There were none.

Ms. Berkowitz is attending graduation ceremonies and this item is tabled.

Ms. St. Brice reported that she is working on vacancies in the building, will add to HR dashboard and will put together information for July meeting.

In Ms. Berkowitz' absence, this item is tabled.

There is none.

This item is tabled.

Bylaws

Ms. St. Brice reported that she had worked with DESE in reframing and updating the bylaws and presented them for review by the Board.

Ms. Ortiz reported she will meet with the new Executive Director to get his thoughts on establishing a baseline understanding of advancing the various aspects of academic excellence with regard to MCAS, AP classes, etc.

There are none.

Ms. Vixamar reported that as the newest appointed committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the committee has lacked clear direction on what it is supposed to do and a clear structure of the school’s support of the work of the committee. In an attempt to get an idea of the climate of the school, the committee wanted to conduct a survey among students and families, and this was deemed an overreach into operational activities. The committee needs to know the supporting groups at the school committed to working with and advancing the outreach of the committee.

Ms. St. Brice reported that the district’s readiness as an organization to work with parents, students and the leadership team is not where it needs to be to engage in the work. Toward that end a consultant was hired to work with leadership to advance that goal. As an executive coach she will focus on assessment, general staff training as well as the DEI and training and strategic planning.  A formal survey of students and families will be conducted in support of the DEI as well as the entire district. Ms. Vixamar stated that she has been advised by attorneys that the district needs to be prepared to manage certain cultural information that is obtained

Following discussion, it was agreed that Ms. Vixamar will meet with the new Executive Director as well as the consultant. This presents an opportunity not only to work with the leadership team but also with the DEI committee in going forward.

Ms. Crawford recognized the hard work of Ms. Berkowitz with DESE in updating the bylaws.

Mr. Yezukevich reported on the FY24 and FY25 budgets as follows:

• FY24 budget in wrap-up mode and making last minute purchases but in line with meeting debt service covenants.
• FY25 budget recommended for Board vote. Highlights include:
• Per pupil tuition less conservative than in prior years based on number of expected students and using state per pupil formula based on 1,525 students.
• New vendor for transportation resulted in 7% increase but only passing 3% increase to ridership fees to families.
• Re-establishing relationship of respect for property with Premier Courts Company for rental of gym for basketball and camps as excellent source of revenue when school not being utilized.
• Ms. Calvert working with consultants on opportunities to increase interest income.
• Personnel costs at 11% increase split between non-union at 5% and union staff, negotiations for which have not been finalized; $1M to go into escrow account until contract finalized.
• Capital expenses do not include projects the size of the elementary roof but reflective of more ongoing capital projects operations identified to be completed in FY25, i.e. elementary flooring; additional $200K for buildouts in elementary and middle schools; technology upgrades.
• The budget leaves the district in a good position to deal with unexpected expenses and in compliance with debt service requirements.

Facilities update:

Elementary school roof geared up to start with expected completion before start of school year; floor replacement to be coordinated at the same time.

Middle school painting to begin.

Matt thanked Ms. Berkowitz for her above and beyond service, enthusiasm and dedication to FRCS over the last four years.

Ms. Berkowitz was unable to attend the meeting but texted that she had witnessed a successful 4th and 8th grade graduation and recognition of student high achievement and award of scholarships.

Drug free policy:

Ms. St. Brice reviewed the good faith drug free workplace policy statement drawn up by attorneys to be signed by every employee at orientation.

A second reading will follow at the next meeting.

Ms. Crawford thanked the Board and expressed her appreciation for the “various and sundry ways you all elevated yourself to do the work in front of us.” Mr. Martin, on behalf of the Board, thanked her for her dedicated passion and standing up under the pressure to manage difficult situations over the years.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

This item is tabled.

There is no executive session.