001[music] >> Good evening everyone. I'd like to call this meeting of the New Britain Board of Education to order. The time is 6:02. Um >> [snorts] >> Dr. Posorski, will you uh lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. >> Mrs. Ebersole? >> Of course. >> Uh President Diana Reyes? >> Here. >> Vice President Barbara Marino? >> Here. >> Secretary Dr. Amy Posorski? >> Here. >> Mr. Anthony Kane? >> Here. >> Ms. Annie Parker? >> Here. >> Ms. Hana Petrisko? >> She's excused. >> Ms. Joan Pina? >> Here. >> Mr. Richard Reyes? >> Here. >> Mr. Jose Rivera? >> Here.
002>> And Ms. Tina Santana? >> Right here. >> Um we'd like to take a moment for meditation. Uh public participation, um I have Kurt Swanson. >> Good evening, Dr. Gaspar, President Reyes, Vice President Marino, and distinguished members of the Board of Education. In the most recently proposed budget, there remains a staff reduction that would directly impact music instruction at Slade Middle School, reducing our music department from four teachers to three. We reached out to Dr. Gasper regarding the possibility of reinstating this position. In his response, he stated, "Regarding potential cuts that I may need to recommend and the board may need to act on, we closely monitor class size and endeavor to avoid reductions in services experienced by kids." With that statement in mind, I would like to present enrollment and class size data and
003respectfully ask that this position be reinstated. Slade's performing arts program serves approximately 48% of the student population with a total enrollment of 357 students in chorus, band, and orchestra. Projected enrollment for next year indicates continued growth in these programs. If one music position is eliminated, that means three teachers will be required to absorb the teacher of that fourth teacher's course load. For example, I currently teach 54 students in seventh grade chorus over two classes. If I am also required to teach a musical expressions class next year, I would only be able to provide chorus instruction to approximately 30 of these 54 students, and 24 students would need to be removed from the seventh grade chorus program alone because instructional time would need to be reallocated to general music courses currently taught by our fourth music
004teacher. The numbers are similar in other grades and performing arts classes. The reality is that reducing our music staff from four teachers to three could result in nearly a 50% reduction in student access to performing arts programs at Slade. Since Housen and Diller appear to remain unaffected, the burden falls on Slade and Pulaski. Pulaski may be better positioned to absorb this reduction with a 32% participation rate of its students in the performing arts and a projected enrollment of 190 students in seventh and eighth grade for next year. At Slade, nearly 50% of our students perform in performing arts programs, and we project 261 students enrolled in seventh and eighth grade next year. This enrollment data clearly shows that we need to maintain our fourth music teaching position at Slade. Our winter concert in January attracted
005nearly 1,300 audience members. We anticipate a similar turnout for our spring concert this Thursday. Consider whether you would feel comfortable standing before that audience, pointing to the students on stage, and explaining to the families that many of their children or nieces or nephews may not have the opportunity to participate next year because of district level funding decisions. For many of our students, especially in at-risk districts, the performing arts provide a sense of belonging, purpose, safety, and connection. These programs are not extras, they are essential educational experiences that positively impact students' lives. Our district has been recognized numerous times by national foundations and organizations for our commitment to excellence in music education. These recognitions reflect the value our community places on providing high-quality music instruction to all students. While I fully understand that the superintendent and
006the budget committee face a difficult task of balancing a fiscal responsibility with educational priorities, I respectfully implore Dr. Gaspar, members of the budget team, and the Board of Education to find a way to restore this position for the benefit of the students and the community at Slade Middle School. Thank you for your time. I'm sorry I'm 10 seconds over. It's in It's in emails, so you guys can read all of it with data when you have more time, but I wanted to be respectful to the 3 minutes. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who'd like to address the board? Is there anyone else who'd like to address the board? And is there anyone else who'd like to address Thank you. Okay, on to the superintendent's report. >> Good evening, everyone. Welcome to June. It's
007been another very, very quick school year. Uh before I begin, um as the board is already aware, some members of my team are departing. I'd like to give a very hearty thank you and best wishes to Dr. Evie Velasquez, Christie Bordelon, and Rebecca Gonzales. They have certainly uh >> [applause] >> You know what, Roger, it is we don't want them to go. >> I know, but >> But we're thankful. >> Yes, >> [laughter] >> very thankful, very thankful. So, in a moment I'm going to remark about our most recent state test scores and all of them, including Ms. Gonzales in operations, have had a strong contribution to the progress that the district has seen over the past few years. So, thank you, Stevie, Christie, and Rebecca. It's been my pleasure to serve with you. Um,
008I'm very happy to report that we continue to watch the interim {slash} preliminary {slash} not yet official uh Smarter Balanced Smarter Balanced Assessment Test scores coming in. And I'm very happy to report that they look actually quite strong. We have another another year of growth, which um really gives us a lot of confidence and a lot of hope that we can continue the progress we've also seen in the past. And then, of course, you have another wonderful and beautiful edition of the District Dispatch, featuring Tiger Talk. Um, thank you to Ms. Langer and her team, who's with us tonight. If you haven't caught the Tiger Talk series from Gaffney, it's on our and their own social media. It's really really nice connection. Uh kudos to everybody at Gaffney who's making that happen. Um, in my
009column, the Building the Beacon column, um thank you to everybody who was able to attend the special recognition for all of our kids who are earning college credit this year. And I love to say this statistic because I love to tell people the truth about our high school. 541 New Britain High School students earned some form of college credit this year. So, uh 20% of all kids earned some form of college credit. Really pushing, really doing a great job. Thank you to everybody who makes that possible. Everybody from the school counseling office to the administration to the teachers and to you, the board members, for supporting that work. It's um it's a really nice testament to just what our kids are capable of. And it's uh it's my favorite ceremony of the year. I know
010you're not supposed to have a favorite when you're a superintendent, but it's my favorite ceremony of the year because it's so well spread. Again, this year we had students from ninth grade through 12th grade. So, even freshmen are earning college credit and certifications. Next, another wonderful ceremony um that Dr. Sanders and her team organized was our Excellence in Education Awards. You see all of the awardees in a very nice two-page spread. Great night, wonderful way to celebrate. Um some superintendent coin recipients, another really nice uh set. Um a lot of kids in this one, some staff members, too. It's uh one of the favorite things I do with my day is go out and shake hands and thank and congratulate people. You'll see the the article on the Tiger Talk. And then, our valedictorian at
011the high school and salutatorian. Um two really nice articles about each of these fine fine young gentlemen, Jimmy and Jacob. Uh they played heavily in the scholarship award ceremony that we did last week. I think these two gentlemen got their steps in, for sure. Um Jacob, it was my pleasure to announce his name at the end as kind of a surprise, um winning the Walter Kennedy Award, which is a full ride for your ride to the school of his choice in the field any field of engineering or related field. >> [clears throat] >> So, really really great things coming out of our students district-wide. In this case, the high school. And then, of course, lots of wonderful wonderful stories from our social media. What is I think quite pleasing and grounding is especially when you
012read those articles about Jimmy and Jacob, is when you see quite literally where they came from. Their personal backgrounds really do speak volumes about the work that we do as a as a team of educators. And we have such a wonderful community of kids and parents to work with, so. Um to finish off the school year, another great addition to our district dispatch. And that's my report for this evening. >> Thank you. Committee reports. I know there's been a lot this past month. Would anybody want to share? >> Well, just congratulations to everybody that received an award. Um it was it's great to see the kids uh being doing dedication, right? And um for their future. So, that's it that was exciting to see. >> Anyone else like to share? Is this for board reports
013or is this for committee reports? >> I'm so sorry. Oh my gosh, I'm sorry. I skipped committee reports. >> But it sounded like a really good committee report. >> [laughter] >> We'll do board reports and then go back to committee. >> Okay. Um yeah, yeah. So, um Diana and I had such a fun day on Wednesday, the 27th. That was like back-to-back. Um we started with the ribbon cutting at the automotive lab. Um and uh Sandra and uh Dr. Gaspar invited us to uh participate in cutting the ribbon. And uh Meg Shay was telling jokes about Audis and Innis >> [laughter] >> Uh Art Shaylor was there. Uh and then from there we moved to the college credit ceremony that Dr. Gaspar was talking about. And it really was incredible. Like I saw a neighbor
014who was a freshman who went up a couple of times. Um you know, just community members and um uh I I thought that it was just like a cool way to end the day. Um but then after that, I got lost and so I walked past the color guard that was practicing, right? And then, um, I found my way to, uh, um, a security guard who said, "I will walk you through this maze to get to your car, back to the ribbon cutting ceremony." And along the way, he was telling me about all these great things that were happening on campus that day, also. Um, and then when he we got to my car, he said, "And here you will see the high school band practicing." >> [laughter] >> And it was just like everything
015came together. Everyone was out. Oh, and, um, at the the college credit ceremony, Mr. Richardson showed us, uh, social media, um, posts of, uh, Mrs. Clerkin driving to the Halo Awards with the students. It's like everything was happening that Wednesday, May 27th, and I felt so good to be in the mix. That was a long report. >> [laughter] >> Anyone else? I I also Oh, sorry. I I skipped it. Uh, more reports, we'll go back to it. Any other formal reports? >> Well, I went to the, uh, the scholarship, and what it used to be a dinner, but now we have snacks. >> Yeah, but the donuts are good. >> I didn't eat those. BUT WHAT WAS WHAT WAS REALLY nice about it, all the recipients sat with the people that were giving the awards.
016And, uh, my granddaughter, we dropped off early, and and by the way, she said to tell you all she didn't like that they only gave her three tickets. She got three tickets. But anyway, she she called and she said, "Is someone coming to join me soon because I'm running out of small talk?" >> [laughter] >> But it was really uh, nice and warm and and I was surprised that Dr. Gasper gave a scholarship in his father's name. And then other thing that was sad my girlfriend and I was talking about is how many staff members have passed away and and have left scholarships in their name. So, you know, sitting there was kind of a sad moment cuz some of these people were there a long time ago and and now they're gone. So, anyway,
017that was my report. >> Mr. King. >> Um just upcoming varsity volley varsity boys volleyball, excuse me, uh is in the postseason CIAC uh so playoffs starting Wednesday home at 6:00 and pops concert was uh not rained out but the heat got us a couple weeks ago and that is at Wednesday on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at I.C. >> You want? Um and I'll just echo what everybody said about all of the award ceremonies were wonderful. The ribbon cutting was great. Um the parade this past weekend to Mr. Swanson's point, those middle school bands were so good. I was so impressed with how well they were playing um at the parade. It was very impressive. And I did get to hang out at Pulaski. Um I went for a walk through, got to see some
018amazing things that were going on over there. I was really happy um to see some really good things that were going on. Um anybody else have anything? Okay, so we'll go back to committee reports. >> Policy. >> Okay, we met. We've got four policies on the consent agenda. We're kicking butt as far as getting the mandated stuff taken care of. So, we'll everybody's okay with them, we'll put those to rest and update our list. >> We'll take a break for a a months. >> Yeah, exactly. Go on to the next group, yeah. >> Uh curriculum, Ms. Ms. Petrisko's not here, but we did have a textbook and licensing update for the AP Spanish, and that's on consent today. Uh let's see. Finance and transportation facilities. >> Okay, we were on finances, we were given financial
019update projected year-end positions and action items taken to mitigate those project projected shortfalls. Facilities received the repair improvement grant for these schools, Welik, Lincoln, and the Brighton High School, and the memos are in our consent for our voice today. And a special projects update, everything is moving along on their timeline. Transportation, we had uh in drivers, 195 routes, and 26 drivers are in training right now. And we're hoping and praying for a better fall school year next year. >> [laughter] >> And IT um received They were rewarded a $300,000 for their E-rate E-rate cybersecurity grant. That's it for finance, facilities, and transportation, and IT. Thank you. >> And personnel. >> Okay. And personnel, we met and we had um a few MOUs uh and new positions and job descriptions, and they're all on the consent
020agenda tonight. >> Thank you. >> Under new business, first is to approve the minutes from the regular the of Education meeting on May 4th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. Any questions? All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? >> Thank you. >> Uh report of personnel transactions. This is just for review. >> No, this is something we request action on. >> Okay. >> Motion to accept. >> Second. Any questions? All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? >> Thank you. >> Um enrollment report. >> In your package, it's for uh informational purposes. >> Mhm. >> [snorts] >> Does anyone have any questions? >> Thank you. >> Um item T, accept donation from Partners in Social Research to support the district's health curriculum for Pulaski and Slade Middle Schools in the amount of
021$33,200. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Motion to add three items, items E, F, and G to the agenda. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> So item E, um the motion is to approve summer authority for the superintendent. Um so we typically will not We do not hold regular meetings during um July and August. So this would grant uh the superintendent uh special summer authority. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. Item F, accepting a donation of cleats, gloves, and other Under merchandise from New Britain Brotherhood, the organization, and New Britain PAL. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Sorry. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Item G, a new position request
022for Ed Rising. There's no change in funding, but they would like to switch out the rock band for this program. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. Now on to consent agenda. It's very long. >> I should have I I was I neglected to say thank you to the uh to Ms. Pinas' committee for putting up with such a long list. I think we went all the way through Triple B on that evening, but this helps us be ready should we have the money to uh make important purchases during the summer time. >> Is there any items that anyone would like to remove from the >> I was going to, but I will have a conversation separately. Okay. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any
023opposed? Thank you. Wow, that is pretty >> Great. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Any other business? Any other business? >> Permitted by law. >> One statement. Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you, everyone.