001We're gonna start everyone. That clock is fast, but it's actually 7 o'clock. So, we're going to move on. Welcome everyone to the Shelton Board of Education meeting. It is Wednesday, September 24th at 700 p.m. Also, for some reason, there is an echo. So, if you're talking in the audience, we now can't hear. It's for some reason it's hitting us in the face. So, if you could just please, if you need to speak, talk outside. Thank you. Um, but let's call this meeting to order. Can I get a roll call, please? >> Present. >> Joan Littlefield >> here. >> Amy Romano >> here. >> Jason Ne >> here. >> Lorraine Rosner is absent. Kate Coutach >> here. >> Patricia Munan >> here. >> Jim Fen >> here. >> Anthony Smearino >> here. >> Also in attendance,
002John Calhoun, Glenn Newman, Jackie Tulings, Tracy Hussy, Kristen Santilly, and Drs. Ken Sarinich. >> Great. Can we please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> 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, >> I know I was thinking the same thing. Madam Chairman, I'd like to add to the regular agenda uh des a uh add a that we need to add a designation by the board of education of a subcommittee of three members of the board to conduct a residency hearing persuade into the Connecticut General State statute section 10-186. I'd like to make this item eight and all subsequent items will move uh we'll move down get a motion >>
003and someone second that motion made by Mr. Second by Kate Coutach. All in favor >> I >> Okay and we'll get that wording to you Kaylee if needed. >> All right. So can I please now get a motion of the revised agenda? Madam Chair, I'll make a motion to approve the revised agenda for Wednesday, September 24th meeting. >> Okay. Second made by Anthony Smargalino. All in favor? >> I. >> Great. Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda? Which >> Thank you. >> I'll second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. That's our meeting minutes in our academic calendar. Sounds great. Um, moving on to presentation and recognitions and it looks like there is none tonight. >> There are no present. Yes, correct. There are no presentations recognitions this
004evening schedule. Thank you. >> Public comment per board policy 9323 and 9325. 5 minutes is allowed to each speaker. No board of ed employee, student or community member shall be defamed within public comment. Any members of the public who wish to speak briefly before the board must only comment on matters associated with the board of education business. Persons wishing to address the Shelton Board of Education are limited to Shelton residents, parents of current Shelton students, and employees of the Shelton public schools or service contracted providers of Shelton public schools. Is there anyone signed up, Kelly? Okay, no one signed up, but would anyone from the public like to speak? Anyone from the public like to speak? Last call. Anyone from the public that would like to speak, please come forward. Okay, sensing none. And then
005we are going to move on. Okay. Agenda item number six. Um discussion of policy 9321.2 organizational meeting. I asked for this to be on the agenda tonight. It's really a courtesy. Um the election is coming up and um the majority of the members here this evening are running again. Good luck everyone. Um, but the the next monthly meeting there's always this little bit of controversy sometimes that they get sworn in in November and then just there's an over, you know, sometimes it could be a larger overlap or than others. And then who's running the board? >> Yeah. >> So, do we have the date of the November meeting yet? >> November November 12th. >> So, the meeting is November 12th. Okay. election day >> is the 4th. >> Okay. So, we don't know when you
006guys are going to get sworn in yet. Whoever >> It's usually 2 weeks after election day, >> which is the 18th. >> And I think that's in the charter, too. >> Right. So, um there we basically could move we have time. we could move the November meeting or we still have the November meeting and then you guys just do a special meeting of the board, you know, even just the day after you swear in. We just don't know the swearing in date. >> You need a motion to move. >> No, I mean, I guess I'm just sort of also just saying to everyone, you know, I'm willing to obviously move the November meeting around. So, just brushing base with everyone really. When the time comes and we get closer and we know the swearing in
007date, we could simply, you know, move that November >> meeting is a new one. >> How long? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, they always have a meal afterwards, too. So, it's >> Yeah. So, we could So, the alderman do an organizational meeting right then and there. Right after you, right? >> You could just do it then and then it's all it's done and over with. it I feel it's rushed if if there's no set up for us to do it. You know, it's like they're all set up ahead of time every day. >> And I think actually the way it would work out if it is two weeks to the day for election day we get sworn in on Tuesday. We could have our meeting the next day. >> The next day would be
008fine. >> The 12th is awfully early for a board event meeting anyway. >> Sworn in on the 18th and the meeting on the 19th. >> Yeah. We got we have to do it before we're sworn in. >> Okay. >> Doesn't make sense though. Not fair to them. >> Yeah. >> You meet and then have to meet again, >> right? [ __ ] off. Yeah, there should be we should not have a meeting. >> Is there a reason the meeting is scheduled so early in the month? >> It was scheduled early because of Thanksgiving. >> Yeah, but Thanksgiving is very late usually >> and Thanksgiving fell much later. See, we follow we follow it like the same kind of template on different months, but then this year there was a fifth >> Thursday and Yeah. >> So have
009the meeting on the 19th. How do how do you have a meet? >> Right. I mean, well, this this is why I brought it up. I brought it up to the chair chair person because >> right >> we we will not not be members technically not be members of the board but there and the vice chair we still would be but we wouldn't even be on the board. So to me it's not fair. It's happened before. I think the way the alderman do it they have their organizational meeting the right immediately after swearing in. I think that's a proper way to do it. >> Yeah. It is. It I agree with Kate. You know, we need to have a separate meeting, have our monthly meeting the following day, which would be the 19th. >> The
01019th and not the 12th, not have our meeting. >> And does our charter um govern when we need to do the election of officers like a regular meeting? >> Um for us as the board of education, I had the attorney look at it. It's really we just have to do it within 30 days. >> Okay. So you had time but if there is a situation of like hey you all were sworn in and I'm no longer running this and then so now I'm you know technically still your signing sign we have our superintendent the board >> we want to we want to you know just think about it because it is coming up >> well from the yeah I mean I I agree we can move dates >> I think the 12th is is appropriate
011you know >> maybe we just move it to the 19th >> move it to the 19th >> I think 24 hours between >> wearing in and and our organizational meeting. >> But what's the difference? Okay. What's the difference? >> There's no place for us. >> You already know who's elected. So, it's not like it's a surprise. >> No. So, you're being you're being sworn in. It's it's not a it's not a big deal. You should already have >> what's going on. In fairness to the new board members, I think next day would tough. I'd wait a week. Well, then waiting a week in Thanksgiving. Waiting a week is Thanksgiving. >> The day before Thanksgiving. >> Yeah. >> All the candidates could be made aware now that their first meeting if they're elected will be exit
012such >> Yeah. I think you have to keep mind acting just organization voted federal officers. It happened. >> Yeah. Well, but it has always been done this way and it hasn't been a problem. So, I would say and why not why why not have our meeting right out, you know, the day after. >> The day after. >> Yeah. I mean, not on the 12th and drag people in. >> Why wait? >> Why Why have we Why have we always waited? >> But why wait? I agree. >> No, because it's it's it's more appropriate to do it in this kind of a setting than in some back room uh at at the senior center. Well, I'm saying you should we should come back from here. >> Yeah, that's what they're saying as well. But it's not
013about But that's But I think they Jim that swearing in is is a you know it's a night. I mean it takes what an hour and a half takes dinner after. Yeah. >> No. And then some people go out to dinner afterwards. >> Yeah. >> You don't come back here. >> Yeah. I see. I I just I mean you folks can do what you like. I won't be here. But you know the alderman they go off to the side organiz by then you know who's already going to be should know who's going to be uh >> we whatever >> we we will have enough new people this next time. I think it's wiser to let everybody enjoy the swearing in and and your head is in a little bit different space. >> Newer people are
014going to be a little shell shocked. I mean you've been on the board forever. I was new two years ago. >> You don't have to talk to me. >> Yeah. Well, but but you're you're the one putting this forth. So, I'm speaking to I am speaking to you. >> Yeah. >> And I think we need to give ourselves a grace of a day. >> Okay. Put it out there. We put it out there. We had incidents before where there was, you know, that that big gap of two weeks. >> We're talking We're talking one day. >> One day. >> That's why we're talking. The consensus is though to move the meeting a week. We could take that in consideration. >> That's about 23 hours. >> What's that? >> 23 hours >> by the time we're
015sworn in. >> Hey, >> okay. >> What about what are you guys? I I'm not >> I mean I'm the newest member here and I mean it's a little >> nerve too and what? >> Well, you would have been if you're getting on the board the election day is the 4th. So they're saying you get sworn in on the 18th and then the organization meeting is on the 19th. So you would think that you would be meeting with your caucus for the two weeks. You have two weeks >> the caucus Otherwise, you're pushing it to Thanksgiving. >> Yeah, we don't want to go that far. >> Yeah. You know, you're the it's the week of Thanksgiving. Everybody's traveling and then now you're not meeting again till December and now you're going weeks without a a
016board uh court chair >> and that's outside the >> I mean, you're running for the position to to >> Well, anytime. Yeah, I'm okay with >> We won't be here. >> I mean, you really have two weeks. So then the the the new caucus will have two weeks to meet to decide what you guys who are you putting forward for officers. >> So you >> you will be headless >> for 23 hours. >> 23 hours. I think we'll be okay. >> There's enough. >> If we have to, you can fly us in and we will sit down and we will have a meeting. Still there. >> We'll fly in. >> Wake us up in the middle of the night. >> Okay. Well, we have time. I mean, you know, the consensus is sounding like the
017next day. We could still continue this conversation. We're bringing it up because it is coming up >> in October. >> We do meet in October. Okay. >> Make a decision by October. So, everyone >> correct >> and then we'll change the date of the meeting on the calendar. >> All right. So, it's a decision now. >> So far, the consensus is the next day, but let everybody sleep on it. Uh, >> Madam Chair, would every discuss it. >> I'm thinking it sounds like day after or the same day, >> right? Okay. >> But thinking motion council have it on. >> Well, we don't >> we don't require a a >> board to move a meeting. >> I'm just Fred just >> I just need to file it with the city. That's all. We can change
018meetings at at at a win. >> I'm just trying to be fair. Yeah. No, no, I understand. >> It would really be the seven of you need to do a consensus and I will as I create the meeting dates, I will do whatever the seven >> I think it's what the consens want the day after. >> Yeah. >> Well, everybody no one no one has said the week after swearing it. >> Well, Anthony wanted it. >> But but then we corrected. >> Yeah, we corrected that. >> I think Anthony misunderstood. But I think he right. >> Yeah. >> Are you good with the 18 to 19? >> I'm going along with all your >> Well, it's just because of Thanksgiving. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Yeah, it's Thanksgiving. >> Okay. Well, I I >> think
019he Jason realized you had two weeks right. >> Exactly. You have two. My my concern to the board is openly saying what could happen. Tell you that >> that we call an emergency meeting called >> correct. >> Okay. >> I don't like to take chances. That's just my only reason that continuous leadership. So you're sitting in that chair. It's I'm I'm not making something up. I know you're not making it up, but that's Jim. Come on. >> You know, you've not been to a swearing in meeting like that. You don't know what it's like. So, it's a ve it's a very nice evening. >> No, I have. I I actually have been sworn in >> think now 17 times. >> You have Shelton >> and Shelton. Okay. >> Not Shelton. >> Well, I'm talking Shelton.
020Shelton does it. >> We do. We did it the same way. And >> well, I mean, it's a very nice evening. People should enjoy it and not have to go running back here to have a meeting. >> Well, I will agree with you. It was not my most favorite thing to do, >> but follow leadership and make sure structure immediately after >> I just I disagree. That's this is >> I appreciate I got a question back here and heaven back. No, it's just it's just you know we're having a monthly meeting the next day. >> Just do it at the monthly meeting the next day. >> Why couldn't you do >> legally? We have 30 days. >> Yeah, we >> do legally. >> I won't be here. >> But what we're discussing >> Why are
021we worried about this? >> Well, we're going to drop this because it's a proper order of just because you've done it this way for so long doesn't make >> Jimmy. Jimmy, you're the one who's always the one who says we've done it this way. >> No, I never I don't know what we're going off track here. Anyway, we all take a consensus of what everybody wants to do. >> All right. So, we transition smoothly to the >> Okay. You don't you don't have a chairman or vice chair? >> Yeah. Everyone can just email me then and we'll finalize it by October and set the date for November's meeting. >> Okay. Oh, yeah. >> All right. I thought they would like that. >> Okay, we're moving on. Discussion and Okay, where where are we? >> Discussion.
022Yeah, discussion and possible action regarding the naming of the new athletic field. Okay, last month, Mr. Orizetti um did mention um brought in Joe Bonanto's name. We've done some research. >> Did the board get this? I made copies of Fred's. >> Uh no, I did. But >> do you want me to >> You want me to give them? Sure. >> Okay. >> So, we did a little research cuz there was all this conversation of like naming fields, everything. I've gone back and forth so much on this so everybody is aware. Okay. So, we could have we don't name fields. It's in our policy that we say that we don't need. Okay. I don't I don't care what happened in past practice. I don't even want to know and I don't want to get into it
023and I don't care. Bottom line is we don't do it. and we could have technically temporarily suspended this policy. We talked about it and then named the field and then put the policy back in place and it was just a bunch of craziness. So, attorney Stanic looked into it for us because it is important. There is a new field coming. we have a coach that, you know, is obviously welld deserved of something like along these lines. And um technically because we don't own the fields, maybe that's why the policy was put in place back in the day, we really should have never been able to name the board of we don't own the fields. We don't own the property, nothing. It's supposed to be done by the city. Okay? Board of alderman, you know, has
024has the right and the authority to do it. So I placed a call to Mr. Anglace and um had a conversation with him, mentioned Joe's name. He immediately was like absolutely he should be a contender for this because of his history and because of his long-standing record of multiple state championships, so on and so forth. I know Mr. Sure as Eddie was mentioning the complex, you know, but I think that they're more leaning to just the field. We have a new field that's being done, the the multiplex field. >> Um it's won't we they should be naming it anyways like they named all the other fields. So I know that Mr. Anglace was definitely for it. Attorney Stannic talked about it with attorney Teoddosio >> that we've been we're talking about this and the rules
025and regulations. He actually spoke to the mayor about it. The mayor came back. I got a phone call from attorney Sanic and the mayor came back and said absolutely Mr. Bento should be you know definitely a contender for this and agrees with what Mr. drawers that he brought forward as well as Angry. So, everybody seems to be in favor of him. But it's it's their deal. >> It's the city's deal. >> Okay. It's their deal. But they of course said, you know, send a recommendation. And I talked to Attorney Stanic about it today. He did send us all a letter saying that we legally can't do it. Everybody should have received it. But he said, you know, I said to him today, okay, well, what would you recommend? and he said, "Well, I would still
026recommend that the board, you know, if we want to still of course say like they're asking, please come forward then and say we recommend >> we can't vote. We can't we can't we can't we're not voting, but we could certainly go forward and say, you know what, you know, um Mr. Rossetti did, you know, made a very good case, multiple state championships from basketball, baseball, I mean, all of them. And I do want to send that recommendation forward. I know not everybody knows him. I don't even know him. >> I don't. But it sounds like he's definitely worthy of it. >> Um, anyone from the public really could go to the alderman and say, "Well, I also want to put this name forward." You could, anybody could do what they want really and go forward
027to the city. But, you know, Mr. Anglaz did say this field is in progress, so this is actually a really good time to move a name forward that, you know, we're recommending someone. have one question. >> Yeah. >> What happens? >> No, no, no. So, it's the new field. Nothing changes. >> New field. So, then now maybe when they finish this field, you know, Mr. Nebs would be, you know, when you do the scoreboard, they put someone's name. I don't know how it goes. They'll figure that out with the city. But hold on. Let me wait. Just hold on. Wait. Let me keep going. So, I would like to send something forward. I don't want to put everybody on the spot about it and people might not agree or disagree. Not everybody, you know, I
028don't want it to become political. I would love for something to move forward that just the board of education, you know, >> met we discussed this and we would love to have Joe Bonanto as a um candidate recommendation. >> But I hold on one second. But we we were really not legally, you know, able to do a vote. It could be a consensus, >> okay? and we would send something forward. Um, you know, I would hate for it to go Republican versus Democrat, but I, you know, it's just it's just something it's a very nice recommendation. >> It's a recommendation, not a definitive. So, it's all we're doing is okay. >> We're just recommending >> and just to clarify, it's not all the complex. >> Correct. It would just be we would write a letter
029and you guys would all see it and say and you know we could have Kaye type up something you know for the new multiplex field >> but it's the same field you're saying what do we do within the fields confused >> I could just clarify it just clarify it this okay it is not the new field >> yes it is >> I'm not proposing the new field >> but with this is what they're proposing >> okay well I'm proposed to the board alderman is it'll be named a complex for a simple matter. They won't do it. >> It's okay. I'm I'm going to propose that they could do what they want. >> They could do that. You could do that separately. >> Um and the the reason why and I'm going to list I'm going
030to give you the list of Joe's accomplishments. Okay. Is that all right? >> All right. Just so you know, Joe's uh Bonanto graduated Derby High School. He's an outstanding athlete. Uh his coaching record at Shelton High School was incredible. He was inducted into the coaches hall of fame on November 10th of um here we anyway he's in the coach's hall of fame and his he had unbelievable success in three sports that's why I don't want to name like just a stadium it should be like a complex because of his baseball and football he's uh inducted into the hall of fame he's already a member of the New Haven Tapoff Club Hall of Fame for his exploits as a baseball coach at Shelon High and as a member of the New Haven Diamond Club for his
031incredible record as a baseball coach at Shelton High School and Yale University. He was the ABC New England High School coach of the year in 1972 and repeated that honor as a Connecticut High School baseball coach in the year 1974. The Jean Casey New Haven Football Foundation named him as her coach of the year twice in 95 and 2000. He first made his mark as a successful coach during a 15-year st as a baseball coach at Shelton. His team won 214 games and lost only 85. This is incredible. His team won eight Houston league championships and four state championships including a state record three straight from 72 to 74. They also set a state record of 15 state wins in that state tournament. Joe then add basketball. He added BA basketball to his coaching resume
032while continuing as a baseball coach. In eight years, his teams qualified for the state tournament every year and posted an overall record of 106 and 66, including 20 regular season uh regular per 20 and0 regular season mark in 1973 along with another league championship. He also went moved on to Yale. received the baseball uh he revived the baseball program and posted a 248 uh wins and to 237 losses. At the same time, he served as the freshman football coach, won 41 of 53 games. He returned to Shelton for his last 10 years of coaching career and added to the legend by posting a record of 85 and 20 85 wins, 24 losses. He added five more whoic league titles and tacked on three state championships from 90 1995 2020 for his last year of coaching.
033All told, Bonanto's teams at Shelton won 405 games and lost 1775. When you add his years at Yale, he he won a record 600 uh 9 694 games. just in an incredible career. We don't have uh if you go to other high school fields, you see the press box is named after somebody. This is why I brought it. The press box the the u different comp different parts of the the field named after and different things. So my thinking when I first brought this up was to name the complex after after him because he was a baseball coach, a state championship baseball coach, record amount of time, a state football championship coach and almost won a state title in basketball where he was perfect 20 and nobody went 20 and0 in Tonic back in those
034days. He went 20 and0, got beat by I think it was a school out of Bridgeport where um one of the players went to the pros after that. But uh just an incredible coaching career that I think if you talk to anybody I think his name's up at uh Yukon Field all I think. But anyway, I gave you enough of his accolades and that's why I wanted to name it name the complex because it encompassed more than just football, more than just baseball. It was was wellrounded, credible coach. I think if he coached Checkers, they would have been the checkered state champion. >> So that's that's my position. >> I agree. But right now, they have a right, but right now they have a new field coming. It is our opportunity to at least try
035to honor this well, you know, rounded coach, which I am not disagreeing with you. And then Mr. Rossetti, you could certainly talk to the alderman if they want to name. It's it's their property. >> You know what I mean? It's their property. >> Right now, there is a field. They're going to name it so we could at least >> put it forward and then you can of course go to the board of alderman meeting and say, "Hey, I why not name the whole complex and and and you know have that case. But I don't want to miss the opportunity to let's at least bring his name forward." >> I don't think that is that high school. >> It is a high school field, but it's also a multiplex field. So, it is interesting with him,
036too, because it does do baseball, it does do softball, it does do soccer, it does do football. It's actually really fitting. >> I think we can add something in the plan where it's it's it will suit him. >> It will suit him knowing it's a multiplex deal, too. >> Yeah. >> Um, so, >> Mr. Fan, >> thank you. um contritarian viewpoint problems seen it happen someone may feel slighted first off I have no dog in this fight um I think the individual's outstanding however process could probably bother that if we are recommending field it definitely public that we also listening if there's anyone else him obviously very strongly But there might be somebody else that feels strongly about someone else. Nobody else has come forward. I'm just saying that we have to be fair, follow
037a due process, and then the board is going to make a recommendation. That's actually a vote. Um, we just don't say, "Yeah, we all want to recommend X." There could be a vote on that matter, but before you make a vote such as that, could at least put it into a lower committee, probably athletic committee, and just put it out to the public properly. And then if no one else comes forward any recommendation, then it moves to the full board, full board, and then again, just like any other measure, then send it over to the alderman. That's the right way to do it. uh just bringing one individual up doesn't look good. uh it like it's being steered obviously and you got to give other people an opportunity to that's my personal opinion because I'm
038going to tell you there was a situation where a field was named and uh other people began to throw stones because they felt someone else was more deserving I'm not saying this person isn't saying I saw a past problem and I don't want to bring it here same way it's just contarian viewpoint now I'd like to add to that that has happened already. You remember the baseball field they wanted to name it after another baseball coach. Anthony remember if I may add another point don't want to add a follow the right process everybody an opportunity say he'll just make it perfectly clear. No intentions of changing the name of Bin Stadium. You know, that was brought up one time before, but we we now know the process. Chairperson has clarified the process, bring it forward
039to the board of alderman, and we'll see where it goes. They could name >> Okay. Well, we could either make a recommendation tonight. We talked about it last month. Or you could have we could have athletics meet in October and then the public they post it bringing any names forward. If any other names come they could bring it to the October meeting and then we could decide then if everybody wants to put it out to the public. >> Again the public also has the right to just go to the alderman as well. >> I was going to say that it's the city's field. Anybody else could go to the city. So I guess you would just say what do you guys talked about it for two months already. I gave you the facts. I I'm
040I won't be here. Uh >> we would be at October's meeting if you wanted to do an athletic your athletics. The three of you would have to do a meeting beginning of October and then bring it back to us again. I I would just I would just um back up what Jim Fen was saying in that um it is wise to make sure the public knows that there's a naming process happening and so that they might want to speak up if there's someone else they want to >> hang on to present simply because if someone gets upset it will spoil the honor for the person you're trying to honor. I agree. >> But this is the city's field, not ours. We're just making a recommendation. >> Correct. >> It is not our field. >> Yeah.
041>> But our opinion carries. >> Yeah. >> We're making a recommendation because someone else could show up in an alternate meeting and say, "And I want to put for somebody else." >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a move that the committee come back to recommendation. Uh, and I hesitate He'll discuss what exactly I >> can't get involved in. >> I think that you're just going to lose the vote. Yeah, but I think that you're going to lose the vote of >> I'm going to recommend that it goes to back motion discussion both on visual and what would be named come back to the board with a recommendation cuz my opinion coming from the board of education it would be you know credible >> not just piece of information do we have an athletic >>
042that motion okay >> you I'll second that move. >> It's the >> move. >> So then let's have the athletic October and then bring it back at the October meeting. You have any other names forward the athletic? >> Okay. Okay. All right. Can I get a second on that motion? Okay. Motion made by Jim Khan to bring it to the athletic committee. Second by Miss Rosetti. Then I will have something back on the agenda for Octo. Hopefully we will not make a mountain out of them all. >> Okay. >> Wait, but you just had a motion. You have to vote. We have to vote. >> Mountain. Sorry. >> We're just going around in circles. All in favor? >> Okay. Sorry. >> Thank you very much. >> I know. We're trying here very much. >> And
043we normally don't name fields, but we're trying to do something good for someone good. >> Most people don't remember Joe. I mean, nowadays coaching in the 70s. Okay. So it's going I think it's gone on long enough. >> Where's my >> name something? U Mr. I have a quick question. So um so how do we get the this communication out or do we do that? >> So we would yeah you you should just communicate with Dr. Sarinich set uh a date in October to meet you know it would basically be again discussion and possible action regarding the naming of the new athletic field. Do we send an email out saying, "Hey, there's uh >> well, we would publicly note the the agenda as we do with all meetings and it would say on the agenda
044what the topic of discussion would be and that's how we normally >> Yeah, I think with you and I had talked about it. I I would have a suggestion that you put something out to the mayor, the alderman, they might have input. Well, >> well, they they receive the agenda. That's all part of the process. >> Understand that if you want to listen at a distinctation, not an agenda, making sure they know that we're doing this. I'd also suggest that you reach out and about this leaders of both parties in town as well as the elected other individ is that they know so many thinkation of a letter or an email say they were notified they may want to that's >> I'm not sure an agenda will be enough communication for people to come forth
045with any names they might have I looking agenda saying the athletic committee's meeting. Uh I I just think it translated a little more broad. >> We could put it out on social media >> on our website. >> However, if if we're going to take this rule, >> we could discuss it about putting it out there to the public. >> That came up. >> He was the other one. I think he was captain of the football team in 19, you know. >> Yeah, that's true. >> 17 or something. >> Yeah. No, we didn't have helmets. >> Oh, we did. We did have helmets. >> Okay. We will discuss how we could put it out to the public more via social media. And yes, we can absolutely send a notice to the alderman and mayor that we
046are discussing it. >> Thank you very much for listening to that. And I had a final goal and it's >> it's hard but I appreciate you every and whatever you come up with honor Joe >> that that is my ear >> and we could have the um invite your obviously in the athletic meeting you would probably want to invite um Scott Snell and you could even invite coaches possibly to the meeting. Sure. >> We you that's how you could communicate out. Give it to Scott. Scott could put it out to you and everybody so they all know and I'm sure they have been working here for a long time. >> We'll get it out to people. We'll get it out. >> All right. Let's move on to the new item number eight. Designation by the
047board of education a subcommittee of three members of the board to conduct a residency hearing pursuant to Connecticut general statute section 10-186. Okay. So, um the board needs to take action. You know, even though I create uh subcommittees, but when it has to do with a residency hearing, it's actually the board of education that creates a subcommittee. So, um so we do need a vote on it. So, I'm looking this evening to create a um a residency subcommittee, which would consist of myself, Joan, and Kate. >> Move, Madam Chair. I'll second it. >> Second it. >> Okay. Motion made by Jim Fihan, second by Anthony Smuralino. All in favor? I. >> Okay. Nice and easy. >> Is that a permanent standing committee? >> Um, it would technically be a I guess through November. >> It
048would be till >> No, it would be standing >> of those three members right now. If something needs to change, we will let you know. Hopefully, we don't have a lot of those. Um, okay. So, let's see. Where are we? >> Madam Chair, for the record in case Abbott believe we have the right for >> I would assume so, but >> vote on member. >> Okay. Well, I think at this point the one the expulsion hearing that's coming, the three of us can make it. >> Res, excuse me. >> All right. I would just say let's we're gonna go. >> All right. >> Always want to cross. >> That's the custom. >> Yeah. Let's Okay. Reports of standing committee teaching and learning. Madam Chair, before you begin, I I just have a point of order
049and a point I want to make. >> The bulk of the work of the board of education gets done in committee. But repeatedly over the last year, several committee meetings have been re have been cancelled with no rescheduling. For instance, two that met tonight haven't met since March and April. I understand that the chair is sometimes not available to run a meeting, but I have not seen a vice chair take over any of the meetings. They've been cancelled instead. In particular, it distresses me that we committed to revising the bylaws section of the policy before the election and now with frequent cancellations, we have not even begun to discuss them. But just for future reference, I'd really like to make sure that in the next round or next month that we make use of your
050vice chairs >> did notice as well that we have been cancelling meetings and hence why I'm going to be saying teaching and learning committee did not meet. Well, first of all, we know the teaching and learning does committee does not meet over the summer, >> right? >> Um we not I'm aware of. >> Yeah. and and we are and we did not we were not able to have teaching and learning meet this month because of not because of us not or Ken and Kristen or anything on the fun but there was administrative things so things do legitimately come up and we of course said we will we will cancel but in turn I have data that I wanted to make sure we at least got um you know I'm I'm not going to defend everyone
051too but you know I know buildings and grounds doesn't always mean sometimes we just don't necessarily need to you know, >> but yeah, everybody, you know, so but thank you. Yes, >> but um teaching and learning did not meet because the administration, you know, had some things going on this month and we were perfectly fine with that. >> We I did ask at least because I think it would have been at least a special education meeting. So, I did want um our statistics to at least come in to see where we stand >> and then next month we will be doing our testing. So, we will be back on track now that summer over and school is back in session. What date? Um, >> okay. I like it. >> Thank you. Oh, she's already got
052it. The 14th. So, Tracy, >> okay, give this so everybody numbers what I think are important and Oh, bye. Start off this clear. >> So, at least everybody could take a look at this and know where we are. Any questions or concerns? Now, please feel free to email email myself or fussy. Okay. And then otherwise we will meet October 14th and we will be discussing our test scores that have come back, our ESPback scores and I know that they're I believe they're already starting to Okay. And that is about it for teaching and learning. Finance. >> I am moving on to finance. >> Finance committee met earlier this evening. Gave us spreadsheet. We'll be getting us numbers later. Really not going. Okay, finance numbers will come in as soon as we get them in the
053next week or so. Moving on to policy committee, Mr. Pan, >> we will be meeting in October of that same night. >> It's the same night. Okay. So, policy will be meeting October 14th. I'll need to zoom for both of those. >> I'll need to zoom in for both. >> Zoom in. >> Just a point of information. >> Kay 5:30. >> What's the date? What's the date, Jim? >> Uh 14 to 5:30. >> I think one of the things by chairman also one of the problems too policy person have an ide. >> Okay, moving on. Buildings and grounds. Mr. Ns. >> Yep. Buildings and grounds. We met today, earlier today at 6 p.m. Uh Mr. Calhoun uh brought his uh report. A lot of good things happening. Uh one is, as we all know, the
054roof at Moheaggan School. We uh we got that in and that was a time crunch and I want to thank you John and Mr. Sarinich Dr. parents for everything you did, all the paperwork and meetings we had to do and hurdles we had to jump to get it done. But um this we were able to get it done just before school started, majority of the heavy heavy work. Um so I'm happy about that and I I feel like something has been accomplished since I've been here. So that feels uh feels good. So that's wrapping up, right, John? Pretty soon. um Moheaggan School uh gymnasium floor that's been getting reworked and uh some other in lights at the high school, upgrades at the high school and uh yeah, everything else is uh good. >> Oh, just
055um just a point um as you're talking about the Moheaggan roof, I just want to say I really want to commend um John Capole, the principal, and the staff at Moheaggan for making this work. It's not the ideal time to put a roof in, but they've been very accommodating and working with the students to get the school year started um with with the this situation that's going on there. And I want to thank them for all the hard work they've done in the past month, the cooperation. >> Well, John, you're welcome that you're nice and dry now. Okay. That's why you have your email tomorrow. >> And for whoever else wasn't here, Dr. Sirinich uh said he will uh meet with anyone who ever wants to see any of these projects that are going on.
056Uh for whoever wasn't here uh you can get in touch with him and can have a uh >> a meeting on any project. >> I do not want to see a roof. I don't want to go there. >> The new the new gym. >> I'm going to skylight >> the new a the new AC space. I mean, >> I know we do want to see that. >> Yeah, the nest. >> But I've been giving Dr. S. >> Again, thank you. Thank you for the help, guys. That was a lot of work to get all that done in paperwork. It was uh building committee meetings and and John Calhoun dropping off plants at the architect's house on the way home after work. It's all appreciated, John. Thank you. Maybe we should do a field of trip
057for teaching >> days before next meeting and then head over for >> Yeah. Or even have it right in the >> We've been saying we want to go see it now. You're waiting for that a few weeks. >> Oh, I was going to say in November, but then >> Oh, well, because you're not going to be here. >> I don't know what to tell you, Kate. >> I will. I can zoom into the meeting, but not into the tour. >> We'll do FaceTime. >> I'll FaceTime. >> Just walk her around. Okay. Reports of liaison CES. >> Yes, I I have included my report in printed form this time because there's so much pertinent information you may want to share at another time. A bit of background. This cess representative council is the governing body for
058the cooperative educational services otherwise known as cess and consists of one board member from each of its participating school districts with two from some of the larger ones. and they're all in Fairfield County. This will be my sixth year as Shelton's rep, God willing, I make it through the election and appointed again and my third serving as vice president of the council. This is one of the six risks in the state which is a regional regional educational let's see can't remember the other two and provides not only professional learning opportunities for staff but the regional center for early learning which is for prek all abilities five special education programs and two magnet schools the special ed programs are listed there in the report I'm not going to go through them but it'll be in the
059minutes too for anyone who wants to Look, the two public magnet schools are the 6 to6 magnet school and the regional center for the arts. And it is those two magnet schools to which I direct the bulk of my report today. Regional educational service centers there it is like the cooperative educational services have been charged by the state with operating interdist magnet schools. There are two sources of funding for student participation in magnet schools of the which are public schools of choice. They come from state grants and funding and tuition which is charged to the district. The state of Connecticut is currently not meeting their obligation to fund their portion of magnet school costs. In short, whatever is directly or indirectly, this means that districts will necessarily have to pick up that expense. The state
060shift shifted education cost sharing funds to students attending public schools of choice and fixed the amount that arrest could charge a sending district at 58% tuition leaving the amount the rest would charge as um leaving the remainder excuse me 42% to be covered by the state. Unfortunately, the legislature did not enact a funding formula beyond this fiscal year. According to an analysis, which is in the report, rest magnet schools will continue to receive no less than their 2024 state aid plus tuition per student. This leaves CES to operate these two programs without sufficient funding. If no action is taken at the state level, which is what what I direct this to, people need to reach out to their state legislatures, no deaths would be forced to cut more than they already have, most certainly adversely
061impacting programs and services. The concern Shelton faces that the legislature could not could determine to pass this financial burden onto the sending districts, which they currently have not done. We still got that cap in place. Shelton currently has 19 students at the 66 Magnet School and 17 at the regional center for the arts behind only Bridgeport, Stratford, and Trumbull. Projects that the per pupil deficit for magnet school students is approximately 2500 for this school year alone. If if the districts were to pick up the difference, it would come from I think I left a zero up. Yeah, I was >> I was gonna say I just looked at that. It >> was like two million. >> Yeah, it's more than that. I I will correct it and get it to you, Kayla. >> It's significantly
062more than that. >> Probably 250. >> It would come in the form of increased fees for special education services and increased fees for services like professional learning. Shelton has not budgeted for any increase in cost for this program. I mention this, as I said, because it is important that voices are heard from boards of education and families of students in these programs to educate and inform the state legislators on understanding that the financing, operation, and governance of Connecticut rests is incomplete and of the value of the programs being delivered. I'm asking you to advocate strongly for the state legislature to restore some of the massive cuts they have made to the magnet school line item. The board all received lengthy communications last week on this matter and I hope this has simplified, believe it or
063not, this is much shorter than we all received. Uh I hope this has simplified it some for your understanding and I've really put in a nutshell what was a really long meeting a couple of weeks ago. The other important points coming out of the September meeting, the first item needs correction. However, since I wrote the report, I we were alerted that the workspace facility in Bethl the purchaser backed out of the deal. So, it is not this point. It's back on we're looking to sell it. Um, CES operated at a loss the last fiscal year and has depleted most of its reserve funds due to a variety of reasons. primarily the cost of the renovation of the new building at 40 Oak View. Uh capital funds over the summer were funded by grants, so obviously
064not out of the reserve. There's uh data in there about uh new employees, beginning teachers. Early Childhood Services facilitates over 20 facilitated over 20 PD over the summer and will continue to work with the state office of early childhood for accreditation and quality supports and standards. uh professional development has brought on two new staff members. One to deal with STEM and strate strategic innovation and another technical education and AI a collaborative program in Stratford Stamford public schools opened with 33 K to stew stu K through two students that's left on the autism spectrum and with other medical impairments. The regional center for early learning welcomed 40 new families because their expanded space from last year and the regional center for the arts opened at full capacity for the first time in a long time with
065235 students and a wait list. Thank you for all those details. It's >> actually really important this month with everything going on with the funding. Yeah, >> madam chair the chair to I think might have been and although more meeting with secretary patient stated that there already was language in state patient that they were to shift all costs magnets directly to and you had said that it 58% for uh them to cover us to pick up 42. So have they made a shift that they're not making us pay for the entire >> This is the last information I was given and I think that Mr. Sarinich also shared with us. >> Mine's older. No, this is this is as of this fall >> because my understanding was >> if you remember back probably about six
066or eight years ago >> all of a sudden they shifted complete magnet was been covered by the state and then they shifted the whole burden on us >> and that's where I believe the mayor came out on negotiation with them and I was wondering have they changed that? What what happened last year was the the cap. I believe it was last year put the cap on this couple years ago. I've been following it kind of >> couple years. >> Well, you're you're referring specifically to Fairchild Wheeler. That was a specific situation with Bridgewood. That was a separate case that was 6 years ago that >> Yeah. Um, Utach is giving information that just currently came from the rests relative to a shift in change in state legislation's commitment to funding. So, >> and they've only
067committed to funding this year. >> Yeah. >> And we're already in and it's not >> that's surprised. We sat down with him and they whipped out that one single line, you know, the commissioner did and she said, "Oh, by the way, uh, yeah, it's right here. You have to pay." >> That was a fair joke. Yeah, >> the other what was the other one? >> That was the only one that >> Wheeler was the only one that affected Shelton might have had something else. Shelton >> 66 that um regional center for the arts run by Ces. >> I have to check my records. I I was concerned because I just see the rug get pulled out against >> I'm pretty sure fair child wheelers they can't come after us >> right there's a cap for
068this >> they they're not getting their funding from the state it's their problem state right now what could happen next year might be different state says well we don't have enough money next thing you know come back to us that says >> right because they shouldn't have probably What CES could do this year is then, you know, they've capped the tuition for those two magnet schools, but they could raise other fees. >> They could raise other fees >> on, you know, on special ed students and like professional learning. >> We have how many kids go there to which? >> Yes. >> How many how many how many kids are at? You know, I was going to ask that. >> We can get that information. >> I want to get that information. >> Tracy, would you
069know off hand how many students go to CES program? >> Yes. Talking about special. >> Yes. >> Yeah. That would be >> might want to add or what gets ahead of time. You know if they if it's 28,000 number that came my mind as number might be more for that office but if we get the rug pulled out the rigs But right now we're okay. But they could technically this year charge more on the other. >> That was my understanding. That would be >> that was my understanding. >> So maybe that's what we really need to look at is we have this many kids that are there. How many of those kids are getting those quote unquote extra services? How much do we budget for those extra services right now? and then look at it
070maybe Rosetti it goes from Tracy into finance >> and we use a lot of their profession >> but the communication regarding >> and I and I I don't want to digress on the agenda but the communication was limited to open choice so it wasn't about special ed placement it was open choice schools so that's a totally different ballgame here yes the communication that I forward to the board that I received from the executive director Chip Chip Dumay about The tuition cost was for open choice. >> It was not it was not it was not related to to special ed. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Public schools a choice is the phrase cuz open choice are the um when students in the city asked to go to the suburbs like a kid in >> open choice
071is when students in their assigned districts can choose to attend schools outside their district or programs that they don't have. has nothing to do with suburbs. >> It's allowed to all all school districts. >> Yeah. At CES, they've been >> putting them into two groups for understanding that these two are public schools of choice and open choice is the other group. Dr. Why do you think they're saying are just only if those kids that are doing open choice need services? >> Again, there's two different discussions going on here. I I really think that >> they were clear. >> Yeah. Because >> no, the the communication that I sent was regarding open choice. That's what I forward to the board. >> But I do remember that >> there's another discussion here and and we're melding the
072two together and I think we're we're losing our focus. So if we want to reconvene this at a teaching and learning meeting and get bring us we can bring in data, we can bring in enrollments and all that stuff. I think that would be advised. >> Professional learning services lose a lot of their professional learning. So we could get charged, >> right? because they're they're saying it's open choice, but then they're they're saying this whole other sentence of all this other mumbo jumbo >> that was so much in there. It was so hard to >> next month again. I'll see at the October meeting what I can get out of them where their thoughts are >> charge for percentage gave is that >> that's out of the state. Yeah, that's the state's problems. kind of
073just at a >> right but Dr. Sinich is saying he believes it's with the open choice kids not those we'll clarify. >> Okay. >> All right. We'll look into it more and clarify which what group of students are that we could properly know for finance and we'll keep our fingers crossed. Okay. Um, where are we? Uh, Kate Joan, anything going on at Kate? >> Not nearly as exciting. Okay. Uh, there is a webinar next Monday from 12:00 to 1:15. Um, that's on civil discourse and effective communication um at all levels. And then there's an in-person meeting. I wish it was a webinar. Um the CAB legal issues workshop will be Thursday, October 16th um in the morning from 9 to 12 at the LCM in Hartford and they'll cover um to post or post not
074to post understanding legal pitfalls of social media for use by board members and administrators a year in review um reviewing all the important court and agency decisions that have come out over the last year year or since last October so last 12 months. and managing employee attendance despite the new legislative mandates and a Q&A. And then there's I'm sure um Dr. Sarinich's team knows there's a fall meeting of superintendent. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Hang on. Le superintendent report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, as I as we complete almost the first month of school, again, I want to emphasize that what a great start this this school year has been. Um, the staff across the board, um, really acclimating our students into this new year. A lot of positive feedback across the board,
075and I want to thank everyone for their hard work. We've had all of our back to school nights except for Perry Hill, which is tomorrow night. again um out in the community. Very positive feedback from our families um as they're meeting their new teachers and interacting. So that's always a positive event. Um at the beginning of the year, there's a few reminders that I always like to give out um one to all of our families that we are a paid meal program. This is the best time of year to kind of load up their child's meal card to make sure that they have sufficient funds to pay for their meal. Otherwise, that will acrue debt. That's not good for anyone. Um, also, um, we would love to hear from the community and families. Um, I
076encourage them if you have questions or concerns to please email, um, myself or call my office or the building principles. And reminding all families that we do not respond to social media posts. So, if you would want to, we would be happy to have any discussion and answer any questions, but it just has to be directed through the right channels. Um, our student reps are not with us this evening because the elections for that is on Friday. So, we'll find out who our new student reps are and they should be able to join us next month. So, I look forward to that. And, uh, with that, uh, just a for your information as based on the evaluation the board um, conducted on me last May and the school um, the district improvement plan that I
077did with the leadership team. uh taking all those factors in in account uh because this is goal writing season for all certified staff and going across the board for the district. Um I submitted my goals uh to the board um but this even that's it. >> I don't >> Thank you. All right. Comments by the board chair. I think I've said enough tonight. >> Talked enough and we still have a lot more to do. So, I'm going to just continue um celebrations. Does anybody have anything? >> Oh, Patty does. >> Nope. >> Tomorrow's your birthday. >> Oh, today is your birthday. Tomorrow. >> Happy birthday, Patty. >> Happy birthday, Patty. >> And Aaron Judge hit his 50th home run. >> How did that anyone else? I got a text while they're sitting here. >> Well,
078we'll get lots of celebrations. >> Okay. Look forward to seeing who they are. Communication to the board. There is none. For your information, we have enrollment and staffing matched. Um, and then now we still have two more agenda items. discussion and possible action on the level three grievance by Robert Bernard to be conducted in executive session. If I could please entertain a mot I'll entertain a motion to move into executive session. >> Want to do both? Madam chair. >> Um I guess we could just kill two birds in one stone. >> Um chair I'll make a motion that we enter executive session. Grievance legal matter John do versusation include uh the superintendent all members of the board. Uh, oh, this tennis not here. Who else? Jackie >> lawyer. >> No. >> Um, Kristen. >> Um,
079>> Kristen. My bad. >> No, you're fine. >> Yeah, I'm thinking right now. >> I would just say we're not we don't have the attorney attorney. >> Okay. >> All right. Can I get a second? >> I'll second it. >> Okay. I would now just ask at this time uh >> all in favor. I