School Committee: July 31, 2025

Transcript captured from YouTube auto-captioning. No speaker labels; proper names and dollar figures occasionally misheard. Click any timecode to jump to that moment in the source video.

0:09 This is our meeting. I’m signed in as Okay.

4:41 I’ll call the uh meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Um we’ll start with the pledge of allegiance. If you’ll lead us, Brian, please.

4:56 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which stands one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all.

5:13 » Um just need to make a couple of slight adjustments to the agenda. Uh the first is that there will not be an executive session following this public meeting tonight. Uh the second is that uh Mr. Oda would like to make a statement at this time. » I want to announce effective immediately I am vacating my position on the school committee because as of tomorrow I won’t be a citizen of Marblehead anymore. I’m moving back out my hometown. The house that I lived in all these years, the owner passed away. It went to probate court last year and they finally got it through probate. The executive has decided to sell a house that I’m in. So, I am vacating. I am not resigning. So, I wanted to say thank you to everyone. It’s been a pleasure working with the

5:59 school committee. I’ve made many friends and associates. It’s been great and I’m going to solely miss this. And so, with that, I’ll fair adu. » Thank you, Kate. It’s been a pleasure. » Same here. Thank you. » Thank you.

6:31 appreciate it. It’s been a pleasure really. Thank you. Thank you for all your help and your support.

6:53 Okay. The next order of business is to again um look at filling our secretarial position. Uh and I think um Henry, you were going to do some investigating if you could. » Sure. Yeah, I did call the state ethics office. Um I tried to get a written response. They take about 30 days. So according to them, the phone call is just as functional, but essentially they said that there’s there’s no issue with me holding the secretary position provided that in an instance where I would need to recuse recuse myself, which would be if we were discussing pay or part-time substitutes in in this case, uh that I would need to recuse myself and someone else would need to temporarily take over the secretary role for that, but that I

7:41 could still um release the minutes. Um and and so if everyone is fine with possibly temporarily taking over that role while I leave, then then I’m happy to accept the secretary. » Okay. » Could I just could I make a comment, Mr. Chair? Um and the there may be other instances other than that that we may need to look at accusing uh like for instance like you know possibly when my evaluation comes up there may be areas over see the you know the staff in the district and maybe times there. So I just want to be I just want to mention it because there may be times that we’re not thinking of that we have to like just thank you Johnny I uh I pointed out one instance but there are yeah I just want to make sure it’s good to be clear on that. I appreciate that. Thank you.

8:27 you. you. » Okay. Um I guess then I’m looking for a motion to appoint Henry as our secretary. » So move. » Um so I I um I just I’m looking for the motion. Oh, so moved. I’m sorry. They’re second. I’m seeing your lips say so move. Uh second. » Second. » Okay. Um Okay. We’ll we’ll go to vote. Um Jen, » no. » Okay, Henry. Uh yes. » Um » yes. » Uh Al Williams in favor. Uh so three to one. Uh the motion passes. » Uh congratulations. Um the one thing I do do just want to say because I think there’s been some confusion at least

9:15 when I was secretary is that um I would like the secretary to assume I think I said this at the last meeting was the responsibility for taking minutes also at this meeting. Yeah. » In addition to executive session and obviously we’ll work out something if there’s an up where you need to recuse yourself. » Yeah. » Okay. » Um we will move on to commendations.

9:39 » So I think I would like to commend Brian Oda for his service to school committee and his service to the school district as principal and assistant principal. And we I speak for the committee. I miss working. Thank you, Ryan. » It was said well stated. Um I have one um there’s a a Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award is presented annually to one teacher in Marblehead and one in Salem as a representative of all the excellent dedicated teachers in the community who make a difference to children every day. Uh this year’s recipient is Margaret Voss Howard um from Marglehead. I’m sorry. The recipient of that award is uh Katie I’m

10:25 sorry if I mispronounced this name » Abear. Thank you. So Katie Abear from Veterans Middle School who is known for her unwavering dedication, creative spirit, and profound impact on students and colleagues alike. So congratulations to her. Sounds very welld deserved.

10:46 Um I have a commendation as well um which is for the friends of the Marblehead public schools who celebrated their 35th anniversary this year. They have donated an enormous amount of time and energy and resources to our district. I want to commend the friends and all the people who work with and support that organization. » Okay. Any others? I just I’d like to just reiterate um Jen’s uh thoughts about Brian, you know, as as a as a superintendent has been here a year. He was part of my, you know, high hiring team and um I want to say that it was it was a pleasure working with him through that. He was very supportive when he came down to Swansea when they visited. Um he’s been uh he’s met with me on

11:32 regular basis, asked very uh poignant permanent questions. We had a lot of good dialogue and um I just think he was a really good um solid kind of committee. So I appreciate his support last year. So I wish him well new endeavor. So please

12:03 Do you want to hear? Okay.

12:24 » I just want to remind folks uh the adherence to the freedom comment, please.

12:34 Um, so I just want to start by saying um Ali and Jonathan reached out to myself and Julia um Ferrer and asked if uh we would um provide a joint statement to the public in regard to um you know things here in Marblehead and I thought it was a great idea and I appreciate um I appreciate the thoughts and efforts and I think uh I think this is a great way to start off the school year. So I just want to share that. I’m going to start reading and then we’re going to kind of share we all get a a part in this. Uh Julia does endorse this. She she has a family commitment. That’s why she’s not here to um partake. So I just want to share that. The joint statement from the MEA leadership, the superintendent and the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. We would like to jointly reaffirm that all curricular materials used in Marblehead public schools are selected through a clearly defined and rigorous process that prioritizes academic

13:21 integrity, alignment with state standards, and the diverse needs of our students. Many national and regional organizations produce educational materials intended to support teaching and learning. Resources from outside organizations are not automatically adopted or implemented in Marblehead classrooms. Like any instructional material, they must go through the district’s curriculum review and approval process. This includes careful vetting for educational value, age appropriateness, and alignment with district goals or values in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

13:55 Resources from these organizations are not automatically adopted or implemented in mark classroom. Like any instructional material, they must go through the district’s curriculum review and approval process. This includes in careful vetting for education value, age appropriateness, and alignment with the district goals, core values, and the Massachusetts curriculum. We are aware that the National Education Association, the NEA, recently faced public attention following a proposal brought forward in its annual representative assembly to end its relationship with the ADL. As part of its standard governance procedures, the NA executive committee conducted a required review and a broader consultation. The NEA board of directors ultimately voted not to adopt proposals. NA leadership has since

14:42 reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to combating anti-semitism, anti-archy, and all forms of discrimination while continue to engage in thoughtful dialogue across communities. Curriculum decisions in Marlehead are made independently and collaboratively by educators, administrators, and instructional leaders. They are informed by data, professional standards, and the needs of our students, not by the position of external organizations. Through the partnership between the office of teaching learning and the professional development committee, we ensure that all training and instructional materials is selected to enhance learning, foster inclusion, and support the whole child. » We remain committed to the transparent, inclusive, and student centered approach to curriculum development and

15:29 implementation. We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and trust in this process. Thank you very much. » Thank you.

15:48 » Um Sarah and if folks remotely would like to uh comment, please raise your hand.

16:01 Hi, Min. I’m here today because we can no longer afford to be reacted. We must be proactive. Anti-semitism is not a distant threat. It is here. It is growing and it is happening every single day. We are witnessing increasing verbal and physical attacks on Jews and Israelis around the world and in this country. Just this week, two Jewish women along with two security guards were murdered at the Blackstone building in New York City. One of them was actually my family friend. A mother of two shot in the lobby as she was leaving work. I watched on social media today as she is laid to rest people aged 15 to 35 saying they deserved it for being Jewish working for Blackstone and a rooted management

16:47 company. In Brooklyn, a mom stormed a kosher restaurant two days ago, screaming, “Kill the Jews!” leaving diners bruised, bloodied, hospitalized, and traumatized. And actually, one had their ribs fractured. In Spain last week, 50 Jewish kids aged 10 to 15 were removed from a flight. And while their Jewish uh 21-year-old counselor was physically assaulted simply for being Jewish. It also turned out that the pilot of this flight was one of the teachers of the two terrorists that took down planes on 911. We cannot pretend these acts of hate are isolated or irrelevant to our town. Whether or not these events make national headlines, their message is clear. Jewish people are being targeted,

17:33 and we need to act now. I am here to ask the committee to set a timeline to implement policies, education, consequences, and clear reporting systems addressing anti-semitism in our schools and districts. We waited long enough. The Jewish community should not have to beg for our safety to be taken seriously. We should not have to keep explaining why our concerns matter. I thank the superintendent for making an anti anti-semitism task force which I am on but we need to move faster. A survey was sent out to parents, teachers, and students, but it was at the end of the school year. Therefore, um I think it will be sent out in the fall. I know schools need data, but the Jewish community knows the data. But we need actions now, not later.

18:21 So why are we not moving faster? I provided the school committee and the super with a wonderful retreat for teachers and administration and administrators. I will leave some flyers here tonight and if you have any questions, you can contact the host of the event. There’s free re uh registration through tomorrow. It’s been out for about a month. But um let me be clear and I can only speak for a handful of proactive Jews and allies in this community. We will not back down from our ass.

18:51 Uh we will not back down from our task. We deserve to be heard and protected. We are proud of who we are and we will not be silenced or ignored. We will not expect our children and teachers to be subjected to anti-semitism. » That’s for the next three minutes, sir. » Okay. So, let me just ask one thing. So, I’m just asking the district to act and, you know, set up by the next school committee a plan of action as to what we’re going to do for the fall. » Sure. Do you mind sending that an electronic? » Yeah. » Thank you. » Um, we have someone remotely

19:37 Megan, Megan, » can you hear me?

19:49 » All right. I’m sorry. Can you Can you hear me now? » Now I can hear you. Can you hear me? » Yes, we can. » Okay. Thank you. Um, thank you, Sarah. Um, thank you also for the superintendent. I’m as well on the anti-discrimination task force who will be dealing with anti-semitism. Um like Sarah just said, we as Jews have experienced a very heightened anti-semitism and this summer, this past few weeks, we have literally been attacked everywhere in the world. Um we are also being attacked inside the educational system. It has happened on our campuses and it

20:36 is happening now in K through 12. In fact, it has already happened as we saw in the curriculum that we did change which I’m extremely proud of. When this when this board when this school committee adopted the proclamation not to adopt anti-semitic curriculum coming from the MTA it was one of the righteous justice seeking justice and correct thing to do. We cannot fill our students with hate. We have now two students in Marblehead. My two kids, David and Eve, are in Israel right now. A couple days ago, they they wanted to go to Jerusalem and I was thinking whether I should

21:21 allow it or not. And I said, “You know what? Go. We cannot tell a Jew not to go visit the Western Wall. That is insane.” They went to the Western Wall. There was a siren. A rocket hit from the Houthis went all the way from from Hutim to to Israel. From Yemen to Israel. They had to go down to the bomb shelter. It was actually the tunnels under under the western wall. People were there singing and then coming out. We as Jews are being targeted everywhere. We are being targeted in our homeland and being targeted now on the streets of Western society in Europe, in America and we are also being targeted in our educational system against our

22:09 children. It is imperative that we in Marblehead, especially in Marblehead with such a big Jewish population, in a population that has fought for anti-discrimination, that has fought for diversity, we have to take an action to ensure that this type of curriculum does not enter our school. Now I saw there was a a we sent out as the committee as the anti-discrimination committee a questionnaire and a lot of people said that they have they have physically and with words experienced anti-semitism almost once a week and there was one person that I just want to say even though I’m running out of time who said the following it was a freshman boy in

22:55 the soccer team who experienced anti-semitism which some of you don’t know about and he said that his boy got more support and love from his teammates and his friends than he got from the teachers and administration. And I think that is something as the school committee and the superintendent and our teachers need to take into account and see how can we also of course help our children that are suffering from anti-semitism either from their peers from teachers or from the curriculum. » Excuse me. That’s that’s three minutes. » I I am done. Yeah. The last thing I just wanted to say was thank you. I want to thank the school committee for always

23:41 being proactive with anything that has to do with anti-semitism. You have no idea how happy I am to go to things that have to do with fighting anti-semitism. And I come with a happy story. I come with a story of a town and a school committee that fights actively against it. So, thank you.

24:01 » All right. Uh that will bring public comment to a close. Next on the agenda, uh, superintendent updates. » Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so my my updates are are minimal as it’s summertime, but there are definitely things going on in Marblehead during the summer. Um, summertime is a busy time of the year, despite there no being no school in session. There’s a lot of planning with our admin team and strategizing for professional development, procedures, and practices that take place during July and August. Our admin retreat is on August 5th and 6th where I will share expectations. We will review processes and procedures, do some team building, some training, alignment of philosophies across buildings so that we can hit the ground running the staff students returning. Our new staff orientation is August 22nd

24:47 where we welcome several new teachers, instructional assistants um and a host of other uh positions to the district along with two new team chairs and officially welcome our events principal Matt Leangi. I say officially because that’s the day we like all get together and welcome back all our new folks. Um and then on our August 25th and 26th, we have PD days where the first day I’ll welcome staff back and share items of interest, set the stage for the school year. The building principles will meet with their staff. Um departments of grade level teams will meet and several training provided many revolving around special ed. That’s that’s obviously something we’ve been talking about for the last year and uh you know the plan is to get a lot of that training in um at the beginning of the school year. So, I’m excited about having those two days um at the beginning of the school year. I had talked about um and having the two days to reaclimate and get necessary PD

25:33 and housekeeping out of the way is important to starting the school year off on the right foot. We will welcome our students back on August 27th. Uh facilities projects are moving forward. The painting of the pack and the foyer vets is complete and it looks great. Looks really awesome. It’s all bright and shiny. Um and the reupholstered seats are scheduled to be back soon. I believe they said the week of the 18th. So, um, not back before the 25th. We might have standing only at the pack for my welcome back. We’ll figure something out. Um, but I I’m I’m pretty sure that they’re going to be back. Yeah, that’s the plan. Uh, playground resurfacing at Glover is uh in along with a new piece of equipment thanks to the PTO is being worked on. Um, that’s all kind of in the works. That’s um also slated to be done before the kids get back. Uh, the HVA HVA system at uh

26:18 Glover is also being replaced and expanded. So, they get the old units off the roof to put the new units on. working on connecting everything. It’s gonna actually make what was intended to work properly work properly. And there was some areas added. Um we had talked about that as well. Some mini splits been installed in vets in the high school as well. Um we received delivery of the first electric transport van today. Um and uh which was great. It has some marble head logo on it. It’s really cool. We checked out actually Jim was at the at the um office today for another meeting and she got to see it’s really really nice. Beautiful uh electric van um which is nice. Um it’s really kind of one step in the direction of you know green marble head initiative that we have in town. So excited about that. It’s going to be used for you know industrial transportation special ed students and other students that may need um transportation where we can’t

27:04 always get the big buses. So very excited about that. Uh let’s see the schoolboard and village is finally arriving tomorrow. Uh it’ll be stored until we can get it um installed. Um that’ll be done shortly. The trees have all been trimmed back. the lighting um thing is going to help us uh set that set the sign in. So that’s awesome. And then general resurfacing of floors, painting, etc. that happens at all kind of freshening up is also happening on the district. So just wanted to share that. Um we do have a plan B that has been established in case the strike continues for the waste management. Um I know that’s kind of you know it’s on some people’s mind about you know we’re bringing things to the way the transfer station now but obviously we don’t have students and staff and everybody in the buildings yet. We do have a uh I just want a plan B and we’re hoping that business is usual before school starts

27:51 but if not we will be prepared in case so that’s still going and finally our ESY program along with our summer literacy and math programs have been going well overall and wrapping up I think uh this week the literacy math I think it ended today and the um special ed ESY program is ends next week. So, thank you to all the staff who have worked diligently to ensuring the programs are in place for our students and they they’ve gotten what they need over the summer summer weeks. Uh, that’s all I have, Mr. Chairman. » Thank you. Uh, the next item uh was also for you, John. Uh, update on the anti-discrimination » Oh, yeah. committee, please. » Anti-discrimination committee update. Um, so this is actually timely because we just had a couple conversations about this. So, uh, created anti-discrimination committee last year.

28:37 Um it currently consists of three community members um two of which you’ve heard from this evening. Uh three administrators and three teachers and then I’ve also listed um feedback from students. So high school students been involved and I’ve been meeting with them separately to garner um input and ideas. That’s mainly because of the timing. I try to get the the two groups together but a lot of times in the afternoon when I meet with the adults the kids are at jobs and sports etc and after school stuff. So um I’ve been meeting with them during the day. I’m going to continue to do that um over the in the fall and into the school year. I’m going to work with Michelle Carlson, Dr. Carlson to set up uh set up time for me to do that in a regular basis with the children, the students. Um and I think that uh and then we also set up ongoing hopefully monthly meetings with the with the committee uh so that we can get going. I

29:23 you know I hear loudly and clear that we need to move forward. Um it’s uh not not where I want it to be either. So I I have heard that input and feedback and um my plan is to continue to the surveys that went out were definitely late in the game. Didn’t get real good response. I you know I won’t own that and I I’m going to send them out differently just and really you know there always conversations about surveys saying you know you know they are they you know helpful or not helpful. The survey is really just to garner some like uh really some really good information about you know how frequently and how often are there issues of discrimination in the district and uh you know what catchment areas to what degree and that will help inform how we move forward with the committee. So um the overarching goal of the committee is to gain a deeper understanding of the issues of discrimination within our

30:08 schools and how we can develop ways to address them in a proactive ways. And the backdrop to all the discussions is how we as educators and caregivers help each other and our students exist in our community ensuring that people are treated fairly and respectfully. That’s the you know keep saying what’s the goal of the committee. That’s the that’s the ultimate goal with me is to create um a school culture where students can uh learn from each other, can um be open and honest about when they’re feeling um discriminated against and have safe safe adults to go to and also be able to have conversations with one another. This is not an overnight fix. Will never be an overnight fix. Um, but I’m confident that um, all the folks that are involved, we’ve also listened a lot of feedback and resources and um, ideas from other members of the

30:54 community that aren’t on the committee. I met today with a member of community done that several times with other folks. So, you know, the plan is to kind of, you know, bring folks in when and where needed into the committee. So, it won’t be a stagnant committee. We will kind of move forward with changing it up as as needed. You know, right now there is a a larger focus on anti-semitism, but it’s really an anti-discrimination committee. So, we need to address racism. We need to address anti um LGBTQ plus, you know, phobia, anything that anything that um affects, you know, students and staff and in a discriminatory way um is is going to be hopefully addressed. Now, the committee isn’t there just to wave the magic wand to fix it. It’s really there to hear, to listen to, and to develop solutions so that we can really change school culture in that’s that’s the plan. So, That’s

31:40 the update right now. Um, starting in the fall, we’re going to try to meet I’m going to try to work out monthly meetings with the with the larger group and obviously the students in an ongoing way and I’ll report back out to the committee as as we kind of move forward and get some tasks generated and um some feedback and information to share that’s pertinent. So, I will do that as we get into the fall. That’s all I have, Mr. Chairman. » Okay. Well, you going to have the next item, John? » So, yeah. So the um so there was a request by Sarah about um just sharing information from Dr. Mary Bar Halpurn. Um she’s a she’s a uh Jewish community member who does do um some trainings in in uh provides some resources around trauma um in regard to uh um students

32:27 and uh I mean or family members, children um whoever has experienced trauma in mainly in um in the area of anti-semitic um issues. Um but I think she has a lot lot to offer in regard to that and how how does um how does trauma react to things also um help in other areas but mainly in the anti-spec. So um uh her her biography and some uh information was shared with the committee and I believe there’s a video to have a video I didn’t get that but I think it was sent. So, there’s a video that we’re going to um just share that I think just speaks a little bit just um about kind of some of the work that she does and and the thought process here is to kind of hear um and listen to what she has to say and does it make sense to bring her into district in some capacity and and

33:13 my plan is to bring this information back to the anti-discrimination um committee and kind of talk about it and say does it make sense to have her come in? If so, in what capacity and targeting what you know, adults, students, caregivers, all of the above, in what order? Um, anytime we have any kind of PD, regardless of what it is about, we have to decide what makes sense, what um doesn’t make sense, how does it make sense, when do we put into place, at what level, and to what degree. Um, professional development is always nice when it’s embedded more. So, it’s more more effective. We we find that with you know curriculum and trainings that we do you know the wayfinder curriculum we did is that initial training but then there’s always embedded stuff so that people are learning um so Dr. Howard is you know it

34:00 may be a oneoff kind of thing which is okay if that’s what we decide but then how do we maybe take some of the information transfer it to what we’re doing in the school. So that’s kind of the overarching backdrop to why why this is on the agenda tonight. Did I do that justice Sarah? » Yeah. Do you want me to read her biography like the short part of it? Well, that’s up to the chair. I They have the information, but I don’t know if we » Yeah, that’s fine.

34:28 » Um, so why Mary isn’t here is she’s actually traveling, but I wanted to get it on the agenda. So, um, I did an interview with her yesterday and we recorded it for everybody. Um, so Dr. Mary Ghart is the director of trauma training and services at parents for peace and a lecturer in psychology at Harvard Medical School where she supervises psychology interns and psychiatry residents with two decades of experience across clinical academic tech support uh tech startup and policy setting. She has developed global training programs and public health initiatives focused on resilience, healing and recovery especially in the face of extremism, identity based violence and chronic stress. the video show everything else. » Appreciate that. Yeah, thank you. I

35:15 didn’t know how much detail I had seen the video so I didn’t know. Thank you.

35:25 » Can you cue that video up? » Yeah, please. Right.

36:03 make a little louder, Frank? So tell us a little bit about your background.

36:14 So So the last

36:39 and after that I was director as well

37:32 I started researching that and that actually that isn’t that isn’t well because my client so I had clients anxiety or aggression

38:07 So I became an advocate. I’ve been asked to testify in the state house

38:28 October according to several researchers over 700

38:35 on 2023 on 2023 was about 1 So he became patient really

39:07 um both ser trying to get out of state. So

39:15 they actually are providing organization to schools all over

39:23 workshop over there as well teachers that is because all all meaning that everyone will get doesn’t matter if far away from it has shown that a lot of the US world

40:06 feel feel so I think that not

41:07 Why is it It is definitely

41:49 that it’s not as people who are more

42:07 of that right Now 12 target

42:32 about about Especially west.

42:57 and then I was providing again also

43:52 Here we’re doing that is wonderful. So again, they are very as long as

46:08 meaning it’s not just the

46:35 that’s why that’s why it can be made and like less probably

48:02 » thank you. Thank you, Sarah. I could just I think um you know again at the on the back end of this I’ll have further conversations with Sarah and the rest of the committee. Um I’ll likely reach out to Dr. Barber as well and just kind of get some further information um just to see what makes the most sense. I heard a lot of you know positive things out of there. There’s some things that you know may may or may not fit with what you know how we how we operate but you know I’m always open to conversation the resources the the opportunities. So we’ll take those next steps and see who » I mean she’s not traveling but is she local? » She’s uh she is local. She’s » um so she is local. She’s traveling right now but she’ll be back in like a week and she has some traveling in the fall to Canada.

48:51 » Great. Thank you for doing that. Really appreciate it. Thank you to read all those resources that I sent also » most of it. Yes. » All right. » Thank you. » Anything else? Okay. Um, yeah. Thank you, John. Thank you, Sarah. » Um, we received an email from the Friends of Marblehead Head Public Schools. Friends of Marblehead Public Schools. Their board has unanimously voted to approve $2,500 worth of school supplies to each of our schools. So, I’m looking for a motion to accept this donation.

49:31 Oh, Oh, » it’s » later in the agenda. You taking this out of order. » Did it get moved? I have it. Uh » yeah, we were on consent action. I schedule bills next. » And where was the Yeah, I could. » Uh the the donation is down under four E4. » Okay. » Okay. » Well, do we want to? » Right. All right. Um, let’s do schedule of bills then first. Um, » so if it’s a consent agenda, you can vote them all at the same time. » Right. Um, right. Which is what we’re doing in this case with the schedule of bills. Um, so I’m looking for a motion to approve the identified schedule of bills that’s located in our share drive totaling 1,279,6919.

50:24 Some of them » second » sh uh check » you calling for a vote » there was a motion was made unless there’s discussion. » Yes. So now I am looking for a vote. A motion was made and seconded. » In favor. » Thank you. » In favor. » Williams in favor. Um see. All right. So meeting minutes. So Jen, I just need a question for you. Is it typically » we make the motion that we discuss if there’s edits? » So usually in the consent agenda that all the we could have voted this whole thing in one motion. So but we’re not. So um

51:10 So um So um » I didn’t want because of this item I wasn’t sure how to address because I I think there may be some edits we may want to make. » Yeah. So usually you would vote it as all of them and then during the deliberation if anyone has any they can bring up and that can be changed. Um I do think just in the future like we’re voting not draft we’re voting the like I don’t know how we can figure out the wording like we’re voting the actual meeting minutes not the draft meeting minutes. So with this vote they will be the actual minutes » right? So they’re currently in draft form and this and and then the vote or potential edits would then » if passed would then make them final. » I guess so. Yeah. Normally I would put » and take the draft you know edits in the draft would be made the draft watermark

51:57 would be removed. » Right. So but okay I just I don’t in the so in the past we have voted draft minutes or we’ve said drafts will go in as a draft and then these are actually the follow on whatever it doesn’t it doesn’t matter. Um, so yeah, we can probably make a motion for all of them and if anyone has any changes and then it would be approved based on those changes if it’s approved based on the changes. » That sounded like a motion to me. Is that motion or » uh motion to approve meeting minutes 227 36 320 43 41751565.

52:36 » I’ll I’ll second that motion. Uh any discussion on these on these minutes?

52:45 So I think they were fairly good. I I guess what I have a question about is there were there’s in these draft minutes there are uh motions and secondeds that don’t have the actual person that did that. It just has kind of a seconded by » Yeah. So the secretary would normally, you know, fill » in blanks. And fix that. Can we approve them pending, you know, pending those fixes? » Sure. I mean, we can do whatever we want if that’s the will of the committee. Um, you could amend the motion. » So, we need to amend the motion so that we can make that it would incorporate um » yeah, » edits that we discuss at this time. » Do you have those specifics or do you have somewhere? Do you have them?

53:31 » I do. So you probably do you » want to just » well then do it » well that would be the will of the committee but if you you could one option would be to make to amend the motion to approve the draft minutes um with changes that you’ve highlighted or fixes that you’ve highlighted that the secretary will confirm. » Okay. Um, I will so move that if you have that ever. Okay. » Yeah. » Uh, look me for a second. » Second. » Okay. Any other discussion? All right. Uh, do a roll call. Jen » in favor. » Henry. » In favor. » Okay.

54:18 » I’m going to abstain. I was not on the committee during the time meeting. » Uh, Al Williams. U in favor. Um, I do want to point this out because our previous chair did. Uh, it’s my understanding that the policy does if you are not at a meeting, you are still allowed to vote on it. I do agree. I I’ve abstained sometimes because I’d feel uncomfortable if I wasn’t at the meeting, but I just want to let you know people have that option. » And that’s Robert’s not » open. Okay. Thank you. Okay. » So, that’s three to three to zero one. » Yes.

54:58 All right. Um, so next item was for you, superintendent. Yes, back to me. Yes, » back to you. » Um, so we we decided we we should probably talk about the federal and the state funding, just some of the issues that have transpired. So obviously the the federal grant funding that was frozen by the administration is has apparently been unfrozen. Although there wasn’t a whole lot of fanfare about that. So I I’m still a little cautiously optimistic. Um, however, I just wanted to share with the committee the grant funding that was affected by the freeze was a total of approximately $70,000 to the district. So, not a huge amount of money, but still things that, you know, we used to pay for like mentoring statements and things like that. So, I was happy to hear that it’s unfrozen and we’ll continue to monitor that situation and if there’s any

55:43 changes that need to be made to the disc or any changes, I’ll bring it back to the committee to discuss. So, I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that that, you know, the funding does move back our way as hasn’t as as has been indicated. I put this kind of as a ticket item before the funds were unfrozen again. So, um but yeah, we’re talking I think it was like 68,000 and change. So, I said approximately 70,000. Um the bigger piece to me is actually the state grant funding. Um and I think um I’m just going to have this conversation a little bit out out loud. It may be unpopular to some folks in town, but I have to have it. Um anyway, so some significant school grant funding is contingent upon the compliance with 3A programming for our students is at risk. So I’m hopeful that the compliance is in the works. I

56:30 share this because quite frankly when um the vote for the 3A went the way it went, it um significantly jeopardized our MECO programming. Our MECO re is tied directly to 3A the 3A compliance that we’re supposed to be under. Um, and just to put that in perspective, that’s $500,000, give or take. Um, that $500,000 provides the needed transportation program for MECO students. So, quite frankly, um, we we could be in some significant trouble with the MECO fund. Now, I will say that we got the grant in. It made it in under the rate under the the deadline and made it in under when the vote was the second vote was taken at the second meeting. Um, and it got approved and we

57:16 pushed it through with a little bit of cajoling with the state and we got we got it approved. So, we got the funding. It’s sitting there uh for us to access. So, it was a big sigh of relief because there’s about 3 days worth of me not sleeping and and having um some nauseous thoughts about how we’re going to um tell everybody in the medical program that they no longer have a school here in Marblehead. Um, and I’m not being dramatic of telling saying what is actually um accurate. So, right now we’re okay. So I want for those that might be listening and writing things in the newspaper, we’re okay in the MECO program now. We have the funding for this year, but you know, I have to understand as a community that that grant funding is contingent upon 3A compliance in the district. So however

58:02 that works out with the town, I don’t think that folks really nec I certainly didn’t understand that it was tied to it. So um it was kind of in the fine print. It wasn’t in the grant applications. it’s kind of on the side in the thing and it just kind of came up at a by the buy conversation. Um they spoke with the tower administrator. He was not aware either. Um so by no fault of you know um really anybody other than happens. So some of the other grant funding I don’t know on the town side what what the 3A effects but I’m speaking for the school. So the metco grant funding is directly tied to 3A $500,000 plus or minus. Um we’re okay for the school year. So that’s that’s the matter of messaging. Pathways and innovations grant is also another grant that’s tied directly to 3A that we apply for and we generally get every year and

58:50 that’s $50,000. Um it sounds like small potatoes but it’s it provides the resources for some of the high school programming. Um and as as of this morning we still do not have that funding released. It’s approved on my end and it’s back with Desi waiting for approval. that deadline was kind of straddled the um the vote in the 3A compliance deadline which I think was June 17th I think. Um so it straddled that. So we may not be getting that funding. Um so again it’s not huge potatoes but it’s still $50,000 that we may not have because of the 3A. » I think the compliance was moved to January. » Okay. So but » I should follow up. » Yeah. So yeah, » it should be » and that may be the case. I make mention of it because um when I had the conversation with the town administrator, you know, he was having

59:38 conversations with other folks around how how we move forward with this. So, I just want to make sure that everyone is aware that these these are funding um sources that we rely on. Um and then there are other grants that we’re unable to apply for until or unless um the town is in compliance with 38. So, I share that uh with folks um by way of just information sharing. So, that’s the status of the federal and state grants at this at this time. If there’s any changes again, I will I will bring that back to the committee. Um, that’s where things stand at this moment. » Okay. Thank you. Um, the next item was a roof project update » and I can I could do most of the update and then I think you if there’s any uh subcommittee folks that want to speak in. Uh, so the roof update um basically

1:00:23 where we are is we have to do a pre pre-bid qualification. Um and what that means is uh there’s a committee that that has that was named um to uh look at the pre-qualifi pre-qualification of the biders. So um we have to have the schematic designer and the um OPM on that committee. So RDA and um and left field RDA Raymond Design Associates and left field on the committee and then it’s generally the facilities person and the finance person. So in our case that would be Todd Blood and Mike Pifflin. So those four members are kind of outlined as part of who needs to be on that committee. Um and then we had to have that information to them by Thursday I think so that they could um uh put it on the central register. So this is part of the procurement law. So it goes on the

1:01:09 central register saying that these are the members of the committee that will look at the pre- bidders for the roof um and it gets posted on the central register for two weeks. So I believe that brings us to August 28th. At the end of that posting, um, that committee, those four members of the committee will sit down and go through the folks that have put in for pre-rid qualification. And it’s really really what it is. I know there’s a lot of conversation that do they need to be roof roofing experts. And the answer is really no because this pre-bid piece is just really do they have the proper licenses? What experience do they have? It’s really this part of the process is to make sure that whoever’s bidding on the project is is a viable bidder that they’re not nonresponsible. So you have to be responsible responsive bidder and so the pre- bid qualifications just to

1:01:56 make sure we don’t get 20 people bidding and then you’re going through and saying oh my god these 10 people aren’t even can’t even bid and you’re wasting time. So this is kind of that’s what the pre-bid call. So once that takes place, the next big thing, next big piece is um once they do the bids and they go off from liquid and the and resurfacing and then at that point after the bids the bid process goes through on that part then the next big decision is liquid or resurfacing and as I mentioned earlier when we make that decision we can’t have a we’re not the time be way too tight to have a whole lot of discussion about it and once that happens like the OPM schematic designer and the procurement process really kicks in. So, it’s, you know, this they have schedule of events taking place. We’re going to have some conversations about what those schedules look like cuz I

1:02:42 haven’t been overly pleased at this point um with the notifications of when like this was this was in my opinion very last minute that we found out about this have this committee. So, I I will have those conversations as well. But once that’s all scheduled out, they say here’s here’s the process here long here’s how long it takes. Here’s when the meetings take place, who’s going to be at the meeting, what’s the result of the meeting? and it’s very prescribed. So I know there’s still conversations about what kind of HVAC system this that honestly the time for those discussions was passed a long time ago in my humble opinion. Can’t have conversations this far into the project that change start changing things. So I’m just going to share that every time I can because I think people, you know, get very passionate about what they want on the roof and how they want the roof to be.

1:03:28 um this is, you know, we inherited this and we’re trying to move this um trying to move this project forward. Um and I think like and folks have been doing a really good job. This subcommittee has been doing a good job pushing it through. So I feel good about where we are and I feel good about as long as everyone keeps in the timelines, we’ll have the roof repaired on time um next summer. So um that’s where it stands at this point, but I’m happy to answer any questions. I think I threw a lot of stuff out there, but If anything I can’t answer, I’ll get the answer for you. » All right, we’ll move on to our next item. U, so at the last meeting, uh there were policy updates that were brought to the committee and uh I believe we we there was a motion that

1:04:15 was passed uh around all of them except one related to student submission to educational surveys and research. uh and I think specifically uh around opt in and out surveys and I believe John that uh you and Julia we’re going to take a look at it a little bit more get back to us around that. Yes, we did. And then part of what we uncovered was that we had actually this committee had actually already um so I understand that we already voted on the MBSC version of this this policy a while ago and on that right » no it was the subcommittee that had voted it » sub » so what I was saying is I think proper governance is that it would go back to the policy » so so misstep and and I’ll only misstep because I think I thought we had

1:05:01 kind of I thought we were at a different point with conversation. So, so here’s the So, the policy that um I brought before the committee last last time was not the MASC policy and that was that that was the part that I think um caused some extra confusion. The one that’s on the table that I believe needs to go back to the subcommittee is the MASC version of the policy to be considered um and then to move, right? Is that that’s what this » Well, the one that was submitted to us for tonight was not the end » originally, but then I hadn’t switched it. » Oh, you did? Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t. » So, yeah, so anyway, it it was a little bit of a a misstep. Um, so I think » well if you’re presenting that one then yes we could vote that because that was » yeah I just I just after after the

1:05:47 conversation about having to go back to subcommittee I just actually thought it probably better subcommittee versus trying to not not but I think it’s better to have a conversation with the subcommittee as we do with all the policies. So again, you know, I I think I think it ended up on the on the agenda. Um not prematurely. We just the the committee changed and I think, you know, the the new policy subcommittee should probably look at that and make sure it’s the right one that’s coming forward or the one that makes the most sense to come forward to the whole committee because I could I could have a conversation, but then if it’s still not the right and it’s got to back to subcommittee again anyway. I just I don’t know that it’s a good use of everybody’s time. Just kind of going around it. So it’s currently residing kind of the ownership of it right now with the facilities sorry the policy subcommittee.

1:06:32 » Uh yeah is that true? » Okay. » Yeah. » And then » changes are needed that will be then brought to the » and I think we’ll be okay. I think we can hopefully get that on the next you know the meeting that we have scheduled so we can talk about at that meeting hopefully and then get forward. I’m sorry and just before you but one other thing is we also we have to look at the handbook language too to match up with the policy. So I just want to make sure that the handbook we talk about is match up to the policy that the policy subcommittee is actually thinking to be the thing. So I’m still I still I just want to make sure all those pieces so we don’t get to a point where we’re voting on something and saying oh shoot it’s still not doing. So yeah I just want to share that. So it’s it was yeah there was just some confusion and I’ll take the ownership of the confusion but so I apologize for that

1:07:17 that that » through the chair I just want to ask I’m confused on the timeline when did this policy when was this policy considered » so so it was one of the policies that were um considered for the subcommittee when they were meeting in the springtime. » Okay. And then um when we when we brought the policies to the full committee um this is the one that we pulled back out and what happened at that point when I put in for reconsideration I brought forth the law. So that’s that’s where the » I just want to make sure that because it’s an important policy and I want to make sure but I want to make sure that we have they all connect properly. I apologize for the confusion.

1:08:09 So I think um that message is uh I can’t maybe want to make the motion at the table of discussion ready to vote. » Okay. I I don’t » either way. Whatever works for » I think we’re fine. Jen, you’re you’re okay with that? » Yeah, we don’t need a motion. » I don’t think so. » Okay. Okay. » All right. Um so a little deja vu. Um, so we received an email from the friends of Marblehead Public Schools. Their board has unanimously voted to approve $2,500 worth of school supplies to each of our schools and looking for a motion to accept this donation. » So much second.

1:08:52 Any discussion? Any discussion? » I I just want to say thank you. Um, and also, uh, when I when I work with Jess, I think, um, um, she’s going to work with the principles directly around what the supplies and I’m sure, you know, just to see exactly what’s needed. So, I appreciate the donation. That’s very generous. $2,500 for each school is the donation and I I wholehearted and that’s great to say that, but show up for the schools directly to get them. » You’re happily made friends. I like that. » Yes. Awesome. Um, any other discussion? Okay. Uh, we’ll vote on it. Roll call. Jen » in favor. » Henry, » favor. » Kate in favor.

1:09:39 » Williams in favor. So motion passes. 4. Okay. Um, I’m going to ask uh Kate to discuss our school committee meeting dates for the our fiscal year. Um so there was a document in the drop off with proposed meeting dates um for the fiscal year for the vast majority of the months they follow our typical practice of meeting on the first and the third Thursday. So I’ll just point out the the places where that is different. Um, in September there’s a third meeting listed for Tuesday, Sep September 30th, excuse me, because the first Thursday in October is Yonour.

1:10:24 Um, and then you’ll see in October um October 30th is listed. That’s actually the fifth Thursday. So, it would, you know, be a placeholder if we decided that a meeting was necessary. Um and then if you jump forward to January, January 1st is a Thursday. Um so this schedule proposes just meeting on the second and fourth Thursdays that month. And then proposed to meet on Thursday, February 26th, which is the fourth Thursday in February because the third Thursday is February break.

1:11:09 can we um I publicly posted a meeting for August 4th? » Yeah, we can add that. » So, we add that please. » Do we want to discuss whether um I mean we we’re not going to should we not hold a meeting on September

1:11:28 30th? So, another option would be that instead of meeting on September 30th, we could shift the meeting dates in October. Um, you know, and either meet 16th and the 30th or we would need the second and fourth Thursdays in October as we’re doing in January. Um » I I would vote for the as as written the 16th and the 30th if if you ask me.

1:11:57 » Yeah, I I am not available for the 16th October 16th meeting. So I’ll prefer the other option, but if I you know I’m fine either remoting in or having you know if you’re available to share the the meeting in person. » I mean it seems like it’s a quick turnaround from the 18th. Do you do you mean that’s a quick turnaround between meetings but on in September? » Uh I’m just not going to be here. So I’m not sure we necessarily need that meeting but » I’m sorry J. » I just I’m not sure why we would need three meetings in September and then two meetings in October. Like that’s a quick turnaround but » yeah. So I would we be okay with just saying then not doing the » that’s typically » the Tuesday September. Yeah. meeting twice a month I think is important but

1:12:43 as you said we’re we’re we’ll allow we’re not jeopardizing that for September October » so I think we can » that’s fine the only thing is that you know October 2nd is two weeks after September 18th and if we don’t meet that week then we’re going a month basically we’re going from September 18th to October 16th which might be fine um » did you look at the yearly calendar at all when you were doing Yeah. So, I mean, are there needs for That’s what I was wondering if there would be needs for that kind of to have that. » No, I again I think the 16th and the 30th makes sense. I mean, we can always add one if we need to. I mean, there’s always I mean, just because we had I would rather schedule them out this way and then if we need to add an extra one,

1:13:29 we could um um I mean, selfishly, I I have some vacation time that I have scheduled in there. So, I’m not going to be around » on this on the 30th. » No, no, the 30th. No, the only days I’m I’m not here in October the 2nd and possibly the 9th. » Yeah. I mean, we can’t really have a school meeting without So, » would it be possible to move the OC, and this is being selfish, the October 16th meeting, October 15th, Wednesday?

1:14:07 it work. I mean that’s again just for me the only the second of the night just don’t work for me every other date on that calendar I think works for me just too

1:14:18 » it sounds like » okay so let’s make that Wednesday then October 15th please we back to the three meetings in September I think were we fine with waiting the 18th to the 15th now I shortened it by day. How’s that? » I’m willing to be » Yeah. I mean, what if we leave it on there and as » you know, as we get into September, if it doesn’t seem that there’s enough business to warrant a meeting, then we always have the option of not holding it, but at least we will have all reserve the time on our calendars. » Well, I could. » And this is an item we need to vote,

1:15:06 right? a voting item for us. » Um, can I just make one more comment? » Okay. Thought we did last year. » I’d like to interrupt you. » Um, » yeah, I mentioned this to Kate when we were talking. Um, and this is just another thing. I think when we do the school calendar, I think we do that around February. If we could possibly do these dates at the same time would be really cool because I think having these on the calendar for everybody at the same time is is preferable. But just a thought. I mean, » that doesn’t need to be decided. I just want to throw out there while we’re talking about the calendar, but um I think it makes more sense, » right? » For future discussion. » Do you have when is the last day of school? Do we know? » Well, so we would be meeting » I’m looking at the evening because they usually they usually have it right off the top of » Well, I’m So that last meeting will be

1:15:51 after the last day » without scheduled right now. I want to say it’s 12. » I think you’re right. » Yeah. » 12ish. » Yeah. » Sometimes. » Yeah. So that day will be after the last day of school. » It’s the 17th. » 17th. » The 17th is the last day. Okay. » Without without any snow days. » 17th without snow days. » So what is the 20? The 25th is the day marked on here. 180. Take all of the days or that seems late. I don’t know why I haven’t in my head. » 17th. Yeah. » 12. 17 for students and staff. Oh, with no snow days. » With no snow days. » So, no snow days. No heat days. » Yeah. 201.

1:16:42 » All right. So, can can you get those changes to John and John? You can have them posted on her. » Yep. » On the site. Yeah. » Yeah. » So, I’m sorry. We’re going to keep the send you the edits. » Yeah. » And then the 15th on October. » Yeah. » We’re going to add the fourth. 84. » Yep. I’ll add that. » October 14th. » Yeah. » All right. » 4th is that? What time? 9th. » It’s at 9. » 10. » I got it. I’ll give him until tomorrow.

1:17:20 » All right. Um, so the next agenda item is continuing to work on filling our subcommittee and lays on and other other uh teams uh rosters. Um so right now with uh subcommittee um let me just back up for a second because um it is po you know we we do now have an opening right and um it’s fairly quick I believe the process for for backfilling Mr. Um, and so just as we’re thinking about this, you know, if there’s nothing pressing on a particular committee and we think we could wait for, you know, a new member to potentially do that,

1:18:10 that’s a potential option. Okay. Um, so in terms of subcommittees, there’s two openings now, I believe. Uh, one is for budget. Uh, Jen is currently on that. Uh there’s an open position and then on the communications subcommittee I am on that and now there’s an opening because of Mr. Dota. » Can I ask I’m sorry? » Sure. » That’s fine. » Um the budget subcommittee my recollection it was it was you and Sarah was on before we vote we vote in I don’t remember seeing that. » I could be wrong » through the chair. It was my I believe it was Sarah and Allison and then we haven’t voted anyone on to the budget subcommittee for the coming year. » I was just curious. I just didn’t I was looking through them and it didn’t » Yeah,

1:18:55 » Yeah, » Yeah, » I wasn’t on the budget. » Yeah, » you’re right. It was Al I keep getting the negotiations budget. Um, but yeah, I don’t I don’t think she was on the budget. So I believe that Jen’s name is listed here because she had expressed interest in No, I did not. Oh, that’s » was my understanding. » Um,

1:19:27 » Yeah. Um, J, I have a question if you don’t mind. U, so, you know, obviously this is very important. They’re all important, but you know, this is I think it’s better to have experience with this particular one. and you bring that obviously because you’ve been on this budget committee for a little while now or at least last year. » Um I have been on it in the past. » Okay. » Yeah. » What’s your what’s your thoughts around uh is it okay to have a less experienced member or just looking for your your insight perspective on that. » Um probably not. I mean, if somebody should who’s probably been on it before, but that’s » no one. » What do you want to be? » Sorry. Can I make

1:20:12 » I’m happy to serve on it. Don’t get » Yeah. No, I’m glad I’m glad you’re I mean, for sure you bring that continuity and um » I would have no problem on it. I’m just, you know, worried just about the » I will do it. Yes, I will do it. John, I’m sorry. You had a comment. » I’m sorry. No, I was just I I was thinking about the budget submit. I know last year when I when I first came here, um there was a lot of conversation about how frequently and how often and who we need to meet. And I think last year we were able to kind of have the budget subcommittee meeting, then bring the conversations with that, bring it to the the full committee, and then the next meeting we had the public um hearing on on the budget and we go to the finance board. So, um, you know, I think there’s certain years where you have to meet

1:20:59 more frequently than that. Um, if it’s pretty straightforward, but there’s not a whole lot of extra stuff. I don’t, you know, that there’s need to meet 700 times. Um, you know, I I know this coming year and following year, we’re probably going to have to have a few more conversations and we can be sure. I just I just made mention of it because I think some year I think the budget subcommittee is just one of those committees that some years it’s going to be more robust than others. Um, so just whoever’s on the committee just needs to I think know that. Um, but I I’m not I’m not a reporter for meeting for the sake of having a bunch of meetings when we don’t necessarily need to. I mean, obviously what we need to be doing. Um, last year I didn’t think really well the way we crafted this. » I think it’s a different » budget season this year. » Correct. That’s what I say. So, I think » what you know what we’re facing. The other thing is we don’t we will we do have an opening. So, I mean the other

1:21:45 option is you wait until when you said that you want to wait until we have the opposition killed. That’s what I was asking about because that’ll be a » less experienced person. That’s why I was asking my question. » Well, you don’t know. We don’t know who it’s going to be. » That’s true. » You know, it could be somebody who has finance experience. » Yeah. » Or fincom experience or » someone else says it. » Maybe a better question is is there anything needs to be done uh » generally? No. Because it doesn’t usually kick in till the no fall late fall. Yeah. Like late October, November. » Okay. » All right. Well, I I guess I would propose we’ll just leave it open then for now. Uh we’ve got a member and then we’ll have another discussion » because there’s also other uh Brian was on » communications

1:22:31 » communications » communications » and s subcommittee was on some other leazison » CPAC advisory. » Yeah. Yeah. » So we’ll get to I’ll get to those. » Okay. All right. » Um » Oh yeah, here it is. Sorry. And there’s an opening on communications. » I’d be interested in joining that. I think I’ve experienced there something that I I thought we could have some ideas for ways we can improve things. » Okay. Does anyone else have an interest? » Did you want to continue on the second? » So, this might what I was Thank you, K. What I was thinking is I’ll leave my name here for now because this might be a good a good thing for I I don’t think you need a a whole bunch of experience

1:23:17 in order to to do the things we’re asking in the communications. So, uh what I was thinking is if there’s no other interest, um you know, we’ll have Henry step in for Mr. Oda. Um and then I will just leave my name here unless someone else is interested right now. And then as we’re looking at the, you know, maybe if I do become on the budget, you know, maybe open that up, » ask if you step down from there and and we assign someone else there. » Yep. So, anybody else? Any other interest? Communications. All right. Um, I am looking for a motion to appoint Henry Basta to our communications subcommittee. Second. » Any discussion?

1:24:02 Uh, okay. Roll call. Uh, Chen » in favor. » Henry favor. » Kate in favor. Al in favor. Uh, so the motion passes for zero. » So, I don’t have a lot of detail on this, but we were asked by our uh town planner, Alexer. I’m not sure I have the last name correct. U for a representative from our committee to sit on the marble headmaster plan committee and I I believe Jen you had expressed interest in this. » I don’t need to be on » Okay. » doing a lot. » No. Okay. So, no glad we’re bringing it

1:24:48 up then. Um » again, we have another person coming on board. I I don’t know what how pressing that is. I don’t know. » Okay. » When that starts we » Okay. I mean, I’m » unless to me unless you know there’s a present member that really that would excite me. It’s a passion of mine. I’ I’d like to be that that lesson on otherwise we’ll we’ll wait. Are we okay with that? » By him. » Yes. » Okay. » We’re leaving that open. » Yeah. Believe. » We’ll have to make sure when we’re interviewing candidates that they’re going to be on a lot of committees. Yeah. » Well, it should be even like I mean we should be on at least two. » No, there’s important that’s why we’re keeping them open so we can it allows us some balance

1:25:35 » and I think there’s there’s no issue if you know we want to you know we had already appointed to if we want to make some changes I think we could do that at that time also via a vote of the committee. Uh so there there are a couple of superintendent advisories. Um I think John one you mentioned was the safety advisory that was held by Mr. photo. » Yes. » Just just before you had the conversation, um I’m planning on meeting quarterly for that. We were doing monthly and the committee basically said that was kind of a little bit more needed. So we’re going to line four. So for for your edification when you’re thinking about if you want to be on that or not be here at Brown and it has me of school committee myself all principles Steve Bch Todd um white on it chief of

1:26:22 police fire chief um was there to school and the charter school. So just so you know considering » I would be interested. » Okay. Any other interest?

1:26:38 » All right. Uh, I’d like for a motion to appoint uh Kate uh to the safety advisory team. » So moved. » Okay. Any discussion? Further discussion? » Had a second. » Was that » I don’t think there was a second. Uh, second. » Yo, you moved it. Okay, I will second it. » Thank you, Kate. Um, » roll call. Jen, » in favor. » Henry, » in favor. » Kate, » in favor. » Al in favor. So, the motion passes by four to zero vote. » Okay.

1:27:24 Now, John, I know you were looking into the health wellness advisory. Yeah, I didn’t get very far with that. I apologize. I I couldn’t find anything where it was like that was listed as members. Uh, no one seems to have like » we haven’t met in years, which we’re to do, » which is probably why. So, I will I will look to establish that. I just need to find out. I got to figure out who the members are supposed to be. » But you do need a school committee member. » Yeah. So, yeah, that’s fine. So, if anyone wants to be That’s your job. Sorry. » That brings up a point about membership to advisory. I was looking at the policies and I saw that there was something added to the drug about sort of the difference between subcommittee policies and » we’re going to discuss that a little bit. » This is a superintendent advisory committee.

1:28:09 » Yeah, it’s not a school committee. It’s a good that’s a good question. It’s there. It’s different. » Thank you. » But it does have to be there does need to be one school committee member on the team. Um and then there’s some uh leaison assignments. Um, I’d like to continue with METCO unless someone else uh would like to serve in that capacity. All right. Um, the lison, Jen, whether it was voted on last year to be » um I don’t think we voted committees so or we just all agreed you know what we were going to do is my recollection. » All right. Uh and then there’s uh CPAC uh which was formerly held by Mr. Oda.

1:29:03 » I’m happy to to join that one. Actually met a lot of great people in the community who are interested in that. » Okay. Um is there anyone else interested?

1:29:17 Okay. Um looking for a motion to appoint Henry Henry to our CPAC uh liaison » as our as our CPAC leaison. » So moved. » Okay. Um any further discussion? » Oh seconded. » Thank you. » Any now any further? I just want to second. We’re ripping by the seconded. Um roll call. Chen » favor. » Henry. » Favor. Kate » in favor. » L in favor. » So if you voted the CP pack, you should probably vote. » Yeah, it’s you’re right. I just All right. Um so like to make a motion to appoint Al to the uh the » second.

1:30:02 » Right. I can proceed. Right. » Yes. Got it. All right. Roll call. Jent » in favor. Henry » in favor. Kate » in favor. » Al in favor. Okay. Um, » Mr. Chairman, sorry. Um, yes. Did we decide on that scope rating for the health and wellness advisor that I’m going to agree? Are we going to wait on that to create? » Um, I believe we were waiting on that one. » Yes. I’m just trying to make sure everybody knows. » Yeah. It’s still pending. » Well, you will need a school member, » correct? So, » yes, » that we do need. » Yeah. Definitely keep it on our to be done to be determined.

1:30:46 Okay. So, um, one thing I wanted to discuss and and Henry is kind of a good gateway uh, around it is we have policies around subcommittees and we have policies around advisory committees, school committee advisory committees and there are some differences uh, between the two. Um,

1:31:10 so typically an advisory committee is you serve it it’s really you look at it as a task force and I’m I’m reading this right from our policy manual that’s on our website. Um, and it’s to provide continuing consultation in a particular area of activity. And why it’s sometimes used more than a subcommittee is because the membership is more you know you could more broadly representative and you could take into consideration specific tasks that uh you need from both the committee or maybe from subject matter experts or if you want uh community members. Um now the appointment of a subcommittee um it wasn’t very clear around whether they

1:31:57 needed to be a school committee member or not. So I just want to turn it over to to Kate because she followed up with MASC around this particular question and has a little guidance around it. » So the our policy says members shall be appointed annually. Um, and I had a conversation with Glenn Coocher at MASC who said that the way that it operates is that subcommittees are consistent consist of school committee members sort of doing more detailed work on behalf of the committee and then reporting back to the full committee and that when the committee wants to involve a broader range of individuals in that process. That’s why the advisory committee option exists. And so that’s what would be

1:32:43 appointed if we wanted people beyond school committee members to be participating in subcommittee type activities. » So the as I was reading and thank you Kate. So as I was reading this and hearing about this it seemed to me that uh you know we have a very big project right now with our roof with the high school roof. And when I read the differences between what a subcommittee is and an advisory committee is, it appears that it would be it might be a good idea to use an advisory committee for the roof project, right? So it would include school committee members and I would suggest those that are serving on the facilities team, but then it could also have other members, right? Again, as I said, subject matter experts, community membership, etc. So, uh, I guess I would just like to bring that up

1:33:29 up for us to discuss as a committee as to whether that might make more sense versus having the facilities committee manage what they’re supposed to do and uh, a significant project that we have going on right now. » Did John, did you weigh in on this? do not um I think I guess » yeah that would be » I think um » I think so I would agree that the advisory committee allow would allow for you know the broader group which may may be indicated um I think the roof advisory committee I mean if it’s necessary yeah I I don’t know I’m not convinced it’s 100% necessary to do that but I guess my bigger question is if we develop this committee like I

1:34:14 think part of the discussion is who’s actually chairing that who’s supposed to be chairing it because I you know it’s my understanding that like like was ended up kind of running the meeting the other day which isn’t really supposed to be I know this we just need to tighten that kind of stuff up so I think that’s I I don’t know what the answer is to that but that’s part of your consideration is like who’s actually charged with hosting it chairing it running it agenda for that kind of it’s clear to me that the subcommittee has you know school

1:34:49 » the this the so the policy does address that and the school committee would be the entity appointing the chair of that team » of the advisory team » and then then the school committee appointing the chair that would that chair always be one of the school members or is that up to the chair as a school member » I’m not sure is the policy specific took around that. » It’s not specific as to that. It doesn’t even I don’t think to a chair I’m not prepared to discuss this too much because I this was going to be discussed. So I think um » don’t see » anything about um the chair

1:35:36 because again I think it’s a advisory. » Yeah, which is fine. And I just think it’s one of those things where that’s where we get it uh show that we who’s actually running it in charge of it, who’s managing it cuz

1:36:08 open answers. discussion. » Yeah, we’re Yeah, » I think that this is the appropriate mechanism to use if it’s the will of the committee to get advice from people beyond school committee members and our employees as we move through this process. Um, and in my opinion, that’s what we that’s what I would like to see us do. I think that you know there are individuals in our community who have come forward and expressed interest in giving their opinions or sharing their guidance with the committee and instead of that being happening in an ad hoc way or simply occurring during public comment at school committee or facility

1:36:54 subcommittee meetings. You know, setting up an advisory committee, keeping it small and tight and workable to me seems like way to go about getting that advice if that’s what the committee wants. » Yeah, I agree. And John, to address your concerns, maybe this is something we can talk about in the in any upcoming facilities subcommittee meeting with Mike and just, you know, I’d love to hear his concerns. We don’t want to slow down the project at all, but just by asking everybody for their feedback, but I think there are a lot of people in the community who have a lot of expertise that we can leverage and and to get them involved and help this project run a little more smoothly. » I think yeah, I think that’s I think the

1:37:41 facility subcommittee is the place to have a conversation and see what makes sense. I mean, you know, yes, it’s great to have subject matter experts kind of weighing in, but we also I just want to be very mindful of, yes, maybe someone says, I know all about roofs, but they may be commercials or, you know, maybe own rooms. So, we we just have to be cautious of that. And and again, procurement laws prescribe how we go through a project. So, we just have to make sure that however we operate these committees, they dove tail with the with what what’s required by the law. So, I just that’s that’s my only caution. I just want to make sure that we just don’t get bogged down and like oh we didn’t ask Joe Smith because he knows he knows about this part of thing and we didn’t ask you know that’s great but I also I think just again I think when we

1:38:26 so if we’re starting I guess I would preface by say if we’re starting a project now I think creating committee with all sorts of um on it is the way to go. I think we’re so far in the weeds of the project. I just don’t want to start creating committees that that bog us down and get us. I don’t want to I do not want to run off that timeline immediately. This is the first major project that this team is working on new administrative team and I want to make sure we stay on task. So that’s all I’m saying. So I agree with you, but I also want just it’s a tale of cautionary things. » I think if we do an advisory committee for this, we it should have nothing to do with the facility subcommittee is what I was talking about shared membership potentially » potentially. » I don’t really I don’t have a desire. I

1:39:13 I can’t be doing both that facilities and this like » I I view it as I think the facilities subcommittee is doing this work already. » Well then we should do it and if we’re not going to do it and we’re going to have an advisory committee because this would be an advisory committee to the school committee. So it’s just one more step. It would be an advisory. I don’t know where the facilities committee would fit in with this. Honestly, I’m not I mean, I honestly don’t because it’s an advisory committee to the school committee, she would be fine. Um, and that then the school committee would make decisions and vote. Um, and it it’s sort of an unnecessary uh stop along the way to have to I don’t know what its role would be with the facilities. So,

1:40:00 » yeah. to me and and I you know how we’ve done it in the past is maybe » I’ve never worked on it » but I guess when I look at uh you know facilities committee charter right is an annual review of the yearly facilities plan capital outlays and long-term facilities needs right so I think while you have an advisory committee for a big project is you’re not that team is focused just on that where the facilities subcommittee is focused on more to me a little more strategic items » and so it’s it’s bifrocating things just to make it more efficient. I I view it as » Yeah. So my point is if we go with this committee, this advisory committee, it would have nothing to do with this facility subcommittee. That’s what I don’t I mean I don’t see where » except I think there’s been people attending the facility subcommittee that you know like the OPM have been at the

1:40:47 facility I believe right at some of the facility subcommittee. » Yeah. So now you’re causing more work that’s you know twice as many meetings. So that’s what I mean like in other words then they wouldn’t need to come to the facility subcommittee. would be to the advisory committee and the advisory committee to the school committee and it just bypasses the facility subcommittee. I don’t seriously I don’t know why. » So » what would that look like then? » I think it’s an opportunity to involve some community members if you know in the way that they can’t participate in the in the facility subcommittee meetings. Uh and you’re right, maybe it’s not related to the disability subcommittee and it’s it’s just I mean I’m happy to to join that committee if we form it. Um » but uh yeah I I point taken I think

1:41:33 » yeah I think a lot of it has to do with to me at least what’s pivotal is you know this the subcommittee and that membership right because if you need community uh involvement that’s really doesn’t seem to fall may not fall under what subcommittees should be they should have two members that are school committee members now we are meeting uh Monday with both NASC and legal. I’m wondering if that might be I mean those are two good two good entities that we could let them know just what’s happening and what you know based on their experience with other districts what other how you know you know they would recommend that this would should be done given you know governance.

1:42:18 » I think that’s a good idea. I think the decision we have to make is is there value in involving the if we decide there is that this is the vehicle with which they participate. » I think it’s great. I think it would be great to have it but again to commit to the school committee and then the school committee would make would vote which is what we have to do anyway whether it’s the you know the bidder all of those things are going to have to be voted by the school committee and ultimately the select board. So um » the good the good thing about establishing like that force of like the roof project and then you know saying hey for white now so like how do we move forward? So I would I would concur with Jen that like maybe separating it. I see the I see your point out committee but separator might be better because then it’s kind of stream I think it will

1:43:04 streamline the conversations that allows for the input that you know of some of the people that are already giving their input and I think you probably valuable input but then it it more importantly streamlines it because that committee then says here’s our recommendation to the school committee you guys it takes the I think I think I would agree with Jen like having the facilities and the other one like who’s doing what and um so I think facilities I think to your point out is kind of, you know, there’s a bunch of facility stuff going on, right? And then this got to develop the roof one, they focus only on that and it’s a short-term we get to a point where we don’t need it and then just dissolve it and move on. So » I don’t I think it’s a good idea. I think just how we operationalize. » So it sounded like I saw some some agreement. Let’s maybe we can discuss it

1:43:50 on Monday and you know because we’ll have I think legal and then as representatives that can provide some insight or some perspective and background that we can take into account or not.

1:44:18 » before we move off of subcommittees. » Um, in kind of looking back to try and understand what had happened around some of these subcommittees, there isn’t a whole lot of information available. And so I wanted to make a motion that all of our subcommittees take the following steps this year to just sort of help make sure that we have consistency um of practices and clear records. And so there’s three I’m moving that we take three steps. One, set regular meeting schedule and communicate that schedule back to the chair for September 1st. two, create and approve meeting minutes as part of the subcommittee’s regular business practices.

1:45:03 And three, provide the full committee with a monthly written update on subcommittee activities. Um, a motion a motion » I made. Yeah.

1:45:21 » Discussion. » Discussion. » I don’t disagree. I think the written update is you know, we do give verbal updates. I think that should be sufficient. I mean, there’s a lot of work going on here. Um, but that’s just my thought. I was not envisioning, you know, a lengthy written update. And actually, if if the plan is to continue with a school committee newsletter, the subcommittees are generating brief written updates, you know, that’s just newsletter content, you know, ready ready to go. So don’t want to create a lot of extra work for anyone. Certainly.

1:46:05 » Do we want to I don’t want to water it down too much, but to just say, you know, we do expect a regular or we we one of the responsibilities is a monthly uh communication update to the school committee. » Sure. » Versus, you know, saying right and someone’s thinking, you know, » a very sophisticated » Yeah. 12page document. » So I think you’re amending the motion. » Yeah. Yeah. » I’ll second. » Okay. » All right. Say, so we just changed the written to uh monthly » monthly communication updates to the school committee. » And just to be clear, this is not a policy. This is a Nope. Not a policy.

1:46:53 » I don’t know what it is. Practice for the year.

1:47:05 Okay. Um, Okay. Um, we’ll do a roll call. Um, Jen » favor. » Henry favor. » A » in favor. » Al in favor. Motion passes. 4.

1:47:26 » Okay. Um there was a curriculum and collective bargaining but we’re not » we’re just not filling it at this time. » I don’t think we ever actually formed a curriculum subcommittee. » Believe we voted not to do that specifically last year. That’s my recollection. And then we talk about collective bargaining only until we get full. » Yeah, collective bargaining usually is um as soon as all contracts are signed, they sort of is um goes away. I don’t know if the for » Okay.

1:48:05 All right. Um closing business. Is there any new business? or correspondence. All right, looking for a motion to adjurnn. » Second. » Second. » All right, roll call. Jen » in favor. » Henry favor. » Dave » Al in favor. We are adjourned. Thank you.