City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire School Board, 22 Mar 2022

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From YouTube: 3.22.2022 School Board

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3.22.2022 School Board

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A

2022 school board meeting we're happy to have everyone here tonight.

A

And we will take the roll call, uh tally westerberg here from s850. Thank you.

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Hi liz barrett here pip clues here, lisa rappaport here, anne walker, here argo peabody here nancy.

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Claiber pierre pope vanessa, here brian french, here carrie nolte, here kimberly malinchi, yeah mcdonald,.

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Okay, can we stand for the pledge of allegiance.

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To the side of the united states of america and due to the politics for which it stands, one nation.

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Under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all, okay, the first item on the agenda is the.

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Acceptance of the march regular meeting minutes do we have a motion to accept both to approve second.

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All in favor, okay, one piece on that there was a couple motions missing um first and seconds.

D

I didn't know if we wanted to go back and add those look. We can go circle back. Okay. I don't.

C

Recall them off top of my head. Unless people here do do you do you have it? I think it was.

D

Me and lisa, okay, I'll pull back my notes later. Thank you. Thank you. Terry sounds good to me.

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Okay, it's time for the public comment session. The public comment is each person has three.

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Minutes to speak and marco's gonna time it for us. uh Please state your name and address.

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And are they coming up to the yeah to get the audio you'll have to come to the.

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Good evening good evening, hi I'm monica zingerello 135 baxter road.

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I am here to ask for further review of a specific policy when it comes to extracurricular and.

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Co-Curricular activities as our student athletes sign specifically at portsmouth high school.

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As of recent, there was an event: a house party that happened.

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In which um students were found to be at the party outside of the party um have run from the party.

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In their cars around the party- and there is one specific clause in this contract as I'll say it.

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That is very ambiguous, and that is the clause that any student to be found in the presence.

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Of alcohol or drug use, in violation of laws referenced above above will be treated as.

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A violation of this policy- the ask of this is because I know several situations that happened.

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At that party, where students athletes were found to be picking up, other friends never entered the.

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Home never had alcohol, there was no, there was not. There was no intention for them to be there or had.

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Any alcohol or drug use, but they were found to be guilty because they were found to be in the.

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Presence of when students went in front of the disciplinary board at the high school there is no.

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Definition of what it means to be in the presence of other than to be at a drinking party, if someone.

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Is in the driveway, if someone is in the yard, if someone is in their car waiting for a friend.

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That may need a ride home that is considered, as as we have found to be in the presence of.

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Alcohol or a drug that to me again is very ambiguous when asked of what is the definition.

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The disciplinary committee had no different definition for these students in these families.

E

So I would like to see, uh for the policy committee, I believe, is the process to take a further review.

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Of that clause, as well as a further review of the consequences, someone waiting for.

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Their friend in a car because they're in trouble inside the house does not warrant the.

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Same consequence, as somebody that has been inside drinking and they everyone that has been deemed in.

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This category has received the same consequence of a three four five game suspension, so that is again.

E

That is the ask to be able to look at that clause, provide a def, uh clear definition and parameters.

E

Of what it means to be in the presence, as well as the maybe perhaps different levels of consequence.

E

For having deemed to have been drinking to not been drinking to not have been in the house, etc,.

E

So, thank you. Can you just uh sure excite we can't do that. We can't ask questions of during public. Oh.

A

Sorry, okay, she's she's, commenting on a policy. We want to know what the policy is well, we know what.

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The policy is okay, so you're, aware: okay, thank you, yep one. Second, technical glitch, I'm ready.

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Would you like to speak, oh sure, not really, but I will. I wasn't planning on it and anyway so.

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Kate beland 373 union street and I just had the opportunity to show up and thought I would just to.

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Be a voice where I know a lot of parents that are concerned and don't really understand.

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That policy, like I know myself um not, I didn't even really know the previous events of what had.

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Occurred that was we're discussing this now, but I would ask I would tell one of my kids.

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Oh someone needs a ride, yes, go pick that person up or that teammate needs to get picked up and.

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Be brought home, please do like that's how we treat things in our family, so I guess I.

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um Would like to know more on the policy and I do think it should be um visited anyway. I understand.

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um You know, as a student athlete or and the other extracurriculars that have to sign. I understand.

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You know you put yourself in this situation: it's pretty black and white. You chose to.

B

Drink you got caught, that's a punishment, um but I think certainly it's a more gray. If.

B

Someone is maybe trying to do something to help someone um and they are not guilty in that same.

B

Category, if that makes sense, um that's all so. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

A

Okay, um consume audience. um Oh I'm sorry. We have someone from our zoom audience.

F

If anyone in the zoom audience would like uh to address the board, please raise your virtual hand.

F

um I see first, we have uh shelly cylinders, one sec go ahead, shelly.

B

Hello. Thank you. Can you hear me? Yes, sorry, okay. um I wanted to call in tonight to support these.

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Two uh wonderful student athlete moms monica and kate, because I do support uh what they're trying.

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To do and rewarding this student-athlete clause regarding alcohol and drug use, um according to the.

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Clause right now, the wording is uh an athlete has to be in the presence of alcohol to be punished.

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And um as I was reading it, I was like okay, there's gonna, be something else. There's gonna be another.

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Clause, it's gonna be something underneath, but no the wording is in the presence of alcohol and.

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What I will tell you is all of you in this room were probably born in the presence of alcohol.

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Champagne, congratulations. All of you will probably die in the presence of alcohol. Congratulations.

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And we are always in the presence of alcohol as these moms take these student athletes to shop.

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In market basket, we are in the presence of alcohol. I have no idea who instructed the principal to put.

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The word presence into this clause in 2018 as I've heard this is when it went in um legally.

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She was not advised well and this wording so broad and legally, uh not legal- that I.

B

I I I hope you act very quickly on this clause because I don't think any of us knew.

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That this wording was there. If we knew we would have said hey. This is not right. This.

B

Doesn't seem right me as being a mother of a daughter who plays two sports. uh You know per.

B

Year yeah, this is not right in the presence of alcohol. This is so insane. So I urge you to push.

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This through to the policy committee and get this fixed and fix the damage that it's done.

B

Retroactively to these students this past year, at least because this is out of control. I mean this.

B

Is like a walking lobster? Thank you very much. Thank you. um Anyone else from the zoom audience.

F

F

Seeing none we can move on. Thank you close people, okay should do. Should we address this or do you.

A

Want to you can refer to that. Okay, we will refer this to the policy committee and ask them to.

A

Review um the policy- yes, I do have a question. I just um I guess for the board's perspective.

G

um I just want to be sure that there's due process here, meaning that if these kids are in.

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Front of a disciplinary committee um that they are advised of whatever rights in case this policy is.

G

Ambiguous and- um and I guess you know the folks are talking about the definition of.

G

In presence of I'm, I guess I'm more concerned about: where are we getting our facts from.

G

Are we relying on police reports for in a presence of um or a word of mouth, so.

G

I guess I am a little bit concerned from what I've heard and I just want to be sure.

G

That there is due process here so that we as a board do not see a bigger issue um legally.

A

Yes, we've been dealing with this for many many years. Okay, it is always due process. Our policy.

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Committee adopted this policy three years ago and I know ian, was on the policy committee at the.

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Time it was a huge committee made up of parents, students, teachers. It was a huge, huge effort to.

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Refine this policy and that's what we have today. We can re-examine that particular sentence if.

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People think we should do that, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to change. I guess.

G

That's not what I mean by due process. I mean that if they're going in front of a disciplinary board.

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I want to be sure that they know their rights and if there is a disagreement or a dispute with.

G

How things were handled at the high school that there it's very clear to these parents? What their.

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Rights are as far as any sort of appeal or anything like that and that's that's.

G

All I'll throw out there is, I just want to be sure from a due process standpoint not about.

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The language of this, but the process that's in front of each of these parents and kids today.

A

Thank you. It's it's a system we've used for many many years so michael, so I can. I make a more clear.

H

Motion, well, I don't know if we need a motion, we're just going to refer to the policy committee to.

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Review that particular um that you know to review that particular part of the policy, but I think it.

I

Needs more to get to the other policies that also touch on alcohol and drugs, because they kind of.

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Cross talk in a way, and I think, if we're going to look at it, we might want to look at all of them.

I

I mean not to say for sure whether it needs to change, but that, if we're going to change one piece.

I

We should make sure that we're looking at lockstep all the pieces- okay. Well, we can look at the entire.

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Policy: okay: okay, if the policy committee will do that, so that's policies, j, I c d d and I g d, both.

H

Are being referred back to that j, I c d d and I g d will get referred back to the policy committee.

H

For revision and possibility of improvement, because what I, what I feel I'm hearing, is there.

H

Is not an appeal process listed in the policy, and the policy committee needs to look at that and see.

H

Does the appeal process, where where's the place for it it um and how? How does that make sure that.

H

Each individual case is handled individually and not a lump.

H

I response believe they're ever handled in a lump response. Are they each discipline uh committee is.

C

A separate, separate hearing, kerry I'd ask the policy committee as they reconsider this to go.

D

One step further on the punishment of removal from sports as a factor as we know from substance use.

D

Belonging in sports and athletics is really a preventative piece.

D

To preventing long-term substance abuse and so um to ruin, someone's chances of college athletics or.

D

Things like that from that sort of punishment. I know that this is more dated like this is.

D

Was the norm for a long time, but I think there's some emerging evidence that it's probably.

D

A thing of the past that this gives us an opportunity to look broader at.

J

Hope so I would just echo that beyond sports to honor society, I mean.

J

This this has come up before before I was even a board member. I'm sure you know that nancy, um but I.

J

I would ask the policy committee to take a look at what was our goal in establishing this policy.

J

Our policies and our own discipline, I feel, as a parent, are very harsh and very punitive.

J

Versus you know really encouraging our students and rewarding the students that are doing the.

J

Right thing and making the right decisions, so I think we have to really look at what is the goal.

J

At some of these policies that we're trying to establish um and then really look at how what is.

J

The long-term impact you can think that you're simply just punishing a child from a week of.

J

Sports or removing their name from honor society, but that has lasting impacts to students.

J

In in their college applications and so forth, so I I I think we need to take a.

J

Deeper step about this now it has to go to the policy committee and that's where.

A

The discussion will be when they bring it back to us. Then we'll discuss it. Okay, so we gave an.

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Assignment to the policy committee and they're going to do their work. Okay, so we're going to.

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Move on next item on the agenda is special presentations. We have with us our performing.

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Arts coordinator steve cirillo, to give you the updates and highlights all things performing art.

K

What I mean welcome, is it's so cool to be here and see two of my former saxophone students sitting on.

K

The school board, even one member of my world championship, percussion ensemble back in 2003.

K

So, as I enter year finish up year, 34 in portsmouth, I have a lot to report, but I thought I would just.

K

Start in march 2020 because I did present- I think it was uh november of 2019. I think patrick ellis.

K

Had me come in and um so here's where we are march 20th the pandemic hits we send everybody.

K

Home we transitioned to the remote world for zoom, but for the performing arts classes, uh things.

K

Were cancelled like and we kind of became secondary um and not by not on purpose, but you.

K

Know we were all trying to make this transition and you know we're groups we perform um and but.

K

That transition to zoom was really really really devastating on a lot of levels, um but it didn't.

K

Mean we didn't exist, okay, so just like everyone else struggling to keep our kids engaged. um We.

K

All were going through it every teacher, every team, every any event, every everything for phs.

K

We were a day or two away from opening middle school frozen. I mean literally.

K

We were gonna spring them in and shoot a video, but I mean those kids never saw that.

K

That stage that video we didn't even get a video of that and the work was done um so there were so.

K

Many disappointments: phs ben was six weeks away from going to disney in florida six weeks away.

K

A hundred and seventy thousand dollars raised and paid for great news. We got every penny back.

K

Every single penny: every single kid was refunded. Okay, just so you know the greatest festivals for.

K

The middle school, nothing happened, um you know, and every play concert was cancelled.

K

We did have a couple of incredible bright moments where you know for us: it was phs graduation.

K

And all of a sudden, you know, thank god, we have eric gagnon. He put together a couple of videos.

K

With olin johannes and we had virtual performances like we actually had them playing simultaneously.

K

While graduation was going, it was like we were like so overjoyed like we were in tears. I mean.

K

Like we had something something to show for, we were worried about those seniors.

K

um And then the summer came and, of course, what we found out in summer of 2020 as well. The performing.

K

Arts are the super spreaders. You can't sing or play your instruments because that's the best and.

K

Everything, just don't do it, so we got creative. You know what were sports people doing well, you could.

K

Have six kids socially distanced out on the field? We did the same. We did the same for ben. There was.

K

No band camp, we had something, but you know we brought eight band kids in at a time with one.

K

Teacher, I think that was the ratio we were told band camp lasted forever. We never got to put the.

K

Kids together I mean that, but but we engaged the kids that summer they were outside. I mean it was.

K

A beautiful summer, the band field never looked so good, it was the first year we didn't have mud, but.

K

It was just and we weren't marching on that field, so it was a social distance kind of summer, but.

K

There was hope: okay, we had some hope. We had the kids, we got to the fall, we could play outside the.

K

Weather was spectacular on november 1st, I think we had a family day. The band spread out all over.

K

The stadium field associate distance, every five yards and all the parents came and sat socially.

K

Distanced we got a performance and it was like. Oh, my goodness, like there were some of those things.

K

But it took so much energy and so much effort. We were there for russ wilson's ceremony down.

K

At leary field, you know just to be there for our kids um and again it was all about zoom, but all.

K

Of a sudden it's veterans day and it's cold, you can't play outside anymore, the holiday ensemble.

K

Took some risks yep we stood outside some windows and played at some homes socially distance. uh We.

K

Zoomed to the city council, we I can only fit 12 kids, equally spaced in the room, and we were you.

K

Know you could see us in a little square. I watched it later on, like you couldn't tell what we're.

K

Doing but we gave the kids an opportunity tragic last in that year was we started no fifth grade.

K

Band members we couldn't, we couldn't safely, do that. I mean no staff, members could travel school.

K

To school we put people in positions that you know the success, you know wasn't their thing, but.

K

Everybody dug in, and everyone worked together to provide opportunities for these kids.

K

Then we started to think outside the box. Abby keller is like: oh, you know above her to death.

K

Like, let's do something outside so for senior week, um I was, you know we did a movie thing down at the.

K

Peas and- and they called me about doing some sound while abi kills like let's do an outside.

K

Driving so we did an outside drive and where everyone at dondero drove to the high school.

K

Prescott park brought in their their cam, their big screen, jordan, lamp provided some sound and it.

K

Was like probably, the hit of the single holiday ensemble played a few carols, but you know kate,.

K

Callahan sent me a message. This was so awesome. They needed this. We served hot chocolate, walk car.

K

To car people didn't get out of their cars, so we were thinking outside the box because it's really.

K

Giving the kids the opportunities and so thinking that way through well, you know: alden, cable, no fall.

K

Musical, what are we going to do? We've got to do something. We did a virtual mtca festival. We.

K

Had the giant blob screen in the auditorium socially distanced, we performed while judges.

K

Clinic dust from california, you know three hour difference. Well, they were doing it live.

K

In california, so at one in the morning, we're done here in the east coast, but we were very successful.

K

So whatever we could do to give our kids, uh you know something to do. We did it, but.

K

It did shut down the band, you know eric was so frustrated and owen was so frustrated because we.

K

We couldn't really sing, we lost our rehearsal spaces at the middle school, they had to become.

K

Classrooms, we were rehearsing and you know making the most of it and again you know some schools.

K

Were fully remote, some kids weren't in school so and the staff was doing whatever they could.

K

Continuing on you know the as as that went by you know, we had our our kids.

K

That we we we challenged all our kids, there was allstate, but it was zoom all state.

K

We still had kids representing us on the highest level. Well, it was a huge learning curve. The first.

K

Audition nick tavares took us three and a half hours to record one student and we had 14 to go so.

K

I mean owen, and I spent saturday and sunday 24 7, just to make sure these kids got in their.

K

Festivals and then they had a virtual festival in the following april, so some of our kids made it so.

K

You know eric cagnon delivered computers to kids homes, one by one. We changed our.

K

Resources and bought more hardware, we bought instruments for the elementary music teachers.

K

So kids didn't have to share like we were doing every single thing we weren't traveling, so we're.

K

Using our travel money to do whatever all of a sudden, I became the system, sound expert and.

K

You know, luckily, I had a great experience with bose and we found this incredible speaker all.

K

Of a sudden, every school, every teacher wanted one a 20 headset. We started having outside classrooms.

K

So you know that was what we were doing thinking outside the box, but you know then the spring.

K

All of a sudden, it started to turn like it's april. Everyone's back, uh karen marcel is like let's do.

K

Something outside we had those tents. We did an outs outdoor recorder concert. It was like such a.

K

Huge thing you know trying to make sure, though you couldn't hear the noise from the bypass, though, and.

K

New franklin had its challenges and then phs. We we pulled out all the stops. Spongebob, the musical.

K

Outside you know, it was incredible amount of work. um However, it rained for three of those.

K

Performances we knew there was a chance, we knew it, we were dancing in the water, um but we, you know, we.

K

Still had something, and then we got to graduation and the phs banned by some miracle pulled it.

K

Together and actually performed at the graduation, so there were the highlights and we continuing.

K

Continued on, as I said in 2020, one of the things was, the staff wasn't allowed to travel school.

K

To school we get to the next year, we're now back traveling school to school. We sort of had a band.

K

Camp um this past year, but the biggest impact for us was staffing every single part-time person. I.

K

Mean- and everyone knows, the story was gone. We lost our guard instructor, we lost our sound engineer.

K

What happened is like because of kovid, they lost their real jobs and when they lost their.

K

Real job to work for us, they were going to lose benefits that they were getting for kovit. So.

K

Some of them volunteered, but it became a hassle and we replacing those positions. Well, good news is.

K

I finally got a hit for the color guard instructor. Yesterday. um The jobs are posted, it's november.

K

So we're facing the same thing. I know I've been sweeping floors. I know the custodian shortage.

K

We're all in the same place, so hopefully that's going to come back. We had finally, this year, things.

K

Started to turn around live auditions for allstate, but we cut to november. This next variant showed up.

K

We were able to get in a couple of concerts. uh The middle school in both the high school had concerts.

K

Holiday concerts socially distanced because we have that incredible auditorium with space.

K

We just you know, brought one group in brought another group out. We were able to collaborate with.

K

Portsmouth symphony, we had a great that happened and then january came and boom our poor all-state.

K

Honors students, all four of them, um their festival, got cancelled like couldn't take chances here. We.

K

Are I'm like I was so nervous in january? Are we going down that path again, because I was nervous.

K

Because in february we're taking 33 students to california well good news, we made it to california.

K

No one got left in california, nobody got the virus, it was kind of like we got right over.

K

That bubble, an incredibly successful trip, can't say enough about how how I felt about the team.

K

I'm alden and gina and then just last week we had our first chamber music festival in two years.

K

We had greats some some people were there grades 6 through 12, every chorus sang with our new choral.

K

Instructor many kids got to play solos all the band kids were represented, our drama kids.

K

Got to pull out some of those incredible acts, two and a half hours of music to the most. I don't know.

K

A supportive audience in the phs cafeteria we didn't serve any food. Of course we didn't.

K

Want anyone touching anything but- and that was the week we took off our masks right. So you know they.

K

Were optional, I mean just this past weekend: the phs percussion ensemble after two years. Finally,.

K

Got to go to a live competition, I'm finishing second place down in dartmouth, massachusetts.

K

And and here we are like- it's just been an incredible.

K

Struggle so um we know that what's coming that the bright side of this year, we didn't start any fifth.

K

Graders last year, but in in september I worked with phil davis and the elementary teachers and.

K

We started sixth graders because we didn't start fifth graders. We started over 45, beginning sixth,.

K

Graders with instrumental lessons- and if you know our the way our system works, we share our staff.

K

Everybody, but I think two of our performing arts staff travel so instead of our middle.

K

School teachers going to the elementary schools to support lessons. Our elementary teachers came to.

K

The middle school and, with the end of the day flex block we were able to get some recuperate. Some of.

K

That so those kids missed a year, but they got to start and knowing the concern of the elementary.

K

Teachers at the beginning of the year: well, we all know I have an elementary child and you know how.

K

Many of them were vaccinated. When we started in september we were still nervous, so we didn't start.

K

Them the plan was to start a second wave. Well, second, semester hit. We started over 70 fifth.

K

Graders so we've started 111 instrumentalists this year. That's an incredible number on the chorus.

K

Thing the element: again, we didn't do any choral concerts at the beginning of the year, but now.

K

I shouldn't say that abby keller did one. We did another outside screen video at the high school.

K

And she did two at her school timing perfect day before we got eight inches of snow.

K

So whatever it takes, we were giving those kids the opportunities.

K

And you know it's all been about: how can we deliver this instruction? How can we make the.

K

Kids successful, how can we do it safely? Like that's really, you got to put the balance, but I.

K

Kind of feel, like we've kind of turned the corner, you know there's a lot of great.

K

Things coming up, we do have four students going to the allstate festival. It will be live.

K

um Just in two weeks, um you know I'm so in what I think about that is even in the pandemic, like.

K

I have my first four-year all-state student. In my 34 years. I've met lilia potter, schwartz. You know.

K

Was fourth chair violin in the state? You know so we're being able to deliver this instruction and.

K

Challenge all the kids, the kids, who are you, know part-time, the kids, who are serious about music.

K

That's really the mission here um so quickly. You know and the allstate festival we're planning an.

K

Informants for the grade five band members, I think, uh may 18th at the middle school we're.

K

Going to put them all together, so it's not going to be a performance but we'd invite their parents.

K

We'd bring them into the middle school after school; let them play together. Actually that would.

K

Be cool they're all going to that school next year, nate juan is going to round to all the elementary.

K

Schools with recruiting, for course, and since the pandemic since this year, now that they're singing.

K

He has had open rehearsals, I think he's added 15 or 16 kids to the middle school choir. Just.

K

Since january, um you know we're so we're getting the kids back at it. um You know um we're doing a.

K

Middle school is not doing a great east festival, but we're doing our own in-house festival where.

K

They'll come to the high school for a day, we're going to bring some adjudicators to give them.

K

The idea of feeling like a festival at the end of the day, with band and choir period being at.

K

The end they'll get to be out with the kids and socialize with them and integrate with them. That's.

K

Really, where we need these connections, I mean the biggest thing for the performing arts. Is we.

K

Haven't been able to be together so now that the masks are off and now that we can do these things.

K

We're bringing our kids back together. I see us, uh you know memorial day, events are planned both at.

K

Prescott park and the parade um little harbor's planning some kind of musical review on june 8th.

K

Plus you know we have summer scholarships for our students we'll be doing that and.

K

Giving the kids things for the summer well, what we need we know is the impact the pandemics had on us.

K

We learned that it takes way more to do anything right way more to do to produce an event. I know.

K

The masks are coming off and things are getting better, but the protocols are always changing. Like.

K

We don't know we were told when we were going with precaution. There has to be a mask on it everywhere.

K

We showed up massachusetts changed all the rules. No one's wearing masks our kids wore masks. I was.

K

Like I think it's we, you know, there's the option because we want to make sure kids feel safe. You.

K

Know, um and that's really what it's about the teacher burnout for us is real, because it takes.

K

So long to do a production, I mean the time and we keep talking about. Well, let's do something in.

K

The summer, let's make it up, I don't think that's realistic. To think that your teacher has worked.

K

Really hard is going to now work extra hard in the summer. I know I have to work hard in the.

K

Summer because there's things get ready for the year, but they need that time to energize. So I do.

K

Have a plan I'll talk about that and other things that have happened, you put a pandemic and then.

K

You look at some of the real changes that have happened. You know we changed the school day. You.

K

Know five years ago I know because I think that was great for me personally, um if you know that's.

K

But what it did for us is it compressed when we can engage students with the overlap we.

K

Used to have like more time when students were in school from 7 30 to later, but when you move the.

K

Middle school, in elementary schools, where the high school well, I have a lot of traveling people and.

K

It's kind of tighten that schedule up a little bit, we're doing the best that we can, but I.

K

When we had that longer day, that gave us more opportunities to get kids.

K

Engaged so it's not a good or a bad thing, it's just a different thing and that's and as I told.

K

Patrick ellis, when he asked me that two years ago, do you want a teacher whatever it's like. I don't.

K

Want a teacher! Yet unless you move something else, because we're still getting that service done so.

K

That's something to think about people are like, oh, the numbers in band inquire down. So much well also,.

K

In the last five years, we've implemented a drama program. I always like to talk about the resources.

K

Everyone thinks about the resources, it's the money funding. Well, it's not just the money. There are.

K

Only so many performing arts kids in portsmouth. So if you add another program, they're going to go to.

K

One of the performing arts programs so think of the performing arts. As you got this many.

K

Performing arts, kids and you had a instrumental and vocal program. Now you have a drama program.

K

So you've taken that pie, you've cutting it differently. So when you look at the numbers.

K

Look at all the numbers and drama you know it's been my personal mission to take that.

K

From that after school club to bring it back into a a classroom, engaging club and it's an engaging.

K

Curriculum um just like performing just like all our music classes um in all, we have. You know.

K

All of our classes are, you have to work for the national core arts standards creating performing.

K

Responding and connecting um you know and there's certain benchmarks for every single level.

K

And we've done that I mean it was a gradual implementation. You know backwards, we started.

K

With the high school and added eighth grade and seventh grade in sixth grade, you know alton.

K

Cable was just an extracurricular activity coach. Now he teaches drama at all. All levels.

K

So um continuing like we've had incredible support. I don't want people to think.

K

We've been left behind. I know people talk about that, but I feel like this board.

K

Has done everything to give us the tools that we need to be successful financially and to support.

K

Just even what I get to do to be able to see that um working on huge capital improvement things.

H

You know if you've seen the high school play right. You've heard that sound system. Well, I gotta like.

K

Shout out to ken lynch, like a capital improvement thing like that takes planning. It took us three.

K

Years to get the hundred thousand dollars in to do that and then three years to get it done, so it's.

K

Like a long-term process and if you've been to any of our schools like each school, you know there's.

K

A wonderful sound system at don darrow with the construction project, there's one at new franklin.

K

Little harbor's on the docket, that's coming back. We kind of lost that last year, but you know we.

K

Couldn't gather anyway, and then you know my next plan is to finish the middle school, so we have.

K

Those things the technology thing you know again, eric gagnon working with tom lott, state-of-the-art.

K

Computers facilities both the middle school and high school, um so I I feel that's it's not about.

K

Money people like oh, can we give you more money, uh so I don't think that's what we really need.

K

And then we have our community partners like the portsmouth symphony where kids can perform live.

K

Where can you get a symphony orchestra and put your kid on a stage, a hat, the music hall? Okay,.

K

We have portsmouth pro music. Another course we have st john's with has a program at don.

K

Darrow but our kids are benefiting because they're getting performance opportunities there as well.

K

And pmac, who always provides some scholarship programs for our students in the summer.

K

Again, our staff is doing an amazing job and there's change in our staff. They'll be changed.

K

We're all going to evolve, you know- and I know if you haven't heard alden cables leaving but.

K

You know think doesn't mean our program's gonna, I'm sure we're gonna have plenty of applicants.

K

For that position um it just means we're gonna evolve in a new direction, so it's based on all.

K

The people we have and how the program is going, so I I'm so thankful for what we have here in.

K

Portsmouth and I see a real bright future for us, but I do know that it's going to take time.

K

I've been approached about talking about some use for assert funds. You know what could we do.

K

I was I've been in conversation with russ grazer at pmac, and one of the things we talked about was.

K

For me was like I, I originally talked to steve about this two.

K

Or two years goes like well, could we do? You know we didn't use some of those stipends? Let's use.

K

Them in the summer- and you know bring some- have us- teach the lessons but, as I explained.

K

My staff's like it's like they, don't they can't like it's like. If you ask me to do one more thing,.

K

But we want to find ways to engage those kids, so ross grazer thinking just like me, is like look.

K

He talked to kim mcnamara at the city. He's like well, the city has some funds. I would like this.

K

Grant what if we brought some kids and we ran a two-week program, we could use your spaces, but the.

K

The caveat is the kids get free lessons, but they go right into the program in the fall. So he's come.

K

Up with a four-year plan um that he's talked to kim mcnamara about, um but I that would be you know.

K

When I looked at the nafta recommendations of what schools would do for that, that would be a place to.

K

Recuperate, if maybe those funds don't work out, maybe there's something there for us and I could.

K

Share russ's plan with all of you to look at so, if there's potential for us to get some of those kids.

K

Lessons through p back and take the burden off our regular teachers. That would be a great thing.

K

So that's where I think we are, I think, we're doing a great job and I think the numbers are.

K

Going to turn around they've already turned around, and if you were at that chamber of music concert.

K

I, like I can't say enough about the kids, because that's really what it's about we're, giving those.

K

Giving them those opportunities- um and we are so lucky portsmouth- it's you know it's in our history.

K

We get to be there all the time and it's a great community and you know so wonderful to be part of.

K

So I'll take any questions. Sorry, I was so long-winded any questions. Elizabeth. um Thank you.

G

For being here, um so uh I think you'd be happy to hear that my son is actually um taking drum.

G

Lessons full drum set at pmac, but it is I I want to throw a feedback out of the best. It is pricey.

G

I haven't applied for a scholarship, but I guess I'm wondering you know I was happy to see that.

G

At elementary school, kids are starting recorder in third grade. I think we started, maybe in fourth.

G

Grade and so I guess, I wondered if there was any possibility of shifting down into fourth or fifth.

G

Grade or maybe shifting down into fourth grade for starting instruments, I know you mentioned.

G

Percussion's not starting until middle school, but I guess I just wondered if there's a way to sure.

K

You know, I I think you got to look at the big picture and teachers are asked to do so much.

K

I think we're really lucky in portsmouth that the way we do our program, it's very systematic.

K

A kid gets in fifth grade a one lesson, and then they become part of an after school group. The.

K

Commitment is really important if you went down to another grade and you know, there's a lot to be.

K

Said about it developmentally my wife is a music teacher. She teaches fourth and fifth graders. Only.

K

That's all she does, but it works in her school. I think for us to do that. You would take more.

K

Disruptions from school day- and I don't necessarily feel that it buys you.

K

A big difference because of the way our middle school program is structured.

K

um I think for us it's really to look at, so we have a logical thing. A kid gets one lesson then.

K

Some after school middle school, they may get it three days and now sometimes they get six days.

K

Middle school is where it's changed, the most and not good or bad, but that's the middle school kids.

K

Have more opportunities? There are more electives for middle school students to choose from, but.

K

There are less opportunities they used to have a seven period day. Now they have a sixth period day.

K

And you've got to look at the whole schedule why it is that way. So I'm not sure that's a good thing.

K

And I'm not sure that I would even you know it could go there, but that would mean a huge staffing.

K

Thing and we don't to me I'd rather see us, you know, hire someone to teach start.

K

Precaution again back in fifth grade: um how do you I'm you know, that's why I came to portsmouth.

K

I mean, and that is part of my long-term plan. I think in two years there'll be someone to go start.

K

Teaching percussion at the elementary level- and I think that will be me so I I don't think that's.

K

Necessarily the right idea, yeah, I think I'd like to us I'd like to see us maintain what we have.

K

And support that and get those kids we've lost in the middle school through whatever do the school.

K

Funds or the city funds and get them back engaged so and then one more follow-up. um As far as the.

G

Other districts coming in like rye and greenland and newington, where are they coming in right now,.

G

As far as compared to where portsmouth is setting them up- and you know, is there well well, let's say.

K

There's been so much change in those other districts, sometimes there's no one coming.

K

I'll give you an example: I talked about lillia potter, schwartz, michelle wirth for many years.

K

Music teacher at and ry had a string program so every year I got four or five string players, while.

K

Michelle has left, or whatever literally is the end of that. I don't see many string players coming in.

K

Doesn't mean we won't provide an opportunity for someone who comes, but we can't control.

K

That and I know, there's a future of having some collaboration with sau 50 to actually address that.

A

Harry and then lisa hi, I'm carrie nolte. We don't have name tag snape nice to meet you thanks. So.

D

Much and I just want to appreciate your bending over backwards spending full weekends to make some.

D

Of these things work my one question in in trying to learn the budget and figure that out recently.

D

You know the multiple small positions you have. It sounds like that used to be a great fit and maybe.

D

That isn't working just as economics have changed, and things like that. Do you think that the budget.

D

Will cover kind of what you need, or is that something that needs to be restructured.

K

Well, I think we have a stipend committee that can look at those and make adjustments as.

K

Needed, I think the budget is more than enough right now. We have positions unfilled, um so.

K

I don't really like I, it's really not a money thing and because we were closed down for two.

K

Years, like we really weren't allowing people, we didn't want people to be in front of our kids.

K

Because of safety, so I think it's gonna come back. um I just think we need to give it a little bit of.

K

Time and if there is a need for that, I'm going to be the first one to ask for money. I don't.

K

Have a problem with asking for money, but I'm also fiscally responsible to the community, so.

K

I think right now, it's okay, but I could be wrong. We could look.

K

We look at that all the time. I will say that I was very lucky and allowed to shift funds in the.

K

Last few years, the numbers are the same. I didn't spend more money, but we put it where we needed it.

K

So that's what we have to do. We have to do that every year. Great! Thank you lisa. I definitely want.

I

To thank you for all the work you guys have been doing across all the schools during the pandemic.

I

I had a kid who was getting ready for frozen at the middle school and uh you know I was amazed to.

I

See a chorus teacher come in new in the middle of all this and bond with those kids with the masks.

I

And do so much so it's really appreciated. I guess my one question big picture is I totally hear what.

I

You're saying about how over these teachers are already and not wanting to pile more onto their.

I

Work life and certainly not infringe on their limited time off in the summer. But I fear in the.

I

Community, like a real need for more support for mental health and more social and emotional growth.

I

And I think that the performing arts play a huge role in that for our kids all the way. K-12 and.

I

Especially for the kids, who don't do sports like this is their place where they're happy, and so I.

I

Guess I'm just wondering and maybe not tonight but in the future, if there's opportunities to offer.

I

More after school for kids at all the levels, even if that means that we need to create a part-time.

I

Position or do some partnerships or if we partner with pmac, to get them to the buildings so that.

I

People don't have to go there on the weekends and it can be more integrated with what kids have.

I

Access to at school, that would be really amazing. I think it's going to come back. I just think we.

K

Weren't able to do it, I really I mean example: you know: courtney randall has after-school ensembles.

K

Going starting in january, she didn't do before, but she's got two days of kids and if you saw the.

K

Four eighth graders do their little routine and stuff. I mean they're doing it. They just couldn't.

K

Do it you know and nate wanton has a middle school chamber. I watched 26 kids in this group already.

K

The heist keep same with the high school magical singer, so you know we just couldn't play like.

K

Literally, in the last two weeks, we've taken off our masks, I think it's, I think, you're going to see.

K

I mean alden cables are rehearsing kids right now at the high school for our spring show so.

K

It's happening it's going to be there, it's just going to take a little time. I think I appreciate.

I

That I just want to know if there are things that we can do to support that happening, and I think.

K

B-Max ready pmac really is you know, russ grazer at pmac as a phs alumni. That's his plan. He he never.

K

Wants to infringe on the school, but he's always ready to. He wants to step in to help I'm over here.

J

Nancy, you can't see me, but so I'm going to speak up um first. I just want to say I did go to the.

J

Performance, the other night, and it was phenomenal just to be there without mask on and to see the.

J

Kids, I I have um my kids have been in choir, and my son is still in choir. He's participated in a lot.

J

Of the festivals and such, but it's it's really fun, to see how they've evolved from middle schoolers.

J

Into these brave kids that go before this audience and just sing like it's open mic night in boston,.

J

And you know it's it's really. It was really very special. So I I really love those kind.

J

Of performances, because the kids get to choose a lot of what they're doing for their performance.

J

Not that I don't love all the formal stuff, you guys do too it's awesome, but it just shows the.

J

Individuality of each artist, and so I appreciate that you guys take the extra step to put those.

J

Kind of events on too for our kids to have their individuality. So for that I say thank you.

J

I have a few questions for you, one. I would more than welcome an email of your plan that you.

J

Mentioned because I love the idea of supporting our burnout teachers with a supplemental program.

J

Through partnerships within our community we have portsmouth, has a phenomenal arts community.

J

Both in in drama and music, and so to be able to integrate that into our school program and.

J

Potentially even offer some types of camps there's so many of our parents that are always looking for.

J

Camps and so when I think that a summer program could be an entry into the arts for kids through.

J

Esser dollars that may not be able to otherwise take that step or may not feel comfortable to take.

J

That step in a classroom environment in front of their peers for the first time. I just think.

J

That's a that's a wonderful thing you guys are doing so I I would welcome a view of that plan.

J

As far as my questions go, I'm curious: do you know what percent of our students go on.

J

To study the arts at all, you know it's not a high percentage, but there are, I mean we do consistently.

K

Have students majoring in the arts, but what I will tell you is we have students who go on to do other.

K

Things who continue the arts as part of their life, and that really is what it's really about. I mean.

K

We don't expect every kid, but we we do have it in place, that a kid can go through our program with.

K

Rigorous training and major in music- I mean owen johnson- is a student of ours. Courtney randall is.

K

A student of ours, um you know to me, that's really in their back, giving back to their community so.

K

I I think we have the best of both worlds right now, so I don't have an uh there's, not r. I think.

K

We actually tried to pull that data out and it's I don't know it's. I don't think it's correct so.

K

We have kids majoring every year in the performing arts. um You know I didn't speak about parents.

K

Music club, but I really need to because parents music club really is, you know, been so supportive.

K

And, as you know, they've picked up a lot of the you know to every single kid in drama got to go.

K

To california, whether they could afford it or not you, I know we have the opportunity fun, but I they.

K

Funded ten thousand dollars of their california trip this year when the clipper band was going.

K

To florida they were going to fund twenty thousand dollars, including all the staff's expenses, to go.

K

um And whether it's an instrument, we know, I said, kenwood seen high budgeted. We we got a price of.

K

Eighty thousand dollars for the sound system we put in a hundred by the time we were done.

K

It was 125 000 and parents. Music club picked up the 25 000 because they wanted to make sure that.

K

It was right so, if they're doing it at all levels, but really it's to make sure uh one thing I didn't.

K

Mention we started: 70 set 111 kids, but we started the 70-something grade. 5 band members we had 15.

K

Students who could not afford instruments but working with our music company and alumni, we.

K

Put an instrument in every single kid's hand, like we didn't say, there's like to me. It's like a kid.

K

Wants to be in the band, we find a way to give the kid the instrument that they want. We used to like.

K

All right, we have two trumpets and trombones, but we'll just find the right instrument for the kid.

K

So that's really what it's about so every kid in portsmouth has the equal opportunity. There's.

K

Even kids going to florida kids going to wherever to california, so I just.

J

Had one quick follow-up question um off elisa talking about mental health, I know for my son.

J

Choir is his mental health outlet through the pandemic and certainly in returning and.

J

I know sometimes, if you're a junior, I see him already agonizing over his junior junior schedule.

J

Because choir has kind of been his, I have to work everything around choir and foreign language.

J

um Have we ever considered it like an alternative pathway for kids that want to continue doing music.

J

That may not be able to fit it into their junior year, but every single year every single kid can be.

K

In music, every single kid chooses a schedule based on where they think they're going to go. I mean.

K

The real kids who go on for music usually are stay in the program, but you know I'll colin yoast.

K

Last year's valedictorian, as well weren't in band their junior and senior year they but.

K

They participated in the program, that's where I keep talking about what we've.

K

Done is there are opportunities, maybe you can't be in the core class, but you can be.

K

In part of the program we we make it work for every kid so.

K

So yeah so, um but we are even looking at that. I think uh mrs lyons is doing a great job at looking.

K

How to get those classes to allow the kids to be there, um but when numbers are low, it's like you.

K

Know if you're a numbers person, you know that that they look at schedules that way, I think.

K

About it's a personalized education. What does this kid need to be successful where they're going so.

K

I I think, there's anyone who wants to be in the group can be in the group. We just have to.

K

You know hand, schedule them and work with guidance. Thank you. You're welcome,.

L

um I'm so glad to hear all the things that you were able to do during the pandemic, because I.

L

I was under the impression that things had just ceased, and so I really appreciate all.

L

Your out of the box thinking and getting making sure that kids still had opportunities. That's.

L

Been critical, I think, has hoped to set through for the social emotional health of our kids.

L

I am also thrilled to hear that you're giving the previous fifth graders now the experience.

L

That they missed last year, um because my daughter was in that great and I was really.

L

Sad that she missed that. I know that was hard for her, um but uh two questions. One is.

L

In thinking about what liz was mentioning about, starting earlier is orph ensemble still a thing.

L

And is that something we might well orf? Ensemble was something I mean particularly new franklin.

K

Marty robertson was that was her thing and she had those extra classes, but wharf is done in part of.

K

General music, so yeah so general music is our music. Teachers are now aligned their curriculum.

K

Better so we used to have you know: five different schools, five different teachers and the guidelines.

K

Were so vague, I mean there weren't even standards in music education when I started teaching back in.

K

1988 they came out in 1994 and they were revised and like seven or eight years ago. So you know.

K

Most music teachers were doing the best that they could, with the knowledge that they had so now we.

K

Have a rockstar elementary music teachers just so you should know they are rock stars and they work.

K

Great together um and they're on the same page, so you said recorder really is fourth grade.

K

Sometimes a teacher will give a little extra in the third grade, which leads you into that's like.

K

The beginning, training you're doing the physical skills and then you get an instrument in the fifth.

K

Grade the or things happen all the way through um now, not every teacher is, you know, um is the orf.

K

Thing so gina connolly right now at little harbor has done this grant where she has these keyboards.

K

And technology and she's exploring new ways, but you know every teacher: has you have to teach.

K

The standards and the teacher teaches it, which is best through the things that they have the tricks.

K

In their baskets, so um those those those or things are happening, but there's many more tools now than.

K

Those teachers had when I started so um you should ask the teachers they're doing some incredible.

K

Things ukuleles are really big right now, so we you know really cool, though, but really great.

K

Stuff going on in the classroom, so, um okay, my other question, was with regard to the esser funds.

L

um I think you've probably already been asked this, but is there a space that we need to create like.

L

I mean, hopefully we're not gonna have another panel yeah, and you know what about outdoor space.

L

So I I think making an outdoor space would not be a great use of resources having stuff to do.

K

Outdoors stuff would be better like, even if it's renting large sized tents or renting platforms.

K

Or risers, when you like, I kept thinking about that. How much outside would there be um and when we did.

K

Spongebob, I know we used our. We have the risers people come to us for some of those resources.

K

um So I would think I I don't really think we have the nicest performing facilities.

K

I mean if we're going to go into lockdown again. Maybe we should think about that, but.

K

I don't really I I really think we have the spaces. The middle school is such a beautiful space to.

K

Perform I mean, we've done it, you know the high school we've spent, where maybe we should look at.

K

The hvac in the auditorium and upgrading that I there are more things that would like. Let's.

K

Make what we have even a little better and, like I said you know little harbor has no sound system.

K

We're going to change that you know, that's been the thing. There should be a place where.

K

Each school has that place to build community, um so I think I saw brian's hand up and then hope.

A

And then elizabeth yeah? No, I appreciate your. Obviously your commitment to kids um is obvious.

B

Just what you guys said to bend over backwards to make that work, and I know that when you had the.

B

I brought my kids to the dondero thing. We were in the cars and had hot chocolate and heard the.

B

Band you know playing, it was just great and even those kids, you could see how excited they were.

K

To just be outside after being locked down for so long, so that was great. That was a great night.

K

That was one of those shining moments we all felt so good after, like we did something together and.

K

It wasn't just high school, it was high school elementary school. That's what I mean like the.

K

Team is really working together. That's you know the chamber of music festival. That's what was.

K

So great every teacher you know: courtney randall eric gagman nate, wanton alden, cable students. It.

K

Was just an amazing night to be part of a team? It was just wonderful, so we got a great team.

K

Yeah kids, my kids loved it. Personally. They were screaming singing in my ears, but uh yeah um yeah.

B

My question was: just like: you talked about the numbers going down: do you actually have numbers.

K

Yeah, well I I can I can I I can tell you pandemic numbers. We have less.

K

Than half of what we had in the high school band when we started.

K

We have you know. We have 12 kids in the phs percussion ensemble we've had as many as 32.

K

um It's just you know, you didn't feel safe, you didn't, um and part of that is, you know.

K

But we had 32 kids go to california, you know so it's we've spread it out differently. I know.

K

The opportunities are there, I think that's really the important thing they're still there, the same.

K

Opportunities are there, I think people will come around and we lost kids out of the district. I.

K

Know we've lost some performing arts kids because that's just kind of what happened so.

K

I see them rebounding. I really. I really do thanks go ahead. Hope were you first. I just wanted to give.

J

A shout out to to nate. I know people were really concerned about. Oh, mr johannes, leaving because.

J

He was the grounding force and so much around the choir and stuff, but it's I've had the opportunity.

J

To chaperon in a lot of the choir events- and you can just see the gravitational force that the kids.

J

Have that he brings to grounding those kids and the energy that he brings, and I love that he's.

J

Bringing back some old things that we used to do and and bringing a lot of new stuff too so.

J

You know when I look at mr capel. I know that's going to be another severe feeling of loss, but.

J

I have complete faith that we will find someone that is right and we'll build that program, and I.

J

Think you said it really well steve that this is just a program. That's evolving right now,.

K

That's exactly where we are it's funny that same word. We are evolving.

G

So I just wanted to follow up um at some point when the middle school was done. I don't know if.

G

It was caitlyn, somebody had told me about how the middle school had max and they were doing music.

G

Composition on max I mean obviously there's garage band and all these other softwares now.

G

And so I guess I was wondering if you could speak to like where that's at and if there's any way to.

G

Sort of draw kids in through the use of technology in that way. Well, that's actually one of the things.

K

We are looking at is how we're going to change up the middle school electives and, as I said, the pro.

K

It's not a problem, there's a lot of opportunities for middle school kids and when you there's more.

K

Opportunities than there's time in the day, I think that's really the bigger issue right now and.

K

We have to kind of balance that it's it's a good problem to have, but there is a technology lab.

K

There and I think, that's going to become part of like well every you know, you're in band, you can go.

K

Record in the lab or you're in music class, you can go record in the lab versus you. Take a class like.

K

But nate juan and eric gagnon have been talking about. Maybe we're going to have intro.

K

To technology and make a specific class, so that is on the table and that's actually being talked.

K

About as we speak, so they we have to say we it. We have a beautiful lab at the middle school in.

K

The high school music lab just got new imax this year, so so that that's in the works yeah. That's.

G

Super important sorry, one more question: okay and then we're going to wrap this up.

B

I didn't want to ask a question: I just wanted to provide some feedback from an essay 50 perspective.

B

If I can really nice to meet you, I'm tally. I know you've got at least one percussion uh person.

B

Coming in all right because he's mine, um but um I just wanted to say too, that both sau 50 schools of.

B

Greenland and rye have had infrastructure changes that also um are going to hopefully contribute to.

B

Boosting the program um you know, greenland, after march, the 8th will have a full-time band teacher.

J

Awesome so they're restructuring the middle school beginning next year.

B

To offer more opportunities for students to participate more frequently in band.

K

And I think ry has also boosted their music position as well. I do know that rye kids.

K

Came to the first eighth grade, open house, very enthusiastic about being in band, so.

K

Eric gagnon was like I haven't seen that before so there is a positive vibe. So that's great to hear.

A

Lisa, you can be the all right. Well, I have to echo. Nate is amazing, and that really has been my.

I

Child's like happy place throughout the pandemic, even with the mast and all the other stuff like.

I

That's been the one place where they felt good all day. You know with everything else going on.

I

And I guess my one question for high school is a little bit following on what pope said.

I

Is it can feel tricky for those kids with the scheduling, especially if they also want to do.

I

A foreign language to stay in choir and I wondered, if you could say anything else about what are the.

I

Opportunities if they want to sing or play, and they can't make it work in their schedule- well,.

K

I mean, I do know, there's chamber singers after school, I mean magical singers. So there are there.

K

There are, there are other things and um what nate has really done is he's allowed. Those.

K

Kids to come and flex he had to bring a friend to flex day for choir and he got he got us. Many kids.

K

He got more kids in the choir to come to the after school things. So that's part of the that's and.

K

That's where eric gagnon has done a great job as well. He's he's used that flex time to bring.

K

Those other kids back into the program, so we are using that time wisely. So good, good, good questions.

K

Well, I just want to say thank you to the board because um we couldn't do without your support and.

K

I feel honored to lead such a great team, and my mission is to keep it going.

K

And and to you know, give them the two. You know I started this position to give my teachers.

K

The resources they need- and I don't just mean the the stuff- I mean the space, the scheduling.

K

And the support you know and I think, having me a support, I I will tell you nate's in my office.

K

Asking questions every day and I was thinking I don't you know 10 years ago we didn't have.

K

Someone for nate to ask questions to every day and that's really important. So when you talked about.

K

Social and well-being, I feel, like that's, really been a lot of my role. I mean I've spent a lot of.

K

This year, so I've subbed at every single level. I taught kindergarten music this year for the.

K

First time in 30-something years, but it reminded me like why I went into education. I went in tears.

K

When I'm home that day, talking to my wife, we are so lucky in portsmouth, these kids love the arts.

K

So that's a tribute to what you've allowed us to to give them for an experience. Well, thank you for.

A

Coming you're welcome. Thank you steve! Thank you. Oh it's, music in our schools month anyway. So thanks.

K

Have a great night: okay, we will move on to um the superintendent's report.

C

So yeah brief report in your packet. You have the email correspondence.

C

Since your last meeting in the march 22nd board administrator edition, uh also in correspondence.

C

Tonight uh are the resignations, as referred to just a minute ago, by alden cable, our drama.

C

Teacher as well as tiffany de moore would come our business teacher, so we do accept those with regret.

C

A

I I used the next item on the agenda. I suppose so uh so update on administrative search, uh so.

C

This, uh I know, is primarily focused on the uh phs principle search. I would say before.

C

I turn it over to george because he did that meeting we were double booked today. He was.

C

Doing the principal search- and I was doing an.

C

Athletic director interview, so both of those committees have been up and running.

C

The athletic director committee is a little ahead of the principal committee. We have met a few times.

C

We've selected interviews, we did interviews today and we'll be announcing next steps uh shortly.

C

um And uh but our high school committee, which is a a larger committee with multiple stakeholders, I.

C

Think we went with the rule of fours for students for staff, for parents, for administrators, for goats.

C

Whatever uh but george ran the meeting today, so I will turn it over to you sure, so we had our.

F

Organizational meeting today and um started to come up with we, we pulled themes uh both.

F

Mathematically and uh conceptually from all the feedback that we've had so we put out a survey to.

F

To families about uh what their priorities for the building are, what the par, what the characteristics.

F

Of the principle they'd like um what the uh what the strengths of the school are, and so.

F

We're pulling those out and and sort of developing a profile for what we're. Looking for. As well as.

F

The the the um the major pieces we want to see that moving forward at portsmouth high school, so.

F

uh That's being turned we'll take that and use it to create our list of questions for interviews. We.

F

Have 20 applicants for the position at this time it closes on friday and.

F

We will be um sending those to the team at the end of this week and doing our initial screening.

F

Of them selecting team for interview, selecting uh candidates for interviews, we also developed our.

F

Process timeline today, which we'll put out about what that's going to look like in terms of timing.

F

In terms of when the public is going to be able to see the.

F

Candidates and provide feedback as well as potential site visits. So that's where we stand.

D

um How many applicants were there for the athletic director position.

D

And went in that closed last week right yeah, that closed last week, we had three.

C

Total applicants for that position and we interviewed two candidates.

G

Liz um for both positions, the athletic and the principal- um um I guess more so.

G

The principle is there any uh priority given to internal candidates as far as.

G

um You know obviously we're sort of past this point, but I know in some government positions.

G

Internal candidates have a earlier window to apply um and are considered first, so is there any sort.

G

Of priority or credit given to internal candidates, so, in terms of I know, you're talking about in.

F

Terms of municipal positions with uh the postings internal postings only for five days without.

F

There there are some guidelines around that with the city, not necessarily within this particular.

F

Administrative position is that a requirement, so no we'll look at everyone with their merits and.

F

And uh and certainly you know, internal candidates would have some internal people that are familiar.

F

With them on the on the committee rights, internal candidates are more likely to have.

F

Someone that knows them so there's there's more data points on those people which which.

F

uh Certainly can be an asset, but I don't think I don't think you come in with 10 extra points.

F

At the beginning, that's what I would say, but it's you know it's. It's more well-rounded information.

J

Is there an email or website or where can parents go.

J

For updates and and seeing the list of committee members and.

J

Kind of the timeline that you're talking about really we'll be putting it out.

J

Who will be pretty good? Would that go through parent square or.

J

Okay again, we just had our first organizational meeting this afternoon.

F

But we'll put the information out about the process timeline. The committee members.

C

And I don't know if we mentioned, but we did have over 40 people express interest.

F

So four students, four staff, four parents and for admin- I guess my question.

J

Is when you put that information out, will there be an email that if people have.

J

Questions about that they'll be somewhere, they can email. Yes, g shay at sau52.org.

A

And margaret and I met and talked about a school board representative for this committee and lisa.

A

Has agreed to be our school board representative to the phs principal search committee, so lisa can.

A

Keep, if you have any questions you can ask lisa too, is there one on the ad 80.

B

Yeah there was, but the schedule is so compressed um this last week I couldn't couldn't attend.

B

So yeah I tried, but I didn't realize we're going to do interviews this quickly so.

G

Liz, I just you know, I'm not concerned about lisa or brian, so to speak, but I am concerned.

G

To some extent, I think I've expressed this. I think I've expressed this before um the.

G

The superintendent's role is to hire these positions, and so I am a little bit concerned.

G

With having school board representatives on these committees, because I do think that we need to.

G

Be it's not like we're doing the superintendent search, and we have you know I just don't want to.

G

Get into not that any disrespect to lisa or brian or anybody else that was on the that would be on.

G

A committee in this in respect- I guess I do- have concern with any school board member getting in.

G

On the hiring committee, because I think it's the superintendent's job to pick these people and then.

G

Bring them to us- I guess I'm just thinking of past committees, where we've done this and we've always.

A

Had a school board representative on the committee, I can't recall any time when we did not um go.

A

I'm going back to when we revised the athletic um contract- and I was the chairman of that committee.

A

And we had a couple of school board members on that committee, so we have often had school board.

A

Members on committees like this, so it's just pr. It's just a habit precedent that we've always had.

A

I would say the distinction I would make liz is on the superintendent search committee. That committee.

C

Was advising the school board in this case, the whole committee is advising us for the candidate.

C

To nominate so yeah still is an administrative response. I just don't want to get in a position.

G

Where the school board member is sort of turned to as like a head of a committee or something.

G

When it's really the superintendent's role to pick somebody and then bring it to us to sort of make a.

G

Determination, so it's not like we're spearheading he's sort of hiring in in roles that we shouldn't.

G

Be doing you know we're just approving we're, not we're not inserting our say into it. I guess.

G

So I I'm just I I just say that would just kind of proceed with caution to some extent.

G

Okay, I was just gonna. Add that I I see that person as sort of a liaison between the committee and the.

L

Board, so it's someone that if you know, if you had thoughts about the hiring process or who you know.

L

Who was being hired or whatever, or that? You know the needs of the high school that you would relay.

L

That to lisa and then she could bring that to the committee as a representative of all of us. But I.

L

Don't think it's I don't think it's ever just sort of one person. I think it's sort of the opposite.

L

Of what you're saying as steve said, it's like we're, you know we're advising them in this case.

L

And uh the person who's who's on that committee is the one who's representing the whole board in.

L

That question yeah- I guess I just I just want to caution against that, because I think it's thank.

G

You that's all. Thank you. I would also say that there are other districts where the board can.

H

Override any- and it just happened next door in stratham- the board override the candidates that.

H

Were presented so I think the way that we have it set up is, as steve said, it's more just to keep the.

H

Big picture lens present in the committee because the board often hears so many more.

H

Different lenses of of the needs and that's just a it's, a conduit of communication, not a manager.

H

Of the of the committee, which is very different than how a lot of other districts do it, so I I.

H

Think it's a it's a great way of diversifying that committee making sure all voices are heard.

A

Okay, thank you liz for bringing that up. um Excuse me. I just have a quick question around just brian.

J

Making mention that interviews are happening for the ad, so what if interviews are already taking.

J

Place where is the community input into that, and what's the time like, like, I haven't, seen anything.

J

Go out around timeline and process so much about put out the do. You want a little ahead of the.

C

Principle and that committee has met for longer now then today just started the principal search.

C

So the timeline is a little ahead of that. But if there's only two that'll be a pretty quick.

J

Interview process, so I'm just curious again. What's the input, I think part of the the scope of time.

C

Is defined by the number of applicants we got right. Three applicants so um certainly doable in.

C

The time that we've had, we had plenty of time to review the applications and choose the interviews.

C

And hold them today. So was there a time that there was input from the sports community? I mean.

J

Portsmouth has a pretty strong, opinionated sports community as we know, so. I'm just curious.

J

Was there an opportunity to hear the feedback from them at all in the process? uh Well, we.

C

I mean we had the uh the posting out there. I got a lot of feedback. Okay, actually gotten.

C

More than the principal search, I would say for the athletics that surprised me: okay, thank you.

A

Okay, I think we're on to oh. Do you have anything else? I don't know no. Okay, nathan financial report.

M

Your february ending report is in the packet. uh It's I feel like a broken record. I think you know.

F

Compared to compared to budget everything uh we're doing well, I would draw your attention to the.

M

Vacancies that continue to drive salary variances uh two areas. I guess that you know if you're.

M

Looking for bad news, I mean it's generally good news this year, uh despite some of the cuts that.

M

We made in the budget process building this year in the area of psychology, district-wide psych done.

M

Cost center 137 that'll end up over budget, not measurably against 50 million, but it will be.

M

10 or 15 000 already, there have just been a flood of consulting agreements that needed.

M

To be written for evaluations and work beyond what could be done by internal staff,.

M

I think we're still doing some of the analysis, but I think if you go to 165 you're out of district.

M

Tuition and services yeah it's running in red now but again, remember that's versus plan. It's.

M

Still well within budget, but me thinks that's gonna. It's gonna pop. I think you're gonna see.

M

Will be a little over there, but obviously across the board there have been some savings.

M

A really significant, positive variance, if you wanted to drop to it, is maintenance.

M

Where in the operating cuts that we took in the last? No, not the budget, you guys just built with.

M

Us right, but the one that we built last year for this year. um I say you guys, meaning you.

M

Collectively this board, um when we built last year's budget, we we took some significant cuts.

M

In operating and in a lot of the operating cuts hit in kenny's area in maintenance,.

M

And 125 000 somewhat, but he's clearly he's clearly proceeding with some.

M

With some governors on you know some some some care because he's a hundred thousand below the the.

M

Plan and almost a hundred thousand, I think, against what he would have spent by this time last year. So.

M

We've been creative um with some of that, but I think he's also waiting a bit to make sure that.

M

Any any project that he might need to launch big maintenance issue.

M

Considers first, where we're going to land for the year, so he may, he may speed up in his spending in.

M

The next two or three months, as he tackles a few things towards summer, but remember we we.

M

Do have cip funds we're moving ahead with the air conditioning work in franklin this summer.

M

He just floated past me today the the bid request that will go out for bleachers at the high school.

M

uh There will be roofing work coming as well, so, even though he's saving some dollars here he's.

M

Continuing to spend the capital dollars that came to us out of the cip in the last couple of cycles,.

M

So all in all, I think the biggest the biggest red items you see are related to.

M

The math tutor that we may absorb- or we may kick to answer some of the ppe stuff that we.

M

Already talked about in the initial plan, so uh I would say all continues to be good news.

M

And forgive me for having tried to find you a little bad news in there.

M

Terry, I'm just curious why the um school board is so overspent on its budget for the year. You guys.

D

I mean I can't handle all the money they pay me in, no matter how hard I try.

M

We we charge the search consultant, okay for the superintendent search there and.

M

And uh and we'll have to shift some dollars to make sure that we accommodate that because it was.

M

Late in the cycle, when we made that decision to move forward, I will tell you I I um we don't see.

M

It here regularly, but your food service program is, is absolutely blowing the doors off the place. I.

M

uh And so shout out to deb rizzo, your director and the staff that have stuck with us in that.

M

Program so this year has been a year of universal um eligibility for free lunch, which has been.

F

Difficult to make everybody understand we'll have to do some retraining, because it looks.

M

Looks like congress has shut the door on that there won't be universal opportunities. Next.

M

Year that way, so we have to go back to you, have to complete your free and reduced lunch applications.

M

Do that quickly get that stuff in and then things like? I want a milk, please, the milk has cost every.

M

You know there's it's a different program when we don't have uncle sam um sweeping it up for us.

M

Easily but at least for this year that program is it's supposed to be a non-profit program.

M

But it's certainly holding its own and doing well. The rate that uncle sam is reimbursing at is.

M

Higher than what our local costs normally are, we have been, unfortunately, really understaffed and so.

M

We have more money but paying less people, because we just struggled to get people in the door thanks.

M

To the staff that have done that, we have the last couple of years had to make significant budget.

M

Transfers out of the general fund and eat the expense in the general fund to cover the losses.

M

Of the food service program and um this year that clearly won't be necessary. They're running they're.

M

Running ahead now and we'll continue to through june so kerry, did you have another question? Do.

A

We find this is a ridiculous idea. Do we fundraise for like the opportunity fund or things like that.

D

And I'll tell you why if there's a structure but as a parent who has benefited from free lunch,.

D

I would be very compelled if someone said the cost of your free lunch for the last year.

D

Would be whatever number would you consider donating that to the opportunity fund.

D

I feel like that could be a really compelling way to get parents who maybe had the means to.

D

Pay for lunch, but didn't to support it. That's a good idea. That's a great idea! Yeah! We have at.

C

Different times publicize the fundraising effort associated with it not this year, but that would.

C

Be a great idea yeah, so I would let me catch. Let me jump on that and say uh in the past I've I've.

M

Worked in situations where local uh entities, uh donors, fundraising entities, non-profits.

M

Other social service groups have supported the food service program um to help with.

D

Paying off back balances and also things that weren't uncovered by the federal launch products.

B

Things that aren't included like snack it's snack time yeah. I want to go. Do what everybody.

M

Else is doing and free and running chips. That kind of thing thank you and I, and um and they.

M

Have covered that across the board, uh you know at the end of the year, uh so until they had some.

M

Planning so something- and it could even be right- not maybe not the opportunity fund, but to cover.

D

Future years of fun to cover future years, you know, folks that can't pay but didn't do their paperwork.

D

For free and reduced lunch um so anyway just that's a I mean it's a great suggestion. We can.

M

Keep chasing possibilities, I'm happy to help with that. If I can, thank you very much, um two things.

H

Since we're on the topic of free lunch, is there, is there a legal time when we have to hand out.

H

The paperwork, or could we roll it out earlier, like at the end of this school year, when we're reaping.

H

The benefits of the free lunch to make it very clear- it's not here next year in order to get it.

H

You have to fill this up because it feels like one of the shortcomings is not as many people register.

H

As as as the need is there, and I wonder whether we can reconsider how we communicate the change.

H

Is coming well in advance how we can send the forms out in a way that every family has access to.

H

Them and our numbers are the most accurate going into planning for the fall. So this is a challenge.

M

Nationwide and it will be everybody's going to face the same kind of hurdle of getting people.

M

Back in the habit of completing paperwork that they effectively didn't need to do this last cycle.

M

But there are new income guidelines that come out over the summer, and so it's it's into august.

M

Normally before maybe maybe the end of july, but generally I'm thinking into august before we get.

M

The completed application and criteria from the usda down from the federal level.

M

And then we put them together and we try to get the letters ready. I.

M

I still I couldn't tell you right now how the packet goes out turn around. You know. We turn.

M

Returns around, but normally it's a part of the summer packet, that's prepared for each.

M

Family uh and uh and we have an online application process so that folks can electronically do that.

M

It supports any kind of device, you can go mobile any way you might be able to go mobile. You know.

M

Any way you can go online, but paper can still be processed as well. So I mean I think there.

M

Are opportunities there? The timeline of it is tough because it really happens near to when.

M

We get ready to go back to school, but margaret this was actually a topic. The equity class that.

C

We had done the group of teachers, actually, the high school guidance staff who were in.

C

That class, that was their project, they wanted to try to break down some of the barriers.

C

For students filling that out, because that gets worse as the kids get up to date, school right so.

C

So um trying to find different and creative ways to make sure that they and for the primary purpose.

C

Of accessing the opportunity fund, so how do we help them meet that that threshold of.

C

You know um allowability to access those money so yeah it's it's something we can continue to.

C

Talk about how we can make it easier, and maybe the communication committee can toss around.

H

How early, I think families should know sooner than later, that next year,.

C

Yeah one of the things that we're going to do, which, which we don't communicate clearly right now.

C

Is just put a list, together of all the advantages of accessing the opportunity fund right through.

C

The grade level so apparently you're really aware of what benefit that is and so help me.

M

Anything that could the closer you can get to everybody just as a rule completes the paperwork.

M

And goes through the process because again there are individual opportunities that come.

M

To people to families and to students, but in the aggregate, obviously, these this data point gets.

M

Used multiple times by federal level at the state level to pass funds and allocate dollars that come.

M

From outside our community to benefit our students here and, and you can't mandate that.

M

Everybody complete the form, but the closer we can get to everybody. Just does it as a rule. Every year.

M

The better those numbers are going to look and the more competitive. Sadly, if you use that word.

M

That way, the more competitive we are for federal dollars. Okay, the only other comment I was going to.

H

Make is I I don't know because esser is coming up tonight. Some of these things that you point.

H

Out with the math, and the reading being over to me makes me feel good about some of the.

H

Buckets that have been mentioned for esser. It highlights how great the need is going to be.

H

Going forward I mean this was budgeted in and we're already over.

H

So I just wanted to make that comment as we frame our mindset for the astra conversation later.

I

Lisa I just wanted to follow up quickly on the free reduced lunch. I mean I've seen the.

I

Enrollment challenges in the past, from switching between universal free lunch.

I

And then not, I think it's really important to communicate to the kids, especially at the middle.

I

School and high school level that there is no stigma with us, it continues. It has nothing to.

I

Do with how good or bad your family is, this is just food. That's available to everybody.

I

Because I do think that part of the advantage that we got from the pandemic was taking away.

I

The issues and the lunch lines of like who can afford the milk and who can't and who's told.

I

To stand aside because they're, you know not paid up, and I just would like to be really thoughtful.

I

And if there are any funds that you need to throw at the problem in the beginning of the year, just.

I

To make sure that none of the students have, I don't know how we've handled that in the past.

I

But it's a tough transition for kids yeah and they won't get it and I think if you can communicate.

I

This year, while kids are still benefiting from it, even if we don't have the forms but to say this is.

I

A fantastic opportunity for all of our students, and it will continue for everybody who has a.

I

Financial need for it there's a one-page form. You have to fill out that takes two minutes. It doesn't.

I

Get reported to anybody else in the government, it won't affect your taxes or your medicaid or your.

I

Housing or anything else and all it does is get you food in school. Communicating that to people.

I

Really clearly because I think a lot of people don't fill it out, because they're worried they're.

I

Going to lose a benefit over here if they get a benefit in school, which is not true. That's right.

I

Like all that does is go to the school and get them food. It doesn't do anything else through that.

G

Liz um so a couple points, so I I just want to throw this out there we're in march right now.

G

So there is a possibility that this program can actually roll forward. You know once.

G

People's feet get to the fire in the legislature, or you know, in the federal government and people.

G

Realize this isn't going to be happening, there could be an effort to sort of keep it going just.

G

Like my student, loans are on freeze right now, even though they told me, I was going to start paying.

G

In january, so I I is is, am I right in saying that I mean obviously we have to prepare for.

G

What's coming forward, but I mean there is a possibility that this map this program could.

G

Still roll roll on right, I mean, is it am I I hide yes, I would never predict it. No, but again.

G

But I guess I don't know, what's the what the conversation is right now, but I guess I.

G

If it died in congress without support, okay without sufficient support, I should say the the.

M

Report, the answer came down. A message came down from the usda, letting us know that that universal.

M

Eligibility is not not to be expected next year and they're already taking steps to try to.

M

To try to provide whatever support and and insight and advice they can to help with the transition. So.

M

Like I said, it's going to be it's going to be a national conversation about how we do this.

M

Your your comments are very well taken. I deb mr rizzo, and I have been talking.

M

We haven't had a lot of time to talk because she's continuing to cut vegetables and wash dishes.

M

Because she's short of so many staff members that she literally is in three or four of the kitchens.

M

Every day running so, but it's on our list that we've got to brainstorm and come up with ways to.

M

To start in the spring, and before the end of school, trying to educate people about what's.

M

Coming in the fall only so we don't lose the opportunity to use the summer months.

G

Yeah and so my second point being um you know, I've I've been a low-income family. I've dealt.

G

With low-income families- and I think you know each one of us sitting at the table.

G

Whether we're low income or not, um you know, has a level of burnout with covid, especially.

G

And so I pose this to the board and to everybody to sort of understand that I don't think it's a.

G

Matter of communicating to people that, if you fill out this form or you fill out the online website,.

G

You're going to get xyz benefits, I think it's a matter of the burnout people have of doing one.

G

More thing on their list of things and the people, the kids, that probably need it the most need their.

G

Parent to do that one more thing, but that parent is also doing one more thing to make sure that.

G

Their kid has food on the table that night or you know, gets a shower before they go to bed or.

G

You know has food on the table, so I guess I pose that saying and I guess right now, I'm just sort of.

G

Riffing ideas, but you know we have an open house point and I sort of wonder if there's a process.

G

Point of like getting a stand that says, come talk to me at the open house like we got to get the.

G

Person in the door at a table in front of us and basically help them right. There fill out the form.

G

At the table and then let them leave with it completed, so I think it's going to be.

G

A place of you know or having somebody I know, there's a liaison now for housing.

G

And having those people go into the house going into housing and say: hey, I need you, let's work.

G

On this form, together, right now or part of the program or whether we go to ceco's mental health.

G

And have um outreach or families first or I think we have to sort of get the form and be some there.

G

With somebody to some extent too, so I don't, I would hesitate and I think it'd be great to.

G

Sort of think about it in the communications committee, but I would hesitate to like throw.

G

Communication at this, I think it's more of a you know you bring it to people's faces.

G

So that would be my only you know from doing a social service standpoint and being in it myself.

G

um That would be my only recommendation yeah. I don't think it should be either or though.

G

I mean I've done this outreach personally like on the streets like in title, one schools, it's a.

I

Lot of work, you're, absolutely right. People are busy. Some people, don't know what the.

I

Form is they don't have time, but you kind of have to do it every which way yeah. You know.

I

And like it's got to be like reaching people in a lot of different directions and if you're lucky.

I

You'll get like maybe fifteen, sixty percent of the school signed up, but we do set up kiosks at open.

F

Houses and also usually counseling during this- that we do. We do a lot of outreach on that. Yes,.

J

On the online forms, I know that um one of the things I found helpful is a lot of the information.

J

Is now automated and then you're just checking to see if it's a change or if you're opting in.

J

Or opting out, can we automate where we were at the start of when we started getting the free.

J

So people can see like oh okay- I mean you can highlight that form right. So we know that we.

J

At least have called that many people and then it's a highlighted form for people that haven't.

J

So if, if we can automate information, then we're already taking that step for people? Okay, let's.

A

Have one more comment, question kerry. I was just going to say I don't recall it. Families first.

D

Ever having had those forms- and we do so much so many forms with families anyway for medicaid.

D

Renewal stuff, like that, so maybe just getting those to crossroads, getting those the places.

D

Putting the link on the computers or crossroads so just a few other options like listed.

I

Okay, thank you, everybody! Well, most of them go to yeah nathan. Are you the nathan and steve the.

A

Professor of funds, yeah we'll roll into esther funds, uh keep talking about the money um and.

C

The real purpose of the discussion tonight was to allow the board to have discussion over what.

C

uh Feedback, gender. You know you rose to the top for you from the survey we put out. We sent you.

C

The full complement of responses that we received from the use of fund survey for the esser funds.

C

Heavily dominated by parents and staff, but but I would say a wide variety of responses on that.

C

Survey- and we don't have to make any decisions tonight about what those funds will be used for.

C

But we did put out a draft spending plan in that survey for feedback. Also to that and again some.

C

Of the again a wide variety of things, some common themes around the mental health supports and the.

C

Learning loss etc and some facilities, um but other than that there were some ideas that hadn't come.

C

Up yet you know to this point in in our process either, but of course of note, we put in the draft.

C

Plan an expectation that we could be using up to say two million dollars; investor funds for.

C

Becoming a capital partner with the city and the purchase of community campus for the purpose of.

C

Moving lister academy to community campus nathan and I and I know margo and nancy- met with the.

C

Mayor and city manager and we've been working with the city now for a couple of weeks in earnest to.

C

See what other options exist because, quite honestly- and this goes both for the school side.

C

As well for the city side, the use of our esser funds and, in the city's case, the use of their.

C

Opera funds do seem to have restraints around the use trying to get through the approval process for.

C

Capital purchases has been difficult and questions have been raised, not just in the short term, but in.

C

The long term what happens to these buildings or this property, you know 20 years from now. What, if.

C

You give it up what happens to that money? Do we have to give it back to the government etc.

C

So I know the city is the city manager is working with the city council around other.

C

Financing options around community campus and the good news to you in that is that pretty much.

C

We've taken off the table, the use of two million dollars of esser funds, and so that would free this.

C

Conversation up eventually to be a much more robust conversation of what other needs exist.

C

And we have still the opportunity which we would highly uh recommend moving the lister.

C

Academy program at some point when the community campus is ready, we have some renovation work to do.

C

Over to community campus and again, the good news there is we at this point are.

C

Not looking at a a rental arrangement, we would be uh able to put that program in that space, so.

C

So we're very excited about that uh and we're very excited again about uh what this might.

C

Mean for the use of esser funds over the time period we have which again in reminding you.

C

Is multiple years not one year, so we want to look at a long term strategy with some of these things.

C

Certainly, there will be some fit up costs to community campus. Nowhere in the near two.

C

Million dollar range, but but esther funds would likely be appropriate for whatever funds might be.

C

Necessary to get that space for our purposes uh up and running um I'd turn it to nathan.

C

Well, I mean, I guess the one thing that I would say is uh when we did the first, when we had our first.

M

Survey that went out, I put together some some some data for you to talk about categorically.

M

The themes that came out of the feedback and working on that right now to parse out.

M

It was a lot more free form, input that was provided. You've had a chance to see it now so.

M

Parsing out, even in individual responses, three or four different elements um and trying to tie that.

K

Back to the extent that it stays consistent with those larger themes that came out of the original.

M

Batch um uh facility, including air conditioning and air quality, uh um social, emotional learning,.

M

Staffing increases things, remember those categories, so I'm working to pull that together.

M

And we'll feed into that your conversation tonight any of the feedback that you guys might have so.

M

When I, when I have that it'll come, it's been suggested or requested that it would be helpful.

M

um Based on a couple of the conversations, at least that I know came out of the public forums.

M

Just to be able to offer up some graphical illustration of of.

M

How much is going in how much it might be proposed for one purpose or another.

M

And then establishing some kind of a graphical crosswalk against the needs that were expressed.

M

And what the proposal calls out. I would suggest, though, that one of the things that I'm I'm.

M

Conscious of, and it's been suggested before is to try to find a way to blend in the elements of our.

M

Budget proposal that we just completed that spoke to some of those suggestions that have been made.

M

The feedback cycle that we've had now these couple of times so working on that and we'll try to add.

B

To that whatever whatever comes out of tonight, I just wanted to make a comment that in mango- and I.

A

Were involved in the meeting with the um city manager and the mayor, and then we had another.

A

Meeting with the city manager- and I just want to say thank you to the city for being so willing and.

A

Cooperative to work with us on the lister academy going to the community campus, I mean at one point.

A

It was going to cost us two million dollars and now it's not going to cost us anything potentially.

A

I mean the city council has to vote on this. It's not copton stone yet, but um you know that's it's.

A

Just wonderful that the city, the manager, the mayor and potentially the city council is just.

A

Has their arms open to us, and I think we should be very thankful for that. It's a great city that.

A

We live in, and I want to thank nathan for all his hard work on. This he's had numerous meetings with.

A

The city staff and stephen and george I mean steve's, been.

A

Involved in george a little bit because george is doing other things. But our administrative.

A

Team has been great too, so I'm just really proud. I'm really proud of how our city operates and how.

A

They're willing to work with us- and I just wanted to make that comment. Yes and I just.

N

Wanted to comment on the feedback from so many people and so much of what they think should.

N

Happen are things that we already have in the budget and that we've been talking about and.

N

Over and over again, the same same things came up really interesting to read it, and I I don't want.

M

To jump in line, but I will say I was struck by as as often as the case when you have that kind of.

M

Wide open public feedback public conversation I was struck by the I think we should go left.

M

And then three people, three three four more down, I think we should clearly go right left- would be.

M

Absolutely so they're they're are on a number and I'm not calling on anything specific, but on.

M

A number of different uh topics that are, I think, a part of your conversation about the priorities for.

M

These funds, you've got a real you've, got the whole spectrum yeah. Those that are you know that want to.

M

Go in one direction and those that want to go the other. So there's a lot for you to deliberate on.

M

I'm sure, let's start on the side for one liz. I just want to frame the conversation um and ask.

G

What are the, can you be clear with us again, what are the timelines as far as spending this money.

G

um How much is there, and when does it, need to be spent by? Because I am concerned that if there is a.

G

Large amount of money and we have it sitting there and then we have to go through approval process. I.

G

Don't want to get to some sort of end date. um You know if there are bigger projects that we could.

G

Spend on quickly and use our funds in our budget towards the smaller things that might you know we.

G

Know these bigger projects will get approved with esser I'd. Rather, you know pull that money from our.

G

You know what maybe we've considered in our budget, or I guess I'm just in maybe a regular budget.

G

Would be better suited for some of the um stuff that would be esser focused as well. So you know.

G

If there needs to be shifting, so I guess I'm just concerned and wanting to know you know what is.

G

The deadline- what are the timelines here and you know- is there a possibility that we should try to.

G

Eat it up as quickly as possible on some things and shift some money around. If that makes sense,.

M

So you right now you have available to you the arrester two dollars that came out of.

M

The carissa act um that are just a little over 1.2 million dollars. You have access to that and.

M

Spent through september of 23. and then the larger amount is sr3 that came out of the our act. That's.

M

2.7 million in change and that's available to you for spending until september 30th of 24.

M

Mandatory set aside to address items related to learning loss. That number adds up to 554 155.

M

000 but that's part of the 2.7 million that that needs to come out and no reason.

M

Why you couldn't use a million dollars against learning loss for 2 million or the whole thing.

M

Against items related to learning loss, but you must spend at least that that 20 percent.

M

There is a there, is a apply, apply and approve and then spend in claim reimbursement process.

M

And so uh we certainly, I wouldn't want to wait to start spending money in you know, june of 23, but.

M

But we haven't rushed, we haven't rushed to allocate and use all of those funds.

M

Simply because we haven't had to rush and again things feel today, like they're becoming clearer.

M

But if you go back six months or nine months every time you think things are going to be.

M

Coming clear, then, conditions on the ground change now, there's a new variant coming and maybe there's.

M

And so there's been a concern that we should just continue to be very deliberate because.

M

You may yet have an unforeseen need that arises, and these daughters might be able to help so.

G

And can so, can I give you a hypothetical just so that you can sort of um explain when the deadline.

G

Sort of hits so here's the hypothetical. Let's say we wanted to put air conditioning in the schools.

G

To help support summer programming to to help with learning loss in that way, and we see if they they.

G

Will approve us for air conditioning in a school? Let's say when is the deadline? Is the deadline.

G

Once the project is completely done and installed and then we get the payout.

G

Needs to be completed by september 2023. I guess I just want to be sure that we're not in a situation.

G

I don't think you'd put us in a situation like this, but I guess I'm just wondering if there's.

G

A bigger project that we need to consider for these funds and maybe be a good use of these.

G

Funds, if it's going to take you know getting bids for the project, then doing the project.

G

And then, actually getting the everything installed before this payout is sort of.

G

Finalized um and that's the cutoff point, then you know we may need to to really. You know.

G

Make some decisions sooner than later? I guess I guess I would say if you're talking about a.

M

Capital project of any sort- and in this case we we were talking about a capital acquisition.

M

Which really seemed to get in the way of the federal government? They weren't sure what to do.

M

With acquiring property like that, but capital in terms of installing air conditioning, for instance,.

M

In your example, we've probably already missed the window to engage that kind of work for this summer.

M

Other than the work that we're already talking about at new franklin and at little harbor and.

M

Dondero because we've already started that process we've had the uh the space assessment done.

M

We have some sense, um and so the timeline would be backing up from um from next summer.

M

Wanting the work to be done by the opening of school, which is time enough for us to.

M

Complete the billing and the paperwork and the reimbursement would be done.

M

For the september, 30th of 23 deadline certainly the same thing a year later for the 24 deadline.

M

We would have to sometime this summer or fall start to get serious about it, so that we could.

M

Engage the bid process and be ready to boots on the ground, getting the work done as soon as school.

M

Was out next summer next june, um so I guess, are there deadlines yeah? There are reasonable.

M

Timelines, the only complicating challenge that exists in all of that is that, if you're in that.

M

World right now with building materials and such it is, there is the risk that there there aren't.

M

Companies who can do the work there are materials you can buy. We've been given some assurance that.

M

The units that we're talking about purchasing and implementing uh at new franklin and.

M

Additionally, if we were going to do new, um dondero and little harbor work, those right now seem to be.

M

uh Available, that's if they're in inventory, you could put a plan together.

M

So that's something that's a bit of an unknown. Is there something else that will happen in this.

M

World, or in this region at least that will drive us to the point that next spring, when we say you.

M

Know where we've ordered this, but now it's a six month lead time before you can get a.

M

Compressor in or a rooftop split, or what have you, those those are possibilities, but right now.

M

What we're talking about again generally the things that we would be talking about needing.

M

Are mainstream enough so that there continues to be available inventory.

M

Although generally at higher price than it was five years ago, oh yeah, so I mean is there any.

G

Possibility, I guess with that being said, is there any possibility of getting ac in the schools.

G

Before this summer, so that we could um teach the kids- and you know have summer programming.

G

At the schools in the schools I mean you know this summer, yeah you're, saying there's no way.

M

Right now we have a plan as soon as school is out at new franklin to install the air conditioning in.

M

New franklin, yeah and that same vendor is working with us to be prepared to get the go order to move.

M

Forward with putting in air conditioning in some limited spaces at dondero and at little harbor.

M

All of which we hope would be completed by the start of school in september.

M

So that it would be available to us in the summer of 23., um I I can't guarantee, as I.

M

Sit here right now, because we just haven't put enough enough commitment to it that they could get.

M

They could get the labor and the material and do the work in fondue little harbor. But that's.

M

Right now, the plan- the hope, is that they could do some of that this summer, but not this spring.

M

In time to use it this summer, so do we need to take a vote sooner than later, so we can purchase.

G

Compressors or whatnot with us or funds, if that's, what we choose to do is what you're saying like.

G

The product is there and there's a risk that it wouldn't be. I mean I guess, if it if it's.

M

I wasn't expecting that we would take action tonight or anytime immediately, but that that.

M

The conversation would move us in that direction and really queuing them up for little harbor and.

M

Bandera was a hopeful idea. I really expected that that probably would be work that we would better.

M

Identify and likely do next summer. Okay- and my last question is just the deadline of september.

G

2023 for this first sr2 funds, that is the deadline of when we would have to complete the project to.

G

Get the payout essentially so, whatever we decided to do with it right would need to be sort of like.

G

If it were a building project or retrofitting or something it would, the project would need to be.

G

Like where's, the deadline fall, the deadline falls on the day that the project starts.

G

When the government pays or when the project finishes, and the government reimburses us for the.

G

For the cost, I guess there are, there are opportunities. There are windows of.

M

Of claim and reimbursed that that maybe extend beyond, but I guess for our purposes.

M

I would prefer to just say: we need to have spent the money and be done with whatever we're going.

M

To do before we get into september more than a couple. Okay, all right! Thank you, okay, so I hope.

A

In lisa and kerry, I have to regroup think of my question now: no, it's like no! No! No! It's okay!.

J

So we've talked a lot about capital expenditures. I I saw a lot of needs for intervention around math.

J

And obviously, mental health- and we did get to hear from chris- um was that our last meeting that we.

J

Yeah that we heard from chris, so I would love to revisit with with the wellness committee and the.

J

Wellness club and the school counselors, whoever is kind of uniting that wellness front around.

J

Mental health of um because she she commented on maybe some specific things around the curriculum.

J

But what that would look like what those numbers might look like and how that might be implemented.

J

But I I'm very I'm in all the conversations that we've heard from each level. Math keeps coming up.

J

And so I would love to hear from steve and george not tonight, but how we can be more intentional.

J

Around math intervention- and I know one of the things we're trying to shy away from.

J

Is ftes per se of adding more heads to the books for long term, but it does seem that if we have a.

J

Two year window, we could put together a very intentional two-year rollout of a supplemental.

J

Learning loss interventional program around math that might allow for more tutors. It might allow.

J

For some temporary positions that may not be necessary for a long term but help to build back.

J

Up those numbers, kind of level things out and just give our staff some breathing room too by.

J

Bringing people in from a temporary perspective- I don't sit here claiming to be the math expert, so I.

J

I don't know if that's a task for steve or if it's just, but I would love to see each level instead of.

J

Asking for things on a silo perspective, I would like to see a more comprehensive kind of k-12.

J

Attack plan of how we can kind of earmark some dollars for learning loss around math and and.

J

Maybe if there's other areas that teachers feel that there's needs, so I just want to put that.

J

Out there and yeah we can certainly put on the agenda coming up because that's power planning.

C

That's already been been in place, especially for the extended day programming the summer programs.

C

And the iteration that we'll do this summer and other things, but I I agree, I think a real focused.

C

Level of support, intervention and math would be of great benefit.

A

Who was next lisa? I had one comment and then a question that kind of piggybacks on what hope was.

I

Saying but one thing that struck me in reading through all of the feedback that we got aside.

I

From one over here and one yeah, was it people really we're sort of bubbling up a lot of the.

I

Things that have been kind of our long-standing missions. You know there was a lot around wellness.

I

There was a lot around equity and diversity and there was a lot around sort of learning loss, but.

I

That's also kind of fundamentally an equity question, so I guess I would like to make sure.

I

That we're reaching out to the corners of the district k-12 that are already doing the work.

I

In those areas, you know kind of like what hope said about touching back with wellness, but also.

I

Looping in our equity committee, like looping and people who are focused on these areas because.

I

Across the board, even once we get past the pandemic, we're still going to need to work on.

I

Those things all the time and we're going to want to make sure that whatever occasional plan is just.

I

Supports that in a good way, and then I guess my question is and again I know.

I

We're really reluctant about ftas with this money because we don't want to create permanent.

I

Problems in the budget that we can't pay, but I do agree. I've heard a lot from people.

I

All the way from elementary up through high school, who are concerned about math.

I

To a lesser extent, also about reading, you know, we know we've heard from.

I

The lower k12 teachers about some needs around potential teaching assistance to deal with just.

I

Social emotional, behavioral learning, readiness for the kids that haven't had preschool and I.

I

Would like to be really targeted about what are the opportunities to think about just a one-year.

I

Two-Year part-time temporary, what's the shot in the arm that we need in targeted places to give.

I

Support where it's most needed to make up for the things that students really haven't had.

I

And just to give teachers a little bit of support, I mean we're hearing from some teachers that are.

I

Just like I've got so many kids with so many astronomically bigger needs than I've had before.

I

And I hope it'll be better. Once I see two years down the line that they've gone to.

I

Preschool but right now that's just not the case, so I guess I would like us to think.

I

In some way about targeted, ftes or part-time jobs or assistance or, however, we're couching.

I

Them that are contracts that are only a year or two where we need them: mm-hmm, good point: okay,.

A

Michael, did I see you, I think carol, carrick's. First, okay, sorry carrie! Please I cut you off.

F

The other way, sorry geez. No, I think my so you know I'm very much of a program project person and I'll.

D

Clarify this by saying: first, I was like I'm never gonna invent new programs. That's not my job as.

D

A new, but I had a, I have a dream after reading all of this, and I think it complements what lisa.

D

Lisa and hope have just said, but if we try to address each.

D

One of the themes like I've been going through and theming all this feedback.

D

I mean there's not it's not a comfort, it would never be a comprehensive strategy.

D

So, yes, we could say, kindergarten, paris, we need those, we need this. We need that, and so I think.

D

One thing that I would encourage us to do is look at a big thing. I think my recent experience with.

D

After school programming has led me to say, one of those pathways is a huge investment in an.

D

Enrichment focused after-school program for the district that we could fund short term through.

D

These funds that would have communication with teachers so that a teacher can refer and say.

D

You know margo's really struggling on this subject and that there is a tutor within that program. So.

D

I have my daughter has gotten the opportunity to be in an enrichment-based after-school program for.

D

Three weeks and it's night and day for us um and only new franklin school qualifies and has that.

D

Because of their designation, and so I think that there is in talking to other parents that have.

D

Participated, there's the same sort of reception and appreciation of this program, so I think to.

D

Where we already have it built in within the district modeling after that, not reinventing the.

D

Wheel, where there's wreck collaboration things like that, so I guess it just is sort of like a.

D

Referral system right, but there needs to be an umbrella that that referral system happens under.

D

um And I think that that was sort of my vision after reading. Through all these, we can't do 40.

D

Different things we have to do three different things and cover you know: 30 domains under one.

D

And that's my idea for how well thank you kevin yep. We are science, people we think. Similarly, I was.

H

Thinking I feel like we keep talking about this. I want us to move forward, um so I called a bunch of.

H

Different school boards that I know people on and it sounds like what a lot of other school.

H

Boards are doing is identifying the themes or the or the buckets and then to what hope is saying.

H

Putting together a comprehensive task force of various, because we I mean, though I like the.

H

Feedback, I want to be honest that it was only about between the two surveys. Maybe 200 people.

H

So we really haven't heard all that we need to hear and I'm sure there are other ideas.

H

Out there that we haven't thought about, so I would advise that we use this time.

H

To identify in order of priority the umbrellas and then put comprehensive task force together.

H

That have levels and parents and community members, and they come up with in a priority list. What are.

H

The things we need to address in this area and what are the ideas for how we can address it.

H

So that we can have an action plan moving moving forward and they would prioritize those you know.

H

They might have 10 wishes and we can only meet five, but I feel like we need to involve.

H

More brains in in solving the puzzle once we as a group identify from the.

H

Feedback we've had so far. What are those big umbrella themes.

H

Which I think we have enough information to determine that and then I would add to that.

H

um One of the things I I heard a lot in and talking to a lot of different teachers.

H

Is what it sounds like the need is, is feet on the ground right now and that they don't necessarily.

H

See that becoming a full-time position that if we do it right and thoughtfully, if the intervention.

H

Is in here- and we also think about the curriculum and how that's going to come in the two should.

H

Line up to the point that we don't need to absorb that as a full-time position, we can.

H

Go forward and not in an ideal world not have it be a major hit to the budget, but I do think that.

H

Is something that we can be thinking about is we can come at it as the short term, but then, what's.

H

The greater overarching curricular needs or um our sel curricular needs that will then continue.

H

And rise it forward and support it. So I'd love for us to identify those themes tonight.

J

Can I just add one more thing? Yes, then we have to move on. um I I. I really appreciate you putting.

J

Together the the surveys, but even in putting out our own surveys with the search committee.

J

One of the things that I found is that often our pha families from portsmouth housing.

J

Don't get connected to these or our resettlement families don't get connected with these surveys.

J

And their feedback, so I just want to make sure that we are being thoughtful to make sure that.

J

We're looking at what are the wraparound services that our resettlement families.

J

I mean I know the number is small: it's relative right for portsmouth. It's not like we're chicago.

J

But we are seeing an uptick in resettlement, families and those wraparound services and.

J

Needs and coming into the elementary school level classes um as as well as our pha families.

J

Do need some holding hands, sometimes of understanding how to get the feedback.

J

For their family, so I just want to make sure that we're catching that information from healthy.

I

Nancy- oh I'm sorry I'm over here, I'm sorry! I make a better way.

N

I just wanted to mention the fact that that some of the concerns that we've had and we're.

N

Hearing from parents and everyone in the surveys about uh wanting more assistance and more parents.

N

We started the year minus 15, paris. This is my recollection, the number and we're trying we're.

N

Trying to hire them all year and they were not available because people were not looking for work.

N

I'm thinking that we may have more luck with professional people unless, unless they're.

N

Weary as well so so that's a concern. It may be all well and good that we'd like to have.

N

uh Paris or assistants and and people on the ground, but they may well not be available yeah.

A

Okay, we'll have one more comment and then we'll talk about how we're going to move forward.

G

um So I guess with that being said, I I just want to give.

G

Three points so, first off, first well, so, first off you know, I just want to give a little push back as.

G

Far as making a committee to sort of direct this, when we initially were talking about budget, we had.

G

A list of stuff that we didn't put in the budget that we were going to consider esser funds for and.

G

I, and with that being said, I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel. There are communities that.

G

Are doing it right now, bigger cities are seeing success with um putting more social workers into.

G

The school having uh parent liaisons so somebody that would work- and I know we've talked about this.

G

Having somebody that would work more between the school and uh in the homes sort of an intermediary.

G

To help with kids that are struggling with homework and whatnot, so I think, and as far as an.

G

Overarching theme, I guess my concern is that you know with esser. We need to address everybody and.

G

I think everybody is feeling a level of burnout, because you know at my job we're short staffed at.

G

Your job they're short stuff, you know everybody's short, staffed and so everybody's sort of. I don't.

G

Know how I can speak for everybody, but I think a lot of people are working overtime right now.

G

um And you know, prices are going up and so there's a level of burnout, and so I I just wonder if.

G

There's a way that we could address the burnout because I don't see it, you know I hope everybody.

G

Has a refreshing summer and everything's great next year, but I am concerned that next year is.

G

Going to be another level of burnout, and so you know, I think we already have a list of priorities.

G

We know what's sort of working in other communities and you know if we can address.

G

The burnout- um you know that would be great. Also, I see universal pre-k uh on there and I support that.

G

So um but I know, we've already talked about that and we are increasing there. So I would.

G

Hesitate the board to sort of go into this big brainstorming and actually kind of come back.

G

To what what didn't make it in the budget? What was on our sheet from before? As far as ideas for.

G

Esser and kind of narrow in those priorities and start spending this money towards those.

G

Things immediately, if we feel like we need more social workers that didn't make it into the budget.

A

Okay, thank you, liz um kerry. Briefly, can you brief? I was just curious if we've connected with.

D

The cte like early childhood, ed folks and great bay, and if there's where we have had.

D

Trouble hiring paras and there's clearly a gap with kindergarten, or is it in if we have used.

D

Outside community resources tried to be quick and then I was slow nancy. The pressure just got to me.

C

Yeah we have pursued, certainly you know, limited availability. You know it's hard to pull. I mean.

C

In the case of cte from one program to cover a need, that's that's all day right! It's it's just.

C

Sort of two hours don't help it kind of grades, the integrity of the program to a degree, so um so yeah.

C

But I do think and then again we'll come up with a higher for you for a social worker coming up.

C

The point made, which is incredibly valid, is we can have in fact, we've had money in.

C

The budget this year that we haven't spent because we haven't been able to hire pera so.

C

We have said okay. Well, we could let's try to get a social worker and it took us.

C

Almost all year to get a social worker, so I mean I do think there are some real constraints. So we.

C

We think differently around. How do we partner with seacoast mental health and bring people in.

C

To our schools on a more regular basis to help support and those are the things I think that we.

C

Have to keep talking about to get further, I guess one of the things in terms of use of ester funds.

C

I guess I would think about in our timeline. Is we are just about to enter into the city council.

C

Phase of our operating budget and those of you been around this process a couple times things.

C

Can change there? We certainly are optimistic that our budget will will stand through the process, but.

C

This is a unique opportunity having esser funds to at least maintain the budget you proposed, because.

C

If something were to have to be reduced, we could turn to esser and say: could we do it there so.

C

So I guess I would I you know, I want to say again these aren't decisions we need to make tonight.

C

That this is something that we just want to put together a process. That's going to make sense and.

C

Be the most effective so so does it make sense to ask nathan and you and george, to come back with a.

A

Plan for say at our next meeting about how we're going to spend at least until the 9 23 deadline.

A

The 1.2 million well nick, do you want to at least make suggestions here? We have a sheet, though, don't.

A

We delicious, but we certainly can can revise that based on where we are with the feedback. We've got.

C

Yeah nathan said he was going to put together a graph. So can you put the buckets because.

J

If you're going to be putting that together, you're going to come up with the buckets anyway right so.

J

Can you put together the bucket, I mean, and we should be reminded that we don't need to front.

J

Load all the spending at one place. We have a lot of transitioning happening in our district as well.

A

Okay, but I guess I would say if we could do that, so that for money we could spend the summer on.

A

Summer activities- and you know summer school and the busing we might need- I mean whatever we would.

A

Need to try to get some of these funds to happen now, and I know we do have some that we're already.

A

Spending but whatever we could do to increase, particularly for the summer.

A

That's so immediate I'd go back to the comments that I've made to you before and I guess I would.

M

Say this as I as I walk through your financial with you, your financial report and I say.

M

Looks pretty good, I think things are okay, one of the things I've said as well is, for instance,.

M

We have had a math tutor at the middle school this year. We put it in the budget for next year.

M

It's itemized right now as something that could reasonably be paid for out of esser. I don't think.

M

You're going to have to because there certainly have been a couple of pair of positions, vacant.

M

That the dollars will cover that tudor cost, and so I continue to pursue that same logic that things.

M

That are already done that we've thrown out there as possible to the extent possible those yeah at.

M

The extent possible those dollars will find a home in the operating budget this year, because.

M

Of the things that we've not been able to do, but positions we're not being able to hire, etc, but but.

J

That's why I go back to being more intentional in our planning, because, yes, we have that one position.

J

But given where we might want those numbers to be, if we speak to the principals, the math.

J

Departments of you know the the people that are on the ground boots doing the work. I would think that.

J

Bringing in more support on a temporary basis would be better than just one person to really.

J

Be able to boost those numbers ongoing, I I don't know that for sure, but is that wrong? You have a.

A

Schedule for summer and fall then could you come back to us with ideas for the summer in the fall.

F

Using the essa funds and then we can discuss that at our next meeting. Does that sound like a good.

A

Plan to everybody yeah, that's why they're thinking about, if it's possible, I know we had with the.

I

Original budget conversation, this sort of laundry list like liz, was mentioning of possible s or fund.

I

Usage, it would be helpful to know, for example, if we're going to budget. You know some amount of.

I

Money for wellness, if there are next steps, even if we don't get through all those steps, but whether.

I

We would send that to chris burke or whether it would go to the wellness committee or just.

I

What your thoughts are about, how we start to move forward with identifying what the things are that.

I

We would actually do beyond just doing wellness. Does that make sense? Because I feel like for my.

I

Brain it's been a little too abstract and I'm just trying to understand as we move through.

I

The process, who are we going to to refine the ideas and come up with the things that we most.

I

Need to spend the money on soonest does that make sense, so it seems if we categorize the buckets.

J

Then those can get prioritized and I think stephen george would be able to put alongside of that who.

J

Would be the best people right? Yes, that's what I was saying. I just want to understand. Okay, I guess.

G

And let's try to do like requests for proposals from teachers, because I mean if we're looking.

G

For like wellness people to sort of you know the wellness folks that come forward and say hey how.

G

Do you think this would be best presented? I mean obviously we're not looking for teachers to say.

G

I need new chromebooks, I mean. Maybe we are like an ipad for my classroom or something like that.

G

But like I guess, I'm I'm wondering I think the teachers and the admin are probably best.

G

Suited to tell us I mean like they did when they were coming here, saying what they needed.

G

You know maybe best suited to have ideas of of okay. Well, I got what I wanted in the budget.

G

But maybe this would be a little bit nicer. I could address this. I don't know if you could.

G

Actually speak to any of that, as far as from a teacher's standpoint or um admin standpoint or.

G

Yeah, what um so yeah I I definitely would identify with that being in the classroom.

O

Being in the fabric of, what's going on, we kind of have a pulse on what might be most.

O

Useful- um and that makes a lot of sense, um but didn't teachers have a say in the survey.

C

Yeah we got, we got a number of staff responses in the survey itself, so, like I, I mean right off the.

O

Top of my head, I always do the opportunity fund camp so last year um we used funds for that.

O

Then there's other I'm sure, disciplines, um world languages and other places where they might have.

O

Things that they want to use that as resources as well, there's clipper academy, um where some of the.

O

Funds could go um or somewhere yeah. There was a suggestion in there that some of the essa funds.

A

Were used for the clipper academy, applications that didn't get funded suits programs, and this.

A

Conversation, I I think we'll end it with asking nathan and steve to come back to our.

A

Next meeting with how what their suggestions are for spending the money for the summer in the fall.

A

To get us started, and I know in that one sheet: we had actual figures, they were actual salary.

A

Figures and material figures, and all that is that doable, would you say yeah all right. Yes, hope, steve.

J

For our actual budget, aside from esser, um teachers already have to put in proposals right that go up.

J

To the principal, and so I'm just wondering, there's always things on the list that make it through and.

J

There's many things on the list as we've learned that don't make it through. So I'm just wondering.

J

Can we get an account of what hasn't made it through? That might be something that could be.

J

A priority that could be looked at here or is that something you feel like you already have a pulse.

J

On yeah I mean we can go back to the building administrators and see what was I mean. We had many.

C

Of those conversations through our budget process when we met through december so but uh I guess I'd.

C

I'd hoped that we would do something a little more strategic and holistic in terms of what.

C

Our I think what kerry maybe said, pick the two or three things: yes, because if you just put it out to.

C

200 plus staff and say what do you want you're going to get it as a discipline right? I'm not.

J

Suggesting that I just was wondering if there's things that might align with what comes up to be.

J

Like these are the top themes that we see and then, if we prioritize them, we could also kind of look.

J

At that, if there's requests sitting there, that's aligning with the top three things that we choose.

J

That might be a time to to look at those requests when we could not earn them in the regular budget.

A

Okay, well, thank you, everyone. I think we have a plan so um at our next meeting, we'll.

A

Talk about this some more okay, um now we'll move on the next time on the agenda is.

A

uh Consideration and approval of a super of a superintendent contract.

A

And um do we have a motion first of all and then we'll uh go into discussion in lago. Anyone want to.

A

Discuss this, we all have it in our packet this time, thank goodness nice job maxine. Thank you.

A

No questions I mean: should we for I'll just make public comment that.

G

Am an attorneys I've looked at the contract, we've also heard from council and council compared.

G

Contract with a prior superintendent contract, I think it's you know comparable um um to what other.

G

Superintendents are um seeing within the state and um and reasonable and fair, um as far as I think,.

G

We were better suited to comment on this last time, so I guess maybe I should pull up my notes.

G

From the last meeting, just to sort of put on record, where.

G

You know any sort of points.

G

Are we voting on this yeah we're voting on it tonight yeah? So I guess yeah. So I guess I would.

G

I would just yeah, I know just I just sort of summarized. I guess I just want to say that.

G

You know it seems like the superintendent, um um you know it is incentivized to to come live here.

G

Although it's not a requirement um and um and you know, I think it essentially it's it's fair and if.

G

Anybody has any questions. I'd be happy to answer. You know questions directly from the community.

G

um About um the contract- and I know you talked to council, yes, we talked to tom, constant and.

G

And understood you know how this contract compared to prior contracts, so I'd be happy to answer.

G

Questions privately, if anybody had a question. Thank you. Please any other comments. um Okay, well,.

A

I think we're very fortunate to have dr mclaughlin joining us and um uh I think it's a fair contract.

A

It's been hammered out quite efficiently, I think so. um Do we have to have a roll call? No okay, all.

A

Those in favor all right, any opposed okay motion passes and we're happy that dr mclaughlin will be.

A

Working with doctor zach, we met last week via zoom, and uh you know he's looking forward to.

C

Coming and I'm looking forward to working with him much more closely, and so is it nathan.

M

Get him an email account. The next item on the agenda is the consideration and approval.

A

For employment, with a social worker at the middle school and I'll hand it over to steve.

C

Yes, so we have for you, as I just referenced a few minutes ago, a long-awaited ability to nominate.

C

A social worker uh lisa jacobus is, uh is our candidate for a social worker primarily focused at.

C

The middle school, although one of the ideas in this position, is to start to think of case.

C

Managing some of our most uh needy families, etc. That may have students across multiple schools.

C

In fact, um and so lisa comes to us with a master's in social work from smith college.

C

Bachelor's social work from unh and many years of experience in the field and certainly rose.

C

To the top for the middle school in their search process, so we're very excited to nominate lisa.

B

Second, I have a question with the parade. Okay, what is your question um so steve? I'm just. Can you give.

J

A little bit of background of like exactly what the position is going to look like.

J

Is it going to be mainly case management or or working directly with students, um both middle.

J

School yeah it'll be it'll, be both I mean it'll, be the nature of social work, as you know, which is.

C

Deep work with families around the needs and access, and certainly students who may be in.

C

Acute stages of needing some extra support can you help me understand um just with her.

J

Background- and I know that we've been searching- I'm not trying to um I'm excited that we have a.

J

Candidate coming forward, but I'd like to understand, if she's going to be working with.

J

Middle school, her background is mainly in mental health, training and clinical assessments and not.

J

Necessarily working with youth clinical um therapy is my understanding, so you go back through the.

C

The nomination she has other experience other than a more recent experience of working with youth.

C

um In the mental health capacity but yeah, so I see that, but it's it's very light in comparison to.

M

Me so just trying to understand is her role going to be more on the case management side or well.

C

It's all working with students- and you know one of the things she said to us in our interview.

C

Was that was one of the things that drew her to this position was being able to get back to.

C

Work much more closely directly with students. Okay, thank you. Okay, uh do we? We don't need a.

A

Roll call, though, do we? Okay, all those in favor. Any opposed motion passes okay, steve you're still on.

A

All right, so, uh yes, uh we have um two requests for leave of absence, one from brit santa maria.

C

A teacher at little harbor and the other from kim vargo one of our math teachers at the high.

C

School both for a family or maternity reasons, motion to purple. Second, all in favor all right.

J

I have discussion, I'm so sorry. I I certainly.

J

Approve both of these and can see the need for them, but I also have concern around.

J

We continue to have leave of absences come up at such a time where we're in dire need of staff.

J

And so I'm just wondering how we're is there a cap that we're going to have.

J

I know we try to always we're family here, we're trying to honor our staff and we're trying to.

J

Give them what they need, but how many of these can we absorb? I guess before I mean people are already.

J

Running around and subbing in classrooms and trying to do their full-time jobs too,.

J

So I just am wondering: what's the game plan for absorbing continued leaves yeah, so uh we are.

C

Fortunate to get notices of positions out, we have not even last year, had great difficulty in filling.

C

The one-year positions with the one exception of our business program, um and so so we we would have.

C

High confidence that we'll be able to fill these with teachers for the year okay, great, thank you.

G

Liz- and I just want to add to hope- I mean I asked this question last time or the time before, to.

G

Steve of what's going on with these sort of things, and I think the idea is that we're actually giving.

G

Space for somebody to come back to us instead of saying hey, no we're not going to do that.

G

You know, go your separate way, we're all we're providing space for them. You know, so we may bring.

G

Somebody in and then be able to shift them around. So if we did bring somebody in to cover one of.

G

These we could shift them to another classroom or vice versa, so I think it just creates more space.

G

I mean it creates space essentially doing something like this versus somebody leaving.

G

Creates space to continue to build our staff yeah, I wasn't suggesting anyone should leave.

G

No, no, I understand that, but I guess that's that was you're in staff shortage.

G

For me, I guess when I was before: okay, all in favor.

A

Consider consideration and approval of teacher contracts yeah, so we uh I had sent you our.

C

List of nominations for professional staff for next year, for teachers, and uh and this is the.

C

Time of year, the meeting we typically would nominate for your approval.

C

The staff, so we would ask for your approval of the nomination list as presented, and you know I know.

C

George gave an update on the principal search committee for the high school when we did the.

C

The survey to ask what the strengths were of phs uh resoundingly, um probably one of the top vote.

C

Getters, if you will was the quality of staff, and I think if we were to do that- survey across all of.

C

Our schools, I'm sure that would be the answer we'd get from this community, so I I nominate.

C

That slate of teachers with a lot of respect and thankfulness for the job they do every day.

C

They certainly have earned the admiration of of the community so to approve. Second, any discussion.

G

I guess this is just an interesting practice to me as a new board member, and so is this sort of a.

G

Trade, it's I mean it seems to be a traditional thing where we get a slate of everybody.

G

um And- and so I guess I just um it's just not it's not odd, but it's just new to me and I guess.

G

This is an interesting way to sort of put things forward, so we're obviously proving the budget for.

G

These positions, so really, what are we like like? Where would our role really come into play if we.

G

Were looking at this like hey, I want this person gone this year, like I don't think that's going.

G

To go that way so like what's the purpose of us continually doing this because, as you already said,.

C

The you know it's our job to nominate staff yeah and it's it's the board's job to approve so yeah.

C

Absent saying no, we won't approve them and now go find somebody else to nominate.

C

And that's probably the extent of it, okay, anybody we want to get rid of this just kidding.

G

All right, thank you, yeah! Thank you all in favor hi, any opposed okay motion passes.

A

Okay, committee updates: did anybody go to a committee meeting? It was uh yes go to the cte.

F

Any meeting, but I did not bring my notes with me tonight, so I'd rather wait and report on that next.

L

Meeting if I could so that I get it right, it's probably a lot do that. That was a great meeting.

L

Anyone else I also went to the library board of trustees and there really isn't anything terribly.

N

New except they're hearing a lot of pushback about the fact that people have to wear masks there.

N

We all wore masks at our at our meeting and uh and I I I was wondering whether they had a loss.

N

Of materials, because they don't they don't have fines anymore and they said no not really, but.

N

If something is just missing and then they have a brief, a restock fee and no problem.

A

And they have a new director of the director yeah. She was the assistant director before.

N

And they are looking now to name an assistant director.

A

Our library is something we should all be very proud of, there's so many wonderful programs at our.

A

Library um I attended the sau, 50 and 52 meeting with steve and george and um we met tally. There.

A

It was a good meeting. uh Do you want to talk about it? A little bit.

B

um I think that we have all the same concerns that y'all have um and are trying to do all.

B

The things that you guys are doing uh in terms of supporting students using esser funds, um lots of.

B

Transitions in both saus and how do we continue to collaborate well and efficiently um and.

B

I think that's it right, nancy kelly. What is your sorry? What is your role? I guess I I know.

G

You're, the representative, but um are you on a board in one of the towns or are you like.

G

How did you come about being the representative, I'm uh the vice chair of the greenland school.

B

Board, okay, and so that's how I do that and professionally I'm a 21-year.

B

Educator myself, so, okay, um yes, that's how I came to this party nice to meet you.

J

So mine's, not a committee update, but I want to give a shout out to the hockey team.

J

Who made it to the finals, which is a big deal? I went to the game, it was an awesome game. They.

J

Gave up a great fight, and so I just want to say that you know I'm really proud of our hockey team.

A

And I don't know if anyone saw the herald today but there's a story about the.

A

Sea, the high school students that have gotten scholarships at various colleges throughout the.

A

Throughout the country um for sports accomplishments- and there was.

A

I think most of them were the portsmouth high school students, so that was kind of a cool thing.

A

To see um while we're given just props, I want to say, thanks to our very conscientious uh student.

F

Representative on this board nick, I was extremely conflicted he reached out yesterday about coming.

F

To the meeting tonight, or getting an early bedtime to be good for the s.a.t tomorrow,.

F

And I I excused him from tonight's meeting um so good luck tomorrow, nick I just want to say that.

F

He is in our principal search committee, though oh good nancy, yes, oh, I just wanted to update on.

O

The education part of the portsmouth 400 and the students will be conducting their first interview.

O

Their historical interview on friday and they have put out a request to students um to conduct more.

O

Interviews, so this is their dry run practice one. um Is this harold whitehouse? It is yes. I.

F

Think they did it last friday. No, it's uh it's it's! This friday I talked to jillian today. I.

O

Don't know harold but quickly he's 94. he's been a city councilor, a school board. Member.

A

I think he's been in the state house, I mean he and he's lived in portsmouth his whole life wow.

A

So he's a good person to um interview funny guy too great personality um about 40 to 50.

O

Kids today made blue and yellow peace cranes so we'll be adding to. I don't know if you remember.

O

The peace wall we made in 2016 we're going to be adding to that ukrainian, not the flag, we're.

O

Going to do like yellow with a blue peace sign, but we're making it mobile so that it can travel.

O

To different locations, maybe different schools, um but that should be done. Maybe next week sometime.

O

So that was really great. A lot of students showed up. We actually ran out of origami paper, so.

O

Yeah, it was great, it was really great and students were teaching like how to do the.

O

Peace carings because about 50 just came because they wanted to you, know to help, um but they didn't.

O

Know how to fold them- and I don't know, have you folded peace cranes? It's actually not that easy.

O

So anyway, so it was great, it was really good. Thank you so big for that. Oh you can do it we'll get you.

O

Big paper kim, um can you give an update on equity council, and I just also wanted to give props to.

J

We speak for doing the middle school training. Yes, thank you! um So, yes, yesterday, finally, after.

O

Almost a year of dreaming and planning, we worked with new hampshire listens but, more importantly,.

O

We actually worked with unh students and the portsmouth students and the middle school students.

O

To do a social justice training and we're going back next monday to do the same thing and probably.

O

We'll probably have to go back a third time, because we want to help them with their.

O

Mission and like how they see themselves in their community, but it was great, it was super um to have.

O

Our high schoolers work with the unh students, um connor he's a senior so that worked out.

O

Really well and then yes, equity council has been going strong. We had two meetings like in a week.

O

We had one on a tuesday, no one on a wednesday and then one on a tuesday like the next week.

O

But we've been moving ahead, pretty pretty good. It's slow and steady wins the race in terms of.

O

What we've put down for goals? One of the events, was a student-led dialogue to help express like.

O

What students were interested in so that was pretty eye-opening and then the next week we.

O

Took different statements and kind of organize them like how we would see.

O

Them play out in the district, so um they were, they were, it was. It was very good, so.

O

We're moving we're moving in a good direction. Thank you, yeah. Thanks. Sorry, anything else from.

A

The high school that you'd like to report no, but I do understand about the library.

O

Because we have an event there, thursday night and they only take 30 people in the levinson.

O

Room right now and they have to wear masks. um So it's going to be, we've had to move to zoom.

O

For part of it, so I do understand, though, how people are like. Oh, a little frustrated.

A

Any other committee reports. Okay. The next item is follow-up items. I have not heard anything.

A

From kelly barnaby regarding the public meetings during the religious holidays, have you she's our.

A

City clerk and she's, um the one that's been put in charge of this, so um I don't. I can I'll give her.

A

A call um I'll find out more information about that. Okay uh communication regarding pha phs.

A

Course, level yeah, they had their open house last week in courses and all of the clarifications I.

C

Believe at this point have been made through what course levels are available, as students.

C

Transition from eighth to ninth grade, I have not heard of any questions or issues since we last.

A

Okay, okay, does anyone have a future agenda item yeah, you know, in light of, there was an.

H

Email correspondence in our packet tonight and we heard from parents.

H

And I think, back to the time I've been on the board and some of the changes we've made like.

H

You can't take away recess at elementary school. I would really like to have a conversation about.

H

What is the district philosophy on discipline and are we moving in the direction of reparative or.

H

Punitive are our practices building and aligning in the right way, because I know we have policies.

H

But then at each building we have practices, and I don't think it doesn't feel to me like it's.

H

All under the same philosophy- and I think it's time to ask the question, particularly in what.

H

We've learned with where our kids are coming out of covid and their mental health needs.

H

What does are we a district that is in support of reparative discipline and punishment?.

H

What does that look like at each level and how are we working towards it? I get that it can't.

H

Change overnight, but I think the dialogue has to happen on the direction that we're moving in.

H

Where our kids are now, what we're seeing I mean we've heard all year, we're seeing.

H

More behavior challenges, but how are we responding to that in a way that's building community.

H

Strengthening the tool belt of the children and hopefully getting them out of a path.

H

Of future discipline, I would love to see that as an agenda item.

J

Is that an agenda item you want for a normal board meeting or for um a retreat item as we're looking.

J

At our goals and strategic planning moving forward strategic planning, that's probably something.

A

But it happened in a strategic planning totally, however, in order to have it as a strategic plan, it.

H

Would be in really important to get feedback from the principals on? How it's being? Because it's very.

H

Even at the three elementary schools, it's very different how the same behavior is responded to.

H

And that everybody goes to the middle school and it's a totally different process. There.

H

And then you go to the high school, so I I guess I I think we need to hear what's how discipline.

H

Is being treated in each area so that we can then ask the question of where does it.

H

Align where does it diverge and is there a need for a a philosophy and a change moving forward.

H

But so I and I don't know, I mean obviously can't get every principle to present.

H

But we keep we, it has come up repeatedly on it and it is a concern and you know.

H

I guess I'm not formally um clarifying it, but let's hear from pip and lisa first um I just.

L

Wanted to say that I share your concern deeply and I feel strongly that it should be something.

L

That we discuss here- and I like the idea of having a presentation on what are the current practices.

L

Because I agree with you, the practices seem to deviate from the policies sometimes, and they are.

L

Different at different buildings, and then I like your idea of working on it at a retreat, because I.

L

Do think it's a pretty big conversation to have, but it is somewhere where we need to establish.

L

District philosophy and or update the one that we have because, as was pointed out tonight, some.

L

Of our policies may be out of date on this, and the policies should align with the practices.

A

Lisa, what were you going to say? I just wanted to echo that, and I also would like to see if it's.

I

Possible either to get it from the principles or maybe this is something that stephen george can.

I

Get data and just email, but I would love to have some sort of quantitative information about sort.

I

Of from k-12 level, you know how many kids are being disciplined like what are the things that.

I

They're, most often being disciplined, for I mean I'm sure we're not doing a lot of suspensions in.

I

Elementary but I'd like to understand sort of who is being punished, how are they being punished and.

I

What for like, I don't know how to sort of like prejudge what that question is exactly without.

I

Knowing um and as far as you know, our missions around equity I'd also like to understand, like.

I

Are those you know who are those kids sort of demographically to the extent we.

I

Know that you know, if we're targeting students with disabilities or students of color or.

J

Unintentionally, targeting okay there, but let's, let's just put that on the record, I don't think.

I

This is the district. Sorry, I don't need to say that yeah um well, how do you want to.

A

How do you want to move forward with this? Should we have a work session about it? Should we have.

A

A retreat about it shall we, I mean the policy committee now is going to examine that policy.

A

That the parents were concerned about, um I have some definite strong opinions about that, based on.

A

My 22 years of experience, so I would like to go to that policy committee meeting. I intend to be there.

A

um So I I don't know how we want to do we want to. um I think we want to hear from the.

I

Principals, we want to get some data. Well, it's just the elementary school principles, correct.

L

Well, we want to hear from you, but the policy at the middle school in the high school.

A

Is it's a bigger question than that one policy like we're asking big picture? What is our goal.

I

When we tell a student, they did something wrong and we need to intervene. Can I propose something.

G

So I think we want to hear from the principals of all the schools.

I

And you know, maybe that's not all the same meeting. Maybe it's not at a meeting. Maybe they.

I

Fill out a google form and we read a survey, although people are sick of surveys like I.

I

Don't want to waste people's time, but I think we want to know what they're doing.

I

Any numbers around what they're doing, but we have policies that tell them what they can do.

I

We're asking for a bigger picture discussion around what is our goal.

I

For discipline, that policy is just about alcohol and drugs.

I

Can I give it it's not about wait a minute, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Okay,.

C

So, in whatever way we form it, I mean it sounds to me like you could really benefit from hearing.

C

From building principles, those who are involved in the disciplinary practices in the building at the.

C

Elementary school, that's primarily the principal middle and high schools, primarily assistant.

C

Principals, but then also to make sure you have a good understanding of the process, because.

C

Based on just the tone of the conversation so far, the data points you might be hearing from might be.

C

Particular parents who are upset with a particular thing that happen in a particular school.

C

And I can tell you there's a lot more restorative mindset, particularly at the elementary level and.

C

How we work with students than punishing um and being punitive so um so I think it would really.

C

Benefit you to have that presentation understand just start with where we are give us that.

M

Right and then and then we can, um but I do think that would feed into you know a lens.

C

Through your policies, because, if if if we want to be more aggressive around restorative practices,.

C

Then that might even mean more as I reference in the athletic policy, that was the big change.

C

Last time, as we actually inserted a lot more restorative options for students than the.

C

Previous policy had so um I think it's a it's a worthy conversation, but probably should start with.

C

You know just making a common understanding of what's happening so can we can you arrange for.

A

That yeah george and I will be glad to rally the elementary principles I want to make it.

A

A work session or an agenda item, or what do you think I I think it's gonna? It should.

C

Take a chunk of time, no doubt uh so. um You know at least a work session. uh Any meeting.

C

That we would have- um and in that steve we would be able to have an understanding of how policies.

J

Translate procedurally into each building is essentially what I hear people saying and and.

J

That might look different up like these are the stages at the high school levels. Can you keep it.

A

Brief, it's quite a titanic yeah. I just want to say I want to beat a dead horse yeah. I guess I.

G

Just want to say, I've done a lot of work in this area because of my experience with nhla and um you.

G

Know I've gone into the delinquency, statutes and our delinquency statutes in new hampshire.

G

um Talk about therapeutic uh versus punitive, and so I said so, yes, so what I would suggest.

G

As far as a proposal would be that the board adopt and our next agenda, we discuss adopting.

G

And coming up with a philosophy that we want to take as a board in our school system also take.

G

A therapeutic instead of a punitive approach, not saying that we don't already do that, but I think.

G

It's been really hard to transition. We still have prosecutors that are trying to prosecute.

G

Kids like criminal cases, so I think if we as a board, you know, I think we could take an adoption.

G

And there are new hampshire legal assistants did a bunch of they did a study about before coven about.

G

Youth and disciplining in schools and whatnot, so I think there is data and data sets out there.

G

So I propose that and then second real quick. We have this sheet that says future agenda items and.

G

Today it says elementary school principles. um I guess I'm wondering you know. Obviously mr cirillo.

G

Was here tonight I don't see him, I don't know where he fell, so I guess I'm just wondering where.

G

We're at with this calendar of people coming in and so maybe you know maybe we start with.

G

Elementary school principles- and we talk to them about you, know disciplining outside and then and.

G

Then we talk to pms is coming in the next time or something so you know maybe there's a space for.

G

Spreading this out a little bit, but maybe we as a board on our agenda, adopt a policy or.

G

Adopt a philosophy, overarching philosophy that we want to be therapeutic instead of punitive.

I

I think we can let stephen george work with the administrators at each building to figure out.

I

What's the most convenient and efficient way to have the conversation with them.

E

And go from there does that make sense, yeah, and I actually don't know that. I want to see.

D

Elementary middle print, like I don't even want to like, I think, even convening a conversation.

D

um And bringing kind of a report back might be the best strategy, because I don't want to.

D

Overstep my role as a board member and be like well, why did you do this, and why did you do that.

D

And so I think, having that buffer of feedback being brought back to the group might be a better.

A

Yeah, okay, so we'll have stephen george, bring us back a report for the next meeting yeah. Why.

C

Don't we meet with the administrators talk about what just the best, because I think we can clearly.

C

Understand the issue that we need to get to and involve them in: what's the best way to do it if.

C

um You know if it's, if it's a group of them coming or if it's just getting information back to you, I.

C

Would I'd want to make sure you can get the best information you need and if, after a presentation.

C

Questions are going to come up that are specific to a certain situation. It may be helpful to have.

C

People there that can respond to it but yeah. I also respect that. You know there's certainly.

C

There are a lot of you know different pieces to this too. So again, raise your hand, please, yes, hope.

J

I would suggest that maybe we just collect information and revisit this at a retreat. It.

J

Seems to me it's a deeper conversation around our goals and our priorities as a district as a whole.

J

Just thank you, okay, so are we ever going to get back to this calendar? I just wanted to sort of.

F

I would just say we: we did make an adjustment, because elementary had just come in for budget.

F

And we didn't- and we typically have- we typically don't bring them in for budget. And since you just.

F

Saw them and there had been requests to see uh performing arts okay, we made that swap, and I guess.

F

It hasn't been updated on there, so, okay, so we're still looking at pms report in world language. Next.

G

Time possibly or do we know well, you know now that we've added the agenda items discussion in.

C

Each board meeting, I think, that's going to become a fluid document. Okay, because we may prioritize.

C

Different discussions as things come up: okay, okay, there any upcoming events. You want to tell.

A

Us about or upcoming events s.a.t tomorrow, george high school, all day tomorrow doing testing. So I'm.

F

Serving the snacks up and for juniors and uh in service day friday, a lot of training going on.

F

Across the district on friday pretty intense day, so it's an off day for kids right right, no kids.

J

This is reminding me for parents, high school, high school kids yeah tomorrow. We want you to.

A

Send them all to kindergarten. Do we have a motion to adjourn motion to journey? Second, all in favor.

A

Thank you. Everyone. Thank you for having me.