1.    Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

2.    Open Forum

Individuals are limited to three minutes; all speakers shall be respectful and courteous when speaking.

3.    Consent Agenda - Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    Enrollment:

              i.        January Enrollment:

·         Motion by E. Pavao to approve the consent agenda.

·         Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         Vote: 5-0

4.    Chairperson’s Remarks

a.    Update from Joint Town Council/School Committee/Budget Committee Meeting (1/14/25):

·         D. Farnworth reported the first meeting went well. Additional meetings will follow during the budget season.

5.    Old Business - Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    Approval of Home School Requests for the 2024-2025 School Year:

·         Motion by J. Sherman to approve two home school requests.

·         Seconded by E. Pavao.

·         Vote: 5-0

b.    FY25 Budget vs. Actual Variance Analysis:

·         B. Andrade updated the board, stating 40% of the budget had been spent with over half the school year remaining. The department continues to seek cost-saving opportunities.

6.    New Business - Consideration and Possible Votes

a.    Accept Donation of a Storage Container from Ranger PTO:

·         Motion by E. Pavao to accept a 30x10 storage container donation for recess equipment.

·         Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         Vote: Unanimous

b.    Accept Donation of a Storage Container from Gary Monahan:

·         Motion by E. Pavao to accept a 20-foot storage container for spring outdoor sports equipment at THS.

·         Seconded by K. Paquette.

·         Vote: Unanimous

c.    Accept Donation from Amicable Church to the GSA Club:

·         Motion by E. Pavao to accept a $600 donation to the GSA Club.

·         Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         Vote: Unanimous

d.    Approve Ski Trip to Wachusett (Date TBD):

·         Motion by D. Pallasch to approve the THS Ski Trip.

·         Seconded by K. Paquette.

·         Vote: 5-0

e.    Heating Repair Cost Estimates — Funding Plan:

·         B. Andrade reviewed heating repair costs: $22,000 for the high school and $22,000 for Fort Barton School. The maintenance budget was initially $40,000.

f.     Request to Bid for Superintendent Search Consultation:

·         Motion by D. Pallasch to issue a bid for superintendent search consultation.

·         Seconded by E. Pavao.

·         Vote: 4-1 (K. Paquette opposed)

g.    Adjusted FY25 Capital Request for Town Council Meeting:

·         Motion by J. Sherman to approve the adjusted FY25 capital request with no changes to the total amount.

·         Seconded by D. Pallasch.

·         Vote: Unanimous

·         Motion amended by D. Farnworth to prioritize items 1, 2, 4, and 8.

·         Seconded by D. Pallasch.

·         Vote: 5-0

7.    Discussion Items

a.    Potential FY25 Deficit:

·         B. Andrade provided an update on efforts to mitigate a potential FY25 deficit, including a letter to the Auditor General and exploring grants.

b.    FY26 General Overview:

·         B. Andrade briefly introduced the FY26 budget as a starting point.

8.    Announcements / Future Meetings

·         January 22, 2025: Health & Wellness (5:00 PM)

·         January 28, 2025: Policy Subcommittee (6:00 PM) / School Committee (7:00 PM)

·         February 11, 2025: School Committee (7:00 PM)

9.    Executive Session

·         Motion by E. Pavao to enter executive session pursuant to:

o   RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) (workshop on collective bargaining re: Council 94 MOA)

o   RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) (legal advice on FY26 and FY25 budgets)

·         Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         Vote: Unanimous

10.  Return to Open Session

·         Report on Votes Taken in Executive Session

·         Seal Executive Session Minutes

11.  Adjournment

·         e Motion by E. Pavao to adjourn the meeting.

·         e Seconded by J. Sherman.

·         e Vote: Unanimous

Respectfully Submitted,

C.A. Mendes