OK, good evening. Good evening.  Can. You all hear me? We're all  here. Uh, OK one more time. Can  you hear me? Um, is this  working? Can? You guys hear me  seems to be OK. Good evening.  Um At this moment I'd like to  call to order the meeting of  the Hamilton Wham Regional  School Committee on Thursday  may 16th 2024 at 7:01 p.m.. I'd  like to begin the meeting by  inviting you to join us in the  pledge allegiance. Like, the  United States of America. Which  is stand One nation. Under God.  Invisible. Liberty and justice.  Uh, as we get started. I'd like  to remind everyone that this  meeting is being recorded and  live streamed on HWC, a And Um  If it is, uh, I'm gonna look to  the committee to see. Um, but  it looks like we have a large  number of citizens available  here for citizens comment, And  so I'm gonna ask the committee,  um, whether everyone would be  comfortable with moving our  student representative report,  um up so that, um She can get  her report in. It's an  opportunity for citizens to see  the student report. And. It  also allows, uh, Julia to get  to her other commitments. Um ok, Julia. Okay, Um Thank you for  having me Once it loads Okay.  Um, so this is the last  district update we're gonna do  of the year. Um First up is the  high school. All right. Um, so  the first thing is saying  goodbye to seniors. There's  obviously a lot of senior  activities happening. Um so  we've got graduation and  candlelight that's gonna be on  June 1st and then may 30th  There's a lot of senior events  happening as well. So following  the last day of class on May  15th. We've got to do a lot of  things. We had a pancake  breakfast this morning, which  was delicious. And. I didn't  know Mr Meagon could shove like  that. Um, we've got senior  seminars tomorrow. Um, we went  to the Red Sox, which was  really fun. Um and then  scholarship night's gonna be on  May 22nd And then we also  recently had, um, our senior  symposium, so seniors presented  their research projects on May  13th. Topics included criminal  justice, health, sports,  education and a lot more. Um,  and there was a lot of work  that went into researching,  organizing and creating, um  these projects and they're  findings and I think it really  paid off. It was a big success.  There is also a senior art show  recently, which was organized  by the visual arts department.  Um, it showcased a lot of  senior art talent. It's gonna  be up through just tomorrow,  actually, and then it'll come  down. Um, but some highlighted  artists were Eugene on Davis  and jelly, Nichols, Una  Churchill and a Bela Cono,  Fritz. Solomon and Claire Payne. And then on that sa me night,  there was a spring chorus and  band concert. Um, And. This is  a photo of Eugene on performing  an original piece that was very  impressive. And. Then. There  were also three juniors  recently recognized IN the 2024  letters about literature  writing initiative. So, Andre,  Creo, Isaac Jones and Kate.  Cassidy, um, were recognized at  that. And, then just some other  happenings. Um, the sophomore,  junior and senior student  government elections for next  year will be on May 20th and  then spring sports are in full  swing. So girls tennis,  unsurprisingly, has been  crushing it this season along  with boys tennis, who are on a  winning streak and girls  lacrosse recently won their  senior night game. As for the  middle school. Obviously Not a  lot. Um or not as much as the  high school. Um, but the melody. Miles, Um HW photos putting  that on, and that's gonna be on  May 25th, and then students  performed their one act play  recently on May 4th. And for  the elementary schools, just a  couple of things. Um, Cutler,  third graders are gonna be  going to the one museum on May  20th and then the Becker Spring  Carnival, which is always very  popular will be on May 34 31st,  So. Keep an eye out for that.  And that's it. Thank you. Thank  you. Um, So when I have  questions for Julia All right,  um Just wanna say thank you for  that. And, Uh, we really  appreciate it. Um, you a RE? Of  course. Welcome to stay. It's a  open meeting. But. We also  understand you might have some  other things to do this evening. Thank you. Thank you. Mm. Hi.  Um It is always good to have  the student representative here. Um and it's a real joy that  they were that they report not  just only on the high school,  but that they do their work to  look and see what's happening  at the other schools in the  district and get a student  perspective. Um Next up. Um,  we're gonna skip back up to  citizens. Comments, Uh, Mr  Tracy. Do. We have the zoom It  look like we're having maybe a  connectivity up and down, So.  We'll. Yeah The Yeah, And and I  understand the live stream is  having a little difficulty. Um  That being said, Um, we can  begin with people in the room.  Um so citizens comments? Um are  an opportunity. Um, for you as  citizens, um, to speak and for  us as the committee to listen.  Um If You'd like to offer  citizens comments. I will ask  you that when you do a approach  the podium that you please give  us your name and please spell  your name so that we, um, get  it correct in the minutes. Um I  also ask you to, um, limit your  comments to three minutes.  Those of you who have, um, come  before to the school committee  know that we really, um we set  a timer and we do let you know  when those three minutes are up. Um And. Um, we will ask you to  keep your comments for three  minutes. Um And. I'm Gonna ask  someone who's willing to be the  timekeeper. On the committee.  Yeah. Amy's gonna be our  timekeeper. So she'll just give  you a little heads up when  you're about about 30 seconds  left. Um OK and we Oh good, and  it looks like our zoom comments  are up as well. Um, I'm looking  at the time. I think we'll go  till about 730. Then. We'll  have a check in and see where  we are. Fair. Wait. Yeah, we  need to have the zoom people.  Muted. I think we're gonna  start with the people in the  room. So if you are in the room, and you'd like to offer a  citizen's comment, Um please  approach the podium. Good  evening. My name is Jeff Austin  50 Sharon Road. You indulge me.  I have two different statements  one of my own and one from  somebody who couldn't make air  tonight, so I'll try to keep it  for me. Can. I just ask you I.  I just want to make sure people  can hear you. I. I'm not sure  if that mic is loud enough  Hello. Can. You hear me? Yeah.  That's good. Good. Go ahead, So. I have two different statements. So Bear with me, Uh, again. My  name is Jeff Austin 50 Sharon  Road, Um as I've expressed in  previous meetings, I empathize  that as a group you've  diligently worked for this  quite some time on this, and I  can appreciate your frustration  that many of us are now just  coming forward to push back on  the trajectory of this  consolidation project. With  that said. I again emphasize  that although you met your  obligation required  notifications within the  meeting agendas and a few small  public outreaches opportunities  Enough was not done for a  project of this magnitude in  size, cost and future  educational accommodations for  young Children that are  entering the school system for  the first time as a school  board in school building  committee, the primary and only  concern is what is best for the  Children and as soon as it may  sound, not how to maximize  financial savings instead of  what's best for the Children,  that's what you should be doing. And certainly not take any  considerations to align efforts  outside of the school to  accommodate subsequent town or  state zoning efforts. Lastly. I  urge you to reconsider your  recommendation to the state of  any guidelines given To, the  state that heavily influenced  cost and, most importantly, any  option that do not support our  current neighborhood schools,  even if they do not fall within  the MS B a criteria for funding. We do not want to get to the  spring of next year and have  all your efforts failed. Now.  If I could I like to read  somebody else's statement real  quick. This is from, uh Kevin  Rich 19 Cunningham Drive in  South Hamilton. As, a 50 year  resident of Hamilton with  Children and grandchildren,  both past current beneficiaries  of our fine schools and  teachers. I offer the following  perspective. While good  facilities. I define good as  welcoming, comfortable, orderly, functional to their design  purpose, environmentally sound  clean and well maintained, are  important. The educational  experience and results achieved  are far far more dependent upon  the teachers and staff. Study  after study demonstrate that  teachers matter most teachers  are estimated to have 2 to 3  times the effect of any other  school factor, including  services, facilities and even  leadership. I once again read  that great teachers can teach  in a tent. As a graduate of  Beverly High School in 1963 100  year old facility. No, it was  not a tent now repurposed for  condos. Was equipped with a  small gym, all athletic fields  remote to the main campus in  all of the challenging that  befall that a century old  building. None of these factors  seem to matter because we were  blessed with an incredibly  committed and gifted faculty  and staff. In. The sixties  Beverly High school was a  division one powerhouse and  football, basketball cross  country and track our classes  of 400 C sent its graduates to  Princeton Brown, Tufts, Amherst, UMAss, northeastern Boston  College, Boston University,  Colby and many of the fine  schools. At our reunions over  the past 60 years we  continually reminisce about the  teachers we had that made such  positive impacts on the  trajectories of our lives.  Never have I heard any  classmate bemoan any aspect of  the place we learned or the  lack of resources of any kind.  OK To be honest, the cafeteria  food food wasn't the best.  Imagine what could be. We need  to wrap it up. I had two  statements. Can I, Just finish  this. This one. So It was two  different. Excuse me, I. I do  understand. And if if That's  fine. That's fine. That's  absolutely fine. So hello, can  you My name is Can you please  state your name. Robin Reyes.  Ok, great. Thank you. And, um I  can read this very quickly  within three minutes, and I  know Kevin Rich so We'll start  again as a 50 year resident of  Hamilton with Children and  grandchildren both passed and  current beneficiaries of our  fine schools and teachers. I  offer the following perspective. Well. Good facilities high  defined good as welcoming,  comfortable, orderly  functioning to their designed  purpose. Environmentally sound  clean and well maintained, are  important. The educational  experience and results achieved  are far more dependent upon the  teachers and staff. My own  words, not the costs of the  brick and mortar. Study after  study demonstrate that the  teachers matter most teachers  are estimated to have two or  three times the effect of any  other school factory, including  in any other school factor,  including services, facilities  and even leadership. I once  read that great teachers can  teach in a tent as a graduate  of Beverly High school in 1963,  a 100 year old facility. No. It  was not a tent now repurpose  for condos was equipped with a  small gem. All athletic fields  remote from the main campus. Of  the challenges that befall a  century old building. None of  these factors seem to matter  because we were blessed with an  incredibly committed and gifted  faculty and staff. In. The  sixties Beverly High school was  a division one powerhouse and  football, basketball cross  country and track our class of  400 senates graduates to  Princeton Brown, Tufts, Amherst, UMAss, Northeastern Boston  College, Boston University,  Colby and many other fine  schools at our reunions over  the past 60 years we  continually reminisce about the  teachers we had that made such  positive impacts on the  trajectories of our lives.  Never, have I heard any  classmate bemoan any aspect of  the We learned or the lack of  resources of any kind. OK to be  honest, the cafeteria meals  weren't always the best.  Imagine what could be  accomplished by developing a  plan that first focused on  retention and hiring the best  world class faculty, coupled  with a comprehensive facilities, upgrade and a visionary, long  term maintenance program to  care for and update our  buildings, living where we are  fortunate to live, we need not  look far to witness evidence of  very old homes and properties  lovingly and beautifully  maintained for hundreds of  years. The funds currently  targeted for new Could be so  much more effective in  achieving desired academic  excellence goals with the right  focus, Let's attract and keep  the top teachers and staff with  top tier wages, benefits tools  and updated facilities to  fulfil our objectives. Kevin  Rich. Thank you. Uh, if So, um  HWI. I think that I I don't  wanna speak for HW ca M. I  think they're having some  technical difficulties and, um  I You know I don't know what to  say. Um, I, I Some people are  saying that the people who have  joined us on Zoom are having  some difficulties hearing and  Um Dana. People who are on zoom  won't be able to hear through  zoom They need to log into HW  ca M and listen through that.  So I Thank you. I E. Excuse me.  Oh, hold on. Those of you who  have been to our meetings  before? No. I'm going to give  people the opportunity on zoom  to speak. I'm going to do that.  OK? Right? Is there anyone else  in the room who would like to  speak? Please approach the  podium. Going on. Great. Good  evening. My name is Ed McCarthy. They live on 60 Cunningham  Drive. I'm in a butter to the  Cutler school. And. First of  all, I'll Start with a thank  you for The work and the effort  you do to educate our Children.  No. My Kids attended college  school and they received a  wonderful wonderful education  there from the staff. And on to  the middle school and through  the high school, So I. I know  you all did have a part to play  in that. So. Thank you. I am  appreciative. And I'm asking  you. To respect the will and  the wishes of the community. Um  We bring people to the board to  represent us and to listen to  our needs. I'm vehemently  opposed to putting a mega  school in my backyard. I'm  really, really opposed to that  I left Boston. And. My wife  left Salem to come to a small  town. A wonderful town. With  with great schools. Great Fire  Department Great police. And,  we We truly want to keep this a  small town if I wanted to live  next to a mega school with  hundreds and hundreds of kids  and and then plunk in 750 units  downtown, I can move back to  Boston, but I chose to buy here  to invest here to raise a  family here. And. I am very  opposed Every single person I  have talked to neighbors,  Friends community. Not one  person, not one single person  has said to me, you know, I  think that new big school would  be great over there. I think  that would be the best option  for the kids. Every single  person is against it, I. I hope  you need to hear this that I'm  trying to say this in the most  Polite and kind way, But this  is really a bad idea. This is  not for the good of the  Children. This is a plan that  is being rammed and pushed  through. And. I just hope that  you would all respect the will  and the wishes of the community  and again. Thank you for all  you do for our Children? Thank  you. Um Sure. Uh, Mr Tracy. It  looks like you have one person  on zoom that would like to  speak. Is that correct? Eric,  You're all set. Go ahead. Let's  make sure we can hear him. Hi.  Can. You hear me? Yeah. OK  perfect. Thank you, Uh, good  evening. Uh, my name is Eric  Muster and I live on Naples  Road in Hamilton. Um, as a  parent with four young Children  under the age of six, the  possibility of consolidating  our elementary schools will  most certainly have a direct  impact on my family. After  reviewing internal E mails.  School committee meeting  minutes the MS B application  and other relevant files over  the last three years. It is  clear that consolidation was  always the preferred option by  the district. Now. This  surprised me as the thought of  a large elementary school  consisting of 740 students was  not at all what we were looking  forward to when we moved here.  We wanted to experience the  small neighborhood feel of a  local elementary school. So. I  decided to look into the  academic research and white  papers published on this topic.  The academic research and  studies have consistently found  that students who attend small  elementary schools outperform  those in large schools on  almost every academic measure.  They feel safer. They come to  school more frequently, and the  report being more attached to  their school. Small. Schools  also help build strong  communities, Parents and  neighbors are more likely to be  actively involved in school.  And. The students benefit from  community support and the  school turned fosters  connections among neighbors and  encourages more participation.  Now. When. I asked what studies  and research were used to come  to the decision to consolidate,  the superintendent confirmed in  writing that no time has been  spent reading, academic studies  or relying on research to make  this decision. He replied. We  are not yet there in the  process. Ask you all now before  it's too late. When will our  Children's education factor  into this decision. The first  sentence of the Hamilton Wenham  School Committee and  superintendent protocols which  you have signed and pledged to  adhere to states in quotes. An  elected members of the Hamilton  Wenham Regional School  Committee. We, including the  superintendent. Accept the high  honor and trust that has been  placed in us to ensure that the  students of the district  receive the best education  possible. Now, please do what  is best for our Children's  education, as you have promised  by rejecting consolidating  these tools. The Science is  clear. Small schools are what  is best for young students. Our  young Children are counting on  all of you to prioritize them  and their education first. I  hope you don't let them down.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the  room who would like to speak if  they if so, please approach the  podium. Good evening. Thank you  for all that you do. Can you  move the mic. So. You can Yeah  my name is Erica twi spelled TO  RT OR. IC I and I live at 85,  Woodland, Mead and Hamilton.  Thank you for the opportunity  to share my viewpoint from a  mother's perspective regarding  the option of school  consolidation and the negative  impact it would have on the  Children and the district as a  new mom. I feel that it is my  duty to not only advocate for  what's best for my child, but  also what's best for the  Children of this town. Critical  decisions are being made by  this committee that will impact  the school experience of many  Children in this district for  generations to come. We cannot  afford to make this Steak. We  owe it to our Children to do  what's best for them. We  recently moved from Hamilton to  Hamilton from Charlestown. The  school system was at the top of  our priority list from choosing  a town that would suit our  needs as well as our lifestyle.  We saw an opportunity to send  our daughter to one of the  small, beautiful neighborhood  elementary schools here in town, each of them with plenty of  open green space for kids to  enjoy. We were excited to think  that our daughter would thrive  in a cozy, intimate school  where the teachers, staff and  parents could know one another  on a first name basis. The  residents of this town whose  Children have attended these  small elementary schools have  had nothing but incredible  things to say about Winthrop,  Bucher and Cutler. Even our  superintendent, noted that the  strength of our district was  our small schools. The  elementary principles in our  district consistently state  that the small size of our  schools are what make them  special. The anxiety I've  experienced at the thought of  sending my daughter to a high  school size elementary school  is incomprehensible. Research  clearly points to the many  benefits that small schools  bring to our young Children. I  can constantly find myself  thinking of ways I can afford  to send my daughter to a small  private elementary school  instead of this large  consolidated school, and I'm,  not alone as a district. We  can't afford to keep losing  enrollment to the private  schools. Many of us were  willing to pay the high tax  rate expecting that In return,  We would get a quality  education in a pleasant  learning experience at the  Children currently enjoy I  believe that everyone would be  in agreement that the school  renovations and our new schools  are necessary. However. I think  that the consolidation of three  elementary schools would be a  detriment not only to the  school Children but to the town  in general, if this project  were to go forward, it opens  the door to the fugitive  development of Winthrop. I'm  take Can. I take my husband's  three minutes. Um, Winthrop  school site that may contribute  to the loss of the small town  charm of Hamilton Wenham. We  are in agreement that we don't  This and we are willing to vote  it down for the sake of our  Children and their education.  I've done some research to try  to justify why the district  might have decided to embark on  this large consolidation idea,  but honestly, everything I read  or everything I learned by  talking with teachers points to  the advantage of smaller  schools versus larger schools.  Three minutes I grew up in  Stoneham, Mass in a population  of 23,000 people. They have  three small elementary schools  ranging from stopping for a  second II. I I understand that  people want more than three  minutes. But when a room this  size it is appropriate and it  is our Always practice to give  people three minutes. He can  step up and that means some.  You can go right ahead. She  grew up in Stoneham with a  population of 23,000 people.  They have three small  elementary schools ranging from  2251 to 324 Children each I  then moved to Charlestown with  20,000 people, and they have  overwhelming number of small  schools ranging from 108 to 281. Why on earth Would a district  with 12,000 people. Hamilton  when I'm having elementary  school larger than one of the  elementary schools of the city  of Rivire Revere's population  is 58,000, and they have  smaller school at 467 to 684  that I proposed 740  Consolidated Elementary Does  anyone's eyes open up to that.  When. They hear these  staggering numbers? Our  population is 1/4 of the size  of revere. But our proposed  elementary school is 100  students larger. It's a mind  blowing to me, and it makes  absolutely no sense. I'll.  Leave this with you tonight,  the first sentence of Hamilton  Wham! School committee and  superintendent protocols which  you have signed and pledged to  adhere as elected members of  Hamilton Wham re regional  school committee. We include  the superintendent except the  high honor and trust that has  been placed in us to ensure  that the students of the  district receive the best  education possible. Please  Fulfill your oath Tonight. Our  Children deserve it. Thank you.  Is there Anyone else in the  room Who'd like to offer a  comment. Everybody online. It  doesn't look like anyone online  has their hand raised. Please.  Good Evening. Good evening,  Francesca Connors 343 Bay Road.  First. Thank you for the time  and efforts as a member of the  school committee to all of you.  As. You know I resigned from  this committee last year  because my ethics were being  called into question. I  understand now more than I did  back then that a small number  of aggressive agenda driven  members of our community were  behind those attacks. An agenda  whose priority is not what's  best for our Children. I felt  it was my duty as a school  committee member to be well  informed on the MS B a process  And. The specifics of past  discussions on the topic. I  asked questions that I think  should have been asked and  answered long before the P. The  feasibility process even  started. And because of this, I  was silenced. Bullied. And  accused of being of being a  biased abutter. Even when none  of my concerns were related to  the specific location of the  schools. I wanted to know.  First Whether this committee  Had ever reviewed any of the  many peer reviewed studies on  the educational safety and  community benefits of small  schools versus large elementary  schools. Not high schools,  elementary schools. A very  appropriate topic to discuss  and debate at the table You are  sitting at I think Secondly, I  wanted to know what financial  models were created to show  that over the long haul the  money that will save Will  outweigh the loss of our small  neighborhood schools. Sadly. I  still have not seen that kind  of broader financial analysis.  Third and, most importantly, I  wanted to know whether anybody  actually knew which options  were preferred by most parents,  teachers, citizens. Not just a  few loud advocates. The.  Success of this project is  determined ultimately by the  voters. Sadly. I still haven't  seen any research showing that  a large consolidated school 30  seconds for our Children. If  Anything, the exact opposite is  true. It is my understanding  that no such research or  studies have been reviewed by  the school building committee.  I humbly ask. When. Were you  planning on factoring in what  is best for our Children's  education. We all know that our  school buildings need attention. So. Let's be thoughtful about  it and look at it in a 5 1020  year time frame as I know, some  school committee have been  suggesting for a long time.  Francesca, can you Can you  please wrap it up. Thank you I  have a couple of more  paragraphs here. Can. I just  remind anyone who's taking over  to please state their name and  address Jesse Hurley 17 Patton  Drive. Thank you, Sadly.  Francesca still hasn't seen or  any of us haven't seen any  research showing that a large  consolidated school is best for  our Children. If Anything the  exact opposite is true. We all  know that our school buildings  need attention, So. Let's be  thoughtful about it and look at  it over a 5 1020, year time  time frame. I beg you to be  mindful of the gravity of your  decision by rubber stamping the  SB C's decision to consolidate  the decision was made by an  unelected committee who's  formation didn't follow the  districts, local agreement nor  the Ms B's Written policies, a  committee that was made  primarily of people with a  background in construction. A,  few local citizens and no  current or future elementary  school parents on it. A  decision based on a  questionable quote unquote  educational plan, written in a  short time. By one consultant.  By rubber stamping this  consolidation you are attaching  your name to a decision that  will forever change our  community and not for the  better. So before you make your  final decision. I ask you. Do.  You really understand the  effect that consolidation will  have in the long term. Do. You  really understand how  consolidation will affect our  school rankings, property  values and taxes. And. What  kind of domino effect, it will  trigger most importantly, Do.  You understand the how  consolidation will affect our  community, Our teachers and our  young Children. Please do. It  is best for our Children's  education, as you have promised  to do when you signed the  school committee and  Superintendent protocol. Thank  you. Thank you. So. At. This  point. It's So it's 730. It.  Looks like we have one person  on Zoom, who would like to  offer a comment. Um, and maybe  more and more person in the  room. Is that correct. So. I'm  Gonna. I Want everyone to hear.  Can You all hear me? I'm gonna  take a comment on zoom for  three minutes And then I'm  Gonna take a comment in the  room for three minutes and then  we're gonna wrap up citizens  comments. OK y'all can hear me.  OK. OK, So, Mr Tracy. It sounds  like you have someone on zoom.  Kim Yar said Dun mute. Um My  name is Kim Stink. I live on  Boardman Lane and I'm, a member  of the town's Environmental  Impact committee. And. Um, I'm  joining today just to Um  Encourage the school committee  to think about, Um, the  environmental impacts of, um  the new building. And. I know  that That's something you're  already doing, but Um, just  wanna make sure that it's top  of the list. Um, that we think  about creating a sustainable  building. Um, that's going to,  um Uh, help our town reach our  goal of achieving carbon  neutrality by 2040 Make sure  that, um any renovation or any  new building? Um, takes that  into account and I also just  wanted to say thank you, Um to  Superintendent Tracy for  sending out the message about,  um, idling in the pickup line.  Uh H. I appeared in your weekly  update. It was our first brush  with fame. Um and I'm grateful  that you spread the message. Um, I would just encourage the  school committee to think about. Um, whether we could Um, have a  very simple fix with a few  signs at each school,  encouraging parents in the drop  off and pick up lane, um, to  turn their cars off to avoid,  um You know needless pollution  into the very air and that our  kids are breathing as they wait  to be, um, dropped off and  picked up thanks very much.  Thank you. Thank you. Good  evening. I It's OK, Uh, Deb  Safford, uh, 46 Maple Street.  Um, I. Just I think that where  we are in the committee is that  there's a survey that's going  to be going out. And, uh to, um, kind of address. What the  select, uh, Building committee  was doing so I just would  encourage you, uh, to make sure  that that survey has all the  options on there, including  Winthrop and the status quo. Um  Because. You can see that  there's a lot of people here  and not everyone's talking. But  everyone's here on a beautiful  night because I think the  majority here are concerned  about changing the status quo,  so please canvass everybody.  Every resident who's going to  be paying for this? It's really  important that we don't just  talk into an echo chamber. Um,  so I hope that that'll be taken  into account. Um The. Other  thing is that, uh, there's a  fundamental transformation.  That's afoot If. This  Consolidation happens, which is, um, really changing the entire  dyn. I got the education system  as well as the downtown and  Winthrop basically has had a  target on its back for years. I  now understand. As. I started  looking into this more recently  when I realized that the uh,  town meeting that this was  afoot. Uh, I don't have kids in  the school system and I don't  make a habit of, um, checking  the town site and I hate  Facebook so like that's how  people get information, So.  It's really important that we  contact people through mail or  through some other form, so we  get input from everybody. I  think everyone should remember  that. The reason why Winthrop  was given up and, uh, a  consolidation at Cutler is  happening is because of the  desire to develop Winthrop. Uh,  there's M BT, a three a zoning,  There's 40 B. There's a  commercial stuff that the, uh,  town leadership has been  focused on, uh doing and it's a  fundamental transformation of  our town. And. I think the  citizens should be involved in  that and the meeting on March  18th where the select board was  guided to the decision. Guided  to the decision if you look at  it, watch watch the dynamic of  the conversation and the way it  flows and the fundamental  outcome of that meeting was  that Winthrop got five years  and Cutler got the 50 which  ended up being in the next S BC  meeting. Winthrop is off the  list. Winthrop is off the list  now, OK, but that was a guided  decision by a few people. Four  people voted for that. And that  is a fundamental transformation  of our talent, so I think  people need to remember and  realize that this is a huge  decision. Huge and what are the  motives and the objectives for  doing it? Is it  commercialization. Is it The  kids education. Is it changing  this town. Is it meeting some  requirements from the state.  That are illegal and gonna just  change so many communities so  please Make sure you survey  everybody, Please. Everyone  know who's listening? And who  listens to this recording? It's  all about three A and  commercializing Winthrop, and  that's not the right reason to  change our schools for our kids. Thank you. Thank you. OK, so,  uh No. No. I'm. No, I. Actually, I'll Be brief Ex. No. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. I If. You  are out of order, sir.  Performance, and I'd like to  make a brief comment I. I was  explicitly clear and checked  with the room to confirm that  everyone understood what was  going Democracy. I Look to the  committee in my comments as I  did not know, but I need to  speak. Recess. This is you are  not Sir, Sir, you are out of  order is disagreeable. This is  that was inappropriate. I am a  minute. Excuse me. I'm speaking  one. Excuse Me. I Am Speaking  to the gentleman in the back  who is being inappropriate? OK?  It is Excuse me, sir. Stop,  yelling from your seat at this  meeting. It is not appropriate.  We are temporarily a recess.  He's the kicker, but he did a  commencement speech. Thank you.  OK? And. We are back in session. And at this point, um, we are  moving on on the agenda. Um and  next up, we are gonna have, um  let's see a review of the  school committee protocols. I  can't remember who he said was  next. Thank you. As elected  members of the Hamilton Wenham  Regional School Committee. We,  including the superintendent,  except the high Honor and trust  that has been placed in us to  ensure that the students of the  district receive the best  education possible. To that end  we hereby commit to the  following in the conduct of our  business number 13. The School  Committee will demonstrate  professional and collegial  relationships relations with  one another. To. This end  members will work to maintain  trust and mutual respect  between and among each other,  the superintendent and the  administration by treating  everyone with dignity and  respect, even in time of  disagreement, all voices and  concerns of individual school  committee members shall be  given equal weight and  significance. Thank you. Um,  Next up. We have a portion of  our mission statement. Is that  you, Trent. Thank you. The  Hamilton when I'm Regional  School committee will lead and  inspire a district that  inspires all students to  realize their fullest potential  and feel a powerful sense of  individual and collective  belonging. Thank you. Um Next  up. Uh, we already did the  student representative report.  Um and next up, we have the  consent agenda. Um Before. We  have that I do wanna just share  with the people in the room. Um, now that we're all settled, um  how important it is, um, to  have these conversations in  public and also to have them in  a way that is respectful. I do  appreciate that. We got to hear  from you this evening. Thank  you. Um, next up on the agenda  is the consent agenda. Does.  Anyone have any items they'd  like to hold. I do. Uh, what  would you like to hold? I would  like to hold the mini grant. OK, and I actually would like to  hold the minutes from May 2nd  also Um, David. Do you have any. Do? You have a uh Oh, I'm Sorry. Does. Anyone else have anything  to hold. David, Can. You offer  us a motion. Um I moved to  Hamilton and regional school  committee, um, approved the  consent agenda as written  holding the miniature May 2nd  and the Ed Fund, Midi Grant.  Second by Julia Campbell. Um,  all those in favour. That is  unanimous and the motion passes. Um, Amy. What. Uh, you held the  Mini grant? Uh, Um, I believe  the amount has changed. Mr  Tracy, Can you update us on  that. Yeah. Thank you. The, um  Original Mi grant that that is  listed on here was 35 1527. Uh,  when the teachers went to make  the purchases with the the  vendor, the prices had changed,  and some things couldn't be  purchased through that vendor,  so they had to go to a  different vendor and change out  some of the items. Um, the Ed  fund has agreed to the, uh  changed price of $4962.25 for  the same same program. Uh, some  different pieces of furniture  were purchased. Uh, just  because of The availability and  the ability to actually get  them to us, so that's just  wanted to be clear to everybody. I'm sorry. Can. You. Repeat the  amount $4962.25. Thank you.  Thank you and thank you to the  Ed fund. That's great.  Absolutely. Um I moved at the  Hamilton, one of regional  school district except the  donation from the Ed Fund mini  grant of therapeutic learning  environment for 4900 and $62.25. Like Was a race second by Jen.  Carr. Um is there any further  discussion? It looks like we're  ready to vote all those in  favor. And that is unanimous  and the motion passes. Um I  held the minutes from May 2nd,  Um, this is just, uh It's a  minor thing. But I I thought I  want the minutes to be a really  accurate And if you go to  scroll all the way down, that's  a long meeting. If you go all  the way down to the, um Bottom  on page Um, the final page  there. Um, that was a very long  meeting, and they actually were  no committee reports and no  chairs, report And. I really  think that should be Um, struck  through so that it's clear that  those things did not occur at  that meeting. Um So. I don't  know if you're if David, If,  You're ready for a motion on  that. Excuse me. I moved at the  Hamilton Regional School  district approved the miniature  May 2nd, um, striking the  committee reports and, uh,  cherry reports. Second Julia  Campbell. Is there any  discussion or questions on that? Can I? Just! Ask a question. Do  you wanna just because they  were on the original agenda? Do? You wanna leave them on here  and just put none. Um, I think  it should just be a A?  Typically. I think she usually  does a strike, though? I Think,  um so that you can see that it  was originally on the agenda,  But I. Just wanna make sure  they didn't disappear yet? No,  I fully agree. That's That's  Actually. My goal is to make  sure that it's really accurate  and I think it's better to keep  it there. So. That was it right? It was on the agenda, but it  didn't occur OK? Um No. I can't  remember. Did we vote. No, we  didn't vote. All, right? Um,  all those in favor. And that is  unanimous and the motion passes. Okay? Um Next up. Um, is new  business? Um So. Next is the  2024 2025 school meeting. Um,  schedule. I, don't Oh, I don't  know if you're gonna be able to  see it up there, but you have  it on your exhibit there, Um So  This is a draft of a propose of  the proposal. Does anyone, um I. Don't think we heard back from  anyone with the head of an  issue or a conflict? Um  Basically. My hope is that  Everyone's taking a look a T  all these dates and tried to a  jawline, your calendars and  also any other holidays or any  other things that, um and we're  looking to have a vote on to  set that. Well, you know, mine.  What was that the only one I I  will not be at is the ninth the  first one. Alright. So you know  you have a conflict. Yeah, Yeah, correct, OK. That is the work  job? Yes. And, um And. Actually, David made me aware of that,  and I actually did a little  work with Eric to try to See if  there was a way to adjust that,  but unfortunately, his  availability doesn't um, we  have a window where, um, with  when the leadership team meets  and when our first meeting  would be on the 15th that, um,  doesn't really allow us to  reconfigure And. I'm Sorry  about that. Um, um just a point  of clarification. We're holding  the meeting on Thursday,  February 27th instead of the  20th because of February  vacation, Correct, Um and then  I'm glad you brought that up  because the meeting That. The  February 13th meeting. Um, that  is, we did something very  similar. This year we had an if  needed meeting. Uh, we would  not anticipate actually meeting  on the 13th, but that is the Um, final Vinnie correct me if I'm  wrong, but I think it's the  final date we would need if we  hadn't come to a budget. By  that date. So. That would be,  um, a a meeting that would  hopefully not be needed, but  would be extremely important if  Needed. Um Right. Any other  questions on this. Alright. Mr  secretary. We'd be looking for  a motion when you're ready. I  moved the Hamilton, one of  regional school district.  Excuse Me approved the school  year. 2425 School Committee  meeting schedule as presented  And tonight's agenda. Second  Seconded by Amy Kerger. Um, is  there any further discussion?  No, right? All those in favour.  And that is unanimous and the  motion passes. OK, um So the  next up, I you know, uh, this  um is really it says  superintendent composite  evaluation discussion. Um,  really? The. Only thing I was  really looking for is here is  we haven't actually made a  decision about who's going to  do the, um Composite who's  going to do the compilation? Um  and so that's um I certainly  can review the dates and  everything. We had an, um, an  Maybe I should, um Just to  review the dates we've already  voted and agreed on the dates,  which is that the due date for  your, um independent evaluation  is on. Uh, may 23rd Um And,  then the idea would be to  discuss and put it on an agenda  on June 6th, um, which we might  vote on June 6th. Um, if The  committee's ready and if the  committee is not ready, um if  there are any revisions or  discussion, then we would vote.  We could vote on the 20th, but,  um, but in order for you to  turn your, um Evaluation and we  have to know who you're tuning  into. So who is willing to  create the, um composite  evaluation, So, I guess, um  looking. I'm hoping that maybe  Well. I don't know who's  willing to do that, I guess, um  I don't mind doing it again. I  know I would do it, but I'm a  away June, 1st and I. I am also  willing to do it. Um, if you  know, and I don't know if other  people are It. Sounds like  David is willing to do it. Um  Yes. You have Yes? Um yeah, I  don't mind doing it. OK? All,  right? Um, it forces me to do  OK. All right? I'm I'm not  gonna arm wrestle you for it so  Um all right, David you by? May  23rd. I do that. Yes and I do  think we need a vote to  determine that, so I don't know  if someone is willing to make a  motion. I move. We Appoint  David Polito to compile the  superintendents, Um, evaluation  second. Seconded by Jen Carr.  Is there any discussion? David.  It Sounds like you would accept  that OK all those in favor.  Right, and that is unanimous.  And the motion passes. Thank  you very much David for being  willing to do that, Um So Just  as a logistics. Um, you will  each one of us will submit via  email Your independent  evaluation to David. Um I guess  by I don't know we make a time  but on the 23rd. Yes. Um and  then Um, we look forward to  seeing what you create. All  right, um Alright. Next up is  the school building. Polling  subcomittee update So. We met  this last Wednesday and, um  We're able to discuss with a  one potential vendor. Um This  is Signal pulling, uh which, um, I was able to find because they  are ranked As the most accurate  private polling firm in 2024 by  ABC 538 Rankings. And, the  pollster that we met with  described their methodology. Uh  and, uh, is actually from  Massachusetts and worked for  many years with Governor Baker.  Uh and, uh, understands because  of that, according to him, Um,  a lot of the Politics around,  Um, School committee and  building projects. And so it  was very comfortable with, uh,  the information that we were  that we were sharing. He  described that he would be able  to if approved, um, get a Um  Cole built that would be Or or  that would target a  representative group. Of the  population and be able to have  results back to us. Within 72  hours. Um, the That was quoted  Sent me An An updated quote  just so that you will A RE  aware. Um, I apologize. I  didn't forward it to you, Um  the the lower end is the same,  Uh At $8900, and the upper end  is, uh $11,600. So So between  To 11,000 ish. Yeah. OK, um Art. So. Uh, thank you for that  update. Does anyone have  questions? Uh, I have a couple  comments I. I actually found  that Um, conversation. Really,  really enlightening. Um You  know, And, they said the the  amount of work he's actually  capable of doing. Um, is pretty  incredible. I need to make it  clear for everybody in the room  that, um But because someone  actually referred to it podium.  I believe it was Mrs Tafford,  but I'm Not sure, um, that this  is not going to be a poll of  the entire community. This is a  poll. Based off of, um the  representatives. Right? So just  so So. He just chose it. He  Trent told you how he chose the  No. No, no. So they're asking  how? Yeah so they actually have  the entire demo demographic  breakdown of Um, of our  district of you know, Uh,  Hamilton and one of them and  You know, as he described it,  and please correct me if I'm  wrong, Um You know he's looking  for about 300 participants. Um  with these, you know, buckets  that represent, um Different.  Different demographics within  The community, So, You know  there'll be 27 people, you know, Per SE. I'm just throwing out  random numbers of, um you know,  mothers of Children in  elementary schools. Um, you  know, uh, you know, 10 in in  and they're all based off of  the demographic, the overall  demographics of the town. You  know 10 representatives that  are, you know, uh, retired  single income. Um Really? Yeah,  so the the methodology that  they described is they create a  Profile of the town. In fact  they already have it built, Um  and, um, what they do is they  seek to identify individuals  that a REARE representative of  the voting populace, um,  because the the goal is to  identify what is, um, likely to  succeed or not succeed if it's  put to a vote, and I think you  you were saying that But what  is the the vote that is  required to pass? Past this, um  for town meeting. It would need  to be a two thirds vote of  people at town meeting in each  town at each town, each town  and then we would have to go to  the pole where we would need to  win. Um, it's by a popular vote. So the we We discussed a little  bit about the questions that  would be asked, and their  experts in putting this  together, but we would be  providing them information. Uh  And so, uh, there's uh, a  number of demographic questions  that they ask to make sure that  they've correctly identified  the Um individuals  characteristics as they  represent the town. Uh and then  we would be providing them  information on the recommended,  um, project from the school  Building committee with a list  of pros and cons so they would  first be asked the question. Uh, would you support this, You  know recommendation and then  they'll be given pros and a  list of pros and cons. Um, that  would Be have to be decided  upon for that project. They  recommended like 4 to 5 bullet  points for for each of those,  and then ask the question again. And. Then they would also  provide that opportunity for us  to, um provide up to two or  three additional options that  the school building committee  looked at to be able to to  gauge what people's sentiments  were for those, uh they also  said that they're able to  identify um, based upon some of  the ways the questions are  asked how passionate people are  about particular options versus  others, which gives us  information on you know if If.  You know you have 90% of people  say they're highly passionate  about something. Um and 1% say  that they're moderately  passionate about it versus the  opposite that gives you more  information about what's likely  to happen, Um at poll Thank you  and and again, these just to be  clear. This is a professional  polling. This is what they do.  This is how they gather  representative samples for  various elections or other this  is how it's done is that they  create representative samples.  Correct. This is this is what  they did is how a poll works.  OK? Thank you for your question? What are the mechanisms for  this poll? Is it email phone?  So. They, Um do what's called  multi modal. So based upon the  demographic profile, they  identify. Um the mechanism and  time that it's best to contact  individuals for the example  that they gave was, you know,  sending a, um email to somebody  who is, um, you know, A, um you  know, very young person versus  a very Old person, you're less  likely to get a response. Um,  based upon what they know about  the The ways that they engage  with, um With media, and so  it's a mix of, um Text message  phone calls. Emails. Um, to try  to do this because we the the  the best of all possible worlds, we would be able to ask  everybody and get it. But in a  period of time between now and  June 6th when we have to make  this decision, um This is the  the we We did talk to one other  vendor that said they would  need seven weeks. I think, uh,  to do a mail poll. Um But, um  That, of course, would increase  the the cost of the project if  we were to do that, so A and  the I think the the cost that  was being quoted for that was  more than double what we're  talking about now. Can. I. Ask  another question about, um Did.  The. This estimate did that was  there a guaranteed number of  responses because my I know  that one of the challenges in  polling all all polling, not  any polling. Um is the response  rate. So did they offer you  like a guaranteed number? I  understand? They're gonna put  out to a certain number of  people. But. Did they offer you  a guaranteed actual response.  Right. So this was something  that is kind of a cornerstone  of their methodology Where.  They, uh, know, based upon the  voter rolls that they already  have information for Hamilton,  Wham! What the Population is  that they're targeting and how  many people they need to get a  representative sample? Uh, and  they continue to contact  individuals until they fill  every demographic bucket that  is representative. So. They  said. You know the chances that  they're going to send out 300  get 300 responses that meet  each of the requirements so  they'll send it out to four or  56 700 until they're able to  get that, Um Response filled  Thank you that that's really  for me. That was really  important. Like I, I. It was  really it was really, really  interesting stuff and then the  turnaround time in the report,  they'll give us back I is is  pretty remarkable. You know  what you say? 72 hours and and  it's a full Report breakdown  that we could really analyze  the data, you know really quite  well, um You know and and the  fluctuation in the price is  really based on how much we  have them in that the follow up  like how many scenarios we  decided to give them, uh for  them to ask the lower end.  Excuse me for would just be for  the singular, you know, larger  project and then you know, um,  moving up as if we gave them  like two or three other  scenarios, so Uh yeah. Mhm so  Believe that I. I don't know if  we have the the precise number  from them. This was the numbers  that he was saying, and they  were all round. So It. Yeah,  it's both towns. Yeah. So So So. This is a really because we had  such a rocky beginning to the  meeting. I am very, very  hesitant to allow people to  just yell out during the  meeting. I know that some other  boards and committees in towns  do this differently. We  actually don't Really just go  back and forth with members of  the public. Let the Let's  Excuse me. Excuse me. This is a  This is a business meeting that  takes place in public. You know  what? You didn't let me finish  what I was gonna say. Excuse me. Please Let me finish. I am  running the meeting. Le. Let's  Let. The Committee. Ask the  questions as we do. To get  clear on what the ad hoc  committee has done. OK what I  was saying. It is not normally  our practice to allow people to  yell out during the meeting  because the meeting is between  the people who are here at the  table. It is a business meeting. I what I was going to say is  let us ask all of our questions. I can see that this is a unique  evening and that there are some  people who have some questions.  If, everything truly is not  answered. We might take a  couple of questions. That is  not our typical practice. But.  I'm not gonna be OK with people  yelling out during the meeting.  OK? No, I still have a couple  of questions. I'm not sure  whether other people on the  board might have questions  regarding about What we've  heard. So Just to comment. I  mean I was at the all those  meetings and I was very  impressed. The, uh, everything  that Trent and do have Su is a  fair summary of what went on in  this firm is Very, very  impressive. ININ the  methodology and and they do  they do to answer the question,  actually, is they do wait?  Waited by having these  demographic buckets and making  sure That every one of those  buckets is actually filled  before they stop, and they will  go to the nth degree in order  to do that. And? Yes. You're  right. The normal normal.  Outreach by phone. If. That was  all they were doing. Is is like  you get about a 1% return. It  used to be 10%. So they're  multimodal methodology seems to  be old and and presumably a  large team doing this to do it  in that time. Is is a terrific  force to bring to bear on  giving the answer to the  question. III I might recall is  a little fuzzy in terms of the  error error rate. They're  talking about less than five  plus or minus 5% kind of error.  Yeah. They. They said that, um  normal pole methodology which  is, you know, mailing out and  then waiting, Uh, because you  never fill all the demographic  buckets that you need. You end  up relying heavily on  population weights. Uh, so you  know 1015 20% population  weights because they continue  to pull people until they fill  all of their buckets. The  numbers that he gave us were  like 1 to 2% waiting. That  happens, uh, to the results  afterwards. So. It's much lower  and that's one of the things  that they attribute to being  The. Uh, most accurate pulling,  uh, over the past few years.  Yeah. They got great. Alright,  Jen. Did they give you any? A  list of the demographics that  they're going to consider? Um,  they didn't what? They showed  us was an example of what  they've done. Um previously and  they they shared that, um, with  us, so I can definitely send it  to you as an exhibit for a  future meeting. Um, but the  it's you know, age ranges and  gender and lots of different,  you know, um Demographics, but  they essentially They said they  already have. The. These data  and the questions that they ask  in the survey are to confirm  that they've identified the  right individual for the right  bucket. Um, and so if you if  they're targeting somebody that  they think is, you know 50 Plus, uh, That identifies as a male  and you respond. That. You're  not that, um Then they Not  include you in the results of  the survey, and they move on to  the next person. And so II, I  think you said II. I think it  makes sense to me. I. Think  what you said at the beginning  is that this polling company  does a lot of polling in  Massachusetts. I Think. You  said they maybe did polling for  the governor's race. Um, so it  makes sense that they would  already have demographic data  for because they would have  pulled Or potentially could  have pulled Hamilton or  Hamilton and went on for other  Things is that Yeah, the the  pollster that we spoke to  specifically is like from the  area. He had the Patriots stuff  behind them, right, right. But  In other words, if in other  words if you were doing you,  you might have pulled people  from Hamilton or one of them on  the governor's race. If you  were polling for the governor's  race, and you would have  similar buckets of demographics  that you would do in a similar  kind of way. If you were  pulling for that. That that  that was my understanding. Yeah. Um, Julia. Did You have some  questions. I just I. Wanna know? I know, because I know  subcommittees sometimes  disagree. But are all three of  you in agreeance that this is  the best option. Well. I can't  speak for everyone. But. I can  say I think so? And, then I'll  defer to others. For their  opinion. I was really impressed  with OK, OK? Amy, Um, I just I  Think I know the answer, but is  the discrepancy in cost Just  based on how long it takes them  to fill the the demographic  buckets. They actually said.  It's based upon the number of  questions we end up putting  together Um and so for the  Because we're trying to  identify is the recommend  recommended. You know, uh,  consolidation, uh, going to  pass that's like the major  focus and then the secondary fo, uh, focus is what are the other  options that a RE of interest  to the community so that we can  see that because we have to  have we have to have enough  information to make a decision  on the sixth. So just having  what doesn't work wouldn't be  helpful. Um, And. So if we were  to, uh, I think that there's  there's a possibility that if  we add, ask more questions to  try More information from this  then the price would go up. But. He was confident that, uh,  based upon what we were  discussing that this was the  price range that we would fall  into And I just have one more  question. I'm Sorry and with  the pollster a part of the part  of the Package be for them to  assist in writing the questions  because that's a really tricky  aspect of this. And. Um, I  believe we were very clear that  our goal is to Find out. What  is the will of the community  and that, um, you know, we have  to be very concerted to make  sure that the pros and cons  list represent both sides of  the argument in a very, um  Transparent way. Um, And so  that that is the the difficult  work that would remain if this  were to to be approved by this  group. Um, I think that on the  subcomittee we have the ability  to do that. We've got a good  deal of expertise. Um From  David Polito's experience. Um  And. Then. I think we've We've  all heard some of the the  arguments that you know, would  sway people One way or another.  Um, and so the the pieces of  information that I think that  we would need to collect are  Something. That's more personal  of, you know, how would this  impact The average person's  taxes, You know for each of  these, um, because I think that  that would be important. Um,  And. So that's the the piece of  information that I I don't know  if we have at this point  doesn't mean that the pollster  ask. Asked Felt like would be  needed, or that's just  something that you that you  feel like. I mean? I don't  disagree. I. Just. I'm just in  our discussions that was one of  the pieces of information. No,  no, I. I again I. Don't  disagree. I was just wondering  if that came from the pollster  or if that just came from your  discussions. You. You mentioned  something before And. Then. I  had a response to it. And. Then. I lost it because seven o'clock  I'm Sorry, I think my My. My  Initial question was about  guaranteed. Number of responses, which I think it sounds like  it'll come down. OK, Um all  right, anybody else on the  committee? Yeah? Julie? How can  we? How? Are? They Gonna  formulate questions when there  are Some people that don't even  know that this is happening in  the community. And. Then. There  are other people that are  really invested and do have a  lot of knowledge about it. So.  I'm just concerned about how  they're going to formulate the  questions and the pros and cons  for people that might have not  not even be not even know that  this is happening, I. I think  that's why we have to have a  you know, little briefing in in  it that says, Like This is on  the table. These are the Ways  that, uh, these a RE the the  You Know components of what  This project looks like. These  are the arguments that are, you  know? Supporting it? These are  the arguments that are not  supporting it. Um, but I think  you're entirely right like  there's a large part of the  community that probably is  completely unaware, And this  might come as a surprise, and I  think that's the part of the  community that we really want.  They're their information,  right? Um yeah, And so II. I  think it's It's not gonna be  perfect. But. It's really, I  think the best option in the  time frame that we have with  the resource constraints, and I  remembered the thing I was  going to say, which is, um,  their going to produce a report  and a slide deck and they're  willing to come and present it.  Okay? Or via zoom, I. Imagine  or well yeah, or regardless of  just a slide deck, even if they  didn't present it would be that  But. Then you'd be relying on  one of us to interpret that  right? Yeah. That's great. Um  ok, um all right, because as  anyone else on the committee  have anything so because I said  that I wouldn't again I wanna  be clear with the people that  this is actually unusual If?  Someone has a question  specifically about Polling. I  will take a question or two  about polling. Methodologies or  polling, so It seems like a lot  of questions. Yes. The The  questions. I. I don't have any  reason why they shouldn't be  made public. Well. It would  definitely be made. Public  because we would present it  here. I mean and then I'm sorry. What was your first question.  Lost and be available. Mm. C.  On MS. Tomorrow. Um I. I don't  know. Uh what we discussed at  this point in time was the  Proposal from the school  Building Committee, and then I.  Think 2 to 3. Other options. Um  And. The discussion was really  around which of the other  options from the school  building Committee, um, we  would be putting in front of  individuals because putting  ones that Um A ARE, not  Logistically feasible, given  the process that they undertook, Um Seems like it would. It  would not provide us the best  information. Uh II. I think it  would, it would be touched on  only if if we were to give the  options for, um project C 3.4,  which is the largest school um  C 3.1, which is the, uh, new  construction of just, um You  know Cutler and then the, uh,  project of C 2.1. Which would  be the, um, renovation. The Ad  Renault of Cutler in its  current spot. A part of that, I  think would have to come up in  the pros and cons of would be  the fact that the You know you  wouldn't be touching what Or um  Or, um Buker overpopulation  problems and that we'd be  kicking the can of building  those down the road or take on  the co right. I think that  would be part of that? Willing  to say con conversation right  it just because it didn't cost.  I would You know, um so it will  be touched on but it won't be  Like dived into the point where  Everyone's coming up with their  own idea of what's what's the  best II. I. Don't think that's  the most efficient use of Of  this poll in time, so and I, I  don't wanna step on you. But I  again. I understood when Trent  presented it that the pollster  Has actually done so some kind  of similar Pulling in other  communities regarding school  building projects, correct. He.  He said that he worked with  Governor Baker for 10 years. So  II. I guess All, I'm saying is  that Well. It's a valid  question, and I think it's an  important question. I also  think we shouldn't necessarily  try to answer it right here  with, uh, I think the pollster  is likely to be able to Help us  to guide the questions in a way  that is allowing you to get  statistically significant data,  But. I do think it's important  that the the room hears that we  were asking questions like that  for them right in that. You  know, Um as he guided us to  these pros and cons list. You  know that that came from him  and not us on how we should be  going about this, and he did  mention, you know, really, Just, um Trying to You'll give a, uh  these feasible narratives as  opposed to leaving it open. Uh  more open-ended, I. Guess is  the best way of of putting it  right like this is going to be  a gauge of what the community  thinks of these particular  projects. II, I. Guess if if we  an individual did not Think  that any of the projects were  To their liking than they could  indicate that would be an  option to do by just saying  none of them, right? Yeah, I'm  sure that will happen. Ok. Um  so I'm gonna take a couple of  more questions? Um But again OK. Yes and I'm sorry with the  black sweater. Yes. The Example. I Um Mountains. So that Um,  alright, let's take a couple  more questions. And then we  really do need to move on. Yes,  sir. Right there. 75 The the  the way I have my notes written  out for this conversation based  off of how we had it would be  giving the exact project  details which You know  correspond with, um,  information that's already out  there, which would give the  costs of all all of the  different projects. And. Um,  you know, I think that's That  is key, right? Because I, It's  It's. It's key to these  conversations. It's It's on  What's coming up right? Not  only the cost and how the cost,  UM is affected by the  possibility of you know the  state the state funding  reimbursement, right? So. So.  This. Is it it all factors in  OK, um, the woman in the Uh,  orange sweatshirt. But Downside. Now. That Trying to do you  wanna answer that? Sure we? We  did talk to a um Another  pollster. Uh, that Uh, their  recommendation was to get the  best answer. They would need 6  to 7 weeks to send out. Um, you  know to everybody, uh, and the  the S. So and Trent I. I just  wanted to make sure I  understood that, um So when you  do a representative poll, as  you've described it. Um One of  the things that's different  about that than Sending a  mailing to everyone is that if  you send a mailing to everyone  Its self selected about who  responds and we're not tapping  into all the different  demographics so that it might  be highly likely that say a  certain demographic might  respond, and others might not.  Whereas a representative sample  like your saying they're gonna  keep digging. What. Was that a  multimodal, not just male, like  other Well, I'm not I wasn't  even talking about just male.  I'm just talking about that.  You know because response rates  to both types of Bubbles are  low, right? The Just wanted to  make sure that that I I'm  accurate about that. I don't  want to misinform the people  that just to to your question,  specifically, um, last meeting,  we were informed that if we we  we've delayed sending the  recommendation from this  committee to MS B A, and when I  start to get stuff wrong, Eric,  please tell me, um But if we  delay it past making a vote on  June 6th, then the overall cost  to Whatever project that we  choose would go up by hundreds  of thousands of dollars is that  is that correct? I think it was  $600,000. And I believe it was  a unanimous vote on June that  we all voted unanimously to  vote on June 6th. Said. And  Yeah II, I, You know in spirit.  I agree with everything that  you're saying, Um, where we  have come up against the the  time frame of if if we do make  a recommendation, but it costs  the town half a million dollars  more than we've caused harm and  So I. I think we're talked  about all this at the last  meeting? We talked about this a  lot at our last meeting, and I  think we need to I. I have one  more question. And then I think  we really I have other things  on our agenda that we also need  to do? Yes. Okay? OK? Thank you? Um All, Right? Is this a  question, OK? The importance of  Survey and Weight is gonna have  No. People that are in this  area that General election when  we allow 300 Well. Election.  Like all of you. Officials are  Of course we would. Yeah. We  have almost exactly how many  people voted Penny. I got 500.  Very inordinate number. Uh, it  seems inappropriate. Are being,  um Ignored for this target  audience by Certainly so Was  that we won't allow us in an  election. So this is no but I  just wanna III. I really do  hear what you're saying. And.  This is how election Polling.  Works. Not election voting,  right? So this What What trying  to just described and this  polling is how polling works.  The what you're talking about  in an actual election when  people actually come and vote  right is is different than that  right? But. It's, but it's also  still not everyone, in fact. In  our most recent election. I  think I only got 500 votes in  the last election. Um so What  Small Uh, no, but I'm genuinely. I'm genuinely trying to answer  your question, because a small  representative sample Is That's  how pollsters do their work  because they can't actually  interview Everyone. Right. And,  So. That's how polling works.  If you, you, You get a  representative sample if you  just got 300 people, but they  were all the same kind of  people. It wouldn't work. You  need to have a representative  sample of people. That's how it  works. OK I can see this isn't  making it better. I'm getting  more questions instead of less.  So I think that Yeah. I think  the important So. The.  Important point is we We did  vote on it unanimously as a  committee all of us unanimously  to do the survey and  unanimously we voted that it  would be done. By June, 6th. So. I just I mean? I just wanted to  put that both out there that  that happened at the last  meeting. So now we're just  deciding on protocol and how to  do it. So make a comment. What.  I can only make sure that it's  I mean The. Important thing is  that it's not making the  decision. Yeah. It's not making  the decision for you. You do  you will ultimately make the  decision at the town meetings?  It's trying to be predictive of  accurately predictive of what  you are likely to vote as a  group. So that we don't go down  a path too far and then find  out at the at the end that it  wasn't approved. So th that's  the Thank you, David. That was  that was that was actually that  was actually really, really  helpful. And that really  important right that it isn't.  This is a a representative  survey. The Ultimate decision  is made to your point by the  voters at town meeting and at  the ballot box. This is we're  not So Right. Thank you. Um,  are these just comments? I know  that people wanna make comments? Is it a question? Okay, go  ahead. Record that shows it's  Awesome. Yes, yes. Yes, it's an  exhibit on the agenda from the  last last meeting, the MSP the  MS B A has, um You know we were  in the MS B a pipeline and  program and there are deadlines  and due dates. And if you miss  a deadline and due date, you  get pushed back, and then it  costs your mo more money. Um,  we're gonna move on now. As a  as the committee is willing. OK. So. What does the ad hoc  committee need from us? I think  we we need, um To know if the  committee Approves US.  Contracting with this company  and then we also need to know  if the committee approves the  Sub-committee to work with the  company to formulate the survey. OK. So you'd be looking for Two  motions. One would be my guess  since you got this cost  estimate would be, uh, looking  to contract for up to a certain  amount of money Is that correct? Right. And then the second  thing you might be looking for.  I'm just I'm not putting words  people can I'm, just clarifying  would be perhaps the committee  might authorize the ad hoc  committee to work with the  polling company to create the  questions and create the Is  that that sounds reasonable.  I'm just is that what we're  looking for, Um I. I don't I.  It might make sense for us to  be within. Uh, the I have a  couple of questions. I have  some I might be interested in  asking of, um Vinny and Eric,  but maybe we should be within a  motion in order to do that. So  if someone is willing to offer  a motion to start I move that  we authorize the ad hoc polling  committee. Um, to spend. Money,  Um, to create this poll with  the signal polling company. I  think you should have it like  up to Well 1005 $100. Alright,  Uh, do I have a second to that.  2nd 2nd by Jane Carr. Um, so  just to restate the motion, it  sound like the motion was to  authorize the ad hoc committee  to contract with the polling  company, Um, for an amount not  to exceed $12,500. Does that  sound accurate. OK. Um and we  got a second by Jen. Um  Discussion questions. Um So I  just have a couple questions. I. Guess. I want just input from  Eric and Vinny, both about  costs and about So procedurally  what you're hearing here. Cost.  I don't know if it goes over  the Get three quotes. Or three  quotes. OK. All, right? So, if  the what would happen then, if  this committee were able to get  Contract for less than 10,000.  They could just contract OK,  and if not, we would have to  put out um, just a request for  quotes to two other companies.  And, do we have to get to get  one more back so two total. OK?  Did you guys get a quote from  that other company? We we We  had a We interviewed A second  vendor who quoted us I Think  $17,000. The quote was W. I'm  sorry. The quote was 17,000 OK?  A RE you able to get one more?  Quote comfortably. Well. It.  Sounds like we've got two  company but you do not have to  receive one I. See. Ok. OK, so  if so, that would be if you if  I mean this con this Sounds  like this polling company would  be the lower bid anyway. Um of  what we have. But if if you go  in and the contract is over,  then we would need to ensure  that we've asked another  polling company. Interesting.  Um All right, um Do. You. See  this vote, then Vinnie as  problematic to being up to  12,500. No. We just need to be  assured. And you could you  would guide the ad hoc  committee on about that. OK?  Eric. Thoughts. No, I You and I  have already talked about it.  So we we were trying to figure  out just to make sure that we  had the the right process based  on the state purchasing Rules.  OK? Um any other questions or  discussion on this? Is everyone  clear on what the motion is.  Yeah. OK, um, all those in  favor. That is six. All those  opposed. That is one and 6 to 1  and the motion passes. OK? Um  Do. We have another motion on  this. Hm? You want you wanted  the second one to authorize  them. Well. I'm Yeah. I'm  asking if someone wants to try  to craft that as a motion Um I  move that we Authorize a  committee to work with. The  polling committee to create the  poll and deploy the poll. To  formulate the questions. That.  That might be cable. It's, uh,  it's it's mostly coming up a  pro and pros and cons list of  Of the projects that seems like  what he's gonna be asking us.  Feels really specific. Yeah, I  wouldn't do that. But. I would  just say work with the polling  committee. Uh, to formulate I  move that the ad hoc committee  worked with the polling  committee, the polling company  to create The Content of the  poll questions. Right? And  deploy the pole. All. Right. Um, let me Oh, do we have a second?  Second by David Frankel. All,  Right, I'm Gonna try to restate  it so that you can make sure  that we got it. Um, I know it  sounds like the motion is to  authorize the ad hoc committee  to work with the polling  company to create the content  of the poll and to deploy the  poll. That sounded. Good. We  are comfortable with that. Yes.  All right? Is there a question?  I have a question. Usually. I'm  the one who answers this  question. If we were to create  a shared Google Doc. To try and  come up with pros and cons list  to then have a meeting and we  whittle down the list. Would  that be an open meeting law  violation. Um yes, the three of  you, Uh, I. Think. It would be.  I Think, however, you could  have a document Where Trent,  You're the chair Correct? You  could certainly have a document  that lived with Trent and you  two separately could send  Information to trend Um Yeah,  which is which makes more work  more work for Trent. Every week. I keep voting myself to do have  more weeks, So yeah. Again.  This. I want to be clear so  that people don't begin to  believe that this is the way  that our committee works  because I know that some of the  other town committees work this  way, and it is not the way we  work. OK, so OK? We voted on it. We voted on it for Respond.  Yeah. I actually nominated  David. I think it's important  that somebody who's in those  discussions and has the  information be on the submit on  the ad hoc committee so that  they have the right information  and to be clear. We have a  subcomittee of three people. Um  and so it's a subcomittee of  three people as we always do,  right it's worth at the will of  the committee. So in other  words, if the if they took a  vote, there's three people  there needs to be a majority.  Um So Um You got to vote. Yeah.  We need to vote. Anybody have  any other discussion points? OK, um All right. Everyone's clear  on the motion. Mhm. All those  in favor. That is six in favor.  Those opposed. I want to  abstain, OK the, uh, no opposed  any abstentions. One. So, Uh,  the motion passes six in favor,  zero opposed and one abstained.  OK? Moving on, Um We are next  on. Wanna be mindful of the  time Here. We are on the MS B a  grade configuration discussion.  This is just a discussion.  We're not taking a vote. We're  just Understanding for future.  Ooh. That's little. You'll have  to look at it on your own  exhibit because it's very  little up there for some reason. So. This is another of the  boxes that we need to check  along the way And in talking to  our MS B, a representative, Um  if she and I were talking about  if you know whatever direction  we go in If you do, um Choose  to Consolidate and they they  just want to be able to  document Um That. The School  Committee voted to approve and  authorize the proposed change  to the grade configuration. So  just as an example if you're  looking at, um The  Consolidation of 740 issues as  an example or 645, either one  of those you'd have to just say  that it was authorized by the  school committee, and then we'd  go back to Any meetings where  the project was discussed in  both the school committee, the  school Building Committee and  according to my MS, B, a  connection was to also add in  the the, uh, any of the forms  that we did as kind of OK.  These are the the places where  the project was discussed in in  in public in public meetings  they want they want to know how  many public meetings the  project was discussed. And So  this is not anything we need to  do anything with tonight. I  wanted people to see it to say.  If. There's a vote for a  consolidated option. We have to  complete this after that.  Particular vote, So I'm just  it's an if on the The What.  They call the PSR submission.  It's one of the 10 or 12  different forms of the state  requires us to submit. On  behalf of the committee. I just  had a quick question on the  signatures. There's a chief  executive officer. Space. Who  would that? Be me? And, the  superintendent of school in a  regional school district. The  superintendent is also the  chief executive officer. Thank  you, It's a. It's A, one of the  weird differences of regional  school districts, versus um A  City or a town or a city or a  town. Thanks for answering my  question. Um And just to be  clear. This is because if an  option is voted upon that has  any kind of grade  reconfiguration. So like any  time, um, because I remember  this conversation from a long  time ago that any time an an MS  B a project require like you're  not any time you're not putting  the exact same grade  configuration and that you  would do this, So in other  words, even if you only moved  say, because You build a, uh,  you you renovated the college  school and couldn't fit  something if you were moving  kids out or moving kids in  because you just You still have  to let them know that the  committee voted to to do that.  It was I mean he was OK with  that So. It covers all all  their options of movement like  the Oh and I just went and a  and a question I asked about  this was this is This document  does not require Hamilton when  I'm in Perpetuity to keep the  same grade configuration we  could always In other words,  you don't want to get into a  situation where 15 years from  now you wanted to move grades  around. You weren't allowed to,  but you are correct. It's just  Yeah. It's in the initial  stages of the what they call  the feasibility study, which  we're still in as you're going  from feasibility into schematic  design. They just want to be  able to have those ducks in a  row, so that's where that's  where it comes from. So Are  people have other questions. So. I would anticipate that we will  put this document as an exhibit  on our next meeting. Because.  We're gonna potentially vote  correct so we would put this on  and if only it only may or may  not be relevant, but if it's  relevant, it would be there so  you can expect to see the same  document um, with filled in  with the dates on it. OK? Um  All right. Next up. We have, um, this is our committee. Um,  assignments which we are  meeting. Oh. There's something  flying around really? Gross. I.  Guess pterodactyl flies we have  here. No. No. Um OK, So. Next  up. We have, um, as you all  Remember, we had a very long  meeting before and we didn't  get to the committee  assignments. Um and so we need  to do that. Um, I did get  feedback from, um Two people  three, including myself, Um,  about preferences. Um, for the  different committees. Um, but  what I'd like to do just In  terms of structuring. This is  what we're looking at generally  is to fill all three of our  committees, negotiations policy  and capital finance. Um And  then to go through and do our  liaisons. Um Typically, um  Everyone. Typically, What we're  looking for is for everyone to  serve on a on one committee. We  need two people to serve on two  committees in order to fill  them all up. Um So that be.  That's that so I'm gonna just  randomly start and just I'm  gonna start with policy. Um And  we can just I don't know if  people have thoughts on how we  want to do it, But. Um, we can  either go around to each  committee or I can go around to  each person and you can tell me  which one you would prefer to  be on. You wanna do that? All,  right. I heard a vote for that.  All right, Amy. Why don't you  start? What. Are you looking to? I've got a I've got scribble  notes. We can just Toss your na  mes IN and we'll see how things  fall out. Don't be shy. It's OK  to have more than one person  wanting the same thing. We can  figure it out. My. First  preference is policy if all  that submit before. OK. And.  Would you be willing to if  necessary, Serve on a second  committee And, What. Would your  preference be? Or or do you  have none probably capital  planning and finance, OK? David  Polito. Are you willing to  share your Uh, yeah.  Negotiation. Thank you. Um OK,  and are you willing or  interested to serve on another  one? OK? Yeah. That's a lot. OK  Julia. Um Capital Finance is my  first one on policy is my  second Policy would be your  second choice. Um OK? Right?  Capital finance and  negotiations. OK? In that order. Um, sure. OK, uh, David Frankel. Um, negotiations and  secondarily couple of OK? And I. I was wondering why I had that  written down. But you were one  of the people that actually  responded to me. So I do have  and I have yours too, But. Go  ahead. You go ahead and say it.  Capital finance and policy. OK,  um OK. Well. Um I love that we  have. At least we didn't all  pile up in one thing. At least  we're all mixed. All of them  have enough people. Um so, huh?  Oh, I'm Sorry myself. Um I  would like to be on  negotiations. Um and my  Reference would not to be to be  on to, um, give a negotiations.  Um, amount of work and Time  time. Um But I would be if it  were, you know, the There were  no other option. Of course I  would do it. Um, OK. So maybe  I'll just read out what we have  and see what we have, Um Looks  like for negotiations. I've got  the current team, which is  David, David and myself are  this is our number one choice,  and Trent has Offered to be on  there as his second choice. Um,  policy. It looks like, uh, Amy  and Jen have that as their  first choice. I'm Sorry Finance  is my first. I'm sorry. I  actually, I have you down twice? Actually, I have, uh, only, uh,  we've only got three people  that are willing to do policy  And. So. Um, we've got, uh Amy  Jen and Julia Only. Amy chose  that as her top choice. Um,  capital Finance looks really  popular. Um, I've got, um Jen,  Julia and Trent have it as  their number One Choice, Amy  and David Frankel have it as  their second choice. Um So I'm  trying to see if it just if  something if it just makes  sense, I, I. Guess. My question  is that would leave what I'm  looking at? Who are the people  that I'm looking at? Might need  to do to there, Jen you're  doing too right now, right? I  said you and you're you're on  too right now. And how? I mean  How is that for the like, are  both of you. Interested in  stopping doing that because  that's a lot. I'm a terrible  secretary for all the  committees, but I'll continue  to do it. Um He still didn't  get Is the same missing. What  are you on right now You're on  capital Finance, OK? Um Coming  up. Um Mm. Are you looking at  my scribbles and making sure?  Yeah. Just make sure I don't  wanna go, Jen, Julie. All,  right you've got our secretary  is going to have a thought. Go  ahead. I have Amy, Julia and  Jan in policy. Um, Julia Jen  and Trent in Finance and David,  David and Dana in negotiations.  OK? Uh, is Everybody hear your  name here where you are, was in  negotiations that David also  put his name in, um capital  finance as well as uh, but this  would put this would leave our  same two people Jen and Julia  doing two committees. I have no  problem being on any of the  committees, so just all right.  Well. Yeah, I think that I  think that if Julia and Jen are  willing to continue on with two  committees, which is a lot of  work, and we don't, you know,  um in and I'll I'll tell you  the other thing is just keeping  Committee the same. Yes,  there's something to be said  for that it Yes. It is it's um  right in the middle of it. OK?  So do you wanna read that one  more time just so people can  hear it. And, then maybe we can  have if anyone has an a a  concern or question we can do  that, And, then we can make a  motion. So read it one more  time just for people to hear.  Sure. So for policy. I have Amy, Julia and Jen. For negotiations. I have David, David and Dana  and for capital finance. I have  Julia Trent and Jen Right?  Alright let's have in nine  years is the fastest this has  ever gone. I. Don't? I don't  know. OK, Go ahead. Why don't I  move! We are at the Hamilton I  regional school district.  Select the following members to  the following Subcommittees  policy would be Amy, Julia and  Jen negotiations would be David  David and Dana and Capital  Finance would be Juliet Trent  and Jen. 2nd 2nd by Jen Carr  right any further discussion.  All right? All those in favor.  That is unanimous and the  motion passes kick it off a  couple of agendas and it's a  five minute conversation. OK.  Um, thank you all. And. Thank  you in particular? I really? I  really do wanna say thank you  to Jen and and Julia for being  willing to Stick with those two  like Um That's a lot Um OK. Um  So, Uh, I if you want to look,  I don't know if you wanna pull  the liaisons up on the It's on  the front of the website. Um oh, yeah, I can on the like the  school committee page. Thank  you. Um, so I have a list of  our current school committee  liaisons. Um And I. Just Wanna  make a quick adjustment or I'm  Gonna Ask the committee about a  quick adjustment. Um so if you  see down near the bottom there,  um there were three things the  three bottom ones. And I. Eric  and I discussed. I sort of  wondered whether we needed  those. I'll start with the  bottom there when a master  planning David do we need that  still is that finished? It's  mostly finished, so we we,  they're they're ready to  publish it and publicize it.  You guys still meeting or no, I. Don't think we have another  formal meeting. OK, so The, the  There may be a follow on Kind  of effort to actually execute  the plan. OK, so as you I, I'm  looking to you for your opinion  on whether that's something  that we still need to have as a  liaison or not, for the time  being, just, um As because I  think the town's still trying  to work out that it was just a  question. Um I will go one up.  I am the Hamilton master  planning. We are finished with  our, um, portion of the work  that's moved on, Um, what we  have actually closed. Um, our  our work. Um and it's it's  moved on, and it's now at the  planning board, and it's out of. So, um So. I don't feel like we  need that since that committee  has been closed. We, don't I  don't need to be a That liaison  position anymore. Um, I did  discuss with Eric, Um, about  the athletic facilities  Improvement building Committee.  Um And. Our feeling was that  even though things are moving  in a different direction than  it might be wise to continue to  have that As You know, even if  things are even though things  are different now, it Um, but  that was a question. Um, does  anyone have any others of these  that you feel like I? I didn't  see anything else that I had  questions about removing before  we go through. OK, I didn't  know if the wellness committee  is meeting. I have not received  any emails, Eric. I. I don't  know what for the wellness  Committee they have been here.  OK, um, somehow got taken off  an email this summer, so I'm  happy to stay with Buker and  wellness. OK. Well, I'm Gonna  actually start with Trent  because we need to get Trent  into these and so, I I don't  know what makes sense for you,  Trent or what you're interested  in, Um, a a liaison position.  To, be honest doesn't typically  entail very much unless they're  sort of a question. It's  someone for them to contact if  you know someone From Bucher  might wanna contact you if you  had a question about you know  if we Wanted to find out  something about the we I select  board. It's, You know that's  who the liaison person is, Um  But we also go to the friends  of meetings and these, um  around budget time and any  other Big Questions and  projects and talk to the  representatives of the school  about the Whatever questions  they have but usually mostly  around budget. Thank you. Yeah.  Yep. So is there any that I  don't not hate to put you on  the spot, But, you know that  you're interested in that you  might be Um, we do. The ones  that I would be interested.  INARE Miles River. Um And then  Hamilton Select board. OK? But  I'm happy to be told. Well you  need I mean you need to get in  there. So, you know, like, um  OK, um So You could split miles. Excuse We could split Miles  River and the high school.  That's a good point. That's a  combined. It's a combined group. So the Friends group is the  same is Yeah, but I mean if we  have backup because I can't me  not make all the friends  meetings because of other  conflicts, So OK. I mean two of  us might not be bad idea. Um  and I assume that middle the  middle school is a good a good  fit for you. Is that right? OK,  um OK, uh, so maybe given that  maybe we just work down top  down. I don't know whether  people are Like. I'm certainly  willing to change things up if  people want to. So, um Shall We  just start a T, The top who  Bucher is currently Julian.  Does. Anyone wanna be you wanna  stay stick with that? Does  anyone have a Yes. You Wanna  stick with it? Cutler is  currently Amy. How. Do you feel  about that? Oh you have  Winthrop and Cutler? Yeah I  would like to keep with theirs.  Um, So is anybody chomping at  the bit for Cutler? We don't  have. I. Don't think we have  anybody that's like a That  colour right? Um, OK so I can  keep Looks like you win. OK, Um  it sounds like middle and high  school. Uh, Trent and Jen.  We're gonna split that to You  know, middle and high, even  though when it comes to the  friends, that would be the same, but You know could be other  things. Um Hamilton Select  board. Um I might But, although  I think Amy is awesome, Um, I  might actually think, I. I  might think that's not a bad  place for try just like  Relinquish. My. I just think  it's a good you know, trying to  kick you out. I don't know what  other people think. Um OK, um  Hamilton finance anybody  particularly interested in that? OK. That's currently me so Um,  when I'm select bored, I would  be interested in that if If  that didn't hoping he would  take Finance Finance committee,  But yeah, Whatever one you  don't take I'll take the other  one. OK So the two of you would  like to split up that, um,  thank you. All right, So. OK,  All right, You've so Alright,  um, I'm looking at David Franco  First Select board. Polito for  finance. Is that right? OK, uh,  Julia's wellness and Your  expressing that there hasn't  been a lot of interactions,  right? Um, all right, and then  CPAC. I'm. I'm fine with that.  Does. Anybody else have an  interest INC PAC OK, I'm Just  Gonna try to count up here.  This is like Uh, let's see,  we've got Two for Julia. For  Amy, two for Trent. I know,  I'll tell you I'm right now. I  got one. Two for David Frankel.  One for David Pluto. You know  nobody. Nobody got? Nobody got  three right two for well, I  only got one. And David fled.  Only got one. That's fine. Good. Oh and Jen. Maybe got three  because you're still the  athletic facilities, right?  Yeah. Or maybe you still got  two. Two. OK two. Good two. All, Right. Good. All, Right. Do you  want me to read that? And? Then. You can say so moved OK?  Alright. This is what I have  Everyone listen and see if this  sounds like what we just said.  Bucher Elementary, Julia  Campbell. Cutler Elementary,  Amy Kerger Winthrop Elementary,  Amy Coon Burger. Miles River  Middle school. Trying. Honda.  Uh Hamilton and regional high  school jen car. Hamilton Select  board Trent Honda. Hamilton.  Finance Committee, Dana Ara.  When. I'm Select for David  Frankel. When I'm Finance  Committee, David Polito.  Wellness Committee, Julia  Campbell. CPAC David Frankel  Athletic Facilities Improvement  Building Committee Jennifer  Carr. Yeah. Second OK moved by  Amy Coomber and seconded by  David Polito. Um All right  better myself. All those in  favor. Oh. Is there any  discussion? All those in favor.  Unanimous thank you all for  your patience on that. All  right. OK, Vinny. Yeah. So  tonight. I'm seeking your  approval to hire Carina Warner  as our assistant district  treasurer. Uh, Karina has  extensive experience with the  Treasury functions of a  municipality with her 23 years  of experience. Uh, Karina has  worked in the town of Ipswich's, uh, Treasury department since  2001 where she currently serves  as the town's assistant  treasurer and collector. The  exact job. We're hiring her to  do, uh, but ours is kind of  part. Uh, the business office  reviewed a total of five  applicants and brought three in  for interviews. We narrowed it  down to two great candidates,  uh, but ultimately chose Carina  because of her vast experience  in this direct role, uh,  attached to the agenda tonight  is her complete resume, and I  can answer any questions you  may have OK? How Angry. Is  Ipswich going to be kind of  sharing her, so they the two  days a year we A Excellent. Um  other questions. Um So. I move  that we The Hamilton Regional  School Committee vote to  appoint the assistant treasurer  as recommended by reading  Leonie and presented in  tonight's Agenda. Second by Jen  Carr. Is there any other  discussion? All right? All  those in favor. Is unanimous  and the motion passes. Thank  you guys. Thank you very much  for the work in in doing that,  Um and I, I will say I know I  said it at the last meeting.  While it might only be two days  a year. It is a really, really  critical critical position to  have and I'm feel a lot better  to have that voted in. So thank  you. Um Okay. Next up, Uh,  capital Finance. We've been, uh, we haven't met, but we will set  up a meeting time. Now that we  have a full Senate Committee.  Great. Now that you know who  your committee is, which is at  the next level committee. Julia. We need to vote on Um Rules  right or In within your, But if  the committee is not changed,  Can, we just keep it or I. Just  I didn't know the pro. I would  say it's still wise to just  have a vote at the first  meeting that who's gonna be the  chair and because you guys  might change that on the agenda  for the first After all you  might wanna have a break from  being so I was gonna say you  sound like you're not loving  the secretary role so bad at it. It's my fault. I get better  that we're getting to that. Um,  OK. Actually, I was looking at  the list. You're doing pretty  good I am doing I'm Got all of  2022. Yep. Down. I'm not sure  what we can do about since none  of us were actually on the  committee. No, I. Think I, I  think well, David will give an  update on what I'm Backlog on  and hopefully it's only a few.  OK, um Right policy. No, we  meet. Uh sa Me update. We'll  have and OK All schedule a  meeting and set up a policy  though I will say, um, the  three of you don't have a chair  right now because you have a  new configuration. Um so Just  in terms of again Scheduling is  something that it's totally OK  for you guys to have a  conversation about even though  you don't have a chair you can  still Communicate with each  other about Getting a schedule  and then you will need to vote  for a chair so that you have  that. Um So. Um, you you might  need to just have a sort of  somewhat of a generic first.  Policy agenda meeting. Um  Because you don't have a chair  to really set the agenda. Um,  for finance. I'll, Send it out  to you guys. We'll just do a  meet anywhere, Meet anywhere  type pole thing. OK come up  with a couple of days. Um,  negotiations. Um, As. I said.  We're really in the, um In the  weeds with the teachers  negotiations at the moment we  met last week and we actually  just met for a strategy session. Um, session the other day we  have a meeting coming up. We'll  discuss in our, um About later  tonight. It. Excuse me about,  uh, PC agreement, which is next  Wednesday Gonna go into  negotiations with for that, And  then next Thursday, we have our  next Uh, meeting with the  teachers union. So Pretty busy.  Yes. Very, Thank you. Yeah.  Yeah. Go ahead, Eric be because  Vinnie and I were were tasked  with negotiating with a me We  were finally able to get them  to the table. Uh, after several  months of trying to get them  together, So. We've had our  first meeting set ground rules,  and, um, we've received their  request for Uh, Changes  increases and things like that  to the contract. So we're we're  we're sitting at that moment,  and we'll meet again next week.  Um, with our counters and and  just we'll we'll keep you  informed as we as we go along,  so just just in the beginning  stages of negotiations for both  the Ask me groups Now, we we  are creating a new contract for  the cafeteria workers and then  the custodians is is just, uh,  a renegotiation of their usual  term. Is that the separate  negotiations OK? Yeah, we tr we  We looked at combining the  contracts, but the the jobs are  so different that it just  didn't make sense. It really  got messy. So we've got, um  some agreement on some of the  bones of the contract for the  cafeteria workers, which were  actually taking some of the  pieces of the the custodial  contract that are are normal to  a A contract like some of the  management rights, preamble,  things like that. So. Um, we  we'll meet and just keep going  back and forth with them to to  nail that down, um, over Next,  probably month or so. All right. Thank you. Um anybody else have  questions or anything about  negotiations? Okay? Uh, David  back to you for Secretary  report. Um actually, during  this meeting, I just emailed  all of you guys with a link to  the outstanding meeting minutes. Excuse me just so you guys have  access to them, Um Capital  finance There is, um Seven  outstanding. Minutes, however.  Four of them are from 2017. So.  Technically, you're off the  hook on those. I'm gonna have  to figure out how we're  actually gonna How we go about,  um Trying to track those 17. So, so Janelle Janelle gave me  every everything that's that's  like Um, I. Don't think there's  anyone on the committee who was  on the committee in 2017 were  on the in 2019, either, anyway,  OK, we'll find out. That's Why.  So. Other than that, um Well.  There's the four from 2017 1  from 2019. And, then, um one  from 22 1 from 24. That's  outstanding so but I gave you  the list so you can know what's  what's missing and then policy.  Um they're appears to be about  10 again a lot. A. Couple of  these are old Um 2019 also  didn't vote. 20 Maybe. Like you  have them where you put in an  agenda that we didn't vote on.  OK, thank No. I. Guess we have  to. So Yeah. So there. There is  a question here about, um two  from 2023 that might have been  approved at a previous meeting.  Um, I just haven't done the  groundwork to really just try  and chase these down. Excuse me. Um and then you know, taking  those outliers out. There's  about five that are outstanding  again. Everybody is connected  to this list. So If, You're  wondering what's missing. You  can just Right in there and  Figure it out. As you know,  Excuse me as you do it. You can  either change. Um, the dropped  down to you know a waiting for  approval. Um so that we know to  take it off. And. This is  everything over 30 days? What's  that over 30 days? Yeah, OK.  Alright. So. Thank you, Janelle  because yeah, that's great. He  did it all and I just made it  look pretty That's wonderful  Thank you very much for that.  Um, And. Does. This mean  negotiations is up to date. Yes, we're I think just barely. I  have one that it's 30 exactly  days, but I just did it. So are  you gonna do it? OK, um I  suspect. I have one that now is  30 days, but probably wasn't  when Janelle did this like  yesterday. OK, um Um Yeah  superintendent's report. All  right to you, Eric. Thank you  very much. Um, what's going on?  Tomorrow is actually the final  day for our seniors and classes. Uh, they have their workshop.  Uh, tomorrow and they will be  done with their classes and  academics. And the more they'll  they'll have a little bit of a  break for a few days and  they'll jump into, um senior  events leading up to graduation  on June 1st so exciting time  for them. Um, certainly. Look  forward to to coming to these  different events like  candlelight and graduation and  some of the senior, um, banquet. Um, awards that get handed out  of front too. So I look forward  to that part of the year, and  it's also sad to see classes  going because this is my This  group is is my was my freshman  class. My last year as as  principal, So. It's A, It's a  tight, tightly connected group,  and I look forward to attending  their graduation. Last week I  went to senior symposium. Hope.  I didn't take your steam there.  Um, and it was a great  opportunity to see final  projects of of the kids, uh,  who are graduating also, Um  Kids that were on internships  during fourth quarter did, uh,  different projects and  different, uh, presentations  based on their experience. One  of my favorites was one of our  students was, um, she shadowed  a P A and really got down and  dirty like into the nitty  gritty, Um, and she was very  excited about that. So I think  you know that's a A good  opportunity for, uh, senior in  high school to get a glimpse of  what you know, being a P A  might be and then, um, she's  going to school for it. She  wants to to continue on and and  do the work. Which as many  people may know is more than  four years. I think it's seven  years now. Minimum, um, plus a  lot of other things along the  way, So that was it was fun. It  was a great great day to to  visit with the kids and and get  to hear some of their, um,  projects and why they picked  them and And how they'll  they'll apply that to the  future, Um, update on the field  project. The. Uh, bids came in  last week. Uh, letter went out  yesterday to award the final  bid to Argus. Um Uh,  construction. They, uh, came in  at 9.6 million. Which is, uh,  far under, uh, expectations and, um we'll still have to do a  couple of things before that,  based on the conservation  commission requirements, and  the planning board requirements. Um One of those is happening  tomorrow, which is, uh, test  pits. We have to do seven test  pits in the high school middle  school back area. Um, those  will be done tomorrow. And then  we have, um we're still working  on a contract with, uh, a  testing company to do the water  testing in various spots along  the There's A stream on the, uh  people are familiar unless left  side of the the softball field  and then the Miles River in the  back. So those are requirements  of the Conservation Commission  and, uh, the planning board  kind of Scored that for us, So,  we We're getting all those done  Those. We can't go any further  with the project until those  are done and and, um, taken  care of, And then, um, we will  meet with them the the company  next week to lay down some  ground rules and also, uh, get  an idea when they will actually  be able to kick off the project, you know, put a shovel in the  ground and and get get moving.  So tomorrow things at the the  Middle School High school in  the back will be shut down for  a little while while they do  those test pits, But, then  we'll be back in action for  another week or so. We we  expect They'll be up and  running right around June 1st,  which is, uh, exciting as well.  And then it's over a little  over a year from there,  depending on weather could be  less. They they, you know, it's  just you're We're gambling with  November to February to to see  where the project ends up And,  then, um, next quick question.  Um what? What? Did you know  exactly what the the Water  Commission are testing for.  Yeah. There's A. There's  actually a A list of of  chemicals that are, uh, that  were requested by the  Conservation Commission and  underscored by the planning  board, so You get actually I  think they're posted on the  site if you if you live in,  Yeah. And then the, uh Probably  the most thing that we we all  remember if we took part in it  the DC trip in eighth grade. Uh, they're leaving next week, So  that's an exciting time for  eighth graders to to really  kind of be out on their own and  venture into the capital. And.  I think that'll be exciting for  Um, the middle school, too.  It's always kind of the you  know you, you get this whole  group that leaves and goes off  to DC and the rest of the kids  kind of get to spread their  wings out a little bit like OK.  They're starting to move up. Uh, and move on so exciting things  going on and and, uh, certainly  between the next two weeks. If  you get a chance to come to any  of the senior events. Uh,  please do candlelight is is, uh, you know, it's about an hour  long ceremony, but I think it's  important. Uh, it's an  important community event. It's  really It's kind of a kind of  an easy going, uh, event where  I guess in in some graduations,  all those speeches that  occurred during that event  would occur during graduation.  So. Uh, Graduation is indoor  this year because we will not  have access to the fields to to  put up a tent. Uh, so the Uh,  it will be indoors and, uh,  sounds like they They've got a  pretty good plan for how to lay  everything out and get things  set up. So looking forward to  the next few weeks. Thank you  questions for the  superintendent? I. Just have a  comment Um IN, all of your  superintendent reports. It's  very clear how important it is  to you to celebrate the  accomplishments of the students, and I think that that's really  commendable because you don't  have a lot of time to go to all  these events, But, you make the  time. Thank you. That's the fun  in the game, right? Um Anybody  else? Um, I. Just wanna say? I  think that's really exciting  that we're Put some shovels in  the ground on the athletic  project. Yeah that's really  exciting. I I'm I'm excited. Oh, fantastic. Yeah. And a and a  good bit number. OK, um Right.  OK, Um, I don't really have a  lot to say. I did go to the  senior symposium as well, Um,  highly recommend, I would  recommend to go. You know next  year if you have the  opportunity, I will highlight a  different um, what was  different? I think this was new  this year. At least it was new  to me. It was the internships.  Um, in the past is so I will  just research projects. Um,  this year they had both  research projects and  internships. I talked to a  really enthusiastic young man  who had gotten to do an  electrician. Internship and he  could not have been more  enthusiastic about the work  that he did, and he got a job.  He's gonna graduate with a job  from his internship and kids  got jobs out of their intern  was so thrilled to be able to  talk to him. And that was, I  felt like that. I just hit the  jackpot. I got to hear that so  anyway. Um And I think that's  all I have. I probably have  more, but I Um All, right? Do  we have topics for future  meetings. Oh, well, I do I  should say I did I went through. I knew I had something else. I.  I went through all the dates  for your evaluations earlier in  the meeting, I was gonna make  sure that I said that, but  Everybody's clear on what  they're doing for the  superintendent evaluation.  Mailing it to David. On the 20  on or before the 23rd. Um, Um,  yeah, uh, topics for future  meetings. Um For the June 6th  meeting. Did the committee want  me to invite The Person  conducting the poll. To present  the results, Or would you just  like the results? Um There's no  guarantee that He'll be  available, But. Yeah, I don't  say that he'd be willing to, I  guess. Well, I mean I will look  to the whole committee. But I.  I. Guess. It's to me. My  question would be if the ad hoc  committee feels like that's the  best way to present the results. Then. I. Yeah, I think it would  be helpful. 32 I It because I'm  sure there will be exactly what  I was thinking. There's no way  that any of you could present  it without someone getting  angry, so angry having him  there to ask questions right?  And they could be. I mean. In  other words, I'm a I've I've  expressed. I'm, a big fan of  the owl. You do like that They  could be on the Yeah, I like  the we can, if if they weren't  able to come in person, they  could be he. He's done it he is  down in DC. So. Um, we try to  keep Yeah, you can go with the  eighth graders. Um, so what I  would say, um to you is that I  would anticipate having an  agenda item that would say  something like polling results  or something like that. And  that if you I assume it would  go through the chair if you  have And exhibit or You know  whatever ahead of time, then  just we'll get it on the agenda. I guess this would be an  opportune time to tell you that  June 6th is not an opportune  time for me. I actually have a  commitment at work. I'm not  sure what time I'm gonna get  here. You're gonna need to be  here on Sunday as soon as I get  more information on what time  I'll be here. I'll let you guys  know, but just so we can adjust  that agenda accordingly. Will  we be able to see these results. I don't wanna just see them a T  the meeting for the first time,  I. I believe that a few hours  by by next mid next week. We  should be able to get the pole  constructed and then, he said.  72 hours after that would be  his expectation. So my thats  not next, not the coming Monday. But the Monday after that is  when I would Anticipate we  would be able to have the  results. You were able to do  that date counting in your mind. Yeah No I. I was needing to  pull up my calendar like I'm  going to wait, so I know it's a  Saturday and then 2nd 30, OK?  Um So and and the way to  distribute that information  would be through the  superintendent. So. If, You get  results. You can provide it to  the superintendent. He can  provide information. Thank you,  Um That. People would not reply  to all. Yeah, don't you guys,  we We're really good. Nobody  replies to all anymore. It's  great. So Um, OK, so that'll  definitely be an agenda item  and we'll see what the exhibit  looks like. As we get closer.  Um anything else for topics for  future meeting? So OK one thing  we do want to add is, um we'll  pro probably do it. Maybe on  the last meeting is recognized  the students who presented all  year. Oh. Yeah, Definitely our  student representatives. Does  it make sense to do that. Well,  you and I can talk about  whether that'll be on this one  or the next recognize the  student might have to do to the  beginning of the sixth. Yeah,  it might be better on the six  will be gone. Yeah, OK. She's a  train, captain. Oh. OK, I'm  gonna, um Are we ready because  I'm gonna move into the  executive session. All, right?  Uh, I moved to adjourn into  executive session for purpose.  Number three to discuss  strategy with respect to  collective bargaining with the  Pec agreement, where an open  meeting may have a detrimental  effect on the bargaining or  litigating position of the  public body and this chair, so  declares and not to return to  open session. 2nd 2nd by Amy  Kerger and this is a roll call  vote. Yes. Yes, yes. Then as he  asked Jeff. Yes, and it's  unanimous and we are adjourned  into executive session.