Steve Bernard opens the discussion where Vinnie Marturano has been recommended as Vice Chair at the next meeting. 

Steve revisits this discussion now that we have a forum (5:51pm) and calls for a board member to nominate Vinnie as Vice Chair. 

BOT approves of Vinny Marturano as Vice Chair effective immediately. 

Omari provided updates on several upcoming school events and celebrations. At the request of Steve Bernard, discussion was limited to informational items that did not require board action due to the absence of a full quorum. 

Omari announced the Lift Every Voice and Sing Black Graduation ceremony at Massachusetts Community College taking place on May 15. He also shared details regarding the MCC Commencement scheduled for May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the school’s Fish Fry celebration. Omari reported that 30 seniors are currently on track to graduate with their Associate of Arts degrees and that approximately 50 percent of the graduating class will have earned 60 college credits through MCC. Board members interested in attending were encouraged to notify Omari so that tickets could be arranged.

Additionally, Omari announced the Senior Awards event scheduled for June 1 and encouraged board members to consider contributing to the Board of Trustees Scholarship presentation. He also shared that Bridgewater State University will host NHCSB’s Commencement ceremony on June 3 at 5:00 p.m., during which 88 seniors are expected to graduate. Omari emphasized the importance of board member attendance at these events as a means of supporting students and strengthening connections with the graduating class. 

The board also acknowledged a contribution made by Vinnie Marturano to the Friends of New Heights Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Laurie Casimir, Early College Dean and Head of Culture, provided an overview of the upcoming senior prom scheduled for May 28, 2026, at Venus de Milo. She shared that this year’s theme, “Immersive Garden,” is intended to create a floral atmosphere featuring lush and vibrant colors throughout the venue. Approximately 200 students are expected to attend the event. Laurie explained that the $150 senior dues covered prom admission costs for students, and ticket sales are scheduled to begin on Monday, May 11, continuing through the date of the event.

Laurie also noted that students will receive disposable cameras to capture personal memories throughout the evening. Event planning, décor, and related services are being coordinated through minority-owned businesses. In support of student safety and engagement, approximately 25 staff members will be present to provide supervision and assistance during the event. She further acknowledged the event sponsors, including BayCoast Bank, Mr. Walker, and the NHCSB Board.

Delroy and Omari focused on discussing the PA system installation project, focusing on its functionality during active shooter scenarios, digital displays in classrooms, microphone capabilities for teachers, and compliance with regulations.  Omari explained that the system would automatically contact police and continuously alert the school's status during emergencies. ProAdent Systems is the recommended vendor. Omari and Delroy Dennis provided details on the $183,000 cost and timeline. The installation would take approximately 3 weeks and aim for completion before September, pending hardware delivery and rewiring within two weeks of signing the proposal. The board discussed reviewing the full scope of the project before making a funding decision. Jason inquired about certification, which Omari agreed to follow up on. 

Omari reported that the administration had not initially intended to seek a board vote on the proposed facilities projects; however, following discussion during the Finance Committee meeting, Suzanne and Nick recommended exploring financing options rather than utilizing the school’s existing cash reserves. As a result, action on the broader project proposal was postponed pending further research into alternative financing methods. The board did approve moving forward with the proposal subject to the Finance Committee's determination of an appropriate funding stream, with the amendment allowing the purchase order to be issued immediately pending funding approval.

Renee Lewis reports on the 26-27 School Calendar:

The Board voted to accept the school calendar for the upcoming year, which starts August 31st, meeting the required number of days despite having 7 snow days this year. 

Suzanne gives the Board a report on YTD for March noting that revenues were currently at 73 percent and expenditures at 70 percent. She reported that the majority of expense categories were operating at or slightly below projected budget expectations. Jeff inquired about the management of grant funding, and Suzanne confirmed that all grants are being appropriately tracked and utilized in accordance with applicable requirements. She also noted that potential adjustments to Title I funding for after-school programming are currently pending approval from DESE. 

Enrollment:  

Lourdes reported that current enrollment stands at 727 students and provided detailed demographic breakdowns by grade level, municipality, and gender. She noted that although the school is projected to be over-enrolled at the start of September, the administration anticipates meeting the required enrollment capacity of 735 students by October through continued admissions from a waitlist currently consisting of nearly 200 students.

Current Numbers:

6: 115

7: 114

8: 114

9: 114

10: 99

11: 83

12: 88

355 females, and 372 males. 

FY27 Enrollment

6: 115 seats offered 

Waitlisted Grades

7: 37 

8: 29

9: 91

10: 21

11: 18

2. Grade Data Presentation:

Kaitlin provided an overview of the State Accountability Report, explaining its categories, scoring methods, and how progress is measured against state targets. She noted that the report will be released in September, with data from the 2025-26 school year weighted at 60% and the 2024-25 school year at 40%. Omari thanked Kaitlin for her work and mentioned academic achievements, including 44 students on track to earn 60+ credits and 30 students on track to earn associate's degrees. 

3. EC Credit Explanation, and Partnerships:

Maria highlighted that 72 out of 88 seniors are earning at least 12 college credits, aligning with the goal of having 50% of students earn 60+ credits. She also provided an update on college and workforce partnerships as NHCSB finalizes an agreement with Stonehill College and currently working on a partnership with VOC-Tech.

Vinnie asks about our 88 students with 12 students who have earned 12 credits (4 college classes) Is that similar to other years? 

Our goal is to have our students earn 12 credits or more and 72% of them have met that benchmark. 

4. MCAS Culture at NHCSB:

Renee Lewis spoke about the school’s efforts to foster a positive and supportive culture surrounding MCAS testing. She explained that the primary goal is to equip students with both the skills and mindset necessary to approach the examination process with confidence and success. As part of these efforts, students received gift bags containing snacks, motivational items, and encouraging messages from teachers and staff. Students also received MCAS-themed t-shirts, including both professionally produced shirts and designs created by students themselves.

Renee further reported that middle school students participated in an MCAS Pep Rally that featured speeches, motivational messages, and words of encouragement intended to build school spirit and promote student confidence ahead of testing.

The group enters into Executive Session at 6:20pm. Those on the zoom or in person who are not in person are asked to leave the meeting. Omari, Maria, and Melissa are asked to step out so that members can approve an item on the agenda for the Executive Session that lines up of duties performed by Omari Walker and Maria Fernandes. 

Other matters of the Executive Session are discussed once the item was approved and Omari, Maria, and Melissa are asked back into Executive Session.

-The second item on the Executive Session agenda is the FY27 contract of NHCSB School Attorney, Angela Smagula:

The board discussed granting a contract amendment to increase the school attorney's hours from 16 to 26 hours per month at the same rate of $225 per hour. Jess Geier and Marybeth explained that the attorney has provided valuable legal guidance on special education matters, staffing issues, and crisis management over the past several years, helping the school avoid legal issues and lawsuits. Vinnie raised questions about whether the increased hours were necessary given recent crisis levels, but the motion to approve the contract amendment was made and seconded, with the board preparing to vote on it.

Jeff Charnel informs the group of May being Haitian Heritage Month. There is a Flag Raising event on May 15th at City Hall in Brockton. 

Omari also notes and invites members of the board to attend our Haitian Style Luncheon on May 18, 2026 at NHCSB.