City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire School Board, 12 Jul 2022

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From YouTube: 7.12.2022 School Board

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7.12.2022 School Board

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Good evening, everyone welcome to our school board meeting of july 12 2022.

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And I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new superintendent.

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Zach mclaughlin zach mclaughlin, and did I say that right you did you nailed it yeah, okay,.

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Sometimes I'm not good with names and then a new assistant superintendent patricia haynes.

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So it's wonderful to welcome both of you to a school district. We're thrilled to have you here.

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And we look forward to some really wonderful times together, so I'm sure you'll get to know.

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Everybody on the board as time goes by, um but welcome it's wonderful to have you here. Thank you.

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um Okay, can we all have the roll call? We need the roll call all right, I'm glad you said something.

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About names, so if I mispronounce anybody's name, I'm now not feeling as much pressure so.

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uh Liz barrett here pip pips clues, whose um lisa rappaport anne walker here margot.

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Peabody here nancy kleiberg here, pope van epps, brian french, here carrie nolte, here kim guenchi.

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Here nick is a darling, yeah, darling, nick darling, and um no is there a someone from sau 50 yeah.

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Not today, they always sit over at the other end there. So.

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Well, thank you zach. Can we all stand for the pledge of allegiance.

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I pledge allegiance to the divide of the united states of america.

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And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible with liberty and justice.

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Okay, our first order of business is announcements and recognitions. This was zach's um suggestion.

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That we put this on at the beginning of our meeting and I think michael and I thought that.

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Was a good idea and I do have one um some of you may know, I'm a member of rotary and.

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We had a meeting a couple of weeks ago, where they recognized steve jones and our students at the cte.

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Program at our high school for those absolutely gorgeous planters that dawned downtown portsmouth.

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At our restaurants, um you'll notice, they're wooden and they hold plants, and it's really beautified.

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As they said in this memo, how how can you make jersey barriers, look better um well high school.

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Students have certainly figured out how to do that, so I wanted to recognize our high school students.

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And our cte program for the wonderful job they've done in beautifying, our downtown and you'll.

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Notice they're up again this year and there's a cute little plaque on all of them that explain.

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How they come from portsmouth high school, so that's kind of cool. So we thank the cte people for.

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That and all of our students, okay, the next order of business- is see if anybody else has an email.

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Does anyone else have an announcement? Yes, I just wanted to um uh commend our uh high school art.

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Teacher um sarah mundy she um created a tick tock video and talked about our custodian ralph langer.

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And mr langer had lost his wife, unfortunately, and sarah was able to raise some money for.

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Him to travel to nova scotia, so I just want to commend them and everybody in in their support.

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Of mr langer and um and we're just so fortunate to have such great people at the high school.

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So thank you to sarah and everybody. Thank you, liz that was on the front page of the.

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Portsmouth herald, so I think a lot of people saw it, and that was that was really great. um Anyone.

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Else for an announcement or recognition, yes, so just really quickly. I just wanted to thank.

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The central office staff in particular here um and folks, have been unbelievably welcoming um as I've.

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Come in and working with patty and I as a brand new team, um you know there's a lot to digest. I.

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Think I heard nathan talking about uh it's like drinking from the fire hose and it is.

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uh And there's a certain amount of um having worked in my previous job for about a decade.

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You know all your systems, you know your stuff and you're able to just run, and here.

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uh I need to be able to be okay with. I think the two of us need to be okay with.

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With walking a little bit uh before, we run, uh and people have been great in trying to help us.

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Along the way and to have people, um you know, while that's going on, to have important work being done.

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Like last night at the city council and to know that you know nathan's there all night last night.

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Dealing with city council uh can lead she's there all night dealing with the city council, so.

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Sort of so I think people can be confident that things are continuing to progress. The.

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Way, they're supposed to progress while we kind of get our bearings and uh that's all.

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uh Thanks to the the wonderful staff that you already have, so I just want to thank all of them.

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Thank you um and good luck. Thank you. Okay. The next item on the agenda is the acceptance of.

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Our minutes from our last meeting do we have a motion to approve to approve that was june. 14Th.

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Approved by anne walker, second, invite pip all in favor aye, aye aye. None opposed motion passes.

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Next, we go on to public comment. I believe we have one speaker in our audience: um elise annunziata.

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From richards ave.

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You have three minutes to speak in our public comment session and we'll.

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Give you a notice when you'll get colors up there when you're getting getting close all right. Thank.

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You good evening uh again alicia nunziata, 444 richards avenue. I just was here to simply report.

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Out, as you may have heard already in the news, the city council voted last night to permanently.

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Refer to indigenous people's day, instead of columbus day, not alongside of columbus day, um the.

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Phs we speak. Social justice groups spoke eloquently and informally about the reasons.

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Why they have been requesting this change for over two years or around two years, so kudos to them? And.

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Kudos to you all for educating such fine students um and agents for social change and and justice.

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I believe their effort and the requests have been directed to the school board. First.

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And then went on to the city council, so, given this the council's actions last night, I would.

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Look forward to the school board following suit with that on the calendars um and just on a quick.

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Sort of similar note, juneteenth federal holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery in the united.

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States has been adopted since two last year: 2021 and the state of new hampshire and the portsmouth.

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City council recognized that federal holiday as well. I hope that our school district will follow.

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Suit and place juneteenth holiday on the district calendar right away. That's it! Thank you very much.

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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Elise. Do we have anyone on zoom for public comment patty. There are.

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There are two okay, we'll have our first speaker from zoom. Can you say your name in your address.

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Please, hello: are you there, so they don't have their hands raised. So I don't know.

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Oh, no, maybe not: okay, okay,.

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Okay, if you're on zoom- and you would like to speak, can you please raise your hand.

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We'll give you a minute to raise your hand.

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No okay, okay! I think we will move on on our agenda. The next item is our superintendent's report.

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So the um what you have in in the report, I think, reflects what you've.

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Been doing um previously, I look forward to a conversation with the board about.

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To what extent, if at all, if you'd like to adjust that going forward.

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But you do have um the typical things that you have had in the past: the board and administrator.

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From july of um this year, you have the record of email correspondence uh to the board.

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Minutes um from the policy committee as well uh just really quickly, I just wanted to was.

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I was talking with nancy and margo. I thought it was important to just have a placeholder in there.

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About strategic planning, not a large conversation tonight, but I know through the hiring process.

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And into the early dialogues that I've been having that this continues to be, I believe, an important.

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Thing for the board an important thing for the district moving forward. My goal is to work with.

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All of you to to be developing that plan to have us in a position to wrap up that process by the.

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Tail end of the school year to be in a position to then start to implement that process in the next.

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So I think, there's some rich dialogue ahead about how we do that. What's the most effective way.

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To do that, to make sure stakeholders are involved and to make sure it's a real.

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Something that's meaningful and going to help them move the district forward. So just.

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Anticipate that you'll you'll see this I think appearing repeatedly, but I wanted.

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To make sure we that we had it there as a placeholder, and in addition to that, you also.

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Have correspondence some some resignations from from some folks around the district.

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Okay, any questions from anyone about the superintendent's report. Minor, detail, nancy. Yes,.

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The date of the next policy committee meeting is incorrect in the minutes. I think it's because it.

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Says it's july 12th it's! It should be july. 15Th, 15th, correct, yeah, friday july 5th, not a.

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Big deal, but just in case anyone looks thank you. I did notice that thank you for bringing that up.

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Lisa, yes, it's friday july 15th, which is this friday: okay, okay, let's go to old business.

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I'm sorry um the strategic plan process. Are we going through any of that or.

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Is that just presented okay? So, okay, all right, I guess I didn't know if that would be more of a.

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I guess I didn't. I thought it would be more of a presentation, but um okay, we can move on from that.

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um All right, yeah, just a preview of coming events- that's always intended to be all right. So, uh okay,.

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uh Old business, the board retreat um zach um margo and I are gonna meet on tuesday to come up with an.

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Agenda a proposed agenda for our board retreat and, as you all know, our first one is august. 4Th 4th.

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And it's going to be 5 to 8 pm at in the school board conference room and we'll provide sandwiches.

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Or pizza or something and then, as you all know, the second night is august 24th. Second, I believe 22nd.

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Okay, monday, okay monday august 22nd same idea: 5 to 8 pm school board, conference room and we'll um put.

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Together the agenda and let you all have that so um that's another thing, that's coming up um for.

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Future consideration- and we look forward to that- I think zach- is excited about that too- and patty.

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um To really focus in on what our intentions are for the next year, a couple of years, whatever okay.

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Let's go to esser and I guess that's nathan is that correct. You want nathan to talk okay,.

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Thank you good evening uh in a in a in a meeting that I know you intended to be.

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Briefed because it's july and it's a hot summer day, we wanted to welcome the new superintendent.

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Assistant superintendent, in and and have a successful evening, um you know that that sets.

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Us all up for the coming year, I thought great as little on the agenda I'll talk for a while.

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So, thank you remember that we we've left esser on esther updates. We left it on old business because.

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We wanted to make sure that we continue to create an ongoing opportunity for our public to engage us.

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With thoughts suggestions, ideas about the use of funds for the esser dollars that we continue to.

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Have in front of us, let me start with financials by telling you it's it's uh a week and a half into.

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July, I don't have a june 30 number for you, but uh it will end up. I will make it so it.

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Will end up as I'd suggested, we'll have some small dollars left over, but uh working hard right now to.

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To to clean clean the accounts make sure that we uh we purge out encumbrances, purchase, orders.

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That aren't going to happen things that uh things that really are just were orphaned in there over.

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The last few months uh and and then deal with the dollars that we've already in our effort, have have.

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Identified could be spent with esther, but maybe don't have to because they fit. We had some savings.

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uh In paraprofessionals, because we've complained that we weren't able to fill all.

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Of those positions, some of that will pick up and cover the cost of the math tutor that you had at.

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The middle school this last year as an example, so I'm working through all of that as an aside.

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I had a very successful hope he's not listening, because I don't want to trump.

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Any of the negotiating a very successful interview with a young man uh with a with an accounting.

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Degree and uh and as much experience for the accountant position that we could really use.

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And would speed along things like wrapping up year, end right now and uh he'll be back.

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To meet with all of the central office next week- and I expect uh I expect that he'll be with us.

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In august, so he'll he'll, maybe miss much of cause of year, but he'll be there for a little of it. So.

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That's really good news uh to be to be determined, yet I'm still looking for.

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My administrative assistant melissa, you guys never really had the chance on the board. Maybe.

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To interact with her much but yeah uh melissa was there with steve bartlett and had a baby in.

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January and uh has been helping a little, uh which has been important because the things.

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She's helped with are things that I didn't even know that we were doing or she was doing so. It's.

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Been learning from me and supportive for sure that she's been able to kick back in and help.

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A bit but she's uh she's not planning to come back, so I've been advertising and I'm hoping in.

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The next couple, two or three weeks we'll be able to secure somebody to sit in that chair because.

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I've really become a payroll liaison in ways. I never imagined I would be I'm I've learned a.

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Lot doing it well, don't ask people downstairs and payroll, they might disagree with you. I wanted to.

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Give you a brief capital update and I'm sorry that it didn't make the agenda in its own right, because.

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There's enough going on that, I thought it would be important to share with the board and let you know.

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um Generally, under the under the supervision of ken linchi, your facilities director.

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uh Here are the projects coming ongoing and coming so one is, um and I actually rather than.

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Anybody take notes. I did a memo that I was going to deliver to zach in the board. It didn't make the.

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Packet I'll make sure you all get a copy later, so you'll have that right. Thank you. New franklin, new.

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Franklin school has a dehumidification and air conditioning project going. We actually kicked.

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That off and started work. It was the end of may making sure that everything that could be done.

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And not disturb student work and classes was done preliminarily so that they could hit the ground.

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They had to get up in the ceilings they had to, um they had to put units in each room when you have a.

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Chance to be there you'll see that we actually now have overlapping. I think kenny might say shared.

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Systems or or complementary systems, there's a there is a system that was already in place.

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Thankfully, before covet hit that, like our other schools replenished air refreshed air brought.

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Fresh air into each of our classrooms and took an exhausted air out through a filtering system.

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So that we had the opportunity to move our and freshen our air, that's still in place now we have.

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A system in each room that will air condition and dehumidify the space, uh the air in that space, so.

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It doesn't, they don't work at cross purposes, they work together, but it's not an all-in-one system.

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So we didn't have to throw away the elements of the old system. This was a phased approach.

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But that will be in place and taking care of new franklin, our highway locked school with you know.

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With uh major major vehicles and noise on either side um that will be done before the start of.

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School at little harbor there's a sound system being installed in the cafeteria, slash gymnasium.

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Your performing arts director you've heard from recently steve cyrillo he's supervising that.

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Effort this summer with kenny's assistance- and he has been working his way through the district.

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Taking care building by building to make sure that there there is a contemporary sound system.

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In the performance space that supports not only the pa needs when the when a principal is having.

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An assembly but also performance needs to the extent that each of those schools might host.

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That kind of program, so that work is being done this summer at portsmouth, high school.

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As part of our capital improvement plan, we are replacing the interior bleachers in the gymnasium.

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Both sides are are more than ready to come out and, unfortunately, manufacturing lead times.

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In the craziness of the world we're living in have led to uh delay. If you will.

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It's pushing completion of the project off until the fall, so something that we really.

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Would like to have been finished in august will start mid-september.

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It'll take about a week to do demolition and pull out the existing bleachers about three weeks to.

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To what was it tinker? Toys? No, I should have grown up from that. It was riviton or or uh lincoln logs.

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They literally will build this thing. I thought they would deliver it. You know, modular, they bring.

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In all the pieces and guys put all of the pieces together, it'll take about take about three weeks.

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That's the indoor bleachers in the gymnasium, okay at the high school, both sides- I want to say they.

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Seat 2200, something like that, I think 1100 on each side. I think don't hold me to that. It's a.

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Thousand ish on either side um is that going to affect any sports during that time? Is it.

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Volleyball is that what I think volleyball yeah, so certainly they weren't in love with the news.

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When the news came, but the physical education faculty, as well as the athletic department, has.

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Been alerted and they're making plans to deal with the impact during the period of that of that work.

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Okay, also, of course, with high school, the building is reaching that 20-plus year useful lifetime and.

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We're commissioning commissioning we're having essentially a recommissioning done, a mechanical.

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Assessment that will review and assess all of the systems to identify those that are most pressing.

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For replacement or repair and those that can be delayed, it's good information, kenny kenny calls.

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It a he calls it recommissioning. That's the phrase that stuck in my head. He keeps talking about that.

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um He uh I I think, we're almost done working through legal with the rfp to go out looking.

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For that that work to be done, but that will that will inform our future cip and.

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It'll give us a sense of how we need to lay up the work that will continue there.

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And I'm talking about all the mechanics, the air handling and the heating and plumbing and so forth.

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Last night the city council approved or offered bonding authority.

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For us to bond for the completion of three projects that were this year in our cip,.

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Plan the first of those is exterior windows at dondero and little harbor windows were.

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Addressed only in part in the renovations that were done over the last decade,.

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Knowing that this project would be left at little harbor, it's a lot of repair.

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Of the the guts of some of the many of the windows and making sure that we have making sure that we.

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Have good function at dondero, it's a replacement in general of most of the exterior windows.

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And I and I won't try to speak to it tonight, but I believe that the contract that the type.

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Of window will be different than what has been there, and so it's a it's. A replacement of dondero.

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Two other projects, the first uh we've talked a little bit in the past, about tennis courts.

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So we're the engineering and design work is being completed right now. For us, a replacement of the.

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Tennis courts at portsmouth high school, so the courts that are there uh four court square was.

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Created it was built, I want to say it's 89 and if you are a tennis aficionado, you don't play there.

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Is what I'm understanding and and most of the work most of the competition that our students have.

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Done in recent years has been down at uh south new south middle pond uh courts, um the transition of.

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Some of that space to the pickleball has left them unable to complete well a varsity, a new.

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Varsity competition needs six courts and so we're replacing the four at the high school with six.

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They're doing the engineering design work right now, we've been told quite clearly there's no.

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Chance that that work is done, this cycle this year, it'll be next spring or spring summer, that we'll.

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Be able to get that done so, unfortunately, tennis teams have worked their way through.

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A season already without and had to shuttle back and forth or just deal with four courts.

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They'll do so again in the spring of 23, but we'll have the work done that that summer.

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And the last is the replacement of the carpet of the artificial turf at porsche high school.

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So the high school turf is reaching the end of its useful life, not the under not.

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The infrastructure but the carpet itself and the infill, so that was one of the topics that was that.

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Was really the only topic in our request that was discussed at length last night with the council.

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The carp, the carpet will come up, it'll need to be recycled. uh Mr kenny's been working on connections.

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In the industry to to try to make sure the timing is good so that we we reach into the recycling.

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Path and program for effective recycling, not just you know, not landfill but uh recycling, and do so.

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At low cost because it seems there's a there's, a um a quota, there's there's so many that they're.

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Prepared to deal with in each cycle each annual cycle and if you're at the end of that cycle, they.

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Make you pay more than if you're at the beginning to to squeeze you into the program, so we're hoping.

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That the timing of that is good, so we'll save dollars on that, but we'll make sure that happens.

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uh And there will be some conversation and we intend to come back and and make sure that.

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The board is surprised in the council in uh in work sessions as appropriate about the infield.

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Choices that are made, but right now, what was most important was that we secure the bonding.

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Authority so that we can get the rfp out in the next few days to find an engineering and uh design.

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Consultant to work with us, someone with experience uh that can come in and help us put together the.

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The rfp and design requests their expectations of that turf. So yes, how long does that have to take.

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That work, we expect, could be done next summer, so the design work uh he could be. I think we're.

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Probably talking about another four to six weeks of the bidding process and selecting.

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The partner and then we'll have to we'll have to bring them up to speed and then then we'd.

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Go through some design work, and so I would imagine that it would be sometime later. This.

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Year that there would be more conversation about that, so they'll be using what we have.

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First, so for now yeah that the turf continues to be used until then um and- and you know, kenny.

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And I've talked about it, it doesn't come to me, but what's intuitive to me is that.

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We'd be talking about rolling up the carpet and doing the the repairs and laying the new.

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Carpet in the gap between the end of the spring seasons and the end of school in the start of.

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Any fall sport, so we will lose some number of weeks there in the middle of the summer.

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Next summer, because that was the middle school project, that was the very first thing that had.

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To be done with the renovation of the middle school was the the turf and the the granite yep.

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At the high school and the school yeah, but it was a priority to the.

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Middle school, because it was their project yeah,.

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Okay, so that's yes, I just I have a question about. I happen to watch the meeting last night too,.

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We, the school board, will decide what surface will be put on the turf field, correct the council.

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Approved the money which was very generous and very nice of them, and we certainly are grateful.

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For that, but us the school board will decide what the composition of the turf is yeah. The.

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City attorney, I think, answered a question from one of the counselors and made it pretty clear that.

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That the funding responsibility rests with the council or with the city.

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But ultimately, the spending of those dollars um would be the responsibility of the school.

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Department- and so um I think I think it's clear to us- you know talking to mr lynch- it's quite.

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Clear to us, this wants to be something we do very transparently. We want to make sure that we share.

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Good information with the board and the council by extension, I think we reasonably want them invited.

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And uh to avail themselves of any of our discussion about that, so we can make sure.

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That the whole community is aware of the choices that are made. Obviously the biggest.

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I think the biggest conversation now is what are the what's the? What are the infill choices? What's.

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The selection of um um what is the selection of material that we use to fill that turf so.

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And you'll give us that information absolutely and I think and that's really something kenny and.

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I we won't so much as this hired consultant with expertise um and an arsenal of good information.

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And experience you know, maybe nationwide will be able to come and advise us on what the options are.

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In the industry, and then when we put it out to bid we'll put it up to bid with alternate, so we.

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Can get even more data collected as a part of the process before we make the decision.

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And nathan, I want to thank you for being there on behalf of the school board in the school district.

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Last night, they called on you at 11 15. holy mackerel. The meeting went until after midnight.

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So it was a long meeting and they called on you near the end. You guys have been you've done. Your.

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Own meetings like that, and- uh and I have too um on eve on both sides, so it was the fact that they.

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Were still wide-eyed and getting the work done is a testament to their commitment to the city.

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So, um thank you for that yeah. I know we were. I was pleased that it that it went um and then.

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Sometime thereafter, we managed to uh walk them. They they walk through the approval of.

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Of the uh teachers agreement, that's on your agenda coming up so so financials capital.

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Update, let me go back to esser and say what I said uh out in the outset or or hinted at, which is we.

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Certainly encourage our community to continue to offer up feedback. um We have public comments and.

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We've continued to keep esser uh as an update on our agenda so that it's an agenda item that.

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Can be commented on and their suggestions are always welcome. They can email me um certainly.

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They can email the board as well, but if they have particular suggestions about programming choices,.

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Changes other priorities and we'll continue to have conversation about that. I would encourage.

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uh You folks, I shared, I shared a timeline document here um in may. I think when we last looked at it.

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I looked at that to make a couple of updates to some of the most pressing. The reality is.

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Only the only in that initial category of things that are happening like we're, hiring or have.

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Already hired a social worker and we're hiring an outdoor, ed outdoor red teacher, we're looking for a.

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Math interventionist, I could actualize those and say well instead of the placeholder of 78,.

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000 and chattahooda: this is what we're actually committed to, because you've approved the contract.

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I could update that, but that wasn't all that wouldn't necessarily be informative to you.

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The positions are there, I think, what's most important to us or to me right now and hopefully.

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To you is I've really enjoyed the first few days that our new leadership team has had.

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But we really need some time to sit down and talk through here's the budget report. Let me explain to.

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You cost centers and the way we break this out and who's really responsible and accountable.

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For these numbers and uh just give them some sense of who we are from a financial picture,.

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And I think right now the commitment has, um the commitment has definitely been. Who are we as a.

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People organization and trying to connect with all of the humans, and and so when. I, when, when.

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My turn comes and to talk about some of the data and the figures we'll get back into this.

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But I just know that they're going to add a lot to the conversation, and so um so what I would I.

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Guess I would say this to you: I don't know that the timelines have really changed. I just talked.

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About all the capital projects on kenny's plate right now, the things we're working on.

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I don't expect that there's anything else of substance or significance that we'll tackle.

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Immediately this summer- or even this fall there's time now for us to to regroup.

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uh Retreat have some time with your leadership and then we'll come back to some of those other.

E

Some of those other items, I think that the only things that are really continuing to happen moving.

E

Forward are some some summer programming. There will be an effort to put some after school work.

E

Some after school programming and support for our students in play shortly after the start of school.

E

But I know that we'll be able to report back more on that as we get closer to that. So this is our.

E

Only july meeting, obviously we have opportunity to retreat and we'll be in an august meeting and.

E

You guys had, I think, in your email.

E

Traffic somewhere there was a there's, a 13 million dollar, I'm going to call it competitive.

E

Opportunity for security upgrades that's in front of us kenny and I are working on that. That might.

E

Be the only other capital thing that might pop up quick, because I think they're looking for.

E

They're looking for opportunities to improve access, control, enunciation and alerting, as well as.

E

Surveillance is the third category you're looking for things, we're pretty well off.

E

In all of those areas generally, a couple of the projects that we could envision are, for instance,.

E

The front entrance of new franklin and the front entrance of um little harbor in terms of.

E

That air, lock man traffic had a safety opportunity, whether they fit inside the fit inside the the.

E

Limitations of that grant opportunity wait to see kenny's working on opening up some old documents.

E

That we had about ideas at one of the schools and getting some updated thoughts about the other one.

E

So we're looking to pursue that, to the extent that we can, that might be the only other thing.

E

That will crop up more quickly. So regarding that, let's have other questions for nathan liz.

C

um I mean I have other questions about other things, but as far as this uh situation with the.

C

Grant application, I'm wondering you know a lot of the state offices, you have a key card entry.

C

My understanding is that all of our schools do not have a key card entry. um Obviously you know.

C

You know learn by example, so to speak, and you know in in my take on what had happened um without the.

C

Most recent school shooting was, there was a you know. They talked about a key incident or.

C

Entry and whatnot, and, and so it had me thinking about the importance of entry um and it seemed.

C

Like our systems of entry into our schools are outdated compared to other um state and.

C

Government, local buildings- I think our I mean I think this building has a key card entry, so I.

C

Guess I'm wondering if any of our schools have the um the uh the um card? Entry access, yeah.

E

We have electronic access control in all of the buildings and all of the buildings, and so.

C

Including the old sherburne school okay, so all teachers have the ability to do that and off the.

E

Top, I can't tell you, if all staff, how I can't tell you consistently is kenny texting me, is that yes,.

E

All schools have key card access, so yes, what I can't tell you off the top, but kenny probably can.

E

Let's not get too specific when we're on camera. Talking about our uh you know, which doors can you.

E

Get in yeah all right, I mean the most relevant. The most relevant entry points that teachers faculty.

E

During the day would need have been equipped, um I don't know if every teacher he's texting now, yeah.

C

As quickly as he can, I don't, I don't know if every teacher is equipped with the same level of access.

E

But I think the idea is, for instance, if this is the door that we go out from phys ed to go to the.

E

Field so that we can do what we do and then we can back in the phys. Ed teacher is certainly equipped.

E

With access to come in and out that door yeah so- and these are contemporary- I mean they've been.

E

Installed and upgraded and then okay, I don't know why I was thinking that it wasn't in our schools.

C

But I just wanted to be sure that you know all access doors had that possibility of entry, so that.

C

There wasn't an and a need to prop a door open or or otherwise, and if we needed to update it, then.

C

Use the grant funds in that way. Yeah no, and I think he and I've talked about that. We talked.

E

About surveillance, but we have, um we have a pretty comprehensive surveillance throughout the.

E

District as well um but again that was the action item that we laid on the table between us.

E

And said uh we need to review and update and then be ready to come back to the superintendent.

E

And say: hey: this is a grant. This is a here's an opportunity. So I call out those two new franklin.

E

And and um and little harbor were the first two that we talked about and walked the site with.

E

The superintendent and talked about what the needs might be and how we might address themselves: okay,.

C

And then can we add that to our retreat agenda for the first day, because it looks like grant.

C

Applications need to be in by august 26th um or there's an early portion. That's july, 20.

C

Early decision is july 22nd, so I mean I don't know if there's a point where we could talk.

C

School security, because I know that that was a is a heightened issue for a lot of people and make.

C

Sure that's on the retreat agenda. I don't think it needs to be on our retreat agenda. I think nathan.

A

Will keep us updated on not this particularly, I think we need to have a conversation about schools.

A

We talked about that. We were thinking of doing it actually in a board meeting so that the public.

A

Can hear what our security procedures are for all of our schools right, so we thought we would do it.

A

In front of the public, um I don't know if they can hear all that information.

C

And I guess there's questions that I have about security that I had you know, sent an email and.

C

I don't necessarily that all of them are answered. I don't know that I can necessarily have all that.

C

Information but I think, there's information that I would be appropriate: more appropriate.

C

For the school board, retreat and would like to be able to you know, have a you know: have that.

C

Opportunity yeah, and I guess what I would say from my part is kenny and I would appreciate.

E

If there's a, if a board member, like yourself, had real genuine interest in particulars about.

E

Our security come in, let's have a meeting, I don't if I've missed an email or haven't.

E

Followed up on particular questions, I apologize, but I think we have a pretty robust system.

E

And I mean I would be I, it would be fair of me to say that every system could see upgrade and.

E

Improvement and there's always ways that you could enhance the efforts. um There's a delicate.

E

Balance and I think that when the board has the opportunity to discuss it, the delicate.

E

Balance is between this is me editorializing now off script and haven't talked to the boss, but.

E

I would ask you to contemplate the difference or the balance between. We need bulletproof, glass and.

E

We need everybody outside under a tent or in the field, and and we want phys ed class to be able to.

E

Appreciate the good weather we also don't have to fence ourselves in and we don't want our schools.

E

To become fortresses, but I I think that finding that balance, so that we are, we are prepared for.

E

And protecting against unwanted intrusion but at the same time continuing to have safe.

E

And enjoyable facilities that foster learning and and and make our kids feel comfortable to be there.

E

um That's important, and so I think that's the that's the balance right now.

E

Well, that was right now I could probably find gaps. I could probably find something that was.

C

More of my question- and I know the superintendent missed it, but at the end of the school year after.

C

The school shooting in texas there was police officers just parked in random spots. I mean I.

C

Only saw don darrow, but it didn't seem like it was the most effective use of anybody's time.

C

To have the police parked, where the places that they were parked and.

C

Instead, why not get out and greet the kids at the door or be available, or you know, at the entrances.

C

So I think that there needs to be a larger conversation about that. I'm happy to have that.

C

Conversation with the superintendent as well, but I guess I was hoping to hear a piece from the.

C

From the police department in the collaboration, so I was more so talking about that as far as.

C

A retreat, but if we're, if we're talking about security in general, I you know it would be a good.

C

You know thing to tie it all together. If it's okay, yeah, I'm just gonna, say you know, I can't speak to.

B

Here I can just say that um with my own police department, you know very often that the police.

B

Presence after after an event, it's it's really about as much as anything the anxiety of parents.

B

uh And so it's it's those conversations, because we because you know we don't.

B

You know we're not thinking the next day is the day where we need to fortify it's really as much.

B

About we know that that parents are elevated, um are concerned uh about their students that want.

B

To make sure they're safe and it's really just kind of it's kind of a show of goodwill. And as.

B

A community we're looking out for people, so I I would assume it would. It was a similar.

B

Conversation here in portsmouth yeah, but they were parked in places that were just disruptive. So I.

C

Guess I think we need to have a conversation about what it actually looks like and what's appropriate.

C

I you know if I'm pulling in and the blues are on, I'm looking around to see what's going on.

C

Not not thinking, oh these guys are here to say hi, you know like yeah, I think, there's a delicate.

C

Balance there absolutely, and I think I think that sometimes there's things we can do- and I know in.

B

Conversations I've had in the past again in another place. Is it's um sometimes what you.

B

Think you're doing to try to create calm, actually enhances the stress right and you're right if.

B

There's like the blues are on when you come around the corner. Oh, oh, my god. What's happening um and.

B

And so I think we can always kind of get better at uh you know being that friendly face and if it is.

B

Not being in the cruiser but having some people out in front of me, hey guys.

B

Have a great day at school today um and having some an officer there, I mean those are the types.

B

Of things that definitely can collaborate with the police department on in in terms of.

B

um Doing what we're trying to do, which is not necessarily yeah fortifying that day, but really.

B

Creating a sense of of calm and togetherness and wraparounding of families and kids definitely.

A

Thank you. I guess, if you have concerns anybody on the board, if you want to communicate it to nathan.

A

And zach that would be a good place to start. I know liz had some questions, so you know they.

A

Can work on those questions um and uh we um we'll cancel it that way. I was looking for that letter.

A

That we all got from the police department in the school board and the city right after the evolved.

A

Shooting so just remember that that that letter went out to the entire portsmouth community after.

A

That shooting assuring us that our schools are safe, that our police are involved very involved.

A

With our schools, we've always had an excellent rapport with our police department, so I think.

A

Zach, just so you know that too and we'll find that letter for you, but um you know it was great. It.

A

Came out like a day or two after the shooting, so I think it reassured a lot of people that you know.

A

We're in a good place here in portsmouth, of course, there's always room for improvement. I'm sure.

A

But um so if anybody has any concerns, communicate them to nathan and zach.

A

And um we'll work on those and can munchies and ken well he'll you'll get them right. Yeah ken.

E

Can clearly be watching from somewhere? Okay, any other questions I have more. I have more.

C

Questions for anything, though, kerry, um well nathan. First, I want to apologize for not.

G

Recognizing you in the beginning, you did serve as our acting superintendent for five.

G

And also you have been working understaffed for a long time and, and you know all the things.

G

In the department and are super important with the transition, I worry I ask when you don't bring it.

G

Up, I'm asking a question: you don't want to answer, don't have the answer to so and I understand with.

G

So much transition. I was just curious about community campus lister where that component.

G

Is um and whether you see future board stuff that we need to be looking at related to that.

G

So you you're the chair: that's going to be on a august agenda. We've been working with the city.

A

Zach and I had a meeting with the mayor and the city manager just two days ago,.

A

uh Margo couldn't make the meeting so um but anyway, yes, it's coming up in august and we.

A

Will have some uh we'll give you some preliminary information before the meeting so you'll? Have it.

A

But yes, that's coming to fruition. So thank you good question. Anyone else before we go back to.

A

Liz, okay, liz. I just wanted to follow up about summer programming. I mean we're already almost.

C

A month into summer- and I know that maybe summer school started- I heard that summer school, the.

C

Communication wasn't great about what was going on, which way or the other for kids that have.

C

Ieps and five, you know ieps that need to address special education, but I guess I'm a little bit.

C

Concerned or sort of wondering where we're at as far as using esser funds or anything for um summer.

C

Education, given that, I think you know last year or the year before it was like, you know: math packets,.

C

And reading packets- and I can't remember exactly when those came out, but it seemed like it- was a.

C

Regular thing- and I know our library is trying to you- know they did a great kick off with the.

C

Summer reading, but I mean my kid hasn't done a whole lot and so I you know so I guess I wondered.

C

If there's something that we should be doing or what the plan is or if we need to sort of.

C

You know give a nudge or something in that direction of.

C

What's what are we doing for you know learning loss over the summer.

B

So go ahead. Well I was gonna say I'm I'm happy to at a future. I mean I'm not in a position to give.

B

You a detailed report on tonight, um I'm happy to to uh come back if we, if we put that on an agenda.

B

To give you more detailed information about it, um I will, I think, as I as I grow into the position.

B

I'll be able to be in a um in a spot where I'll be able to kind of impromptu to respond to stuff.

B

But for for a while, I think we're gonna be in a position where, if um having the lead of having an.

B

Agenda will put me in a position to give you the best information I can okay. um So um so we'll look.

B

Into it and we'll turn it around for um uh for that next, that next meeting for sure and if but.

B

I also, I also hear the the concern that there's a desire to make sure that we're doing things to.

B

Appropriately address uh student learning loss as we're going through the summer, so I don't want to.

B

Come back to you later and say: oh yeah, we weren't doing anything um and uh great I'm glad. I'm so.

B

Happy to tell you that on september 1st, uh so uh so I appreciate both those things. At the same time,.

B

And if, if um maybe just a red flag it for you that you know, there's there's some a little bit.

C

Of jibber jabber out there that uh it may not be the smoothest, wait. Portsmouth has jibber jabber.

B

I thought I came here because there was no jibber jabber. That's why I was coming.

C

And then my other question is about the um ac. I know I had brought it up before and using esr.

C

Funds towards it, I it wasn't clear to me- I guess, if it's like for all the schools in the cip plan.

C

I know that there's obviously conversation about um the pattern of doing it or the path.

C

Of doing it, but I guess again, I just wanted to bring it up again. As far as you know how.

C

Are we going about these esser funds and do we need to start making approvals, or um you know.

C

I guess I also am a little bit concerned too, that the outdoor ed teacher- I don't.

C

Know we discussed that as being part of esser, but we didn't necessarily.

C

Like vote on that being us or use of funds, and so I guess I'm just trying to understand.

C

Where the line is here, I mean I understand: if the school has grants that.

C

We wouldn't necessarily vote on how a grant is being used, but with this being such a substantial.

C

Amount of money and us shifting our budget based on this, I guess I would think that, if we're adding.

C

Positions under esser that the school board would have a vote or something to designate those funds.

C

um And so I guess I'm just trying to understand what what are we doing with these or what's the.

C

What are we what's going on? I guess so, so I think give me a chance, like I had suggested, to visit.

E

With jack and uh and patty, and to talk about the process they have used and would like to use.

E

I I just have to say that the outdoor ed teacher, the pia the the phs math interventionist, the.

E

Social worker that was hired back in april were all discussed. They've been on that list. We've.

E

Brought it up multiple times, I I, and so what I had what had been directed to me was that we were.

E

Keeping it in front, we were having a conversation. I certainly won't put out a bid and commit to a.

E

Couple of million dollars for any ac or the purchase of a nice car. For me, like.

E

I none of that's going to happen unless you guys are involved in the conversation and so.

E

We'll talk about a process because maybe there's a more assertive affirmative.

E

um More assertive and affirmative process, by which we can come to and arrive or arrive at.

E

And finalize plans to do this or to do that? I'll be honest, I know there are some programs.

E

Happening this summer I haven't commissioned them, um but steve and george were working with.

E

Faculty and they laid plans in place and, generally speaking, I became more and more aware of them as.

E

Soon, as they needed money right, hey we, this is gonna we're gonna, we're gonna. Do this at esser.

E

Because we thought this was a great, you know great thing, so um I think moving forward.

E

I'll have a better command of some of the things that are going to happen before they happen.

E

And then we can, we can provide a greater level of detail and we'll have a uh you know. We can have.

E

A more affirmative process by which you know, but at this point right now, even if you want to there.

E

Won't be any air conditioning done this summer. It won't happen. This fall. I don't expect to rip the.

E

Ceilings open in a school in the middle of fall right. So that's not a that's! Not a today thing.

E

And and once my understanding was that you had to vote on it and then you have to be able to get the.

C

Bids and not in you know, yaya so that we could do it next year or have it for next summer. You.

C

Know it's sort of like I just feel like we're kind of kicking the can on this. If it's not in the cip,.

C

Then we just keep kicking the can kicking the can. So when are we going to see it? Three summers.

C

From now four summers from now, I guess I'm just a little bit concerned like at what point do we say.

C

Hey this is something that we really want to do, and this is how we're gonna do it and then.

C

We're going to put a bid out for it and get it for next summer, so we're not sitting here yet.

C

Again um with no ac- and you know I mean I don't know- if we just don't- have the staff to do summer.

C

Stuff or what I mean you know, given that we're, I feel like we're portsmouth and we pull teachers.

C

From all different directions, I feel, like I don't know, I feel like we believe everybody could get.

A

To work on the summer, as we discussed and we'll also work on the air conditioning, I think with.

A

New leadership now we'll come up with a process by which we discuss esser funds and how they're spent.

A

um In the previous time, we kind of just all listened to the discussion and kind of just.

A

You know nodded our heads, yes, we'll have the outdoor education we'll have the math tutor.

A

We kind of just listened to the discussion and sort of approved it unofficially so now, with.

A

Our new leadership team, perhaps we'll change that we'll talk to zach and patty and nathan.

A

About how we can tweak that make it better um and then we'll we'll um we'll we'll, certainly.

A

Discuss that is, you know in the very near future, yeah, it's just a little concerning, because we had.

C

All these surveys about, like what people wanted, and I know a lot of our teachers, expressed that.

C

You know it's not only just the summer program, but the end of the school year is just torture.

C

You know for some with the weather gets up there, so um you know and how we could do that, and I know.

C

They wrote in about ac, so I think we did all these surveys. We did all these things, but then we're.

C

Adding an out you know this outdoor outdoor person, but then we heard from the elementary schools that.

C

They got rid of white pine, so now it's not clear to me whether they even do they want that. You know.

A

Something like that is an administrative decision. Yeah okay, I mean it's nice that we get informed.

A

But that particular decision is an administrative decision, so that's something that the board would.

A

Not get involved in, should we use white plains, or should we not use? No, I understand that piece, but.

C

If we're going to hire a position and pay somebody on payroll, I mean in any other scenario, we'd be.

C

Voting on well, we do approve new hires. We approve all the new hires, it's in our packet yeah. I mean.

C

I want some flexibility there to get creative, but I also think that if we're going to be discussing.

C

These new positions essentially a position that might be long term year after year, even after.

C

Esther funds that there should be some sort of yey or nay of what direction we're going in.

C

Well, we have to remember the fine line between a school board and an administrative team, so.

A

We'll talk about that as exact administration continues here, um so we'll continue on yes, so.

A

We'll refine the way we discuss it in front of the board and how the board will react and interact.

A

With all of that, does that sound good to everybody? I think it's worth an in-depth conversation about.

B

The because I think at the heart of someone asking about this is you know technically.

B

What is the power of the board to where is that I mean there's the culture. I've been the power.

C

Of the board has always been the budget and we've been, you know we sat down for the budget. We said.

C

All right we're going to approve this position in this position. We don't need right now um and then.

C

We did the approval and then the budget goes your way and then you decide whether you have more or.

C

Less or whatever and it sort of creates a budget, but I think you know with the esser funds, are we.

C

In some sort of gray grant area where it's like, because it's federal dollars, it's not necessarily.

C

Our budget, but I think, when I'm thinking about it, though we've we've deflected a lot of our budget.

C

Because of sr, so we've made considerations on our budget based on esser, so I do feel like if we're.

C

Adding in positions um full-time positions through esser that could essentially go long-term after.

C

Esser that the board should be saying, yay or nay and and getting that input and feedback, because.

C

You know I mean obviously you're you're, you know enough, you know you would eventually know enough.

C

From the elementary whether they'd want it or what they need or whatever, but you know, maybe we think.

C

That, instead of the outdoor ed, we need we need. You know a pair in every kindergarten classroom.

C

You know, or you know, and that's more of a priority. So right, okay, but again that's an administrative.

A

Decision, that's not a board decision, but it hasn't been nancy. Any of our budgets. We've.

A

Always straight up decision with our new team here and the board, I think that's where the.

A

Clever, what approves the higher the board would approve the higher as it comes to the raw packet.

A

So when we approve the budget, though we have, we approve, we stay we're going to have this position.

C

Or that position right, that's true! Absolutely! So! That's why I'm saying why aren't we doing.

C

The same with the azer funds: well, we're going to reevaluate how we do esser. We already said that.

A

So we don't need to rehash this because we said we're going to reevaluate how we discuss this.

A

Are there any more questions? Brian, I just say I think what we really vote on is a number at the.

B

End of the day so or you know what we're seeing is all the the pieces- and you know the logic behind.

D

It, but it's really the number that we're voting on and the administration of course says leeway.

D

To move the money around, that's what nathan does all the time to make things work for the budget.

D

But um you know, I think you know it does make sense. We should be informed, especially with.

D

Esser, especially with the community, is involved in in those discussions, but uh you know as long.

B

As we're transparent, you know I feel comfortable, but you know, let's certainly discuss it more later.

A

Yes, sick, so I was just going to say quickly and again. This could be one of these.

B

Stepping into a new regulatory environment, a different state that could be off, but.

B

I don't think so, um brian, I think you're right I mean it's. Basically I mean what do you, the the.

B

Conversations you're having about programs or the types of positions when you're in a budget season.

B

Is really it's the justification for the bottom line number that you're going to authorize us.

B

To then use um to carry out your goals um and then, at the time we're giving your you our best.

B

Understanding of projecting what it is, we think we need, uh and that includes people.

B

Programs etc, um and then you have to make a judgment about whether or not you know that.

B

Our justification is worthy of the amount of money we're asking you for, uh and I think nancy's I've.

B

Heard nancy use over and over again the board, the purviews of the board or policy. You know, budget.

B

And oversight of employee number one, uh and uh so so I think you know in terms of those things you.

B

Do have those discussions with the those about programming in people, but generally those those.

B

Are just to drive exactly what you're saying drive the bottom line? What is the bottom line.

B

Then you hold us accountable for how we implement uh and that might not look exactly like what it.

B

Was that we projected 18 months out um in terms of what we need, and then you have to.

B

Evaluate your employees as to whether or not those were appropriate choices along the way so.

G

Kerry, I just wanted to say in my mind, with all of the aster talks and all the things that we.

G

All came to consensus in our conversations in that like yes, if nathan bought like a million dollars.

G

In like hoses, we would be like we never talked about that, but that's not anything. That's ever.

G

Happened, I was going to say nice car, but that felt too much, but I think still thinking about.

G

And I bring it up now, just as the retreat is being planned is as this is my this is my first year.

G

Going through the budget process and with esser, um I think it's really helpful for us to have sort of.

G

Stages of information: here's the input, here's the next steps. This is what our plan is and we're kind.

G

Of coming to consensus around that plan and in different parts of what we've done in the last.

G

Year or it's only been six months, it feels like it's. It's been a lifetime, um the you know we're.

G

Not it's sometimes we're not getting that first part, sometimes we're not getting that second part.

G

And so I think just thinking about that as part of the process, it may be something to be talked.

G

About in the retreat of um kind of whatever steps we have in phases and so that everyone.

G

Is clear that, like this is the third time we've reviewed this? This achieves consensus? If there's.

G

No objections or something to that effect. Thank you, carrie. Anyone else have a comment. Question.

A

Okay, we'll move on to the next item on the agenda, which is the consideration and approval of the.

A

Nancy ward, roy career and technical education award- I think you all have in your packet.

A

A letter that kathleen dwyer put together, I believe it's 250 a year, will be awarded to a.

A

Lister academy, senior um and there's that will go on for quite some time. I believe.

A

In the city of portsmouth, the trustees of the trust approved that um scholarship. So I guess.

A

We need an approval from the board motion to approve second liz ann. Thank you all in favor,.

A

Aye any opposed okay motion passes and that's a wonderful tribute to nancy who was a principal.

A

At lister, for so many years um we thank her. Can I ask a question about? Yes, it doesn't um mention in.

H

Number five: if the um 250 award has to be spent, if there's limitations on how that money can be.

H

Spent like does it have to be rolled towards education, or are there any do we know if there.

H

Are any limitations or since it's not stated it's just a monetary gift? I believe it's just.

A

A monetary gift, that's also my understanding. Okay, I had the same question and I think it does say.

D

It goes it's awarded directly to the student. Yes, I saw that yep. Okay, that's my understand. Scholarship.

A

My goodness gracious we're good. That happened every time nick's raised his hands. Is that right.

D

Okay, don't wave nick knows what'll happen next to get your attention nick. Did you have a comment.

A

Question my understanding, I don't think it's a scholarship technically like I think it's just an.

D

Award with a lot of money- okay so say yeah career and technical education award there we got some.

D

Kind of a technical looking yeah. Thank you perfect. Thank you. Thank you, nick for your clarification.

A

Okay, next item on the agenda is the consideration and approval of custodian supervisor union.

A

Agreement, um do we have a motion to approve the um custodial supervision supervision, okay,.

A

Who said? Who was your anne second? Okay, all in favor all right and thank you to our custodians.

A

And their supervisors for the great job they do in keeping our schools clean.

A

Okay, we have two new employment um approvals. Zach, do you want to talk about those or.

A

uh uh You know, I think you have the uh the tail end of your packet, uh two new uh two, two, that.

B

Were finished up uh by stephen george uh one was a replacement of a family and consumer science.

B

Position at the middle school and the other is a new special education case manager position.

B

At new franklin and um and so as they've gone through the the typical process uh here in the.

B

District, which included uh going through central office uh but again those are. These are all folks.

B

That were happening prior to uh patty and myself, but everything we've heard are both good hires. I.

C

Have a question about the family and consumer science teacher um I thought previously. We had.

C

Gotten rid of the teacher in the science um uh position came in the I'm, not they say you have.

C

Middle school kids- I'm just hoping somebody could explain to me- I'm happy to see it back, but I my.

C

Understanding was that the science teacher sort of took over that space, and so I guess I'm just.

C

Wondering no, they didn't so only from having a child in the class. I think what you're thinking.

H

Of is, it was a couple years ago that half of the course was um cooking and that and the other.

H

Half was more like sewing and not the sewing portion of it went away. Steam came in that the.

H

Cooking portion of it has been there for the last three years: okay, so um but steam. I think what.

H

You're thinking about that conversation happened at the same time that we added steem as a ua and.

H

It was a new offering because we are modifying the curriculum for the family and consumer.

H

Science, curriculum, okay, so the family and super concise teacher is also going to be doing steam.

C

No totally separate ua's different teacher for the steam curriculum, okay, so replacing a cooking. This.

H

Is replacing who the the who who was the current family and consumer science? Cooking? Teacher? Okay,.

A

Oh yes, second, all in favor, aye aye any opposed. No.

A

Okay, committee updates margo: do you want to talk about policy? I can give a brief policy update. We.

H

Haven't met since the last board meeting our meeting, as you saw, is this friday at 11 a.m.

H

Several things on the agenda, but it is the hope and intention of the policy committee to be able.

H

To move to make a recommendation on policy igd to go before the board on the august 10th meeting.

H

Which would be in place for the um athletic and academic school year.

A

Okay, you guys have been working very hard on the policy committee pip liz.

A

Anyone else on the policy committee- that's it okay and I know zach and.

B

Okay, so I know they're working very, very hard, were you there? No, I wanted to um say something.

G

Else sorry she's trying to catch her attention. Okay, okay, would you like to say something.

G

um I was the is that the end of the policy update. I have a quick question. Oh okay, if there's just.

D

Okay, very quick, but this came up at our last meeting that the policy committee was going to.

D

Change how we share those policies so that we have the opportunity to review and provide feedback.

D

In advance of the meeting yep- and I would just like to go on record saying, if that's possible.

D

With this one, that probably would be a good moment to kick start that, if we can, that is the.

H

Hope and intention: okay, dreams, that you will have it for a, and I guess that's a great reminder that.

H

We're hoping to get the agendas out earlier and earlier so that you have eyes on it. The.

H

More eyes who can offer suggestions, don't want to commit that all edits will be made.

H

But that when we come to a vote, it's on the best format possible. That's great! I really.

D

Appreciate it yeah, that's that's process much better. When I can read it in advance.

H

Totally sitting there like, I can promise you I'll have it in print in the agenda as a hyperlink.

H

Not a hard copy when you're rough and the hope is we'll have a week's time to offer feedback.

D

Thank you for that question once again, thank you policy committee.

A

And thank you for the reminder. Yeah uh did somebody have a question over here terry. I wanted.

G

To bring up something that maybe and I'm hoping could be a motion tonight around the holidays.

G

um I know that we're getting to new business, but where it is july the calendar is already out.

G

um I I think it would be in our best interest to make the changes to the calendar.

G

Sooner rather than later, um so would that be okay to make a motion to make those two.

G

Modifications that were recommended well do we have any of the committee updates.

A

That's not really, do you mind waiting for a minute, do we have any other committee updates.

F

uh Kim, well, I don't. I don't know if this falls on the committee, because you guys did.

F

Your announcements first, so you threw me for a loop, um so number one um part of the esser.

F

Funds have gone to the opportunity camp again over at green leaf wreck, so things have been.

F

Kicked off since june, 24th and students have been traveling to the museum of science. The aquarium.

F

Quincy market squam lake science center and many other fun adventures, white lakes, small day trips,.

F

um So that funding is going into enrichment in terms of science and nature and outdoor.

F

Exploration and we have 30 kids, so um they had a great time. Our last trip was to the aquarium.

F

And we went to quincy market and there were a lot of street performers and um one student was just.

F

Like this is the best thing I've ever seen um and like you really really really had a great.

F

Day enjoying um the city of boston and fun, things like that, so I wanted to update you on that. Is it.

F

High school students, it's 8 through 13, but we do have phs students who come because they volunteer.

F

So um high school kids are engaged in it and I wanted to just quickly just also mention that.

F

Last night at city council, the three students who went and presented- um I just I- I really just want.

F

To say that you guys, like the civic engagement of our students, is, is really high right now,.

F

And doesn't matter really what they're speaking up about the skills that they gain from? That.

F

Are huge um they had to do critical inquiry right, they had to do research, um they had to question.

F

What what the! What what they've been taught and and like balance, that in their heads well,.

F

These are the facts, and how do I, how do I work on that um and in doing that, they become change.

F

Agents and solutionaries um and when we think of the complexity of the problems we have right now.

F

In our society um that ability to do that is democracy right. It's the idea that you can.

F

Make a decision based on information and and and do some inspection of those ideas and then.

F

Stand up in front of the mayor and everyone else and put those facts to good use so.

F

I just I want to just say that it was commendable and they did a great job um and, as you know, we've.

F

Been working on that since kristen jeffrey um originally brought it up quite a while ago.

F

So I'm glad and the inertia of the system and trying to change things and all those things.

F

They had to work through um the student. Olivia um was a freshman this year and um she took this.

F

As her charge- and she was not even there when harini and the other group were working on it, so.

F

It's just I just wanted to bring that up. That's all, and they also have a good teacher kim that.

A

Guides them and helps them and advises them. I'm a guide on the side guide on the side and just.

F

Try to support them in what they want to do and give them the resources. And can you just quickly.

A

Update us on the portsmouth 400 with our high school. Yes, I was going to do that. We have not met.

F

um But I I do know that um the interviews are being done. So that's important. I talked to mary.

F

Lyons she's going to continue being part of the education group. So that's awesome and.

F

The the collaboration between the phs students and the dover students on the mural that's going to.

F

Represent um indigenous people's contributions and um african-american contributions to our community.

F

That is moving forward, so I'm not sure exactly how that's going to come out. I know it's four.

F

Panels um but I have talked to the people that are working on that, so that's my most recent update.

A

The interviews for zach and patty's um benefit are um the high school students are interviewing.

A

Famous portsmouth people, people that have been in portsmouth for many many years, they're putting.

A

Together, taped interviews so that they can be broadcast and put on social media and all that so.

A

It's a big project, yes and um they've been working on that for several months now. Do we know the.

A

Murals are going to be so happened over half in portsmouth that it's going to be one mural with.

F

Four panels this much, I know, um and it's going to depict different images of the contributions on.

F

The four panels um it will stay at black heritage trail, I believe and then move to dover. So it will.

F

Go back and forth. Okay, um I think the students are meeting in august to decide with the artists what.

F

Go on each panel and how they're going to paint it. It is a big seacoast. Collaborative too, though,.

F

Everyone's sort of getting engaged because dover also is the 1623.. um But we have um students from.

F

Public academy, who have also joined the group that are from this area great, thank you. Thank you kim.

A

Any other committee updates- I just have a question for kim about the. um Can you explain more about.

C

The community camp and how children were chosen to participate or applied to participate. Sure I guess.

C

This is my first um learning of this yeah, so this is our third year running the opportunity camp.

F

um It's gotten bigger and better every single year, so we work with portsmouth housing, tammy jocelyn,.

F

And operation blessing and she um invites anyone um in housing- that's not going to camp gondola.

F

Not going there's other camps going on at the same time, through housing and operation blessing.

F

And those students she selects them. So is that what you mean yeah, I guess I was just curious.

C

What the selection process was and she's pretty much in charge of that there's. No real application.

F

It's basically, she we put out an announcement. She does what she always does for the kids in the.

F

Neighborhoods and pulls them in uh she knows all the kids in the neighborhood and just tells them.

F

Who's come yeah, I guess my only concern is is when we're thinking about housing is that we.

C

Obviously have portsmouth housing authorities, we have several of them, but we also have uh apartment.

C

Complexes that are private, that uh accept section, 8 and whatnot and have children that live there.

C

That may very well qualify just as well, and I just want to be sure we're reaching those kids too.

F

Yeah um I can talk to her and see what her access is um section. 8 would also fall under portsmouth.

F

Housing or no, I think, but I just wonder I just wonder if, because they're not at the specific.

C

Location, that's getting all this, you know the services or whatever supports. Are there.

C

If it's, you know a different ballpark um as far as the community and communicating sure.

F

um I can definitely check on that and see how it rolls out this year. Normally we put flyers up, she.

F

Puts them up in all the different locations um and just recruits recruits families and.

F

Kids to come- and I think, there's families that are on you- know: food stamps and whatnot that don't.

C

Necessarily receive section 8 that are paying for their apartments and housing and whatnot.

C

um Too so, and we could expand it, um we're at 30 right now, which is pretty big. um But if we.

F

Were to do that, um putting notices up through the school next year um would probably be one of the.

F

Other ways to hit our biggest audience yeah I mean I'm definitely interested. I think other towns have.

C

Summer, programs that are run specifically through the school and they're way more affordable than.

C

What portsmouth is officer offering? I understand that the rec department's 200 a week is, you know.

C

Somewhat affordable compared to all the other programs in portsmouth, but compared to other towns.

C

That run programs, it's a lot more expensive, so we can do a better job um and I will check with her.

F

And see you know how she's I know for a fact how she recruits in the neighborhoods, um gosling and.

F

Wamset and different places like that, but I do not know if she's able to um connect with people that.

F

Are in apartments yeah for next year and in the future, how we would do that is just go out through.

F

The principles maybe um and and tell them about the opportunity camp- um I don't know how big we.

F

Can get we have two housing vans um and sometimes I have to take my car as well, but um that's okay,.

A

Thank you harry did you want to say something well, I was just aware of another summer program that is.

G

Supported within the district for new franklin, so I think it's just part of.

G

That summer, programming and learning loss piece that obviously you've been here a week.

G

um But is you know something to talk about, as um you know before next summer, maybe january or you.

G

Know something like that to make sure we have a better understanding of those opportunities, good.

A

Point, thank you carrie and thank you kim. Anyone else have any comments. Any more committee updates.

A

I think maybe we um it gets slower in the summertime, so.

A

Okay, carrie did you want to talk about um about the uh holidays? Yes, so I sort of tried to jump.

G

Back to new business, I don't know exactly. I think that that's where this would fall under um okay.

G

But just looking at and and we can make a more formal motion to do- this is an ongoing.

G

Thing but I think, looking specifically at the 20 20 23 school calendar that we've approved.

G

um The two changes would be to remove columbus day from the october 10th description and to add.

G

June 19th, which is the 2023 juneteenth holiday, as in a green x day, which is a day out for.

G

Students and staff that currently falls after the last scheduled day of school, but obviously.

G

That sometimes changes um those would be my two. Do you want me to say them again? um Do we have.

A

To make sure we have enough days in school before we vote on that, I I think we have to.

G

Accept the holi, the juneteenth holiday, it doesn't change the days because it's after the last day.

A

Oh yeah, so with tech when the last day of school is so worst case scenario. If you had several snow.

B

Days in a given year, that's when it would come into play, but I think it would be good probably to.

B

um To let parents know in advance, you know, as they're, trying to plan out summers uh that if.

B

We were to hit the 19th, we will skip the 19th and we'll come back on the 20th. If we were.

B

Going to do that yeah, the the issue this year was that teacher workshop days fell on that day. So it.

G

Wasn't a holiday for staff, it wasn't a school day for kids. School had already ended by that point.

D

So if that's a motion, I would second it. I will. Let me just take out my blah blah recap what you just.

A

Said um the motion would be to one remove columbus day from the description under october 10th.

G

And to add june 19th 2023 as a day out for students and staff, which is indicated as a.

G

Green x, on our calendar, now you want to replace columbus with indigenous correct.

A

It's already columbus, slash indigenous we're just on a calendar like that, and it's already.

G

A day off, yes, okay, so we will just refer to it as indigenous correct people's day or whatever. Okay,.

A

Okay, I guess we can do that. Does that sound like a good motion for everyone? Do we have a second.

A

Pip, second, any questions all those in favor any opposed. Thank you carrie for bringing that up.

A

um Okay, let's see where we are committee updates future agenda items. um I um I guess we should add.

A

Strategic plan process to that just to keep it on the the radar um one of the other things we talked.

A

About was uh our redistricting committee at some point, not right now, but in the not too distant.

A

Future we have to talk about redistricting. Some of our elementary schools are getting.

A

More and more students, so we need to talk about redistricting.

A

um Summer programming update uh yeah summer program, update and community campus.

A

Okay, obviously the community campus is on there. That's gonna, be next month. Okay,.

A

Anyone else have an idea for a future agenda item.

A

Obviously we're going to continue the discussion of esser.

G

I know in in esther we talked a lot about after school programming and inconsistencies.

G

I don't know if that is grouped in with summer, but just kind of collaborations that the.

G

Could be more district-wide than individual schools? Okay, when, when the three of us meet.

A

We'll talk about when these items yeah- that's not. um Okay, the kids need help after school, okay, lisa.

D

This is just a minor thing for the futures list, but some many number of months ago the.

D

City council had a resolution to not hold public meetings on major religious holidays.

D

And I know that they were working that out in some way with city staff. But I would just.

D

Like to stay on top of that, because I do think we've occasionally had some conflicts. I haven't.

A

Heard that they have done anything with that, um I haven't either, but just to not honest track of it.

A

Okay, thank you, lisa, okay, I would add school security before the school year starts. Yes, we.

A

We actually had that down. um We were going to make a jack zach will make a presentation about that.

A

Before school starts, so I guess that would be our april meeting august august.

A

It takes to lose brain cells. You know um anything else. Nick, do you have anything.

A

You want to say about what are the students doing this summer.

G

Well, I don't have surveillance on the entire body at the moment.

D

My sources tell me summer: work is going fine, uh it seems like yeah a little summer. Homework.

D

And then also, it seems like a lot of people are working over the summer, um thanks to thanks to.

D

This peabody over here uh I'm currently uh working with unh to study muscles. um They they're.

D

Obviously, um a few school related activities as miss mcglinchey outlined, but yeah broadly.

D

Speaking, it seems like we're mostly enjoying the summers so far ocean muscles right, not like busy.

D

I was there for like four hours today: measuring them crazy.

A

Okay, I think we are all finished. Do oh, does anyone else kim? Will you gonna say something.

A

Do we have a motion to adjourn it's a move. Second,.

A

Second, okay, brian and ann okay, everyone. Thank you very much. Thank you. We'll see you in august.