-GP highlighted  NHCSB team (both Administrative, Teaching, and District staff) 

for the successful handling of an emergency school closing during an electrical problem at New Heights school. The administrative and executive staff were praised for their dedication. 

Another point from GP is his attendance along with Steve Bernard at our MCC Commencement celebration. He commended the staff for their willingness to assist beyond their job descriptions. SB echoes this sentiment and remarks how students and families were relaxed and enjoyed the celebration. 

GP mentions NHCSB graduation attendance and marks down who will be attending graduation on June 5th: Everyone except Jason Radzevich and Shelly Jackson will be in attendance. 

OW speaks further to the emergency school closing, the process behind putting a plan together, and students and teaching staff having to be remote for a week. He thanks the Board for their support and gives big praises to Dr. Jones and her team. 

MM asks if there was an emergency plan already in place and did we execute it at all? 

Yes.  We did not have a remote plan as that is not allowed.  OW explains the process of how New Heights gained approval to go remote and get permission from the Commissioner. NHCSB was  originally awarded 4 days of remote instruction but needed to ask for an additional 2 days after the 4 days were coming to and end due to more electrical work needing to be done. 

Student Spotlight:

Jonathan Morency, presented by Brailee Walker

• Recognized for his tenacity, consistent honor roll performance throughout his entire academic career at NHCSB, strong sportsmanship, and outstanding leadership skills.

B. Teacher Spotlight

Uzziah Hilliard, presented by Renee Lewis

• Commended for his positive relationships with students, coaching roles in volleyball and football, and his readiness to support colleagues.
• Noted for maintaining a consistently positive attitude within the school community.

C. Staff Spotlight

Dominque Renrick, presented by Jennifer Torregano

• Applauded for going beyond technical support by offering tutorials, troubleshooting, and ongoing staff support, embodying a strong commitment to team success.

D. Department Spotlight

Custodial/School Hospitality Team, presented by Steve Fernandes

• Special recognition given to Mr. Raul and Ms. Odilia for maintaining an exceptionally clean and inviting environment.
• Their high standards for cleanliness are consistently reflected throughout the facility.

GP and SB echoed appreciation for the cleanliness observed during the MCC Graduation celebration held Friday.

E. Additional Acknowledgements:

• SJ offered a shoutout to JG and Ms. Bianka for their exceptional support during the Food Bank event, describing it as an “all-hands-on-deck” effort.
• SJ encouraged more board members to volunteer for future events.

OW informs the Board that they each have New Heights emails and any messages they were getting prior to today were going to this list serv. If staff would like a specific email used, please email or notify him for the changes.

Two critical documents are due for the June 1st submission deadline:

• A 25-page Charter Renewal Application 
• The Annual Report

Jess Geier provided an overview of the requirements:

• The renewal application will address testing and accountability standards.
• Although submitted separately, it will be reviewed alongside the Annual Report.
• Both documents will be distributed for board review and comment prior to the June 24th Board Meeting.
• Omari informed the board that he will be unable to attend the June meeting in person due to travel but will join remotely.

Renee Lewis presents on both school calendars and decisions stemming from the recent  Academic Leadership Team meeting:

• Calendar alignment priorities between Main Street and Early College (EC) campuses.
• The focus is to ensure curriculum and professional development alignment from 6th grade through Early College students who attend BSU (Bridgewater State University) and MCC (Massasoit Community College).
• A key objective is to ensure that all instructors receive the same professional development, particularly by aligning PD days with MCC’s calendar.
• The committee also discussed improving Parent-Teacher Conference scheduling, emphasizing the importance of providing families with increased time and flexibility to meet with educators.

Mike Sullivan (former Board Chair) still has rights and the board needs to take a vote to switch the signer to the new Board Chair - Judge Gregory Phillips. 

The board agrees and approves Judge Phillips as the new signatory authority for banking documents. 

The committee continued its focus on the FY26 budget, with Nicholas leading the discussion:

• The primary funding source is the per-pupil allotment, projected to total approximately $14.2 million.
• Bill raised a question about the forecast appearing lower than the board-approved amount.
• Nicholas and Omari responded that actuals are typically lower than initial projections due to the use of conservative forecasting methods.

Key Budget Elements Discussed:

• Personnel Costs: Proposed at $12.2 million, which reflects a decrease from the previous year.
  • The reduction is attributed to consolidation of services and redistribution of responsibilities among current staff.
• Administrative Costs: Expected to remain flat year-over-year.
• Instructional Costs: Projected to increase slightly to meet educational needs.
• The budget overall is described as lean, with ongoing updates planned throughout the fiscal year.

The Finance Committee reported that:

• April financials remained stable, at 83.3% of the budget, with no material changes noted.

Steve Bernard opened the discussion on the school’s response to the May 9th electrical emergency, which led to a school-wide dismissal at 9:00 a.m.

• Renee Lewis along with Dr. Jones et team were recognized for leading the rapid transition to remote instruction, which included:
  • Immediate parent communication
  • Technology distribution
  • Transportation coordination
  • Reprioritizing instructional focus
• Teaching and learning during remote operations involved:
  • Use of Google Classroom and Google Meet
  • A co-teaching model
  • A kickoff Monday meetings and school-wide daily follow-up meetings 
  • Continuation of school-wide initiatives such as New Student Acceptance Day and Culture Team support

Early College Update – Spring and Summer 2025:

• Maria Fernandez presented current enrollment statistics:
  • Spring 2025 College Enrollment:
    • MCC/BCC: 186 students in grades 9–12
    • Early College 11th & 12th graders: 117 students
    • Bridgewater State University: 16 juniors and 11 seniors
    • Total participation: 330 students (84%) enrolled in at least one college course
• Summer 2025:
  • 5 college courses will be offered
  • 77 students enrolled, including 16 seniors

Discussion Highlights:

• JC asked whether summer instruction is easier; MF responded no, due to the 5-week compression of 15-week content.
• SJ asked how many courses students may take during summer; MF confirmed one course maximum.
• WL inquired about MCAS rescheduling and did it take place; answer: MJ explained that correspondence to DESE regarding an extension went out in a timely fashion and extensions were granted for Grade 10 Math and Grade 8 Civics MCAS till June 9th.
• GP asked if outcomes were better compared to last year; MF affirmed they are, with a goal of 60% of seniors earning their AA by 2026. 

JC expressed interest in how NHCSB compares to peer schools in graduation outcomes.

• SJ asked about institutional partnerships; Maria listed:
  • Bridgewater State University (BSU)
  • Nichols College
  • Massasoit Community College (MCC)
  • Voorhees University (currently in the works)
  • Potential future partner/s: Assumption University

 School Events Update – Presented by Dr. Jones

Dr. Jones provided an overview of upcoming student events:

• 5/27 – Civics Showcase field trip
• 5/29 – Junior and Senior Prom
• 5/30 – High School Community Day and Step Show
• 5/31 – Senior Trip to Six Flags
• 6/2 – Senior In-and-Out Day, Awards Night, Senior BBQ
• 6/3 – Sports Banquet
• 6/5 – NHCSB High School Graduation
• 6/6 – Alumni Basketball Game vs. Varsity Team
• 6/7 – NHCSB SAT Testing Site (open to all students)
• 6/10–6/13 – Washington, DC Trip
• 6/14 – NHCSB ACT Testing Site (open to all students)
• 6/18 - 8th Grade Step-up Ceremony and Dance
• 6/19 – Juneteenth observed — no school
• 6/21 - Dominican Republic Service Learning Trip for selected HS students

GP asked how students will get to prom? It was confirmed that students are responsible for their own transportation.

Data Reporting and Future Presentation

• Steve Bernard referenced Kaitlin’s Data Dashboard presentation, noting it will be formally presented at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.