The Silver Lake Regional School Committee met in-person at Silver Lake Regional High School on Thursday, Jan. 13.

Policy Approvals

High School Principal Michaela Gill went over a revision to the course change policy that pertains to students who request to drop a course or change a level. Gill said the handbook currently states that students cannot request to make such a change from the start of school until the end of the first term. Gill said that historically there have been special considerations made for students. Five years ago, a course change request form was created. Gill said there have been very few times when a request was not granted and noted that decisions were always made in coordination with the parents and the student. Gill asked for approval from the School Committee on the edited level and course change policy. The Committee voted to approve the change.

The Silver Lake Food Service Director Megan Ahrenholz appeared before the Committee to address an offer versus serve (OVS) policy. An OVS allows students to decline a certain number of food components in a reimbursable meal to eliminate some waste and food cost.  One of those components must be a half cup of a fruit or vegetable. “It’s something that we’ve always done in practice, we just wanted to have it in writing,” Ahrenholz explained. Committee member Summer Schmaling asked why if a child brings their lunch and just wishes to purchase a milk, they are charged for that milk whereas if they bought the whole meal, it would be free. Schmaling said there was concern that students would take the free lunch and throw away everything but the milk. Ahrenholz said the USDA does not allow a student to receive just the milk for free. “What we found is that most students don’t do that,” she said of students disposing of the entire lunch. The Committee voted to approve the policy before them.

Debate on Canceling Midterm Exams

Student Council representative Connor Doyle addressed the Committee. Doyle said that in December they were able to hold the traditional student versus staff basketball game. He said that they were able to raise over $850 worth of nonperishable food items to be donated to the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. “As for this month, the major talking point with Student Council and around the student body is, of course, the mid-year exams coming up,” Doyle told the Committee. He said that the Student Council Executive Board had sent out a survey asking if the exams should go on as previously scheduled due to the state of the pandemic. He said the resounding answer was no. The proposal to cancel the exams was put before the School Committee. Gill said that the previous Thursday, 20 percent of students were absent most of which were due to COVID. “We are proposing that midterm exams not be counted as 20 percent of the semester grade and that instead of traditional mid-year assessments we use that time to prioritize instruction and provide academic support for students who are in need,” Gill told the Committee.

“I’m really struggling with this,” Schmaling said while acknowledging that she was sympathetic and saying that her own daughter came home in tears over the upcoming exams. “The real world doesn’t stop because all of this madness is going on,” Schmaling said. She continued, “My fear is that we are not adequately preparing our juniors and our seniors for college, when they go to college and they say tough cookies, the midterm exam is on this day, you better be prepared for it… are we setting up our kids for failure by essentially babying them right now.” Committee member Leslie-Ann McGee said, “I’m in complete agreement with Summer.” McGee confirmed with Gill that the last two years there were no final exams. She said that she was hopeful that would not happen again this year. “I can see this as a special circumstance so I’m sort of inclined to approve it,” McGee said while thanking Doyle for sharing their findings with the Committee. “I worry about the resiliency,” Committee member Emily Davis said while saying that she was still likely in favor of the proposal. She also told Gill that didn’t believe that, even in normal times, an exam should account for 20 percent of a total grade. “We’re not going to beat a horse when it’s down; that’s not going to build resiliency,” Gill said. Schmaling asked if the exam could count for a lesser percentage. Gill said that they would leave it to the teacher’s discretion to still hold the assessment albeit one that would not count for such a large percentage of a student’s grade. Despite the debate, the Committee did vote to approve the proposal.

Principals’ Reports

Gill said that Term 3 began on January 24 and report cards were issued digitally on January 28 through parent square. “I often say that it is easy to watch the news or scroll social media and lose sense of the good around us… which is why I’m thankful to be part of a school community that regularly restores my faith in humanity,” Gill told the Committee. She said that in addition to the nonperishable food items that were donated as a result of the student/staff basketball game, the Red Cross Club packed over 10 large trash bags full of new or gently used coats, etc. to be donated to local shelters. She said that the National Honor Society hosted a holiday luncheon for staff as well. Students in the Project Lead the Way Program have been going to the elementary schools to share engineering skills and a general love of learning.

Gill said the original venue for the senior prom on May 20 was in Boston where vaccinations would be required. She said that they were able to find a different venue, the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich, on May 26 that would not require vaccination. She said that the red carpet will take place as usual assuming there are no changes from DESE before then. There will be no junior prom moving forward. Schmaling said she had heard that some parents may organize one and Gill said that it would be a non-school sponsored event. Gill said in December they awarded the Silver Stars Drama Club with recognition for upholding the school’s core values including inclusivity.

Middle School Principal Jim Dupille began his update saying that parent teacher conferences will be held on February 2 and 3 with the first day being reserved for virtual meetings. He said that the night the school will be singing at the Providence Bruins game had to be rescheduled to February 11 due to a recent snowstorm. The school talent show will be on February 15. The Geography and History Bee will be back after a brief hiatus. Dupille requested permission from the Committee to bring back the trips to New York City and the Kennedy Space Center next year. The Committee approved both trips. Schamling said she did not want to approve a trip to New York where some students would be excluded due to vaccination status but Dupille assured her he would not purse the trip if those restrictions were still in place.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Jill Proulx provided a district update. She introduced the new Attorney Russell Dupere who is the son of retiring Fred Dupere. She said that families were recently sent updated COVID guidance with the most significant piece being the shortened isolation period – from ten days to five. She also said that the mask requirement would be extended until February 28 when it will be revisited by DESE.

Budget Presentation

Proulx provided the Committee with a preliminary budget. She said that both Principal Gill and Principal Dupille were asked to create a level service budget which would include only what was necessary to maintain current staffing and programs. She said the total increase in this version of the budget was 3.74 percent. Proulx, who went over some highlights, said that there was more than a 21 percent increase in special education transportation. “We are suffering from a lack of vendors right now due to the pandemic,” Proulx said of the increase. Proulx told the Committee that payroll and benefits represent 82 percent of the total budget. She said that two known retirements represent a savings of approximately $130,000 potentially. There is an increase in the technology/hardware line that was moved from the capital plan to the operating budget.

Proulx turned the presentation over to the principals to speak to significant increases and decreases. Gill said that there were decreases in athletic transportation. The most notable increase is related to textbook and staffing. She said there was an ask of $23,000 for equipment that is “dying or dead” including a treadmill and a piano. She asked that the Assistant Principal position be brought back from a 10 month to a 12-month position. She asked the same of the outdoor custodian position. These changes would represent $13,000 and $8,000 increases respectively.

Dupille also spoke to notable increases including bringing in guest speakers and replacing equipment such as copiers. He said that the textbook line would be $40,000 less than the previous year. There is another $6,000 in savings for software. Dupille said he would like to expand the school’s athletic offerings to match what is available in surrounding school districts. He said that close to 90 percent of parents and students surveyed said they would like to see more athletic offerings. He said he is asking for a number of small increases that make a big impact including having class advisors and a school newspaper. Dupille said the school is also looking for a special education reading specialist and a change from a part-time to a full-time adjustment counselor.

Proulx spoke about some additional needs. She said that two of the district’s elementary schools were two of the only schools in the surrounding area not to offer instrumental instruction by Grade 5. Proulx said that a possible consideration in the budget would be the addition of a fine and performing arts instructional leader at the K-12 or 7-12 level. She also said that a curriculum coordinator for Grades 7-12 or an assistant special education coordinator for elementary and secondary might also be needed. She said that a content area specialist for English as a secondary language might also be considered. Committee member Chris Eklund recommended hiring from within to allow for costs savings.  McGee recommended choosing one or two positions for this year. “Because I think financially it’s going to be a big hit,” she explained. Committee member Eric Crone said that it may be necessary to cut from other areas to make room in the budget for these additions. He also pointed out that there could be additional federal money coming. Proulx asked that the Committee also consider an additional shared costs computer technician and a human resource director for the district.

Committee Chair Paula Hatch said, “we run a really big district with a really lean administrative team.” She emphasized the importance of doing the most possible for the students while still supporting the administration and considering the needs requested by them. Schmaling spoke to the dire situation faced by Halifax saying that departments were asked to level fund not level service.

Silver Lake Education Association President Jon Lay spoke to the Committee. “I would like to advocate for a couple of things… one is the middle school special ed position; I really think it is key.” He also advocated strongly for the music program emphasizing the importance of having band at the elementary levels. Currently, Halifax and Plympton do not have instrumental instruction at the elementary level.

Eklund provided an update on SAFER saying that they have had several successful tri-town meetings. He said they are trying to find a way for the towns to support their efforts for upgrades to the HVAC system using ARPA funds. Eklund said that the cost for air conditioning at the high school and middle school would be $1.55 milion dollars. Eklund said that on such a large project, the towns would be able to overspend their ARPA fund allotment while waiting for the next round of funding. Eklund made a motion that they allow the Silver Lake School District to expend the $29,150 for plan design if it is available through the funds allocated from the State House through Kathy LaNatra’s prior bill. The Committee voted to approve the motion.

Eklund said they talked about the district stabilization funds saying they would likely open them via an article at the various town meetings. He told the Committee they weren’t making much progress on the need for upgrades to the tennis courts. Much debate was had over the state of the courts and McGee said she certainly understood the need for equity amongst the different sports’ facilities saying that some were excellent while others, such as the courts, were on their last legs.

Eklund also said that they completed a $30,000 preliminary feasibility study for a new admin building.

The public budget hearing and joint meeting of all the school committees is on Feb. 10.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met in-person on Tuesday evening, Jan. 11. The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing COVID related policies for employees.

Fire Chief Jason Viveiros, Library Director Jean Gallant, Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward, and IT Department Head Cesar Calouro were all in attendance for the discussion. Specific cases were discussed including a library technician who only works 11 hours per week and therefore does not receive benefits. Said employee had a close contact in their immediate family and then later tested positive themselves. Gallant said she wished to pay the employee for the missed week’s salary as they were a good and long-time employee. “I realize that she doesn’t have benefits and you would be making an exception for her,” Gallant told the Board.

The Board was in agreement that if someone is symptomatic but has not yet received a test, they would need to provide documentation of a positive test result. The employee would need to take sick time but would be reimbursed by the town for the time out assuming they had a positive test result. In the case presented by Gallant, it was agreed that despite the employee not having benefits, the town would still reimburse the employee for the missed pay. Selectmen Chair Gordon Andrews said that they wanted to encourage sick employees to stay home so as to not risk exposing others out of fear of lost wages. “I think we need to look out for the employee’s health and for the town’s health,” Andrews explained.

The Fire Department is providing free testing for town employees. Asked how they were doing on tests, Viveiros said they still have a few hundred tests to be used on town employees.

Another case specific question was asked which prompted Selectman Ashley DiSesa to joke about the myriad of gray areas surrounding COVID. Gallant said she had an employee who tested negative but is quarantining while caring for a positive dependent. It was agreed that sick time would also be reimbursed in that instance. Viveiros and Hayward said that in the interest of consistency, they have been forwarding questions to Halifax Health Agent Bob Valery for guidance on case specific questions.

Other questions regarding the recent CDC guidance updates were also asked. Recent guidance states that COVID positive individuals can end quarantine after five days as long as their symptoms were resolving and they continued to wear a mask for 10-14 days. “I think what everyone needs to know is, they are still symptomatic after day 5, they need to stay out,” Andrews said. Selectman Troy Garron asked whether the town should require proof of a negative test to return, but DiSesa pointed out that the town would likely run out of tests if they did that.

Calouro questioned whether employees who have the ability to work from home should be working while in quarantine. The Selectmen seemed in agreement that they should not be expected to work which prompted Calouro to question why they spent so much money on laptops for town employees.

After much discussion, DiSesa attempted to summarize the policy saying, “So, the policy is, if an employee feels under the weather… they can go to the Fire Station or go to their doctor and get a valid test from a medical professional – not an at-home test. If that test is positive, we will pay them from the day that they tested from their five days out or however many days if they’re still symptomatic. Or God forbid somebody gets a really bad case of it, we will pay them out until they can come back. If somebody refuses to wear a mask after five days, they can’t come back; they don’t get paid. And if somebody refuses a test and is saying they have COVID, they don’t get paid; they have to take the test.”

Andrews provided an update on the budget, telling the other Selectmen that Town Accountant Sandra Nolan had provided the numbers. He said that the numbers for Silver Lake and veteran’s benefits were not included. “We are negative $127,157.65,” Andrews said. He also pointed out that the figure did not include Halifax’s share of the Middle School resource officer that is roughly $36,000. Andrews said that the largest increase for the schools was in special needs tuition and transportation. He said that those two line items plus the elementary school amounted to a $150,000 increase. “I’m estimating that Silver Lake will be at least a $220,000, if not 300,000, increase for just their annual increases that take place within their budget. He pointed out that special education tuition and transportation was out of the town’s as well as the School Committee’s control.

The Board also discussed an update to the process for applying for Host Community Agreements (HCAs). The Board voted to require that companies wishing to apply for an HCA go through the Planning Board first to receive a special permit. The change was made in order to avoid spending unnecessary legal fees.

On the subject of marijuana establishments, Andrews told the Board that Green Earth Cannabis notified the town that due to “unforeseen circumstances” they would no longer be seeking an HCA with Halifax.

Another marijuana establishment, Flower and Soul, was requesting the installation of lights and a pole at 182 and 183 Plymouth St. DiSesa said that as long as the town would be reimbursed for the cost through the community impact fee, she would be in agreement. The lights are being requested for security reasons. The Board voted to approve the request.

The Selectmen met with two applicants who were seeking the two open spots on the Traffic Safety Committee. Both John Sullivan and Steve Littlefield were voted unanimously onto the Committee by the Selectmen.

Interim Town Administrator Ed Thorne said he had a successful meeting with the Chair of the Solar Committee regarding capping the landfill and placing a solar array on it. He said that he had success in doing this during his previous employment. He said that every town in the Commonwealth is moving toward this step and noted that it should provide electrical savings for all town departments including the school. Thorne told the Selectmen that they would be looking to get the RFP completed in order to “get the ball rolling.”

The Board addressed a request to make a proclamation for a specific citizen. Andrews said that while exceptions were made for pancreatic cancer and suicide awareness month, the town doesn’t usually make proclamations. Garron said that while it was a noble cause, it wouldn’t be practical. DiSesa agreed saying that it would set a precedent that could result in many more requests.

The Board discussed two articles for town meeting pertaining to the Water Department. They would be seeking to transfer approximately $53,000 to purchase a new water truck and to transfer $5,520 to fund phase 2 of upgrades at a treatment plant and chemical facility. The Fire Department is also seeking to raise or appropriate funds to purchase a new ambulance.

Before adjourning for the evening, the Board voted to use $16,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to buy ADA compliant levers and box sets in compliance with the Building Inspector’s requirements for emergency egress.

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely on Monday, Jan. 10. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy addressed possible uses of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds. There had previously been conversation about using a portion of the funds for HVAC work at the schools. Dennehy said that the town has had a difficult time getting a hold of COVID test kits and noted that some of those funds may need to be allocated toward purchasing those as soon as they are available. She said some funding will also need to be directed toward personnel costs for the Fire Department to disperse the kits. “I don’t think it would be a lot of money from our allotment,” Dennehy said. She further said that $5,000 should cover the expense. “We have a real need for testing capability,” she told the Selectmen.

Dennehy said that she acquired quotes for the appraisal of town owned land located on Brook St. She said the appraisal would cost $1,200. “I felt the amount was fair and I think we probably should go forward,” Selectman John Traynor said. Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she agreed. Selectman Mark Russo said he did not like the idea of the appraisal but if they were going to move forward with it, he approved of the chosen appraiser. The Selectmen gave Dennehy the go ahead to move forward with the appraisal.

The Board of Selectmen also voted to accept the conservation restriction on a portion of land at 122 Main St. The total square footage of the lot is 186,806. “It’s a way to more significantly minimize the messing up of the environment over there,” Russo explained.

The town’s projects and priorities list were also discussed. Dennehy briefly touched on the COVID-19 response saying she and the Board of Health are in touch at least weekly. Regarding financial priorities, she said they are now turning to budget mode. Dennehy also said that a town meeting article may be considered to modify the bylaw and diversify the membership in the Capital Planning Committee.

Regarding affordable housing opportunities, Dennehy said they are aiming to develop an action plan based upon the Housing Production Plan. She said the Housing Production Plan is also due for an update soon. Dennehy also said that they are continuing to attempt to identify town owned land that would be appropriate for these opportunities.

Dennehy said the implementation of a pavement management plan is in progress. A town meeting article is being considered to fund four speed notice boxes and signage with lights for intersections such as Main St. and Ring Rd. and Winnetuxet Rd. and Prospect Rd. “It seems that our pavement painting does not have the desired effect,” Dennehy said of current attempts to control speed at these intersections.

MassDOT denied the town’s attempt to implement a heavy truck traffic exclusion. Dennehy said the State was not in favor of Plympton’s alternate route which would run through Halifax. She said Halifax would need to provide a letter of support were they to continue to pursue the exclusion. Traynor said he was not sure that it would be a good time to pursue this with Halifax as they currently have an interim town administrator. Russo said the decision by MassDOT was “disappointing.” The Selectmen agreed to wait a few months before pursuing anything further.

Regarding the transaction with Middleborough surrounding Soule Homestead, Dennehy said the legislation is currently in the Senate. She noted that she has not been able to get a definitive answer regarding where it stands other than that it is still in the third reading. Dennehy said she would reach out to Senator Michael Brady.

GATRA transportation services are currently in progress. “It’s been a bit stagnant; they have some turnover at GATRA,” Dennehy told the Selectmen. She went on to say that she has been told that someone should be in touch soon regarding level of service including scheduling and routes.

Under technology, Dennehy said the technology master plan including bolstering websites is currently in progress. Traynor suggested involving Silver Lake Technology Director Steve Pellowe in the conversations.

Issues being looked at by the Town Properties Committee were also discussed. Town Properties Committee Chair Jon Wilhelmsen said that there were many items ahead of the Plympton hearse in terms of priority but said that its current location is problematic. “It’s being taken advantage of by our little four-legged rodents,” he said. A storage facility is needed for the next few years. Wilhelmsen said that discussions were had regarding the need for a storage building but noted that it was “further down the list.” Dennehy suggested the possibility of a private entity housing it.

They also discussed a town meeting article for a study into the building of a new fire station. Wilhelmsen said, “at some point we are going to have to,” regarding the need for building a new station. He emphasized that the money needed now is for a study into the possibility of building a station, not actually building it.

Wilhelmsen said, “the library has been neglected for a bit.” There are lighting and plumbing issues that need to be addressed. There was a roof survey done regarding replacing the library roof. Wilhelmsen said that they now have a cost for the project. “When is the last time you remember us doing anything for the library at town meeting?” Wilhelmsen asked. “We can get that building back on track in pretty short order,” he told the Selectmen noting he was excluding the roof work in that assessment.

The Town House roof also needs to be replaced. Wilhelmsen said the roof is divided into three sections saying that they are focusing on sections 2 and 3 at the moment. He said they need to go out to bid so they have accurate estimates to bring to town meeting.

Dennehy said they are seeking grant funding to replace the cistern on the Town Green.

Dennehy said that they completed SERVPRO remediation at the Old Town House. She said that samples were taken, and they will need to follow asbestos protocols as a result when considering long term remediation. Wilhelmsen said they will need to look at some form of dehumidification for the first floor of the building to address the mold growth. Other issues needing addressing for the Old Town House are new locks and internet access for the building. The new locks would provide a record of who is going into the building. Internet access will be necessary to have those types of locks. “It’s always a long list at Town Properties,” Wilhelmsen said of the myriad of projects needing addressing in municipal buildings.

Traynor spoke regarding cemetery cleanup for North Plympton. He said that the woman who owns the land finally signed the agreement via email but still needs to sign the more formal agreement on paper. He said it was, “in progress.”   

Long-term items being followed include the Carver Urban Renewal Project, the Rocky Harvest Settlement Compliance, future exploration of shared services, grants, and MBTA communities multi-family zoning requirements.

Russo said his rave was for the opening of the annual and special town meeting. “Essentially, out of that meeting… we, the Selectmen, get our marching orders for the year,” he explained.

Traynor said his rave was for Library Director Michael Slawson and the many programs he is successfully running.

Joy said her rave was for “how beautiful it is in wintertime with snow on the ground and the bogs; what a great part of the country we live in with how beautiful it is.”