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SC Meeting March 3 2026 — Transcript

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6:34I thank you for your time and your
6:36consideration and hopefully your
6:38support. Thank you so much.
6:46Ema.
6:58Sorry, she's got me um my feels here. Uh
7:01so
7:03I teach fifth grade at Cunningham
7:04Elementary School. Um as you know, as
7:06part of the ad hoc redistricting
7:08committee, um so I have a couple points
7:10to make that are different from the
7:11points I made last time. one, um, I urge
7:14you not to either either to not approve
7:16any of the redistricting scenarios
7:18tonight or approve only no school
7:20closures with only redistricting.
7:23So, keeping all elementary schools open
7:25would actually help us maximize the
7:27utilization of the appropriately sized
7:29classrooms in all of our elementary
7:31schools. Two, um, informed me that
7:35actually came to Cunningham and spoke to
7:37parents and students about the school
7:40closure. He was able to speak to many
7:42individuals, all of whom expressed their
7:44concerns about the school closing, and
7:46that was a step in the right direction
7:47toward inclusion of often ignored and
7:50overlooked voices.
7:52Three, there are so many unanswered
7:54questions that the ad hoc committee um
7:58had about the process that were never
7:59answered. Maybe they would have been
8:01answered at the meeting yesterday, but
8:02it had to be cancelled, unfortunately.
8:05I'm hoping that the information is
8:07presented to you tonight
8:09specifically about expenses versus
8:11savings.
8:13Four, school closures should not be
8:16undertaken to fix a budget deficit. If a
8:18school closure was on the table, all
8:20schools should have been investigated
8:21and discussed. That did not happen. Only
8:24two were seriously considered and
8:26presented by the committee um by the
8:29administration at the ad hoc registering
8:31committee meetings, excuse me, which
8:34were Slater and Cunningham.
8:36Five, I have heard from multiple people
8:40that if Cunningham closes facilities
8:43wants to use the building as some sort
8:45of headquarters and if that were to
8:47happen, that would be a slap in the
8:48face. If there's money to keep the
8:50building open for something else, then
8:52how is there not money to keep it open
8:53as a school?
8:55It would be very telling if the school
8:57closed and that if it was repurposed for
9:00something else.
9:03Six. Um I hope that you consider the
9:06future of Cuttingham to build a new
9:09school, not just delay a closing.
9:13We should have been one of the first
9:14schools to be um rebuilt based on our
9:17FCI, if that's what we're saying. we're
9:19using to say that it should close. We
9:21should have been first in line.
9:26There has already been a mention of a K
9:28to8 um school proposed at the site and I
9:31know the city council passed a
9:33resolution. I know um a few committee
9:36members were there about getting funding
9:39for rebuilding Slater from the state and
9:42I ask that you add Cunningham into that
9:44request. Thank you.
9:52Noel.
10:00Good evening. I am actually going to be
10:02reading on behalf of um another teacher
10:04and some students from Cunningham.
10:07Um my name is Julia Sharpentier and I
10:10have been a teacher at Cunningham for 39
10:12years and as such I'm the most senior
10:15teacher in the city of Pucket.
10:17Cunningham has been the only school
10:19where I have taught even though there
10:21have been multiple opportunities to move
10:23to another quote better school building
10:26over these last decades. I along with my
10:29colleagues have made this choice for a
10:31very important reason. We all know only
10:34too well what these students and their
10:36families need in this uner undeserved
10:39and vulnerable population and we have
10:42the will and the heart to stay. If these
10:44students are moved to other schools
10:46further away from their community, the
10:48challenges will be even greater for
10:49them. So, I am writing on their behalf
10:52to ask that the school remain open.
10:54Cunningham has often been called a
10:56diamond in the rough. I can truly say
10:58that what happens inside this building
11:00is magical. We are a neighborhood school
11:03that gives a great deal of comfort and
11:05support to the students, parents, and
11:06community at large. Thank you for your
11:09consideration. Julia Sharpener, MLL
11:11resource teacher. The second thing that
11:15I'm going to say is share what some of
11:17our students think. Just some excerpts
11:20from their um writings. Um my last
11:23feeling is please keep it open. After
11:25all, it is more than a building. It is a
11:27legacy and you cannot end or shut down a
11:30legacy.
11:32I am proud to be a Cunningham star
11:34because there is an idiom that says
11:36reach for the stars which means reach
11:38for your goals. And that means a lot to
11:40me.
11:42All the kindness in the school makes
11:44people feel like they belong.
11:49Please don't shut down the school
11:50because it feels like home.
11:54I love this school because it's close to
11:56my house and it's good because my dad
11:58just got surgery. My mom sends me alone
12:01with my sister. I know that if the
12:03school shuts down, my mom would be a
12:05little worried about us walking to
12:07school.
12:11I really love it so much. Please don't
12:13shut down my school.
12:16I have learned so much from a lot of
12:18teachers.
12:22These teachers helped me to speak
12:24English and understand my assignments.
12:26When I heard that Cunningham was
12:27closing, I was extremely sad.
12:31The building is creative. The staff here
12:34is amazing and super duper nice. They
12:37are so welcoming.
12:41Thank you,
12:48>> Michaela Kahi.
12:54I apologize for the topic change. Please
12:57bear with me. I believe this does
12:59connect. My name is Michaela McKahi and
13:01I am one of the dual language teachers
13:03at Baldwin Elementary. The dual language
13:05program was moved to Baldwin this year
13:07for the opening of the new school. The
13:08fact that it was placed at Baldwin, a
13:10large and brand new building, showcases
13:12that Pucket is a city that cares about
13:14all of its students, including those
13:16historically left behind. It is a
13:19testament to the multicultural and
13:20multilingual fabric of the city and the
13:22value we place on this. I am so proud
13:24and grateful to be a part of what we are
13:26building here. I look forward to hearing
13:28the presentation later this meeting on
13:29dual language programs in the district
13:32and I wanted to provide my perspective
13:33and context. This year we have
13:35kindergarten and first grade dual
13:37language programs classrooms. The
13:39intention is to add one grade a year
13:41which is a thoughtful way to scale up
13:42the program. Currently both of our
13:44classroom rosters are on the small side.
13:46This was an intentional move to give the
13:48program a chance to start strong and
13:49build on that foundation.
13:51Moving forward, it is essential that we
13:53promote the program and get the word out
13:55to families with advanced notice. The
13:57dual language program should be branded
13:58as what it is, a robust bilingual
14:00education, something proven time and
14:02time again to have exponential benefits
14:04on students and families. Without that
14:06concerted effort, student enrollment
14:08will likely remain low, though we know
14:09the demand for these programs is high.
14:12Current and forthcoming charter schools
14:13demonstrate that, and this time to
14:15reestablish Pucket's dual language
14:16program as a flourishing one is
14:18critical. This will help as you are
14:21discussing redistricting and potential
14:23school closures which as we as we have
14:25heard will have a large human impact.
14:29It is not just about redistricting from
14:31one school to another but rather keeping
14:33Pucket students in Pucket schools.
14:38Again, effective communication to
14:39families would make us competitive with
14:40the charter schools that pull from our
14:42schools. And another long-standing
14:44challenge with these programs is
14:45staffing as this is a shortage area in
14:47teaching certifications. Recruiting
14:49widely now will alleviate this concern.
14:52I was thrilled to see the recent
14:53positions for next year on Schoolring
14:55and I will be doing all I can to refer
14:56qualified teachers to apply. I see the
14:59benefits of this program on my students,
15:00families in our school every day. It is
15:02truly a beautiful thing to witness. A
15:05few examples to illustrate this. 100% of
15:07the families in my class attended family
15:09conferences in December. Students in
15:11other classes excitedly practiced their
15:13Spanish talking to my students and my
15:15students practice English with them. All
15:18students have made tremendous growth
15:19since the start of school, both in the
15:21academics and the social emotional. I
15:23look forward to this continuation of the
15:25program, seeing it grow and thrive in
15:27Pucket and also helping to alleviate the
15:29concerns around enrollment and avoiding
15:31school closures. Thank you.
15:33>> Thank you.
15:38>> Thank you,
15:40Gabriel.
15:53I am in fifth grade,
15:56a student in Cunningham.
16:02Just got down.
16:08I'm zooming in so they can't hear you if
16:10you don't get really close to that.
16:12Okay.
16:12>> Okay. Take your time. Thank you.
16:16>> I am in fifth grade, a student in
16:18Cunningham in Miss McKenna class. I
16:21don't want this school to close because
16:23I have been here for 6 years. It is the
16:26closest school to my house. I love this
16:28school so much. It's like my home. I
16:32don't want this school to go because my
16:34mom came here and I have a lot of
16:37memories here.
16:43Thank you, Gabriel.
16:48>> Okay, superintendent report.
16:52>> Right.
16:55So, good evening, chair, uh members of
16:57the school committee and our Pucket
16:58school committee, uh community, uh
17:00educators, family, and parents who are
17:02here tonight. Uh I want to start by
17:04saying over the past several weeks uh
17:06our community as you many of you know
17:07has experienced real grief following the
17:09traged act tragic act of violence that
17:11critically injured a valuable member of
17:14our school family and school community.
17:16Moments like this remind us that schools
17:18are indeed more than just a building.
17:20But they're places of care, connection,
17:22and belonging. And in times of crisis,
17:25our responsibility here in Pucket is
17:27clear. We lead with compassion. We
17:28create stability. and we make sure
17:30students and staff feel uh feel safe and
17:32feel supported. Even during vacation
17:35week, the district activated a
17:36traumainformed response. Sha High School
17:38was open so staff could gather and
17:40support one another. We expanded access
17:42to counselors, social workers,
17:43psychologists, and employee assistance
17:45programs. We created opportunities for
17:47students and families to receive
17:48in-person support and connection. And as
17:51students returned earlier this week, our
17:52focus stay a healing and stability.
17:55Schools provided unifying messages,
17:57access to quiet spaces, and flexibility
17:59where needed. We are so so so grateful
18:02to report that Mr. Jerusale has been
18:04released from the hospital is recovering
18:05well. We continue to keep them in our
18:07thoughts and our prayers.
18:10This week is national uh school social
18:12worker week. I want to thank our school
18:14our school social workers for the steady
18:16critical work they do every day in
18:18moments of crisis and in every day in
18:20every day student needs. They're the
18:22anchors for our school communities.
18:24What matters most is that our students
18:26feel safe, supported, steady as we move
18:28forward.
18:30And as we refocus our work, this week
18:33marks National Reading Week across
18:34Pucket. I had the opportunity yesterday
18:36to kick off reading week at Little
18:38Elementary. And I can tell you there is
18:40nothing more energizing than walking
18:41into a classroom full of students
18:43excited about books. We read together,
18:46talked about why reading matters, and I
18:48reminded students that strong readers
18:49become strong thinkers. and literacy
18:52remains foundational to everything that
18:54we do here in Pucket. And when we
18:55strengthen reading, we strengthen
18:57opportunity. In the coming days, I along
18:59with some of my cabinet members will be
19:00visiting additional schools to continue
19:02celebrating reading week and spending
19:04time in the classroom. Those visits
19:06matter to me. They keep us grounded in
19:08what is most important, teaching and
19:09learning. I also want to acknowledge a
19:12historic storm our community experienced
19:14last week. The snowfall, as you know,
19:16was unpred unprecedented and disrupted
19:18learning across the district. I want to
19:20thank our maintenance and custodial
19:21teams for their tireless efforts to
19:22prepare our buildings for reopening. I
19:25also want to acknowledge our strong
19:26collaboration with the city partners to
19:28ensure schools reopen safely. We are
19:31very very grateful to be back in session
19:33and to be focused on instruction.
19:36Shifting I want to uh introduce Pamela
19:39Pettis as our new uh assistant director
19:41of student services. Uh Pamela joins us
19:43from West where she received uh where
19:46she served as a liazison between
19:47district administration and schools.
19:49supporting evaluations, IEP meetings,
19:51and ensuring compliance. Pamela and our
19:54director of student services, Mrs.
19:55Depot, will be visiting each school to
19:57meet principles and case managers, and
19:58we are extremely excited to welcome her
20:00to Pucket.
20:02Let me now just uh highlight a few
20:03celebrations uh uh that reflect the
20:06strength of our students and our
20:07educators here in Pucket. First, I want
20:09to recognize Noah Gutierrez, who's here.
20:12Noah, if you want to come down. Uh come
20:14on down, Noah.
20:19Noah is a seventh grade student at Jinx
20:20Middle School who was named Rhode
20:22Island's Music Educ Educators
20:23Association Middle School Musical
20:26Composition Winner. Composing original
20:29music requires deep understanding of
20:30structure, melody, harmony, and
20:33instrumentation. For one of our students
20:35to win this statewide competition speaks
20:37volumes about our arts programs. Uh, and
20:39Mr. and I want to thank Mr. Jennis,
20:41who's here as well, for his leadership.
20:43If you can come on down as well, I
20:44appreciate it.
20:49I just want to Mr. Jennis I want to
20:51invite you to share a few words uh you
20:53know formerly introducing Noah and
20:54sharing some of his efforts in regards
20:56to his his uh award.
21:01>> Absolutely. So I'm Adam Janest. I'm the
21:04band director here at Jinx Middle
21:06School. Um I've had Noah since sixth
21:08grade. uh he's been with me for general
21:10music and oddly enough when this uh
21:14showcase first came out uh I had just
21:17gotten him for semester 2. Uh so we were
21:20virtual for our first snowstorm and I
21:23shared Noah that this was happening and
21:26he immediately for the whole time
21:30was telling me I'm working on this. I'm
21:33writing this song. He even as soon as
21:36the school day ended at 2:30 asked if he
21:38could pop on to a Google meet with me so
21:41then that way he can have me listen to a
21:43song and make sure that it was on the
21:44right track. So, I helped him upload it
21:47onto the Ramia website and I shared it
21:50with our staff and our community and we
21:53all voted for Noah. And sure enough, I
21:55got the email on February 25th that his
21:58song
22:00got chosen and won for the middle
22:03schools in Rhode Island. So, in March,
22:11I believe March 15th, if I'm right, uh
22:14he will be at URI at the Junior All
22:18State uh chorus concert at 11:00 a.m.
22:22accepting his award of a $100 gift card
22:24to Robert's Music.
22:39>> Did you bring his song with you?
22:41>> I believe you have your song with me,
22:43right?
22:43>> Yeah.
22:45>> Do you want to share with us?
23:00He's also in the Disney musical as our
23:02Aladdin.
23:05>> Yeah.
23:07Yeah. Put it right next to the
23:08microphone.
23:37Wake up early
23:40in the night, but I'm not my feet.
23:45Got some crap on my
23:48Yeah, that's true. But I don't let my
23:50past decide what I do. Will back my
23:54dreams stay heavy every single night.
23:58Teachers stay focused on trying.
24:03Yeah, I'm passing the test. They don't
24:06see the struggle when I take my
24:11sleep. But I hold my head high. I don't
24:15complain. Trying to turn the pressure.
24:19I'm still standing in the hallway light
24:22trying to make it through another night.
24:26Now I'm learning right
24:32still standing
24:35still.
24:40Yeah,
24:42they don't know the way. Yeah, they
24:43don't know the I stay quiet trying to
24:46keep my cool trying to be smart. Not
24:50trying to be rude. Mom works late. Yeah,
24:53dad not around. So I write my thoughts
24:57any
25:00chance
25:06everyone
25:10helps me escape. I don't want the crown
25:14or freaking
25:16a future that I can
25:20set in the hallway.
25:32I'm still I'm still strong.
25:36Yeah, I keep moving on. I'm more than
25:39where I started from
25:42the night when
25:47different but I found my way. Yeah, I'm
25:50still here, still trying, still
25:52dreaming, still flying
25:55back to my future. But yeah, I'm still
25:59standing. Yeah, that's my
26:02perfect
26:06think.
26:09Yeah, respect
26:12now, but I'm not done yet. Late night.
26:23Yeah. Went from that every
26:27swing forward fast.
26:42>> Great job. I want to uh I want to
26:45commend you on on your work and your
26:47efforts. It is clear uh uh how much work
26:51and you personalization you put into
26:52that. So I want to commend you. So
26:54another round of applause for you. Um
26:58on behalf of the school district, we're
26:59going to be sending you a certificate
27:00and uh uh to your school. I'll be
27:02personally delivering that to you this
27:03week. But is there anything that you
27:04want to share uh with the school
27:06committee or the community here tonight?
27:09>> No, it's okay. You don't have to. Thank
27:11you so much for being here. We
27:12appreciate you. Okay. No, before you go,
27:15can we take a picture? Is that okay?
27:16>> Y
28:56All right. Um, and continuing, I also
28:58want to thank uh uh Miss Mr. Nielson
29:00Dilva, who's not with us, but I suspect
29:02that he may be watching online. Uh, Mr.
29:04Dilva is a Sha High School world
29:05language and Portuguese teacher uh who
29:08recently presented at the Northeast
29:09Conference on the Teaching of foreign
29:10Languages in New York City. Uh, Mr. Dr.
29:12Diver uh represented Rhode Island during
29:14the best of state sessions. His
29:16presentation titled From Voice to Book
29:19Experiential Learning and Heritage
29:20Language Education showcased innovative
29:23work happening here in Pucket
29:24Classrooms. This is the premier
29:26professional conference for language
29:27educators in the Northeast region and
29:29we're proud that Pucket was represented
29:30on that stage. I also want to highlight
29:33an important upcoming opportunity for
29:34our community. On Wednesday, March 11th
29:37from 4 to 6 at Joseph Jensen Middle
29:38School, we will host Rhode Island kids
29:40count data in your backyard
29:41presentation. This session will share
29:44Pucket specific child wellbeing bene uh
29:46being data followed by facilitated
29:49discussion about what the data tells us
29:50and how we move forward together. When
29:52we ground our work in data and encourage
29:54encourage honest dialogue, we strengthen
29:56our ability to serve children. I
29:58encourage families, educators, and
30:00community members to join us.
30:02Transitioning to Slater Middle School
30:04redesign updates.
30:06During our January quarterly uh
30:08milestone meeting with Ride, we received
30:10formal feedback acknowledging meaningful
30:12progress that we're making here in
30:13Pucket. Establishing and sharing a
30:15district in instructional vision tied to
30:17clear school year 2526 goals. Rolling
30:20out a district-wide walkthrough tool
30:22improvements in chronic absenteeism
30:24across CSI schools. Formalizing our
30:26partnership with Mass Insight to support
30:28academic progress at Slater Middle
30:30School. At the same time, Wright
30:32identified areas continue uh requiring
30:34continued focus ensuring consistent tier
30:37one instruction and high quality
30:38curriculum materials implementation,
30:41finalizing and codifying our
30:42professional learning plan, deepening
30:44attendance monitoring and reporting
30:46systems, and refining our MOA tracker
30:48and progress monitoring data. The
30:51feedback was direct. It was very
30:52helpful. It confirmed that we were
30:54moving in the right direction while
30:55pushing uh to strengthen our internal
30:57systems. We were actively aligning our
30:59quarter 3 strategy in preparation for
31:01the March 12th uh milestone meeting date
31:05this week. We also received formal
31:06feedback from Ride regarding our
31:07pre-planning redesign submission.
31:10Overall, the feedback was strong. RIDE
31:12specifically noted improvements in
31:13clarity, structure, and alignment
31:15compared to last year's submission,
31:16which is a huge win. All major
31:18components were improved. Two small
31:20sections required refinement with
31:22submissions due for March 5th. I'm happy
31:24to report that we've submitted those uh
31:26revisions today.
31:29Uh, I want to share update regarding our
31:31community advisory board. To date, the
31:33CAB has convened several times thus far.
31:35We're meeting again tomorrow evening for
31:37a session that was rescheduled due to
31:38last week's snowstorm. I appreciate the
31:40flexibility and continued commitment of
31:42our CAB members. During our initial
31:44session, members reviewed comprehensive
31:46needs assessment data, analyze academic
31:48and climate indicators, and identify
31:50priority areas based on both data and
31:52community voice. Tomorrow's session
31:54marks an important shift. The committee
31:56will shift into structured root cause
31:58analysis. Before selecting strategies or
32:01interventions, we're going to ensure
32:03that accur we're accurately diagnosing
32:04the system conditions that have led to
32:06persistent challenges at Slater Middle
32:08School. The guiding question for this
32:10phase is simple and disciplined. What
32:12system conditions are most responsible
32:14for why these priorities emerge and
32:16continue to persist at Slater Middle
32:17School? A redesign plan built without
32:20accurate diagnosis will not hold. A
32:22redesigned plan grounded in data,
32:24community voice, and root cause uh root
32:26cause clarity will additionally
32:29stakeholder surveys were launched this
32:31week uh in multiple languages for
32:32students, staff, and the broader Slater
32:34community. That input will directly
32:36inform the next phase of planning and
32:38ensure the redesign reflects authentic
32:39community voice.
32:41Transparency remains a priority and I
32:43encourage families to visit our website
32:44regularly for continued updates as this
32:46work continues.
32:50Closing, we're aligning vision to
32:52action, data to strategy, and
32:53accountability to outcomes across the
32:55district. And that alignment is what's
32:57driving lasting improvements here in
32:58Pucket. And our visions will remain
33:00clear. Our commitment will remain firm,
33:02and our responsibility to students
33:03remains at the center of every decision
33:05we make. Thank you.
33:08>> Thank you, Superintendent.
33:11Moving on, we'll go to
33:15subcommittee
33:18subcommittee updates and we'll start
33:21with special education. Miss Grant.
33:24>> Um hi, good evening. On February 11th,
33:29um we had our last special education
33:32um um meeting um at the administration
33:37building.
33:39Um we had discussed actually we just we
33:42had some very good discussion. Um
33:46I want to thank um
33:51student service and support director
33:54Michelle Depot. Um monthly she is going
33:58to be giving us updates um on the
34:03special education
34:05um
34:06department. She's going I'm sorry. She's
34:09going to be giving updates to the
34:11subcommittee on special education
34:14vacancies and updates on the departments
34:17so we can hopefully better support her.
34:21Um,
34:26one a few of the other things I had
34:29mentioned in the past that we had
34:32discussed
34:33um was we had discussed um
34:39coders
34:41um or assistant PA um PTS um to support
34:45the PTS in the um OT's that we have um
34:51the conversation
34:53was actually
34:55um we kind of extended the conversation
34:57and I followed up with the
34:59superintendent and um Miss Bonolo as
35:03this being something maybe um the
35:06district should look into. Um,
35:10by hiring more cotas, it frees up the
35:15occupational therapists to um
35:22to monitor the um the students um and
35:30help split the case load, excuse me,
35:33help split the case loads when working
35:37with um code is they can go to IEP
35:41meetings
35:43um they can work with the students
35:44unfortunately they are not able to do
35:47evaluations
35:49but by the OT's and the coders working
35:53together
35:55it could actually show teachers um that
36:00they're able to get more support in the
36:02classroom and it shows that um you know
36:07the services are being given and
36:10hopefully it can show more support. We
36:12talked about it a little bit with
36:14assistant PTs. It gets a little bit more
36:17complicated
36:19um in that sense. Um, so it's something
36:22that hopefully um the district will
36:25maybe um kind of bring on slowly and
36:29then hopefully we can build it so we can
36:32help support more students and the
36:35teachers in the classrooms.
36:38Um
36:40I want to thank um Miss Integlia. Um she
36:44is the um she's the person um the SEAK
36:48person. She is a representative from the
36:51district um that helps support um SEAK
36:55which is um which is for those who don't
36:59um aren't familiar is a special
37:01education advisory committee. It is a
37:04committee of parents. Um it is a um
37:11it is a committee that brings parents
37:14together to support themselves and to
37:18also support um students in the district
37:22by working with um the district to
37:27um
37:29to educate through different um programs
37:33like ripen and um miss integ
37:36is going to be giving um we had asked
37:40her if she would give um
37:44quarterly reports to the school
37:47committee. Um so I want to thank her for
37:50offering to give those um
37:55those um quarterly reports to us
37:58starting in April so we can hopefully
38:01grow SEAK. Um,
38:05last but not least, um, one of the other
38:08discussions we had, um, that was on our
38:11agenda was the PPA. Um, Mrs. Depot,
38:16unfortunately, the director of the PPA
38:19was unable to attend. Um, but Mrs. Depot
38:24kind of explained a little bit more um
38:27about the two distinct processes at the
38:31PPA in
38:38how the program works. Um and um the
38:43conversation
38:45was superb. Um and I want to thank her
38:48for um sharing that knowledge with us.
38:52However, it is a program that we do have
38:55here in our district that um continues
39:02um to be worked on. Um
39:06and unfortunately
39:08um
39:13before the program was thought out and
39:16kept in the district being run by the
39:19district all the processes weren't in
39:21place and because of that reason um
39:26students have been placed in these
39:28programs longer than the original
39:30thought would be. Um so Mrs. Depot and
39:34her team in the administration are
39:37continuing to work on this so we can
39:39kind of fine-tune the program so they
39:42can get more information out to the
39:44staff um so they're able to either make
39:48recommendations or bring students back
39:50to their home district. Um so again, I
39:54just want to thank all the people on the
39:56committee for their support in their
39:59great conversation and um Mrs. depot for
40:04um providing a lot of the information to
40:07our um committee. Thank you.
40:11>> Thank you, Miss Grant.
40:13Next, Miss Rosa Wellness.
40:17>> Um good evening.
40:19>> Can you hear me? Okay. I'm usually loud.
40:22Um good evening. Just wanted to say that
40:25we do have a meeting at the end of this
40:28month on Monday the 30th at 5:00 p.m. at
40:31the admin building. Um, this is a really
40:35long month. Um, so please take care of
40:38yourself. There's no days off. There's
40:40no days off. I'll repeat that again. Um,
40:44and um, it is National Reading Month as
40:47well too, like um, the superintendent
40:49stated. Um, so if anybody wants anybody
40:52to come and read, just send me an email.
40:55Um, and it's also women's month as well,
40:59too. So, shout out to all my women. Um,
41:01and then, um, yeah, if you guys ever
41:03need anything from me, you guys know
41:05where to find me. That's it.
41:09>> Labor committee. Mr. Chal,
41:12>> I apologize. Nothing to add right now.
41:14U, I'm sure it'll be coming up shortly.
41:17>> Thank you, Mr. Wenhane. facilities.
41:21>> On March 3rd, we had our meeting and uh
41:23we discussed there was uh some leaks at
41:27Curtis School. So, we're looking into uh
41:30how much it was going to cost to repair
41:32these leaks in the cafeteria. And um
41:36well, the multi-purpose room as they
41:38call it. And we also had discussion on
41:40Baldwin on the deficiencies that we've
41:43ongoing deficiencies that we're finding
41:45at at Baldwin and continue working on
41:49that. And that was about it.
41:51>> Thank you. Um for building,
41:55we are continuing to move along. Um
41:59there's not much activity happening
42:02across the street. We are however having
42:05meetings and we're looking at designs of
42:08the outside of the building, the
42:10exterior, the roof, and then we'll move
42:13on to the interior. It's nice having
42:16some teachers along with us to go
42:18through the process as well as our
42:22principles. Um,
42:25and that's it for building.
42:28Next is ad hoc redistricting and we did
42:32not have our meeting last night so there
42:35is no more update.
42:37So next on the agenda is policy. Oh
42:42gosh.
42:46That's me again.
42:48Oh yeah. We got to put these in a
42:50different order.
42:52Um
42:54we did have a policy meeting. We had um
42:57the teachers union is represented. We
43:00had a school two school committee
43:02members.
43:05Baited breath. Stop it. Um and then we
43:10had administration there as well. We did
43:12go through three policies that we were
43:15able to approve
43:18and other policies were put on.
43:23um
43:26they were tabled and one was not just
43:29not addressed and we will move forward
43:33with those. We've I've also spoken
43:36about the
43:40teachers sitting on the curriculum
43:43board
43:45and there are a couple of items that
43:48need to be taken care of. It's been
43:50addressed with the superintendent and
43:54work on that should be forthcoming.
43:57Um,
43:59last finance
44:02>> update. We will have stuff coming up
44:04very shortly though. Madam chair, can I
44:06go back to policy? Who who's on the
44:08policy subcommittee?
44:09>> What committee? What committee members?
44:11>> Me.
44:12>> Yep.
44:13>> And Kim Grant.
44:14>> All right.
44:16All right. I might make you do the
44:19report next time.
44:21>> I'm asking I know you asked me to do it.
44:23You have a thousand things going on. I
44:25didn't I haven't got a notification of a
44:27meeting yet.
44:28>> So I didn't know if you gave it to
44:29somebody.
44:29>> Are you interested?
44:30>> I'm more than interested on policy.
44:32That's that. Yeah.
44:33>> Okay.
44:34>> That's up to you. But you said you had
44:35three members.
44:36>> No, I have I just have two.
44:39>> All right.
44:39>> You're welcome.
44:40>> I don't mind. Yes.
44:42>> You're welcome. We'll keep you on the
44:44list and you can do you and Kim can
44:47fight over doing the report.
44:50>> Kim, the deputy chair can win that one.
44:52Thank you.
44:52>> Okay.
44:55Well, the invitation's been sent.
45:00>> Okay.
45:01Discussion items.
45:04>> Yes.
45:05>> Point of privilege. I don't I can't poll
45:07what these individuals are doing here on
45:09a wonderful sunny afternoon, but I do
45:13think a lot of people are here for um
45:16item E probably number two. I was
45:19wondering if with the uh permission of
45:21the chair, could we move item E, school
45:25redistricting, uh to the front, but only
45:28if the committee obliges, unless you
45:31have another pattern that you want to go
45:32into this meeting. I know we have a very
45:34short meeting by the looks of it. So, um
45:37I think
45:38>> are you making motion?
45:39>> I'm making a motion to move item E one
45:43and two.
45:45I think we're going to need we'll get
45:47Yes, we're going to need one and two to
45:50above discussion item.
45:53>> Okay. Is there a second?
45:55>> Second.
45:56>> Motion's been made and seconded to move
45:58E1 and two above discussion.
46:02All in favor say I. I. opposed.
46:06So carried
46:07school redistricting.
46:10So
46:15Mr. Dr. Boundary.
46:33Yeah.
46:43Yeah.
46:57So, good evening, uh, school committee,
47:00Chairperson Benolo, Deputy Chair Grant,
47:02members of the school committee,
47:03Superintendent Buck, uh, members of the
47:05community. It's a pleasure to be here
47:07this evening. Um just to level set and
47:11ground set this has been certainly uh a
47:14very difficult challenging conversation
47:16both emotionally and I I want to make it
47:20very clear that the information that
47:21you're being provided is aggregate data
47:24quantitative in nature. So as we
47:27embraced the ad hoc committee process,
47:29we were uh four completed uh meetings
47:33and we went through uh different
47:34scenarios uh the methodology and what a
47:38redistricting plan could potentially
47:39look like. And as we went through what
47:42grounded us is the master plan which one
47:45was unfortunately is an agenda item
47:47prior to before but that's okay. uh and
47:51I want to bring back the recommendations
47:53from the master planner uh from Manuel
47:56Cordiero and in that recommendation
47:58which is a very lengthy plan uh he named
48:01six recommendations one being the
48:04optimization and utilization of our our
48:06uh elementary campuses.
48:09Uh that is what really is what drove
48:11this conversation. And as you notice and
48:14one of our critical pressure points
48:16amongst our elementary schools is
48:18there's a significant unders sizing of
48:21an imbalance of classroom enrollment
48:23across our campuses.
48:26Slide please.
48:29So what we did here is on Saturday in
48:32this well sorry two Saturdays ago prior
48:34to the blizzard we shared a presentation
48:36to the school committee to illustrate
48:39the percentage of empty seats across the
48:4210 elementary campuses to bring some
48:45insight to the committee and the
48:47community to see where we currently
48:49stand to ident identify the imbalances
48:51across our schools and our grade levels
48:54and we try to do so in such a way by
48:56presenting these specific graphics. So,
48:58what you see in front of you today, I
49:00apologize for that bar on the top right
49:02there. Uh the ideally when you're
49:05operating an elementary school, you're
49:08looking to be between five and 15% of
49:11empty seats. The reason why you want to
49:14have that is so it allows for a very
49:16transient population. You may have
49:18situations where students may require
49:20specific programming needs. You may have
49:22situations where students may enroll.
49:24So, all those different at a later date.
49:26So all those different caveats and
49:28nuances allow for some expansion within
49:31the school in the event that a student
49:33is enrolled. So therefore they're not at
49:35that max class size or go above. So as
49:39you see here, Potter Burns is one of
49:42those schools that's in that prime
49:43condition is 8.78%
49:46of those seats are empty. And then as
49:48you go through that hierarchy there uh
49:51in ascending order you'll see that
49:53Baldwin is on the opposite side of that
49:54spectrum with almost as it appears 50%
49:58of the school has empty seats. Next
50:01slide please. So we'll first start off
50:03with an illustration there's can we can
50:06we remove that top bar by any chance
50:08there? That's okay. That's okay. So
50:11right there the behind that we'll name
50:13the actual school in this case. Thank
50:15you. Perfect. Potter Burns and the
50:17percentage of empty seats is 8.78. So as
50:19we illustrated this is a good picture of
50:22a function a fully operational school.
50:24Now there's some certain areas here that
50:26you look at first grade those classroom
50:28sizes are maxed out at 23. There's an
50:31opportunity there in the second grade cl
50:33uh kindergarten class. So let me back
50:36up. This is a true threetrack school in
50:39Potter Burns meaning there are three
50:41classrooms in each respective grade.
50:44That is exactly what we're trying to
50:45look for. So this uh continue continuity
50:49continue I'm making up words as we go
50:50along regarding when students
50:52metriculate from kindergarten all the
50:54way through fifth grade. It's important
50:56to try to keep those tracks in alignment
50:593 three and three. The reason why you
51:01don't want to do that if you for example
51:03we'll see in another school you might
51:04have a situation where third grade might
51:06have two classes.
51:08In the event that those students
51:09metriculate up in this scenario here,
51:12then you'd have to open up a fourth
51:14grade class, which then displaces the
51:16classroom teacher, which then means that
51:18the whole contractual bargaining process
51:20goes into play where students may have
51:22uh educators that may be displaced to
51:24different schools depending on that that
51:26language. So in this case here, that
51:28second kindergarten classroom that you
51:30see, 13 and 10, does happen to be an a
51:33collaborative classroom, which we call
51:35inclusion. So therefore, there are two
51:37educators that are in that classroom,
51:39meaning the special educator and the
51:41regular educator. Next slide. So we're
51:44going to transition to Fallon Memorial,
51:46which is also a larger school. Here's an
51:48example of a threetrack school, but
51:51you'll see that first grade there has
51:53four uh first grades. But if you add
51:56those numbers up on those empty seats in
51:58first grade, six, six, six, and seven,
52:01that number is going to be more than 23,
52:03which could potentially uh we could
52:06potentially have an opportunity there to
52:09close a class. And then if you did that
52:11and displaced those students equitably,
52:13you would have full classrooms.
52:16Second one,
52:18second slide.
52:20So here's an example of curvin with 24%
52:24empty seats. You have a a true three
52:27excuse me a three-track school and
52:29you'll see there third and fifth grade
52:31have two tracks. So next year in that
52:34methodology those third graders are
52:36going to advance to fourth grade.
52:37There's currently three fourth grade
52:40teachers there. You'll notice that
52:41there's 11, 11, and 11, right? So that's
52:4533. That could potentially be a class as
52:47well. So what'll happen is one of those
52:50classrooms will be closed out. The
52:53fourth third graders will move up to
52:54fourth grade and that means that
52:56particular classroom teacher would be
52:58displaced.
53:00Next slide.
53:03Here's an example of varia pretty close
53:05to the similar percentage as curvin with
53:0727.3 uh seats available. Uh you'll
53:10notice the disparity there in fifth
53:12grade. When we looked at Potter Burns,
53:15those fifth grade classes were at
53:17capacity at 28, 28, and 28. And here in
53:22Varia, you have an imbalance of 16
53:24students and 14 students, respectively.
53:27Next slide, please.
53:30Curtis is at 26%. And again, I want to
53:33preface this is only K through five.
53:36This does not include self-contained
53:38classrooms. Doesn't include our
53:39specialized or our prek. Those aren't
53:42the concerns. So here we have a
53:44two-track school. There are some
53:47opportunities for uh balancing out these
53:50classrooms. Unfortunately, in this
53:52situation here where you look at your
53:54first grade, first grade, although
53:56though you have those empty seats, you
53:58can't close out a classroom, right?
54:01You'll be going well above that criteria
54:04of 23 students in that classroom. Next
54:06slide.
54:09Agnes Little True a threetrack school.
54:12Fifth grade has two. We'll look at um
54:15look at grade three. We have a total of
54:1825 students. There could be an
54:20opportunity if we maxed out to 23 that
54:23could potentially be a classroom that
54:25could potentially be closed as well.
54:27Next slide.
54:30Cunningham 24.28%.
54:33I can tell you that second grade
54:34classroom is also an inclusive
54:36collaborative classroom.
54:38Next slide.
54:41Nathaniel Green. We have a threetrack
54:44school.
54:46Again, you'll see those red spaces which
54:48reveal empty seats. Next slide.
54:53This is the real true telling. The next
54:55two slides.
54:56What we see here is your kindergarten
54:58class. One of those classes is a dual
55:01language classroom with 12 and two and
55:03respectively in first grade. There's
55:05also one I believe is 15 and eight. So,
55:08those dual language classrooms are
55:10intentionally designed to be lower in
55:12enrollment. However, what's really
55:14telling on this slide here are those
55:16last spaces that are coded in yellow.
55:20And those yellow represent empty
55:22classrooms with furniture and desk
55:24collecting dust in one of our newest
55:26schools. So, we count 1 2 3 4 five six
55:31classrooms that are empty at this time.
55:34If you look at fifth grade, there's an
55:36opportunity there as well of an
55:38imbalanced classroom. Next slide,
55:40please.
55:42And this is our newest school that just
55:44opened up in August. This is also a very
55:47telling slide where you'll see the
55:49orange bars are representative of empty
55:52classrooms with furniture, student desk
55:54inside them. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 nine
55:58classrooms that are empty.
56:01So to bring this back a step and we look
56:03back at the master plans recommendation
56:06and when he identified the optimization
56:08and utilizations of our classrooms. This
56:11is part of the work that the ad hoc
56:14committee has been reviewing. Next
56:16slide. And this last slide here is a
56:20visual of Pucket and geographically
56:23where our elementary schools are
56:25located.
56:26And as was noted on the agenda,
56:29Cunningham was one of those class uh
56:31schools that was considered uh for for
56:35pential part of the redistricting plan.
56:37And the reason why that was targeted not
56:41just because of its FCI index, but also
56:43because of its geographic location
56:45between Baldwin, which is 441.1%
56:49empty, um as well as Winters, which is
56:5241.6% empty, and also Green at 28.8%.
56:568%. So that is the reason why um
56:59Cunningham was one of the schools that
57:01was considered for closure.
57:04Any questions?
57:11>> Yeah, I I hope by the I don't want to
57:12speak for the committee. I hope we have
57:15a bunch of questions. Uh one,
57:19so we are now operating at Baldwin. We
57:22have one, two, three fourth grade
57:24classrooms that are maxed out at 28
57:26students and you're saying we have an
57:29opportunity to have two. Why are we why
57:31are we burdening teachers? Why didn't we
57:34open up another classroom?
57:39And I know I'm part of the school
57:40committee. I should have been part of
57:41this or I should have known this, but
57:43this is the first time I'm seeing a
57:44graph like this. Can Can someone tell me
57:48why are three teachers I'm I'm almost
57:52positive they don't have uh the the a TA
57:56constantly in there? I'm sure they don't
57:57have the support because of funding from
57:59past years. That's on us. The school
58:01committee needs to give you the support,
58:03but why why aren't we why didn't we open
58:05up a classroom there to help alleviate
58:07that?
58:09If we did, there would be an added cost
58:12to the budget that wasn't necessarily
58:14considered in last year's budget. Um, if
58:17we replicate that multiple times to
58:20balance out those classrooms, to your
58:22point, that would be an additional cost
58:23to this district.
58:25>> And to that point, isn't that what
58:27you're asking us to do by closing down
58:29Cunningham?
58:31So, like right now, we're saying, you
58:33know, right now with all the schools
58:35that we have, it's okay that we have
58:37teachers. I mean, we have um desk and
58:40chairs collecting dust as you stated,
58:42but yet we're being asked, don't worry
58:46about closing down a school building to
58:49increase and open up a new classroom.
58:51What I'm getting at is why are we
58:52forcing a teacher today to work over
58:56their class limit? Um that's what I'm
58:58trying to get at. Like it was budgetary
59:00only. No, it it this work is fundament
59:03it it's based on the contractual
59:05language of class size which is 23
59:09students K1 and two and three and then 4
59:11through 12 is 28. That's the denominator
59:14that we use to determine the number of
59:16FTEEs that is required by the district
59:19to support those classrooms. We try not
59:22to use the max size so that we can allow
59:25for opportunities for students to
59:27transition in and out for all those
59:29other variables that I had shared
59:31earlier.
59:33>> Question uh the podium spoke loud to us
59:36and one person uh brought up uh
59:39something about and I hope I wasn't part
59:41of the committee. Madam Chair, I hope
59:44that the district was considered as a
59:46whole and certain schools weren't just
59:49targeted because I'm I'm looking at our
59:50city map and I you have numbers here.
59:54Why wasn't Curvin
59:57part of it? That's right between Winters
1:00:00which is empty and and we could use a
1:00:02little bit of of little there. Well,
1:00:04what I'm getting is what was the
1:00:06criteria of what schools were were
1:00:07targeted? The first criteria was based
1:00:10on the information that the master
1:00:12planner had provided to the district and
1:00:14part of that work that he did which is a
1:00:17186 page uh report. He identified the
1:00:20FCI ratings of the school. He also took
1:00:23in consideration the enrollment and the
1:00:25educational program for each of those
1:00:27schools. I could speak particularly to
1:00:30Kurven. Kervin has had a significant
1:00:32investment of ride funds through the MOA
1:00:35to replace the roof, to update the um I
1:00:38believe we used ESTR funding for the
1:00:40playground in the event that that was a
1:00:43potential opportunity for closure. There
1:00:45would be a recapture cost.
1:00:50>> Um was the dual language program
1:00:52included in these numbers that you
1:00:54provided to us?
1:00:56>> Baldwin, the K and the one, those are
1:00:59the two classes. I believe it was um 9
1:01:02and 14 in the kindergarten and first
1:01:04grade was the 9 and 14 as well.
1:01:07>> Keeping it low this year. It's a
1:01:09successful program. It's something
1:01:10that's needed uh not in just Pucket. I I
1:01:13hate when I hear people just say
1:01:14Puckets. This should be a statewide
1:01:16program. And well, what I'm getting at
1:01:20is don't you see an expansion of this
1:01:22program?
1:01:23>> Absolutely. If we're going to expand a
1:01:26program like that, these classroom
1:01:28numbers then are kind of skewed, right?
1:01:29Because we're going to need to use them
1:01:31because you're going to increase them in
1:01:32the years forecast out, right? Year
1:01:34three, year two, year two, year three.
1:01:37Yes.
1:01:37>> So those numbers are included presently
1:01:40on these graphs though what you're
1:01:42using.
1:01:42>> Yes. So in the second grade year,
1:01:45there's an opportunity for an opening. I
1:01:48believe the classroom teacher mentioned
1:01:50that it's posted. So those students will
1:01:52metriculate. So, we'll open up a third
1:01:53grade a second grade classroom next year
1:01:54for dual language so that you'll have
1:01:56that vertical continuum throughout K
1:01:58through five.
1:02:00>> I don't want to do I'm sorry.
1:02:02>> I have a question. So, those graphs are
1:02:05gauged off of this year's budget or last
1:02:09year's budget.
1:02:10>> The this graph is actual enrollment as
1:02:12of I'm sorry, I lost a week of the
1:02:14blizzard um a week prior to recess
1:02:16vacation. So, it's two weeks.
1:02:18>> So, was the budget we passed last year?
1:02:20You're going off of that. Okay.
1:02:24Yes.
1:02:26>> Why wasn't special education numbers um
1:02:30included?
1:02:32>> Special education numbers as far as the
1:02:34self-contained classes predominantly are
1:02:37approximately 10 students 11 12 I think
1:02:40there's two classes that are 11 or 12.
1:02:41We have 19 across uh geographically of
1:02:44those campuses. That particular
1:02:46classroom is left at 10. Uh there wasn't
1:02:49necessarily a need at this time. Well, I
1:02:51should say, let me take that back.
1:02:52There's always a need to open up more
1:02:54special education classrooms for sure.
1:02:56Uh but that number wasn't going to
1:02:58impact the overall design um of the
1:03:01actual redistricting plan. Special
1:03:03program can be placed at any time,
1:03:05anywhere.
1:03:07>> And then preschool also wasn't included.
1:03:11>> Yep. And well, in preschool, we have 25
1:03:14programs and they're all at capacity. we
1:03:16have a waiting list of of participants
1:03:18and residents who who want to
1:03:20participate in our prek programs. So
1:03:22those again based on the decision of
1:03:24this committee and determination of
1:03:26which and what we do as far as schools
1:03:29would determine those locations of those
1:03:31particular prek programs.
1:03:33So,
1:03:35it sounds like
1:03:37there's an abundance of students who
1:03:41will be coming up within the next year
1:03:44or two through preK. So, have we
1:03:49compared
1:03:50what those numbers are and the different
1:03:54schools that they'll go to? And then
1:03:58are those numbers exceedingly high or
1:04:02>> there we've had 25 pre-K classrooms for
1:04:06several years now. So, when we base
1:04:08those projections, we look at the
1:04:09previous year's kindergarten numbers.
1:04:11Those have been pretty consistent uh
1:04:14over the last couple years. So those K
1:04:16numbers that are coming in which also
1:04:18include the students that were in preK
1:04:20who metriculate up that number has
1:04:22remained consistent throughout the
1:04:23years.
1:04:24So yes and then I I can surely tell you
1:04:28the special education department looks
1:04:30at those students who are in the
1:04:31integrated programs who may need um a
1:04:34more um specialized classroom and
1:04:37they're doing that work as we speak. I
1:04:39just we met with them last yesterday.
1:04:43So yes,
1:04:44>> thank you.
1:04:45>> You're welcome.
1:04:48>> Is Superintendent Buck.
1:04:53>> I just again want to go back to echoing
1:04:56Dr. Andre's remarks at the beginning of
1:04:58this conversation uh and and state
1:05:01particularly for our community and our
1:05:02educators here that we recognize that
1:05:04this indeed is a difficult conversation.
1:05:07This is not just hard work, but it is
1:05:08hard work. Um, and and you know, one of
1:05:11the things we wanted to do tonight was
1:05:13present factual information and factual
1:05:15data. Um, and you know, allow you all to
1:05:18make thoughtful uh and informed
1:05:20decisions. And we hope that we're able
1:05:22to do that based off of these numbers
1:05:23here.
1:05:27The question that the other question I
1:05:29have is that that's based on the budget
1:05:33we passed for last year to this year and
1:05:37that figures in the 4.5 million from the
1:05:42surplus that we used to plug the hole.
1:05:44Okay. And now I think we've been
1:05:47projected, everybody's saying that we're
1:05:50going to have like a $7 million deficit,
1:05:53which and we don't know how much of a
1:05:55surplus we have anymore. Correct. Still
1:05:58at this point.
1:06:00>> That is correct. We are projecting a
1:06:03$7.9 million deficit. Uh that is
1:06:06correct. Yes.
1:06:06>> Okay.
1:06:08>> Nobody knows what the surplus is
1:06:10anymore. uh or
1:06:13>> we have a strong idea of what that is
1:06:15which we'll share on the 18th.
1:06:17>> Okay.
1:06:21>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um where are you
1:06:24taking us in this it uh line item right
1:06:28now before I speak? Are you is there any
1:06:30more presentation or are you expecting
1:06:32an up and down? Uh let me just read. So
1:06:35this is just the approve this is just
1:06:37the presentation.
1:06:40All right. And then then it's the appro.
1:06:42Okay. All right. So, where are we? Where
1:06:43are you taking us? Right into number
1:06:45two. Approval of the redistricting
1:06:47school configuration scenario.
1:06:49>> Only conversation first. I think Miss
1:06:52Grant has another.
1:06:53>> All right. That that's why before I make
1:06:55a comment where where to go. So, all
1:06:57right. Thank you.
1:06:59Um,
1:07:03has there been um I know someone who had
1:07:07come up to the podium um mentioned that
1:07:10the mayor had gone over to Cunningham
1:07:13and spoke to the parents.
1:07:16Have we at any point,
1:07:19like I said, I look at this as
1:07:21redistricting when my definition of
1:07:25redistricting is the whole district, not
1:07:28just closing one school. Um, and it
1:07:32seems like everything's just been kind
1:07:35of focused on one school. But has anyone
1:07:39from the district had any meetings at
1:07:45the schools with the neighbors and the
1:07:49the the families and to talk about and
1:07:52make them aware of what was coming and
1:07:57what we were going to be looking at?
1:08:02Was there any communication in regards
1:08:05to the district on a whole? Like I said,
1:08:07the reason I mentioned that is because a
1:08:09redistricting is the whole district.
1:08:12Children should
1:08:15students should be moved from A to B, B
1:08:19to C, and some might stay, but the lines
1:08:23will be drawn at certain streets. So, it
1:08:26seems like everyone
1:08:29could or would be possibly affected.
1:08:32>> Yes. So, Miss Grant, to answer your
1:08:34question, that is indeed part of the
1:08:35plan and part of the strategy, but the
1:08:37guidance from RIDE in regards to those
1:08:39um conversations that happen with
1:08:41families uh not uh data that's collected
1:08:44from them in terms of input, but
1:08:45conversations that happen with families
1:08:47regarding redistricting and school
1:08:48closures uh occur once you identify
1:08:51which schools those schools are
1:08:53happening at. And so to further expand
1:08:55upon that, what I mean is, for example,
1:08:57once the committee decided that they
1:08:58were closing or not closing a school,
1:09:00that's when those particular
1:09:01conversations about what that means for
1:09:03the community and how we dig a little
1:09:05deeper into the data in regards to how
1:09:07we support um it was a young lady this
1:09:10evening who shared about the distance
1:09:12between uh their the families and the
1:09:14new school. And so we address many of
1:09:17those concerns and we've collected many
1:09:19of those concerns through survey data.
1:09:21So we know what those concerns are from
1:09:22our families. uh I suspect that there
1:09:24will be uh additional concerns that are
1:09:26shared that go beyond uh the survey
1:09:28data, but we're able to extrapolate some
1:09:30of the concerns that those folks shared
1:09:32with us uh and to go into those
1:09:33communities and have those
1:09:34conversations.
1:09:36Um, wouldn't we I I understand what
1:09:39you're saying that these are the
1:09:41guidelines that ride give us, but
1:09:43wouldn't we as a district prefer to be
1:09:46proactive and and more communive with
1:09:51our our community to kind of talk to
1:09:56them and let them know that this is
1:09:59something that could affect
1:10:01everyone because
1:10:05From the beginning, you've you've all
1:10:07discussed how quickly you wanted this to
1:10:10happen. So by the time the conversations
1:10:12happen, you know, to close a school or
1:10:16to go from Potter's to Curtis or Fallon
1:10:20to Agnes for for a student because lines
1:10:23being drawn, that's that that's big, you
1:10:28know, and that's not something you, you
1:10:32know, just drop on a family and then,
1:10:35you know, just kind of,
1:10:38you know, work it out because there are
1:10:40going to be families if this did happen
1:10:44um who are going to want exemptions and
1:10:46we also still have responsibilities to
1:10:49those new students coming to the schools
1:10:51and the kids who wanted to stay at the
1:10:53schools. Don't you think it the
1:11:00that we should have put that personal
1:11:03and we should put that Pucket personal
1:11:06touch on this and really make all of our
1:11:10schools and all of our communities part
1:11:13of this and aware of this.
1:11:15>> To answer your question, I think you're
1:11:16absolutely right. I think I my
1:11:18understanding of the ad hoc committee is
1:11:19that's why the ad hoc committee was what
1:11:21the ad hoc committee was designed to do
1:11:23was to have representatives
1:11:24representatives of those communities.
1:11:26Now I know that wasn't equitable and
1:11:28we've heard that here at public comment
1:11:29in regards to the families that showed
1:11:31up but that truly was what the ad hoc
1:11:33committee was designed to do to have
1:11:34representation of all 16 of our schools
1:11:37and one program across the district. um
1:11:39you know to your point to to do this
1:11:42work right we we we'd essentially have
1:11:44to do presentations at 17 community
1:11:46schools with families regarding that not
1:11:48knowing the direction we're going into
1:11:54Miss Grant your point is very well taken
1:11:57and it is certainly emotional to even be
1:11:59embraced in this conversation what I can
1:12:02pretty much speculate and I think we
1:12:04would all agree is regardless of what
1:12:07school we think about we're going to
1:12:10we're going to we're going to have the
1:12:11same reaction. It's is an emotional
1:12:13piece. Teachers are going to be upset.
1:12:17Uh I know if I was working in a school
1:12:19for 30 years, I would be upset. I know
1:12:21that parents have that nostalgia. My
1:12:24parents went to that school. It is it is
1:12:26absolutely difficult. What we do know is
1:12:29that we have a $7.9 million structural
1:12:32deficit that we're facing. Yep. That's
1:12:34okay. it. But but my
1:12:38my my question wasn't based on closing
1:12:42Cuttingham. My question was this is a
1:12:45redistricting. A redistricting
1:12:48is not just about closing Cuttingham.
1:12:51It's about how it affects the whole
1:12:54community. So
1:12:57this affects child A going in third
1:13:01grade to one school and then being
1:13:05notified in May,
1:13:07April or May that in September they
1:13:12could possibly be going to a different
1:13:14school. A redistricting is drawing
1:13:17lines, moving those students equitably
1:13:21to make sure those classes
1:13:25rooms are equitable also. And then at
1:13:29that point, if the classrooms all
1:13:32together don't fit into those schools
1:13:37and we have so much left over, then we
1:13:41look at the building that would be most
1:13:44likely to close and and you run these
1:13:48different scenarios. Like I stated
1:13:50earlier when I was asked to
1:13:53um chair the ad hoc committee and like I
1:13:56said the reason I didn't want to do it
1:13:57is because I felt that it was going to
1:13:59be rush to to to look at all the
1:14:04scenarios that could take place.
1:14:08It takes approximately a year and a half
1:14:12to do this. and we're we're at the month
1:14:15where we need to really be going out to
1:14:19the community or a school and tell them
1:14:22that we're going to we could possibly
1:14:25close them. So, have we run through
1:14:29every scenario that could possibly be?
1:14:33We based our feedback and our
1:14:35recommendations based on the master
1:14:37planners report where he did an
1:14:40exhaustive study that the school
1:14:42committee the district um invested in
1:14:45this work. Um the best analogy that I
1:14:49can share I think it was wellreceived on
1:14:51Saturday and I'm sorry I got my educator
1:14:54hat on. If I had 10 Home Depot buckets,
1:14:57orange buckets filled 3/4 of the way
1:15:00with water, and let's just say some of
1:15:02them are at 50%, some of them are at
1:15:0480%, some of them at 50%. If I took
1:15:07those that those 10 buckets and I
1:15:09equalized the water and all 10 buckets,
1:15:13you're still going to have empty seats
1:15:14and an imbalance. So, thinking about
1:15:17your point, Miss Grant, you're
1:15:18absolutely right. when we redistrict
1:15:20that does include school paths changing
1:15:22which is a result of those lines but it
1:15:25doesn't resolve the problem that we have
1:15:27right now. What it does potentially do
1:15:30is let's say forward focus say it's a
1:15:32year from now and we decide that there
1:15:34is a potential school closure. If we go
1:15:37through that redistricting by just
1:15:39moving school paths those there will be
1:15:41a group of set of students that will
1:15:43have to get uprooted again next year.
1:15:49you decided what those lines are, where
1:15:52those streets are.
1:15:55>> We've based on those three scenarios
1:15:57that were shared. Um, yes, Hirs did a a
1:16:01lot of work with looking at what those
1:16:04redistricting lines would look like only
1:16:06based on the three scenarios that you
1:16:08are in front of you today of the one
1:16:10that was forwarded to the school
1:16:11committee was the Cunningham closure. So
1:16:14based on that, there was going to be a
1:16:16certain set amount of students that
1:16:17would go to Winters, Baldwin, and Green.
1:16:19And Mr. Christino could speak to that in
1:16:21better detail.
1:16:23>> I guess I'm just wondering, do we know
1:16:26at this point what students could be
1:16:30moved from just say Curtis to Carvin,
1:16:32Kervin to Winters, or and so on.
1:16:36>> When with the committee's approval in
1:16:39whichever direction we go, yes, we we
1:16:41will know that immediately.
1:16:44Yes,
1:16:44>> Mr. Olden Hayne.
1:16:46>> Yeah, the I I had spoke to this at the
1:16:49ad hoc committee and I I voiced my
1:16:52opinion when I was elected. I didn't see
1:16:55any sense why the previous committee and
1:16:58this committee, you know, we built a new
1:17:02school and upon opening the new school,
1:17:07I thought that was the opportune time to
1:17:09close Cuttingham. And I brought that
1:17:12subject up and I was only a few months
1:17:16into the term and I was told there's not
1:17:18enough time to get this information out
1:17:21to the public. We've been spinning our
1:17:24wheels here for the last year on
1:17:27different issues that the committee has
1:17:30had to face and this got thrown to the
1:17:32back burner. So now once again we're
1:17:36going to be put in the position of okay,
1:17:38we're going to make a hasty decision and
1:17:42nobody's going to be happy with it. You
1:17:44know, I don't think the administration's
1:17:46going to be happy with it. I don't think
1:17:47the community is going to be happy with
1:17:49it. And fundamentally I I I had said
1:17:54something about the mayor had came here
1:17:57to speak and uh I I wonder did the mayor
1:18:00say he was willing to uh have a funding
1:18:04source for us for this or was it just
1:18:07say he was not in favor of it? So if
1:18:10he's not in favor of it, is he got
1:18:12another revenue source where we can, you
1:18:16know, still operate and not have an
1:18:18issue here?
1:18:21Is that
1:18:23>> so one thing that everybody should know
1:18:26and I think it's been mentioned before
1:18:30is in the last 20 years and I believe
1:18:33the last redistricting
1:18:35I wasn't I was here for the last
1:18:37redistricting but I'm not sure when it
1:18:40was
1:18:42>> 2020
1:18:44>> 2000 okay I thought so okay so I wasn't
1:18:49here for the redistricting and I've been
1:18:51here 20 years. We are down by 3,000
1:18:55students.
1:18:58We are down by 3,000 students. Yes, we
1:19:02want smaller class sizes. Yes, we want
1:19:06equity in all our classrooms.
1:19:09However, we are down 3,000 students.
1:19:14How many students are in Cunningham?
1:19:20It's in your enrollment report right in
1:19:21front of you. And
1:19:23>> how many are in?
1:19:24>> 3 325.
1:19:28So,
1:19:30the master planner made a recommendation
1:19:35and the following schools could have
1:19:38been closed by his recommendation
1:19:41and that was Curtis, that was
1:19:43Cunningham, that was Agnes Little and
1:19:47that was Fallon.
1:19:49So
1:19:55reality is
1:19:57we can't afford to keep 10 schools open.
1:20:03No, 10 elementary schools open. ride in
1:20:08their wisdom
1:20:10which I didn't know about
1:20:12until recently
1:20:15decided to build bigger so they could
1:20:18combine schools.
1:20:21Okay. So now we are in a point where we
1:20:25have to combine schools. Where do we
1:20:28combine them from?
1:20:31So, there are a couple things left on
1:20:34the agenda and it's one thing on the
1:20:37agenda that is unspoken.
1:20:40If we can't make a decision on what we
1:20:43choose to do, we will have to spend the
1:20:46money and go out and get a new
1:20:49demographer
1:20:51and have them make the decision for us.
1:20:55And they will do the same work that's
1:20:57been done before. They will look at
1:21:00births. They will look at deaths. They
1:21:02will look at new housing. Um they will
1:21:05look at all of the statistics
1:21:09of how many students we are going to
1:21:11have. And they continue to see a decline
1:21:14in enrollment.
1:21:16And if the state opens up more charter
1:21:18schools, we are going to lose more. And
1:21:22everybody knows that.
1:21:25Um, so this is where we're at. I mean,
1:21:31we rip off a band-aid, and I'm sorry if
1:21:34I say it in that way. And and it's
1:21:36horrible, and it's emotional, and it's
1:21:40personal to everyone, not just the
1:21:44teachers at Cunningham,
1:21:46because the other teachers in other
1:21:48districts feel it, too. The teachers at
1:21:51Baldwin feel it. Not that they're going
1:21:53to get more students. I think they love
1:21:55more students in their building because
1:21:57they have enough room. The same thing
1:22:00with Winters.
1:22:02Um
1:22:03it's just
1:22:06an impossible place to be.
1:22:10And unfortunately,
1:22:12the seven of us have the job that we
1:22:15have to do it.
1:22:17We really we have to do something. We
1:22:21have an almost $8 million deficit. We
1:22:25can't keep pretending that everything's
1:22:28fine. ESSA floated us. CO funds floated
1:22:32us. But all of those things are gone. We
1:22:36haven't had and that's coming up later
1:22:39in the committee. We haven't had
1:22:43one, two, three, four, five. We haven't
1:22:47had additional funding in this district
1:22:49from the city in the last five years.
1:22:52And before that it was 2%. The year
1:22:55before that was three. And the year both
1:22:57years before that it was 1.6%.
1:23:02So
1:23:03where does the money come from to keep
1:23:06all these schools open?
1:23:09I don't know.
1:23:11That's a good question. Mr. Chalelle.
1:23:14>> Madam Chair. Thank you for that. And
1:23:16before I start, um, one thing that was,
1:23:19uh, brought to my attention last meeting
1:23:20was, uh, that I supposedly I really beat
1:23:22up the chair the chairperson over this
1:23:25item, and it wasn't it wasn't directed
1:23:27towards you. We didn't have this
1:23:29presentation. Why this presentation
1:23:30wasn't at the first meeting still is is
1:23:33mindboggling. This is a school committee
1:23:35that's making decision and we didn't
1:23:37have this. But there's something that
1:23:39you just spoke about that is missing
1:23:40within this late presentation. Now
1:23:43you're talking about financing. Where is
1:23:45our financing on this? What is the
1:23:47savings? What is the cost? I don't have
1:23:50that in front of us. There is two items.
1:23:53Uh there's two issues that really is
1:23:55hitting home with me. Time and money.
1:23:58The previous uh chairperson last year
1:24:00around this time, maybe a month earlier,
1:24:02said we're going to have to look into a
1:24:04school closure closure. Uh that that was
1:24:07floated out there. It it never really
1:24:10picked up. This year it's picked up a
1:24:12little bit more. But to my colleague Mr.
1:24:14Wildenhan's point,
1:24:17we are asking us to take a vote in
1:24:20March. March, right? March for something
1:24:23that's going to affect people. I cannot
1:24:26in good conscious vote to close down a
1:24:28school in March for next school year.
1:24:32We need to do a we we need to do better
1:24:34as a city, as a school department. We
1:24:37need to be educated on how much it's
1:24:39going to cost us, how much it's going to
1:24:40save us, and we have to have the
1:24:43messaging proper. The messaging of two
1:24:46beautiful $50 million schools with 40%
1:24:51uh capacity. We we need to put that out
1:24:55there. Tonight, we were given a bar
1:24:58graph that showed what schools have over
1:25:01uh enrollment in one classes and empty
1:25:03another. But we didn't get a
1:25:05presentation on why Cunningham. You just
1:25:08someone just made a statement. Oh, no.
1:25:10It was you. The master plan said Curtis,
1:25:12Cunningham, Fallon, Little. I'm looking
1:25:16at our map. Just look at our map. Why
1:25:18wasn't Curtis brought to the full
1:25:20committee more? The only the only school
1:25:23that came to this full committee as a
1:25:25whole was Cunningham. And then at the
1:25:28last minute, Slater ended up in there. I
1:25:30I have no idea why Slater ended up in
1:25:32there. those that that's the only option
1:25:34that us as a seven member board really
1:25:36were educated on. Um I I I I think we as
1:25:41a committee, as a district, we need to
1:25:43do better. I need to have some finances
1:25:47thrown in here to tell us, listen,
1:25:49there's a $2 million savings, but it's
1:25:51going to cost us a million dollars for
1:25:53transportation. That's a million
1:25:54dollars. That's real numbers. But is it
1:25:56a million dollar savings for shutting
1:25:58down that school and only a $200,000?
1:26:00Oh, okay. Now, now we're dealing with
1:26:02real numbers. I don't have any numbers
1:26:03in front of us. I don't know if they,
1:26:05and I don't want to call anyone on the
1:26:06cockpit if they're not prepared to give
1:26:08it, but why wasn't it presented to us in
1:26:10the beginning? Why wasn't this presented
1:26:12to us in that other meeting? Those are
1:26:15questions that but so I I cannot move on
1:26:18with making something and to I I usually
1:26:22don't but to you say the word the human
1:26:26element
1:26:27closing a school in March uh asking to
1:26:31close a school in March for next
1:26:32September to the normal everyday people
1:26:35out there that's a ton of time not for a
1:26:38school district that's not a lot of time
1:26:40if we are going to shut down one of our
1:26:42school buildings cuz I am on. I'm in
1:26:45favor of what you said on finances,
1:26:48guys. We don't have the money. We we we
1:26:51don't have money coming in. Something
1:26:54needs to happen, but we need to do a
1:26:56better job of what is the best way, what
1:26:59is the best school, if it is even a
1:27:01possibility, and and what does that look
1:27:04like? And it's not for in a couple of
1:27:06months from now. It's going to be
1:27:07effective the almost a year and a half
1:27:10down the line. Um I've
1:27:13to to that effect is that you know on
1:27:17the ad hoc committee we were afforded
1:27:19some numbers and we were told it was
1:27:21like a million four if it was just a
1:27:23closure of uh Cuttingham. Okay. If it
1:27:26was a closure of Cuttingham and Slater
1:27:29and then moving the sixth grades back to
1:27:32the elementary schools, there was a a
1:27:34cost that was attributed to that. But
1:27:36that scenario was thrown off the table
1:27:39and it and and we kind of thought, okay,
1:27:42if we go for two schools, it's too much,
1:27:44you know. So the the easiest thing to do
1:27:47was to do one school would be the
1:27:50minimum amount of damage that would be
1:27:52done. Okay? And it's going to provide
1:27:56some savings, not enough to balance the
1:27:59budget that we're going to have in a
1:28:00future of, you know, the 7.9. But if we
1:28:04don't do this, what is the budget going
1:28:07to be? What's the deficit going to be
1:28:09when we get to that point? And how are
1:28:11we going to address that at that point?
1:28:13Okay, good question that maybe I should
1:28:16already know. This is the 7.9 budget
1:28:18deficit including Cunningham being
1:28:20closed or open.
1:28:23>> That is including Cunningham potentially
1:28:25being closed. And so what happens is is
1:28:27that number does increase with it not
1:28:29closing,
1:28:32you know.
1:28:34and and and I and I'm you know I I was
1:28:36on the ad hoc committee with these
1:28:38people and there was a lot of different
1:28:40points brought up from the people that
1:28:44are in the room about children have to
1:28:46be go from one place to another place
1:28:49going to have to be busted to this or
1:28:50that kids going to have to get up
1:28:52earlier to get on a bus to get you
1:28:54sooner or later that's going to happen
1:28:55anyway in this district because we're
1:28:58going to have a unified high school over
1:29:00here which is going to have everybody
1:29:02Everybody's going to have to be bust
1:29:04from every side of the city now to this
1:29:06one place over here. So, you know, in
1:29:10effect, I think the reason that
1:29:12Cuttingham might have been put on the
1:29:14forefront of that was that Cuttingham's
1:29:18location to Baldwin was what, a half a
1:29:21mile. So, I think that was the least
1:29:25destructive to the community at large to
1:29:29say, "Okay, we're going to have to move
1:29:31their kids, but we're not going to move
1:29:32them that far. We're not have to move
1:29:34them on the other side of the city.
1:29:35We're going to keep them in their
1:29:36neighborhood as close as their
1:29:38neighborhoods as we could by
1:29:39distributing that way." And I think
1:29:41that's what we tried to get to as a goal
1:29:43as the hard ad hoc committee. I don't
1:29:45want to speak for the committee because,
1:29:47you know, I'm the single person on the
1:29:49thing, but that's what I kind of took
1:29:51away from that as being a committee
1:29:53member. I also understand as being a
1:29:56taxpayer, there's a there's a financial
1:29:58responsibility that we all take to each
1:30:00other, you know, and because we as a
1:30:05committee didn't do anything to help the
1:30:08city out with the finances, we lost an
1:30:11opportunity to gain more financings for
1:30:13us. And not too many people know that.
1:30:16Okay. And and the problem is we blew a
1:30:18chance to work with the city and maybe
1:30:21even open up additional funding that we
1:30:23could have got from them. You know, I
1:30:25don't know whether that funding is going
1:30:27to be there in in coming years. Okay.
1:30:31And uh but I I I don't take pleasure in
1:30:36closing anybody's school. It it's
1:30:38heartbreaking in you know and and it's
1:30:40unfortunate. But the problem is the past
1:30:43committees didn't do anything to fix the
1:30:45situation.
1:30:47And as an enrollment, as M. Bonolo
1:30:50stated, enrollment's gone down. Nobody's
1:30:52done anything about it. We have smaller
1:30:54class sizes. We have larger class sizes.
1:30:57So if we consolidate, according to the
1:31:00master planner, that's one way that we
1:31:02can actually save money and try and move
1:31:04the district forward. Now, saying that
1:31:07we're going to close Cuttingham is going
1:31:09to solve all of our problems. probably
1:31:11not. You know, we could be back in this
1:31:14situation again next year. And once
1:31:18again, if people are not preparing the
1:31:21community ahead of time, we're all going
1:31:24to look like
1:31:26evil people, you know, at best. And I'm
1:31:30and I'm not trying to I
1:31:33I don't have children in this district
1:31:35anymore, but I have compassion for the
1:31:37people who do. You know, I I I I love
1:31:41the fact that there was neighborhood
1:31:42schools. I lived within walking distance
1:31:45from Potters. I walked to school, you
1:31:49know, and uh I've seen children even to
1:31:51this day. I I see a set of twins walk by
1:31:54my house every day to go to potters, you
1:31:57know, and uh it breaks my heart to think
1:32:01that these kids are not going to have
1:32:03that opportunity anymore. But our
1:32:05obligation is to give them an education,
1:32:08you know, and if that education means
1:32:11that it's one less building, but they
1:32:13have a place to get an education, that's
1:32:15our goal here. And that's all I can
1:32:18hope.
1:32:25Mr. Andre,
1:32:28>> Mr. Shal, I I do whatever I can in my
1:32:32power not to be defensive and and I will
1:32:34continue to keep that mantra. Um but but
1:32:37what I will shred
1:32:40Jim Shal
1:32:41>> absolutely not Mr. Shal.
1:32:42>> I don't I thought we go ahead.
1:32:43>> What what I will share though is I agree
1:32:45with you in that there should I would
1:32:48also agree if I were in your shoes I'd
1:32:50want to see a cost analysis um regarding
1:32:52those scenarios. Um and unfortunately
1:32:57through the weather, different other
1:32:58variables and the the intent was to have
1:33:01this&m present the budget probably a
1:33:04month ago and in that conversation was
1:33:07part of that 7.9 million with the 1.5
1:33:10million with presumed to be the closure.
1:33:12So instead we're now looking if if the
1:33:14closet didn't close you're looking at
1:33:16you know 7.9 plus the 1.5. So there is
1:33:20what we anticipate an approximate $1.5
1:33:22million saving to the district. And I
1:33:25use the word saving cautiously.
1:33:28Do so 1.5 to shut. How much to bus?
1:33:31>> It's actually costneutral for
1:33:33transportation because of the location
1:33:34of the schools that the students would
1:33:36be uh enrolling into between Baldwin and
1:33:39Green. Now that's going to be a
1:33:41conversation forthcoming where we have
1:33:43received the audit from Transpar. Uh Dr.
1:33:47Karina will be presenting in the next
1:33:48school committee per Miss Benola's
1:33:50direction. Uh and we'll hear a little
1:33:52bit more information regarding
1:33:54transportation and transportation cost.
1:34:00>> Can I ask a question?
1:34:01>> So would it be cost effective? If you
1:34:05look at the map, it it does look like um
1:34:11possibly more than one school could
1:34:14possibly
1:34:16um be looked at to maybe be closed or or
1:34:21used for um another situation.
1:34:26Would it be more cost effective in
1:34:31to to really
1:34:33>> close two schools?
1:34:35>> I wasn't going to say that. I was going
1:34:38to say um to really look at the whole
1:34:42redistricting
1:34:44and what should be done. So like Mr.
1:34:48Wilden Haynes said year after year,
1:34:52we're we're not, you know, bringing this
1:34:56on families and, you know, and and take
1:35:00this time this year to really come up
1:35:05with a firm plan, have the
1:35:08conversations.
1:35:10Um,
1:35:12you know, we do, we all know the
1:35:14budget's going to get worse. Um, and I
1:35:16think we all know that there has been
1:35:19chatter about one or two schools being
1:35:22closed. I'd hate to see any school
1:35:25closed. Um,
1:35:28but wouldn't it be better to
1:35:32kind of using Mrs. Benolo's words, if
1:35:36we're going to take that band-aid off at
1:35:38one at one time, why don't we just take
1:35:41it off all together when we have a good
1:35:44solid plan on the whole district? It
1:35:48still doesn't sound like we we really
1:35:52have that firm plan.
1:35:57I don't know. you know, um I just hate
1:36:02to do it,
1:36:05you know, half of what really needs to
1:36:09to to be done. I I think if you're going
1:36:12to have the conversation,
1:36:15we need to have the frank conversation
1:36:18because okay, you want to close
1:36:20Cunningham this year, but hey, next year
1:36:23we might have to close, you know, um
1:36:28or
1:36:28>> Yeah. So, so why not get all the facts
1:36:33and and figure it all out and
1:36:37let's, you know, make this a a district
1:36:40thing and and have the conversations
1:36:44with people and figure it out the right
1:36:47way. So, we're only touching this once.
1:36:52>> So, so that work gets harder when you
1:36:54talk about closing multiple schools. And
1:36:55if I'm hearing you correctly, and I
1:36:57could not be, so it's possible, closing,
1:37:00you know, based off the dem demographers
1:37:01report recommending that we can close up
1:37:05the three schools. That's that's really
1:37:07difficult to do for a school district uh
1:37:10in one year. I do agree with you to the
1:37:12point of having an extended plan. Uh
1:37:14this work is derived from the ad hoc
1:37:16committee. Uh the chair and I and Dr.
1:37:18Dr. Andre have had conversations about a
1:37:20long-term plan for this ad hoc committee
1:37:22staying in existence uh and not
1:37:24necessarily meeting in the same cadence
1:37:26that we were meeting prior to the
1:37:27weather which was bi-weekly at that
1:37:29point but meeting uh perhaps monthly uh
1:37:31to continue some of these conversations
1:37:33regarding uh additional school closures
1:37:35that need to occur. So, we are have
1:37:38already been discussing planning uh and
1:37:40strategizing around a long-term plan
1:37:42because to your point, you're absolutely
1:37:44right. Um, you know, we we've heard the
1:37:46feedback from the community. We've heard
1:37:48the feedback from the ad hoc committee,
1:37:49from you all. Uh, and we recognize that
1:37:52there there's not a a strong likelihood
1:37:55of multiple school closures that need to
1:37:57happen based off the numbers you saw
1:37:58here, based off the demographers report.
1:38:00So, we know that we need a long-term
1:38:02strategy um to combat that.
1:38:10you committee.
1:38:14>> I don't want to drag this out, but um
1:38:17just the human element made me that that
1:38:19comment sticking with me. Um we should
1:38:22be meeting. We should still continue
1:38:24this. We This shouldn't stop. This isn't
1:38:26a no. So, I'm going to get everyone
1:38:29upset with me, which is a talent I have.
1:38:32I I think the committee, we shouldn't
1:38:34take the vote to shut down Cunningham
1:38:36tonight. The commit the ad hoc should
1:38:39not uh you shouldn't put it away. You've
1:38:41done a wonderful job of of leadership
1:38:44with doing that, Miss Bonolo. You you
1:38:46were asked at a meeting. It was in my
1:38:48opinion, it was a it was a very Yeah, it
1:38:51was a testy meeting. It was kind of
1:38:53thrown at you and you stepped up and you
1:38:55really gotten us here. And I'm not
1:38:57trying to annoy or like frustrate anyone
1:39:00at the podium. no finances and to tell
1:39:03students in May, the the adults, the
1:39:06teachers in May or sorry, March, that
1:39:09we're going to close your school down in
1:39:10August. I think a school closure should
1:39:13be announced in September or or October
1:39:17of the previous year. Timing matters.
1:39:21Respect of the neighborhood, respect to
1:39:23the people, respect to the city matters.
1:39:25You should let them know ahead of time.
1:39:27So, I think we should be working over
1:39:29the summer. um in and into the next uh
1:39:33school year to see if like Miss Grant
1:39:36was talking about comprehensive is it
1:39:39one school or is it two schools and what
1:39:41is the finance what is the school side
1:39:43ram school class size ramification I I
1:39:46think a a very comprehensive finance
1:39:50classroom
1:39:51uh centric uh issue would be would be
1:39:55beneficial for me so for tonight again
1:39:58messaging wise it does kill me as a
1:40:00taxpayer and as someone I'm seeing two
1:40:03$50 million brand new schools,
1:40:05state-of-the-art schools.
1:40:08We we should want to have our students
1:40:10in the best facilities possible. I just
1:40:13don't think this the timing of this is
1:40:14correct about that
1:40:21chair. Thank you. Um I would like to
1:40:24echo uh my colleagues uh Ginchelle and
1:40:27and King Gran. um in saying that I think
1:40:32this is a very very uh time for um
1:40:36decision so important that can affect
1:40:40the the great community of Cunningham
1:40:42and and and that side of the city. Um
1:40:48as we as we know we are facing
1:40:50challenging uh uh for our budget but I
1:40:54think we still need to hear the
1:40:57community. I know the ad hoc community
1:40:59is who representing the community but we
1:41:02need to listen that community that side
1:41:05of the city all the constituents all the
1:41:09resident on that area who will be
1:41:10affected all the parents who will be
1:41:12affected all the students will be
1:41:15affected and also
1:41:17I think we need more finance data uh
1:41:22because it's not enough that we are
1:41:25getting tonight I think we need to get
1:41:26more information about financing. How
1:41:29will we be saving the closure of
1:41:32Cunningham to our district? Are we are
1:41:36we facing this deficit? Are we going to
1:41:38uh we're going to say we're going to
1:41:39save some money, but then next year
1:41:42we're going to get to the point that
1:41:43we're going to have to face another
1:41:45closing of our schools. And I think we
1:41:48need to be very delicate and very very
1:41:52um uh thinking and creative in how we
1:41:56can balance our budget without affecting
1:42:02that community. So I agree with Jim and
1:42:06and Kim that we should um not both
1:42:10tonight
1:42:11u on these three proposal that you're
1:42:14making and get the opportunity to the
1:42:17community to be involved more in this
1:42:19decision. Um last time we talked about
1:42:23public hearings in those areas and I
1:42:26think Dr. Andre were agree with that. Um
1:42:29so we should listen the community first
1:42:31to prior to make this big decision. So I
1:42:35recommend not to vote tonight and still
1:42:38get more info more data uh in financing
1:42:41and what our community think about this
1:42:44how we can resolve better.
1:42:49>> I want to thank you for that. But I I
1:42:51want to be be clear um and and you know
1:42:55again this is not steering the committee
1:42:57one way or another but no vote tonight
1:42:59would exclusively and and that could be
1:43:01your intention but just so that we are
1:43:03clear takes the school closure off the
1:43:05table for this particular school year.
1:43:06So I just want to make sure that's the
1:43:08intention and and that gives us
1:43:10direction we need to go to of the
1:43:11committee. So we're listening intently
1:43:12in terms of direction for us as the
1:43:15leadership team here in Pucket so that
1:43:16we can know what our next uh scope of
1:43:18work is.
1:43:21Can I just ask you a question?
1:43:24If we voted or if someone made a um
1:43:31lotion um for C no school closures but
1:43:35redistricting
1:43:38that would and then um it would keep
1:43:42would it continue us continuing the
1:43:46talks and looking at the big picture
1:43:48instead of just kind of over because I I
1:43:54think um
1:43:56by um just kind of
1:44:00not doing anything. I think what happens
1:44:03is um the teachers, the parents, the
1:44:06students um at Cingham
1:44:09um will continue to worry and for the
1:44:12remainder of the school year because
1:44:14this could pop up at any time. Could be
1:44:16on the next meeting. It could be on the
1:44:17meeting after. Um, but I think if we
1:44:21could kind of give them closure for,
1:44:24you know, for doing it this year instead
1:44:27of just kind of and that we're still
1:44:29going to look into it, would it be, you
1:44:33know, possible to do C, you know, we
1:44:36would still be doing um looking into the
1:44:39redistricting on a whole and then um but
1:44:43we would basically be saying for now,
1:44:45we're not going to be closing anything,
1:44:47but we are going to continue to do
1:44:49better and and work on the big picture.
1:44:56>> See how the word the phrase redistrict
1:44:59can be very confusing in that particular
1:45:01scenario item C.
1:45:04That was a scenario that was presented
1:45:06saying we did absolutely nothing but we
1:45:08just balanced the classrooms across the
1:45:10district to change school paths.
1:45:13What that resulted in is still empty
1:45:16buckets. 10 empty buckets.
1:45:20>> Seems like we need to do that. You you
1:45:22have a school that has teachers that
1:45:24have 28 kids and you have two built two
1:45:26classrooms completely empty. So it
1:45:28almost sounds like we need to do that on
1:45:29a on a in-house basis anyway.
1:45:32>> And and if we did do that exercise, I
1:45:35would just I want to make it transparent
1:45:37that in the event that we decide to
1:45:39close a school next year, you're going
1:45:42to have more students that will be
1:45:43uprooted.
1:45:47no
1:45:48>> it that way. But now that you ex
1:45:51explained what it's meant to be. Okay.
1:45:54>> I I do agree though on the other hand
1:45:56that if the school committee recommends
1:45:59we continue this conversation then I
1:46:01understand why yes we would continue the
1:46:03redistricting conversation. What we
1:46:05recognize through this work is that
1:46:07redistricting, we're just changing
1:46:09school paths to balance out all the the
1:46:12schools. We're still have the same
1:46:14issues. We're going to have empty spaces
1:46:16across all our campuses. If I fill if we
1:46:20fill Baldwin and Winters, then the
1:46:23students got to come from onewhere
1:46:24somewhere and that's going to all create
1:46:26empty spaces in another location. And
1:46:29the last thing I just want to say and
1:46:31preface this and yes I wish that&m was
1:46:34able to present this a month ago but
1:46:36speaking to that 7.9 million and the
1:46:39because the school closure was included
1:46:42that deficit will now raise to 9.4 which
1:46:45means the district and the senior
1:46:46leadership team is going and that's the
1:46:49implication of not doing a school
1:46:51closure. We're going to have to find
1:46:53other areas to to find cost savings.
1:46:58Something just to think about as well.
1:47:14Put our name on a ballot to make tough
1:47:16decisions.
1:47:18This committee, I don't want to say we
1:47:20haven't made a tough decision because we
1:47:21have. This is a tough tough decision.
1:47:24I'm hanging my hat on. I'm not being a
1:47:26coward about this. I'm not punting.
1:47:29We can't, in my opinion, I cannot vote
1:47:32yes to close down a school. I want to
1:47:35make sure I'm saying the right month.
1:47:36March 3rd.
1:47:39We I I can't do it. March 3rd for it.
1:47:42Can't. And again,
1:47:44we were presented all these bars and
1:47:46charts and and one it was it was nicely
1:47:48colored. March 3rd's meeting. Now, he
1:47:51didn't have control over the the
1:47:53blizzard of of of 2026. I get that. But
1:47:57we still would have voted on it the last
1:47:59day of February to close the next year.
1:48:02This is a process when it was brought up
1:48:04last year around this time. I suggested
1:48:07to the previous uh chair, let's talk
1:48:09about it for September, October. Let's
1:48:11get it out there because I think a full
1:48:13year to Miss Grant's point, the
1:48:16district, the city, you you need time to
1:48:19talk to Curtis, to Fallon, to P. Well,
1:48:22not Potters, Little and Cunningham. We
1:48:24we needed a lot of buy in. And again,
1:48:27I'm walking out of here. There's no
1:48:29finances. I know you said 1.5 million.
1:48:32First time I'm hearing Well, it's not
1:48:33the first time I'm hearing, but as an
1:48:35official,
1:48:371.5 million is the first time I'm
1:48:40hearing that. What would it be if we
1:48:41shut down Curtis?
1:48:44You know what I mean? Like, you probably
1:48:45didn't run those numbers. I I'm not I'm
1:48:47not critic. If you're focused on cunning
1:48:50him, you didn't look at shutting down
1:48:51Curtis. We followed the direction of the
1:48:54ad hoc committee based on those
1:48:55scenarios I presented and we provided
1:48:57the cost analysis based on that input.
1:48:59>> Mr. Michelle's point, when are you going
1:49:03to be comfortable making a decision on
1:49:06not closing one school, but closing two
1:49:08schools? Because now if you delay the
1:49:11decision now, okay, and say we'll come
1:49:14back in September, September, we're
1:49:16going to have to to Miss Grant's point,
1:49:19we're going to have to maybe make the
1:49:21decision to close two schools rather
1:49:22than one. And are you going to be
1:49:24prepared at that point to close schools?
1:49:27Data and facts in front of me.
1:49:29Absolutely. And the criticism of well,
1:49:32I'm showing you facts and data. You are
1:49:34you're showing me class
1:49:37school um the the population of schools
1:49:41that really doesn't that that does show
1:49:43us something, but it doesn't show us the
1:49:45total picture. Again, I'm I'm actually
1:49:47surprised. I know nothing about
1:49:49transportation. I know a little bit to
1:49:50be dangerous. I'm happy to hear you're
1:49:52saying it's um neutral. It's it's
1:49:56neutral
1:49:56>> only for the Cunningham closure. clarify
1:49:58that.
1:50:00>> So that's a that's a pure 1.5 million
1:50:02savings on Cunningham.
1:50:06But to Mr. Buck's point and Mr. Andre's
1:50:10point that that if we kept the ad hoc
1:50:13committee going once a month
1:50:17the direction you want to see from them
1:50:20is provide numbers provide statistics in
1:50:24order to clarify where we need to go for
1:50:28the savings pin any school against
1:50:31another one but I think we should Curtis
1:50:33should be part of all the schools
1:50:35>> I I think I think the problem with you
1:50:38know the demographers
1:50:39uh the master planners uh
1:50:43plan that we worked off of named those
1:50:46schools as the two worst schools and the
1:50:50the two the two worst schools as far as
1:50:53physical shape. Okay, they had the most
1:50:55deficiencies as as far as these were the
1:50:59best ones to shut down. It didn't go by
1:51:01population. It didn't go by area. It
1:51:04just went by building falling apart. and
1:51:07Curtis is falling apart. Okay. And and
1:51:10Cuttingham's probably in better shape
1:51:11than Curtis, but I think what the the
1:51:14master planner said was Cuttingham was
1:51:16in worse shape than Curtis. So, you
1:51:19know, these are all the things that
1:51:21should have been brought to light to the
1:51:22committee, too. You know, from the ad
1:51:25hoc committee.
1:51:27>> Take I'd like to call on Mr. Connley,
1:51:32as far as the statutes of closing a
1:51:36school,
1:51:38>> thank you.
1:51:42>> You anticipated why I was raising my
1:51:43hand. Um, I I know that uh this was
1:51:46already discussed at your initial
1:51:48meeting. Um but I think given the
1:51:52discussion that you've had about the
1:51:54timing especially it's just important to
1:51:57refresh ourselves on um the statutory
1:52:00process and uh Pucket has its own
1:52:05statutory process in state law and you
1:52:09probably recall that that statute has a
1:52:14hearing public hearing process as well.
1:52:16So you the the committee would need to
1:52:18conduct those public hearings. So for
1:52:20instance, a vote tonight really isn't a
1:52:24vote to close the schools. It's a vote
1:52:25to have that process. More importantly,
1:52:29more importantly,
1:52:31uh distinct from the general school
1:52:34closing statute, Rhode Island, uh excuse
1:52:36me, Pucket has its own particular
1:52:39timing. That statute says no greater
1:52:42than 6 months, no less than 45 days. So
1:52:46you can certainly have that discussion
1:52:47in the fall that you've all talking
1:52:49about and looking at but you actually
1:52:53can't have that process required by the
1:52:56statute. You have to fit it inside that
1:52:59timeline and conduct those public
1:53:01hearings no greater than six months no
1:53:04shorter than 45 days.
1:53:09>> So well it depends on when you're if
1:53:10you're closing with September just come
1:53:12Yeah, you're right. Yeah. Yeah. So
1:53:16>> yeah,
1:53:17>> we missed a hearing.
1:53:18>> Yeah. So if you count back that time
1:53:20period, it's no greater than six. No,
1:53:22no, no, no greater than six months. So
1:53:24that's it. Time period. No less than no
1:53:27less than 45 days, but I have to fit in
1:53:30that we have to fit in that window under
1:53:34under the statute.
1:53:35>> Yeah. So I want I know the the committee
1:53:39has reviewed the timing on it and the
1:53:41process. just that given the nature of
1:53:44the discussion, I thought it was a good
1:53:45time just to refresh ourselves um about
1:53:48that
1:53:50>> state
1:53:50>> law says
1:53:52well the again state law it's our our
1:53:55special process is embedded in a state
1:53:59statute and um I'll just so that I'm I'm
1:54:04not just paraphrasing I'll read it to
1:54:06you um I just had it excuse me
1:54:19So, I'm
1:54:21I don't want to read the entire statute.
1:54:23I just want to read the section that is
1:54:25relevant to your discussion on timing.
1:54:28Um
1:54:30the school committee of the city of
1:54:31Pucket whenever it shall deem it
1:54:33necessary to abandon or close an
1:54:36existing school building for a period of
1:54:40more than 6 months or acquire reopen of
1:54:42building. So this is a full closure. So
1:54:44we we check that box right it's more
1:54:46than 6 months we are this is talking
1:54:49about permanent closure. um
1:54:53shall conduct a public hearing within
1:54:55the city for the purpose of addressing
1:54:57the issues of the desiraability and
1:54:59necessity for the closing and the
1:55:02hearing shall be held on a date no more
1:55:04than 6 months no less than 45 days
1:55:08before the date of such closing and I'm
1:55:11paraphrasing a little bit I don't want
1:55:12to read every word in the statute um the
1:55:14school committee shall give notice of
1:55:16the public hearing specifying the time
1:55:18and the place at least two weeks in
1:55:20advance of such hearings
1:55:21um and no more than four weeks prior to
1:55:23the hearing. So you have that. So
1:55:26essentially what you're really talking
1:55:29about tonight with this vote is
1:55:32instituting that process. The vote
1:55:33tonight actually doesn't close the
1:55:37school. It institutes as at least as I
1:55:40understood what you were about was
1:55:42beginning that process under the
1:55:43statute. So, just for clarification,
1:55:46thank you, Madam Chair. And I'll if
1:55:48anybody has any questions about that
1:55:50legal process, I'm happy to answer them.
1:56:06>> No action.
1:56:13I think you should keep it away from me.
1:56:15Um, mad
1:56:17>> I know,
1:56:18>> Madam Chair, I I almost want to say I'm
1:56:20sorry in one sense. You have put a lot
1:56:22of time and effort into it.
1:56:24Superintendent Buck, his team Mock, you
1:56:26came today with these I know you've been
1:56:29working on this since not just last
1:56:31night or Saturday. You said you've put
1:56:33some time, effort, energy into this
1:56:36stuff. Um, I'm not saying that this
1:56:39isn't welcomed, but it's just I I think
1:56:42we do need time on this and data of what
1:56:47one um uh the uh dual language. Let's
1:56:52let's really do that. Let's do the uh
1:56:54projections of what it might look like
1:56:56in three years from now. Uh prek, I'm
1:56:58being told we have a wait list for prek.
1:57:01Why? We own a school building. Why would
1:57:03we shut down a structure of a school
1:57:05building if prek could go into it? You
1:57:08know what I mean? Like, have we thought
1:57:09about that? And I get it. There's
1:57:11financial. It's up to us to give you the
1:57:12money to I get that. But if we shut down
1:57:14a school, we won't have the ability to
1:57:16use it again as a school. So, I would
1:57:19like to have that type of dialogue in a
1:57:22meeting. And then with what the lawyer
1:57:24just told us, Mr. Conley, I think we
1:57:27should have those meetings, those um the
1:57:31hearings, public hearings starting in
1:57:33September, October because that doesn't
1:57:35even shut down the school.
1:57:38>> No,
1:57:43>> no, greater than six,
1:57:46right? The the uh window is at 6 months
1:57:49and 45 days.
1:57:50>> Oh. Oh, okay. I thought we can have the
1:57:52hear. Okay.
1:57:55All right.
1:57:56>> Yeah.
1:57:57>> But it can't be
1:57:58>> doing nothing.
1:57:59>> Yeah.
1:57:59>> I would like a motion to do nothing.
1:58:02Commit continue the ad hoc committee.
1:58:06>> Yes. Continue
1:58:07>> to look at it
1:58:09with the and to keep the committee
1:58:12updated.
1:58:17>> May.
1:58:18>> Yes, please.
1:58:19>> Um I I think Thank you. uh in looking at
1:58:23um the matters on the agenda number 2 C
1:58:26is no school closures but redistricting.
1:58:28Essentially this is you know it's a
1:58:31motion that is certainly could be
1:58:34contemplated within 2 A B or C that
1:58:37being that no action at this time but to
1:58:39can as I understand the motion you're
1:58:41asking for is that no action this
1:58:43evening but the redistricting com the ad
1:58:46hoc redistricting committee continue its
1:58:48work um and come back to the committee.
1:58:51Is that you can do that?
1:58:54>> Okay,
1:58:57>> let's do it.
1:58:58>> I make a motion
1:58:59>> to what Mr. Connley just stated.
1:59:03>> I
1:59:08the statement. Clerk, do you need that?
1:59:11All right.
1:59:13All right.
1:59:14>> Is there a second?
1:59:18>> Okay.
1:59:20Um
1:59:23all in favor
1:59:27that's see
1:59:31because Dr. Andre had clarified what
1:59:36that was meant for. So,
1:59:41by doing C, are we saying that we're not
1:59:47going to close the school, but we're
1:59:49going to move?
1:59:52>> We're not doing
1:59:54>> Oh, okay. It's a totally different one.
1:59:58>> The word under the motion is
2:00:02>> May I?
2:00:03>> Yes.
2:00:04>> Thank you. that uh no action will be
2:00:07taken at at this time. Uh but the
2:00:10redistricting the ad hoc redist the ad
2:00:12hoc redistricting committee will
2:00:15continue its review and report back to
2:00:17the committee.
2:00:18>> Thank you. Thank you.
2:00:23>> Good motion, Jim.
2:00:28>> Okay. All in favor? Opposed?
2:00:36Okay, moving on.
2:00:39Thank you.
2:00:51>> Yeah.
2:00:52>> Can we take a twominut recess and let
2:00:55everyone go?
2:00:57And I I have to use the
2:01:26Right now we have a presentation
2:01:29on MLL supports and dual language
2:01:32programs in the Pucket school
2:01:34department.
2:01:49Thank you uh uh Madam Chair. Uh many of
2:01:52my comments are are quite frankly going
2:01:54to be echoed by those of uh Baldwin
2:01:56teacher who you heard this evening, Mrs.
2:01:57McCaui. Um and I want to name that our
2:02:00multilingual uh learner director, Mr.
2:02:02Stern, is able unable to be with us this
2:02:04evening. Uh so uh in lie of that I'm
2:02:07going to provide a very high level uh
2:02:09update on the state of the multilingual
2:02:10supports and the growth of our dual
2:02:12language program here uh in Pucket.
2:02:16So as of March 2026 uh Pucket currently
2:02:19serves 1,852
2:02:21active multi-learners representing
2:02:24approximately 23% of our student
2:02:26population here in Pucket. That is
2:02:28nearly one in four students across the
2:02:30district. The top native languages
2:02:32spoken by our students are Spanish and
2:02:34Portugu Portuguese and Creole. And we're
2:02:36proud that our programs are designed to
2:02:38support both English acquisition and
2:02:40honor students native languages and
2:02:42cultures.
2:02:43To meet the needs of our multilingual
2:02:45learners, we have built a strong
2:02:46staffing structure districtwide. 92
2:02:49elementary MLL teachers, 73 uh secondary
2:02:53MLL teachers, six MLL instructional
2:02:55coaches supporting implementation and
2:02:57instructional quality, and 15 ML support
2:03:00teachers providing targeted English
2:03:02language development services.
2:03:04Importantly, our multilingual learners
2:03:06attend their home schools. We do not
2:03:07centralize students in one location. We
2:03:10offer programming district-wide to
2:03:12ensure access, inclusion, and continuity
2:03:15within school communities.
2:03:18Under the updated state ML regulations,
2:03:20several approved program model exists,
2:03:21including bilingual education and
2:03:23contentbased instruction.
2:03:27I'm particularly proud to share that we
2:03:29are growing our dual language program,
2:03:31which you heard earlier this evening. At
2:03:32Bowwin Elementary School, we currently
2:03:34offer dual language and Spanish in
2:03:36kindergarten and grade 1 for the 2526
2:03:38school year. Kindergarten dual language
2:03:41uh enrollment includes 14 multilanguage
2:03:43learners. Uh grade one dual language
2:03:45enrollment includes nine multil-
2:03:47language learners. As you've heard
2:03:49earlier, we've already posted and are
2:03:51actively recruiting or grade two dual
2:03:53language teacher and we have several
2:03:56viable candidates. The expansion to
2:03:58second grade reflects our commitment to
2:04:00program sustainability and to growth.
2:04:02In addition, Baldwin is supported by a
2:04:04dedicated MLL instructional coach,
2:04:06ensuring that both dual language and
2:04:07contentbased instruction classrooms
2:04:10receive highquality aligned support
2:04:12across all other elementary schools,
2:04:14including grades two through five. At
2:04:15Baldwin, we implement contentbased
2:04:17instruction, which certified MLL
2:04:19classroom teachers. For our newest
2:04:21English learners, particularly level one
2:04:23and level two newcomers, MLL support
2:04:25teachers provide the required English
2:04:27language development block to accelerate
2:04:29language acquisition while maintaining
2:04:31access to grade level content. This work
2:04:34here that's happening is intentional. It
2:04:36reflects our belief that multilingualism
2:04:37is an asset and not a barrier. It
2:04:40reflects our responsibility to provide
2:04:41rigorous instruction, culturally
2:04:43responsive support, and equitable access
2:04:45to opportunity. We're not simply
2:04:47complying with regulations. Rather,
2:04:49we're building systems that honors who
2:04:50our students are and positions them for
2:04:52long-term success. I look forward to
2:04:54strengthening our multilingual
2:04:55programming across this district in the
2:04:57years to come.
2:05:04>> Thank you, Mr. Buck.
2:05:05>> Thank you.
2:05:08>> Okay. Next on the agenda is discussion
2:05:11of the city appropriation for funding
2:05:14the Pucket School District.
2:05:17So,
2:05:19I did ask about this question. Um,
2:05:26and how this works is that the school
2:05:31committee does their budget and they
2:05:33submit it to the mayor. The mayor
2:05:36determines how much they choose to give
2:05:38us and submits it to the city council
2:05:42for their approval or rejection.
2:05:45And that's how
2:05:47that system works. However,
2:05:50I did have them do
2:05:55um I did have our new CFO put together a
2:05:59timeline of our local appropriation
2:06:03and
2:06:05in 1617
2:06:07it was 30,27,632.
2:06:141718
2:06:16it increased by 500,000.
2:06:21In 1819
2:06:23it increased to 31207632.
2:06:30In 1920 we increased to 32,000. That was
2:06:35a 3% increase. 32,155937.
2:06:41And then in 2021
2:06:44it decreased to a 2%
2:06:47increase for 32,805937.
2:06:53And from that time in 2021
2:06:57the amount that we've received from the
2:07:00city is 32 million 805937.
2:07:04It has not changed.
2:07:08So,
2:07:10and they are currently working on the
2:07:13budget. We expect to have it to the
2:07:15mayor for
2:07:17March 31st
2:07:20and then he will work on it and review
2:07:22it and then it will go to city council
2:07:25for their review and they'll make their
2:07:27decision on what we will get.
2:07:32So that is the city appropriation for
2:07:36funding.
2:07:37Next on the agenda is review of
2:07:41multi-year school building outlook.
2:07:45Is that Dr. Andre?
2:07:49That me.
2:07:50Who is that?
2:07:56>> Okay. That was asked for by a committee
2:07:59member who's not here. So I recommend we
2:08:03pass on it.
2:08:11Slater middle school updates is another
2:08:14point that was asked for by a committee
2:08:17member who wasn't here. However, Dr.
2:08:21Andre did uh not Dr. Andre,
2:08:24Superintendent Buck did give
2:08:27um a Slater Middle School update in his
2:08:32report and I will ask Dr. Andre as far
2:08:36as what work was done during February of
2:08:39vacation
2:08:41if you would come up please.
2:08:56Nope.
2:08:58>> No.
2:08:58>> Testing. There we go. Uh before Dr.
2:09:00Andre starts his uh remarks uh in which
2:09:03he'll share with you some of the the
2:09:05updates that have been done uh at Slater
2:09:08Middle School, I want to just share with
2:09:09you, which I'm sure he will, the
2:09:11remarkable difference that it has made
2:09:13at Slater. met today personally with the
2:09:15principal uh and just the few updates
2:09:18that they've made to the school over the
2:09:20break I I I kid you not has transformed
2:09:23the culture just enough just enough to
2:09:26move the needle. Uh and so I'm excited
2:09:28for you to share more about what that
2:09:30what that work entailed but again that
2:09:32came firsthand from the principal
2:09:33regarding those updates.
2:09:36I I'll I'll just start by sharing that
2:09:38and I shared this on Saturday with
2:09:40school committee members that we are in
2:09:41this unique role where oftentimes we're
2:09:44doing the talking but the people who are
2:09:46doing the work behind the scenes don't
2:09:48get the credit. Um so our facility team
2:09:50is a big big shout out. They certainly
2:09:53did a lot of work in the last two weeks
2:09:54but they were able to manage uh to
2:09:56squeeze in. So some of those pictures
2:09:58that you see on Facebook of those holes
2:10:01in the walls all those have been filled
2:10:03and rectified. They were painted. There
2:10:06was one of the auditorium doors on the
2:10:09left that unfortunately was destroyed
2:10:11through the steam burst heat. Uh we put
2:10:14a false wall. So kudos to our team for
2:10:16doing so, which makes all the difference
2:10:18in the world. Our facilities, our
2:10:20custodial team did what I would
2:10:22reference as a true deep clean from
2:10:25ceiling to floor in both gymnasiums. How
2:10:28they got up there, I have no idea, but
2:10:30they made it happen. Um they removed all
2:10:33the dust. Um, as you know, dust will
2:10:36turn black over time, which presents as
2:10:38molds, but it's actually not mold. So,
2:10:41they went in there and, uh, wiped
2:10:43everything down from top to bottom. Um,
2:10:45there's a lot more work that's coming
2:10:47forth, and we're excited about doing
2:10:49that work. One of the big ones that the
2:10:51principal had reached out is making sure
2:10:52that the sign gets uh, reinstalled. I
2:10:55didn't realize it was no longer there.
2:10:57So, we were able to find it and we'll be
2:10:59installing it once the snow melts away.
2:11:01and we'll continue to do more more work
2:11:03by utilizing other grant opportunities
2:11:05and we're hopefully engaging in this
2:11:07work this summer.
2:11:11>> Oh m Miss Bolo on and I apologize on
2:11:17that link I believe was the city
2:11:18resolution.
2:11:20Oh
2:11:25>> yes. So, the city
2:11:30has issued a resolution,
2:11:35and I'm not going to read the whole
2:11:37thing
2:11:39because it's a lot of pages
2:11:44and I love to read, but
2:11:48not that much.
2:11:51So basically what the resolution is, the
2:11:56city has asked the general assembly
2:11:59for the money to either repair or
2:12:04rebuild Slater High School on their
2:12:07nickel
2:12:09middle school
2:12:11and then they would pay them.
2:12:15You know how we get reimbured 85%.
2:12:19So then we would pay the state the 80
2:12:23the 15%
2:12:25at the end of the project.
2:12:28So it there was a bill they they made a
2:12:31resolution. We will have one for this
2:12:35committee forthcoming in support of it.
2:12:38It is a bill. I got it on
2:12:42an email today. There was a bill in the
2:12:44house. There is a bill in the Senate for
2:12:47support of this resolution.
2:12:50Um if it passes,
2:12:53then we will have the money to rebuild
2:12:56or repair later.
2:12:59Um if it doesn't, then one of the things
2:13:03we're looking at is waiting until the
2:13:06high school is built when the debt
2:13:07service has decreased and then we can
2:13:11continue our building.
2:13:14Um,
2:13:16what else did I miss?
2:13:19Anything?
2:13:22>> Okay. Does anybody have any questions?
2:13:24Mr. Chal,
2:13:25>> maybe just a statement. I want to thank
2:13:26the city council uh council president
2:13:30and maybe the uh finance ch whoever the
2:13:33leadership team that came up with this
2:13:34resolution. They they've been hearing
2:13:36us. They heard that we need some help in
2:13:38Slater. It's not us. It's not us versus
2:13:40them. It's the city as a whole. We we
2:13:43need something to be done for Slater. We
2:13:45can't afford it through the regular
2:13:47means of of going out to bonding. We are
2:13:50we just can't do it. Um because we the
2:13:53taxpayers and the city mayor city
2:13:55council has put out bonds for two
2:13:58incredibly new elementary schools. We
2:14:01rehabed your your committee rehabbed um
2:14:03Potters. You rehabed Nathaniel Green.
2:14:06And we have a state-of-the-art once in a
2:14:08generational change for a city that new
2:14:10high school. So it it it goes to we just
2:14:14can't keep bonding that we just don't
2:14:17have don't have. So for them to think
2:14:19outside the box like this and put this
2:14:20resolution um but you just cut me off on
2:14:24something I was going to ask. I was
2:14:25hoping that we could either join uh well
2:14:28however but send the communications to
2:14:31say thank you we we're all in but if
2:14:33you're saying that we're going to have
2:14:34our own resolution that's terrific. So
2:14:37thank you for your leadership on that
2:14:38one chair.
2:14:40Yes, we we uh the committee may sponsor
2:14:43its own companion resolution so that
2:14:45will accompany the city resolution to
2:14:47the general assembly.
2:14:48>> Perfect. Thank you.
2:14:52>> Yes, Mr. Ber.
2:14:53>> Thank you. I just want to um say thank
2:14:57you to the city council and to the mayor
2:15:00and the leadership team from the
2:15:02administration for sending that
2:15:03resolution um to support the rebuilding
2:15:06of Slater. Also, um through the email
2:15:11today, uh I just learned that a
2:15:14legislation was introduced um February
2:15:1727th,
2:15:18uh the Senate and the House by our
2:15:20delegations. Um so we very appreciative
2:15:23of that and we want to thank you our
2:15:25delegation. Uh we look forward to be in
2:15:28the Senate and the House supporting this
2:15:30uh legislation. Madame Chair, thank you.
2:15:34Yes, the host and senate are both
2:15:36supporting this legislation.
2:15:40Is there anyone else?
2:15:43Okay.
2:15:47Discussion action items presentation and
2:15:50recommendation for approval of electric
2:15:52supply services through NRN NRG which is
2:15:58part of a RIAS consortium.
2:16:04Thank you, Chairperson Bonolo. Um, so
2:16:07members of the committee before you
2:16:08today is a request to approve NRG as the
2:16:11district energy supplier. NRG is the
2:16:13recommended recommended energy supplier
2:16:16of the Rhode Island School Committee
2:16:17Association and is included on the
2:16:18statewide purchasing collaborative which
2:16:21allows school districts to procure
2:16:22energy services through a vetted and
2:16:24compliant process. Uh if the mo the
2:16:27committee approves this tonight, this
2:16:28will go into effect on December 1st as
2:16:30our pre-existing contract with First
2:16:32Point uh is currently in in play.
2:16:36So before you, this procurement strategy
2:16:38for the Pucket School Department will
2:16:40cover 29 district electric accounts. We
2:16:43approximately paid about $900,000 in
2:16:46electrical costs last year.
2:16:49The recommendation is a three-year quote
2:16:52unquote adder. It's a contract paired
2:16:54with a layered purchasing strategy.
2:16:56Instead of locking in all of our
2:16:58electrical uh single fixed price, which
2:17:01is what we've historically done in the
2:17:02past over a three-year period, this
2:17:04approach will allow the district to
2:17:06layer in purchases over time, similarly
2:17:09to diversifying an investment portfolio.
2:17:11This strategy provides budget stability
2:17:13while also giving us flexibility to
2:17:15respond to the market conditions. The
2:17:18strategy is the same purchasing
2:17:19structure previously presented to the
2:17:21district and approved by the committee
2:17:22for our natural gas commodity
2:17:24purchasing. This type of contract allows
2:17:26the district to manage how and we we
2:17:28procure our electricity cost rather than
2:17:31locking into a single rate within fixed
2:17:33months in advance. So a quick example
2:17:36for example in February midFebruary I we
2:17:39received an alert from NRG's market
2:17:41analysis recommending an immediate
2:17:43immediate strategic call. During that
2:17:46conversation, they noted that the
2:17:47natural gas prices had reached a
2:17:49three-year historic low because we're
2:17:53using that managed purchasing structure
2:17:55and where we did not lock into that rate
2:17:57that was first presented us back in
2:17:59early December. We're able to take
2:18:01advantage and lock into that rate for at
2:18:03least till December of 26.
2:18:06This approach will allow us the same
2:18:09flexibility with regarding the
2:18:10electrical usage. This managed approach
2:18:13allows the district to monitor commodity
2:18:15markets and make purchasing decisions
2:18:17when pricing is favorable, helping us
2:18:19control long-term energy costs while
2:18:21reducing exposure to market volatility.
2:18:24School committee grant uh asked question
2:18:26last time regarding the winter's solar
2:18:29rebates. So, we did an in-depth dive.
2:18:32So, in addition, as part of the ongoing
2:18:34review of the district's energy
2:18:35management strategy, we recently
2:18:37analyzed the net metering credits
2:18:39generated by our solar panels at
2:18:41Winters. So currently the district has
2:18:44accumulated more than four $54,000
2:18:48in excess credits due to those solar
2:18:50panels which we've requested to be
2:18:52cashed out and will be applied to future
2:18:54energy cost.
2:18:58Our recommendation is that we move
2:18:59forward with energy. Yes, sir.
2:19:02>> Matt,
2:19:03>> are there any rebates that go along with
2:19:05this company this contract?
2:19:07>> There is not.
2:19:08>> There is? No. So they don't have like a
2:19:10rebate program
2:19:13like National Grid used to have where
2:19:15they'll come in and maybe relamp your
2:19:18school at a discounted ifation is
2:19:21forthcoming under a separate agenda item
2:19:24for future dates. Uh CFO and I have met
2:19:27with two other companies. One is Enel.
2:19:29Uh we'll be presenting that information
2:19:31shortly to well hopefully to you. Um
2:19:34which is going to do exactly what you're
2:19:35referencing. Uh in addition to that,
2:19:37we're working with the Ride uh school
2:19:39board authority. Uh they started their
2:19:41work today. They met at Kervin uh to
2:19:43start analyzing and optimizing our BMS
2:19:45strategies as well.
2:19:50>> Mark, thank you for uh letting us know
2:19:52that we are under contract with its
2:19:54first point.
2:19:55>> Yes,
2:19:55>> first point until December. Um did we
2:19:58reach out to them to find out what their
2:20:01uh what their competitive contract would
2:20:04be compared to this? We did not. And the
2:20:06reason why we did not, Mr. Chal is
2:20:08because this is on the consortium and
2:20:10part of the collaboration from the Ran
2:20:12School Committee. We wouldn't have to go
2:20:14out and do that competition, that bid
2:20:16process,
2:20:16>> right?
2:20:17>> They've already done it.
2:20:18>> We wouldn't have to. But um and I asked
2:20:20because um when um the sacred grounds of
2:20:25McCoy Stadium when that was being torn
2:20:26down, a gentleman came up to me and said
2:20:29um hi, my name is and I'm from
2:20:31>> Who's your CFO? I've been reaching out
2:20:33to them and nobody has been given back
2:20:34to me. So at the groundbreak and I
2:20:37literally introduced them to and I
2:20:39bumped into this gentleman months later
2:20:41and said you still your CFO still hasn't
2:20:44got back to me. No one in the city of
2:20:46Kentucky has reached out to him. This is
2:20:48previous C CFO not um Miss Leri at all.
2:20:53Um but what if what if they give us a
2:20:55better deal? What if what if it's a
2:20:57better How would we know what is the
2:21:00better?
2:21:02>> Yeah,
2:21:02>> we already are under contract with them
2:21:05and they are higher than the
2:21:07>> but but they haven't had an opportunity.
2:21:10They they were but in any type of
2:21:14contract you
2:21:15>> Well, it's like the bank the bank's not
2:21:16going to tell you I got a better rate
2:21:18for you.
2:21:18>> Right.
2:21:20>> Right. Then then they'll tell you, hey,
2:21:22come on back. We'll give you the lower
2:21:23rate.
2:21:24>> Well, well, no. Well, that's kind of
2:21:25what we did here now. We didn't even
2:21:27bring them in to have a blind, hey,
2:21:29what's your rate going the three years
2:21:31out? We we didn't meet with them. That
2:21:33That's all I'm saying is we we never met
2:21:34with them. I'm I'm discouraged on that
2:21:37because And how do you know they're
2:21:39higher?
2:21:39>> Because
2:21:40>> because I looked before
2:21:42>> and I looked at their
2:21:43>> both by both companies. Well, he had
2:21:46presented a uh from both companies only
2:21:49what we were paying from one company
2:21:51versus what the other coffee was awful.
2:21:54Okay. Okay.
2:21:55>> So, so what happened with first with
2:21:58first energy is we were actually under
2:22:02the consortium of Ry ask and we were
2:22:05getting our
2:22:08>> electrical gas for like 2.3
2:22:11kilowatts whatever it was astronomically
2:22:15low
2:22:16>> and then first point came in and our
2:22:20previous previous CFO
2:22:23>> signed the contract contract with them
2:22:24for 3.76.
2:22:27So that bumped out our $2 rate.
2:22:31Okay. So they were already three years
2:22:35ago higher than what we were getting
2:22:38from the consortium.
2:22:40But we will
2:22:41>> Why did we do that?
2:22:43>> Ask this.
2:22:45>> I'm sorry. I didn't know if there was a
2:22:47reason why. Like is there something that
2:22:49we got in return?
2:22:51>> Sometimes
2:22:54So anyways, with this new one,
2:22:59um, we have a rate that's given to us.
2:23:02However,
2:23:05it's a flexible rate. So if say it's $3
2:23:10and six months from now, it comes in at
2:23:13$250,
2:23:14we can join that. And if it comes in a
2:23:18year later at $2, we can join that. How
2:23:21many times can it change, Dr. Andre?
2:23:24>> Well,
2:23:26we're we're what we're asking the
2:23:28committee to do is to one, first of all,
2:23:32this wouldn't go into effect until
2:23:33December 1st. Two, that we're going to
2:23:36secure the adder cost right now, which
2:23:38is basically the administrative cost.
2:23:40The second layer is the actual commodity
2:23:42cost, which fluctuates every single day.
2:23:45So unfortunately due to the events that
2:23:47are occurring globally there was an
2:23:50original intention that there was going
2:23:51to be a backwardation of work that is
2:23:53that may not be the case because it's so
2:23:55volatile right now. So by moving a
2:23:57product like this you're able to
2:24:00guarantee what that administrative cost
2:24:02is by also being able to keep an eye on
2:24:04the commodity market on a day-to-day
2:24:06basis. Which is why what happened with
2:24:08the natural gas analogy is they gave us
2:24:11a call immediately and said, "Mark, you
2:24:13need to get on the phone right away.
2:24:15Look what we seeing right now. Here's a
2:24:17great opportunity for you to lock in to
2:24:19one of the lowest historic rate for
2:24:20natural gas in three years." And so we
2:24:23locked into that date till December of
2:24:2526. We could have said, "Let's let's
2:24:28test it. Let's go the next three years,
2:24:30but we chose not to because they believe
2:24:32that the cost of the commodity will
2:24:34reduce over time." So we only locked in.
2:24:36So to answer your question, you do it
2:24:38once. We cannot change that natural gas
2:24:40until December 26th with the commodity
2:24:43electric. All I'm asking the committee
2:24:45to do now is lock into that add or
2:24:47administrative cost. While that process
2:24:50is going, we can anticipate what those
2:24:52potential commodity costs will be for
2:24:53electric and in December we can lock in.
2:24:56We may not want to lock in at that time,
2:24:59right? We can see how the market is
2:25:00working. Right now they believe it's
2:25:02what they call as a backwardation market
2:25:04that the commodity costs are going to go
2:25:06down significantly which is great for
2:25:08everybody here in both all electric
2:25:10commodities uh till 203031
2:25:14>> Mr. Golden H.
2:25:15>> What's the cost of the contract?
2:25:20>> So I I want to say I don't know it it's
2:25:22per kilowatt, right? So this is like a
2:25:24So the adder cost on that page as of
2:25:26December 26, the fixed price was I think
2:25:29it was 11 11.9 no 119 so about 12 cents
2:25:34roughly uh per kilowatt. The adder is
2:25:37>> is 4 cents, right? So we're just
2:25:39agreeing to the 4 cents adder that's
2:25:41fixed. So, you know, because there's
2:25:43money tied to this, that's why I'm
2:25:46wondering what the contract actually
2:25:48cost to obtain
2:25:51>> nothing. It's it No.
2:25:53>> Okay.
2:25:54>> Not at this time. No. What we're doing
2:25:56is we're agreeing to move forward NRG to
2:25:58manage our electric solutions while also
2:26:01dealing with the solar net metering
2:26:03credit.
2:26:04>> There's some work that needs to be done
2:26:05internally regarding how those monies
2:26:08are credited to our account. Right now
2:26:09there's just this big cash check that
2:26:11we've asked them to bring give back to
2:26:13us. They assist us with that work. In
2:26:16parallel to that, we're also going to be
2:26:18reaching out to other companies who are
2:26:20going to do a cost analysis, look at our
2:26:22BMS's, and look at our energy savings
2:26:24overall in all our campuses.
2:26:26Multi-layered
2:26:28>> and
2:26:30to take care of
2:26:33the company that we are currently under
2:26:35contract with until December, we will
2:26:38ask them
2:26:39>> Yes.
2:26:40>> for
2:26:41>> Yes.
2:26:42>> their rate.
2:26:43>> Yep. Okay, Miss Oly and I will make that
2:26:45phone call and we'll report back through
2:26:47school committee clerk Jill.
2:26:50>> Any other questions?
2:26:52Okay. Thank you, Dr. Andre.
2:26:56Approval of consulting.
2:27:01Oh,
2:27:04okay.
2:27:05>> Second.
2:27:06>> Motion's been made and seconded.
2:27:09Clerk, call the role.
2:27:13James Shal,
2:27:14>> yes.
2:27:14>> Angel Rosa,
2:27:15>> yes.
2:27:16>> Kimberly Grant,
2:27:17>> yes.
2:27:17>> Juan Pablo Barrera, yes. Matthew Wilder,
2:27:20Joan Bonolo,
2:27:21>> yes.
2:27:22>> Okay, now we'll move on.
2:27:25Approval of consulting services to
2:27:28assist in the FY25 audit closeout. Mrs.
2:27:32Oeri,
2:27:35Miss
2:27:38Okay, Miss Larry.
2:27:51Good evening.
2:27:53I'm here this evening to present three
2:27:55proposals for consulting services to
2:27:57support the Bucket School Department's
2:27:58audit efforts. The complete proposals
2:28:01have been provided in your meeting
2:28:03packets. I will offer a concise summary.
2:28:07The first proposal is from CBiz LLC, a
2:28:10professional advisory firm providing
2:28:12accounting, audit preparation, and
2:28:13financial consulting services. CBiz
2:28:16specializes in governmental and public
2:28:18sector advisory services, including
2:28:20fiscal year end close support, audit
2:28:22preparation, financial reconciliations,
2:28:24and budgetary reviews. Their proposal
2:28:27details assisting with the preparation
2:28:30of the FY25 audit, reconciling FY25
2:28:33financial records to provide audited
2:28:35statements, proposing corrective journal
2:28:37entries, reviewing balances in the
2:28:39general fund and non-general fund for
2:28:41deficits or other issues, and
2:28:42recommending adjustments.
2:28:44CBIS serves in an advisory capacity
2:28:47only. The department retains
2:28:50responsibility for all management
2:28:51decisions, internal controls, oversight,
2:28:53and acceptance of deliverables. Their
2:28:56proposed rate is $350 an hour with a
2:28:58total anticipated cost of 28,000
2:29:00to45,000.
2:29:02The second proposal is from Carolyn Das.
2:29:06She brings more than 25 years of
2:29:07experience in fiscal management,
2:29:09operational leadership, and public
2:29:10sector accountability. She served as the
2:29:13assistant dean of operations and special
2:29:15projects at Roger Williams University,
2:29:17leading operational strategy, compliance
2:29:19initiatives, and crossunctional
2:29:21improvement efforts. Prior to that, she
2:29:24served
2:29:25the state of Rhode Island in senior
2:29:26fiscal leadership role ro ro ro ro ro ro
2:29:28ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro
2:29:28ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro ro
2:29:28ro ro ro ro ro ro ro roles including
2:29:29chief operating officer, chief financial
2:29:31officer at the Rhode Island Department
2:29:32of Education and chief financial officer
2:29:34at the Rhode Island Department of
2:29:35Health. In those roles, she directed
2:29:37large-scale budgets including a 1.2
2:29:40billion education budget, oversaw
2:29:43federal grants and compliance,
2:29:45strengthened audit readiness, improved
2:29:46internal controls, and led major system
2:29:49and funding reforms. Her work centers on
2:29:52transparency, fiscal integrity, and
2:29:54sustainable operational improvement in
2:29:56highly regulated environments. I have
2:29:58personally had the opportunity to work
2:30:00closely with Caroline during her tenure
2:30:01as chair of the Citrate School Committee
2:30:04where we collaborated in multiple
2:30:05capacities, including successfully
2:30:07navigating and closing complex audit
2:30:09matters. In her proposal, she details
2:30:12collaboration with district leadership
2:30:14and staff to review documentation,
2:30:15assessment of internal controls,
2:30:18identification of gaps of risk areas,
2:30:20implementation of corrective actions to
2:30:22strengthen compliance, and position the
2:30:24district for successful audit outcomes
2:30:26moving forward.
2:30:28Deliverables include general fund and
2:30:29non-general fund reconciliations, a
2:30:31closed audit with clear findings,
2:30:34prioritize recommendations moving
2:30:35forward, and actionable guidance
2:30:37throughout the audit process.
2:30:40The proposed weight rate for her
2:30:42consulting services is 150 per hour for
2:30:4490 days with a max of 600 a day. Total
2:30:47cost if the 90 days happened would be
2:30:5154,000.
2:30:52There's a third proposal. The third
2:30:55proposal comes from&m
2:30:57consulting team. In their proposal, they
2:30:59detail that they bring extensive public
2:31:00sector financial management and audit
2:31:02experience.
2:31:03This is also our current financial
2:31:05consulting team. Their team will provide
2:31:08focused short-term audit preparation and
2:31:10support over a six-week period. Their
2:31:12proposal details completion of balance
2:31:14sheet reconciliations, reviewing general
2:31:16ledger activity, and the identification
2:31:17of gaps in documentation to help
2:31:19organize audit schedules and supporting
2:31:21documentation.
2:31:23Their overall approach emphasizes
2:31:24structure and reduced compliance risk.
2:31:27Their proposal is for 42 days or 6 weeks
2:31:29in the amount of $99,000.
2:31:33My recommendation is to award this work
2:31:36to Carolyn Das for the following
2:31:37reasons. Carolyn brings extensive and
2:31:40highly specialized knowledge of the
2:31:42uniform chart of accounts or Yukoa
2:31:45developed through her prior experience
2:31:46at RIDE as a creator of Yukoa. Her
2:31:49background provides her with a
2:31:50comprehensive understanding of
2:31:51regulatory expectations, reporting
2:31:53structures, and compliance requirements.
2:31:55This level of expertise will be critical
2:31:57in ensuring the work is completed
2:31:59accurately and in full alignment with
2:32:00state guidelines.
2:32:02Carolyn's proposal reflects a highly
2:32:04collaborative and hands-on approach. She
2:32:07proposes working directly alongside the
2:32:08PSD team, fostering real time problem
2:32:11solving, knowledge transfer, and
2:32:13capacity building within the department.
2:32:15The embedded model of support will not
2:32:17only facilitate timely completion of the
2:32:19work, but also strengthen internal
2:32:21processes moving forward. Additionally,
2:32:23it is important to emphasize the urgency
2:32:25and necessity of this work. This
2:32:27initiative is tied to the FY25 fiscal
2:32:29year and should have been completed in
2:32:31December prior to my arrival.
2:32:34Moving forward promptly is essential to
2:32:36ensure compliance, operational
2:32:38efficiency, and fiscal integrity. For
2:32:40these reasons, I strongly recommend
2:32:41awarding this work to Carolyn. Thank you
2:32:43for your time and consideration of these
2:32:45three proposals. I'm ready to support
2:32:46this important work.
2:32:49>> Superintendent.
2:32:51>> Yeah, I just want to echo the remarks
2:32:52and thank you very much, Miss Larry, uh
2:32:54Miss Larry, for that. Um she did share
2:32:57that we are recommending Mrs. Carolyn
2:32:59Diaz who who we vetted. We spent a lot
2:33:01of time uh Mrs. Oly and I sitting down
2:33:04discussing uh and weighing the pros and
2:33:06cons of these three different proposals
2:33:08in regards to uh our audit closeout. Let
2:33:10me be very clear with you. Uh this is
2:33:13the third or fourth year uh in a row
2:33:16that Pucket is behind on closing the
2:33:18audit in a timely fashion. But this will
2:33:19be the last year that Tucket is behind
2:33:21on closing an audit in a timely fashion
2:33:23because what it creates is it creates
2:33:24tension with the city. When we go to the
2:33:27city and we ask for funding uh and we
2:33:29don't know our numbers, that is
2:33:31essentially the catalyst in terms of why
2:33:32they don't give it to us. And so we we
2:33:35uh uh have have discussed who we think
2:33:37would be really strong in helping us to
2:33:39close this audit out in the most
2:33:40expeditious and and high level manner.
2:33:45>> Hello.
2:33:47Um,
2:33:49I'll put in a motion to
2:33:52um approve Carolyn Diaz
2:33:55for
2:33:57>> 25 to where is it?
2:34:00>> Oh, yeah. To approve for consulting
2:34:02services to assist in the FY25 audit
2:34:05closeout. I'll make a motion.
2:34:07>> Is there a second?
2:34:09>> Second.
2:34:10>> Motion's been made and seconded.
2:34:13Clerk call it all. Oh, wait a minute.
2:34:18Um, where is she out of?
2:34:20>> Just because I know the last company we
2:34:22had was out in Seattle and I think we
2:34:25really need island
2:34:27>> closer to home. She's Rhode Island.
2:34:31>> Okay. Nope, that's fine. I just I just
2:34:33think it's better um to kind of move
2:34:36back. Yeah. Thank you.
2:34:39>> For the record, I want to mention uh
2:34:41that Miss Olri mentioned that she is
2:34:42local uh to to your point, Miss Grant.
2:34:45just reiterated because her mic wasn't
2:34:46on, but she does she is local here uh to
2:34:52>> and this is a 90-day contract.
2:34:56>> Yes, sir. Depending on uh if she does
2:34:59the the uh the full days. It's 90 days.
2:35:02Yes. So, our hope is that we uh are able
2:35:04to exceed what the expectation would be.
2:35:06>> Okay. So,
2:35:10>> any other questions?
2:35:13So I do know
2:35:16um Miss Diaz has gone to um Ryas and
2:35:20made presentations on Yukoa. She was
2:35:23part of the team that developed it. So
2:35:26that is our 32digit
2:35:29um
2:35:31accounting system. So it'll be nice to
2:35:35have someone who has that knowledge. She
2:35:38can look at something and know where it
2:35:40goes.
2:35:42There's no learning curve here. She's
2:35:44already got it. So,
2:35:48no other questions. Call the role.
2:35:51>> James Chalice
2:35:53Rosa.
2:35:54>> Yes.
2:35:54>> Kimberly Grant. Yes. Juan Pablo Barrera.
2:35:57Matthew Wilderain.
2:35:58>> Yes.
2:35:58>> Joanne Bonolo.
2:35:59>> Yes.
2:36:01>> Thank you.
2:36:03Okay. Next on the agenda is also
2:36:07discussion action from the facility
2:36:10subcommittee
2:36:14>> we
2:36:25good evening school committee members
2:36:27Patrick with colleagues project leaders.
2:36:33Hi Joanne. Miss Benolo, chairperson
2:36:35Benolo.
2:36:41>> So first on the agenda.
2:36:44>> Okay,
2:36:46I got lost.
2:36:50>> You want me to read it?
2:36:51>> Go ahead.
2:36:53>> Number one is recommendation to award
2:36:54Francis J. Varrier Elementary School
2:36:57Height Health and Safety Architectural
2:36:59Services to Studio J AED.
2:37:05So the the scope of this work is the
2:37:08bathroom partitions at uh at barrier. So
2:37:12that's um replacing those bathroom
2:37:14partitions, but there is no um plumbing
2:37:18scope of work included in that. It's um
2:37:20removing the existing bathroom
2:37:22partitions and then installing new in um
2:37:26all of the boys and girls bathrooms.
2:37:28Sir,
2:37:29>> this is just the architectural fee.
2:37:32>> Correct.
2:37:33>> So when we had the facilities committee
2:37:37meeting, it was voted on for these three
2:37:40pieces for a total of 110,000
2:37:44which everybody has the breakdown with
2:37:47them. So for Studio Jade for Francis
2:37:52Varia Elementary School
2:37:55project, the architectural fee is
2:37:58$10,000.
2:38:00So I will accept a motion
2:38:03um
2:38:05to recommend the award
2:38:08to award the Francis J. Barrier
2:38:10Elementary School Health and Safety
2:38:12Architectural Services to Studio Jade in
2:38:15the amount of $10,000.
2:38:21Mr. Wenhane and Miss Grant.
2:38:26>> Yes.
2:38:27>> This just want to make sure we're
2:38:28talking the same language. This is the
2:38:31fee for 10,000 is to also demolish and
2:38:34replace the petitions, right? Not just a
2:38:37drawing. the architecture fee is
2:38:39>> no sorry this is this is for
2:38:41>> the the architecture uh scope of work.
2:38:44So this includes um getting the exist
2:38:48looking at what the existing condition
2:38:50is uh measuring all those spaces
2:38:53designing the drawings then going to
2:38:55ride and submitting those drawings and
2:38:57all the other documents that go through
2:38:59ride to get the project approved. Um,
2:39:02and then so that makes the project once
2:39:05it's approved by Ride, it's then elig
2:39:07eligible for the reimbursement and then
2:39:09the actual architectural management
2:39:12portion that they're responsible for at
2:39:15a later date when we hire the
2:39:16contractor. But this isn't for the
2:39:19actual work of replacing the bathroom
2:39:22partitions. This is for hiring the
2:39:24architect so that we can create the
2:39:27drawings needed um to go out to bid for
2:39:30the contractor and to get the approval
2:39:33from RIDE um to get to be eligible for
2:39:36reimbursement on the work that's
2:39:39performed.
2:39:40>> I and I know you said a lot there, but
2:39:43so they
2:39:46you're proving to me that I definitely
2:39:47am in the wrong field. I'm God I'm only
2:39:49in public safety.
2:39:51Um, humans were were snowed in in a
2:39:54place in this we're spending $10,000
2:39:58for a drawing of pieces of this big to
2:40:01go between urinals.
2:40:04>> No, but is is that Did we go out for bid
2:40:06for this?
2:40:07>> Yes. Yeah, I went out to bid for this.
2:40:09And it is a shock, but 10 and we're not
2:40:12even at Wait till you guys hear about
2:40:13the next couple of wine items.
2:40:16>> It's $10,000 to draw
2:40:19the I'm just going up. I I hear you, Mr.
2:40:24Shalow. But it is more than just them
2:40:26doing the the drawings. There is um
2:40:31there's
2:40:32>> You're going to be good if you sell this
2:40:33to me. I swear you should run for
2:40:35office. What else do they do?
2:40:38>> There's also the submission to ride
2:40:41process. So, there's a lot
2:40:43>> Yes. So, there's a lot of paperwork
2:40:45that's involved in getting all all of
2:40:48those documents. There's roughly 20
2:40:50things that have to be submitted to
2:40:51ride. Um part of which is the drawings.
2:40:55Um and another aspect is you the
2:40:58architect is also going to advise on
2:41:00what code needs to be applied to these
2:41:03bathroom stalls in order for these
2:41:05bathrooms to be code compliant with
2:41:08things like ADA.
2:41:10>> So they so so they take care of all that
2:41:12the administrative stuff from s uh all
2:41:16of it. Correct.
2:41:16>> In the Yeah. Yeah. And of course, we're
2:41:18there to assist with that. Um, but the
2:41:21the architect provides the majority of
2:41:24those documents that go to to ride. Um,
2:41:27so that then the project's eligible to
2:41:29be um receive that reimbursement.
2:41:32>> All right. I I don't begrudge people
2:41:34making money. That just hit me because
2:41:36>> And is how much?
2:41:38>> Um well, on this particular project, we
2:41:41should get bonus points for um you know,
2:41:44health and safety. So, we're probably
2:41:46looking at 86% or something around
2:41:48there.
2:41:49>> All right. All right. All right. Sorry
2:41:51for my soap box. I just I could
2:41:53>> No, no, I I hear you.
2:41:55>> Excuse me. I I hear you
2:41:56>> because it it says in includes
2:41:58demolition. So, when I read this at my
2:42:00leisure during the blizzard, I it
2:42:02includes I said 10,000 to to replace.
2:42:04So, again, so the wording on this, it
2:42:06says what it includes. So, when you just
2:42:08said drawings, I kind of went, "Wait a
2:42:10second. That's not what So, all right. I
2:42:13get it now. Thank you for that update."
2:42:18Clark,
2:42:19>> James Shal,
2:42:21>> Angel Rosa,
2:42:23>> Kimberly Grant, Juan Pablo Barrera,
2:42:27Matthew Wildenhine, Joanne Bolo.
2:42:31>> Recommendations to award the Agnes E.
2:42:34Little Elementary School Health and
2:42:36Safety Architectural Services to Studio
2:42:38J AED
2:42:41>> Jade. Okay. So, this also includes
2:42:44bathroom partitions at uh little um but
2:42:48the the larger scope of this work is
2:42:50replacing the act um ceiling tiles in
2:42:54there and then also the the paving work
2:42:57at the school
2:43:02>> so
2:43:04Oh, wait. No, sorry. You had a question.
2:43:10She had pocket. I thought thought we
2:43:12approved that already.
2:43:13>> That was the MOA6.
2:43:16>> So we approved the MOA 6.
2:43:18>> That was shifting the the money around.
2:43:20Um so what has been expressed in the
2:43:24facility subcommittee uh is the front
2:43:27parking lot at little that that's all
2:43:30set. that's um not repeat repaving that
2:43:33area and instead focusing the efforts on
2:43:36the larger back parking lot and then
2:43:38taking a look also at the playground
2:43:41area and seeing um what's possible there
2:43:44to to improve the condition of the
2:43:46playground area
2:43:52>> playground area.
2:43:53>> Yes. Yeah.
2:43:56The side.
2:43:59There's no asphalt in there. What's in
2:44:01there?
2:44:08>> Okay.
2:44:14>> Okay.
2:44:18>> Motion's been made and seconded.
2:44:22>> Clerk, close call the role.
2:44:27James Shal, Angel Rosa, Kimberly Grant,
2:44:30Juan Pablo Barrera, Matthew Wildenhine,
2:44:33Joanne Bonolo.
2:44:37>> Recommendations to award the Joseph Jinx
2:44:40Junior High School Health and Safety
2:44:42Architectural Services to Studio G.
2:44:46>> So, this is a similar scope of work. We
2:44:49are looking at uh replacing the ACT
2:44:52ceiling tiles. Um, also, uh, paving of
2:44:55the the well, I'll call them the front
2:44:58and the rear parking lots. Um, and then
2:45:01the flooring, uh, as well.
2:45:05>> The whole
2:45:09motion.
2:45:12>> Second.
2:45:15Motion's been made and seconded to
2:45:19recommend the award to award the Joseph
2:45:22Jensen Junior High School Health and
2:45:24Safety Architectural Services to Studio
2:45:27Jade in the amount of $70,000.
2:45:31Call the RO.
2:45:33>> James Chalice
2:45:35Rosa Kimberly Grant.
2:45:37>> Yes.
2:45:38>> Juan Pablo Barrera. Yes. Matthew Joanne
2:45:41Bonolo.
2:45:41>> Yes.
2:45:46Thank you.
2:45:48Next,
2:45:49>> can I just make one comment really
2:45:51quickly? Um, Megan Havilla with
2:45:53Collier's Mr. Chalow. So, you asked a
2:45:55question about the architectural fees
2:45:57and I think that's been asked now a
2:45:59couple times. So, standard rate in terms
2:46:02of their fees, it ranges anywhere
2:46:04between like 8% up to 12% of the
2:46:08construction cost. So, and it ranges.
2:46:12Sometimes when you have a lower scope of
2:46:14work, sometimes they charge a little bit
2:46:16higher, but it's always negotiated fee.
2:46:18So, just it's it's it's much less than
2:46:21that, but typically industry standard
2:46:24for architectural services is between
2:46:26that 8 to 12%. So, just as a baseline.
2:46:31Okay.
2:46:33So, just so you know. So, you're this is
2:46:35some pretty good savings.
2:46:38Thank you. Absolutely.
2:46:42>> Absolutely.
2:46:42>> You're getting the reimbursement and
2:46:44then to put that in context, the market
2:46:47is between 8 and 12% which would put
2:46:50these architectural fees if you put this
2:46:53whole thing you know between 250 and
2:46:56400,000
2:46:58you're getting the whole thing for 110.
2:47:00So, just to kind of put that in context
2:47:02that like this is a good deal on
2:47:05architectural fees in the grand scheme
2:47:07of things and in the nuances of what
2:47:10architects cost, it's it's expensive to
2:47:12do things unfortunately.
2:47:15>> Thank you.
2:47:17>> Okay.
2:47:19From the policy subcommittee,
2:47:22all of these policies have been
2:47:24approved.
2:47:26So, I'd like a motion for
2:47:30Oh, who's going to speak on policy?
2:47:36>> Mark,
2:47:38there he is.
2:47:40>> Okay. So, the first one is the approval
2:47:42of the first passage of a recommendation
2:47:46for a new policy, green cleaning policy.
2:47:55>> Okay.
2:47:57Sorry, I'm going to go quick. So, the
2:47:59reason why we're re recommending these
2:48:00following policies are twofold. First,
2:48:02it helps ensure the Pucket School
2:48:04Department remains fully aligned with
2:48:06the CHIPS, which is stands for the
2:48:08collaborative for high performance
2:48:10school standards associated with the new
2:48:11Pucket High School project. Meeting
2:48:14CHIP's requirements allows the district
2:48:16to earn maximum available energy and
2:48:19sustainability rebates, which helps
2:48:22offset the overall cost of the project
2:48:23and ensures the building operates at the
2:48:25highest environmental performance
2:48:27standards. The second reason why we're
2:48:29adopting this policy strengthens our
2:48:31ability to qualify for the US Department
2:48:33of Education's Green Ribbon Schools
2:48:35recognition, which recognizes districts
2:48:38that demonstrate leadership and
2:48:39environmental stewardship, energy
2:48:41conservation, and healthy school
2:48:42environments. So, this policy
2:48:44establishes a district-wide framework
2:48:45for green cleaning practices across all
2:48:47Pucket School Department facilities. Its
2:48:49core purpose is to ensure that the
2:48:51products, equipment, and procedures used
2:48:52to maintain our buildings protect
2:48:54student health, staff safety, and indoor
2:48:57air quality while also supporting
2:48:59environmental sustainability.
2:49:01In short, we're already utilizing these
2:49:03products. They are green in nature. Uh
2:49:05unfortunately, we just didn't have a
2:49:07policy in place to support this work.
2:49:08And so before you today, with your
2:49:10approval, we will now officially have a
2:49:12green cleaning policy.
2:49:14>> I'll accept a motion to approve.
2:49:20Motion by Mr. Waldenh, second by Miss
2:49:22Grant and Miss Rosa. Clerk, call the
2:49:25role.
2:49:26>> James Shal, yes.
2:49:27>> Angel Rosa, yes.
2:49:29>> Kimberly Grant, Juan Pablo Barrera.
2:49:31Matthew Wenhain, yes.
2:49:32>> Joan Bolo,
2:49:33>> yes.
2:49:35>> Next one is approval of a first passage
2:49:38of a recommendation for a new policy
2:49:41indoor environmental management plan
2:49:44policy. Dr. Andre,
2:49:46>> thank you. This policy establishes the
2:49:48Pucket School Department indoor
2:49:49environmental management plan, which
2:49:50provides a district-wide framework to
2:49:53ensure our schools maintain safe,
2:49:55healthy, and highquality indoor
2:49:57environments for students and staff. The
2:49:59plan aligns with the EPA's indoor air
2:50:01quality tools for schools program and
2:50:03focuses on preventing and addressing
2:50:05indoor environmental concerns such as
2:50:08ventilation issues, moisture and mold,
2:50:10chemical exposure, and pest management.
2:50:12There, you'll notice that there's a
2:50:14common theme here. They're all
2:50:15integrated together. The policy clearly
2:50:17defines roles and responsibilities
2:50:18across the district, including the
2:50:20school committee, administration,
2:50:21facilities, staff, school leaders, and
2:50:23custodial teams to ensure environmental
2:50:24concerns are reported, investigated, and
2:50:26addressed promptly. So overall, this
2:50:29plan ensures the district takes a
2:50:30proactive and a systematic approach
2:50:33to maintaining healthy school
2:50:34environments while supporting student
2:50:36health, staff wellness, and continuous
2:50:38improvement in building operations.
2:50:44Is there a motion to approve? Mr. Mr.
2:50:48Waldenh,
2:50:50second by Miss Rose or Miss Grant.
2:50:53Call the role.
2:50:56James Shal, Angel Rosa, Kimberly Grant,
2:51:00Ju Pablo Barrera, Matthew Wildenhine,
2:51:03Joan Bonola.
2:51:05One for policy is the approval of a
2:51:08first passage of a recommendation for a
2:51:11new policy operational and facilities
2:51:14performance policy.
2:51:16Thank you. This policy establishes a
2:51:18district-wide framework for monitoring
2:51:20and improving the performance of Pucket
2:51:21facilities and operational services. Its
2:51:24purpose is to ensure our schools remain
2:51:25safe, well-maintained, efficient, and
2:51:27supportive of teaching and learning. The
2:51:29policy introduces the use of clear
2:51:31performance indicators such as work
2:51:32order response times, which you'll see
2:51:34in one of your reports later this
2:51:36evening, preventative maintenance
2:51:37compliance, building system performance,
2:51:39cleanliness standards, and energy usage.
2:51:42These metrics allow the district to use
2:51:44data informed decision-making when
2:51:46planning maintenance, prioritizing
2:51:47capital investments, and allocating
2:51:49resources. Overall, this policy
2:51:51strengthens accountability,
2:51:52transparency, and continuous improvement
2:51:54in facilities and operations, ensuring
2:51:56district resources are managed
2:51:58responsibly while maintaining safe and
2:52:00effective learning environments.
2:52:03>> I have a motion.
2:52:06>> Motion by Mr. Wildenh, seconded by Mr.
2:52:09Grant. Clerk, call the role.
2:52:10>> James Shal, Angel Rosa, Kimberly Grant,
2:52:14Juan Pablo Barrera, Matthew Wildenhane,
2:52:17Joanne Bolo.
2:52:20Is there anyone here from SE?
2:52:26Okay. Um,
2:52:34Zabi.
2:52:37Yes. Oh, she is here.
2:52:43I tricked you with the name change, huh?
2:52:47Hi. Hi,
2:52:50I have something for you all too. Do
2:52:52Should I give you that now or after?
2:52:57>> Okay.
2:53:02Good evening.
2:53:04Copy of the resolution.
2:53:07Yes. I just have something to go with it
2:53:10to give you some context. Oh, okay. If
2:53:14you
2:53:22And you've been so patient waiting with
2:53:24us.
2:53:25>> Yes.
2:53:25>> Thank you.
2:53:27>> It was very interesting and I and I I
2:53:29hear there is support for dual language.
2:53:31So um I know that I'm coming to an
2:53:34receptive audience. Um good evening um
2:53:37Chair Bonolo, Superintendent Bucket, and
2:53:40members of the committee. My name is
2:53:41Erin Papa. I'm the co-founder and
2:53:44executive director of the coalition for
2:53:46a multilingual Rhode Island and I'm here
2:53:48in support of the resolution um to
2:53:52create to support the bilingual
2:53:55education support fund through passage
2:53:57of the SAB act, the support and access
2:53:59to bilingual education act um which is
2:54:02House Bill 7389 and Senate Bill 2555.
2:54:06There's now a Senate bill number. Um,
2:54:08our coalition is a diverse network of 32
2:54:11organizations and counting committed to
2:54:13expanding multilingualism through
2:54:15advocacy and opportunity. And we
2:54:17envision a state that embraces our
2:54:20community and heritage languages and
2:54:22ensures that all students, regardless of
2:54:24background, have the right to learn and
2:54:26sustain languages throughout their
2:54:28lives. We focus on growing highquality
2:54:31language programs in um public K
2:54:34through2 school districts. Um
2:54:37and as noted earlier um 23% of protected
2:54:41school department students are
2:54:43designated as multilingual learners. I'd
2:54:46like to point out that many more of your
2:54:48students are bilingual or multilingual
2:54:51but already proficient in English. Um,
2:54:53and nearly half of res Pucket residents
2:54:55report speaking languages other than
2:54:57English at home, a strength that should
2:54:59certainly be f fostered in in our public
2:55:02schools here. Um, with Rhode Island
2:55:05having the fastest growing multilingual
2:55:06learner population, we can only expect
2:55:09this number to continue to grow. Um,
2:55:12that's why today's resolution is
2:55:14urgently needed. It would support the
2:55:16creation of a bilingual education fund
2:55:18that would support the expansion of
2:55:20bilingual education programs in Pucket
2:55:22and ensure that these programs are fully
2:55:25staffed um by fully certified language
2:55:28educators.
2:55:30Um, as someone who helped to start the
2:55:33and develop the language program, the
2:55:35dual language program at Nathaniel Green
2:55:37Elementary, I was disappointed to see
2:55:40this program discontinued, but happy
2:55:42that the district started a new program
2:55:43at Baldwin um this year. The program has
2:55:46had a strong start that we can build
2:55:48upon. at the coalition. Our preparing
2:55:52Rhode Island's multilingual educators or
2:55:54prime initiative um is a partnership
2:55:57among districts including Pucket. Um
2:55:59Karen Stern, your MLLO director as part
2:56:02of our network as well as educator
2:56:05preparation programs, community- based
2:56:07organizations and state agencies. Um we
2:56:10are working to recruit and prepare the
2:56:12teachers that you need to grow and
2:56:14sustain um um a robust district-wide
2:56:18dual language program. So, I'd encourage
2:56:20the district to start a dual language
2:56:23task force, um, which should include not
2:56:26only the MLL department, but also
2:56:28representations from all levels and
2:56:30constituencies in the district to
2:56:32include the superintendent, curriculum
2:56:34director, special education director,
2:56:37parents, teachers, the teachers union,
2:56:39um, and, um, community partners as well
2:56:43like us at the coalition and together
2:56:45with, um, our member organizations in
2:56:48your community such as Progresso Latino
2:56:50and the Cape Verdian uh uh community
2:56:53development organization.
2:56:55Um let's imagine a fully bilingual
2:56:58school district and dual with dual
2:57:00language and world language programs
2:57:02from preK through 12 that um really
2:57:06reflect your community. So in languages
2:57:08of like Portuguese, Cidian Creole,
2:57:10Spanish, Haitian Creole and French. Um
2:57:13to to reflect our community languages
2:57:15and ensure that all Pucket students
2:57:17graduate bilingual and biliterate with a
2:57:20gold seal of biliteracy. Um which would
2:57:23set them up for professional success in
2:57:25any field that they choose whether they
2:57:27choose to stay in Pucket in Rhode Island
2:57:29or work globally. Um we know that
2:57:32bilingual skills are sought after by all
2:57:35employers across sectors. Um and and so
2:57:38we we need to invest in that. Um I'd
2:57:41also like to note that Rhode Island and
2:57:43protected have always been multilingual.
2:57:46Um yet too often we hear stories about
2:57:48languages being lost. Um and we don't
2:57:51have to look far um to to see that
2:57:54happening. Um it's happened in my own
2:57:56family. I grew up in Rhode Island as
2:57:58well um in another uh part of the state.
2:58:01But our languages were lost as many
2:58:03maybe of you and others that work in the
2:58:06community. But how many of your
2:58:08residents would be still be able to
2:58:10converse and read and write in
2:58:11Portuguese and Spanish and other
2:58:13languages um if we um had invested in
2:58:16these kinds of programs back then. So
2:58:19it's not too late to do that. Um and we
2:58:21know better now. Decades of research
2:58:24have shown that bilingual individuals
2:58:26have enhanced executive functioning,
2:58:28better problem solving skills, stronger
2:58:30academic performance, and improve
2:58:32communication. Um, we also see that dual
2:58:36language programs have uh better rates
2:58:38of of attendance. Um, they foster a
2:58:41sense of belonging among students. Um,
2:58:44and multilingualism is not just about
2:58:47education. It's a key driver of economic
2:58:49mobility and and a workforce necessity.
2:58:52Nine out of 10 employers are seeking um
2:58:55bilingual individuals um across sectors
2:58:58as I mentioned earlier. Um in Rhode
2:59:01Island's economy and depends on a
2:59:03workforce that could communicate across
2:59:05languages and cultures. Um so that's why
2:59:07I urge you to support this resolution
2:59:09tonight. um protect can prove itself to
2:59:12be a leader in championing the need for
2:59:14bilingual education um and to make sure
2:59:16that students are prepared to compete on
2:59:18a global stage. Um, and we also, um, ask
2:59:22you to, um, if you do pass the
2:59:24resolution, um, to come out and help
2:59:27support the Support and Access to
2:59:29Bilingual Education Act at the state
2:59:31house and to join us on March 24th um,
2:59:34for multilingual education advocacy day,
2:59:37which um, happens from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
2:59:40Um, we have a press conference at 3. um
2:59:43and it's opportunity to um showcase what
2:59:46you're doing in Pucket as well and um to
2:59:49help us advocate for the bill. Thank you
2:59:51very much.
2:59:53>> Thank you
2:59:55to approve resolution to support to
2:59:58support and access the bilingual
2:59:59education act.
3:00:02>> Motion's been made and seconded. All in
3:00:05favor?
3:00:06Opposed?
3:00:08So moved. You got your bill.
3:00:13Okay, next on the agenda, thank you
3:00:16again for being patient. Next on the
3:00:19agenda is approval for a request for an
3:00:21analysis
3:00:23of the city contribution to Pucket
3:00:25School District over the past 10 years,
3:00:28which I already did.
3:00:32>> Which I already did. I included it with
3:00:35something else. I saved time.
3:00:40>> I didn't know why it was on me. That's
3:00:41why public
3:00:43>> someone else some a committee member
3:00:45that's not here asked for it. So
3:00:50>> okay
3:00:51next on the agenda
3:00:54Dr. Andre work order report.
3:01:01Work order report.
3:01:07Get ready. You're up next.
3:01:21So in the past historically I believe
3:01:23once a month the school committee had
3:01:24requested the work order report before
3:01:26you today is a a review of a multi-page
3:01:29document that we're utilizing the export
3:01:32of the the reporting feature of the new
3:01:35platform that we're using called master
3:01:37library. Um, so what you'll see here is
3:01:40a breakdown in alignment with the
3:01:42policies that you just approved uh to
3:01:44really break down the requests for the
3:01:46purposes, the locations, and the need.
3:01:49I'm willing to answer any questions if
3:01:51you may have any.
3:01:54>> Yes, sir.
3:01:56>> On the dashboard, it says request by
3:01:59building. It says Shay Annex, but then
3:02:03JMW is down at the bottom. Baldwin's on
3:02:06there twice.
3:02:09Where's Elizabeth?
3:02:11>> It's the work order summary dashboard.
3:02:13>> Yep. Yep. Good.
3:02:15>> And it is under SHA and then JMW is down
3:02:21at the bottom.
3:02:23Baldwin's
3:02:25>> So, are they supposed to be other places
3:02:27or
3:02:28>> needs to be cleaned up a little?
3:02:30>> No. No. Um,
3:02:32>> so the annex JMW did not start in the
3:02:34annex in the beginning of the year. So
3:02:36the annex was vacated. So it's still
3:02:38required some
3:02:39>> So this is from the beginning of the
3:02:41year.
3:02:41>> Exactly.
3:02:42>> Okay. And that's what it is.
3:02:43>> Yes.
3:02:44>> Okay.
3:02:46>> So
3:02:47>> what like the the new
3:02:49>> when we instituted the program the
3:02:51platform. So it went into effect
3:02:53approximately August 28th
3:03:00for those
3:03:02for that for which which school are you
3:03:03referencing? It says annex.
3:03:06>> Yes. 101.
3:03:07>> That's everything they have to do to get
3:03:10it prepared for JMW.
3:03:11>> There's quite a few.
3:03:14>> Changing the changing the furniture and
3:03:17fixtures and
3:03:18>> Okay.
3:03:22>> You're right.
3:03:28>> Yes. It's a very old facility that
3:03:30requires a lot of attention.
3:03:35Shay graduate. I'm happy. But Tolman's
3:03:37older
3:03:38>> um and it's less than half.
3:03:40>> Yes.
3:03:41>> So, okay. This is good. This is good for
3:03:44us to see.
3:03:48>> Anybody with questions?
3:03:51>> Um Dr. Andre. So Baldwin,
3:04:01which one is
3:04:04the annex and which one in there's two
3:04:07Baldwins, too.
3:04:09>> Yep. So it looks like to me the way that
3:04:10was presented is there's a duplicate in
3:04:12the name. So it's Elizabeth Baldwin. So
3:04:14I would combine the two. So Baldwin does
3:04:16have actually 24 work orders.
3:04:19>> All right. So it was both at the new
3:04:21Yes.
3:04:21>> It was at the new school.
3:04:23>> Yes.
3:04:23>> So it's not overlapping with Okay. I
3:04:26just wanted to make sure.
3:04:33>> Any other questions?
3:04:43>> Seems like there's
3:04:46like
3:04:50So, it just seems like this place is
3:04:53missing. Two, three, four, five, six,
3:04:55seven, 10, 11, 12. There's only 12.
3:05:00Don't we have like 17 schools?
3:05:03>> Yes.
3:05:04>> So, what am I missing? Oh, Slater and
3:05:06Cuttingham are one.
3:05:09Um, Tolman and Cur Tolman and Curvin
3:05:13>> combined
3:05:13>> are combined. Why is that? No, it's just
3:05:16they they have the same number of
3:05:17requests.
3:05:18>> Huh?
3:05:19>> They both have the same number of
3:05:20requests. 49 respectively. Was 49 from
3:05:23Tolman.
3:05:24>> Oh, so it doesn't mean that they're
3:05:25combined. It means that they have
3:05:28>> Trying to be uh respectful of the
3:05:30landscape.
3:05:30>> Okay. PPA is not on here.
3:05:33>> It is not. We um we
3:05:35it's because we don't own it. So, the
3:05:37landlord is responsible for those work
3:05:39orders. So, those work orders go through
3:05:40via email and they're sent directly to
3:05:42the landlord and the landlord manages.
3:05:44And what about the administration
3:05:46building?
3:05:46>> That's there. That should be there. Uh
3:05:49if you look on the next page, there's
3:05:53one of those graphs, but yes, there has
3:05:56been some requests on the administration
3:05:57building.
3:05:59>> Um I'm sorry. Say that one more time. So
3:06:02it's not on the dashboard, but
3:06:03>> No, for some I mean you're right. It's
3:06:05not there. I don't know why. I'll have
3:06:07to go back and look. But to the second
3:06:08page, if you turn it, you'll see all the
3:06:10campuses request by canceled, completed,
3:06:14duplicate, in progress, and on hold. And
3:06:16I see the administration. I'll take a
3:06:18look at that.
3:06:18>> All right. Thanks. I just didn't hear
3:06:20what you had said. I'm sorry.
3:06:24>> Okay. Any other questions?
3:06:28>> Just the work just a or A, B, C, D, and
3:06:32E. Are we taking it all combined?
3:06:36>> Oh, sorry. Okay,
3:06:39>> you Dr. Andre. Next up is Mr. Christina
3:06:42with the enrollment report.
3:06:54>> Well, we can do that.
3:06:55>> Any questions on the enrollment?
3:07:02>> No. Any questions? No.
3:07:07Okay.
3:07:09Any questions on the vendor payment
3:07:11report?
3:07:12>> What was it?
3:07:16>> I have a question on the vacancy report.
3:07:19>> Um, we have
3:07:22seven teacher assistant positions open.
3:07:25So, who supports the students that need
3:07:30these assistants?
3:07:44I'm going to answer. So, so that is a
3:07:46challenge right now. Uh, you know, as
3:07:48you heard when those vacancies aren't in
3:07:51place, we do struggle with providing
3:07:53support for those particular classes.
3:07:55>> Okay. they used to
3:07:58reach out for like maybe PCAs or
3:08:01something to help with,
3:08:03you know, certain
3:08:05um things. Do do we still do that or
3:08:10certain things that help assist the
3:08:11classroom?
3:08:12>> Yeah.
3:08:13>> With the student
3:08:16refer to Assistant Superintendent
3:08:17Rabbit, if you have any clarity on that.
3:08:21>> Assistant Superintendent Rabbit, can you
3:08:23come to the podium? I think Mrs. Grant's
3:08:25question. You'd be better positioned to
3:08:26answer that
3:08:30question.
3:08:44Didn't we, if we didn't have a TA,
3:08:46didn't we hire go through agencies to do
3:08:49like a a PCA to help with, you know,
3:08:53maybe toileting or diapering or or
3:08:56certain personal
3:08:59things that students needed if there
3:09:02were no teacher assistant available. So
3:09:06we use we use agencies for students who
3:09:10require
3:09:12a level a CNA level care. So that we do
3:09:17use agencies for CNA level care for TAS.
3:09:22We currently do not have any vacancies
3:09:25for students who are you who require a
3:09:28PCA. The vacancies we have are general
3:09:31TA are general TAs. Um, we also can
3:09:36employ substitute TAS and the
3:09:40regulations. However, substitute TAs
3:09:42must be certified as TAS. We have 20
3:09:46days to get that certification.
3:09:49>> Okay. Do we do we do anything to
3:09:55>> Yeah. try to bring more in?
3:09:58>> We certainly do.
3:09:59>> This what do we do? So we we work with
3:10:02certain agencies that do training and
3:10:06recruiting of of TAs. We go to job fairs
3:10:09looking for TAs. We advertise for TAs.
3:10:13Um places like Indeed and other places
3:10:16where we will find them.
3:10:20>> There just there's a short to be honest
3:10:22there's a statewide and probably a
3:10:24national shortage of teacher assistants.
3:10:26Um, and recently the regs, we've had
3:10:29many discussions with Ry about the
3:10:31regulations and what may be hampering
3:10:34that. There are there is testing
3:10:36involved and sometimes language barriers
3:10:38prevent people from being able to pass
3:10:40the test. So, we're working on some
3:10:42reforms in that area
3:10:44>> cuz I would think it would be um
3:10:48it could possibly be an interruption to
3:10:51the classroom for
3:10:54you know the typical students and you
3:10:57know and the the special
3:11:01um
3:11:02>> education students wouldn't be getting
3:11:04the support that they needed also. So,
3:11:07okay. Thank you.
3:11:08>> You're welcome. That's all.
3:11:10>> There any other questions
3:11:13>> on that one area?
3:11:14>> On that one?
3:11:15>> Yes.
3:11:16>> Okay. Monthly dispersement. Any
3:11:19questions?
3:11:24Departmental overtime report.
3:11:27>> Um I don't know who to ask this to. I
3:11:30don't remember the overtime budget. What
3:11:33snowstorm uh did you blow through it?
3:11:36Was it the first one, the third one, the
3:11:38seventh?
3:11:39cuz we are over it, right? Let's not or
3:11:42did you budget?
3:11:44Did anyone have the snow globe to
3:11:47predict this winter?
3:11:53>> I just want to know sooner or later
3:11:54you're going to present the number to
3:11:55us. I just want to know how bad it's
3:11:56going to be.
3:12:01What we're working on is identifying how
3:12:05we can extrapolate the appropriate OT
3:12:07report cumulative wise. So the last one
3:12:09that was shared with you was on October
3:12:1015th. The one before you was only a
3:12:12monthly report. There's a missing gap
3:12:15which doesn't allow us to cumulate
3:12:17average those costs. On a good note, we
3:12:19can't be any more appreciative of the
3:12:22collaboration from the city and the
3:12:23support.
3:12:25We didn't pay for that work, though.
3:12:28hundreds
3:12:29of trucks of dump trucks and large
3:12:32assets that we would never be able to
3:12:34have uh that were able to create what
3:12:37you walked into today. It was an amazing
3:12:40monumental effort. So, we worked
3:12:41collectively with Chris Cwley, a DPW DPW
3:12:46uh director in collaboration with the
3:12:48mayor's office and their team uh with
3:12:50community police as well. It was all
3:12:52hands- on deck to make sure that school
3:12:54was in line. But no, we did not pay that
3:12:56bill. What we did pay is our custodians
3:12:59who did work overtime to catch up that
3:13:01work and and to be honest it's I don't
3:13:04think we're uh at the point where I'm
3:13:06going to raise some red flags regarding
3:13:08overtime cost overall. Yes, I I hopeful
3:13:12>> this storm I'm not telling you guys I
3:13:14know you guys are on top of this but
3:13:16there was a state of emergency declared
3:13:18you might be able to get into a little
3:13:20bit that mon money if the federal
3:13:22government but I know you guys will be
3:13:24on top of that. So for those two dates,
3:13:26the governor declared two those two
3:13:28dates,
3:13:28>> but if the city paid for the bulk, that
3:13:31that's great. That that's terrific.
3:13:32>> They're messaging. They're collecting
3:13:34the invoices and tracking that cost.
3:13:36>> Awesome. Okay. Thank you.
3:13:40>> Okay.
3:13:41Finally, the school committee may go
3:13:44into executive session for discussion
3:13:47and/or action pursuant to Rhode Island
3:13:49General Laws
3:13:5142464
3:13:53regarding those items of business exempt
3:13:56from open meetings under Rhode Island
3:13:58General Law 42465.
3:14:02One, pursuant to 42465A1,
3:14:06a discussion of the job performance,
3:14:08character of physical and mental health
3:14:11of personnel, consideration of
3:14:14superintendent contract,
3:14:16and
3:14:18that's it.
3:14:21So
3:14:23motion's been made by Mr. Oldenh,
3:14:26seconded by Miss Grant.
3:14:29All in favor?
3:14:32>> No.
3:14:33>> Opposed?
3:14:37>> Oh,
3:14:39>> James Shal
3:14:40>> here.
3:14:40>> Angel Rosa. Kimberly Grant
3:14:43>> here.
3:14:44>> Matthew Wildenhan. Joanne Bonolo
3:14:46>> here.
3:14:48>> Motion to
3:14:49>> No. We put out any vote subject to
3:14:52disclosure pursuant to random general
3:14:55law 42464.
3:14:59motion to approve sealing the executive
3:15:01session minutes made by Angelis Rosa,
3:15:03seconded by James Challe. The vote was
3:15:05unanimous. An adjournment of close
3:15:08meeting motion made by Angelis Rosa,
3:15:10seconded by James Chal. The vote was
3:15:13unanimous and there was a reconvening
3:15:16school committee open meeting in recess
3:15:18motion made by Angel Rosa, seconded by
3:15:21Kimberly Grant. And the vote was
3:15:23unanimous.
3:15:25No.
3:15:26>> Motion to
3:15:28tie it to
3:15:31>> second. All in favor?

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