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Regional committee ready to go back

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The Silver Lake Regional School Committee met Thursday, March 11, and unanimously voted an operating budget of $27,246,375 as the amount deemed necessary for the operation of the Silver Lake Regional School District for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.   The debt budget covering the construction of the Silver Lake Regional High School,  $1,469,030.90 for the 2021-2022 school year, which is part of the towns’ assessments – also passed unanimously.  Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx pointed out that the budget reflects more than $160,000 in budget cuts that were requested by the committee.

Halifax’s Town Administrator, Charlie Seelig, spoke to the board at the beginning of their meeting, asking them to consider carefully.  “Things are tight, tighter than they have been in a number of years.”  Seelig said that Halifax right now does not have the revenue needed to cover the increases proposed by Halifax’s departments ….”

At this point, he said, the finance committee is putting in numbers that are level funded from last year.  From there, they will add in the contractual obligations that have to be paid like health insurance and retirement, and salaries.  If there is money available, the next thing they will put in is step increases, no matter what department they are in, per the various contracts or through the Halifax Wage and Personnel by-law.   Only after that, will the Finance Committee start considering increasing wage accounts.

Seelig brought up the article submitted by the school committee to the Town Meeting warrant to fund restoring tennis courts at the High School for $130,000.  He said this is in addition to the towns’ local assessments.   It should be considered, but taxpayers should make a decision as to what is more important, tennis courts or other parts of the budget.  “Money is money,” Seelig said, “and it’s going to be the same dollar from the same sources that are going from Halifax to Silver Lake.” In terms of the total assessment.   Seelig said that everything is in flux because there is no state budget yet so state reimbursements aren’t available yet.

Chairman Paula Hatch opened the meeting to the public and heard from Madelyn Dooner who sent the results of a petition she started asking that students not go back to school for the remainder of this school year.  She told the board that many parents and students do not feel comfortable going back for this fragment of a school year, citing scheduling conflicts and that while remote learning will still be there for those who have chosen it, it will now be done through a third party, “so it doesn’t seem like it is going to be the same experience for everybody.  It’s not going to be like a fair experience.”

Hatch responded by saying that the state has now stepped in and they are making the rules and the Silver Lake School District is mandated to follow them.  Hatch assured her that the committee is taking all of the concerns of parents and students very seriously and the remote option is not being taken away.

Michelle Taylor, a parent of a soon to graduate senior, asked the board to support letting the senior class remain as they are.   Taylor told the board that she works for the state as a school licenser, so she’s  well aware of COVID regulations and have been helping schools since last March a year ago with re-opening and health and safety plans …  “so I know the intricate details that you all have to manage … that  having been said, putting my parent hat on, I do feel  that these students that have been brave enough, and I applaud them, through petitions and speaking tonight, and in the past, I’ve heard from my own child and other students in particular the senior class, ‘Why change it in the fourth quarter?’  There are only six weeks left until the end of school, and although a hybrid schedule is certainly not ideal, by anyone’s stretch of imagination, it is consistent at least.“

Chairman Hatch thanked her and said she is sensitive to the seniors in particular  and “we do understand what’s happening, what they’ve been deprived of, and are trying to make it as easy a time for the next couple of months and to have it be enjoyable for the time they have left.”

Michaela Gill, principal of Silver Lake High School, gave the board the latest iteration of her plan to have students return to full time classes in the high school, a plan that has had to change several times based on changes in the requirements from the state.  Currently, however, there is no date from the state when high school students must return to full in-person learning.  “We are ready and eager to welcome all students back to school,” Gill told the board.

Middle School Principal Jim Dupille told the board that as of March 9, DESE has mandated that all middle school students must return by April 28.  He has constructed a plan for full in-person return to school, in fact several plans, as they have needed to be reconfigured to meet the ever-changing guidance from the State Department of Education.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Proulx responded to committee member Summer Schmaling’s question of asking the Department of Education for a waiver to return to full in-person schooling, pointing out that the Silver Lake High School does not meet any of the criteria listed in the guidance from the Dept. of Education.  “I want to reiterate, especially for families and students who may be listening, that the reality is that the Department of Education has mandated that we are required to return to full in-person schooling by May 4.  That’s what we’ve done.  This is remarkable work in a very short period of time on behalf of students.  There are bound to be issues, so I ask the community to be patient.  This is a very tall order to be done in a very short period of time. …   Students will experience this differently, but as a community we will be supporting our students as well as we can.”

Dupille said it is his plan to return students to full in-person schooling when they come back from April vacation, April 26.  He said that in summary, students will get new schedules, teacher schedules will change, some electives will not run in the remote learning environment, remote electives will shift to in-person, and some electives may not be able to be run.   Term III will end April 16; term IV begins April 26.

Dupille said he may need to rent three tents to take advantage of outdoor spaces for band, chorus, and wellness.   The tents can be put into use in many ways, at a cost of $2200 for each tent for six weeks.

Crone said that  separating the two schools, middle and high, seems like a much easier way to address the problem.   “It seems like the middle school is much easier to return to school.  The high school, I still don’t think it is.”   Recognizing  that we don’t have a choice.  If the commissioner comes back in April and doesn’t  have  a return date for high schools, if he comes back and puts it back to the local systems to choose, I would choose to leave it as is for the  four to six weeks that we have left.

Committeeman Gordon Andrews asked the committee to authorize Eric to write a letter of unappreciation for all of the shifts of changes.   We think we’re near the deadline and they shift again.  The number of meetings, the hours of work trying to implement their changes, “I think we need to speak up and let them know that it’s not okay.”

Leslie Ann McGee applauded everyone, staff and administrators, for the work that has been done.   “I want to make sure that the public understands that as we make these plans, not only does the Dept. of Education change the goal posts, they change what they look like.  Plans that worked no longer are acceptable and there is no guarantee that the plans in place now won’t become obsolete at the DESE’s whim.”

Mike Antoine said that he agreed with Eric Crone; if Commissioner Riley sends the high school decisions back to the local level, “Let’s stay the course… if that’s an option.”

Crone made a motion to ask the committee to authorize him to write a letter stating that SLRHS would like to make their own decisions regarding high school return to all in-person learning.  “We can write the letter, but we don’t have to do it.”   Eric Crone will draft a letter for Hatch’s approval, and the vote was unanimously in favor.

Until they hear from DESE, Principal Gill has her plan to bring students back fully May 3.

New act could mean loss of grant money

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The Feb. 18 Halifax Planning Board meeting began with Attorney Amy Kwesell present to discuss drafting a defendable decision with regard to site plans and special permits and answer any pertinent questions in order to better inform new Board members and refresh older ones. She also presented on the Housing Choice Act of 2020. Some of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) members were also on the call. Kwesell has been practicing law for 21 years with a special interest in land use and is a teacher for the Continuing Legal Education and Zoning Conference.

Kwesell explained the Housing Choice Act of 2020 as part of the legislation that included the budget. “What this does to municipalities is they have some mandatory definitions… but one of the most important things is that they require multi-family housing in MBTA communities and Halifax is a MBTA community,” Kwesell explained. “A MBTA community has to have a district of reasonable size for multi-family housing permitted as of right; there can be no age restrictions and it has to be suitable for families with children… it has to be within a half mile of a commuter rail station,” she further explained.

If a community fails to adopt multi-family housing then they will no longer be eligible for grants through the Commonwealth including but not limited to Mass Works, Local Capital Project Fund, and Housing Choice Initiatives.” The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program is one such grant. The program provides technical assistance and construction funding to eligible municipalities.

Later in the meeting, Chair Alan Dias said that the Complete Streets Program had been submitted by the Board to the Highway Surveyor. He said that once past that part of the process, he would expect to hear from a representative of the program regarding which projects would make the cut. Board member Amy Troup asked, “Won’t we have to enact the new bill to be eligible for it?” Dias responded saying, “If we do not have some zoning districts that we will not be eligible; we’re eligible for the Complete Streets as of now under this program. If we don’t do something whenever the legislature agrees to give us whatever time frame, then we won’t be eligible after that but right now I believe that those funds have been sort of set aside depending on what we pick.”

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and MBTA will be developing parameters for multi-family housing. Kwessell said she was advising that towns not make changes to zoning until the parameters are released. Kwessell called the Act “not well thought out.”

She said the Act also allows for certain bylaws to be enacted without the two-thirds vote at town meeting. Additionally, some special permits can be granted with a simple majority rather than the normally required four-fifths.

Kwessell began her presentation on site plans saying that when an application comes before the Board, it is important to understand which bylaw is at issue. She said that the Planning Board has special permits for which they are the Site Plan Granting Authority (SPGA) while other special permits are granted by the ZBA. An SPGA may be the Planning Board, the ZBA, or the Board of Selectmen. Regarding site plan approval, Kwessell said, “the purpose is not to regulate the use, it’s to regulate how that use is implemented… there’s been no land court decision that upholds the denial of a site plan for an as of right use… you can’t deny it, you can condition it.” She continued, “With the special permit process there is discretion so there is a difference between special permit and site plan approval.”

When a site plan review application comes in, the Board is required to circulate it to all of the various Boards that need to see it. Next steps would be conducting the public hearing where the Board has quorum, close the public hearing, deliberate, and then vote. During the public hearing, public participation is allowed though it may be limited by time constraints. “Best practices for just conducting these hearings, you want to be respectful to the applicants and the public; you want to keep an open mind, avoid conflict of interests. If there are any conflicts, any question of conflicts, you can always call the attorney of the day,” she said. She also said that an extension from the applicant must be in writing and must provide enough time for all necessary steps to be made. “You want to perfect the decision which is sending it to the Town Clerk’s office,” Kwessell explained. Kwessell said if a motion is made to approve the decision and it fails, the project is denied and it is not necessary to take a vote to deny the project. All decisions must be recorded and filed with the registry.

Once an application is filed with the Town Clerk, it is dispersed to the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Building Inspector, the Highway Surveyor, the Water Commissioners, the Zoning Administration, the Board of Appeals, the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen. The various Boards then have 30 days to submit feedback to the Planning Board. The Planning Board must explain any divergence from the other Boards’ recommendations in their decision. “The courts have held that for a use allowed as a right, a Board may deny site plan approval only in situations where a plan is seriously deficient in important elements or is ‘so intrusive on the interests of the public in one regulated aspect or another that rejection of the Board would be tenable,’” Kwessell read to the Board.

Kwessell described a special permit as serving to “regulate that special middle tier of uses.” She continued, “There’s uses that are so offensive they’re prohibited and then those that are you know very innocuous and they’re allowed, so then you have this middle section that’s what I consider special permits.” A special permit cannot be refused for reasons that are not in the bylaw and the statute is not more detrimental. Kwessell also added that you cannot base your decision on the applicant but rather on the project. If there are already special permits issued that impact the neighborhood, the Board is not allowed to deny what Kwessell referred to as “the last guy” if the impact is of the same caliber as previous ones.

For a special permit, a public hearing is required within 65 days of filing and a decision within 90 days. For a five-member Board as in Halifax, special permits require that four out of the five vote in favor. The public hearing must be published at least fourteen days out from the hearing.

Following Kwessell’s presentation, Board member Gordon Andrews asked what the role of the Planning Board was in site plan enforcement. “Under your bylaw the enforcement is by the Building Inspector or a designee designated by the Board of Selectmen,” Kwessell said. “So the Planning Board doesn’t go out and police it?,” Andrews reiterated. “No,” Kwessell said.

Michael Joyce with Joyce Consulting Group, who was representing Brookside Construction, met with the Board regarding 300 Plymouth St. Joyce showed the proposed site plan which included the intersection of Plymouth St. and Monponsett St. He said there were six commercial units in the building including Verizon and a bike shop. He said they were proposing a solution to correct a drainage issue that would entail collecting all the stormwater the same way, put new pvc but then bring it out below grade at the curb line to two infiltration areas. Stormwater had been going into the building during some larger storm events. Board member Rick Perry said, “It makes perfect sense to me what they are trying to do there.” Dias recommended that they go before the Conservation Commission as well. Andrews disagreed as wetlands weren’t involved saying it did fall under the purview of the Planning Board to take it under advisement. Dias wished to clarify who did have purview over stormwater management.

The Board also discussed 0 Monponsett St. “If you go down 58 toward Plympton on the left-hand side there’s some concrete blocks there and it’s listed as 0 Monponsett St. and it looks like there’s a stump dump going on in the back,” Andrews explained. He further said that there was a gravel operation and a loom operation with trucks going in and out. Andrews said he had received numerous calls questioning what was going on, what the hours are, and where the site plans are. “There’s a business operation there and it doesn’t look like there’s a site plan,” he explained. Dias asked Andrews for more information and Andrews said he would get a lot number and a map. Dias seemed to think it might better fall under the purview of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

At the end of the meeting, there was significant disagreement over the meeting minutes from October 15 and whether or not Troup had approved the version that were sent to the town clerk. Planning Board secretary Jo-Anne Snow said that she didn’t make any edits to the minutes that were approved though Troup seemed to feel that a line had been deleted about using Chapter 90 money being spent on engineering to apply for grants. Troup asked that the removal be added back in and everyone on the Board re-sign the minutes. Dias recommended tabling the conversation as all the members that had previously approved the minutes were not present. Troup said, “We do not need a re-vote, what we need is for that to be put into the minutes and that is all that needs to happen.” “We’ll just move that off to our next meeting,” Dias finally concluded after quite a bit of back and forth.

Schmaling named to regional board

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Wednesday, March 3 to interview and select a candidate from the town to fill a vacancy on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee. The position would be a two-month position to fulfill a current term until the election in May. Selectmen Chair Tom Millias said he would encourage any candidates not awarded to the interim position to take papers out and run during the town election.

Representing the Silver Lake Regional School Committee was Chair Paula Hatch as well as Gordon Andrews who was acting in his role on the Regional School Committee rather than as a selectman. Millias and selectman Troy Garron were there to represent the Halifax Board of Selectmen.

The first candidate interviewed was Jessica DiBona, a teacher with over twenty years of experience. “I know that there is a lot of work that has to be undertaken by the School Committee in the coming months and I just want to give a hand helping out with that; I know many hands make light work of a big task so I just want to volunteer to help,” DiBona said. Garron asked DiBona if she felt that she would be biased as a teacher while negotiating contracts with other teachers. DiBona responded, “no, because I am a parent first.” Millias asked her how she felt about school returning full-time and DiBona replied, “It’s time to go back, I think there are proper safety precautions in place for the teachers and the staff.”

Hatch, who thanked all three candidates for expressing interest, asked DiBona about where her priorities would be when needing to reduce a budget during the drafting and reviewing process which is currently underway. “You have to try to make cuts that are going to affect the least amount of kids as possible… you need to find a way to work with the resources you have and maybe see how teachers can step up in other ways in more ways than one to maybe fulfill a need that two people were doing before,” DiBona said. DiBona also said she was on the School Council with Silver Lake Regional Middle School Principal Jim Dupille for two years during the budget process. “I saw the school view impact of how that plays out,” she explained, acknowledging how tough it can be when you may have to cut school personnel.

The next candidate interviewed was Summer Schmaling who has served for seven years on the Halifax School Committee; six of those as Chair. Schmaling said she has a daughter at the high school and a son who will soon be entering the Middle School. She told those assembled that she had already pulled papers and would be appearing for a position on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee during the election. Schamling alluded to the current budget crisis as well as the impending superintendent review and said she is on the Admin Review Committee as well as Union 31. “It’s kind of a tricky time of year for somebody to jump into and fill a vacancy on a board, so when I saw there was a vacancy and knew I was going to run for Silver Lake, I thought I would be a valuable asset to the Silver Lake Regional School Committee, bringing my expertise of dealing with the budget and the complexities of trying to return our children to school.”

Hatch asked Schmaling about balancing her responsibilities to both the Halifax Elementary School Committee and the Regional one should she be awarded the position. “It will be a very busy time as you know,” Hatch said. Schmaling, who said she is the kind of person who functions well under high stress, said, “I am aware of that and I am aware that I also serve on relatively busy subcommittees also, that’s part of the process. I feel that I have done a pretty good job over the years being a parent and being Chairman of the Halifax Elementary School Committee and working full-time and many other things I have done for myself and this community.” Schmaling also noted that she has been to every town meeting since moving into Halifax 11 years ago.

As he did with DiBona, Millias asked Schmaling what her thoughts were on the children returning to school full-time. “Oh I’ve been a very strong and vocal advocate of a full five day in-person return and in fact I made the motion on the floor for the elementary to return,” Schmaling said. Millias said, “You’ve volunteered for a lot of things for a lot of years and we’re grateful.”

The final candidate was Marline Amedee who said she is both a mother, a social worker, and a small business owner. Amedee said she has been interested in serving in some capacity since moving to Halifax noting that she had previously submitted applications including for the Halifax Elementary School Committee. Like Schmaling, Amedee noted that she intends to pull papers for the coming election. “I believe that the budget is an issue for all cities and towns in Massachusetts right now because we are having an unprecedented moment right now,” Amedee said. “I want to be part of that conversation to bring a fresh idea, a new opinion… and work with teachers and administrators to see how we can serve our community better,” she continued.

Amedee also spoke about challenges, including mental health struggles, facing students at home that may be affecting them at school as well. “We want to have people in school to help them, support them through those challenges especially during this unprecedented time.”  Hatch asked Amedee to elaborate on what kind of social and emotional issues she has seen children facing during the pandemic in her job. She also asked how Amedee felt that these issues should best be dealt with given budgetary constraints. “One thing that we can do, if we cannot do anymore hiring, is that we can train teachers in mental health first-aid; train them and give them the support that they need so that they can support the kids in school,” Amedee said. She further acknowledged that there would be no one thing that would fix it all saying that it would be a “process.”

Andrews asked Amedee how quickly she felt she could get up to speed on the budget process given the short duration of the open position. Amedee said she was a “fast learner” and said she has the time to learn at a fast-pace. Millias asked Amedee the same question regarding a return to full, in-person learning that he asked the previous two candidates. “We must do everything possible to have our children back in the classroom full-time and also following up with the state guidelines and prioritizing the safety of everyone.”

Following the interviews, Millias opened the meeting to any motions including those to appoint someone to the Committee. Hatch began by saying that the Silver Lake Regional School Committee has lost three members in the last ten months noting how challenging that has been. Speaking about the superintendent review and the budget process, Hatch said, “Given those two things being really the crucial two things that the School Committee needs to tackle in the next two months, I’m going to make a motion… to appoint Summer. I do so because of Summer’s background and experience already with the budgets and the overall School Committee experience.” Andrews seconded the motion. A roll call vote of the four voting members of the Selectmen and School Committee was then taken. It was unanimous in favor of appointing Schmaling to the interim term.

Mayflower Church selects new pastor

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KINGSTON – Mayflower Church, located at 207 Main Street, Kingston and which has served Kingston and surrounding communities since 1828, has selected Reverend Anton Brown to serve as the church’s new Pastor.

Pastor Brown comes to Mayflower from Kentucky, where he has been studying at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing a PhD in Systematic Theology. He holds a Masters’ Degree from the same institution and is on track to have his doctorate completed in 2023. His area of study is theological anthropology.

The Millinocket, Maine native has served as Pastor at several churches prior to joining the Mayflower family. He was pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Haledon, NJ, a multi-ethnic church in Metropolitan New York City.

Pastor Brown also was a “church planter,” having started Pathway Community Church in Newport, Maine, 20 miles west of Bangor. He had been attending First Baptist Church in Pittsfield, Maine, when he was recruited to start the new church. He recalls, “We reached out to neighbors and evangelized in communities around Newport to build the church.” Pastor Brown led the church for five years. During its history, the church grew to a membership of 110.

Pastor Brown recalls the conditions that existed in Maine in 2008 and 2009 when this happened. “The economy was still reeling from the financial crisis. In my last years there, we saw families move from the area. The positive, though, was that the church made a real impact on the local area. We in fact had three pastors in the congregation at one point. There were a lot of strong connections made there.”

Pastor Brown made a strong commitment to Christianity at age 18. “I was pretty much set on studying to be a doctor,” he said. But in May of his senior year, he changed direction from studying biology and enrolled at Gordon College, where he majored in Bible studies. The middle ground for him for a number of years was to continue studies at the University of Maine to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Nursing. He worked as a nurse until he was called to serve in a full time ministry in 2006.

 He met his wife, Amy, in high school. Amy is a career teacher and teaches English to Chinese students. They are parents to five children: Micah, Ethan, Noah, Seth, and John. Amy is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Biblical counseling and plans to build a Biblical counseling ministry.

 Pastor Brown’s interests include piano and photography. As a younger man, he was trained in jazz piano and later learned classical music. Of photography he says that he loves taking pictures of street and landscape architecture, and candid/random photos of people and things happening.

 He says of Mayflower, “There is a tight and strong sense of family here at Mayflower, and I am very pleased to be here and looking to build those connections and work with the community so that we all grow in our faith.”

 About Mayflower Church

Mayflower Church is located at 207 Main Street, Kingston, MA 02364. The church has a number of community outreach programs and services. Mayflower Church serves people on Cape Cod, as well as Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Kingston, Marshfield, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, and surrounding communities. Reverend Anton Brown serves as Pastor. For additional information, please call 781-585-3167 or visit www.mayflowerkingston.org.

Plympton Selectmen seek OCPC traffic advice

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely on Monday, March 8. Several representatives of the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) were invited to attend the meeting by Selectman Christine Joy to provide technical assistance regarding the safety zones that had been brought forth by the Selectmen and voted through at town meeting. The zones reduce speeds at certain problematic intersections in town.

Bill McNulty with the OCPC spoke about what they could do to provide assistance including advice regarding sign placement. He said that they can collect data to interpret what kind of effects the signs are having. Much of the technical assistance provided by OCPC has to do with speed limits. They can place tubes in the road that will record traffic volume, speed, and type of vehicle. McNulty also said that they could explore possible traffic calming techniques including narrowing travel lanes. He said that narrowing travel lanes has a “demonstrative effect on lowering speeds.”

Selectman Chair Mark Russo noted that the signs posted thus far alerting drivers to the reduced speed zones have not helped slow down traffic. “We’d like all the help we can get; the two areas where we established the safety zones are just hellaciously uncomfortable,” Russo told the OCPC representatives. Russo also said that he was interested in possibly reducing truck traffic or having a truck exclusion. McNulty said it was a possibility but that an alternate route would have to be available to trucks in order to gain approval from MassDOT. “We’ll look at the traffic pattern and identify the best alternate route for trucks,” he explained.

Joy said that any of the recommended work could eventually become a TIP project or a Transportation Improvement Program with federal funding. She noted that the data, etc. collected by OCPC would be helpful.

Next, the Selectmen looked at some possible town meeting articles. Chair of the Town Properties Committee Jon Wilhelmsen spoke to several related potential articles including the largest and priciest of which – a roof replacement at the Town House for an estimated $500,000. Wilhelmsen said that regardless of what decision is made about the work, some attention will likely need to be devoted to the project. Other potential articles related to the town campus include $7,500 for roof assessments at both the library and fire station and $7,000 for flagpole refurbishments at two locations in town. Other possible articles include a fund for general consultant and preliminary design services and the Center St. building refurbishment. The Town Properties Committee will prepare recommendations for the Selectmen to consider during their March 22 meeting.

Other potential articles include repurposing the leftover funds from the article that was created when hiring Town Administrator Liz Dennehy. The account still has $10,311 in it that could be put toward general search assistance for professional positions. Another possible article is for $5,000 toward hiring a hydrologist to perform analysis of reporting and consequences of Rocky Harvest water withdrawal. Joy explained that it would allow them to see trends.

The selectmen also discussed next steps with the proposal for a marijuana cultivation site in town from their previous meeting. Nick Rizzo had appeared before the Board during their previous meeting to inquire about their interest in his business which would include multiple greenhouses. The facility would not be public facing and the product would be sold to other establishments in the Commonwealth. Selectmen John Traynor said he had already received one message from a resident that was adamantly opposed to it as they were concerned about it being visible from Spring St.

There is a list of questions including potential revenue to the town that will be sent to Rizzo and his partner. The Selectmen can then decide what next steps to take based on the responses. Russo said that he sees the potential for revenue for the town without much disturbance. “I am kind of excited about this one for it being low impact and potentially in the exact right place,” Russo said. Rizzo had discussed a potential location with the Selectmen during the previous meeting though he doesn’t yet own any land in town.

The Selectmen also discussed how best to handle town owned land disposition, particularly lots of low value. Dennehy said the process is different if the lot is worth less than $35,000. She also noted that accepting a price that is much less than what it appraises for could raise issues with the State. Dennehy said that options include holding an auction or putting the land out to bid as was done recently for the Prospect Rd. lots. She said she would recommend an auction for low value land saying that she would reserve going out to bid for buildable lots or lots where fair market value could be attained.

Russo said he was strongly leaning toward not selling the Churchill property at this time. Traynor said he was not in favor of selling the land. Joy said she felt it imperative that the town get some of the land back on the tax roll by selling the lots. She suggested batching them and “having an auction and trying to get rid of them.” Joy ultimately suggested sending the list to the Town Properties Committee to make sure there were no lots that could potentially be suitable for a town project. The other selectmen agreed with those next steps.

Dennehy provided the Selectmen with her Town Administrator’s report. She said that herself and the Fire Chief are working on a grant opportunity to replace the cistern at the Town Green and possibly put one or two more elsewhere in the town. She said that she was unsure if the application would be successful as it is a large grant program and extremely competitive. She noted that it may work in their favor that they are a small town with a small ask.

The open town accountant position has been advertised in various places and will remain posted through March 17.  Dennehy said the open assistant treasurer/collector position was posted as well as of Monday.

Dennehy also said that the town had received correspondence from Habitat for Humanity who had previously presented to the Board during a meeting several weeks back. They were interested in looking at potential places where they could collaborate with the town on a possible project. The Selectmen expressed interest in doing a site visit with them to look at some potential lots. Russo said that while building a single-family home would be great for one family, what really interested him was the potential to offer affordable housing to elderly residents.

The Selectmen also voted unanimously on a Purple Hearts Community Proclamation. The vote would make August 7 a day to honor Purple Heart recipients in Plympton and encourage residents to do things such as fly the American flag.

As is customary for them, the Selectmen ended their meeting with their rants or raves of the last few weeks. Traynor said that his rave was for Mike Murphy, the manager of the Upland Club, for working with the Council on Aging to allow a Zumba class to be hosted in the pavilion for Plympton seniors. Joy said that her rave was for Jon Wilhelmsen, the School Committee, and the school staff who have been working so hard to get the kids back in school. Russo said his rave was for vaccines. “My rave is even more for the peace of mind that vaccines may offer in the near future; that sense of relief, that sense of being protected and maybe some sense of getting back to normalcy,” he explained.

It’s back to school for Halifax

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On a motion by Summer Schmaling, the Halifax School Committee voted unanimously to send elementary school students back to school five full days a week, beginning March 22, the first day of the school’s third term.

At their meeting Monday night, March 1, close to 200 parents, teachers, and more were logged in remotely to hear the plan that Principal Kayne Beaudry and his staff put together to bring students back.

Working from a survey for each student, Beaudry asked what parents wanted: full time back to school or hybrid (no change).    The response was 2 to 1 overwhelmingly in favor of bringing students back full time.  There were 88 who did not respond.

Beaudry presented the timeline for full return to school that he and his staff developed, beginning with mailing the survey to families from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26.  The week of March 15 will see teacher assignments, transportation and communication to families.  March 22 will return students to full time.

Beaudry told the board the response rate to his survey was 84%.  “Incredible!  Thank you to all who completed the survey.”  Of those who returned the survey, 69% preferred full in-person return, while 31% chose the hybrid, or no change.

Currently there are 567 students at Halifax Elementary School.  At this time, there are 290 students on the bus, and another 200 for drop-off and pickup.  There are 10 buses, and the routes will need to be revised. Beaudry said they will be working with the bus companies as quickly as possible to implement the changes.

The pickup will likely be staggered to avoid congestion.  Drop off seems to  flow a little quicker so it will remain the same.  The Holmes Library will continue to allow kindergarten students and siblings to use the library parking lot.

Schmaling, asked if Beaudry anticipated needing a police detail for the first few days.  He said a police detail, would be helpful in the beginning to get things going, “but I’m confident the staff can get it done pretty quickly.”

As for lunches, both the cafeteria and the all-purpose spaces will be used to seat students.  “We can easily accommodate 88 students at 6 feet distance in the cafeteria and the all purpose room,” he told the assembly.  Schmaling asked if he had enough seating for lunch and the answer was yes.  He said they might be looking for a number of desks to accommodate, but they have some tables that can also be used.  Dr. Proulx commented that if the remaining surveys come in, we might have to find another 45 extra desks.   There might be a minor cost to accommodate that.”

“One of the trickiest pieces we had to work with were specialists,” Beaudry continued.  He told the board that returning to a full in person schooling that music will look a little different, and the instruments will look a little different, for a safe class.

A parent asked about snacks and mask breaks.  Beaudry answered, “if the weather is nice, we will utilize that.   There are tents that can be used.  If we’re not able to go outdoors, we were talking about having mask breaks in the hallway or even larger areas in the building. “

“With 88 no responses, I have to reach out to those families to see where they stand,“ Beaudry said.

Another concern voiced by a parent is “What happens to the remote kids when the school goes back in full?”  Beaudry said that it is their hope to disrupt those students as little as possible, understanding the relationships formed between the teacher and their students.  Some disruption can’t be avoided.

Safe classroom setup will accommodate up to 24 students with desks, seat to seat, 3 feet apart.  It will look much like a traditional classroom from the 80s, desks and chairs in a row, but that will allow for a staging area for the teacher to work and the maximum number of students safely in a room.

To answer concerns that a return to full five-day school schedule will increase COVID-19 transmission, Schmalling said that the school nurse had reported  there was not one single case of the virus transmitted in the Halifax Elementary School.

Superintendent Proulx told the assembly ”It’s very important that everyone understands that he’s (Beaudry) going to do his best not to disrupt student placements for teachers but that needs to happen.   I think everyone needs to understand that classrooms will be at three feet.   I can’t control, to what extent, nor can Mr. Beaudry, what impact that will have on the consistency of our mode.   Less distancing means more potential close contacts.   I feel confident in the fact that Mr. Beaudry and Mr. DeSantis have worked very hard in two days to put together a presentation for you based upon the survey data that just closed, and the governor has encouraged the full in-person return by the first week of April.”

Superintendent Proulx noted that she expects that there has been some learning loss over the past year, but she has some funds are available to implement summer programming, with more information to follow.

Bracts & Pistils, LLc tells BOS of plan to open marijuana retail and home delivery shop

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Halifax selectmen heard from Taunton entrepreneurs Rhonda and Roy LaFlamme at their Tuesday, Feb. 23 meeting, about their plans for a cannabis retail operation coupled with home delivery of their product.

Representing Bracts & Pistils LLc,  the pair told Halifax selectmen they are considering running the business out  of 849 Plymouth St.   Currently there are four industrial condominiums, about 900 square feet each at that location.  “We’d like to take the two middle units, and operate a retail store out of one and a delivery system out of the other condo,” Roy LaFlamme told the board.  The two currently have a marijuana courier license in Taunton.   “We’ve been in the cannabis business since 2018.”  Woman-owned, and Roy is a veteran.

Seelig told the LaFlammes, that before they go too far down the road, they should get confirmation from the building inspector that the distance between buildings and the proximity to the preschool won’t prevent a license from being issued.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig wanted to know more about the delivery.  Roy LaFlamme answered that there are several types of delivery licenses:  the courier license is where a courier picks up a package from a store and delivers it. The driver operator will be selling its own product.  Delivery courier is delivering other people’s product.   “The one we are proposing for Halifax is a driver-operator business.  It’s like a little warehouse on wheels.“

Andrews asked what fee they were proposing for the town. “That’s negotiable,” Roy LaFlamme answered.  The 3% is a negotiated sum, and at the end of the period, quarter, fiscal year, the percentage is paid to the town.  Our business model is not to accept cash.   Everything is done electronically.

Chris Winiewicz of Circuit St. wanted to point out that there is more frontage on the side street, than on Route 106.  “I think it is something to keep in consideration.   Children congregate on that road.”

Seelig reminded Winiewicz that there are several steps to opening a marijuana business in Halifax:  First is the Host Community Agreement, second is the license, and third is bringing the project through zoning.

Halifax now zoned Yellow for COVID

Seelig told the Board of Selectmen that as of Feb. 18, Halifax is now classed as Yellow designation, rather than red.  “Halifax had been red since the beginning of December.   Seelig said he was notified by the state that there was a tenth death on Feb 18, an elderly resident in their 80s who was hospitalized with other underlying medical issues in addition to COVID.

Seelig also reported that the very local vaccine clinics won’t be happening.  Fire Chief Jason Viveiros is investigating the possibility of Halifax joining with Bridgewater State University as they put together a regional effort for COVID vaccinations.  Seelig said that they still need to set up a “Last Mile” program for people of any age who can’t or won’t leave the town for their vaccine, but the information for that probably wouldn’t be available for at least a couple of weeks from the state.

Housing Authority members named

As part of the state legislation approved last month, Halifax did finally get the procedures in place for appointment of members to the Housing Authority, for the tenant seat as well as the other seats on the board.    “What we’ll have now is a five- member housing authority:  Three members are elected by the voters, one tenant member appointed by the board of selectmen, either from names from the local tenant organization or volunteers, and one member appointed by the state.

“As of right now, Seelig told selectmen, we have Richard Clark, an elected member whose term ends  in May of 2025; Beatrice McCarthy, whose term ends in 2024, Christine Tomkins,  whose term ends in 2023, and a vacant seat, that would be the tenant’s seat, whose term would end in 2022.    Martha Smith is the State appointee for an indefinite term.   Seelig suggested to leave the tenant’s seat vacant at this time and it will be filled either at the town election or afterward.

Halifax vs. Peck was a bylaw violation that came up two or three years ago regarding an earth removal complaint, Seelig told Selectmen.   There was a hearing before the clerk magistrate scheduled but COVID shutdowns prevented it from happening.  Now the courts are re-starting their hearings schedule and this is still on their docket.  Seelig said that according to his recollection, the board had written to the court saying the matter had been settled.  Seelig asked the board if they would like him to send the letter again to the District Court advising the Court that the matter has been settled.   Selectman Troy Garron agreed.

Selectmen unanimously approved the request of Thomas Schindler for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act for a period ending March 20, 2021.

Seelig told the board that two additional town meeting articles were submitted from the Silver Lake School District: one for tennis court reconstruction with a total cost of approximately $340,000. Halifax’s cost would be based on their pro-rated share.  The second warrant article would add to the stabilization fund for the District.  Seelig told the board that the town has consistently voted against this, but he suggested that both articles appear on the town meeting warrant for voters to decide.

Seelig told selectmen that recent testing showing the amount of phosphorous in Monponsett Ponds and two other Halifax ponds show elevated levels of phosphorous, a nutrient that is the primary contributor to algae growth, requiring further aluminum sulfate treatments.  Seelig said that he would look at the town’s stormwater runoff program, another contributing factor, as is the runoff from fertilizer applied to upstream cranberry bogs.    Seelig said there are grant possibilities to help pay for the pond treatments and the pumps used to dispense aluminum sulfate.

The state has grouped ten different grants under the one umbrella called Community One Stop for Growth, and asks for communities to submit an “Expression of Interest”.   Seelig said they are looking for big projects not specific to town government, but  “more community based”.  He suggested considering redevelopment of the properties at or near the intersection of Routes 58 and 106, extending the sidewalk network so it is not a “piecemeal”  effort.  Other possibilities include: Setting up a plan for replacement or reconstruction of several municipal buildings including but not limited to fire, police, water, and the water building, Council on Aging; a municipal broadband network for better internet service throughout Halifax; and also a large scale repaving of roads throughout the town.  Garron and Selectman Gordon Andrews  asked if a bridge project combining the several bridges in Halifax in need of repair could be considered.  Seelig will get back to Selectmen in a couple of weeks to see if there are other areas of interest for the town.

The Fire Dept. has been awarded two grants, a Student Awareness of Fire Education  grant for $4,692 and a Senior SAFE grant award for $2,480.

Selectmen also discussed amendments to the Wage & Personnel by-law.  Seelig said he hasn’t been able to collect much data from the 10 towns for comparisons on grades 7 and 6, they will have zoom joint committee meetings. “I did review the changes proposed by the Fire Chief and I can recommend them to the Finance Committee.“

David Walsh, Commander of Halifax VFW Post 6258, has asked selectmen to consider making August 7 Purple Heart Day in Halifax.  Walsh will attend the next meeting of selectmen March 9 to present the proposal to selectmen.

Seelig told the board that there is a proposed Nursing Service Agreement between the town and Tammy Lorizio that would replace the previous VNA agreement.  Lorizio would work as a contractor, not an employee, with pay negotiated at $2,332 for FY21 and $7,000 for FY22.  Selectmen voted to approve, contingent on Town Council’s approval.

Selectmen interviewed Joseph Vetrano and Debra Pasquale  who are interested in filling the vacant positions on the Finance Committee.   Vetrano has lived in Halifax for six years and works as a senior purchasing agent dealing with numbers and budgets all day long.

 Debra Pasquale has lived in Halifax for 12 years and now works as a photographer.  She also noted she is taking the exam to apply for a real estate license.   She has been active in the Monponsett Watershed Assn. and advocates strongly for the health of the ponds.  She said she wants to serve the town, “…because I want to live in Halifax for the rest of my life.”

 Fred McGovern of the Finance Committee said he looks forward to getting back to a full board with these two candidates, noting it will be a very busy time preparing the town budget for the Spring Town Meeting.  He said that the Finance Committee voted unanimously to accept both candidates.

Andrews said Pasquale and Vetrano would serve through June 15, 1922, both filling unexpired terms.  Garron said “it gives you an opportunity to get your feet wet.”  Garron moved to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee.  Seelig told them to contact the Town Clerk to get sworn in.

Susan Johnston, administrative assistant at the Recycling Center and Sandra Nolan came before the board to discuss recycling in Halifax.  They gave selectmen a report showing the cash breakdown of the department, pointing out a large line item for town dumpsters – $21,000.  The biggest expenses are for town dumpsters and Hazardous Waste Day open to all residents and the needle sharps return.   If those could be paid for out of the general fund, then they think the solid waste bags would be able to continue with the fee schedule as is.

Selectmen told the duo that recycling rebates are a perennial problem and they would appreciate a protocol for residents with private haulers to document their recycling for rebate applications.

Answering Andrews’ question, “Should we be continuing the abatement system,”  Johnston said, “In 2007 we signed an agreement – people have to show that they are recycling in order for us to continue getting a $3000 grant each year… As long as a recycling charge is shown on the bill from private trash haulers, and people can produce the invoice showing the charge, we know the recycling charge has been paid.  The town can then rebate Halifax’s recycling charge to those residents with private trash haulers.

 They all agreed this would take much more discussion at another time.

WHSL Hockey has winning season In Season Finale

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With a bang.

That is the best way to describe how the Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake High girls’ hockey co-op finished off their season last week.

The co-op known as WHSL had their final game of the season on Sunday, Feb. 21 against the Marshfield Rams. They won the game 7-2. It was not only their highest-scoring game of the season, but it tied their largest margin of victory on the year. They also won by five goals on February 8: 6-1 against the East Bridgewater/West Bridgewater co-op.

Ellie Grady led the scoring effort for WHSL in the win, putting up a team-high three goals. In addition to her hat trick, the team got one goal apiece from: Shea Kelleher, Kira Peterson, Bridget Cardarelli, and captain Emily McDonald.

The game marked the team’s second straight win against Marshfield. Two days prior, they also faced off against Marshfield and won the game 5-4.

WSHL ended their season with a record of 4-5-2 in 11 games played. They scored just as many goals as they allowed: 33 for and 33 against. That’s an average of 3.0 goals for and against per game.

Next season, WHSL will have a younger team. They are set to lose nine seniors to graduation this spring. It’s unclear if the team will play a full slate of games next year after a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The roster for WHSL this season included: senior forward Ellie Grady, sophomore forward Shea Kelleher, sophomore defender Macie Fitzgerald, sophomore forward Bridget Cardarelli, freshman defender Jocelyn Moore, senior forward Molly Duff, junior forward Lily Ulvila, sophomore forward Cassandra Martin, senior forward Neve Corkery, senior forward Emily McDonald, freshman defender Caitlin Dilley, junior forward Abby Powers, senior forward Caleigh Tompkins, senior forward Kira Peterson, senior forward Caity Collins-Hazley, sophomore defender Kendyl Peterson, and senior goalies Kat Gilbert and Rylee Moran.

Residents, students, and teachers at war over PEACE flag

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Halifax has seen discussion and dissent regarding PEACE flags being displayed in several Halifax Elementary School classrooms.  After concerns were brought to the attention of the administration and the school committee, the flags were taken down.

At Monday night’s meeting of the Halifax School Committee, Steve Ruisi, representing the Halifax Teachers Assn.,  spoke to the group of almost 200 logged into the remote meeting, defending those teachers who displayed the flags saying their intent was to  create a learning environment to  welcome diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.

Ruisi introduced Lisa Whitney, a sixth grade teacher at Halifax Elementary School who told the committee and those in virtual attendance that “these flags were intended to display unity, kindness, and inclusion.  This banner was hung as a visual representation that all students regardless of race, orientation or abilities are welcome and celebrated in our classroom.  This message is also supported by the HES mission statement.

Alexander Meade, speaking as a parent, not as a school committee member at this time, said he wants a safe, welcoming learning environment for every student who walks through the doors at HES.  “The personal attacks, the slander, name calling and the general disrespect I’ve seen online in recent public gatherings as a result of this dispute seems to be in complete opposition to this project’s intended purpose. “   Meade went on to say that one of the most common lessons that our student body has been taught has to do with the act of bullying.   The definition of bullying reads “seeking to intimidate, harm or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable.”  I am most appalled at the recent classroom discussion that devolved from the ongoing issues at hand.  Despite the ParentSquare letter posted by ‘the great 16’ that reads “we had extremely productive, respectful and positive conversations with our classes this week regarding the PEACE banner that was previously hung on our classroom walls, reports have been made that not only repeatedly but as recently as last week, there was singling out of students based on their beliefs regarding the PEACE flag that didn’t align with the staff views that doesn’t seem productive, respectful or positive.  As a matter of fact, the teachers seem to have taken their platform and views to turn their discussion into an opportunity to pick on certain pupils and become the bullies themselves.“ … “Unfortunately, the only thing that has been accomplished in this dialogue is showing our youth that as long as you agree, you will be lauded and praised, however if you express dissent, the golden rule is waived and your opinion is dismissed as invalid.” …“We’re all attending this meeting tonight because we care about our children.  And they deserve better.”

Mr. Smith, spoke as a concerned town resident and not as an attorney and as a father of a 21 year-old gay son who was at times the target of anti gay behavior at HES while he was growing up.  “While we consider the issue it is important to know that the flags had been hanging for several weeks already without causing any disruption before they were removed.  In an email, Dr. Proulx has said that the teachers violated proper protocol for displaying PEACE banners and that an IMB policy which addresses the teaching of controversial topics was not followed.”  Smith furthered that Dr. Proulx had said in an email that some parents felt politically marginalized by other flags not being allowed and that the removal of PEACE flags was a matter of allowing equal access for different points of view.”   Smith said that he had reviewed the IMB policy and said it was clear to him that because the PEACE flag message was 100% consistent with the emotional learning aspects of the curriculum, hanging the flag was not a violation of the school’s policy.  “The PEACE flag represents all humanity, not just any group and they were hung by individual teachers, not by an organization.  With the stated purpose of the PEACE flag being love and respect for all, I think it is sad that anyone ever suggested that a differing point of view to this message was needed in class.  And it is ironic that a flag that symbolizes support for police has been suggested to represent a message that is the opposite of peace.  No one who supports the PEACE banner being in class has suggested that support for our police is a bad thing.   To the contrary we’re grateful for the heroic service the police officers render in trying to maintain and preserve peace which is why it is a ridiculous misapplication of law to state equal access is the mission here.” …

Saying the issue appears to be a Halifax matter, not a Silver Lake District issue as Peace flags have been displayed for months without incident, Smith asked that each member of the the school committee state their position.

Miss Carroll was recognized by the chairman who told the assembly, “I feel that the American flag stands for all diversity, all inclusion, all genders, all races, all religion backgrounds, no matter who you are.  That’s what the American flag stands for.   I feel we that we have now wasted almost two months of this.  What we’re not talking about is a lack of education that our children aren’t getting by  not being in school five full days.  We need to come to a peaceful resolution regarding this issue and it needs to be done immediately because we are coming up on one full year of our kids not being in school …”

Superintendent Proulx responded, “The flag issue has many dimensions and there is a central point that we want to emphasize in all of this.   Halifax Elementary School encourages and expects the teachers to teach about equality and nondiscrimination.  Our classrooms are special spaces where students learn about being a community member and a citizen.  The school committee and our administrative team recognize that this must be done in a way that creates a safe environment for all students to share and expand their views.  That is also why it is important to assure the classroom environment remains a place where students can feel safe to express their views. Spaces for reasonable rational dialogue are becoming fewer and we owe it to our students to keep classrooms for every member to feel that they belong and are valued.  Our administrators are currently working with our teachers to foster this environment in all classrooms.  This is not work that can be done in a single lesson, and we have confidence in the skills of our teachers to promote values of belonging and community.  We want to assure our community that our administrators will continue to work with our teaching staff to create and teach lessons that prevent bullying  and promote a respect and kindness for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and political affiliation.  Halifax Elementary staff know their students and their needs.“  …

“We appreciate the work that has been done and will continue to be done to achieve our collective goals.  A true community classroom for all our values is not created by putting up a single flag, decorating a bulletin board, or even  following a curriculum. This is an issue that must be resolved through the ongoing and daily efforts of a caring, supportive community of adults that model kindness, respect. and a willingness to work together to resolve complicated issues.”

A response from the school committee was read.  “The school committee has been reviewing policies, correspondence, and conversations from both sides of the PEACE flag argument.  Most recently on Friday the school committee was given a detailed timeline of events that preceded tonight’s meeting.  After having a chance to investigate the different complexities of the issue, the school committee would like to issue the following statement: ‘Over the past few months there have been false accusations made and name  calling directed at school committee members and administration including their families.  As an elected board, we are a group of people who do not always see eye to eye, nor do we have the same beliefs and opinions.  One thing we do all agree on is making the best decisions for all our children at Halifax Elementary School, no matter how difficult that may be at times.  Procedures have been put in place by both the town and the school which need to be adhered to in the interest of providing the best learning environment for all our students.  After meeting with the district’s counsel it has become clear that the policies were not followed by the teachers and staff regarding the hanging of the PEACE flag.  As a result, an unintentional divide has been created not only in our town but amongst our student body.  The divide has taken away from the safety of the classroom and in turn, the ability of our children to feel comfortable and welcome.  In addition, it has taken precious time away from their limited in-person learning environment. It is our job to hear the facts and make the best decision for all children in our school.  It is the teachers’ job to foster a safe place for each and every student and to educate them on the curriculum as set forth by the District and the Commonwealth.  We as a committee will continue to support the students, the administration, and the teachers in creating a safe learning environment that accepts and celebrates the differences of our students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or political stance.  We hope the town will come together to support all of our children and truly be the village it takes to raise  the young people we know grow from our school system.”

Discussion ensued from parents, school committee members, and school administrators, all meeting with the same goal in mind – the education of the students at Halifax Elementary School and providing a safe, loving environment for all concerned.

Five days in-person classes at Dennett?

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The Plympton School Committee met virtually on Monday, Feb. 22, to discuss, among other things, their plan for increased in-person learning time. It was a well-attended meeting with many parents eager to hear the proposal.

Dennett Elementary School Principal Peter Veneto led the discussion on the new plan. Veneto began by explaining that capacity limitations and physical distancing requirements on buses were lifted on February 11. The physical distancing requirement at lunch remains at 6 ft. Veneto proposed a return to full, in-person learning five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. The current hybrid model includes 12 hours of in-person learning and the newly proposed plan would increase that to 20 hours. There would be no lunch or recess in school under Veneto’s plan but there would be an afternoon component of either asynchronous or synchronous remote learning depending on the grade level. The cafeteria staff would have to organize a sort of grab and go breakfast and lunch program.

Veneto explained that by not serving lunch during the day, it affords them space in the cafeteria to be utilized as classrooms. Gym class would also have to be held somewhere other than the gymnasium as that space would likely also be used as a classroom. Under the new plan, afternoons on Wednesdays would be reserved for professional development and planning for the staff. The hope would be to begin the new model at the beginning of Term 3 on March 22.

Next steps will include sending out a survey to parents to assess their level of interest and comfort in the new model. Veneto said they will also need to find out if the bus company, First Student, will be able to accommodate the newly proposed hours. Veneto said that he is not anticipating any budget implications for the new model at this time.

The fully remote Cohort C was also discussed with Veneto saying that they would have to take a hard look at the current staff and make determinations about whether new hires will have to be made. Parent Jessica Kinsman asked if the Cohort C students could potentially lose their current teachers. Veneto said, “To be truthful, that is a possible scenario.” Kinsman asked that the Cohort C students retain their current teachers to reduce the number of transitions they will need to be subjected to in an already difficult year. Veneto said that he understood noting that he was concerned with providing them the same level of effort and support as the other cohorts. The State has mandated 35 hours of synchronous learning over a 10-day school period this year for schools that are in a hybrid model. Committee member Jason Fraser said that regardless of the requirement, if 40 hours of synchronous learning time is provided for the in-person cohorts, the same 40 hours must be met for the fully remote students in the interest of equity.

Several parents on the call had questions regarding lunchtime and whether it might be feasible for students to eat in the classrooms if physical distancing requirements of six feet were already in place. Veneto said the greatest challenge would be having supervision on the children. Parent Nikki Mahoney asked if there was any consideration for parent volunteers to alleviate the stress of monitoring the kids at lunchtime. “I definitely would be open to people possibly coming in to help out,” Veneto said. Many parents on the call offered that they would be available for volunteering. School Committee Chair Jon Wilhelmsen pointed out the importance of limiting the number of people coming into the school.

Some parents, including Committee members, expressed concern over how they would be able to make the new hours work with their work schedules. Several people said that it just would not be possible for them to pick their child up each day at 12:30, forcing them to have to use the bus or add to potential exposures by accepting rides with other families. Parent Angela Wilbur said, “This plan is a logistical nightmare for me.” “It is going to have to be a compromise; I wish that I could provide school from 2019,” Veneto said.

Wilbur asked if the intention was for this plan to be a short-term one with the goal to increase more in-person learning time later or if the plan would remain through the end of the year. Veneto called the proposal “a step in the right direction” and said that he would re-evaluate after the staff is able to be vaccinated and the new plan able to be tested.

Wilbur also expressed concern that she believes Plympton will soon be the only town of the three Silver Lake communities not to return to a full day in person five days a week. She said that she worried that the Plympton students will be at a disadvantage academically compared to their peers. Some parents became quite heated while expressing their dismay at the proposed plan and what they perceived to be a failure on the behalf of the administration and School Committee. Parent Stephani Teran came to the defense of the administration and School Committee attributing their cautious approach to the success of the school in mitigating the spread of the virus.

Several parents with children spread out among different schools in the district expressed concern with the conflicting dismissal times. According to those on the call, the middle school would be dismissed at 12:20 and the high school at 12:45. Veneto said that he would adjust the schedule as needed saying that the dismissal could be moved a half an hour earlier or later if necessary.

Parent Michelle Ruxton asked what the remote learning would look like were there to be a close contact exposure that forced a quarantine. Veneto said that one of the benefits of the current model is that should a student need to stay home, they can receive remote, synchronous learning. He said that it might not be possible to offer that under the new model.

Parents will have about a week to complete the survey regarding the plan for increased, in-person learning. Wilhelmsen said that depending on the results of the survey, the School Committee may need to have another brief meeting to address it.

The official public budget hearing for FY2022 for the Dennett was held during Monday’s meeting. There were no public comments made. Superintendent Jill Proulx gave a presentation on the budget. Veneto was asked to provide a level service budget. The budget assumes a full, in-person return to school.

The regular day budget reflects a 6.20 percent increase, and the total budget represents a 3.97 percent increase or $147,560 more than the previous year. Capital projects include driveway/parking lot improvements, a fire suppression upgrade at $5,000, and a full-time, building based substitute at $27,000.

Proulx said that the School Committee will need to meet with the Finance Committee to find out how they would like to handle budgeting for the unknowns. Those unknowns include any potential remote components next year as well as a potentially larger than usual kindergarten class.

Fraser told the Committee that the Governor came out with the State budget and Plympton’s Chapter 70 funding will be level funded. Fraser also said that the State is considering increasing funding to schools under the Student Opportunity Act though he noted that Governor Baker does not see a way to make that a reality at this time. There is, however, likely to be money coming to Massachusetts for K-12 education through a federal package.

Fraser also told the Committee that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) has joined many other entities in advocating to allow local administration of vaccines as previously planned.

He said they are also fighting to move teachers to the top of the list of employees receiving the vaccine. He noted that this was with the understanding that elders, first responders, healthcare workers, and those with two comorbidities be vaccinated first.