Catherine L Lawson

The meeting included updates such as SEEM's financial review by DESE, the acceptance of the MASS presentation proposal, and a partnership with the mental health collaborative through a social/emotional grant. There was also discussion regarding low referrals for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program and strategies to sustain it. A financial report was presented, including enrollment and revenue/expense updates. The draft of the updated Title IX Policy was presented for first reading. The board discussed expanding in-district services related to sub-separate classrooms.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. There was advocacy for supplemental state funding to offset facility costs for Collaboratives. SEEM is planning to offer threat and risk assessment training, expand restorative justice practices, offer per diem licenses for gen-ed teachers, increase BCBA support, and hire a school psychologist. A self-contained classroom at Campus Academy will open for students with cognitive disabilities, and SEEM Prep is partnering with Reading Public Schools for inclusion opportunities. An update was given on the SEEM Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, including declining enrollment and potential staffing changes. The Board discussed creating a team for program evaluations and a job alike group for school business administrators. A financial report was presented, and the Board approved the updated Title IX policy. The Board also voted to retain surplus funds and accepted the Executive Director's evaluation. Board meeting dates for 2025-2026 were presented and accepted, and departing Board members were recognized.

The meeting included a report on audited financials, a review of the annual report, and a discussion and acceptance of the revised Physical Restraint Policy. The board authorized the hiring of a full-time Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). There were state updates regarding onboarding collaboratives for SIF data reporting and the availability of a regional early literacy grant. SEEM's ELL Coordinator is providing services to districts, and there is collaboration with BU for interpretation services. A moderate special needs licensure program with Salem State is being set up. The Planning and Assessment Committee minutes were reviewed, and a personnel report was accepted. Financial reports were reviewed, covering enrollment, tuition, revenue, and expenses. Facilities updates included lease renewals for Beebe and Ripley, a building review for Central School, and discussions on the SEEM Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. A moratorium was set on admitting new members, and a subcommittee will be formed to discuss guidelines and criteria for admitting new board members. A description of services was requested and is being updated on the SEEM Collaborative website. Special Education Directors will be invited to a future board meeting to discuss current trends and program development.

The meeting included administrative and committee reports such as the Executive Director's Report, which mentioned the completion of the Coordinated Program Review by the Department of Education. A financial update was presented, including an enrollment report and a revenue and expense report. The FY18 Draft Budget Proposal was discussed, focusing on the impact of fee for service increases on districts. The board also discussed FY16 cumulative funds and the possibility of funding OPEB, but decided to table the vote for a later time.

The meeting included discussion of the Executive Director's report, covering Cathy Lawson's appointment as the MA liaison of AESA and a new RFP for special education professional development. Discipline data for collaboratives and a system for tracking student data to reduce restraints were also discussed. The P&A Committee Report included information on the ICE program, regional meetings for special education administrators, increased referrals for the Bridge program, and district-based discussion about CPR. Updates were provided on the FY17 Enrollment Report and the FY17 Revenue and Expense Report. The establishment of an OPEB Trust and an amended Student Discipline Policy were addressed. A draft proposal for a health insurance opt-out program was presented to manage rising costs.