[Robert Skerry]: I along with Michael had the honor and privilege of serving with Lena on the school committee and I think one of her greatest accomplishments was when we decided to beef up the vocational school and do a few things that were unconventional at the time. I said to Lena, why don't we see if we can institute a culinary arts program? And through a lot of arm bending and work behind the scenes, it became a fruition. And just last month, Council, you and I had the opportunity to see what that program, how it started, and where it is today with their brand new cafeteria. Lena and I were fortunate enough in 2010 to be granted life membership in the Mass Association of School Committees. And during my tenure on the school board, I think there was no person that offered more help, more insight, and had some great ideas. And like people have said, she was always there for the kids. That was her first priority, even long after her own children were gone from Medford High. and I would hope that you would pass this on to the new school committee and see that they act with due diligence and name something respectfully after Mr. DeGentomaso. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: I'm just wondering where the time went. On a lighter note, when I first ran for the school board back in 1985, Lena and I were battling out for the sixth seat on the school board. Election night, I won by one vote. She had a recount. I ended up losing by one vote. Came back the following time, was elected, and I had a great run. Best to you all. It was a pleasure serving with Michael and all my former colleagues. I wish Mrs. DeGentimaso well. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Secretary, accept the report and place on file.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to the superintendent, thank you for putting this report together, Mr. Paulson. It's very comprehensive. I as one member have been very vocal when it comes to MCAS tutoring, and I'm glad to see that we're reaching out to the middle schools and help them with their math and other problems. I would ask that you report back to your committee in late April, early May on the trials and tribulations of putting this program in place. See where we can do better, see what works, and possibly incorporate it into the other schools that need this.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Joy and Zach. Your cohort, I'd like to thank you. It's been, during my tenure on the board every year, Dr. Banshaw has always come up to help our kids out. And no matter what competition they go to, they always do well. And I wish you well in your endeavors. And I would ask that the school committee invite Dr. Banshaw to a meeting and he can present himself to us and the community for his great deeds, and I hope he continues for many years to come. And I wish you and your team much success in April.
[Robert Skerry]: So we're here to Mr. Skorka. I'm really glad to see that your Orchards into the Feltz will hopefully come to fruition. As a kid growing up in Medford, where the high school is now, that was once the city infirmary where indigent citizens in their later years ended up. And before they built the high school, there were pear trees, cherry trees, peach trees, four or five different kinds of apple trees. And it would be really great if we could bring this back to that location.
[Robert Skerry]: I'm pretty sure if you contact the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Littleton, they might be able to help you out with some apple trees.
[Robert Skerry]: I've been there before. It's nothing new.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Secretary? Yes. I want to move information through you. Where can residents, if they so wish, send contributions to?
[Robert Skerry]: Very good.
[Robert Skerry]: Just a general question through to Roy. Roy, since the new schools have been built, has anyone done an audit of the cameras and the way they record the daily happening? I know in some instances, the cameras are there, but you don't get a full view of what's happening. I think that has to be addressed.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: It's not. Me too.
[Robert Skerry]: Almost four decades.
[Robert Skerry]: If anybody needs a picnic table, just let me know. It's been a long, long, long, fun term being a school committee member here in Medford. Roy, I'm not gonna let you sneak out on skates tonight. You know, you've done a lot of great things for Medford, but the only thing that I really disagree with you with was when you tried to take my soccer field and baseball diamond away. At one point, remember when you wanted to build a school to place that back? But we had a lot of fun. One of the main reasons I ran for the school committee was I wanted to see the schools change. They've done a complete 180. We have beautiful buildings, and I just hope that you guys will keep up and give them the maintenance that they need. It was long overdue with a city this size. I've had a lot of friends along the way. I've had the dubious distinction of working with Bev Nelson, She was my mentor when I taught at the Roberts. I taught at the high school, I taught at the vocational school, and like Roy said, Prop 2 1 1 2 came by, I gave up my coaching job, and I rediscovered myself as an investigator, but I never lost my feelings for education. And that's why I'm here. At one point, one of the members of the Fourth Estate It gave me the wonderful pen name of the laconic one. I found that it's a lot easier to work behind the scenes, make your opinions known, do your homework, do your research, and get things done that had to be done. A few years back, we needed kindergarten aides. It was out there, it was an issue that had to be contended, dealt with. Budget time came, nobody said anything. At the 11th hour, I spoke up, and we got our kindergarten aids thanks to Mr. Belson. It was something that the kids deserve. Another thing that I've always been proud of, that I've always fought for the underdog. I've always made sure that kids at the high school that were having problems passing their MCAS test, that we provided the instruction and the tools that they needed to compete in a global economy, finish their education, and move on. But once again, I'd like to thank my family, my friends, the residents of Medford for their understanding and the trust that they placed in me with their children for the better part of the last four decades. And I'm looking forward to getting down to Myrtle Beach, doing some golfing, and reassessing where we go from there. But I make this place to you and to the audience at home. I will continue to be your voice for public education here in Medford. God bless everyone. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy New Year. And we'll be back.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to the superintendent, thank you for putting this report together Mr. Paulson. It's very comprehensive. I as one member have been very vocal when it comes to MCAS tutoring and I'm glad to see that we're reaching out to the middle schools and helping with their math and other problems. I would ask that you report back to your committee in late April, early May on the trials and tribulations of putting this program in place, see where we can do better, see what works, and possibly incorporate it into the other schools that need this. Can we discuss it? No, thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Joy and your cohort, I'd like to thank you. It's been, during my tenure on the board, every year, Dr. Vanshaw has always come up to help our kids out, and no matter what competition they go to, they always do well. And I wish you well in your endeavors, and I would ask that the school committee invite Dr. Vanshaw to a meeting, and he can present himself to us and to the community for his great efforts. deeds, and I hope he continues for many years to come. And I wish you and your team much success in April.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scowcroft, I'm really glad to see that your Orchards into the Fells will hopefully come to fruition. As a kid growing up in Medford, where the high school is now, that was once the city infirmary. where indigent citizens in their later years ended up. And before they built the high school, there were pear trees, cherry trees, peach trees, four or five different kinds of apple trees. And it would be really great if we could bring this back to that location.
[Robert Skerry]: I'm pretty sure if you contact the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Littleton, they might be able to help you out with some apple trees.
[Robert Skerry]: I've been there before, so it's nothing new.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Secretary?
[Robert Skerry]: of information through you. Where can residents, if they so wish, send contributions to?
[Robert Skerry]: Second.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skaggs. Just a general question through you to Roy. Roy, since the new schools have been built, has anyone done an audit of the cameras and the way they record the daily happening? Yes. I know in some instances, you know, the cameras are there, but they don't, you don't get a full view of what's happening. I think that has to be addressed.
[Robert Skerry]: I move that this paper be tabled.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Me too.
[Robert Skerry]: Anybody needs a picnic table, just let me know. It's been a long, long, long, fun term being a school committee member here in Medford. Roy, I'm not gonna let you sneak out on skates tonight. You know, you've done a lot of great things for Medford, but the only thing that I really disagree with you with, was when you tried to take my soccer field and baseball diamond away. At one point, remember when he wanted to build a school to place that back? But we had a lot of fun. One of the main reasons I ran for the school committee was I wanted to see the schools change. They've done a complete 180. We have beautiful buildings, and I just hope that you guys will keep up and give them the maintenance that they need. It was long overdue with a city this size. I've met a lot of friends along the way. I've had the dubious distinction of working with Bev Nelson. She was my mentor when I taught at the Roberts. I taught at the high school, I taught at the vocational school, and like Roy said, Prop 2 1⁄2 came by, I gave up my coaching job, and I rediscovered myself as an investigator, but I never lost my feelings for education. And that's why I'm here. At one point, one of the members of the fourth estate gave me the wonderful pen name of the laconic one. I found that it's a lot easier to work behind the scenes, make your opinions known, do your homework, do your research, and get things done that had to be done. A few years back, we needed kindergarten aides. It was out there, it was an issue that had to be contended, dealt with. Budget time came, nobody said anything. The 11th hour, I spoke up, and we got our kindergarten dates thanks to Mr. Belson. It was something that the kids deserve. Another thing that I've always been proud of, that I've always fought for the underdog. I've always made sure that kids at the high school that were having problems passing their MCAS test, that we provided the instruction and the tools that they needed to compete in a global economy, finish their education, and move on. But once again, I'd like to thank my family, my friends, the residents of Medford for their understanding and the trust that they placed in me with their children for the better part of the last four decades. And I'm looking forward to getting down to Myrtle Beach, doing some golfing and reassessing where we go from there. I make this place to you and to the audience at home. I will continue to be your voice for public education here in Medford, and God bless everyone, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and we'll be back. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to the Superintendent, has the Game Officials Committee been contacted to find out who the referee was?
[Robert Skerry]: get them there a little earlier.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, through you to Sebastian, here's your next great story, next great lead in the Mustang News. It's their posters, you know, get it in print and shoot for our Pulitzer.
[Robert Skerry]: Bless you. Just one last point for Sebastian. There was a great article a couple of weeks ago on The Globe regarding dueling and its effects and what they know so far. So you might want to research that. come up with your own conclusions and get a story out there for us. Sounds good.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, I would second the field trip policy we accepted tonight with inclusion of amendments to the latest date.
[Robert Skerry]: Your forms, yes.
[Robert Skerry]: 90 days.
[Robert Skerry]: I will.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to the Superintendent, has the Game Officials Committee been contacted to find out who the referee was?
[Robert Skerry]: Yeah, get them there a little earlier.
[Robert Skerry]: Light's coming on.
[Robert Skerry]: May I throw you to Sebastian, this is your next great story, next great lead in the Mustang News. Instead of posters, get it in print and shoot for our Pulitzer.
[Robert Skerry]: And just one last point for Sebastian. There was a great article a couple of weeks ago on the Globe regarding dueling and its effects and what they know so far. So you might want to research that and come up with your own conclusions and get a story out there for us. Sounds good.
[Robert Skerry]: Is there a motion on the floor to accept this report? Motion to accept the report and place it on file.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, I would second the field trip policy. We accept it tonight with inclusion of amendments and earlier at the latest date. Forms.
[Robert Skerry]: Nelson, can we have those forms by the 18th to satisfy the needs of this board?
[Robert Skerry]: Ninety days.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Roy, it's been a long run, it's been a great run, and for anyone to spend 50 years of their life dedicated to education, it's remarkable and you're gonna be commended. And I want you to know, just as one member, my colleagues have said it best, but as one member, Medford is in a better place educationally through your efforts for the last 38 years that you've been running the system. I don't think there is anyone that will master the budget as well as you. We've all had concerns at budget time some years. It's been tough, but you've always found a way to make sure that the needs of our children and our residents are met. And I wish you and Maxine well in your retirement, and don't be a stranger.
[Robert Skerry]: Set to place on file, Madam Mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Cuno. Mr. Vendetto. Present. Ms. Kress. Present. Mustone. Present. Ms. Kerrick. Present.
[Robert Skerry]: In the absence of Ms. Vandenbrook, Mayor, I have to take care of the bills. The bills seem to be in order. They've been signed and sent to a proper payment, and it's been approved somewhat under the weather, and she will be back next week.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Cunio? Yes. Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes. Ms. Van Bell? Yes. Ms. Gress? Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to Mr. Skerry. Rocco, would it be possible to supply us with some of the samples that you've been given so that we can see what we could possibly look at down the road as far as instrumenting a new program? Absolutely. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to Mr. Skerry, would it be possible to supply us with some of the samples that you've been given so that we can see what we could possibly look at down the road as far as instrumenting a new program? Absolutely. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Good evening. My name is Robert Emmett Skerry, Jr., and I'm here tonight to humbly ask for one of your six votes to return to the Medford School Committee. I put my years of experience to work for you and the children of Medford. Medford has vastly improved its standing among public schools in the area with modernized facilities to help our children and staff flourish in the best educational setting possible. The gravity of changes in the educational system in Medford require a strong and steady hand. My experience, drive, presence, and commitment to the Medford educational community enable me to achieve results no matter what the obstacles. I demand nothing less for our young people. I work tirelessly for keeping our class sizes small, consistently updating our curriculum, acquiring additional funding sources such as partnerships with the Bloomberg Foundation, Global Scholars, and National Foundation for Education. We've created new vocational programs and a robotic technology program. We've expanded counseling services in kindergarten through grade 12. We continue to stress health, amongst our students in their wellness and well-being. We've always kept art and music programs alive in Medford. We've offered quality extracurricular activities and athletic programs. We continue preventative maintenance programs system-wide, and we've balanced the budget in tough fiscal times, and we have not sought additional funds from the city council in the last 10 years. I advocate to create a five-year master plan for our buildings. set up a new maintenance initiative. Key parts of such a plan will include developing green spaces in our schools that will benefit everyone, and also possibly developing a greenhouse to supplement our technological and health programs at Medford High School. I'll advocate to review security plans on a timely basis. Doing so will ensure that security monitors are always in operation, to foster the physical, emotional, and security of our students, faculty, and staff. Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community. In Medford, I will place the highest priority of giving our young citizens every chance to achieve their dreams. My school board experience through good times and bad times provide me with the perspective and skill to fix problems, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, and further the successes so that our students can achieve to be the best that they can be. An education attained in our schools permits our youngsters to compete socially, civically, and successfully in a global economy. The school budget is the foundation upon which successful educational outcomes are built. Across the nation, financial failings are registered, but we in Medford are working hard to ensure that hard-earned tax dollars that you taxpayers pay the city are best spent on our children. I scrutinize expenditures to assure school funds are used prudently on behalf of and benefit our students and our staff. I advocate and am the voice for proven programs that give Medford's children the ability to flourish and succeed in today's world. Programs enable graduates to compete for jobs, to complete advanced education, and continue lifelong learning after high school. I require new programs to substantiate their effectiveness before funding and implementation. I work tirelessly to increase public-private partnerships and expand community relations with other institutions of higher learning. I fight to advance educational strategies to support our students through schooling and to maximize the number of students who prepare, who are prepared at Medford High and go on to graduate. I never fear the challenge, to present to current administrators and school administration to provide remediation programs so that no willing student is left behind. If a child in his senior year has not passed his MCAS test, I want to go the extra yard to make sure that they have the opportunity to take the exam, complete their portfolio, and walk across the stage and get their diploma. As always, I bring concerns of parents and the students to the school committee table. Parental involvement is crucial to a child's life. I believe that parents and schools must work in unison to create the best educational environment possible. While parents have a nurturing and protective nature with respect to their children, they must understand that the goals and objectives of our professional educators should be embraced rather than undermined. As a member of the school committee, I never fear speaking my mind against frivolous spending and personnel appointments that are not in the best interest of our school community. I demand accountability from our school personnel and strongly promote the professional development of staff and personnel. I have a few more pages, but once again, I humbly ask for your vote, your consideration, and I've been proud to be your school committeeman. Please remember Robert Emmett Skerry Jr. on November 7th. Thank you and God bless America.
[Robert Skerry]: Second.
[Robert Skerry]: Second.
[Robert Skerry]: Just following up on my colleague's sentiments, again, thank you for being here. If you could choose one or two things that you really need now, what would it be? I know.
[Robert Skerry]: Respect.
[Robert Skerry]: Just a point of information To follow up on this back in June I requested a subcommittee meeting there are a few concerned parents that call me on a Bi-weekly basis wanting to know when we're going to meet so they can have their concerns Addressed or hopefully get an answer to and once and for all explain the process of class ranking and how Some underclassmen now that are upperclassmen feel that they might have been slighted and we possibly would like to correct those inequities. And I'd say this is the fourth request for this meeting.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes, Committee of the Whole, I prefer Committee of the Whole.
[Robert Skerry]: Just as a follow-up, Ms. Vendo, after our students leave here, does the health department inquire a year or so later how that student is doing?
[Robert Skerry]: Do we initiate a policy that we follow up for at least a year after they leave here?
[Robert Skerry]: I was just concerned that, as my colleague alluded to, if an individual plays two or three sports and he or she happens to get a concussion in each season, I'd want to make sure that they had the proper medical attention. So there would be no liability to fall back on the city later on.
[Robert Skerry]: So I want to make sure that no child is overlooked. Right.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: The school committee convention is coming up and I think we have to send a delegate.
[Robert Skerry]: October 14.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to adjourn.
[Robert Skerry]: Second.
[Robert Skerry]: Just following up on my colleague's sentiments, again, thank you for being here. If you could choose one or two things that you really need now, what would it be? One or two major things that are in reality that we can do to make your life easier. Respect.
[Robert Skerry]: A plan to.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes she is.
[Robert Skerry]: Just a point of information To follow up on this back in June I requested a subcommittee meeting there are a few concerned parents that call me on a Bi-weekly basis wanting to know when we're going to meet so they can have their concerns Addressed or hopefully get an answer to and once and for all explain the process of class ranking and how Some underclassmen now that are upperclassmen feel that they might have been slighted and we possibly would like to correct those inequities and This is the fourth request to this meeting Yes, Committee of the Whole. I prefer Committee of the Whole.
[Robert Skerry]: Just as a follow-up, Ms. Vento, after our students leave here, does the health department inquire a year or so later how that student is doing?
[Robert Skerry]: Do we initiate a policy that we follow up with them for at least a year after they leave here?
[Robert Skerry]: I was just concerned that as my colleague alluded to, an individual plays two or three sports and he happens, he or she happens to get a concussion in each season. I'd wanna make sure that they had the proper medical attention. So there would be no liability to fall back on the city later on.
[Robert Skerry]: So I want to make sure that no child is overlooked. Right.
[Robert Skerry]: Oh, great.
[Robert Skerry]: Suspension of the rules.
[Robert Skerry]: The school committee convention is coming up and I think we have to send a delegate.
[Robert Skerry]: October 14.
[Robert Skerry]: When's the next meeting?
[Robert Skerry]: Present.
[Robert Skerry]: to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[Robert Skerry]: Point of information, ma'am?
[Robert Skerry]: Doctor, reading through the documents that you presented us, mediation was suggested by the courts. What happened in mediation?
[Robert Skerry]: What did the original custody agreement indicate?
[Robert Skerry]: Cheryl had them Monday and Tuesday?
[Robert Skerry]: Nicole, okay.
[Robert Skerry]: Harvey you have a problem the Mustangs
[Robert Skerry]: Present.
[Robert Skerry]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[Robert Skerry]: Point of information, ma'am?
[Robert Skerry]: Dr., reading through the documents that you presented us, mediation was suggested by the courts. It failed. What happened in mediation?
[Robert Skerry]: What did the original custody agreement?
[Robert Skerry]: Cheryl had them Monday and Tuesday?
[Robert Skerry]: Oh, okay.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, point of information regarding 9-11?
[Robert Skerry]: Bedford High had a great baseball player in the 60s, John Doherty. John went on to star at Boston College and became a stockbroker. John was a personal friend of mine. He grew up on Newton Road. John was on the 92nd floor when the first plane hit. And as far as we know, he was the only Methodist resident that lost his life on 9-11. And I would hope that we would all remember him in our prayers in the future. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: On a motion for approval, Madam Mayor, I just have a point of inquiry.
[Robert Skerry]: The minutes indicated that there was going to be a date set that evening for a subcommittee or a committee of the whole regarding smart brains. And to date, we have not had a meeting. And I was wondering if the superintendent could tell us when he's going to schedule that meeting.
[Robert Skerry]: I understand, but there are some parents that want to express concerns to us. And unfortunately, they couldn't be here tonight on such short notice.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: I too share the concerns of my colleagues. I have received calls. There's been a great amount of work put in to merge the two schools and we say drop a lot of curtains and get to the bottom of things. It's clearly imperative that we do need a committee meeting of the whole, and I would hope that we could schedule one as soon as possible.
[Robert Skerry]: for both of you. What is the status of the project on Volker Street, where they indicated they were bringing in 700 rental units?
[Robert Skerry]: Just a tip of the hat to you, John, and your staff at the Curtis Tops. That could be our gem of all gems that is hidden. It's been many years since anything substantial has been done. But obviously in the last eight to 12 months, I've seen a complete 180 there. And it was great to walk through and see the floors. as they were when the school was probably first built in the 30s.
[Robert Skerry]: As I read the decision, plaintiff's request for an order to enroll the children in public schools is denied. The plaintiff asked for an order and the judge denied it.
[Robert Skerry]: So the judge wasn't going to issue an order so that your children could go to school. Correct. So I would see this as a moot point because the courts can't tell us who we can take in and who we can't, can they? Mr. Greenspan?
[Robert Skerry]: Judge, Donia's indicated that she wasn't gonna rule on the plaintiff's request, so it's like no contest yet. The way I look at it after being in the field of law enforcement for 32 years, some consideration should be given to the parents. The children are going to live here for five days a week. And as a member of the call, we have an obligation to educate them.
[Robert Skerry]: Right.
[Robert Skerry]: I'm not saying no.
[Robert Skerry]: Accept the report and place it on file.
[Robert Skerry]: I think that this would be best served if we had a committee of the whole meeting soon. And then the information gathered from parents and students at that meeting be filtered down so that we can assign parts to the various subcommittees so that once and for all we can have a clear, concrete idea of what we're dealing with, find out what happened, why it happened, and how we fixed it, and how it's going to work in the future.
[Robert Skerry]: In reference to our Committee of the Whole meeting and through you to the superintendent, after going through thoroughly in these reports for many years, Mr. Superintendent, it seems that, uh, this school year, there was a, uh, an under, uh, amount of parent involvement and community reps. And I was wondering if we could instill in our principals to kindly build up the, uh, parents that, uh, advised them during the, uh, the year. And if we could get some, yeah, if we could get some more, uh, uh, commitment from the community to, uh, work on these school plans and, uh, hopefully, keep up the good work that we're doing. I realize it's tough, but I really think there should be a fair amount of parent participation in these meetings during the year when they present their findings to us.
[Robert Skerry]: But I hear what you're saying, and certainly we'll... I just feel that there should be more parent input if we're going to foster transparency.
[Robert Skerry]: Just as one community member, I'd like to see more parent involvement in their kids' education.
[Robert Skerry]: In reference to our Committee of the Whole meeting and through you to the superintendent, after going through thoroughly these reports for many years, Mr. Superintendent, it seems that this school year there was an under amount of parent involvement and community reps, and I was wondering if we could instill in our principals to kindly build up the parents that advised them during the year and if we could get some more commitment from the community to work on these school plans and hopefully keep up the good work that we're doing. I realize it's tough, but I really think there should be a fair amount of parent participation in these meetings during the year when they present their findings to us.
[Robert Skerry]: I just feel that there should be more parent input if we're going to foster transparency.
[Robert Skerry]: Has the guidance office been apprised of any students who received substantial scholarships to go to their schools?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, great.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, through you to John. John, is there any chance of getting the auto body shop on your list of places to be painted? The ceiling in there is really, really tough and I guess they want to replace the floor, but they don't want to do anything with the floor until the ceiling gets done because they want the place to be a showcase. but it hasn't been painted. The walls have been painted. They look great. A lot of work has been done there, but the ceiling in the auto body shop is just, uh, it's time.
[Robert Skerry]: If we could just take a look at it when we get a chance and see if we can put our heads together and come up with a solution.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you. Ms.
[Robert Skerry]: Has the guidance office been apprised of any students who received substantial scholarships to go to their schools?
[Robert Skerry]: OK, great. Yeah.
[Robert Skerry]: John, John, is there any chance of, uh, getting the auto body shop on your list of places to be painted? The, the ceiling is really, really tough and I guess they want to replace the floor, but they don't want to do anything with the floor until the ceiling gets done because they want the place to be a showcase, but it hasn't been painted. The walls have been painted. They look great. A lot of work has been done there, but, The ceiling in the auto body shop is just, it's time.
[Robert Skerry]: You just take a look at it when you get a chance. see if we can put our heads together and come up with a solution.
[Robert Skerry]: Yeah. The very least. Good. Yeah. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: I'll throw you to the principals. I believe this is the eighth or ninth year that this trip has taken place. I've moved that it be granted and I know you guys do a great job and I know the kids get a lot out of it. And given the nature of current affairs, I believe Perhaps, have you worked anything out with the travel agency for contingencies if the trip has to be canceled? Make sure that the trip does take place.
[Robert Skerry]: Go on the field trip, get to see a Broadway play. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: I'll throw you to Mr. Cowell. Mr. Cowell, do you get requests from students to, they may want to learn another language besides what we're offering, such as German, or study Latin, or Chinese, or Russian? Right.
[Robert Skerry]: Is there any possibility of offering introductory Portuguese in the fall or was that some time off?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to Ms. Jensen. I noticed that you have asked for an increase in counseling staff for social-emotional needs in the elementary grades. How is it working out this year?
[Robert Skerry]: Do you have enough staff to meet the needs of the elementary children that may need help or counseling or just a shoulder to lean on? Can we approve the program?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay. Could you put together a small report and send it back to us, please? Of course. Yep. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: I made it through you to the superintendent. Uh, included in this report was the fact that they have one computer that's not working. I was wondering if we could get in touch with Mr. Trotter, see if we can get that replaced and also try to get a new computer for the secretary sooner rather than later to help the office run efficiently.
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, because I think we owe it to our staff to make sure that they have equipment that works every day, every time that they want to use it. And it benefits not only the guidance department, but the students. Right.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, just one question through you, the superintendent. Roy, I reviewed the document and it indicated two places that the individual that had the document, I read and understand the rules, I understand if they break any of the rules, I may lose the privilege of using the Internet and may have other consequences. Is there space for a signature line and a date?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, and on the copy that goes out to the individuals, could you please provide us a copy of it also?
[Robert Skerry]: Right, but I just didn't see a sign, a line for a signature or a letter. Okay, and it's done individually, it's not done on one sheet by each student? Individually. Good, thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: A few months back, we met in executive session regarding a couple of contracts and wondered if we'd get an update on those. I mean, it's coming. I would rather see it sooner than later because these poor souls have been in limbo for a number of months and I think we have to get this done.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Mr. Skerry. Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Mr. Skerry. Mr. Skerry. Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry.
[Robert Skerry]: Uh, through, uh, through you to miss Jensen. I noticed that you have asked for an increase in counseling staff for social emotional needs in the elementary grades. How is it working out this year?
[Robert Skerry]: Last year. Well, this currently, do you have enough staff to meet the needs of the elementary children that may need help or counseling or just a shoulder to lean on? Can we approve the program?
[Robert Skerry]: OK. Could you put together a small report and send it back to us, please? Of course.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: I made it through to the superintendent, uh, including this report was, uh, the fact that they have one computer that's not working as long as we get in touch with Mr. Trotter, see if we can get that replaced and also try to get a new computer for the secretary sooner rather than later to help the office run efficiently.
[Robert Skerry]: Okay. Because I think we, we owe it to our staff to make sure that they have equipment that works every day, every time that they want to use it. And it benefits not only the guidance department, but the students. Right.
[Robert Skerry]: Just a one question through you to the superintendent. Uh, Roy, I've reviewed the document and it indicated two places that the individual that had the document, uh, I've read and understand the rules. I understand if they break any of the rules, I may lose the privilege of using the internet and may have other consequences. Uh, is there space for a signature line in the date?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, and the copy that goes out to the individuals, could you please provide us a copy of it also?
[Robert Skerry]: Right, but I just didn't see a sign, a line for a signature or a letter. Okay, and it's done individually, it's not done on one sheet by each student? Individually. Good, thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: A few months back, we met in an executive session regarding a couple of contracts. I wondered if we could get an update on those. I mean, it's coming. I would rather see it sooner than later because these poor souls have been in limbo for a number of months and I think we have to get this done.
[Robert Skerry]: I would advise the superintendent to prepare a line item for the 2017, 2018 school budget to cover this in the future.
[Robert Skerry]: Any progress made, Kristen, with getting the vocational school and the high school general store online? that they can accept visa or master charge?
[Robert Skerry]: Point of information through you to Kristen.
[Robert Skerry]: The special ed transportation count roughly is $80,000 over budget. Have there been any transfers made into that to cover the costs?
[Robert Skerry]: I just want to make sure there's enough money in that account to pay our vendors.
[Robert Skerry]: One of the classrooms, Roy, that faces the river, They get the sun, and it's so bad in the afternoon that the teacher had to put up a temporary, yeah, a temporary top to be able to work off the blue board. They have a rounded window. I wonder if we could get a shade for that window and figure out somehow how to cut the sun.
[Robert Skerry]: It's on the third floor.
[Robert Skerry]: And the clock in the gymnasium hasn't worked for several months.
[Robert Skerry]: I'll move the paper.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to accept the committee report. And I just have one caveat. It's the third time we've received this. And just, you know, I don't like to tell stories out of school, but every year there's always a complaint that there's never enough paper to go around at the end of the year. Yeah, but we start printing on two sides. I offered a motion some years ago, Mr. Superintendent, once in a while it's done, but I think in the nature of efficiency and transparency, a lot of these, This information we received could be printed on both sides.
[Robert Skerry]: Roll call.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, just before we take that vote, just through you to the superintendent, Before the end of the school year and the budget hits us, could we please have a overview of what's going to happen and if there's going to be any shift in personnel or what it's going to cost?
[Robert Skerry]: But I hope we would see something long before the budget.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Accept the report and place it on file.
[Robert Skerry]: Yn ymwneud â'r blynyddoedd, a'r blynyddoedd a'r blynyddoedd yn ymwneud â'r cyfarfod nesaf. Ydych chi eisiau i'r blynyddoedd fod yn ymwneud â'r blynyddoedd?
[Robert Skerry]: Mae'n rhaid i mi gofyn i'r superintendwr eich bod chi'n sicrhau un copi o'r ganlyniadau o'r Gwleidyddiaeth Genedlaethol ar gyfer i'r nyrsiau ar y ffordd i'w helpu i'n gwybod'n well ac i'n helpu i'n gwneud penderfyniad ar sut byddwn ni'n gweithredu hyn i'n ymdrechion ar gyfer yr ysgol hon, a byddwch chi'n sicrhau y byddwch chi'n sicrhau y byddwch chi'n sicrhau y byddwch chi'n sicrhau y byddwn chi'n sicrhau eu bod nhw'n sicr.
[Robert Skerry]: Yn y cyfrifiad. Yn y cyfrifiad.
[Robert Skerry]: Hefyd, Mr. Superintendent, Madam Mayor, dros i chi, Mr. Riccio a Dr. Perrella, dyma rhywbeth sydd wedi, er mwyn i mi fod yn rhan o'r ysgolwyr rydyn ni wedi ceisio ei ddangos, A ydw i, fel un o'r cymdeithaswyr, rwy'n diolch i chi am eich gwybodaeth a'ch tenacity yn cael hynny'n cael ei wneud, ac rwy'n gobeithio, os oes unrhyw fwy o gwestiynau, byddwn ni'n gynnal nhw'n ffwrdd ymlaen mewn cymdeithas y holl, ac rydyn ni'n gallu cael hynny'n gweithredu ymlaen yn y dyfodol, ac rwy'n gadael i bawb yn yr un safle.
[Robert Skerry]: sy'n cyfrannu ar draws y bwrdd, ac ar yr un pryd, mae gen i'r mwyaf o feddwl mewn fy mhrifysgwyr a'r myfyrwyr, ac acheubydd y bydd yna bob amser ychydig o'r roiantau sydd eisiau ychwanegu rôl yr addysgwyr, ac byddwn yn gobeithio y bydd hyn yn dod allan, ac mae'r pwynt yn cael ei wneud yn dda, ac nid bydd yna unrhyw gwybodaeth yn y dyfodol.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry? Mr. Johnson, no.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you, Mayor. Professor Clark, I would like to thank you on behalf of the citizens and the students of Medford for this great gift, and I would move that we accept it wholeheartedly. And on a personal note, I had the privilege and honor of working with later in my earlier teaching days at Medford High School. And she taught me a lot that I carried through life and carried on to my second livelihood as a investigator for the Commonwealth. And I'm very glad for the lessons that she taught me and I could pass those on to my students. And again, thank you very much for your generosity. Merry Christmas.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Guino. Absolutely. Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Cuno. Yes, sir. Ms. Beto. Yes, and thank you. Ms. Stretz. Yes. Ms. Westone. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes, I'd also like to express my condolences to the Barry family. I grew up in the neighborhood that Gene grew up in, and we both attended Boston State. And she was a teacher that always gave 100% and she was a principal that was loved by all her students all the time and would go out of her way to make sure that whatever the students needed, they always had. And she'll be sorely missed.
[Robert Skerry]: Go ahead. I ask my colleagues if we could dedicate this meeting in the memory of Jean Barry Sutherland.
[Robert Skerry]: roll call please. Yes. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Van der Kloot. Shout out to my friend Aaron over there.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, through you to Mrs. Nelson and Roy, we'll get a kick out of this. It was great to see the report on the herring run. Roy and I, in our younger days, April vacations, we would run over to the Army Navy store and get the triple hooks and bring a basket full of herring home for the family garden every year. But unfortunately, it's no longer possible, as they're an endangered species. But it's great to see that our kids in the middle schools and high schools are interacting each year when they do the fish count at the Mystic River, at the Mystic Lakes. And it's great. And I wish Mr. Cieri and his cohorts and kids best of luck in their counts this spring. And it may be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all of them. And we appreciate all that he has been doing for our science department. And I would hope that you would pass that along.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Guido? Yes. Ms. Van der Kloot? Yes. Ms. Kreatz?
[Robert Skerry]: On Wednesday, November 2nd, I had the opportunity to attend the Mass. Association School Committee Delegate Assembly in Hyannis. The meeting began at 3.15 in the Ballroom in the Conference Center. There were representatives from school committees across the state in attendance to review and take action on the four items brought forward for the 2016 MASC Resolutions Committee. Delegate Assembly overwhelmingly supported each resolution. As your delegated, I voted in the affirmative on each item. As directed by my fellow members in the school committee, I and several other delegates from communities across the state emphasize the importance of ensuring the funding of the foundation budget. Resolution one. be sufficient to cover all communities. The key words were equitable and adequate. It was recognition that all communities must benefit from any increased funding of the foundation budget. This is especially true since funding must come through the legislature back to our cities and towns. If communities are left out, then there won't be enough votes on the floor of the House or the Senate, and there won't be an appropriation that we can live with. Resolution 2 dealt with tax reform. This was seen as an important way to fund the foundation budget. It was great support for charter school reform, also a lot of anticipation for the ballot question, and the charter cap lift was expressed. The resolution on social and emotional well-being of students was heartily endorsed. It was the main theme of the conference. I wish to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your delegate. It is important that Medford have a voice in MASC decisions.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I'd like to thank Ms. Glasser for her efforts on behalf of our students. And as we all know, there was a slight problem the last time a group trip was planned in Washington due to national security. And I just want to make sure that all the students know that they do have to buy insurance. And I was just wondering if, through you, Through you, Madam Mayor, to the representative of the company, what the cost of that trip insurance is.
[Robert Skerry]: I want to make sure they know up front that they... They do have to purchase insurance just in case something might happen.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Munoz? Yes. Ms. Mondero? Yes. Ms. Kreatz? No.
[Robert Skerry]: On Wednesday, November 2nd, I had the opportunity to attend the Mass. Association School Committee Delegate Assembly in Hyannis. The meeting began at 3.15 in the Ballroom in the Conference Center. There were representatives from school committees across the state in attendance to review and take action on the four items brought forward for the 2016 MASC Resolutions Committee. The Delegate Assembly overwhelmingly supported each resolution. As your delegated, I voted in the affirmative on each item. As directed by my fellow members in the school committee, I and several other delegates from communities across the state emphasize the importance of ensuring the funding of the foundation budget, Resolution 1, be sufficient to cover all communities. The key words were equitable and adequate. It was recognition that all communities must benefit from any increased funding of the foundation budget. This is especially true since funding must come through the legislature back to our cities and towns. If communities are left out, then there won't be enough votes on the floor of the House or the Senate, and there won't be an appropriation that we can live with. Resolution two dealt with tax reform. This was seen as an important way to fund the foundation budget. There was great support for charter school reform, also a lot of anticipation for the ballot question and the charter cap lift was expressed. The resolution on social and emotional well-being of students was heartily endorsed. It was the main theme of the conference. I wish to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your delegate. It is important that Medford have a voice in MASC decisions.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I'd like to thank Ms. Glasser for her efforts on behalf of our students. And as we all know, there was a slight problem the last time a group trip was planned in Washington due to national security. And I just want to make sure that all the students know that they do have to buy insurance. And I was just wondering if through you, So you've met a mayor to the representative of the company, what the cost of that, uh, trip insurance is.
[Robert Skerry]: I want to make sure they know upfront that they, they do have to purchase insurance just in case.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: So we wanted to make sure that they wanted to make sure that everything was, I didn't want to take them out of the country without them getting the insurance.
[Robert Skerry]: Great. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Byddwch chi'n cael cyfeiriad. Byddwch chi'n cael cyfeiriad.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I'd like to applaud my colleague Cathy Kreatz for her diligence. This is a problem that we've had with DCI for over two years and finally we're making some headway and hopefully we can come to a conclusion that parents and students are happy with. I hope they will see the need that is there and get somebody there as soon as possible. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Diolch i chi, Ms. Patterson. Mae'n adroddiad gwych. Yn aml, mae'n ffyrdd, ond mae'n dda iawn. Un o'r pethau eraill, Ms. Patterson, rydw i wedi cael y cyfle i fynd ymlaen i Gymru yn yr ysgol ymlaen, ac mae rhai o'n myfyrwyr, grŵpau gweithreduol, sydd wedi cael broblem. Mae'n rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddweud y byddwn i'n brynu gwyboda ac nid ydyn nhw'n gallu cyfrifiadau credyd. A oes unrhyw ffordd y gallwn ni edrych i mewn i'r posibiliaeth o ceisio cyfrifiadau ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol ysgol
[Robert Skerry]: Diolch, y Prif Weinidog. Diolch. Diolch. Diolch am eich cyfrifiad cyntaf.
[Robert Skerry]: Roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddiddorol iawn o'r cyfleoedd, ac roeddwn i'n ddidd
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. VanderKloot, yes. Mayor Burke, yes.
[Robert Skerry]: 7 yn y cyfrifiadur, 0 yn y negatif.
[Robert Skerry]: I'd like to applaud my colleague Kathy Kreatz for her diligence. This is a problem that we've had with DCI for over two years and finally we're making some headway and hopefully we can come to a conclusion that parents and students are happy with. I hope they will see the need that is there and get somebody there as soon as possible.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to Ms. Patterson. It's a great report. Usually it's pages, but it's good. And one other thing, Ms. Patterson, I recently had the opportunity to attend open house at the high school, and a few of our student entrepreneurial groups had a problem. Parents wanted to buy merchandise and et cetera with a credit card. and they're unable to take credit cards. Is there any way we can look into the possibility of trying to get the vocational school and the high school kids to be able to take credit cards if somebody wants to purchase, you know, a souvenir or their t-shirts or what have you in the school, in the store, the school store.
[Robert Skerry]: Great. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you ma'am.
[Robert Skerry]: made of plastic these days, and I think that would really be beneficial for the students.
[Robert Skerry]: Great. Excellent. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Cuno, Mr. Benedetto, Ms. Kreatz, Ms. Mustone, Mr. Skerry. Yes. Ms. Vander Kloop.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Valdero? Present. Mr. Pence? Here. Mr. Stone?
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to suspend rules, Madam Mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes, just as a matter of public safety, through the superintendent, and possibly the D.B.W. Conference resolutions.
[Robert Skerry]: Så... Point of information, Mr. Skerry. Given the plight of the state's economy and the present budget shortcomings that the governor released this weekend, have citizen towns been notified that they may have to tighten their belts?
[Robert Skerry]: These cuts across the board could eventually trickle down and affect us. Right.
[Robert Skerry]: That's why I brought this up. I want to make sure that we're at the top of the picture.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Cuno. Yes. Mr. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion. Ysgolion.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: a'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r r y byddwn ni'n gallu cael cyfarfod gyda'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r Rwy'n credu ein bod ni'n rhaid ei adeiladu'n gyflym o'r ffordd sy'n bosib, ac ar hyn o bryd, byddwn yn sylweddoli'n fawr iawn y bydd y Gweinidog yn dweud i'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai Yn ystod y dydd, rydyn ni wedi clywed dwy neu trwy ffyrdd o'r stori, ac byddwn yn hoffi gweld un ychydig o'r ymgynghrair i'r rhanfyrwyr i ddod i'r ymgynghrair.
[Robert Skerry]: Do we have to give any money back to the city?
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: One of the information, Mr. Skerry films rated for the prospect for receivership.
[Robert Skerry]: See, the mall hasn't made any changes, but state pumps all kinds of money in there and it's nothing's happened.
[Robert Skerry]: Have educators and teachers indicated to the Department of Education if the kids are having a problem with science, why can't they take it in their native language? It might give them a leg up so that they can further progress.
[Robert Skerry]: I think from the state's point of view it would be advantageous if they know there's a certain test that the kids can't pass. Why not, you know, make it a little easier for them and then they can pick up speed along the way.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Chairman, I nominate Mrs. Vandercloot to be the alternate.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Roll call.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Kreatz? Yes. Mrs. Stone? Yes. Mr. Scariot? Yes. Ms. Van der Kloot? Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: That the Medford School Committee extend its condolences to the family of Frank Andre, who passed away this week. Frank's daughter, Kara, is a teacher in the special ed department. Frank was very active in civic affairs in the community. He had two great passions, horse racing and youth baseball. He was a little league coach in North Medford for many years. Later years, he lived across the street from the park on Fulton Street, and he was a 24-7 watchman and always had plenty of advice for the youngsters. I consider Frank a good friend. Frank would always call me and let me know what we're doing right here, what we're doing wrong, and how things should change. Frank was also a candidate for this austere body in 1951 when my dad was serving. He'll be sorely missed. And again, our condolences go out to the Andre family, and I ask that we observe a moment of silence for Frank.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Cunio. Mr. Rex. Mr. Stone. Mr. Shearing. Mr. Sanford. Mr. Taylor.
[Robert Skerry]: a'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r rhai o'r r I would suggest that through you, Superintendent, if possible, we could possibly have a meeting with the parents, meet with Mr. Johnson and the team to allay the fears of the children. I don't want any child going to school under a cloud of not knowing what's going to happen next. And I just think it would behoove us to work on the situation. Although it's an isolated incident, Rwy'n credu ein bod ni'n rhaid ei adeiladu ychydig yn gyflym. O'r hynny, byddwn yn sylweddoli'n fawr iawn y bydd y Gweinidog yn ymwneud â'r plant yn y clas hwnnw, yn gyffredinol, o ran yr hyn sydd wedi digwydd. Ac os ydyn nhw neu'r plentyn yn cael unrhyw gwestiynau, byddai ganddyn nhw unrhyw dynion y gallan nhw gysylltu â nhw, neu byddwn yn gallu cael diwethad gyda'r plentyn sy'n ymwneud â nhw, neu sy'n ymwneud â phobl sy'n ymwneud â'r plentyn sy'n ymwneud â
[Robert Skerry]: Diolch yn fawr iawn.
[Robert Skerry]: Yn siŵr.
[Robert Skerry]: Yn ddiweddaraf, mae'r adroddiad ar gael.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae'r adroddiad ar gael. Mae'r adroddiad ar gael.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae'r adroddiad wedi'i ddysgu, yn sefydlu ar ffyrdd.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae'n rhaid i ni roi unrhyw arian yn ôl i'r ddinas?
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae Salem mewn gwirionedd wedi mynd o 4 i 3. Felly yr hyn rydych chi'n cael yma yw 2015 ac yna 2016.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae'r mall ddim wedi gwneud unrhyw newidiadau, ond mae'r Llywodraeth yn ychwanegu gwahanol ffyrdd o arian yma, ac nid yw'n digwydd. Beth mae hynny'n ei ddweud? Rydych chi'n rhaid i chi weithio gyda'r myfyrwyr rydych chi'n cael, ac rwy'n gwybod bod
[Robert Skerry]: A oes ganddyn nhw ddysgwyr a ddysgwyr sy'n sylweddoli y dyfodol o ddysg? Os y byddan nhw'n cael broblem gyda'r wybodaeth, pam na allan nhw'n mynd ymlaen yn yr iaith dynol? Efallai y byddwn ni'n rhoi ychydig o ddewis arnyn nhw er mwyn y gallan nhw ddatblygu'n fwy.
[Robert Skerry]: Rwy'n meddwl, o ran y byd, byddai'n ddefnyddiol os ydyn nhw'n gwybod bod test ar unrhyw ffordd y gall y myfyrwyr ddim yn gallu mynd ymlaen. Pwy fyddan nhw'n gwneud ychydig yn hawsach arnyn nhw, ac yna gallan nhw ddod o'r ffordd ymlaen. Mae yna ddisgwyddiad mewn y House a'r Senedd.
[Robert Skerry]: Rwy'n cyfrifio'r nominatio, ac ar ôl sgwrs gyda Mr. Scurry, lle mae'n meddwl i mi fod yn y cyfrifiad, rwy'n nominatio Mr. Scurry i fod yn y delegant i'r cyfrifiad mwyaf o MAFC.
[Robert Skerry]: Cymorth ymlaen. Cymorth ymlaen. Cymorth ymlaen. Cymorth ymlaen. Cymorth ymlaen. Cymorth y
[Robert Skerry]: yw'r wythnoswyr yn y Deyrnas Unedig. Roedd Ffranc yn agos iawn yng nghymdeithasau cymdeithasol yn y dyfodol. Roedd yn cael ddau ffyrdd gwych, y ffwrdd ychwanegol a'r bêl-fêl. Roedd yn ymgynghorwyr y Llyfrgell yng ngogledd Medfyrd ychydig blynyddoedd. Yn ddiwethaf blynyddoedd, roedd yn byw dros y stryd o'r parc ar Ffulton Stryd, ac roedd yn arwain 24-7 ac roedd wedi cymryd llawer o gynnyrch i'r myfyrwyr. I considered Frank a good friend. Frank would always call me and let me know what we're doing right here, what we're doing wrong, and how things should change. Frank was also a candidate for this austere body in 1951 when my dad was serving. He'll be sorely missed. And again, our condolences go out to the Andre family, and I ask that we observe a moment of silence for Frank.
[Robert Skerry]: Just to put an information through you to miss Colville. Uh, how many parents requested, uh, Not their school they were assigned to, but to go to another school. for the kindergarten, and how many of those requests were on it?
[Robert Skerry]: I appreciate that.
[Robert Skerry]: I would ask my colleagues to Looking at the possibility of having a formal exercise for any student that receives or completes his diploma requirements after his graduating class, so that they can be properly and formally recognized as graduates of Medford High School.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Has Prospect Building Services ever worked for Metro Public Schools before and where are they located?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, where are they located?
[Robert Skerry]: Do they have a contact person if we get calls that something has to be adjusted to or should we just direct everything to the business office?
[Robert Skerry]: Great.
[Robert Skerry]: And at some future time, could you provide the name of that person to us in case we have to get in touch with them?
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Yesterday was the 15th anniversary of 9-11. And he taught for a couple of years at Forest Park School. John was at his desk when the first plane hit the West Tower and they never were able to recover any of his remains. But John was a true son of Medford, bled Mustang blue and Eagles of maroon and gold, and I hope that the Medford residents won't forget that we did lose somebody very close to us on 9-11, and that this travesty never happens again.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Over the weekend I've seen several phone calls from concerned parents in the elementary bus schedules. One parent was emphatic that the bus time for pickup for her child would not allow the bus and her child to get to school on time. Is there any truth to that or does it need to be tweaked? Will this rule be circulating throughout the community for the next couple of weeks?
[Robert Skerry]: I just wanted to address the concerns of the parents.
[Robert Skerry]: The phone calls keep coming from the same group. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: succeed in getting any grants through Alicia Hunt to replace the lights in the cafeterias?
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you for coming. What do you see as the most challenging part of coming here to Medford, leaving your environment into an urban environment? a lot of things, a lot of balls in the air at the same time.
[Robert Skerry]: We have a diverse community here in Medford, One of the strongest things that we do for our kids is every child gets a chance to get bused to school. Once in a while buses aren't on time. Parents think that the busing is not benefiting their child. current capacity, have you had any opportunity to deal with sometimes irate parents? How do you work your norm to handle the situation and keep everybody on the same level, playing field, calm and collected?
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you. Robert M. and Skerry Jr. During your professional career, have you initiated any in-service training for the people that you supervise?
[Robert Skerry]: How would you generate a sense of ownership among your employees and keep their morale high, especially the people you supervise?
[Robert Skerry]: What role do you see the school committee secretary playing in helping you run affairs efficiently?
[Robert Skerry]: What role do you play in developing budgets?
[Robert Skerry]: Could you tell me a little bit about your experience with school transportation, getting kids to and from school every day?
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Johnson, describe your management style.
[Robert Skerry]: What initiatives have you fostered to help your teammates, your colleagues at work, gain in service training or knowledge above and beyond what they would normally do in their job position?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto, Ms. Kreatz, Ms. Mustone, Mr. Skerry, present. Ms. Vander Kloof, present.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Chairman, I would ask that we have a Committee of the Whole meeting to further address the CPAC concerns and hopefully come up with some resolutions. if there are any budgetary ramifications that we have this meeting with in the next three weeks so that we can address them properly and address parents' concerns. And any other parent that's not here tonight that would like to be at that meeting, could come in and tell us what they expect of us and your two-way street.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. O'Neill. Yes. Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Branson. Yes. Ms. Postone. Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. Anderson.
[Robert Skerry]: Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Monadello. Yes. Ms. Grace.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Cugno. Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz. Yes. Ms. Costone. Yes. Ms. Skerry. Yes. Ms.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kress. Yes. Ms. Mostoma. Yes. Mr. Skerry. Yes. Ms. Van Der Poel. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Scugno. Yes. Ms. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz. Yes. I think that there are many factors to a succession plan.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Cooney. Yes. Mr. Vandetta. Yes. Ms. Stratz. Yes. Ms. Postone. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: de Leon. Yes. Ms. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Ratz. Yes. Mr. Stone. Yes. Ms. Kering. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Young. Yes. Yes. A little bit.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, while we're on the subject of the United Nations, the grasp and reach of Medford students reach far and wide. April 30th was World Jazz Day, and our own Terri-Lynn Carrington had the pleasure of playing at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama, along with many national and international jazz musicians. And it was on TV Saturday night. It's great to see Medford kids do great things. And for those of you who don't know Terri-Lynn Carrington, she's a pretty premier jazz drummer and a product of Medford.
[Robert Skerry]: for the February 13th, 2017 meeting to February 27th?
[Robert Skerry]: Aye. Roll call.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno. Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz. Yes. Ms. Mustone. Mr. Schara, yes. Ms. Van der Kloot? Maybrook?
[Robert Skerry]: Motion for approval.
[Robert Skerry]: Aye.
[Robert Skerry]: Out of order? Okay.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes, ma'am. You and I share the same concerns. I'm surprised to see that there's no expected remuneration to the city. I had asked the previous meetings to find out just where we're at with the field of dreams as far as what it's costing us each year, what we take in, what we're expending to run the place and to make sure that our bond payments are up. And the last thing I would, expect, I would hope, that we would stick to the rules that are in place now, that no refreshments on site. I mean, we have to take care of that deck. I don't think this company is going to replace the deck at the end of their contract before they go somewhere else. And, you know, we have to take care of that surface, and it's very, very expensive to replace. And I also want to make sure that it's in writing in the RFP or in writing in our records where those monies, just exactly what line item those monies are going to go to. I want to make sure the monies go back into that project for anything it may need in the future.
[Robert Skerry]: The committee would have to set that up. Yeah, I want it in our records that that's what's going to happen because they just don't want it to, you know, go to never never land.
[Robert Skerry]: Right, but I want that expressed publicly. Hey, I want to make sure that that happens.
[Robert Skerry]: Cugno? Yes. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: I have an original.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President. Mr. President
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, through you to the superintendent, I would ask that we look at May as a starting point and perhaps our director of public information to get out a press release to local press. And if we put something on our school website urging parents that their children don't have a library guide, May is the time to sign up so that they'll be able to use it all during the summer. A lot of enrichment, a lot of great things happen at the library. It's a great way to probably partnership with the children's library and we can work in unison to get the message out across the community.
[Robert Skerry]: I hope that we take the word can up and we'll do it and get it done as soon as possible. We have a great resource on High Street and I think a lot of children should take advantage of it. We think it's a great idea.
[Robert Skerry]: And I was honored to to be a member with Kevin of the first grade class at the Franklin School, and John, Kevin and I went to high school together. And you've always been there for the athletes and the students, and we really appreciate it. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to Mr. Kowal, are there any scholarships available if a student wanted to go and couldn't fully pay the fees?
[Robert Skerry]: I know.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes. Ms. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Gray.
[Robert Skerry]: Roll call vote, please. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: As the city's energy office done a study at the high school, recently to find out where we can conserve energy and how we can bring our electric bills down a little.
[Robert Skerry]: Is it on this motion? The last seven years, I don't know if I could come up with that, but I certainly will go back and ask for certificates.
[Robert Skerry]: Nope. No. It's undebatable.
[Robert Skerry]: What are we tabling here?
[Robert Skerry]: Cuno. Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Buston. Mr. Skerry, no. Ms. Van der Kloot. Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to call.
[Robert Skerry]: I yield to my colleague.
[Robert Skerry]: I know you're working on it. We've got a report coming in. Mr. Greenspan, you're going to be sent to the Buildings and Grounds Committee before we know what recommendations it has to receive. We already have a motion with an amendment on the floor.
[Robert Skerry]: Correct. I just clarified a few ways. I mean, this may be two subcommittees, although we can roll on it. We don't have to roll on it. Two separate, this is the same. I mean, that'll work.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mustone.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, present. Ms. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval for Mr. Skerry, all in favor?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Yes. Ms. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Cugno. Yes. Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz. Yes. Mr. Mustone. Yes. Mr. Skerry. Yes. Ms. Van der Kloot. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Waive the reading. Mr. Superintendent, the notes were included in the file. I believe all the members have read them. If there's any questions, we'll let them take them.
[Robert Skerry]: approval of the minutes of March 9, Committee of the Whole.
[Robert Skerry]: And if I may, through you to the superintendent, Mr. Belson, I would suggest that a copy of this package be given to our director of public information. I found this package to be very stimulating and I think that we should have a concerted effort with our media to get this message out to parents and concerned citizens and anyone that might have missed it and to reassure them that we are working towards hopefully not having any tragic cases here in Medford. But if they do, at least they'll know where to go to get information and they know that we do have a substance abuse policy in place and who they might contact or how they might gain further information to help their own children.
[Robert Skerry]: Hi, Madam Mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: To either Ms. Caldwell or the superintendent, was there any investigation as to why there was a large amount of paper towels stuck in the waistline?
[Robert Skerry]: It seems like an awfully large amount of paper towels to be where they're not supposed to be. It was an awfully large bill for the city.
[Robert Skerry]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms.
[Robert Skerry]: Copyright infringements? Do we need permission from the author?
[Robert Skerry]: I just want to make sure that we don't run into any infringements.
[Robert Skerry]: I just wanted to offer your kids the best of luck in your competitions in Marlboro. We'll be out to see you and keep up the good work.
[Robert Skerry]: Cuno. Yes. Ms. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Prentz. Yes. Ms. Costone. Yes. Mr. Heria. Yes. Ms. Campbell. Yes. Ms. Mayberg.
[Robert Skerry]: For the superintendent, Mr. Superintendent, if you do draft a letter, would you check with us to see if we have any concerns? And I'd like you to point out what we actually pay for each student to go through the Medford Public Schools versus the amount that we pay for each student to go to a charter school. I think that point has to be concretely determined and put out there and let people know that there's a discrepancy and why some people might be outraged with the charter school.
[Robert Skerry]: But you know, we can do that for you in the point of transparency. I think that all has to be pointed out in that point. We can do that for you.
[Robert Skerry]: Mustone. Sure.
[Robert Skerry]: Uh, just, just to follow up, man, may a few through you to superintendent Belson. At your release, could you get us a report back from the chief of police? I believe the, excuse me, the McGlynn incident, the individual was prosecuted, and I was wondering if there was any order of restitution to the city. Okay, I will ask. I think that's imperative.
[Robert Skerry]: The police should have a copy of the report. Okay. I'd like to know that. I think that would be a big help. Okay.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes. Ms. Benedetto. Yes. Ms. Kreatz. Yes. Ms. Postone. Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. VanCook.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Hayford.
[Robert Skerry]: Take your time.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, through to the parent at the podium. When your child signed up for this trip, were you aware that if any cancellations came about, there would be a penalty?
[Robert Skerry]: And also, Madam Mayor, I concur with my colleagues and their opinion. And I would ask that in the future, before we approve any trips for any student groups going anywhere, that this issue is brought up again and made to light so the parents know and fully understand before they sign their life away for their children. And if in any event, given the situation in the world affairs today, if there's a cancellation, there is a penalty. And we can't always make the parents good for what happens. They signed the contract, we just approved the contract. you know, the trip. And I too was also under the impression, Mr. Superintendent, that we were going to try to rectify the situation some way in house by bringing in somebody to chat with the kids and hear the children's views on what they had to express at the time. And I hope we can follow through with that. And I know there's only a few months of school left, but I hope we could really get together, put our heads together and come up with something meaningful for the students.
[Robert Skerry]: If possible, could the students, the chaperones and whatever meet with the support services subcommittee so we could get further testimony and come up with a concrete plan for the future?
[Robert Skerry]: Yeah, I just want to reiterate that we don't want to be in this situation again. It's misfortunate and this poor parent and probably other parents have gone through, they're probably at their wits end. When you lose 25% of a trip, it kind of hits hard in the family pocketbook. Understood.
[Robert Skerry]: $115 each.
[Robert Skerry]: Kugel?
[Robert Skerry]: Hunter-Bell? Yes. Ms. Branskett?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Stone. Here.
[Robert Skerry]: Geary. Present. Ms. Vanden Heuvel.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: There is none.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor, I read through this report three times Friday night, and it seems to be everything's going into a circle. You know, we have a dedicated cadre of teachers and administrators that year in, year out go through this. And I'm just hard to see that whenever The State Department of Education waxes, it's always the same school. And I know that we've made great strides there. I would suggest through you to the superintendent, Mrs. Nelson, that perhaps Mrs. Jackman and Ms. Bresnahan would like to come to a meeting and explain this to us and break it down and see just exactly why we're at where we're at. And there are a lot of things in here that are misnomers and I'd like them cleared up. I think we owe that to our kids. And we owe it to the citizens of Medford, they're our taxpayers. I just don't think the way that they're doing things is the correct way to do things. And I'm tired of Medford being misaligned when I know that our kids are working hard to improve themselves. And our teachers and again, administrators are working to put everybody on the same playing field. And this report and what they're doing to Medford is not what we expected, it's not what we deserve, and it's not what our kids deserve.
[Robert Skerry]: Just one last comment, Billie. If they're the district school assistance center, I think they should be here talking to us directly. And if we do have questions, let them answer. If they can't answer it, let them get back to us in a week. let this go on forever and ever in infinity.
[Robert Skerry]: And if it's one point away, in all courses of life, you have recourse. And, you know, perhaps they better check their figures again and look at some of the answers and really try to get into what's happening here. Because I don't, you know, year after year they misalign. you know, a certain school, and it's not fair to the kids or the teachers in that school.
[Robert Skerry]: It's like I said, it's not an even playing field. And I think Ms. Jackman and Ms. Bresnahan should be here in this forum to explain to us their reasoning and how they come about with what they have to do. I mean, they have to be held accountable. We should hold their feet to the fire.
[Robert Skerry]: I think two weeks is a long time to wait. Mr. Cadelli. I mean, kids' futures are at stake here. We don't know how to make them better. And if they're not going to help us, why go through this rigmarole?
[Robert Skerry]: I'd like them to come in and explain their reasoning to this August body, our next school committee meeting. I mean, I take this very seriously.
[Robert Skerry]: I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I've reviewed the paper, find it in order, and recommend that we approve this trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania on behalf of the mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion passes. Roll call.
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Kreatz. Yes. Mr. Stone, Mr. Skerry, yes. Mrs. Vanderbilt, yes. Mayor Burke, yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. DiBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Kreatz.
[Robert Skerry]: Mustone.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, present. Ms. Van De Kloet.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: There is none.
[Robert Skerry]: There is none.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to receive in place on file.
[Robert Skerry]: I'll cut unnecessary programs to put that money back into kindergarten age, Mr. Jim, Mr. Superintendent.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke. Point of information.
[Robert Skerry]: Through you, Mr. Lieutenant. Would it be possible to ask the Senate if we could get an energy audit for the three cafeterias and see if we could somehow change the lighting system to help cut down especially weather and use most of the summer.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco? Present. Mr. Schiaparelli? Present. Mr. Skerry? Present. Mr. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. DiBenedetto. Yes. Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Mrs. Vandenbroek.
[Robert Skerry]: Concerning today. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, I'd like to ask your indulgences for a moment of silence in honor of Dave Infamy. This is the 74th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and serving at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attacks were two outstanding Medford residents. Jim Barry was, for many years, a member of the National Guard. After he came out of the Army, he retired at the rank of Sergeant Major. He was also the cemetery foreman at Oak Grove. Also, Joseph Robinson, Joseph Reynolds, excuse me, from Wellington, for many years was a Medford police officer here in Medford. And he, too, served with honor and was at Pearl Harbor during that inferno. Could I ask that you please rise?
[Robert Skerry]: Just for your information, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Superintendent, uh, what will the, where will the site of the graduation be? It's at the high school library.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: There are a few things that caught my eye, Roy, and I was hoping that you might shed some light on them, maybe help us out. Have we been able to receive any support, financial support for student support and academic grants, preschool, impact aid, homeless children, and construction, especially facilities management, where we have these new schools that are starting to come into their own, and they've been with us for a while, and there are certain things that have to be done.
[Robert Skerry]: Just a point of information, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Scali. Mr. Nelson, do we have in place any type of prep program to work with kids that might show early on that they might be having a problem with this and how we can overcome their fears and get everybody on the same playing field?
[Robert Skerry]: So, you know, the hope is that when students see these questions, it's not completely fresh, but we think that moving forward, having- Yeah, I was just concerned because if the state doesn't endorse it and we're going forward with something new, I want to make sure that we have all our ducks lined up and we have the proper tools that the children can get whatever help they need before taking the exam.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman. Mr. Scali. Just a point of information through you to Ms. Riccardelli and Mrs. Nelson. What are the classroom teachers saying about this mix? Have they voiced concerns? Are they for or against it? Do they have concerns that we should really look into to try to incorporate into the testing methods?
[Robert Skerry]: After this conflagration takes place, if you could get some comments, both positive and negative on how this might change, how we might force upon our legislatures to talk to the Department of Education, try to put everybody in the same playing field. Could you come back after the tests and give us some type of reaction?
[Robert Skerry]: We're here in unison to work with the directors and the teachers to develop a program that's, you know, suitable to our kids and, you know, it takes a little bit of stress off them at the test times. I'd appreciate any feedback in the spring that you may provide us.
[Robert Skerry]: It's a state road. We have to move over the state road. We have to walk back from the intersection to the Fellsway. Mr. Schiappelli.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Scali. While we're on the subject of utilities, would it be possible to conduct an energy review with the three middle schools, especially the cafeteriums and gyms? See if we could change the lighting to possibly save some monies there.
[Robert Skerry]: Is it possible to seek a grant, or would we have to initially lay out the capital to get the lights changed? recover monies over the next two or three years.
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to accept the financial report and place it on file, Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, through you to the superintendent. Superintendent, when are we going to set up a meeting on safety and protocol? Just to follow up to the last meeting, we didn't want that to die in committee.
[Robert Skerry]: Do you have a date in mind?
[Robert Skerry]: Before January 30th? Sure. Okay, great, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman, move the paper, place on file.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto. Yes. Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Scari. Yes. Mrs. Vanden Heuvel.
[Robert Skerry]: I'm waiting for you. I said you. I said yes also.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval, Mr. Chairman. And add to that parity for the middle schools. Parity for middle schools. School principals. Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto. Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Scarey. Yes. Mrs. Vander Kloof.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: More approval, Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Skerry. Yes. Mrs. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: Move approval, Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Skerry. Yes. Mrs. Vander Kloof.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: Scudino. Yes. Mendoza. Gallo.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scari. Yes. Mrs. Van de Kloop.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: Yeah.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Schaffer? I would move that we convene in a committee of the whole meeting once the Department of Education has issued a statement on whether it's going to be PARCC or MCAS. So we can discuss it and find out what the ramifications for the city will be. And if it will impact our budget in future years.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Superintendent, I, too, am deeply disturbed, especially when a teacher and a lunch attendant just let this person walk in cavalierly. What type of training do we have in place to alert teachers and lunch attendants and whoever else may be in the building that we employ? If you see somebody that you don't know, ask them why they're there and ask them to identify themselves. This goes back 10 or 15 years when I've always asked for IDs for our staff. teachers and the like, and somehow it got shuffled off until recently. You know, that in itself should have been a wake-up call years ago that we need to know what's coming and going from our buildings. You know, the taxpayers spend an awful lot of money to get these buildings done, and we just can't have every Tom, Dick, and Harry waltzing in and out as they may.
[Robert Skerry]: Is there a policy in effect that the teacher and the lunch attendant should have known that people just can't waltz in the door at recess time? Everybody who comes in should be challenged.
[Robert Skerry]: Just because you give somebody a manual doesn't mean they're going to read it.
[Robert Skerry]: Do the individuals sign off upon receipt and indicate that they have read it and they understand what's in it?
[Robert Skerry]: Well, I think that should be a policy.
[Robert Skerry]: God forbid something happened to a child. It would be on all our minds.
[Robert Skerry]: This should not have been a first.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Mayor.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: Bureau of Special Investigations, Senior Investigator.
[Robert Skerry]: Special Investigations. I was a Senior Investigator.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scarpelli? Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. 5 in the affirmative, 2 absent.
[Robert Skerry]: Sure.
[Robert Skerry]: Can we report on our unemployment payments paid out status? How are we running? Above or below what we appropriate?
[Robert Skerry]: Musical instruments. The antiques that we had at one point
[Robert Skerry]: You did a great job, by the way, Mr. Speaker.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman? Mr. Schoenig. Ms. Velia, are there any capital improvements planned for next school year?
[Robert Skerry]: Is the entrance rate of the high school on that list by any chance?
[Robert Skerry]: Yes.
[Robert Skerry]: Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skagg. Through you to Ms. Ville. How many unused lines did they find? Approximately how much have we paid out in the last couple of years for services that we should not have been paying for? And is there any chance to recapture any of those monies is the first question.
[Robert Skerry]: And have we done an audit of cell phones? I sign the bills every month. It seems that we pay an awful lot for cell phones.
[Robert Skerry]: And are they all accounted for?
[Robert Skerry]: Is there a school policy, school-wide policy regarding cell phones? If a person is retired or working part-time and come back for 120 days, are they entitled to a cell phone that the taxpayers are paying for?
[Robert Skerry]: Okay, when that list is compiled, can we have a copy of that list as soon as possible? Sure, yes. Thank you.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Crenshaw.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Scari. Yes. Mayor McGlynn.
[Robert Skerry]: Secretary will call the roll. Mrs. Cugno? Yes. Mr. Benedetto? Mr. Falco? Yes. Mr. Scarpelli? Yes. Mr. Scaria? Yes. Mayor McGuinn? Yes. By vote of five in the front, two absent. We'll go to executive session.
[Robert Skerry]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Falco. Present. Mrs. Schiapelli. Present. Mrs. Gary. Present. Mrs. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Chairman, you have six present, one absent. Do you have a quorum to conduct business?
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco? Yes. Mr. Scarpelli? Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Mrs. Vanderclue?
[Robert Skerry]: Cuno?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Falco? Yes. Mr. Scarpelli? Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Mrs. Vanderclue?
[Robert Skerry]: There's none, sir.
[Robert Skerry]: So Mr. Scarecrow, I've read a few, a few of these reports during my brief tenure here in the board, but it's my goal is again, thank you for your help. And Nick, John, Heidi, It was great to see that the teachers came forth. As in years past, trying to get any information on them was like pulling nails. But with the leadership that we have in place, I hope you will go back to your faculty and let them know that, hey, they did really a super job. It just reflects on what we have in Medford and our leadership team. And I, as one person and a taxpayer, thank you very much and just wish that we can keep up the good work and carry on.
[Robert Skerry]: Yeah. Yeah. We'll get better.
[Robert Skerry]: On the motion to accept the $3,000 grant. Ms. Cuno, Mr. Benedetto, Mr. Falco, Mr. Scarpelli, Ms. Vanderbilt.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Mr. Cormier, I'm glad to have you back, and thank you for your tutelage. Hunter, you took the bull by the horns, and you've done possibly what no other student has done at Medford by doing your thing with the robotics, getting that program off the ground. So you're not only a student, but you're an innovator. My next question to both of you is, I hope you've seen a patent attorney. Thank you for your hard work, and Hunter, keep up the good work. We're kind of afraid that that's what our robot wants.
[Robert Skerry]: Point of information, Mr. Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Selle, would you make a copy of the communities that were researched and get that to us, please. I think that'll make the decision a lot easier. Compare and contrast.
[Robert Skerry]: Ms. Folley, could you have the lunch director put together a An explanation of the USDA's program where to see what we're entitled to receive commodities and to what extent we really use what is offered. Maybe we can increase our participation to sort of stabilize the lunch prices.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Also, just to follow up with Mr. Benedetto said, would it be possible to get a report on what machinery or things that have been misplaced or unaccounted for? I know years past we were always short of meat slicer, or pots and pans, or what have you. We could get a report what's not been accounted for in the last couple of years.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto? Mr. Falco?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scarpelli? Yes. Mr. Scariot? Yes. Mrs. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scaramucci. Mr. Scaramucci. Mr. Scaramucci. see if we can put together a professional day, some type of training, adaptive phys ed for our phys ed teachers. So we can probably begin that beginning in the next school year. On the Michigan model? No, no, on adaptive phys ed for the kids. Adaptive, okay. She needed a need, and I think that's probably one of the first things that we should attend to. And we get that going, and at least they'll be able to plan for September.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scariot. How about giving Mr. Dempsey to put it on the high school channel?
[Robert Skerry]: A couple of mornings a week. Okay. and Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: May 8th at 7. Thursday night at 7 PM.
[Robert Skerry]: That work?
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Kreatz.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Mustone.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. Present. Mrs. Van der Kloof.
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I wish to nominate Erin DiBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: No. Vice Chairman.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Kreatz.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Mustone.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry. I abstain. Mrs. Van der Kloot.
[Robert Skerry]: Mae Burke.
[Robert Skerry]: Madam Mayor, I wish to nominate Aaron DeBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Cuno.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. DeBenedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Mrs. Kreatz.
[Robert Skerry]: We will now close the organizational meeting and move on to the regular order of business.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Gretz?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke?
[Robert Skerry]: There is none.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Kreatz?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Stone? Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes. Ms. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke?
[Robert Skerry]: Motion to approve.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Stone? Yes. Mr. Scaria? Yes. Ms. Van der Kloot? Yes. Mayor Burke?
[Robert Skerry]: Through you to the superintendent, just as a point of information, Roy, how many students in the last couple of years have left our Metro Public Schools to go to either a charter school or private school and have come back?
[Robert Skerry]: But no, do children leave Medford schools to go somewhere else and find out it's not a compatible fit, they come back?
[Robert Skerry]: To put it succinctly, somebody that wasn't here in September, do we have any students that are here now?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Robert Skerry]: Fritz.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Stone?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scherry? Yes. Mrs. Van der Kloot?
[Robert Skerry]: Mayor Burke?
[Robert Skerry]: We revert to executive session.
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Scugno?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Benedetto?
[Robert Skerry]: Kreatz?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Stone? Yes. Mr. Scherry, yes. Mr. Vandenbrouck?
[Robert Skerry]: Mr. Vandenbrouck?