much as possible to the students through

555
00:46:36,250 --> 00:46:41,330
social media. The morning news posters around school and more. We want to make sure all the students

556
00:46:41,330 --> 00:46:46,890
know about us and how they can utilize our resources because we want a lot of engagement and we want

557
00:46:46,890 --> 00:46:49,090
to be able to help as many people as possible.

558
00:46:51,820 --> 00:46:54,480
We also want to strengthen the foundation of the Writing

559
00:46:54,480 --> 00:47:00,900
Center. So for context, our Writing Center is still quite new as it hasn't been around for

560
00:47:00,900 --> 00:47:07,200
decades clearly so we definitely want to establish our own place and establish our name throughout

561
00:47:07,200 --> 00:47:11,640
the school and throughout the community of those who want to be tutored and teachers so they can

562
00:47:11,640 --> 00:47:17,440
definitely send the tutors I mean my apologies the students who need help in their writing to the

563
00:47:17,440 --> 00:47:23,920
writing center and other main goals for this year is encouraging the highest possible number of students

564
00:47:23,920 --> 00:47:29,760
to use the resources of the writing center like stated we definitely do want to increase the awareness

565
00:47:29,760 --> 00:47:34,720
of the writing center, but simply increasing the awareness, simply getting known isn't enough.

566
00:47:35,140 --> 00:47:42,060
After getting known, we want our resources to be utilized to their max as they are here to be

567
00:47:42,060 --> 00:47:49,090
utilized. That is the main purpose of them. We also want to make this writing center more student

568
00:47:49,090 --> 00:47:53,650
base. So what we mean by this is we will have students take on most of the leadership roles and

569
00:47:53,650 --> 00:47:58,570
reach out to others to help the writing center grow. We'll have them organize and plan the tutoring sessions

570
00:47:58,570 --> 00:48:02,650
and events that support the Writing Center. By doing this, we will see students' perspectives

571
00:48:02,650 --> 00:48:07,590
and have them grow by taking on leadership roles. We will also have a better understanding

572
00:48:07,590 --> 00:48:11,290
on what students want and see what their perspective is.

573
00:48:14,140 --> 00:48:20,300
So we also want to improve the expertise and mastery of TE students as a whole. So what we mean

574
00:48:20,300 --> 00:48:25,960
by this is that we don't just want to improve a few students who are struggling in writing.

575
00:48:25,960 --> 00:48:36,800
We want to improve the average proper usage of writing and the average mastery of English as like a whole throughout Timothy Edwards.

576
00:48:37,040 --> 00:48:46,660
Instead of focusing on something small, we want to definitely extend our boundaries throughout the whole school and consider these students as a whole.

577
00:48:47,020 --> 00:48:51,940
Because they represent the expertise of Timothy Edwards students as a whole.

578
00:48:54,220 --> 00:49:00,280
We want to reduce the self-consciousness and increase self-confidence of students for them to come to the writing center

579
00:49:00,280 --> 00:49:04,840
So we have to show that being tutors isn't something to be looked down upon and it's in fact

580
00:49:04,840 --> 00:49:11,220
Commendable that you're getting help. We have to make them understand that help is never wrong to ask for to reduce their anxiety

581
00:49:11,220 --> 00:49:15,100
We shouldn't push them too much, but we also shouldn't be doing their work for them

582
00:49:15,100 --> 00:49:22,240
We need to make sure they feel like they're in a safe zone. We would also like to organize many fundraising events to expand the writing center

583
00:49:22,240 --> 00:49:26,440
and make it more accessible and be seen as a large resource for students.

584
00:49:27,000 --> 00:49:30,560
So for a portion of the budget to make our writing center bigger and more successful,

585
00:49:31,240 --> 00:49:36,100
we could create fundraisers that could help us expand our writing center and make it a larger resource

586
00:49:36,100 --> 00:49:40,240
that students could use. By doing this, we could be able to help more students learn more

587
00:49:40,240 --> 00:49:46,140
efficiently by giving them more space. For example, one goal is to establish an actual space

588
00:49:46,140 --> 00:49:51,860
to provide tutoring after school as that would be more efficient. Thank you so much.

589
00:49:58,800 --> 00:50:03,560
Hello, today we will be discussing about when we as the tutors meet and when we meet

590
00:50:03,560 --> 00:50:10,460
without two days. So usually we meet on alternating Wednesdays after school because this is a

591
00:50:10,460 --> 00:50:15,600
free time and during this time we get training trained on how to correctly help kids on their

592
00:50:15,600 --> 00:50:21,180
writing. This also helps us with our own writing because we are still students as well and we need

593
00:50:21,180 --> 00:50:26,600
to try our best to help other students. During this time we also plan promotion as they said

594
00:50:26,600 --> 00:50:28,840
are one of our biggest goals is advertising.

595
00:50:29,400 --> 00:50:30,900
So we use this time to do it.

596
00:50:31,320 --> 00:50:34,000
And we discuss other important and necessary matters

597
00:50:34,560 --> 00:50:38,740
like on how to, like, if we need to do a promotion activity

598
00:50:38,740 --> 00:50:41,480
or if we need to do anything else.

599
00:50:42,560 --> 00:50:46,180
We also communicate regularly from sources like Google Classroom

600
00:50:46,180 --> 00:50:48,860
or other out of school, like, sources.

601
00:50:51,340 --> 00:50:53,160
So when we meet with the Tuties,

602
00:50:53,600 --> 00:51:02,200
We can meet with the treaties whenever the treaties have time so for example during lunch during our win periods or after school whenever the students are most available

603
00:51:02,780 --> 00:51:11,580
And when we do meet with the treaties we do our best not to do the work for them but try to explain them how how to make their writing better or how to progress in their own writing

604
00:51:11,580 --> 00:51:19,900
We try our best to make sure the treaty is well set on their own path so they can try to be more independent or if they do need help they can come back to us

605
00:51:19,900 --> 00:51:25,240
We try to make sure each of our meetings with the Judy do not take more than 20 minutes.

606
00:51:26,720 --> 00:51:35,720
And when we do meet with the Judy, we try to get them to see if other people, if other, if their friends or anybody needs help with their writing, they can also come to us.

607
00:51:38,110 --> 00:51:38,810
Thank you.

608
00:51:44,970 --> 00:51:45,330
Now.

609
00:51:45,610 --> 00:51:47,030
Oh, my apologies.

610
00:51:47,790 --> 00:51:49,590
Now for a fun thing we did.

611
00:51:49,690 --> 00:51:50,590
Are you confident?

612
00:51:51,650 --> 00:51:57,330
So this was our first official activity of the year and it took place on October 16.

613
00:51:57,330 --> 00:51:59,950
at Yukon, which was a Thursday.

614
00:52:01,270 --> 00:52:05,270
There were six breakout sessions, each of us went to two, that we all collectively went to

615
00:52:05,270 --> 00:52:06,890
and obtained lots of important information.

616
00:52:07,110 --> 00:52:08,370
Here were these breakout sessions.

617
00:52:09,270 --> 00:52:15,210
So first of all, we had extending the writing center beyond the classroom, and this was about

618
00:52:15,210 --> 00:52:19,350
getting the writing tutors to engage more with the school community.

619
00:52:20,390 --> 00:52:24,730
Our second one was, future reading essentials, where we learned the basics on how to tutor

620
00:52:24,730 --> 00:52:27,270
since we don't really have much training.

621
00:52:29,230 --> 00:52:29,950
So after that...

622
00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:42,700
The third option for students was supporting multilingual students in secondary writing centers, so this was basically training to help students in the case where English is in their first language.

623
00:52:43,920 --> 00:52:56,060
Our fourth one was running a fully student-led writing center where another school taught us how they run their students student writing center and we hope to adopt from them, adopt tips and tricks from them.

624
00:52:56,060 --> 00:53:10,680
The fifth session was aiming for access supporting neurodivergent writers through body doubling and this session was about a new type of tutoring session and working in the presence of other people.

625
00:53:11,260 --> 00:53:14,380
Our final breakout session was STEM and writing outside of the humanities.

626
00:53:15,340 --> 00:53:22,200
Where we learned that we should adjust to an English teacher and science, social studies are really anything that needs writing.

627
00:53:23,260 --> 00:53:29,580
So, after attending these very informational break-out rooms, all of us took away something important.

628
00:53:30,020 --> 00:53:34,400
So, here are some things, some of the writing tutors said after they attended these sessions.

629
00:53:34,900 --> 00:53:43,260
So, from the first session, an essential thing that we learned is to take a step and do events like writing conscious to help fundraise for the center.

630
00:53:43,480 --> 00:53:46,480
So, we can gain more money to do more things like this.

631
00:53:47,820 --> 00:53:53,880
So, for the second session, a student said, an important thing that we took away is that

632
00:53:53,880 --> 00:53:59,580
the sort of tutoring session always think the student for presenting the work and for their

633
00:53:59,580 --> 00:54:00,540
time.

634
00:54:01,560 --> 00:54:05,500
From the third session, a student said, they learned that they learned that we should be patient

635
00:54:05,500 --> 00:54:07,920
with bilingual students and we shouldn't constantly press them.

636
00:54:08,060 --> 00:54:11,260
They might already have anxiety speaking, so don't cause more of it.

637
00:54:11,260 --> 00:54:19,800
And from the fourth session, a student said, talking to teachers to spread the word is very important to increase engagement with students.

638
00:54:22,350 --> 00:54:28,770
From the fifth session we learned a big thing that we learned is that there's a new type of sessions aims.

639
00:54:28,950 --> 00:54:31,230
The focus on getting work done rather than tutoring.

640
00:54:32,330 --> 00:54:38,710
And finally, for the fifth session, a student said, something significant we learned is that information,

641
00:54:38,710 --> 00:54:48,050
Oh, sorry, my apologies, a sixth session, a, a, a, a, a, a student said something significant we learned is that informational writing isn't the same as figured of writing.

642
00:54:48,830 --> 00:54:58,450
So be sure to be clear and direct when you tutor students who need help with writing outside the humanities and ensure that they have all you needed facts to make the writing understandable.

643
00:54:59,550 --> 00:55:07,150
So after these breakout sessions, we did some fun activities as well, like eating lunch on campus and going to the Yukon dairy bar. The ice cream was amazing, by the way.

644
00:55:07,150 --> 00:55:09,990
Yeah, trick or treat, surprise is my favorite flavor.

645
00:55:10,190 --> 00:55:13,070
So if you ever happen to go, be sure to try it.

646
00:55:14,130 --> 00:55:15,610
I agree to disagree on that.

647
00:55:17,190 --> 00:55:19,470
So overall, it was a very fun trip.

648
00:55:19,870 --> 00:55:22,190
And all those are super glad that we got the opportunity

649
00:55:22,190 --> 00:55:22,950
to attend.

650
00:55:23,110 --> 00:55:25,850
And we're really happy that other students in the future

651
00:55:25,850 --> 00:55:29,810
will also hopefully get a chance to go on

652
00:55:30,510 --> 00:55:32,030
you've gone conferences in the future.

653
00:55:32,670 --> 00:55:33,370
So thank you.

654
00:55:33,370 --> 00:55:36,050
Thank you, Board of Education, for this opportunity

655
00:55:36,910 --> 00:55:40,110
And do any of you guys have any questions?

656
00:55:55,240 --> 00:55:56,220
Any board members?

657
00:55:57,300 --> 00:55:57,540
Ms. Kimber.

658
00:55:57,860 --> 00:56:00,420
So when did this writing center start?

659
00:56:00,720 --> 00:56:04,380
Where did you start thinking of having the writing center

660
00:56:04,380 --> 00:56:07,000
and when did you start opening it up?

661
00:56:07,520 --> 00:56:08,560
Mr. Malard and I self.

662
00:56:08,740 --> 00:56:12,220
We also do the bootcamp for the UCON writing project

663
00:56:12,220 --> 00:56:13,820
and it kind of stemmed out of that.

664
00:56:14,040 --> 00:56:15,060
So we saw a need.

665
00:56:15,140 --> 00:56:16,880
We're not really need, but we just saw an interest

666
00:56:16,880 --> 00:56:23,020
and it's a sort of an opportunity really to have peers, tutor, their peers.

667
00:56:24,200 --> 00:56:26,380
And so from that, it sort of developed in 2003.

668
00:56:26,680 --> 00:56:30,480
And so then with the blessing of Mrs. Erwin and we worked with the then

669
00:56:30,480 --> 00:56:34,100
curriculum facilitator for the English department, we got the blessing.

670
00:56:34,160 --> 00:56:36,140
And then they said, go go go.

671
00:56:36,320 --> 00:56:37,040
So, off we went.

672
00:56:40,450 --> 00:56:41,010
Thank you.

673
00:56:42,330 --> 00:56:42,970
Mr. Prano.

674
00:56:44,050 --> 00:56:44,750
Thank you.

675
00:56:44,750 --> 00:56:52,710
First of all, the amount of enthusiasm that you guys have about writing, I love that, that is so great.

676
00:56:52,950 --> 00:57:03,950
So who does to you guys for really having a passion about what you do and how much, you know, just how much fun you're having doing this.

677
00:57:04,810 --> 00:57:07,650
So how do you get identified as a tutor?

678
00:57:10,010 --> 00:57:10,610
Do you want me to say that?

679
00:57:10,790 --> 00:57:11,490
Do you want me to say that?

680
00:57:23,470 --> 00:57:41,470
So basically the writing tutors are split into like committees when they join. And there's a specific committee called the recruitment committee. So they identify students by reaching out to teachers and asking for recommendations for students of a certain criteria.

681
00:57:41,470 --> 00:57:48,190
the writing tutor criteria and then after that those students are informed that they were

682
00:57:48,190 --> 00:57:55,430
selected to be a writing tutor so following that they attend an informational session about

683
00:57:55,430 --> 00:58:01,950
the writing tutors and they learn about the commitment required so then they go through interviews

684
00:58:01,950 --> 00:58:07,590
and out of like all the students who are recommended to be writing tutors 15 students are officially

685
00:58:07,590 --> 00:58:09,670
selected to join the team.

686
00:58:10,170 --> 00:58:12,730
So yeah, I guess that's a summary of the process.

687
00:58:13,350 --> 00:58:14,490
It's very detailed summary.

688
00:58:16,450 --> 00:58:20,350
And you guys range in grade levels or is it a particular grade?

689
00:58:22,910 --> 00:58:25,050
So we're all eighth graders here.

690
00:58:26,570 --> 00:58:28,530
And that's about it.

691
00:58:28,930 --> 00:58:32,290
And then lastly, your two D's, as you were mentioning,

692
00:58:32,790 --> 00:58:35,030
do they range in grade levels as well?

693
00:58:38,610 --> 00:58:44,110
So, we're in middle school, so the base, like, great levels that they would range from

694
00:58:44,110 --> 00:58:50,670
a 6 to 8, because it's not necessarily that I would just be 6 to 8 graders, wherever

695
00:58:50,670 --> 00:58:57,890
just really wants to improve their writing, but generally it is 6 graders because, like, organizations

696
00:58:57,890 --> 00:59:04,150
like, you can write a project, which many 6 graders participate in, and usually 8 graders,

697
00:59:04,150 --> 00:59:08,470
Like basically like on average,

698
00:59:08,650 --> 00:59:09,850
it appears to have a high

699
00:59:09,850 --> 00:59:11,110
proficiency level in English,

700
00:59:11,330 --> 00:59:11,830
then six graders.

701
00:59:12,350 --> 00:59:13,430
So yes, the tutors and some

702
00:59:13,430 --> 00:59:16,310
gurus usually get tutored by it.

703
00:59:16,450 --> 00:59:17,030
Thank you.

704
00:59:17,210 --> 00:59:17,870
Keep up the great work.

705
00:59:18,450 --> 00:59:19,890
Just to add to that, we did notice

706
00:59:20,390 --> 00:59:22,270
a program that was happening in another district

707
00:59:22,270 --> 00:59:23,890
where the two deers from the high school

708
00:59:23,890 --> 00:59:25,070
were coming out to the middle school.

709
00:59:25,310 --> 00:59:28,070
And we thought, well, we could walk across the field

710
00:59:29,310 --> 00:59:31,430
with our two deers and go to Orchard Hill

711
00:59:31,430 --> 00:59:33,490
and work with the fifth graders over there.

712
00:59:33,490 --> 00:59:35,730
And after noon, so that's just, I mean,

713
00:59:35,870 --> 00:59:38,170
I'll see those planted from Mr. Mallard and I will be over there

714
00:59:38,170 --> 00:59:40,470
to think about the opportunities that we could create

715
00:59:40,470 --> 00:59:45,090
with our middle schoolers, the bridge to gap to the elementary school,

716
00:59:45,210 --> 00:59:46,330
so then when they came to middle school,

717
00:59:46,410 --> 00:59:49,010
they didn't see the tutor as we kind of were trying to fight against

718
00:59:49,010 --> 00:59:51,630
that negative connotation, I'm being tutored, right?

719
00:59:51,770 --> 00:59:54,530
So we're trying to say coach or guided through our writing.

720
00:59:54,650 --> 00:59:57,230
So that's an opportunity that we're going to look to explore this year.

721
00:59:57,690 --> 00:59:58,290
It's a great concept.

722
00:59:58,470 --> 00:59:58,790
Thank you.

723
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:26,420
Mrs. Amen? Thank you, Chairwoman. You know, we often talk about, you know, test scores and things, but, you know, anybody watching today, presentation skills and enthusiasm, helping others leadership. I mean, it's, well, it's kind of on the back wall. Dr. Carter, you know, as a, as a perk for the people that are leaving the board, we get access to the writing center because I, I see, Mrs.

724
01:00:28,400 --> 01:00:34,080
This is Plumber and Mr. Mark Sue, I often send a lot of my writing to for input, you know,

725
01:00:34,360 --> 01:00:36,580
maybe I could go to somebody else.

726
01:00:38,810 --> 01:00:40,290
I believe I are up to the task.

727
01:00:45,400 --> 01:00:46,280
Thank you very much.

728
01:00:55,420 --> 01:00:58,660
Next, Dr. Carter, 612 School Counseling, curriculum, review.

729
01:00:59,840 --> 01:01:01,740
At this time, I invite Mr. Ride at the podium.

730
01:01:34,230 --> 01:01:37,590
Good evening, Chairwoman Manilin and Board of Education members.

731
01:01:38,550 --> 01:01:40,150
Thank you for having me at tonight's meeting.

732
01:01:40,150 --> 01:01:49,690
I am thrilled to share with you the curriculum and services that the school counseling department delivers to our secondary students and families.

733
01:01:58,290 --> 01:02:04,450
There are 13 school counselor serving our nearly 2800 students in grade 6 through 12.

734
01:02:05,110 --> 01:02:14,690
Students are assigned to a counselor based on their last name or middle school academic team with slight adjustments made to ensure equitable case load sizes.

735
01:02:14,690 --> 01:02:19,850
This school counseling curriculum is built around three domains, social and

736
01:02:19,850 --> 01:02:23,970
emotional development, academic growth, and career and future planning.

737
01:02:24,810 --> 01:02:27,650
These domains are addressed in a variety of ways.

738
01:02:28,890 --> 01:02:31,950
First is via direct services.

739
01:02:32,870 --> 01:02:36,390
Direct service means that the vast majority of the matter has a school

740
01:02:36,390 --> 01:02:39,630
counselor working directly face to face with a student.

741
01:02:39,630 --> 01:02:45,570
And while I won't read these services line by line, I do want to highlight a few.

742
01:02:46,270 --> 01:02:50,750
First, our ultimate priority is to meet with our students and families.

743
01:02:51,970 --> 01:02:59,610
Each student and family are unique, and direct conversations often in the most efficient and effective way to support our students and families.

744
01:03:00,870 --> 01:03:07,910
Next, school counselors pushing to teacher classrooms to deliver curriculum lessons centered on the aforementioned domains.

745
01:03:07,910 --> 01:03:17,030
Examples include stress management, kindness, self-advocacy, career exploration and

746
01:03:17,030 --> 01:03:18,270
college and career planning.

747
01:03:19,450 --> 01:03:27,990
And lastly, in the 2024 or 25 school year, our district welcomed 143 new students in grade 6 through 12.

748
01:03:28,750 --> 01:03:34,070
Counselors and our offices are often the welcoming face and place for these students.

749
01:03:34,070 --> 01:03:42,750
I often tell students and families if you do not know where to go or where to start, please begin with your school counselor.

750
01:03:43,710 --> 01:03:51,130
Overall, we seek to spend at least 70% of our time in front of student and family faces.

751
01:03:54,350 --> 01:03:59,550
Beyond direct service, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes work that school counselor is complete.

752
01:04:00,090 --> 01:04:02,250
This is called indirect service.

753
01:04:02,250 --> 01:04:10,850
As for a few highlights, first, school counselors organize and facility of a variety of school-wide programs and events.

754
01:04:11,630 --> 01:04:18,430
Examples include news student breakfast, guest speakers, three separate college and career fairs,

755
01:04:18,490 --> 01:04:20,650
and coordinating all post-secondary testing.

756
01:04:21,850 --> 01:04:29,450
Next, school counselors use data, such as grades, attendance, standardized test scores, and inventors or surveys.

757
01:04:29,450 --> 01:04:34,210
Much of that that is then used to help inform our next steps with students.

758
01:04:35,130 --> 01:04:39,670
Data review also ensures that we do not miss or overlook any student's needs.

759
01:04:40,710 --> 01:04:46,990
In lastly, we build and maintain relationships with many outside agencies such as local colleges and businesses,

760
01:04:47,710 --> 01:04:54,990
as well as organizations such as dollar for scholars, southlands or youth and family services, the southlands or rotary, etc.

761
01:04:54,990 --> 01:04:59,490
These relationships all result in increased student opportunity.

762
01:05:02,710 --> 01:05:08,510
The domains and topics mentioned tonight are all based on the professional standards and recommendations of two organizations.

763
01:05:09,430 --> 01:05:14,390
First, the American School Counselor Association, and secondly, the Connecticut School Counselor Association.

764
01:05:15,270 --> 01:05:20,550
Both suggest frameworks and best practices, but do not oversee local implementation.

765
01:05:20,550 --> 01:05:27,930
South Windsor Public Schools must adapt those organizations' recommendations to the unique needs of South Windsor students and families.

766
01:05:28,810 --> 01:05:35,910
This curriculum work would be impossible without the continued support of our assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Mrs. Peterson.

767
01:05:36,850 --> 01:05:40,330
She has championed our department in our work with students and families.

768
01:05:43,460 --> 01:05:50,480
A major focus of counseling services is supporting students during their transition to and from Timothy Edwards Middle School.

769
01:05:50,480 --> 01:05:53,300
At both the fifth and eighth grade level,

770
01:05:53,740 --> 01:05:56,440
counseling staff begin outreach approximately six months

771
01:05:56,440 --> 01:05:57,820
in advance of this transition.

772
01:05:58,760 --> 01:06:02,120
Key transition supports include welcome nights,

773
01:06:02,540 --> 01:06:04,740
October at the high school in February for Timothy Edwards,

774
01:06:05,660 --> 01:06:07,720
classroom lessons and counselor visits,

775
01:06:08,740 --> 01:06:11,100
distribution of materials and guides to students and families,

776
01:06:12,120 --> 01:06:14,100
and a grade five field trip to Timothy Edwards

777
01:06:14,100 --> 01:06:17,380
and a ninth grade orientation for grade nine students.

778
01:06:18,080 --> 01:06:23,000
These efforts ensure that students and families are familiar with the structures and available

779
01:06:23,000 --> 01:06:25,800
support well before entering the new building.

780
01:06:26,480 --> 01:06:31,180
This summary highlights just a sample of transition services rather than a complete list.

781
01:06:34,800 --> 01:06:39,940
In addition to the support of our school counselors, every student uses nodions, which is an

782
01:06:39,940 --> 01:06:46,060
online portal used to take inventories, set goals, create a resume, and explore careers, college

783
01:06:46,060 --> 01:06:47,980
majors, and post-secondary options.

784
01:06:47,980 --> 01:06:54,840
The visuals that you see show data relating to specific career and interest inventories taken by our students.

785
01:06:55,220 --> 01:07:00,960
Counselors use these in student and family meetings as they plan for the students next step in life.

786
01:07:03,990 --> 01:07:05,910
In connection with the district's portrait of a graduate,

787
01:07:06,490 --> 01:07:11,070
Counselors focus on helping students gradually build independence and self-awareness.

788
01:07:11,950 --> 01:07:18,470
Students learn to set goals, make thoughtful decisions, and take action to positively impact their school and community.

789
01:07:19,050 --> 01:07:25,190
Along the way they practice empathy, respect, and self-reflection, ultimately students

790
01:07:25,190 --> 01:07:29,750
develop the resilience needed for when things in life don't go as planned or imagined.

791
01:07:30,660 --> 01:07:38,720
Each spring, when the district gathers student and family survey data, school counselors focus on the questions related to sense of belonging.

792
01:07:39,380 --> 01:07:45,140
When students feel connected to their school community, strong academic performance often follows.

793
01:07:45,940 --> 01:07:52,320
School counselors play a vital role in shaping how students feel when they walk into and out of school each day.

794
01:07:52,320 --> 01:08:06,460
Our school council goal center on strengthening relationships using data effectively and expanding post-secondary access, ensuring that every student has the confidence, support and opportunity to succeed.

795
01:08:10,180 --> 01:08:13,340
Our department continues to identify opportunities for growth.

796
01:08:14,100 --> 01:08:22,500
One key focus is building stronger relationships with local skilled trade professionals to better inform students and families about these valuable post-secondary options.

797
01:08:22,500 --> 01:08:30,820
I'm sure you've heard Dr. Carter's October 22nd skill trade night was a resounding success in a model for future outreach efforts.

798
01:08:31,860 --> 01:08:39,100
As the world continues to change rapidly, weather and career outlooks, technology, labor market demands or college admissions requirements,

799
01:08:39,880 --> 01:08:44,140
school counselors must remain current with the evolving expectations of the real world.

800
01:08:44,860 --> 01:08:51,180
This commitment to staying informed happens through ongoing professional engagement such as webinars, campus visits, conferences,

801
01:08:51,180 --> 01:08:55,920
is guest speakers and collaboration with industry and higher education partners.

802
01:08:57,280 --> 01:09:01,620
Lastly, Councilors must continue to carve out time to develop curriculum that reflects

803
01:09:01,620 --> 01:09:05,480
these evolving needs and connects directly to the South Windsor community.

804
01:09:06,320 --> 01:09:08,060
This focus here will never cease.

805
01:09:08,260 --> 01:09:13,380
In fact, the ever-changing landscape of a councillor's role is what inspires our team to

806
01:09:13,380 --> 01:09:18,100
continually grow, learn, and adapt to the best to serve our community.

807
01:09:20,770 --> 01:09:22,590
Thank you again for having me at tonight's meeting.

808
01:09:22,590 --> 01:09:25,780
I look forward to hearing any feedback or questions that you may have.

809
01:09:34,000 --> 01:09:35,460
Mr. Mackie.

810
01:09:36,220 --> 01:09:36,980
Thank you.

811
01:09:38,360 --> 01:09:41,660
Can you, you said a number of, how many new students in a certain amount of time?

812
01:09:41,840 --> 01:09:42,800
Can you sell that again?

813
01:09:43,340 --> 01:09:43,460
Sorry.

814
01:09:43,600 --> 01:09:45,520
I believe that was 143.

815
01:09:46,680 --> 01:09:50,340
And that was last school year just grades 6 through 12.

816
01:09:51,860 --> 01:09:55,120
And during that time, have we, I know we gave,

817
01:09:55,260 --> 01:09:57,400
approved another counselor, but have you,

818
01:09:57,400 --> 01:10:00,520
Did you, how many additional counselors did you get for those

819
01:10:00,520 --> 01:10:00,760
on your board?

820
01:10:00,760 --> 01:10:03,520
Yes, this current school year we've added two new school

821
01:10:03,520 --> 01:10:06,480
counseling positions, one at Timothy Edwards, and one at the

822
01:10:06,480 --> 01:10:07,200
high school.

823
01:10:08,340 --> 01:10:11,820
Okay, and maybe this is a question for Dr. Carter, but as we're

824
01:10:11,820 --> 01:10:14,460
preparing for the budget, is this, are you looking for more

825
01:10:15,240 --> 01:10:17,700
counselors because of our continued growth or do you

826
01:10:17,700 --> 01:10:19,000
think that we are in a good spot?

827
01:10:19,460 --> 01:10:21,500
I do not think we're at the perfect spot.

828
01:10:21,600 --> 01:10:25,180
We're in a good spot, but we often talk about what it takes to

829
01:10:25,180 --> 01:10:28,600
keep the lights on and what it takes to move the mission forward.

830
01:10:29,320 --> 01:10:32,280
I do believe we're in a need for an additional school counselor.

831
01:10:33,220 --> 01:10:36,880
First at the Timothy Edwards middle school level and eventually down the road is that bubble

832
01:10:36,880 --> 01:10:38,860
continues up at the high school level.

833
01:10:39,260 --> 01:10:44,620
Could you explain what the impact would be if we did not support you in that decision?

834
01:10:45,100 --> 01:10:50,480
Time and attention, ratios determine the ability for a counselor to connect with the student

835
01:10:50,480 --> 01:11:01,060
family as I had outlined. The more counselors we have, lessen that ratio and there's going to be more face to face time with this dedicated professional and the students and families and that's what they deserve.

836
01:11:01,480 --> 01:11:06,420
I do think it's, you did a great job of explaining all the extra tasks that I think a counselor does.

837
01:11:06,680 --> 01:11:14,540
I think a lot of times it kind of, when you look back people think, oh, they just help them like pick the classes and they they're there for when you need to talk to.

838
01:11:14,540 --> 01:11:18,540
It's completely changed in the short time that I've been gone.

839
01:11:19,660 --> 01:11:20,820
Probably the same for you, Mitch.

840
01:11:21,420 --> 01:11:24,640
But I just think it's really, really important to the additional things.

841
01:11:24,860 --> 01:11:28,820
I mean, I have students every day that are asking to go to their counselor for things that

842
01:11:28,820 --> 01:11:31,740
to be honest, I never would have even thought of going there before.

843
01:11:32,260 --> 01:11:34,520
So I just think their job has continuously,

844
01:11:34,520 --> 01:11:41,060
it is evolving into something more than I think the typical average person thinks that role is.

845
01:11:41,060 --> 01:11:46,360
And I think it's important that we continue to shed light on on what that role actually is.

846
01:11:47,040 --> 01:11:50,020
You talked about at the end about a professional development.

847
01:11:51,060 --> 01:11:55,400
With the very exciting election day coming up and teachers all being at their favorite professional development.

848
01:11:55,940 --> 01:12:00,640
Is counselors presenting there or are they learning that day? Do you have a plan for them on that day?

849
01:12:00,880 --> 01:12:08,380
Yeah, the day is split in half. So the first half in the morning counselor receiving professional development with the rest of the teachers and staff in the building.

850
01:12:08,380 --> 01:12:21,820
doing initiatives such as restorative practices and such and the second half of the afternoon is dedicated to me and my freedom to get the curriculum that the counselors need to be better at what they do day and day out.

851
01:12:21,920 --> 01:12:37,180
The last one is do the counselors spend time I would imagine within their schools or within their teams or however they are doing it to help the teachers learn strategies and obviously learn more about the students themselves and their personal life and stuff like that.

852
01:12:37,180 --> 01:12:40,260
Is that something that you feel that we do well?

853
01:12:40,760 --> 01:12:43,840
Because my own personal experience, it really

854
01:12:43,840 --> 01:12:46,240
depends on the counselor and how involved they are

855
01:12:46,240 --> 01:12:49,260
and how good it they are for advocating for students sometimes.

856
01:12:49,780 --> 01:12:51,480
And their relationship to the teacher

857
01:12:51,480 --> 01:12:54,420
to make sure that all teachers on board on the team really

858
01:12:54,420 --> 01:12:58,500
are understanding the students that can sometimes

859
01:12:58,500 --> 01:12:59,640
be really challenging.

860
01:13:00,320 --> 01:13:02,860
I would say that all centers on our MTSS practice

861
01:13:02,860 --> 01:13:06,000
when we've had counselors meeting with teams of teachers

862
01:13:06,000 --> 01:13:10,160
at the middle school level and a little bit larger groups at the high school and connecting

863
01:13:10,160 --> 01:13:14,780
with these teachers and explaining what the students needs are, rooting it in data

864
01:13:14,780 --> 01:13:20,660
and coming up with support plans if when needed to implement, to get students to work

865
01:13:20,660 --> 01:13:21,920
at their highest potential.

866
01:13:22,640 --> 01:13:26,400
Well, thank you for your work and your whole team and all 13 of your staff.

867
01:13:26,520 --> 01:13:27,400
Thank you.

868
01:13:28,940 --> 01:13:29,820
Thank you.

869
01:13:30,560 --> 01:13:34,520
Mr. Mackie kind of hit on it, I'm not going to be able to give this talk too many more

870
01:13:34,520 --> 01:13:44,280
But, you know, Dr. Carter, I think one of the things we hear a lot during the budget period is, you know, sort of comparing, like, when I was in school.

871
01:13:45,340 --> 01:13:49,720
Well, I was trying to pay attention and certainly did my reading and advance.

872
01:13:50,400 --> 01:13:55,500
The stuff that's going on that these people do every day isn't what happened when I was in school.

873
01:13:56,060 --> 01:14:03,840
A large part of our budget would not, you would not have seen that when I was in school.

874
01:14:03,840 --> 01:14:08,820
But I bet, you know, I've heard you talk about this before, if you go back 10 years or five years,

875
01:14:09,280 --> 01:14:13,640
you know, we've seen major changes even in the short period of time.

876
01:14:14,320 --> 01:14:18,100
You know, I wrote down, you know, services, important investment, money, well spent.

877
01:14:18,860 --> 01:14:24,500
Do you want to, maybe just, you know, kind of talk for a minute about certainly not in detail.

878
01:14:25,480 --> 01:14:29,680
But just, this is a really good example of why sometimes it's hard to compare.

879
01:14:30,260 --> 01:14:33,560
And I am going to leave with lights on or moving the district forward.

880
01:14:34,300 --> 01:14:40,220
That might be a license plate, because I think that's a good story also, but anything

881
01:14:40,220 --> 01:14:44,920
that you want to add just about that this is an example of how things really are different

882
01:14:45,800 --> 01:14:50,840
and where we make investments here have ripple effects everywhere to the positive.

883
01:14:53,700 --> 01:14:54,460
And I'll, I'm sorry.

884
01:14:56,380 --> 01:14:58,020
Um, well, first intro.

885
01:15:00,940 --> 01:15:10,460
And some of that might be because there's a commitment in this community to provide high quality services, and a lot of it is legislatively mandated.

886
01:15:11,540 --> 01:15:20,460
So what administrators and teachers were required and mandated to do way back in the day when I was in high school, which apparently was longer.

887
01:15:20,460 --> 01:15:29,960
This has been referenced tonight, but it's just the expectation and the accountability

888
01:15:29,960 --> 01:15:37,120
and the workload of our teachers and counselors and administrators, I know it's underestimated,

889
01:15:37,680 --> 01:15:40,020
but even our most urgent supporters.

890
01:15:41,100 --> 01:15:46,840
I am in awe of what our staff is expected to do day and day out and I think it would be surprising

891
01:15:46,840 --> 01:15:53,380
into many people if they're comparing it to their own experience and as for your comment

892
01:15:53,380 --> 01:16:01,320
about whether we're improving or just keeping the lights on, that's really going to be

893
01:16:01,320 --> 01:16:06,120
the philosophical question come this budget season. Are we going to protect the programs

894
01:16:06,120 --> 01:16:11,820
that we have? Are we going to try to improve upon the programs that we have or are we simply

895
01:16:11,820 --> 01:16:18,540
keeping the lights on. And so that is a much more philosophical question that needs to be answered,

896
01:16:18,640 --> 01:16:23,760
but I think Mr. Rye, some that up perfectly, in terms of when people say, do you have what you need?

897
01:16:23,820 --> 01:16:31,080
Do you have enough? Whatever the category is. It's really a larger question about where do we want the

898
01:16:31,080 --> 01:16:36,380
services to be in our school district? And if our town leaders tell us where they want the services to be,

899
01:16:36,980 --> 01:16:41,640
we can tell you what the staffing levels are needed to attain that. But it is a philosophical

900
01:16:41,640 --> 01:16:43,700
question that we'll be grappling with.

901
01:16:47,360 --> 01:16:47,860
Is Kaya?

902
01:16:49,480 --> 01:16:50,860
Thank you for presenting, sir.

903
01:16:51,340 --> 01:16:52,720
I have a question.

904
01:16:52,940 --> 01:16:55,080
I don't know if it's for that administration or the

905
01:16:55,080 --> 01:16:55,880
constant department.

906
01:16:56,580 --> 01:17:01,020
Do we send our counseling team to any of those national

907
01:17:01,020 --> 01:17:04,080
conferences like the NACAC or?

908
01:17:04,180 --> 01:17:05,440
We currently don't.

909
01:17:05,660 --> 01:17:08,520
I am fortunate enough in my position to be offered an administrative

910
01:17:09,100 --> 01:17:13,200
opportunity every third year or so to visit these conferences

911
01:17:13,200 --> 01:17:19,860
and I do. I haven't yet been able to bring a team with me, though I would love to.

912
01:17:20,580 --> 01:17:27,740
So, I mean, something to be included in the budget, because these conferences provide so

913
01:17:27,740 --> 01:17:35,500
much information on how much the college admissions landscape is changing year by year, every year,

914
01:17:35,500 --> 01:17:40,760
you know, I mean, if I could, I would love to go to a conference like that, but definitely,

915
01:17:48,850 --> 01:17:51,610
Thank you for the presentation, Mr. Wright.

916
01:17:52,830 --> 01:17:54,830
A couple of questions for you.

917
01:17:55,250 --> 01:17:57,690
So obviously we can do the math, 2800 to 13.

918
01:17:59,370 --> 01:18:04,510
How do you navigate that, you know, to, you know, on the day-to-day,

919
01:18:04,710 --> 01:18:07,770
or, I guess, you know, throughout the school year to be able to provide

920
01:18:08,490 --> 01:18:18,850
essential services to, you know, to single individuals, so that you can, you know, really meet with every student to provide what their, you know, what their needs are.

921
01:18:19,010 --> 01:18:29,890
Especially when you think about, you know, students for special needs, 504s PPTs, and then the students in the higher grades 11 and 12 that are now requiring

922
01:18:29,890 --> 01:18:35,910
more special attention as they're going into career planning, how do we navigate that 200 to

923
01:18:35,910 --> 01:18:41,730
what? I would say about 200 to one, right? Rationos so that we're providing the best essential

924
01:18:41,730 --> 01:18:48,590
services to these individuals. Not an easy answer. It's very difficult. We have the ratio is what it is,

925
01:18:48,690 --> 01:18:53,670
and students want access to counselors for so many different things as Mr. Mackie had mentioned.

926
01:18:54,790 --> 01:18:58,410
But as many of you have been through our school building and been through this department,

927
01:18:58,410 --> 01:19:02,150
and you will see our counselors consistently on the move.

928
01:19:02,330 --> 01:19:05,870
Our administrative assistants chasing for lack of a better word.

929
01:19:06,030 --> 01:19:08,170
Our counselors to get them in front of the student

930
01:19:08,170 --> 01:19:10,490
as they're on their way to their lunch duty,

931
01:19:10,510 --> 01:19:12,110
as they're on their way to a meeting.

932
01:19:13,030 --> 01:19:16,530
I am very fortunate enough to have a team that is selfless,

933
01:19:16,710 --> 01:19:19,250
puts the students first, puts themselves professionally

934
01:19:19,250 --> 01:19:22,750
last, and does whatever it takes to meet the students' needs.

935
01:19:23,130 --> 01:19:24,390
But it's a difficult task.

936
01:19:24,790 --> 01:19:27,670
The days move extremely fast, all of a sudden,

937
01:19:27,670 --> 01:19:32,730
look at the clock, ask themselves if they've had lunch or not, and it doesn't matter

938
01:19:32,730 --> 01:19:34,950
because it's time to move on.

939
01:19:37,750 --> 01:19:40,830
And obviously, six to 12 is kind of your umbrella.

940
01:19:41,350 --> 01:19:47,050
So what is the process then to kind of transition from your counterparts in K through five

941
01:19:47,050 --> 01:19:53,110
to identify, especially some of these students that need that extra special attention?

942
01:19:53,750 --> 01:19:56,390
What happens in that five to six time frame?

943
01:19:56,390 --> 01:20:02,970
Absolutely. So, positions like myself, other curricular leaders, having associate principles at the elementary school level,

944
01:20:03,330 --> 01:20:09,970
have given us the time to sit down behind closed doors and plan out what we want to do on paper,

945
01:20:09,990 --> 01:20:15,990
and the district provides with us the resources to make that happen. The field trip is a perfect example.

946
01:20:16,630 --> 01:20:21,650
So, in the late spring, we have each and every fifth grade student come up to Timothy Edwards and spend

947
01:20:21,650 --> 01:20:27,530
a half a day with T.E. students, T.E. counselor, staff, and administration so that they can get

948
01:20:27,530 --> 01:20:32,550
that feel lowering the stress and anxiety levels so that when they walk in in August,

949
01:20:32,930 --> 01:20:33,730
they feel more comfortable.

950
01:20:34,070 --> 01:20:38,730
Again, that's just one quick example, but we're fortunate enough to have such a strong

951
01:20:38,730 --> 01:20:43,070
team proactive, pre-planned, and we're able to execute.

952
01:20:43,930 --> 01:20:46,750
So you feel that, I'm sorry, I think it's one of the few questions.

953
01:20:46,750 --> 01:20:53,890
So, you feel that, like, for example, 504s and PPTs, you've got the information readily

954
01:20:53,890 --> 01:21:00,870
at hand now by the time August comes around, and that news sixth grader comes in.

955
01:21:00,870 --> 01:21:03,470
You guys have kind of done that, you know, that collaboration.

956
01:21:04,070 --> 01:21:05,510
I do feel confident in that.

957
01:21:05,510 --> 01:21:10,330
Whether it's district-wide professional development, held at a school, and you see staff

958
01:21:10,330 --> 01:21:16,010
accidentally at convocation, graduation, and other district events, longest table for the

959
01:21:16,010 --> 01:21:19,090
we built this community to be tight knit.

960
01:21:19,470 --> 01:21:22,190
So when you see a counterpart in from another school,

961
01:21:22,470 --> 01:21:24,230
you have a relationship with them,

962
01:21:24,550 --> 01:21:26,510
and that's why you see so many staff staying

963
01:21:26,510 --> 01:21:29,570
or seeking to come rather than leaving or fleeing.

964
01:21:30,410 --> 01:21:31,350
Thank you very much.

965
01:21:37,740 --> 01:21:38,160
So I'm assessment.

966
01:21:40,040 --> 01:21:40,820
Thank you.

967
01:21:41,460 --> 01:21:45,280
So I think you had a very nice statement in the beginning

968
01:21:45,280 --> 01:21:47,620
when you said any time there's a student or family

969
01:21:47,620 --> 01:21:49,960
that doesn't know where to turn start with counseling.

970
01:21:49,960 --> 01:21:55,320
and I think that's very accurate, and I think that's kind of a take-home point here, right?

971
01:21:55,480 --> 01:22:02,040
The more spread then counselors and teachers are becoming the harder it is to accommodate that

972
01:22:02,040 --> 01:22:09,100
and we do as families and students turn to counseling for everything. And I know our counselors are

973
01:22:09,100 --> 01:22:13,580
going above and beyond and doing incredible things, but it would be interesting. I don't know if you

974
01:22:13,580 --> 01:22:18,180
know the number of hand, but it would be interesting to know, you know, what are other schools and

975
01:22:18,180 --> 01:22:25,580
drugs, what are their counselor to student ratios? Do we have any idea? Yes, they are lower than ours currently, but the state of Connecticut has done this job.

976
01:22:30,000 --> 01:22:36,740
Board, in which you can look at this counselor to student ratio. And when you do look at it for dirt be, they're typically

977
01:22:36,740 --> 01:22:44,720
in the 155 to 65 range and we typically live in the high school level at the 175 to 190 range

978
01:22:44,720 --> 01:22:50,920
currently with the additional school counselor. Okay, all you people are going to be here on the budget.

979
01:22:51,380 --> 01:22:56,440
I think that's an important thing. I mean, that's a huge discrepancy and a big disservice to our students.

980
01:22:58,970 --> 01:23:00,050
Ms. Chrissy.

981
01:23:00,370 --> 01:23:01,850
Finally, my light came on.

982
01:23:03,130 --> 01:23:08,070
First, I just want to kind of on a personal note, say that I could not be more grateful

983
01:23:08,070 --> 01:23:12,890
for the dedication and compassion of the counseling team at TE.

984
01:23:13,430 --> 01:23:14,510
Shout out, Mrs. Cots.

985
01:23:15,810 --> 01:23:21,590
Just the work that these teams are doing can literally be life-saving.

986
01:23:22,390 --> 01:23:24,090
So I just want to point that out.

987
01:23:24,990 --> 01:23:33,910
During the budget season, we have discussed the ESS program at the high school and the need for that at the middle school.

988
01:23:33,950 --> 01:23:39,290
I was just wondering if you could maybe briefly touch on how that would benefit the counseling team

989
01:23:39,290 --> 01:23:45,250
and hopefully take some of the load off of them at the middle school if we were able to find those funds in the budget.

990
01:23:45,630 --> 01:23:51,070
Absolutely. Without being able to get too deep into the weeds of what I really think that middle school needs

991
01:23:51,070 --> 01:23:55,630
to combat some of the mental health crisis as a result of the pandemic,

992
01:23:57,890 --> 01:24:03,910
we know that when students get what they need, it typically takes a little bit more time.

993
01:24:04,270 --> 01:24:19,930
So ESS being professional counseling services that have that small ratio without that service, the students who have this need are still going to get that need, but it's going to take place in the school counselor's office rather than the ESS clinicians office.

994
01:24:19,930 --> 01:24:25,110
So, if you can imagine a crisis where semi-crisis taking place in a school counselor's office,

995
01:24:25,990 --> 01:24:31,570
that counselor's going to be tied up for an hour or two plus at a time working with one student,

996
01:24:31,930 --> 01:24:34,170
and it's worth that one student.

997
01:24:34,810 --> 01:24:41,410
But you could have those 177 hypothetical students in line outside that school counselor's door.

998
01:24:42,510 --> 01:24:42,910
Thank you.

999
01:24:43,330 --> 01:24:48,210
So, it would be beneficial to have that program in the middle school in addition to what we have in it.

1000
01:24:48,210 --> 01:24:51,590
I do believe so and seeing what ESS has done at the high school.

1001
01:24:51,710 --> 01:24:54,090
I think it would greatly benefit in the middle school.

1002
01:24:54,330 --> 01:24:54,950
Thank you.

1003
01:24:58,350 --> 01:24:59,030
Anyone else?

1004
01:25:02,120 --> 01:25:02,760
Thank you, Mr. Wright.

1005
01:25:03,420 --> 01:25:03,980
Thank you all.

1006
01:25:07,310 --> 01:25:08,010
That's the Carter.

1007
01:25:08,450 --> 01:25:09,310
Next time you list.

1008
01:25:10,210 --> 01:25:14,890
And while Mr. Wright is here, Mr. Wright, please extend to your counseling team how grateful

1009
01:25:14,890 --> 01:25:16,730
we are for the hard work that you do.

1010
01:25:17,170 --> 01:25:18,390
And you just said it beautifully.

1011
01:25:19,150 --> 01:25:25,070
When that parent or that child is needing your attention, their only focus is going to be

1012
01:25:25,070 --> 01:25:25,850
on their child.

1013
01:25:25,850 --> 01:25:36,570
They're not remembering the 177 or the 190 other people in line whose issue for them is just as important as the person in front of you.

1014
01:25:37,870 --> 01:25:53,330
And I think sometimes people forget in a district with, you know, 5100 kids will multiply that by how many parents, step parents, grandparents, caregivers that are involved, and all of the adults, not just the kids for which your department interacts.

1015
01:25:53,330 --> 01:25:57,450
So thank you for all you do, and please extend our gratitude to your team and I appreciate

1016
01:25:57,450 --> 01:25:58,950
them being at the trades night, the other night.

1017
01:25:58,950 --> 01:25:59,670
Yeah, absolutely.

1018
01:26:00,070 --> 01:26:01,650
Thank you.

1019
01:26:02,210 --> 01:26:05,570
At this time, I will invite Mr. Lee Roy to the podium.

1020
01:26:09,180 --> 01:26:11,460
Don't take a fancy, oh, they've been here a long time, absolutely.

1021
01:26:45,070 --> 01:26:46,750
I appreciate everyone who has remained.

1022
01:26:49,810 --> 01:26:54,770
So I'm proud to join Mr. Rye this evening to present our dual enrollment and fast report

1023
01:26:54,770 --> 01:27:01,830
for school year 24 or 25, I do want to give a special thanks to the board who I was fortunate

1024
01:27:01,830 --> 01:27:07,650
enough to join this software public school team on your leadership in April of 2024.

1025
01:27:08,350 --> 01:27:13,070
It's been an amazing transition for me, both personally and professionally, and through my

1026
01:27:13,070 --> 01:27:17,870
relationship with you and our connection with our elsewhere team, it's truly a great place

1027
01:27:17,870 --> 01:27:22,050
to work, a great place to be, and I couldn't be more thankful to be part of your team as

1028
01:27:22,050 --> 01:27:24,710
support our kids and softwins are.

1029
01:27:24,850 --> 01:27:26,630
Good evening, Chairwoman Millie and Board members.

1030
01:27:27,310 --> 01:27:31,250
At Softwins or High School, our shared commitment to elevate student achievement is anchored

1031
01:27:31,250 --> 01:27:36,030
in the Portrait of a Graduate, which calls us to prepare students who are engaged, empowered,

1032
01:27:36,850 --> 01:27:38,370
resilient, and socially conscious.

1033
01:27:39,050 --> 01:27:43,850
Advanced placement, AP, and dual enrollment programming exemplify this vision by creating

1034
01:27:43,850 --> 01:27:49,970
rigorous, relevant and equitable pathways that help students and body's attributes and thrive

1035
01:27:49,970 --> 01:27:51,070
beyond high school.

1036
01:27:52,860 --> 01:27:57,520
This report highlights how AP and dual enrollment are more than academic programs.

1037
01:27:58,040 --> 01:28:06,680
They are platforms to which our students access, engage, and apply their learning in ways that prepare them for college, career, and citizenship.

1038
01:28:08,260 --> 01:28:09,660
Our access provides purpose.

1039
01:28:09,980 --> 01:28:17,960
We are committed to breaking barriers to advanced coursework, ensuring students from all backgrounds have equitable entry points into AP and dual enrollment.

1040
01:28:17,960 --> 01:28:23,040
By expanding access, we affirm that rigorous learning is not reserved for our select few,

1041
01:28:23,300 --> 01:28:25,880
but is a purposeful opportunity for all.

1042
01:28:26,780 --> 01:28:31,200
We engage with our practice, advance coursework challenges students to think critically,

1043
01:28:31,720 --> 01:28:34,680
collaborate effectively, and persist through complexity.

1044
01:28:35,440 --> 01:28:40,320
Through APN dual enrollment, students practice skills necessary for lifelong learning and resilience,

1045
01:28:40,640 --> 01:28:43,560
directly aligned with our aforementioned portrait of a graduate.

1046
01:28:43,560 --> 01:28:49,620
We apply with our people, beyond credit or transfer recognition, these experiences and power

1047
01:28:49,620 --> 01:28:54,940
students to apply their learning and authentic context, whether in classrooms, career pathways,

1048
01:28:55,320 --> 01:29:00,700
or civic engagement. Students elevate their capacity to connect knowledge with action, preparing

1049
01:29:00,700 --> 01:29:06,140
them to lead, and contribute, meaningfully. As the board reviews this report this evening,

1050
01:29:06,440 --> 01:29:10,340
we encourage you to review these programs not only as measures of enrollment or performance,

1051
01:29:10,340 --> 01:29:15,740
but has elevated opportunities that shapes student identity, agency, and aspiration.

1052
01:29:16,820 --> 01:29:23,940
To data analysis that follow our frame by belief that when we elevate success, engagement, and application, we elevate futures.

1053
01:29:25,640 --> 01:29:35,840
Mr. Rire, a counseling director who has just joined you previously, will remain up with me and provide an overview of this data connection with our current process and progress from the 24-25 school year.

1054
01:29:39,360 --> 01:29:44,580
Thank you, Mr. Lee Rung, and good evening again, Chairwoman Maneli and Board members.

1055
01:29:45,640 --> 01:29:51,340
South Windsor High School offers students multiple pathways to earn potential college credit through four partnerships.

1056
01:29:52,200 --> 01:29:58,140
While both advanced placement courses and college articulation agreements provide opportunities to earn credit, they differ.

1057
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:08,780
Of course, cum, culminate in standardized exams that produce a numerical score, which colleges may use to determine credit once a student matriculates.

1058
01:30:09,580 --> 01:30:16,280
In contrast, dual or concurrent enrollment courses award college credit based on a student's final grade in the course.

1059
01:30:17,120 --> 01:30:26,400
In both cases, course curriculum syllabi are reviewed and approved by the partners, ensuring that students experience authentic college level academic expectations.

1060
01:30:27,420 --> 01:30:33,180
These are pathways inherently better, rather each offers unique advantages, with guidance

1061
01:30:33,180 --> 01:30:37,300
from their school counselor during the course selection process, families can make informed

1062
01:30:37,300 --> 01:30:42,160
decisions about which option, or combination of options, best aligns with their student's

1063
01:30:42,160 --> 01:30:44,540
academic, personal, and career goals.

1064
01:30:45,320 --> 01:30:50,220
By providing these opportunities, we offer a familiar environment for students to challenge themselves

1065
01:30:50,220 --> 01:30:53,440
with college-level expectations while still in high school.

1066
01:30:53,440 --> 01:30:58,640
These experiences build student independence, increase confidence and strength in the skills

1067
01:30:58,640 --> 01:31:00,360
needed to thrive in the real world.

1068
01:31:01,400 --> 01:31:06,560
Students who take college-level classes in high school often report back to us as feeling

1069
01:31:06,560 --> 01:31:11,580
more prepared and better informed about their future pathways while reducing future

1070
01:31:11,580 --> 01:31:17,200
course loads and costs while having mastered the habits necessary for future success.

1071
01:31:19,840 --> 01:31:24,560
In addition to the information shared on the previous slide, AP coursework benefits our students

1072
01:31:24,560 --> 01:31:27,320
by strengthening their college and scholarship applications.

1073
01:31:28,680 --> 01:31:32,960
AP is a globally recognized brand administered by the college board,

1074
01:31:33,220 --> 01:31:36,380
which adds credibility and rigor to the student's academic profile.

1075
01:31:37,240 --> 01:31:40,780
Students who choose to take the AP exam also gain valuable experience,

1076
01:31:41,080 --> 01:31:44,400
preparing for high-stakes assessment, similar to a college final,

1077
01:31:44,940 --> 01:31:48,320
graduate entrance exam, or a professional certification test.

1078
01:31:50,890 --> 01:31:54,210
Over the past three years, the AP program has experienced steady growth

1079
01:31:54,210 --> 01:32:00,370
both student participation and the number of exams taken. During the same period, the number of

1080
01:32:00,370 --> 01:32:06,050
students earning successful scores has also risen with overall performance remaining strong and

1081
01:32:06,050 --> 01:32:12,450
consistent. This stability amid expanding enrollment is especially meaningful. It demonstrates

1082
01:32:12,450 --> 01:32:17,850
that Southlander High School is successfully broadening access to challenging college-level coursework

1083
01:32:17,850 --> 01:32:24,010
without compromising academic outcomes. As shown here, 87 percent of students who took an

1084
01:32:24,010 --> 01:32:32,070
APE exam earned a score of three or higher, a common benchmark for earning college credit, and a strong indicator of college readiness.

1085
01:32:35,250 --> 01:32:40,710
Building on the previous data, APE recognizes outstanding student achievement through several distinctions.

1086
01:32:41,270 --> 01:32:45,490
APE scholar, scholar with honors, and scholar with distinction.

1087
01:32:46,270 --> 01:32:50,530
These recognitions are based on the number of exams taken in the average scores earned.

1088
01:32:50,530 --> 01:32:56,510
Over the past year, more students achieved recognition in each category, while overall performance

1089
01:32:56,510 --> 01:32:57,290
remains steady.

1090
01:32:58,090 --> 01:33:02,150
These results further highlight South Luther High School's continued success in expanding

1091
01:33:02,150 --> 01:33:06,390
AP participation while maintaining credit achieving outcomes.

1092
01:33:09,410 --> 01:33:13,530
While advanced placement offers one pathway to earn college credit, agreements with local

1093
01:33:13,530 --> 01:33:15,810
colleges and universities offer another.

1094
01:33:16,530 --> 01:33:21,510
Articulated courses are often career-focused, with college credit awarded on the based on

1095
01:33:21,510 --> 01:33:24,490
students find a grade rather than a cumulative exam.

1096
01:33:25,170 --> 01:33:29,930
Both the curriculum, because the curriculum students master each day is approved as college

1097
01:33:29,930 --> 01:33:35,050
level by a partner institution, the credit earned are widely transferable to a range of

1098
01:33:35,050 --> 01:33:35,990
colleges and universities.

1099
01:33:37,070 --> 01:33:41,670
Additionally, these courses have a more career-connected focus, allowing our students to make

1100
01:33:41,670 --> 01:33:43,550
more informed choices about their future.

1101
01:33:46,140 --> 01:33:50,540
Our largest articulation agreement is with the University of Connecticut's early college

1102
01:33:50,540 --> 01:33:51,680
experience program.

1103
01:33:51,680 --> 01:33:54,460
Similar to growth in AP participation,

1104
01:33:55,160 --> 01:34:00,060
you can easily enrollment as Southman's or high school has expanded steadily over the past three years,

1105
01:34:00,600 --> 01:34:05,540
with more courses offered in a notable rise in student enrollments in credits earned.

1106
01:34:06,160 --> 01:34:10,180
This growth demonstrates that students are increasingly taking advantage of the opportunity

1107
01:34:10,180 --> 01:34:14,820
to earn transferable college credit through a highly respected institution.

1108
01:34:15,500 --> 01:34:18,720
Each year is significant number of Southman's or high school graduates

1109
01:34:18,720 --> 01:34:25,120
matriculate to the university. These credits can then be directly applied. The cost per credit is currently

1110
01:34:25,120 --> 01:34:25,700
$50.

1111
01:34:28,670 --> 01:34:33,310
This next data set focuses on our partnership with CT state community college system.

1112
01:34:33,670 --> 01:34:38,350
Our CT state college articulation has grown steadily over the past three years,

1113
01:34:38,850 --> 01:34:43,530
with more students choosing to participate each year. In that time, the number of articulated

1114
01:34:43,530 --> 01:34:48,090
courses has expanded and students have collectively earned an increasing number of college

1115
01:34:48,090 --> 01:34:49,390
credits before graduation.

1116
01:34:50,390 --> 01:34:52,530
The continued rise in participation reflects

1117
01:34:52,530 --> 01:34:54,850
that students and families value this opportunity

1118
01:34:54,850 --> 01:34:56,810
to get a true head start on college.

1119
01:34:57,470 --> 01:35:00,610
And best of all, these credits are offered at no cost.

1120
01:35:03,220 --> 01:35:04,980
Our fourth college credit opportunity

1121
01:35:04,980 --> 01:35:06,800
is with the University of New Haven.

1122
01:35:08,100 --> 01:35:11,580
The UNH project lead the way agreement offers our students

1123
01:35:11,580 --> 01:35:15,240
hands-on learning experiences that emphasize problem-solving,

1124
01:35:15,560 --> 01:35:17,340
critical thinking, in collaboration

1125
01:35:17,340 --> 01:35:18,840
in the field of engineering.

1126
01:35:19,720 --> 01:35:24,660
Nationally, UNH's engineering program stands out for its focus on experiential learning and

1127
01:35:24,660 --> 01:35:29,200
real world application, integrating hands-on projects with industry partnerships.

1128
01:35:30,280 --> 01:35:35,040
This past year, enrollment-solid significant increase likely due to the efforts of Mr.

1129
01:35:35,160 --> 01:35:40,200
Steve Albrecht, the curriculum leader for career technology education and his dedicated team

1130
01:35:40,200 --> 01:35:40,680
of teachers.

1131
01:35:41,780 --> 01:35:47,340
As a result, for this current school year 2026, we are offering the project lead the way

1132
01:35:47,340 --> 01:35:53,140
engineering 2 course, a course in which we've had articulated for years but have get to run

1133
01:35:53,140 --> 01:35:57,860
due to lack of interest. The cost of these courses is currently $200.

1134
01:36:01,680 --> 01:36:02,840
The free application

1135
01:36:02,840 --> 01:36:09,060
for federal student aid, often acronym does FAFSA, is the form students and parents and guardians

1136
01:36:09,060 --> 01:36:14,880
complete to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial

1137
01:36:14,880 --> 01:36:17,360
assistance that make higher education more affordable.

1138
01:36:18,480 --> 01:36:22,100
Recognizing importance of this process, the school counseling department has made a strong

1139
01:36:22,100 --> 01:36:27,640
and ongoing commitment to inform and educate our community about FAFSA and how to obtain

1140
01:36:27,640 --> 01:36:29,800
hands-on assistance with the application.

1141
01:36:31,220 --> 01:36:36,800
Last year, our FAFSA completion rate rose to 79.4% remaining well above state average.

1142
01:36:37,260 --> 01:36:41,920
These can numbers continue to shift in real-time as additional graduates in the class of

1143
01:36:41,920 --> 01:36:44,200
25. Complete the FAFSA application.

1144
01:36:46,300 --> 01:36:48,060
Thank you again for having me at tonight's meeting.

1145
01:36:48,300 --> 01:36:52,480
I look again forward to hearing any feedback or questions that you may have.

1146
01:37:05,960 --> 01:37:06,720
Thank you, Ms. Kaya.

1147
01:37:09,270 --> 01:37:11,410
Thank you so much, Mr. Rai, for presenting again.

1148
01:37:11,850 --> 01:37:17,210
I see the AP Biology numbers look great, so congratulations to the department there.

1149
01:37:17,210 --> 01:37:24,710
The number of five in AP Biology have gone up considerably, so extremely, extremely good news.

1150
01:37:24,710 --> 01:37:27,850
I have question about the...

1151
01:37:30,780 --> 01:37:40,640
Number of students taking the college classes at Connecticut State Community College through the partnership program. Do we have those numbers anywhere?

1152
01:37:41,200 --> 01:37:48,860
I've been included in the numbers here where we have the...

1153
01:37:48,860 --> 01:37:59,860
We do not currently take into account students who are truly dual enrolled, hypothetically, let's say they take a, and seventh, eighth, ninth class at night.

1154
01:37:59,860 --> 01:38:04,460
And either they can apply it to our transcripts or not or you're speaking of that program?

1155
01:38:04,660 --> 01:38:10,580
Yeah, it's in the classes at the community college and independent of the high school curriculum.

1156
01:38:10,680 --> 01:38:16,260
Yeah, they have changed that program and increased our availability to having more seats available to our students earlier.

1157
01:38:16,480 --> 01:38:19,020
We do have students who take advantage of that opportunity.

1158
01:38:19,400 --> 01:38:24,280
Though it is not included in this report, I'm always open-minded including in future reports.

1159
01:38:25,400 --> 01:38:27,040
Okay. Thank you.

1160
01:38:27,980 --> 01:38:28,960
This is Smith.

1161
01:38:29,360 --> 01:38:30,060
Thank you.

1162
01:38:30,100 --> 01:38:33,140
So I just have a quick comment about the APN dual

1163
01:38:33,140 --> 01:38:34,740
and a couple questions for you.

1164
01:38:35,260 --> 01:38:37,220
So I love that there are these options.

1165
01:38:37,580 --> 01:38:38,520
And I think that's great.

1166
01:38:39,200 --> 01:38:41,160
And I have four very different students who've all

1167
01:38:41,160 --> 01:38:42,980
dabbled in some way or the other.

1168
01:38:43,180 --> 01:38:46,460
But I will say the system is a little confusing for parents.

1169
01:38:46,700 --> 01:38:48,340
And just to add a couple comments.

1170
01:38:48,620 --> 01:38:51,040
I mean, you can take these classes without paying

1171
01:38:51,540 --> 01:38:53,940
a cent, which is also a benefit.

1172
01:38:54,140 --> 01:38:56,040
You can take the classes and they can be

1173
01:38:56,040 --> 01:39:00,000
on your transcript, but you're not getting credit for them if you're not paying.

1174
01:39:00,920 --> 01:39:05,880
So you don't have to pay to take the classes and it does depend where you end up who accepts

1175
01:39:05,880 --> 01:39:07,120
these classes or not.

1176
01:39:07,320 --> 01:39:11,540
So just something that I've learned over the years.

1177
01:39:12,280 --> 01:39:16,740
I know we've asked in the past about sections for some of the classes that are popular,

1178
01:39:16,780 --> 01:39:17,600
have they increased?

1179
01:39:17,680 --> 01:39:21,640
It looks like maybe we have a new push section just from the numbers.

1180
01:39:22,160 --> 01:39:25,140
Very good outcomes, but looks like maybe a new section there.

1181
01:39:25,140 --> 01:39:30,140
Are there any other courses that we're considering increasing sections of?

1182
01:39:35,400 --> 01:39:36,840
I don't know what I'd say at this time.

1183
01:39:37,260 --> 01:39:45,540
Many specific courses, but like A push, it's one of those courses where the increasing enrollment and the needs make us then make a decision with regard to staffing.

1184
01:39:46,320 --> 01:39:56,160
And then kind of looking at the pieces of the puzzle that make us possibly offer less courses in other, you know, whether it's both the elective areas that then would allow us to open up a teacher to have additional sections.

1185
01:39:56,160 --> 01:40:04,180
And so I know in a future board report I'm going to be presenting those, you know, those numbers of classes that don't have as much interest.

1186
01:40:05,100 --> 01:40:16,120
But that does, you know, the interest level does make us then have a ripple effect on courses that were able to offer for all students across the nine through 12 landscape due to that increased interest.

1187
01:40:16,560 --> 01:40:23,040
And due to the staffing limitations that we might have due to the certification opportunities that teachers have to be able to offer those.

1188
01:40:23,040 --> 01:40:32,520
Excellent and I think I don't think we get the numbers in your other report, but it might be helpful in the future due to here if we're turning away large numbers of students from certain classes

1189
01:40:32,520 --> 01:40:40,520
I think that just be helpful for people to know especially in consideration for budgets and then my last comment and it's just because my last it's my last meeting

1190
01:40:40,520 --> 01:40:46,220
I'm just gonna say it. I mean, should we really be celebrating completion of the festival? It drives me crazy

1191
01:40:46,220 --> 01:40:51,360
I know it's a mandate, it's not a South Windsor thing, but we sell it like it is the best

1192
01:40:51,360 --> 01:40:56,100
thing ever and I'll just say it is great that it's available and I'm glad it's out there

1193
01:40:56,100 --> 01:41:00,100
because certain people need it and benefit from it, but the fact that we mandate it drives me

1194
01:41:00,100 --> 01:41:04,760
crazy and I hope we're not spending budget dollars on that because it doesn't benefit everyone

1195
01:41:04,760 --> 01:41:08,760
and there are studies out there that even show it could hurt certain kids because you have to

1196
01:41:08,760 --> 01:41:13,560
list your schools and there's certain people out there who have a belief that listing those schools

1197
01:41:13,560 --> 01:41:17,780
But you had to disadvantage, because let's people know who you're listening first.

1198
01:41:18,840 --> 01:41:21,860
But it just, I'll just say it for my last time.

1199
01:41:21,960 --> 01:41:22,720
It drives me crazy.

1200
01:41:24,640 --> 01:41:24,940
Thank you.

1201
01:41:25,000 --> 01:41:25,880
Thank you, Ms. Zimmerman.

1202
01:41:26,480 --> 01:41:29,780
I sure want to follow Mrs. Aspen, I usually enjoy it.

1203
01:41:30,600 --> 01:41:31,540
Just a couple things.

1204
01:41:32,000 --> 01:41:35,380
If somebody were to ask what's the one of the biggest changes or the biggest improvements

1205
01:41:35,860 --> 01:41:42,440
over the 15 years or the last 10 years, I think it's the amount of choice we have in

1206
01:41:42,440 --> 01:41:43,040
this area.

1207
01:41:43,040 --> 01:41:50,460
I know it's not the only thing out there, but I think, and again, I thank the administration and the high school leadership and staff.

1208
01:41:51,640 --> 01:41:54,740
We show 2021 to 2025.

1209
01:41:55,780 --> 01:42:05,500
I would bet that if we showed, you know, 2010 to 2025, you know, thank you for all the effort that went in number one.

1210
01:42:05,720 --> 01:42:11,000
Number two, I was asked this, but what grade levels are students that can take an advanced placement?

1211
01:42:11,000 --> 01:42:20,400
class advanced placement begins in 10th grade currently. Okay, so approximately, you know,

1212
01:42:20,540 --> 01:42:27,940
1200 kids, 1200 students, apologize, and about 500 of them are taking at least one,

1213
01:42:28,340 --> 01:42:36,900
504, so about 40% give or take. And if I did the math correctly and I just kind of estimated it,

1214
01:42:36,900 --> 01:42:47,740
Since 2021 to 25, over four years, I think the number of students taking at least one class is going up like 30 percent, which to me is pretty amazing.

1215
01:42:48,620 --> 01:42:53,500
I'm guessing, it's because we have a high level of students, and that's phenomenal.

1216
01:42:54,600 --> 01:42:59,720
But I'm guessing it's also, I'm going to call it marketing, I'm going to call it sharing information,

1217
01:42:59,720 --> 01:43:05,060
been walking down the halls and seeing like a student like myself that you would have had

1218
01:43:05,060 --> 01:43:10,260
to push to do this, all my friends would have been taking as many as were available. So

1219
01:43:10,260 --> 01:43:13,860
I'm guessing there's a whole bunch of things that go into these numbers, a lot of effort.

1220
01:43:14,540 --> 01:43:19,260
But I think it really tells a good story. And just, I'm guessing, tell me if I'm wrong,

1221
01:43:19,660 --> 01:43:25,960
this is one of those areas that a small dollar investment could lead to a lot more opportunities

1222
01:43:25,960 --> 01:43:33,040
is for all the students, and specifically, you know, you know, the students that really want

1223
01:43:33,040 --> 01:43:40,920
to get pushed and tested and sort of prepare for college. I mean, is the issue that we

1224
01:43:40,920 --> 01:43:45,880
don't necessarily need more? You know, I don't want to say a week before an election.

1225
01:43:46,380 --> 01:43:49,840
What would you do if you had more money? You know, whatever, so I'm not going to say that. I didn't

1226
01:43:49,840 --> 01:43:50,940
to say it.

1227
01:43:51,560 --> 01:43:57,180
But is this one of those areas where a small amount of money, an extra class or a teacher

1228
01:43:57,900 --> 01:44:02,620
opens up a lot more opportunity, or are we at the numbers where we're kind of taking care

1229
01:44:02,620 --> 01:44:03,020
of everybody?

1230
01:44:03,160 --> 01:44:06,980
I know that question was asked by somebody else in a different way.

1231
01:44:08,680 --> 01:44:10,120
Yeah, I think you're absolutely right.

1232
01:44:10,720 --> 01:44:16,780
Dr. Peterson always tells us that access and engagement are key and being able to open

1233
01:44:16,780 --> 01:44:22,580
opportunities for all students and, you know, ultimately having more opportunities for courses

1234
01:44:22,580 --> 01:44:28,240
to be offered allows us, like we talked about with the A push class to have other students

1235
01:44:28,240 --> 01:44:32,320
who maybe are just trying, you know, because not every student is taking four or five of these

1236
01:44:32,320 --> 01:44:32,740
classes.

1237
01:44:33,300 --> 01:44:38,060
You know, even trying one or two is a big lift and a big challenge for many of our students to

1238
01:44:38,060 --> 01:44:42,140
be able to, you know, embody that academic excellence that we have each and every day.

1239
01:44:42,680 --> 01:44:46,660
So, the more resources that we have in this area are the more opportunities the more

1240
01:44:46,660 --> 01:44:51,980
course options that students have. And, you know, kudos to our counseling team and Mr.

1241
01:44:52,120 --> 01:44:56,980
Rye on the ability to not only share and explore what these look like, but really give

1242
01:44:56,980 --> 01:44:59,940
a real indication of the amount of work that goes in.

1243
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:08,160
I believe until you are actually into the coursework, you really don't understand the amount of rigor and the amount of work that it takes to be successful.

1244
01:45:08,820 --> 01:45:16,000
And our numbers really do embody that level of success that we promote from our counselors to our teachers to our whole staff.

1245
01:45:18,560 --> 01:45:20,660
On this course, thank you.

1246
01:45:21,020 --> 01:45:28,720
I just wanted to ask about the AP, the credit transfers to schools.

1247
01:45:28,960 --> 01:45:34,080
I've heard concerns that it is very based on the school.

1248
01:45:34,140 --> 01:45:39,760
Do we have any data, any agreements, even with just the local universities and colleges?

1249
01:45:41,040 --> 01:45:48,540
That is kind of a guarantee that our kids are going to take this highly competitive course.

1250
01:45:48,540 --> 01:45:53,560
class, they're going to pay for this test, do their best on the test, and it is definitely

1251
01:45:53,560 --> 01:45:56,740
going to transfer into credit at any of our local schools.

1252
01:45:57,280 --> 01:46:02,920
While not in the definitive agreement, each school tends to be very transparent and having

1253
01:46:02,920 --> 01:46:08,480
their own website, in which they will show if you take this AP class and get this score,

1254
01:46:08,940 --> 01:46:14,360
it will transfer to this school in this way, which was very complicated sentence on purpose

1255
01:46:14,360 --> 01:46:20,320
Because if you're going into a nursing major versus a philosophy major versus a major that I

1256
01:46:20,320 --> 01:46:22,020
You know hypothetically down the line

1257
01:46:22,020 --> 01:46:27,300
They're going to want different numbers on different exams and they're gonna prioritize some of that

1258
01:46:27,300 --> 01:46:33,980
And there's also schools who want to teach you that subject matter them selves with their instructors on their campus

1259
01:46:33,980 --> 01:46:40,520
Not that they don't trust us, but they're trying to calibrate their experience as well and that was gonna end up my next question

1260
01:46:40,520 --> 01:46:42,400
was about transparency and

1261
01:46:42,400 --> 01:46:46,760
is this presented to students and families

1262
01:46:47,400 --> 01:46:49,580
that this is not a guaranteed credit.

1263
01:46:49,840 --> 01:46:52,300
Like it is still a great opportunity, a great choice,

1264
01:46:52,680 --> 01:46:55,640
great options for you to challenge yourself,

1265
01:46:56,080 --> 01:47:00,180
but that credit part is not necessarily the guarantee.

1266
01:47:00,700 --> 01:47:04,300
Absolutely, we pride ourselves on the course selection process,

1267
01:47:04,300 --> 01:47:08,340
beginning sooner than most schools in doing this in January.

1268
01:47:09,080 --> 01:47:10,480
So we are talking about classes

1269
01:47:10,480 --> 01:47:12,440
for next year, each and every January.

1270
01:47:13,100 --> 01:47:14,640
We're hoping that as many students

1271
01:47:14,640 --> 01:47:17,900
to counselor meetings, a cornerstone of our program

1272
01:47:17,900 --> 01:47:20,240
is the junior planning meeting in which we bring in

1273
01:47:20,240 --> 01:47:22,760
the student and the family in the counselor's office

1274
01:47:22,760 --> 01:47:25,820
to chart out that next 18 months.

1275
01:47:26,380 --> 01:47:27,880
But those are just a few examples.

1276
01:47:28,420 --> 01:47:30,620
The more conversations counselors have with students,

1277
01:47:31,140 --> 01:47:32,780
the more that counselors play the pinpoint

1278
01:47:33,240 --> 01:47:35,060
to these decisions and this guidance,

1279
01:47:35,620 --> 01:47:37,000
the more informed and aware of students

1280
01:47:37,000 --> 01:47:38,020
and families are going to be.

1281
01:47:38,020 --> 01:47:39,660
Thank you.

1282
01:47:41,440 --> 01:47:43,560
Ms. Kenna, I can't believe you, sorry.

1283
01:47:44,180 --> 01:47:50,220
To Ms. Estonance Point of on the FAFSA and the colleges the way that they're listed

1284
01:47:50,220 --> 01:47:58,200
if that can be a problem for students going into college, I'm wondering do you recommend

1285
01:47:58,200 --> 01:48:03,640
that they list the colleges after get alphabetically so they're aware that that might

1286
01:48:03,640 --> 01:48:07,300
be a problem and is that something that you can't so them with?

1287
01:48:07,300 --> 01:48:12,920
That actually our state certification does not cover FAFSA guidance.

1288
01:48:13,200 --> 01:48:33,720
In my earlier presentation, I discussed our, actually, it was this one, I apologize, our commitment to making families aware of outside consultations and services known as FAFSA days and which families can connect with professionals who do have that training and expertise but is not covered under a current 068 school council or license.

1289
01:48:34,740 --> 01:48:38,140
Thank you for being here and your presentation.

1290
01:48:40,600 --> 01:48:41,520
Mr. Marx.

1291
01:48:41,880 --> 01:48:42,920
Thank you.

1292
01:48:42,920 --> 01:48:43,280
Excuse me.

1293
01:48:43,380 --> 01:48:46,880
Thank you for the presentation and the opportunity to offer.

1294
01:48:48,000 --> 01:48:51,100
When I was in high school, a couple years back, I guess at this point.

1295
01:48:52,360 --> 01:48:55,820
I took about eight to ten AP courses and multiple EC courses.

1296
01:48:56,660 --> 01:49:02,480
It helped enable a more successful college yearning to the point where I'm only taking a couple classes.

1297
01:49:02,480 --> 01:49:09,360
I want to do classes in the final semester, my college experience, but I've seen since

1298
01:49:09,360 --> 01:49:14,100
I left the high school that we've added various classes, some of which I wish I could

1299
01:49:14,100 --> 01:49:14,680
have taken.

1300
01:49:15,240 --> 01:49:21,200
When I was there, can you maybe talk about the process for adding classes and I know budget

1301
01:49:21,200 --> 01:49:26,420
discussion that obviously revolves around budget discussions, but I guess not only the process

1302
01:49:26,420 --> 01:49:29,180
but if there's any classes that we're looking at right now.

1303
01:49:29,180 --> 01:49:38,760
Absolutely, so again, being fortunate enough to have a curricular leader over see every department and getting opportunities to meet with central office team building leaders.

1304
01:49:39,520 --> 01:49:51,480
We meet on this each October. So we're in the first meeting of October. We're thinking about what planned courses that we would like to offer in the next school year and what it would take to that point.

1305
01:49:51,480 --> 01:49:57,000
But when you think about that, you have to brainstorm what classes and courses our students want,

1306
01:49:57,440 --> 01:50:00,820
what the real world is asking of them, why offering them.

1307
01:50:01,060 --> 01:50:02,920
Our students are very thirsty in the world.

1308
01:50:03,140 --> 01:50:07,000
It's very competitive, especially in the college application process, but we want to make

1309
01:50:07,000 --> 01:50:10,600
a thoughtful decision because when we talked about the three domains of school counseling,

1310
01:50:11,260 --> 01:50:13,180
academic achievement is very important.

1311
01:50:13,820 --> 01:50:19,160
Career and future planning is as well, but as so is personal and social development and emotional

1312
01:50:19,160 --> 01:50:22,120
regulation and these courses can be very difficult.

1313
01:50:22,380 --> 01:50:27,420
So we're trying to take into account everything and make a very informed decision as a team.

1314
01:50:27,900 --> 01:50:28,080
Thank you.

1315
01:50:28,220 --> 01:50:33,100
And also, on the topic of the fast fight, although that is a graduation requirement, there

1316
01:50:33,100 --> 01:50:36,280
is a waiver that's available to students and families correct.

1317
01:50:36,520 --> 01:50:37,200
That is correct.

1318
01:50:38,120 --> 01:50:43,460
So, I mean, obviously, I understand the assessments coming from, I didn't have, my family

1319
01:50:43,460 --> 01:50:47,880
didn't have financial aid, myself from my college experience, but I think I've seen second

1320
01:50:47,880 --> 01:50:51,200
and the impact that has on potentially removing

1321
01:50:51,200 --> 01:50:54,040
some financial barriers for families and students

1322
01:50:54,040 --> 01:50:56,940
that might not be able to afford college in the first place.

1323
01:50:58,500 --> 01:51:01,360
But do you have any data, I don't know third party,

1324
01:51:01,480 --> 01:51:04,560
but do you have any data on the average financial aid

1325
01:51:04,560 --> 01:51:06,360
that students receive or any data

1326
01:51:06,360 --> 01:51:07,920
that you could get us in the future

1327
01:51:07,920 --> 01:51:09,580
so it could kind of see the impact?

1328
01:51:10,220 --> 01:51:11,160
I will look into that

1329
01:51:11,160 --> 01:51:12,580
and just for one point of clarification,

1330
01:51:13,380 --> 01:51:15,220
FAFSA is not a graduation requirement

1331
01:51:15,220 --> 01:51:17,200
for the current class of 2026.

1332
01:51:17,200 --> 01:51:19,360
Okay, it's 2027 and beyond.

1333
01:51:19,880 --> 01:51:23,640
We're completion of any financial aid application.

1334
01:51:24,520 --> 01:51:32,440
A designate being administrative had made multiple attempts to get this form completed with the family or ultimately a waiver.

1335
01:51:32,680 --> 01:51:33,400
Thank you.

1336
01:51:37,320 --> 01:51:38,220
Thank you for your presentation.

1337
01:51:38,680 --> 01:51:40,660
I just have a couple of comments.

1338
01:51:42,060 --> 01:51:47,000
I've noticed that there are no classrooms who square are five on the exam, which is excellent.

1339
01:51:48,060 --> 01:51:54,000
They tell that there's 8% percent square higher than a three, which gives them the chance

1340
01:51:54,000 --> 01:51:57,560
of maybe getting college credit for that thing on the university of college or attending.

1341
01:51:58,040 --> 01:52:03,020
I was wondering, like, today, history, chemistry and biology, it bumped from Russia

1342
01:52:03,020 --> 01:52:10,820
to this year, from nine to 25 students, 18 to 30, and 23 to 37, which was a very, very high

1343
01:52:10,820 --> 01:52:11,320
bumps.

1344
01:52:11,700 --> 01:52:13,360
But then I looked at the psychology one.

1345
01:52:13,360 --> 01:52:21,240
I was wondering did test change or something because we went down in that one and it's just kind of caught my eye on one from like 55 students got a 5 to 32

1346
01:52:21,240 --> 01:52:26,280
And that's put a damn for on your great presentation, but I just was wondering if maybe they changed the course or

1347
01:52:45,660 --> 01:52:47,380
Thank you very much, John.

1348
01:52:51,150 --> 01:53:04,290
Thank you very much, John.

1349
01:53:04,290 --> 01:53:07,110
is the first budget status report of the year.

1350
01:53:07,490 --> 01:53:09,310
At this time, a few personal accounts

1351
01:53:09,310 --> 01:53:11,110
are exceeding their budget allocations

1352
01:53:11,110 --> 01:53:13,590
as may occur at the start of the school year.

1353
01:53:14,210 --> 01:53:16,850
However, we do anticipate that overall expenditures

1354
01:53:16,850 --> 01:53:19,650
will remain within the approved budget as the year progresses.

1355
01:53:20,710 --> 01:53:22,750
Special education expenses are currently running

1356
01:53:22,750 --> 01:53:25,790
slightly over budget by approximately $65,000.

1357
01:53:26,790 --> 01:53:28,770
These accounts fluctuate throughout the year,

1358
01:53:29,030 --> 01:53:31,050
thus any necessary actions will be considered

1359
01:53:31,050 --> 01:53:34,710
as expenditure trends become clearer over the course of the year.

1360
01:53:35,450 --> 01:53:40,810
Regarding our health reserve, the current balance stands at 20% of the year's projected claims.

1361
01:53:41,630 --> 01:53:45,190
In past years, we have maintained a 25% reserve balance.

1362
01:53:45,750 --> 01:53:51,110
The decrease is due to two factors. First, due to the fiscal year 2026 budget reduction

1363
01:53:51,110 --> 01:53:57,450
in this line and second, due to unusually high claims activity during the month of July.

1364
01:53:58,190 --> 01:54:02,290
Thank you. This concludes my report and I'm happy to answer any questions.

1365
01:54:02,970 --> 01:54:06,030
First of all, the motion on table, Mr. Maggie. Please?

1366
01:54:07,850 --> 01:54:12,050
Move to approve the twenty twenty-six first budget status report as presented.

1367
01:54:12,490 --> 01:54:18,190
I have a second. Any discussion? Any questions from Mr. Marker? Mr. Richard?

1368
01:54:18,490 --> 01:54:19,590
I'm Mr. Marker. I'm sorry.

1369
01:54:19,590 --> 01:54:27,070
I mean, Crystal, it's disappointing to see how depleted our reserves are, not obviously due to our budget cut last year.

1370
01:54:27,250 --> 01:54:38,590
And I think when the council made the decision to cut our budget, we warn them that there could be potentially higher than expected claims and special education costs that could impact.

1371
01:54:40,790 --> 01:54:43,430
I guess our reserves and how much we have available and stuff.

1372
01:54:43,430 --> 01:54:55,450
So can you maybe explain a little bit about how the budget reduction kind of led to this and how this will affect our ability to draw from reserves in the future if we might need it if there's more

1373
01:54:55,450 --> 01:55:00,610
Social education costs and anticipated or more healthcare claims anticipated.

1374
01:55:03,520 --> 01:55:10,480
Sure, so we carry a health reserve balance or we have in the past 25% of the years projected claims.

1375
01:55:10,480 --> 01:55:17,300
And every month we do have a budget that we often, you know, we work to me every month.

1376
01:55:17,720 --> 01:55:24,040
Usually at the beginning of the year, our claims experience is generally lower in the month of July,

1377
01:55:24,080 --> 01:55:31,700
because that's when our fiscal year, our turnover for the new year starts and having health savings account medical plans

1378
01:55:31,700 --> 01:55:34,880
that's usually the time of the year that the claims are lower.

1379
01:55:35,400 --> 01:55:40,220
This year was sort of an anomaly in that month, but it does cause concern, right?

1380
01:55:41,640 --> 01:55:47,060
Two months after that, they're looking a little bit better, but anyway, what that means

1381
01:55:47,060 --> 01:55:52,040
is, over the long haul, if that were to keep that trend were to continue, and we were to

1382
01:55:52,040 --> 01:55:59,340
have high claims, that it could ultimately further reduce that reserve balance, and being that

1383
01:55:59,340 --> 01:56:06,840
a self-funded healthcare, we operate through the district with the self-funded healthcare claims.

1384
01:56:07,260 --> 01:56:14,320
What that means is that we, as a district, pay for every claim that an employee has.

1385
01:56:14,800 --> 01:56:18,500
So it's not like a fully insured plan where you pay like your car insurance, you pay one

1386
01:56:18,500 --> 01:56:23,100
amount and then no matter what happens, no matter what expense the insurance company then pays

1387
01:56:23,100 --> 01:56:23,660
for that.

1388
01:56:23,920 --> 01:56:29,200
So it's really important for us to watch those claims and it's important for us to have

1389
01:56:29,200 --> 01:56:34,780
reserve. So in the years that something like that happens, we have a place to go.

1390
01:56:35,040 --> 01:56:39,580
Industry standard has always said keeping 25% should be a really comfortable place for us

1391
01:56:39,580 --> 01:56:44,460
to be. So it's a little concerning to start fall below that and certainly a little concerning

1392
01:56:44,460 --> 01:56:49,020
to not only be a 20% but have that first month be a tough month.

1393
01:56:49,640 --> 01:56:54,560
Same thing on the special ed decide right now. So just to also say I'm sorry on the health

1394
01:56:54,560 --> 01:57:04,140
We did reduce the budget in that line by $470,000 and of course coupled with the claims in July was a significant hit there.

1395
01:57:04,620 --> 01:57:12,300
And then on this special education side, we did reduce the budget on the special education to use $500,000 in reserve there.

1396
01:57:12,840 --> 01:57:21,320
And right now we are trending a little bit higher. Things may fluctuate, you know, they do fluctuate throughout the year based on students moving in, moving out of district or needs that they have.

1397
01:57:21,320 --> 01:57:27,440
But it's the same scenario there, you know, we as our cost increase, we may have to lean

1398
01:57:27,440 --> 01:57:32,140
more on those reserves, and the more we deplete those reserves, the more at risk we are

1399
01:57:32,140 --> 01:57:32,700
in our budget.

1400
01:57:33,040 --> 01:57:33,860
Thank you.

1401
01:57:36,460 --> 01:57:37,740
Hi, so there's motion on table.

1402
01:57:37,860 --> 01:57:38,280
It's been second.

1403
01:57:38,820 --> 01:57:39,440
Oh, it's you need.

1404
01:57:40,520 --> 01:57:41,200
Oh, no problem.

1405
01:57:42,280 --> 01:57:49,320
Mr. Mirca, I guess, you know, kind of leading from that, from that same question for the reserve

1406
01:57:49,320 --> 01:57:49,980
accounts.

1407
01:57:50,500 --> 01:57:58,900
Now, do we have, we don't have the final numbers for the budget projection for FY25, correct?

1408
01:57:59,680 --> 01:58:08,600
For what, you know, what the final number for FY25 was as far as, you know, what was left over, what was sure or anything like that?

1409
01:58:10,480 --> 01:58:18,040
So, at the fourth budget status report at the end of last year, we indicate that if there was any funds left over that we would direct them to the health care account.

1410
01:58:18,040 --> 01:58:20,780
So I don't have that number off the top of my head.

1411
01:58:20,980 --> 01:58:26,980
I'm certainly, we could get that to you, but that it also includes any monies that we've

1412
01:58:26,980 --> 01:58:32,840
put into this healthcare reserve at the end of the year, in addition to the 470 reduction

1413
01:58:32,840 --> 01:58:36,180
and in addition to July has still set us at this 20%.

1414
01:58:36,180 --> 01:58:43,300
Okay, so whatever surplus we've gotten from FY25, it still said, which we don't have the

1415
01:58:43,300 --> 01:58:49,920
exact number yet, though, correct. But it still sets us within that 20 percent. Correct.

1416
01:58:50,060 --> 01:58:52,920
It's already factored, Ed. Okay. Thank you.

1417
01:58:52,940 --> 01:58:53,300
It's welcome.

1418
01:58:55,480 --> 01:59:00,540
All right. Now, we'll shine table up in second, all in favor, opposed,

1419
01:59:01,500 --> 01:59:03,460
extensions, motion carries.

1420
01:59:06,320 --> 01:59:10,380
Dr. Carter. At this time, I turned things over to Dr.

1421
01:59:10,380 --> 01:59:21,660
And so who will report out on October 1 in Roman data, just to remind of ward members, there'll be a much larger, more detailed discussion in November when we have our demographers here to go into further details.

1422
01:59:21,740 --> 01:59:23,500
So this is a snapshot of October 1.

1423
01:59:25,520 --> 01:59:30,480
Thank you, Dr. Carter. Good evening, Chairwoman Manilian members of the board. As Dr. Carter indicated,

1424
01:59:30,620 --> 01:59:40,360
included in your packet is a report of the district's official October 1 in Roman numbers as submitted to the

1425
01:59:40,360 --> 01:59:46,420
For one, our district wide enrollment pre-cated 12 was 5,135 students.

1426
01:59:47,040 --> 01:59:50,880
Importantly, we continue to see increases at the middle school in the high school, where

1427
01:59:50,880 --> 01:59:55,040
the middle school increased by approximately 6% and the high school 3%.

1428
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:04,940
A much more detailed report will come forth at next month's Board of Education meeting.

1429
02:00:05,600 --> 02:00:15,040
This enrollment information has been shared with our demographers at MP planning group and they will be presenting their analysis next month as well as refresh projections.

1430
02:00:16,000 --> 02:00:17,760
And that will conclude my enrollment report.

1431
02:00:20,030 --> 02:00:22,670
for the questions, Mr. Mackie?

1432
02:00:23,030 --> 02:00:24,650
Yeah, thank you.

1433
02:00:25,190 --> 02:00:29,370
It says the Pop-I Pop Program enrollment decrease by five students.

1434
02:00:29,870 --> 02:00:31,050
I don't know why I find that hard.

1435
02:00:31,350 --> 02:00:32,490
Like, how is that possible?

1436
02:00:33,250 --> 02:00:36,790
So importantly, the Pop-I Pop Program is that students are going

1437
02:00:36,790 --> 02:00:39,650
to be enrolling throughout the year in that program

1438
02:00:39,650 --> 02:00:42,830
for when they age in to turn three years old.

1439
02:00:43,210 --> 02:00:46,250
So given that this is a snapshot as of October 1,

1440
02:00:46,630 --> 02:00:49,370
there will be additional students enrolling in that program

1441
02:00:49,370 --> 02:00:50,910
simply a function of birth dates.

1442
02:00:51,410 --> 02:00:53,650
Okay, so if somebody turns three in December,

1443
02:00:53,990 --> 02:00:55,030
they could enroll that.

1444
02:00:55,610 --> 02:00:59,590
So then does that add, if we get a kid with severe needs,

1445
02:00:59,850 --> 02:01:02,030
is it possible that then we have to take from a different side

1446
02:01:02,030 --> 02:01:04,830
of the budget to or another spot,

1447
02:01:05,330 --> 02:01:07,430
because we may have to hire an additional person,

1448
02:01:07,430 --> 02:01:10,170
if this needs potentially was worse,

1449
02:01:10,270 --> 02:01:11,910
or they needed more, or whatever it is,

1450
02:01:11,990 --> 02:01:13,450
or no, or we'd good no matter,

1451
02:01:13,930 --> 02:01:15,910
if we had a student in December with high needs.

1452
02:01:16,070 --> 02:01:18,250
No, certainly there have been,

1453
02:01:18,250 --> 02:01:24,430
And likely will continue to be students that move in that are uninticipated and have uninticipated

1454
02:01:24,430 --> 02:01:30,690
needs that if their PPT recommends additional services that need to be provided to meet

1455
02:01:30,690 --> 02:01:36,250
those students needs, we need to hire that additional staffing or move resources to address

1456
02:01:36,250 --> 02:01:36,770
that need.

1457
02:01:37,090 --> 02:01:41,490
Would you say that in your position, is that a challenge to hire somebody of that statue in

1458
02:01:41,490 --> 02:01:42,130
the middle of the year?

1459
02:01:42,130 --> 02:01:45,930
because I would imagine somebody who's really experienced

1460
02:01:45,930 --> 02:01:48,690
in that role probably has a job by December.

1461
02:01:48,990 --> 02:01:50,410
So if we need somebody like that,

1462
02:01:50,410 --> 02:01:52,930
do you think that hurts us and you are other part

1463
02:01:52,930 --> 02:01:53,830
of hiring staff?

1464
02:01:54,430 --> 02:01:56,790
I'd say any mid-year hire is a challenge.

1465
02:01:56,950 --> 02:01:57,250
Challenge challenge.

1466
02:01:58,550 --> 02:01:59,430
Thank you.

1467
02:02:01,210 --> 02:02:03,090
The other questions from Mrs. Sanzo?

1468
02:02:05,090 --> 02:02:05,930
Thank you very much, Mrs. Sanzo.

1469
02:02:06,190 --> 02:02:08,910
Oh wait, Mr. Brown, I should be on this side

1470
02:02:08,910 --> 02:02:10,430
because I don't spend this way very well.

1471
02:02:10,790 --> 02:02:11,030
OK.

1472
02:02:11,510 --> 02:02:13,310
That's why Anne usually does her thing here.

1473
02:02:15,870 --> 02:02:27,510
So if I'm reading this correctly, so we are approximately 1% over the projection in the enrollment projection from 2024.

1474
02:02:29,170 --> 02:02:36,650
So we are growth as a district is a slightly less than 1% in comparison to last year.

1475
02:02:36,650 --> 02:02:45,070
And as it compares to projections, we're slightly under that projection, particularly at the kindergarten level,

1476
02:02:45,550 --> 02:02:49,110
is where the majority, where we have a smaller class than it expected.

1477
02:02:49,230 --> 02:02:56,090
That's an ongoing conversation we're having with our demographer, and they'll be able to share more analysis about that next month.

1478
02:02:56,390 --> 02:03:02,230
So, this year hasn't given us any surprises thus far, I guess, in terms of enrollment.

1479
02:03:02,230 --> 02:03:11,450
In fact, it has, as the Board may know, we needed to add an additional elementary teacher at PRS.

1480
02:03:12,410 --> 02:03:21,950
So while we are overall down in some enrollment at the elementary level, we in fact added a teacher at third grade at PRS,

1481
02:03:22,050 --> 02:03:30,490
because that particular grade level added students that put us above class size maximums and we needed to add a staff member there.

1482
02:03:30,490 --> 02:03:31,490
Thank you.

1483
02:03:36,280 --> 02:03:37,160
I'll be quick.

1484
02:03:38,040 --> 02:03:38,780
Dr. Carter.

1485
02:03:39,300 --> 02:03:41,580
Again, it won't be here for the next month report.

1486
02:03:42,120 --> 02:03:47,460
The expectation still is we're going to get about 400 kids at the high school in

1487
02:03:47,460 --> 02:03:47,940
Deuton.

1488
02:03:48,800 --> 02:03:48,820
Right.

1489
02:03:49,600 --> 02:03:54,700
So what you're really seeing is that we've plateaued at the elementary level and that we're

1490
02:03:54,700 --> 02:03:59,280
going to continue to grow at TE and you're going to continue to add another 400 students

1491
02:03:59,280 --> 02:04:01,320
to the high school by 233.

1492
02:04:01,700 --> 02:04:04,020
So that's why when you see in the budget, you're going to see.

1493
02:04:04,020 --> 02:04:09,180
more of the costs centered around middle school and high school for additional staffing

1494
02:04:09,180 --> 02:04:14,560
just as when the bubble first hit it was at the K5 level which is why we had to hire so many

1495
02:04:14,560 --> 02:04:21,180
K5 teachers you know what Dr. Sanzo just pointed out a lot of times people say well if you

1496
02:04:21,180 --> 02:04:28,120
added a hundred kids and you divide by this then that's what you get and so it depends on which school

1497
02:04:28,120 --> 02:04:34,300
It depends on which grade, so while we have fewer elementary students than anticipated,

1498
02:04:34,780 --> 02:04:39,220
we still had to add a teacher that we hadn't budgeted for, because that grade got hit

1499
02:04:39,220 --> 02:04:40,980
at that school and at that grade level.

1500
02:04:41,760 --> 02:04:47,520
So the idea of just dividing by school or by grade level doesn't work, it matters where

1501
02:04:47,520 --> 02:04:48,200
they're hitting.

1502
02:04:49,200 --> 02:04:54,260
Dr. Carter, I'm smiling, you probably need to stay off Facebook, because that exact example

1503
02:04:54,260 --> 02:04:55,080
was there recently.

1504
02:04:55,080 --> 02:05:00,000
I have never been on Facebook, so I will continue to do so.

1505
02:05:01,500 --> 02:05:03,880
Dr. Carter, I just want to follow up real quick.

1506
02:05:04,080 --> 02:05:06,580
Something Dr. Stanza just said, because I think, again,

1507
02:05:07,120 --> 02:05:08,580
I've got to take the shots when you can.

1508
02:05:08,900 --> 02:05:10,040
I think it's really important.

1509
02:05:10,100 --> 02:05:14,780
He gave him an example about, you could have a few new students that we didn't predict

1510
02:05:14,780 --> 02:05:18,660
and they could have some high needs, is an example that we're not a business.

1511
02:05:19,680 --> 02:05:23,240
When we get that example, you guys all have to figure it out.

1512
02:05:23,840 --> 02:05:29,700
There's no alternative other than figure it out, provide the services that are required and figure it out.

1513
02:05:29,860 --> 02:05:37,440
If it happens in September or if it happens in February, whenever it happens, that's your job, that's your responsibility, that's the requirement.

1514
02:05:39,300 --> 02:05:44,960
So if future boards talk about having a little bit of reserves, that's the reason.

1515
02:05:45,620 --> 02:05:52,620
That's an example of that because there's no other place to go unless we want to go back to the council in the middle of a school year.

1516
02:05:52,620 --> 02:05:55,340
So, okay. Thank you.

1517
02:05:57,460 --> 02:05:57,740
I'm sorry.

1518
02:05:59,200 --> 02:06:06,560
And it's a sense. That's a sense of. Isn't it true that we go to higher 6 to 12 teacher

1519
02:06:06,560 --> 02:06:12,100
there, there's sub, there are content certified. So, you know, just because you're a

1520
02:06:12,100 --> 02:06:16,760
new math teacher, it's way different than hiring an elementary school teacher who's

1521
02:06:17,140 --> 02:06:21,600
certified in all the subjects and all the elementary subjects. So, when you get to

1522
02:06:21,600 --> 02:06:26,680
say you need a chemistry teacher only certain people you can't say well we already have you know

1523
02:06:26,680 --> 02:06:32,440
on that teacher that person may not necessarily be able to serve as a chemistry teacher correct?

1524
02:06:32,820 --> 02:06:37,900
That's absolutely correct not only is it content certified but as you the example you just

1525
02:06:37,900 --> 02:06:43,660
gave in certain subject areas it's even more specialized than that so for instance science teachers

1526
02:06:43,660 --> 02:06:51,300
there are specific certifications in chemistry biology physics as an example similarly in

1527
02:06:51,300 --> 02:06:57,260
language, Spanish, French, Italian, etc., and if you have to hire that, you know,

1528
02:06:57,260 --> 02:06:59,800
me way through the year, that's if it becomes even more difficult.

1529
02:07:00,240 --> 02:07:00,680
Absolutely.

1530
02:07:01,860 --> 02:07:02,660
I knew the answer to that.

1531
02:07:02,720 --> 02:07:04,800
I just wanted to hit you to say it out loud.

1532
02:07:05,100 --> 02:07:06,140
Anybody else?

1533
02:07:09,170 --> 02:07:09,330
Right.

1534
02:07:13,990 --> 02:07:14,470
That's the Carter.

1535
02:07:15,030 --> 02:07:16,890
And we keep rolling with Dr. Samza.

1536
02:07:18,170 --> 02:07:19,790
Thank you again, Dr. Carter.

1537
02:07:20,270 --> 02:07:24,930
Board members included in your packet this evening is the latest personnel report.

1538
02:07:24,930 --> 02:07:27,490
At this time of the year, we've received notification.

1539
02:07:30,000 --> 02:07:35,780
Motion of four retirements will take effect at the end of the school year. Three teachers and one administrator

1540
02:07:35,780 --> 02:07:40,840
the details are included within your packet and that will conclude my personal report for this evening.

1541
02:07:42,040 --> 02:07:45,760
Thank you. Next we have unfinished new business.

1542
02:07:47,260 --> 02:07:48,940
Go to Mr. Marks.

1543
02:07:49,120 --> 02:07:50,740
Prove of Superintendents schools.

1544
02:07:52,360 --> 02:07:57,240
Thank you. I moved to approve of 2025 to 2006 superintendent schools as presented.

1545
02:07:57,760 --> 02:07:58,600
Any discussion?

1546
02:07:58,960 --> 02:07:59,240
Oh, second.

1547
02:07:59,300 --> 02:07:59,900
Thank you.

1548
02:08:00,140 --> 02:08:00,420
Any discussion?

1549
02:08:04,770 --> 02:08:05,090
Okay.

1550
02:08:06,150 --> 02:08:06,610
All in favor?

1551
02:08:08,090 --> 02:08:08,570
Opposed?

1552
02:08:09,290 --> 02:08:09,690
Session?

1553
02:08:10,170 --> 02:08:10,870
Motion carries?

1554
02:08:12,530 --> 02:08:13,530
You have a monitoring order.

1555
02:08:13,670 --> 02:08:14,130
Start the corridor.

1556
02:08:14,710 --> 02:08:20,430
Next we have the Rathide and the Tenet of Agreement between Sothwinds of Board of

1557
02:08:20,430 --> 02:08:21,730
Ed and Slaw.

1558
02:08:22,330 --> 02:08:23,550
Mr. Brown.

1559
02:08:24,450 --> 02:08:24,830
Thank you.

1560
02:08:25,010 --> 02:08:28,930
Move to ratify the Tenet of Agreement between the Sothwinds of Board of Education and the

1561
02:08:28,930 --> 02:08:34,810
Windsor Administrators Association, effective July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2029.

1562
02:08:49,310 --> 02:08:51,490
No, he didn't want to do it today. It's Mr. Mackie.

1563
02:08:55,130 --> 02:08:59,030
Mr. President, you all said you like something.

1564
02:08:59,850 --> 02:09:03,190
All right. Have we, do you have a second? All in favour?

1565
02:09:04,410 --> 02:09:05,350
I'll be back in a second.

1566
02:09:05,350 --> 02:09:07,730
There you go. All in favour? All right.

1567
02:09:07,850 --> 02:09:08,030
All right.

1568
02:09:08,190 --> 02:09:10,910
Opposed? Opposition? Motion carries.

1569
02:09:12,230 --> 02:09:12,390
All right.

1570
02:09:12,390 --> 02:09:14,350
Next, we have a community force.

1571
02:09:14,510 --> 02:09:15,950
Anybody with a community report?

1572
02:09:16,870 --> 02:09:18,030
One last time, Mr. Kimber.

1573
02:09:21,530 --> 02:09:24,190
It's pretty much the same as last time, so.

1574
02:09:26,210 --> 02:09:27,030
All right.

1575
02:09:27,890 --> 02:09:29,790
Hearing your visitors, anybody you'd like to speak?

1576
02:09:31,830 --> 02:09:32,070
Okay.

1577
02:09:33,310 --> 02:09:35,350
Next, I am some future agenda.

1578
02:09:36,430 --> 02:09:38,070
We'll have a look.

1579
02:09:38,890 --> 02:09:39,470
New members.

1580
02:09:40,990 --> 02:09:42,550
I want to thank the Board of Ed.

1581
02:09:43,050 --> 02:09:44,310
People who are not coming back.

1582
02:09:44,310 --> 02:09:46,690
I wish locked to the people who are coming back.

1583
02:09:47,510 --> 02:09:49,070
You will be very missed.

1584
02:09:50,410 --> 02:09:51,410
I can get mushy now.

1585
02:09:51,570 --> 02:09:53,050
Next we have adjournment.

1586
02:09:53,110 --> 02:09:54,210
Cah, have a motion to adjourn.

1587
02:09:57,550 --> 02:09:58,290
Cah, second.

1588
02:09:58,710 --> 02:09:59,330
There you go.

1589
02:09:59,570 --> 02:10:00,130
Very adjourn.

1590
02:10:00,230 --> 02:10:00,670
Thank you.