South Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting- May 26, 2026

001It's not on there. >> I'd like to call the uh I'd like to call the May 26, 2026 uh board of education meeting to order. Uh Mrs. Manily, will you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge algiance 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. >> Mrs. Walsh roll, please. >> Mr. Armstrong, >> Mr. Caldwell, >> here. >> Chairwoman Corsy. Mr. Mackey >> here. Mrs. Manily >> here. >> Mr. Marks >> here. >> Mr. Nettles. >> He's here, but he's here. >> Right. I knew you were here. Uh, Mrs. Shaw >> here. >> Miss Yanoway >> here. >> Thank you, Mrs. Shaw. >> Good evening, everyone. The South Windsor Public School promotes an

002engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepares students to achieve their own individual excellence within an emotionally safe environment. Educators will foster students academic, social, and personal growth. Our students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking, self-direction, collaboration, adaptability, kindness, compassion, and civic responsibility. The South Windsor Public School graduate will possess a learner's mindset, exhibit resilience, and social consciousness, and be empowered to participate in an everchanging global society. >> Thank you. Moving on to approval of minutes. Miss Yiane. >> Yes. Move to approve the minutes for the April 28th, 2026 meeting. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> We have a second. Discussion. All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Extensions. Motion passes. Um, Mr. Armstrong. >> Move to approve the minutes of the May 19th special meeting. >> Second. >>

003There's a second. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Abstain. Do you need to do a roll call? We're good. Okay, we're good. >> She's good. Uh, communications. Uh, Dr. Carter, do you have anything for communications for us? >> Uh, yes. I hope the board will join me in congratulating Mrs. Lindseay McInn on her appointment as associate principal at Southwor High School effective this July 1. Lindseay, currently a social studies teacher at Southwor High School, previously served as a social studies department chair and a social studies teacher at Ellington High School. After a comprehensive search process, Lindsay emerged as the top candidate from a highly competitive applicant pool. Please join me in congratulating Lindsay and I invite Mrs. McInn to the podium. hit the button. >> The one that

004has the speaking motion in front of it. I got you. Okay. So, good evening. Thank you for having me, members of the board and parents and families and students. This is so exciting. Hi, Sai. Um, I first want to just say thank you again. And um as a proud res resident and educator here in South Windsor, um I've witnessed firsthand how this community carried a heavy heart um during this winter school year, but I've also seen a tremendous amount of resilience and growth that has come out of that. And I'm very excited to join the administrative team in our building and help carry South Windsor students and staff forward. I am stepping into this role as a resident completely aware of some of the challenges that South Windsor faces but also having be bore witness

005to the immense amount of successes that we've accomplished over the previous years and I'm really optimistic to see where the future has us headed. I look forward to partnering with Joe and Enelma and Tara and Jess moving forward and I am going to work diligently just to make sure that South Windsor High School remains a welcoming and dynamic workplace. Thank you. Well, welcome and we thank you uh for joining the team. Very lucky to have you. Um student representatives. >> Um yeah. Okay. So to begin for the good news from schools at Eli Terry, fourth grader Kayla Army was awarded a make a change mini grant from the South Windsor Alliance for Families and South Windsor Youth and Family Services. With this grant, Kayla will create kindness boxes for all kindergarten classrooms in the district.

006Each box will include a book about kindness and a related activity for the students. At Orchard Hill, Miss Gustafen and her second grade class were awarded a Make a Change mini grant as well. Allison and her students wrote a grant proposal for a translation device that will help support communication with new art orchard hill students who may speak a different language. They truly exemplify our Hawks expectations. At Philip R. elementary schools. On April 23rd, PRS hosted its annual reading night. During the school event, students were able to stuff a tiger mascot and engage in fun reading activities with teachers. Some teachers hosted a bookmark making session, others did read a read aloud, and we had two therapy dogs join us for the evening so students could read to the dogs. At Pleasant Valley Elementary School,

007Pleasant Valley welcomed the Read to Grow Literacy Foundation and its Book Mobile, which provided a wonderful experience for all kindergarten students to choose books for free. Grade 5 girls on the run successfully finished their mentoring program. The participants held a practice session at Nevers Park two weeks ago and completed the final run at the Sigma Center during Mother's Day weekend. In honor of N National Poetry Month in April, PV held a friendly poet poetry competition. The event saw numerous submissions from both staff and students and the winning pieces are now being showcased on the web zene for the student newspaper club. At Timothy Edwards Middle School, T's debaters traveled to Central Middle School in Greenwich on Saturday to compete in the final tournament of the Connecticut Middle School debate league. Students earned several top honors,

008including a fourth place finish in the open division, a third place individual speaker award in the championship division among 90 competitors, and a fifth place team finish in the championship division. On Saturday, May 2nd, a total of 19 students presented a total of 14 projects to various panels and judges at the annual Connecticut History Day contest at CCSU. Tames had 10 students and seven projects advance to the national contest. This is the largest groups of students that they are sending on to nationals. At South Windsor High School, students recently competed at the 2026 Olympia National Tournament, showcasing their hard work, their teamwork, and their dedication across a wide range of challenging STEM events. The team earned impressive results throughout the competition, highlighted by a top five finish in CodeBusters. Their accomplishment reflects the continued strength

009of South Windsor High School science programs and the commitment of students and adviserss alike. And Miss McInn has been named associate principal for the 2026 to 27 school year. Known for her leadership, commitment to students and involvement in major school events and initiatives, students and staff alike described Miss McInn as a respected educator, mentor, and role model, making her promotion an exciting new chapter for both her and South Windsor High School. And lastly, on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, the student Windsor Board of Education announced the recipients of the 2026 Eugene Pissi Service Awards. At a ceremony held at South Windsor High School, seniors Mika, Johish, and Rathika were the 2026 recipients of the student award. The recipients were celebrated with a formal ceremony attended by their invited guests and school community. A reception with light

010refreshments followed the ceremony. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, does any board member have anything they'd like to mention? >> Okay, one just one quick question. Um, Miss Kam Chamea, excuse me. Um, can you give us just a quick update from capital projects on Wednesday? There's a few things from the board of ed that changed. >> Sure. >> Um, sure. Uh at the capital projects meeting they were discussing the changes that are related to um there was a reduction made by the town council to the capital project funding for for next year. Um what they did is they went through and they um they originally the departments had offered up the first two projects that we had listed for next year. So every department had one or two projects that we were hoping to get

011funded for next year. Um at this point the projects that will be funded are just through uh the the number one projects. So for us that's going to be the TE auditorium and lighting project um for next year. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Uh I just want to say that uh on behalf of the board, I'd like to wish all our spring sports that are starting their spring tournaments uh this week. Uh, in addition to all the concerts and everything that that will be happening across the district, field day events and all the rest of our end of the year festivities, a lot of the a lot of planning and attention goes into making sure these end of the year celebrations happen. So to everybody who has a part in that, we thank you

012and wish you good luck. Um, I'd like to mention of a new tradition that our school district is beginning. I'm hoping that lasts for a long time. Um, one that I think will be both meaningful and reflective of who we are as a community. We are launching what I have called a bookend march. And what I mean by that is it's an opportunity for our graduating seniors to return to the halls of their elementary schools, reconnecting with former teachers to inspire a new generation of students. We hope this becomes a lasting traditions where seniors can thank the educators who helped shape their journey while young students are able to see what is possible in their own future. Most importantly, I hope it reflects the support that South Windsor Public Schools provides for our students from

013start to finish from the very first day of school to graduation. uh this should be happening uh in the next few days or weeks. So, I just think that will be a great opportunity for our our younger our younger students to kind of see what seems like far away, but as parents, we know the time will go by fast and they'll be graduating uh sooner than later. Um, and the last thing I just wanted to say is at our previous meeting, Dr. Carter recognized all the staff uh for our whole entire district for the important work that they do to support our schools and our community. And this board fully echoes that appreciation. That message is important to repeat because the work our employees do is not always fully seen, but it is always felt.

014We are truly grateful for your dedication, professionalism, and the care that you show our students each day through early mornings, late nights, extra help after class, and for quiet moments when no one is watching. May 4th through the 8th was teacher appreciation week. And on behalf of this board of education, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the educators of South Windsor Public Schools. Every day, our teachers are bringing patience, creativity, and commitment that goes far beyond the classroom. They build confidence, support families, and make lasting impact on our students lives. We recognize this work. We recognize that this work is not easy, and we are deeply appreciative of the way our educators continue to meet those challenges with professionalism and heart, even on the difficult days. Please know your impact is real, and

015it is lasting. Although we celebrate you for more than just one week in May, again on behalf of this board, we thank you for what you do for our students each and every day, not just that one week in May. And that being said, nobody else. Okay, hearing from visitors. Is there anybody that would like to speak to the board tonight? When your turn comes to speak, please start by giving us your name and address. Just a reminder that this board does not respond to public comment. Each person should limit their comments to three minutes and a total of amount of public comment will be limited to 15 minutes unless extended by the board. Just a reminder that there will be a second opportunity for public comment near the end of our meeting. Most importantly,

016this is your opportunity to be heard and for the board's time just to listen. Mrs. Walsh will keep track of the time and she or I will let you know when you need to uh wrap up your comments. Is there anybody from the public that would like to speak one more time? I think we're good. Thank you. All right. Consent and calendar. Miss Minne, >> I move the consent calendar. >> All in favor? >> I. Motion passes. Um donations. Mr. Caldwell. >> Uh move to approve the following donations. $585.60 to Philip R. Smith Elementary School from its PTO. $2,678 to Orchard Hill Elementary School from its PTO and from the South Windsor Public Education Fund, $4,558.78 to Pleasant Valley Elementary School, and $3,746 to Timothy Edwards Middle School, Pleasant Valley Elementary School, and South Windsor

017High School. >> We have a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Motion passes. Uh Dr. Carter, would you like to proceed with your first item on your report? >> Uh yes. We're going to um start with the preschool program presentation because we have some littles out there that are close to bedtime. Um so I will turn things over to Mrs. Peterson. >> Thank you. Good evening, Vice Chair Mackey, board of ed members. At this time, I'd like to invite Mr. Steve Albrech and the preschool staff. I think they're coming in a little bit to the podium to give us a presentation on the first year of our brand new preschool program at the high school. >> Thank you, Mrs. Peterson. But for most of the people in the room tonight, I'm Mr. Steve.

018Uh Mr. Mackey, Dr. Carter, members of the board, uh thank you for the opportunity to highlight the success of the learning center preschool. Our career and technical education department has operated a part-time preschool at the high school campus since the late 1990s. In recent years, we saw an opportunity to expand and strengthen the program in ways that would benefit both preschool children and our high school students. Because our early childhood education teacher was balancing both classroom instruction and the daily operation of the preschool, students had fewer opportunities for deeper study and observation. At the same time, as the district continues building a pipeline of future educators, we believed the time was right to expand to a full day preschool model for this year. Excuse me. This year we appointed a certified birth to kindergarten teacher,

019Mrs. Subermanium, to lead the program as a full-day tuitionbased preschool, and it has thrived. Last spring, I was concerned that we might not fill all 15 seats. Instead, enrollment filled quickly and we now have a growing waiting list for next year. When people think about preschool, they often think about preparing children for kindergarten. And our program certainly does that. But it does much more. Every day, our preschool classroom helps young children build confidence, independence, communication skills, creativity, and curiosity through hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships. What makes this program especially unique is that it also serves as a learning lab for students in our high school early childhood education program which are taught by Mrs. Dowardy. In these classrooms, our youngest learners are growing and developing while our high school students are growing into future educators

020and child- centered professionals. Tonight, you'll hear from the people who bring this program to life every day. Joining me are our preschool teacher, Mrs. Arpitha Subramana, our early childhood education teacher and educators rising adviser, Mrs. Melissa Dowy, out in the door, our para educator, uh, Mrs. Pog Sanhan, music teacher, Mrs. Susan Leech, high school students Kira Deedlebound and Royce Richards, and the children of our preschool, who by the way represent the South Windsor High School class of 2039. >> At this time, I'd like to invite Mrs. Superman to share more about the preschool experience. >> Thank you, Steve. >> All right. Our preschool program is designed to support the whole child by focusing on social emotional growth and independence, communication, problem solving, and early academic skills. We believe children learn best through play, hands-on experience,

021meaningful relationships, and consistent routines that help them feel safe and confident. Throughout the day, the students participate in activities like art, literacy, science, music, movement, sensory play, and learning centers that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration while building foundational skills. We also focus heavily on classroom community, helping children learn how to share ideas, cooperate, and build relationship with others. One of the most unique and valuable parts of our program is our preschool lab setting within the high school building. High school students work alongside the preschoolers each day by reading stories, supporting activities, and building meaningful connections with the children. The preschoolers truly look up to them as role models and special friends. The this partnership creates a warm creativity and supportive learning environment while also giving high school students authentic hands-on experience in early childhood education.

022It is incredibly rewarding to watch both groups learn and grow throughout the day. One of the most rewarding parts of this program is watching our high school students build meaningful relationships with the preschoolers. I would like to invite Kira and Roy to share their experiences in our preschool classroom. The high school special friends. >> Hi, my name is Kira Dedelbomb and I'm a jun a current junior here at South Windsor High School. Um, so for my life, I've always grown up around teachers. My mom's a math teacher at Sfield Middle School and my dad is a history teacher out in Watinson School in West Hartford. So, I always knew education was going to hold a strong place in my heart. And when I heard about Miss Dh's leadership class and childhood education classes, I knew

023it was perfect for someone like me. So, last year, I took her semester long child development class where I got to learn about many of our many of our special friends for the first time, such as Arthur, who's also here today. And this year, I take the year-long leadership class where I got to know many more of our friends here today. And not only do I participate in the lab in class, but I also go many times outside of class myself. I have a free period during my period 7 class and I take time out of my day helping Miss A and Miss P and our and all of our special friends have a great time during nap time. What this experience has shown me is that um is uh this experience has been great

024for me as someone who who is looking towards education careers and it's given me something no textbook can give can um teach a student. It's really been such a a special time for me. I've I've gotten I've had a great time learning more about our students, such as Yog, whose birthday is tomorrow, or little Senna, who at the beginning of the year was a little quiet at first, but has grown out of her shell since and is always laughing whenever I'm around with her. So, it's not just rewarding to learn more about education itself. It's rewarding to help these students grow and help and know that what I'm doing in the classroom and outside of the classroom is helpful towards their future. Thank you. Hi, I'm Royce Richards. I am a self high school student

025and also a student ambassador for the club Ed Rising. It's Chris Rising. Um, I've always wanted to be a teacher since I was little. I've been surrounded by a lot of teachers like Kira. Um, my middle school teacher, Miss Grio, she helped me be who I am today and everything like that. Um, >> I took the class um in, uh, by taught by Mr. Dy to kind of try to strengthen my understanding of children and how to take care of them and how to be a better leader myself. Um, I've seen these kids learn and grow and change for the better. Like, Kabir, we start off a little rocky, but we're best friends now, right? >> Yeah. I'm really happy to be a part of all this and I'm happy just to be here in

026general. Um about more about educators rising. Um it's a great club and it's opened up so many different opportunities for me. Um in a few weeks I'll be going to Oregon and presenting my children's book I made with Lana Kim and I'm just super ready for that and to see where everything goes next. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. As Mrs. Superman explained, our preschool students learned through the integration of art, music, movement, and storytelling. Recently, our children have been exploring themes of growth, gardens, and caring for the world around them. To close our presentation, they would like to share a song, Inchby inch, with you, which they have been practicing with Mrs. Leachch. If any of the parents want to come up, we have no problem with them coming to film. So feel free to

027come on up. >> Right behind you. >> Go ahead. All it takes and a piece of brown Take it slow. Gray for sun and rain. I chase my body and my music. Alligator. Daddy. Is there going to be another Not a lot either. You want to go straight to the top. >> Are you still Are you still in there? Are you what? My daughter giving. Are you still good? >> Tell her I said hi. >> Hi. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> That's cute. >> Thank you. You need a pie. >> You need a power. So my neighbor's I ain't eat any Well, Mr. Steve, I guess you're back up. Try to follow that. >> Yeah. I don't know what to say except for thank you uh for allowing us to share a

028glimpse into our program and to uh thank you also for your continued support of uh what we're doing. >> Thank you. Does anybody have any questions or anything? Uh >> that's one thing Mr. Marks. >> I just want to thank the students. I know they already left, but this was by far the cutest presentation I've had in my time on the board. Um, tonight we're discussing budget cuts, so I feel like it's pretty fitting we have a very light thing to start start the day. And, uh, if we can request having them every board and town council meeting, I think all of us could really use it. So, thank you again. Thank you. And that's all I have. >> Anybody else? Miss >> um, you said that there is a weight list for the program.

029I'm wondering if you could share with us how many people are on the wait list. And obviously, again, as um, Mr. Mark said, "We are discussing budget cuts." Um, but assuming money were no object, what would it take to clear out that weight list and be able to provide um this wonderful program to any student in South Windsor who wanted to um enroll? >> That is um a big question. Um you know, in our second year as going into our second year as a full day program, um I know that interest and demand exceeds our capacity. uh we're operating a 15 seat preschool and uh we are um you know strive to provide a certain level of staffing and supervision uh for that program. Um right now I believe I have 28 total requests. I

030had closed the application just so that it didn't continue to grow any any longer. Um so of 15 I probably have 13 people on a on a waiting list. Um and uh occasionally I'm finding uh you know as I did today that I had somebody who had accepted an offer who suddenly is uh relocating. Uh so a seat has become available if money were no object. >> Um and uh we wanted to clear that waiting list. I'd certainly need at least a second preschool classroom, but I'd also need um a full-time certified educator to staff it as well as para educator support for it. Um, one of the obstacles that some parents uh voice to uh when wanting to enroll their child is the the lack of before care and after care. If we really

031wanted to deliver a robust program that would certify uh that would satisfy all we'd really be making a commitment to staffing um much greater than we currently are. >> You're welcome. >> I would imagine a lot of our issues is spacing. We need more space, right, Dr. Gar? Yeah, the program itself is costneutral because there is families do pay a tuition. Our problem is space. Um, we could open up a second classroom easily. Um, and the tuition would offset the cost of the staffing, but we unfortunately that is not one of our options right now. We are running out of classrooms at the high school, not having extra ones. So, um, if we were in a different situation, we probably would be opening up a second section. >> Anybody else? Oh, I would like to

032say that I I really enjoyed the class. I took it in my first semester of school this year, and I think it was a great program. I think being able to interact with the preschoolers is really interesting, especially because I also take um the Yukon HDFS class, which is going through um the lifespan. And I think going through early childhood in a way where you're interacting with the students is very immersive, and I think it's a great addition. And I also think the opportunities to do it outside of your class time is also really great as well because you know they could always use the help. >> It's a good point. >> Anybody else? >> Well, we appreciate all the work that you do and thank you for coming and and getting everybody together here.

033Uh thanks for all the work that you do. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Good night. >> Yes. And thank you u Mr. Albeck for all your hard work in putting this together. This took a lot of creativity and planning and so we thank you Mr. Albeck. We appreciate it. >> Okay. Uh Dr. Herd, do you want to just keep going down your list? >> Sorry. >> Thank you. At this time, I invite Principal Irwin to the podium to talk about our temp's cricket club. >> Well, that is a hard act to follow. Um, thankfully we actually we have some shining stars at Timothy Edwards as well. So, good evening members of the board of education and our central office team. I'm so excited to be here recognizing um some innovative students tonight. I'm

034proud to highlight um their example of student initiative and engagement. As you know, enrollment is growing in Timothy Edwards Middle School and one of our visions and our goals for students at the middle school level is to engage in activities and extracurriculars outside of the school day. Um, just this past uh season, as you know, I know Mr. Mackey had mentioned spring athletics and we are nearing the end of of of our season now, but we have hundreds of students that try out for, you know, a handful of spots. So, we're always trying to find new ways to make sure that students could become engaged because it just increases the sense of belonging. The students that I'm introducing tonight are outstanding examples of that spirit of engagement and leadership. These are sixth graders who took

035the initiative to bring Cricut into murals to life, creating an opportunity that has generated enthusiasm and participation among peers. We are proud to recognize their creativity, leadership, and dedication in helping make TE a more inclusive and engaging community for our students. So, right now, I'm going to ask that uh Mayan and Niml come up to talk a little bit more. Uh Mrs. Baker is also here, which we will uh we will reference. Um she is the adult um staff advisor for the Cricut inter murals. Ready? Good evening. Wait. Good evening board members of the board of education administrators, teachers and community members. My name is Mhan Sha and I am here with Nemo Manik Katan as with we are here with without our peer Vhan Ferake who couldn't make it tonight. We we are here

036to talk about how we started a cricket club at Timothy Edwards Middle School. And we are here to share our experience also launching the club and how it feels to us and many other students. When we first discussed launching a cricket club, we knew it would take a lot of dedication. Although cricket is one of the most popular sports globally, it's not widely known in our local schools. We wanted to change that by creating a space where students already love the game who already love the game feel represented and where new students can discover something completely different and exciting. The process of launching this club taught us a lot about leadership, communication and persistence. First, we had to uh get student interest and provide the demand existing. We spoke with classmates, distributed interest forms to

037sign up and um help out with the club and we educated our peers on what cricket is and how and how they will enjoy it. From there we navigated the official process of establishing a school club by meeting with administrators and securing securing a facal advisor faculty. At times the process was challenging because everything was completely new to us. We had to learn how to organize meetings, communicate professionally, and manage logistics like equipment, practice space, and safety. However, navigating those hurdles helped us grow. Instead of stepping back when things became difficult, we learned how to problem solve and collab collaborate effectively. One of the most important things about the Cricut Club is a sense of belonging it creates. For many students, cricket is connected to family traditions, cultures, and memories from home. Having this club

038recognized by the school sends a message that all students and families need cultures at the school. We wanted cricket to come to the western side instead of it being always on the eastern side. And now we have gotten the chance to do this. This can create opportunities of students from different backgrounds to connect through sports and teamwork. What has been especially meaningful is seeing students who may normally who may not normally participate in school activities become excited and involved in being athletic. Some students joined because they already play cricket. Others joined because they were curious and wanted to try something new. Either way, the club has helped students build friendship, confidence, and school spirit. This experience has also shown us that student voices can make a difference. By supporting clubs like this, the district encourages

039students to take initiative, share their cultures, and become leaders in the school community. We are very grateful to those who to everybody who helped us throughout this process, including our adviserss, teachers, administrators, and the board of education for supporting student opportunities and activities. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak tonight and for supporting programs that help students feel connected with us. Thank you. >> Thank you. We appreciate you all for having us. >> Does anybody have any questions for them? >> Mr. Shaw, >> hi. Thank you for a great job presenting. If you were to just explain briefly what cricket is because not everybody knows yeah >> what the sport entails. How would you describe cricket? >> Um cricket is just like um I wouldn't say baseball but like it's like a it's

040like a I call it as a slab of wood and just a um handle on on it. And then you just usually for kids we use tennis balls but in higher leagues you guys use like leather balls. So, and then there's just like three sticks and then like two mini lines and like that um we we call as a stump which is placed on two two ends of uh 22 uh uh yard feet like yard field >> uh 22 yards >> or meters. >> Yeah. Um and then um one person runs and throw like um not ch not chucking it like they just like throw it like this and like and try to get the other person um to swing the bat but miss it and hit the stump out in all uh cricket is

041a somewhat graceful sport. So uh and many people around the world as as we have stated before in this uh enjoy playing cricket and it is also a tradition and part of uh many people's culture. >> Mr. Caldwell, >> I I saw the pitch the photo that was up there. That's at TE, correct? Is there actually a pitch at TE? >> No, >> we have to work on that. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Do you know if cricket is uh being taught in in PE? Is that something that a unit that would maybe be Sorry, I don't mean to call you from the audience. >> Um to be fair, >> we're learning cricket. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um >> we're really trying and the kids have been super awesome about teaching us how

042wrong but is that better? Sorry. Perfect. Thank you. Yeah. So, they have been teaching us how to play. Um and so we are learning and there's a lot of like unique features to cricket that are different from the sports that we know. So we are trying to get to know and we have um a couple of students on the team who are academy players. >> Yeah. >> There's an academy team which we learned. Um so they're really teaching us. So I think once we become a little more comfortable um and and we do we did realize like we need a big space. we've been kind of using um the side field when kickball's going on. So we and and we can't play in the soccer field because when baseball's playing. So so we just need

043like a and it requires a lot of room, right? Because a lot of kids are hitting the ball into the woods and so so we're figuring it out, but we're trying our best and it's been fun. We've really had a great time learning and they've been really teaching us. So no complaints. But >> what I'm hearing is that you you find ways to make it work. >> Yeah. is which is was always important. I find it fascinating. I mean, Glassberry literally is doing the exact same thing. I teach middle school PE there and we had students come to us and we have one of our PE teachers that doesn't know it and is and is learning it every day. So, it it's it's >> and we've been we don't have the equipment. Um, Lith brought

044equipment one day, so we use chairs because the wickets are they're like three posts and then there are the little pieces on top. Um, so we're we're going to maybe see if we can get Mr. Gork to build us a set. um involve everybody and uh and see if we can, you know, make it happen and grow and teach teach it to the kids. Once >> I would hope that we could find somewhere somewhere in the budget to find them the equipment to be able to do something like this because it's only going to continue to grow. Yeah. Um and it can't be that expensive to get the equipment. >> No. No. And we, you know, we just have to kind of make it a priority, too. >> Yeah. Well, it's a priority for us

045because I think it's important to do that. Kids doing advocating for themselves and then going out there and getting teachers to do it. a lot of guts to the kids for for getting someone to do that. So, we appreciate it. Good job, boys. >> Anybody else? >> Sorry, just a quick question. Sorry. I love cricket. I grew up watching cricket and it's like football for me growing up. >> Uh, but just a quick question. if you have or do you allow parent volunteers who know the game to teach and maybe lead the club because I know locally there are groups that have teams and they play and there is a pitch somewhere in Manchester so I'm sure they have equipment so if there were volunteers who were willing to come and conduct the class would

046that help if there was an interest >> happy to have all the help we can get >> great um yeah it's it's been a big learning curve It's it's different and it's interesting and it's fun. Um, and I feel like we are we need to learn it better so we can give them a more positive experience. So, all the help we can get, we're after school tomorrow >> till 4 at TE and Thursday. So, >> and you I don't know if you said this, how many students are doing this right now? >> We have 33 enrolled currently, which is a lot. Um, we weren't sure how many to have. less would be better because I think it would give them like more of an opportunity to play. Um, which is what they want. So, we're

047trying to juggle playing time with the amount of students that we have and keep it fair. And so, >> Mr. Caldwell, >> South Windsor does have a very large cricket population. They they practice over at the Barton property and they play on Sunday. So, I mean, I know the kids want to get out there and the parents that maybe they can kind of meet each other and and go from there because it's it's a huge group. I believe there's three possibly four pitches there. >> But it is it's a gigantic field. >> Yeah. >> Well, we thank you. Um and appreciate it. Good job, boys. Keep it up. Thank you. >> Right. Dr. Carter. >> Yes. At this time, I turn things over to Mr. Thank you, Dr. Carter. Good evening, Vice Chair Mackey and

048members of the board. Tonight, I would like to provide a brief update on our food services program and our continued partnership with Chartwell's dining services. Chartwells remains a valued partner of South Windsor Public Schools and continues to support our students, staff, and families through both daily operations and school community engagement. Their team participates in wellness initiatives, school events, and student focused programming that positively enhances the school experience. Operationally, the program continues to perform very well, serving approximately 50,000 meals each month across the district while maintaining a strong focus on nutritious, highquality meals and efficient services. From a financial standpoint, we continue to prioritize maintaining a healthy food service fund balance to ensure the program remains self- sustaining. It is important to note that funds within the food service account can only be used for expenses

049directly related to the food service department, including equipment repairs, replacements, and operational needs. Under state guidelines, food service fund balances may not exceed three months of annual expenditures within a state approved expenditure plan. Based on FY2025 expenditures, South Windsor's allowable limit is approximately $853,000. Our current projected year-end balance this year is approximately $700,000, which remains well within the allowable threshold and does not require the district to submit a state expenditure plan. Current expenditure plans include utilizing a portion of these funds to support the replacement of aging and inoperable equipment within the high school kitchen. The district is currently evaluating equipment priorities, associated cost, and an impleation timeline for these upgrades. Overall, I I remain very pleased with the strong partnership we have established with Chartwells and appreciate their continued commitment to supporting the health, wellness,

050and nutritional needs of our students. This concludes my portion of the report and now I'd like to turn the next portion of the presentation over to our director of dining services, Shannondia White Brown. And with her tonight is also Jamie Davies, who is our area director from Chartwells. We'll be transitioning to a PowerPoint presentation and then we'll be happy to answer questions when the presentation's complete. Good evening, Vice Chair Mackey and fellow board members. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you tonight. My name is Shannidia White and I am proud to serve as the dining service director for South Windsor. I first joined the district in February 2022 as a bench dining service director with Chartwells. At that time, I came here to learn and grow in school nutrition. After the

0512022 school year, I took a chef manager role in Weathersfield. Now, I am very happy to be back where it all started. I rejoined South Windsor in September 2025, and I am excited to continue serving this district and creating great food experience for our students and community. At Troutwells K12, our focus is simple. We feed students, support our team, and strengthen our community. Every meal is a chance to support student success. We know students do better when they are wellfed, energized, and excited about their meals. I did press the arrow. >> That wasn't supposed to happen. >> Oh, okay. Oh, okay. >> Yes, thank you. So, just this one. >> As I mentioned, every meal we serve is about supporting student success, but none of this work happened without the people behind it. A strong

052food program start with strong people. I am very proud of our team. Across six schools in the central office, we have 36 dedicated staff members who work hard every single day to serve our students and support our district. Trout Wills believe in recognizing hard work and tonight I am happy to share two promotions. First, Trudy was promoted from Sono Cook to lead at Pleasant Valley. Trudy shows strong leadership, dedication, teamwork every day. She makes a positive impact on her co-workers and students. I also want to recognize Angela who was promoted from head cashier to head lead at the high school. Angela is reliable, professional, and very supportive of her team. She is a strong leader and a great part of our program. We are proud of both Trudy and Angela, and we look forward to

053seeing them continue to grow. During National School Lunch Week, our theme was Taste the World, your school lunch passport. Students tried foods from different countries like Italy and Mexico. We also added fun activities like coloring page and word searches. Students enjoy trying new foods and learning about other cultures. National School Lunch Breakfast Week 2026 was also a big success. We turned our cafeteria into a fun night theme adventure. Students enjoy items like dragon egg sandwiches, French sticks, breakfast banana splits. The banana splits were so popular that student asked for them again and we brought them back. We also continue to focus on fresh and healthy food every day. This year we serve over 8 82,000 lbs of fresh fruits and vegetables from local and regional farms. This supports both students health and local farmers. Students

054really enjoy our fun days and this year we continue adding even more excitement to school meals. Some of our fun days include cheese pizza day, pancake day, spaghetti day, parfait day, vegetarian day, and cheeseburger day. These special menu days give students meal they look forward to and enjoy. We also ran several special campaign throughout the year. From August through October, we featured our dip in to flavor campaign, offering popular sauce such as honey buffalo, Korean barbecue, Sriracha honey mustard, and many more flavorful options. From November through February, we introduced chili days, warm bellies, which focus on warm, comforting meals during the cooler months. Middle school students can be challenging to enga to engage but stu but sometimes simple ideas work best. In October we brought back TE's corn chucking contest and it was a big

055su success. Students compete during lunch waves along with staff and administrators. The cafeteria was full with energy, laughters and cheering. Students compete for a cornfield trophy with goodies and for bragging rights as the fastest trucker. Each round winners move on to the final um competition and we crowned a new champion this year. This event also helped us prepare nearly three Brussels of corn quickly which was served fresh the next day with no waste. It was a fun and successful event for everyone. In December 2025, we hosted a tasting event called Spice It Up at the middle school. Students tried different spice and flavors like cinnamon and pure crisp and cayenne and hot chocolate. It was a fun way to explore new tastes. In January 2026, we held another event called Plant Power at Pleasant Valley.

056Students tried a fruit pizza and learned about plant-based food and how they can support health and mood. Our dietician Julia also share monthly newsletter with schools and family. These include cafeteria updates, events, food facts, and easy recipes families can try at home. On May 1st, we celebrated school lunch hero day. We decorate the cafeteria the night before so staff walk into a surprise celebration. It was a special day to recognize our cafeteria teams. These staff member work hard every day. They prepare meals, support students, and create a welcoming space. They do much more than serve meals. They make a difference in students lives. We thank them for all they do every day. Oh, okay. Sorry. Um, this year, catering supports several district events like the Polychelli Awards and Staff Appreciation Week where we serve a

057special pretzel treat. Catering is about more than food. It's about connection. It brings students, families, and staff and the community together. We support events like new teachers orientation, open houses, family nights, and district events. We also work with PTO's and schools to support celebration and school spirit event. We also serve visiting guests, guests, and partners, making sure they feel welcome and appreciated. When school needs help, we are we are there. Our goal is to support learning, connection, and supported and community through food and service. As I close tonight, I am very proud of what we have done this year and even more excited of what is ahead. Thank you to the board, district leaders, school staff, and our Trowell team for for your support. We cannot do we cannot do this work alone. It's it

058takes a team. Together, we are not just serving meals. We are helping supporting learning, building connections, and strengthening our community every day. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to continue working with you all. >> All right. Thank you. Anybody have any questions? Mr. Armstrong? >> Yeah. Um, maybe a dumb one, but how do you connect with local farmers and how does the food get from those farmers to the schools? >> I can certainly answer that. So we have uh our >> so our our uh main produce supplier is uh Sardilli uh produce right here in Hartford and they have multiple partnerships across uh the state New England and New York uh with local farmers. So they purchase it and they handle the uh the proc any required processing and distribution for us.

059Uh we also partner with um other local farms uh Cherelli Farms in Northford where they'll do a dedicated crop for us. So we'll tell them that we want x amount of certain produce um grown that year and then we'll purchase the the entire crop. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else, >> Mr. Marks? >> Well, thank you for the presentation and all the work you do in our schools every day. I know last year, I believe it was last year, I we increased our school lunch prices by was it 25 cents. Are there any plans to do that this year as well or is that or or next year? >> We don't have plans to do that for next year. We're not anticipating that that would come up. Um we may we'll revisit that again a

060year from now. >> Okay. Sounds good. Just want to make sure. Thank you. >> Anybody else? I I just will say that uh every week on Sundays we look through what the kids are going to want, which days they can buy and I am always blown away by the options and the and the the choices that they have. Um not to sound old, but compared to what we had and I thought we had a good but these things are and the pictures on the website are very helpful. Um and I just think that like when our kids when I tell them there's certain foods, they get very excited about it and they're pumped about buying that. So, I think that is um they just it if some of you haven't looked at it, it's not

061just like old pasta. It's like fancy stuff that like it's pretty impressive. So, um uh I just think you guys do do a really really great job. Um I do think on the on the school side of it, what we could do is use more of an educational uh aspect of trying to teach our kids because sometimes I'll say to my son like, "What did you get?" And he'll like, "I got this." But he doesn't know that he can always get the fruit and stuff like that. That's on our end. Nothing to do with you. But since the topic's being brought up, I thought it was important that maybe we can somehow work that in. Um because I'm especially the younger grades and probably harder, but that's something I think we could do. But like

062I said, the lunches are really, really great. And you know, we've been fortunate enough ourselves to to taste it as well. So, thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Of course. Good. All right. Moving on. Um Mr. Nettles, do you have a motion for us? >> I do. uh in response to the town council's $682,162 reduction to the board of education's fiscal year 2027 proposed budget. Uh move to approve the budget reductions as presented. >> All right. Do we There's a motion. Do we have a second? I I think >> no the the corre I think it's written in the motion sheet incorrectly. It said 682 but it's 628. So I think those two numbers might have gotten transposed. So just so people are aware the cut is $628,162. >> Okay. So

063we don't have to read that again. We're good with that explanation. Okay. Did we have a second? I'm sorry. >> We have a second. All right. Any discussion on on this? >> Um, so, uh, Mrs. Walsh is handing out to you, um, a document that outlines, uh, my recommendations to the board, uh, how we reach that 628,000. Um, as you are aware, the board proposed a $16,949,445 um budget proposal and the actual appropriation is the $16,321,283 representing a reduction in the requested appropriation as I said of 628,162. Um in front of you is a list of a proposal of how we meet that reduction. Um it comes into four categories. One area is shifting costs to parents and caregivers. So rather than removing programs or cutting programs, we're shifting the cost of those programs to

064the enduser. Um the other category are staffing positions that you'll see right back again in 2028. We're deferring them another year. Um, another category is relying heavier on Medicaid funds um to meet the needs of our 18 to 22 year old program. And the final category is uh to reduce our health care account. Those are the four categories. I'll just go over them a little bit more specifically. When we're talking about shifting costs to parents and caregivers, we are talking about things such as uh there are a whole host of field trips um that the board had in the past paid for uh for families. Now um we will need to ask families to contribute to make those field trips work. Uh that would uh be a savings. I'm going to use approximations here. $56,000.

065Um elementary bike week, we are looking to restructure that and deliver that differently. Um and by doing that differently and um uh not only structuring it differently but also uh the cost of the helmets and other costs associated with the program would shift to families and that would be about $8,400. Um we're looking at shifting about $5,000 worth of middle school gifted and talented program field trips to families who participate. Uh the middle school matinea fees will increase by $10 generating another $5,000. The high school athletics would have an increase for pay for play uh with an increase of $50 per sport including caps which would generate about $30,000. Um, and then there's a whole bunch of high school activities uh that we'll need to increase the cost to families such as the cost of

066uh dance tickets, um, honor courts at graduation, uh, nth grade t-shirts, different things that really fall under high school activities that will no longer be funded by the board's appropriation. And that would uh, be approximately $14,000 um, from the appropriation in deferring to FY2028. These are the two positions that as you know as a board that when you increase the budget over the um proposed budget, the superintendent's proposed budget, we included an elementary uh behavior specialist and at Eli Terry and a high school social studies teacher. Um those positions are now back to being deferred to FY28. You'll see them again. Um, the transition program, as you know, is been on a search for a a new home uh due to space constraints at our high school, and the funding for that um move would

067come from Medicaid funds rather than the board's appropriation. And then we are reducing the healthc care account um by $261,00086 well $86 I should say. Um, and I want to speak to that last one a little bit differently than the others. The others would be permanent cuts to um, our appropriation and that those expenses would no longer be held by the board. Um, the healthc care account reduction uh, is a good segue into um, the news that we did get, great news, we did get some funding from the state that will help uh, offset this. Um, it's important to note, however, that the offset from the state uh is one-time money, and if we rely on it for just regular business, we're creating a funding cliff the following year. So, we're always very careful whenever

068uh we have the ability to avoid a fiscal cliff, we do. So that offset will um allow us to the reduction from the board's appropriation into the healthcare account will now have a one-time deposit from state funding for the for a like amount of $261,086. The remaining funds from the state of the total of 456,324, the remaining funds would be going to high school facilities planning, which again would be one-time uh costs for costs uh that we need to incur in order to begin planning for the additional 350 children coming to the high school and the space constraints and the uh changes that we may need to make to accommodate that. So the while it's great news that we did receive that funding from the state, it doesn't completely um mitigate the reduction we need

069to make because we need to start making actual reductions to the appropriation and not just relying on one-time money only. Um so that's just a very high level overview of how we reach the $628,162 reduction to the proposed appropriation. Happy to answer any questions. I I think I just want to make it known again. I'm just going to read that motion again with the new number if we can. So, in the response to the town council's 628162,000 reduction to the board of education's FY2027 proposed budget, we move to approve the budget reductions as presented so that we we have that official uh number in there. So, now we'll open it up to questions. Mr. Sorry for a territorial question, but um I what's the impact on social studies at the high school not getting the

070additional position? >> Well, the impact um as we we've talked about in other meetings is that eventually um and it's already happening. Students get turned away from the electives and the choices that they want. So, the first stage is that students are getting um turned away and that's already happening. Um the next stage is that you're not even offering the course at all. Uh eventually if you don't have the right staffing levels in each of the content areas, what will happen is the the the graduation requirements become the priority and the electives that students have and the choices that they have start to dwindle because the limited staff that we have has to focus on just those things that are graduation requirements. Um so we're already feeling the effects of this. Um but it will

071be great news if next year we can get that position in. But it's not unique to social studies. we will start to see um a reduction in opportunities for children if we um don't staff the high school at the level it requires to um maintain the kinds of programming that we've offered in the past. >> And and I might my worry is that this stuff this year is sort of around the fringes you could call it. you know, uh, if if we keep going down this path, and this is an obvious statement, it's going to start to hit the core, and I worry as early as next year that might be the case, but that's down the pike, but it's a great worry on my part. >> Your your um concern is wellounded. Um, this

072is something we've talked about at many meetings and we're trying to forecast for the future. Um, but that is obviously something that the high school will continue to collect stats on the numbers of of stu they they collect this data about what kids ask for, how many were able to get their first choice, their second choice, um, and what courses uh, will we need to discontinue to make room in a teacher schedule for more of the just the straight graduation requirements. Electives are also a requirement, by the way. It's just that they'll have fewer choices amongst what they could select. And for many upper classmen, as we all know, it's often times the electives that will that will turn kids on. >> Absolutely. >> And uh it's just unfortunate. >> Thank you, Mr. Caldwell. >>

073Uh one of the things that we ask a lot of people that come up here to speak is that if money were no object, well, we don't we don't have that luxury. And I think Dr. Carter put together a good budget in the beginning and we agreed upon it. We even agreed to increase some of it, but like the I don't want to see any cuts. I don't like to see I mean I'm a taxpayer in town. I don't want to pay any more taxes than I already do. But, you know, reality is reality and we're we're going to have to. But the first top the first five items on this thing are approximately $100,000. Those directly impact people in this town. It's it's almost like another tax in my world. Um, so even though

074I know that we have to cut things and and some things are teachers, which are unfortunate with social studies and everything, th this is a direct impact to people that will play a sport or being in a band or or whatever they're going to do. And to me, that hurts. And and I I don't think that unfortunately the town council didn't agree on our budget. And and I I unfortunately I think that that I think is unfortunate but you know it kind of bothers me that we have to do things like that but those I understand those are the things that we have to do. I mean, I remember I'm an old person, so I remember when pay for play first came out, and it's like, what? And and I, you know, everything has a

075cost to it, and I know certain sports are more expensive than others. And this is unfortunate that these are the steps that we have to take even with the Medicare and Medicaid and the transitional programs and the teachers. You know, cuts stink. We We don't do them because we enjoy them or or like, "Oh, we want to make some extra money this year, so we'll cut something." And and I'm going to say this and I'm probably I know people get nervous sometimes when I speak, but there used to be a superintendent that would ask for 20% if he needed 10. That's not the case with Dr. Carter. If she needs a dollar, she asks for a dollar. She doesn't ask for $2. She doesn't ask for five. And unfortunately, you know, we put together what

076I thought or what we thought was a very good budget. And unfortunately, it did get cut. And it got cut a lot more than I thought it would. So with that, I'm I'm just a little disappointed in that and that's it. >> Mr. Marks. >> Well, thank you. I I am also share a lot of your thoughts and very disappointed that for the third year in a row and my third year of me being on the board, we were in a position where we're having to make cuts uh to our schools. Um thanks to what Mr. Caldwell said. The town council talked a lot about uh tax, what they see as tax relief for our residents. Coming in at 3.9% is obviously great and in line with what we've had past years, but that comes

077at the expense of families and families are struggling from rising costs across the board, whether it's gas prices or healthcare as we see affecting our own schools. So, it's very disappointing and we're basically erasing any tax relief that these families might experience. Um, but I do have a couple questions uh about our budget reductions. The first being, what would be the percent increase of the budget once we add in the $456,000 for next year? >> So, Chris could do that math. I I'm guessing, but what I do want to make clear though is that that won't be the percentage increase. So sometimes we use the word budget and sometimes we use the word appropriation. So there is a spending plan that the board has every year, but our spending plan includes funds that aren't um

078exclusively from the appropriation, which is the dollar amount that affects the South Windsor taxpayer. So the appropriation we get from the council is what drives taxes up or down. Um and then there are other monies, grants and things like these grants um that offset the budget, but they don't factor in to the appropriations percentage. So the the percentage that that we are um that we are officially increasing by over last year's appropriation is 7.53%. Um and that will be the base on which we will um uh base next year's increase on. So the 456 it's great but it's not part of the base that that's the appropriation that when you hear the numbers um about next year's increase will be based on the 7.53. It won't be based on a different number um because we

079had uh state uh funding uh that's one time and and um uh not part of the council's appropriation if that makes sense. Um, but we certainly could. I I I worry because I've heard commentary that people like, "Oh, but you got 456, so it's all set." And it's one-time money. It's not baked into the budget. It's not part of the appropriation. So, you have to people need to know that next year's ask will be based on the appropriation, not additional dollars. >> Okay. Um All right. And I I know hopefully that onetime funding will become more than one time because I know the governor created a blue ribbon commission and ECS funding. So hopefully uh at some point in the next couple years we'll see increased funding across the board which will help kind of

080solve some of these cliffs. Um, for the elementary bike week, I've heard concerns from people that own walk-in wheelies, which helped to coordinate this program, um, that we'd either be cutting it entirely or we'd be shifting it to being voluntary for students where they could stay after school and participate in the programming. Uh, I guess first just the justification behind that. Uh, and then second is that is that's kind of how we're shifting the structure as you mentioned. >> Sure. So, the bike week is rather than um just cancel bike week as a cut and we just won't do it anymore. Um we thought we would try to restructure it next year and we'll be piloting it. We don't know if it'll be successful or not, but anytime you try something new, you got to

081see how it goes. And so by Wednesday afternoons, families are often looking for something for students to do on our early release Wednesdays. So, it's our intention to work with our physical education department. All the um PE teachers are aware of this and have had conversation um to offer that to families on Wednesday afternoons which may meet a need um just in terms of kids having activities to do and then they would sign up and pay to be a part of it. So it's sort of like pay for play if you would but at the elementary level instead of at the high school athletics level. Um and that way the students that are participating are students who want to be a part of it. Um, it does have the added benefit, which is not financially

082motivated per se, but it does have the added benefit. Um, it's often bike week, as great as it is, it's very disruptive to the elementary schedule. It requires, um, PE teachers to be out of their buildings for extended periods of time while they go and help out bike week somewhere else. Um, and this would uh, mitigate that impact and be have less uh, disruption. and kids in their building who often, you know, they they love their PE teacher and now they won't have a sub um because their PE teacher has to be somewhere else because it's bike week. So, we view this as not um cutting bike week, but restructuring it and offering it to families in a different way. Um there is a cost uh up until now the district has picked up the

083cost for the helmets and the students keep their helmets and there's also the cost of substitute teachers. So, whenever a PE teacher's out of the building at another school, you now have to pay for a sub in that building so that students can still have PE even though their PE teacher is not there. Um, so we're going to try this um and see if it's successful. Uh, this unfortunately um these are the kinds of conversations that we're going to be having and I to Mr. Armstrong's point, this this is the kind of we're going to be having more and more conversations um like this. I agree with the characterization that this is a you could call it a form of a tax. Um it is shifting the cost to the enduser. Um which some would

084argue is helpful say for our seniors in town who aren't benefiting directly. Um that it shifts the cost to those families and kids that will experience these programs directly. Um but I do appreciate the comments that were made. Uh because sometimes I think we think that um there's only one group of taxpayer in town and our families are taxpayers too and they're stretched thin with all the costs of raising their children. Um so it it's not just that um our seniors are are experiencing tax increases. Our families are as well. And then you could argue this is another cost. However, I think what we'll need to do moving forward, not just in this proposal, but future proposals, is eventually we're just going to have to pass on costs and then if eventually families decide that

085they can't or won't or don't want to contribute, then those programs may go away. Um, but at least with this focus, what we're trying to do is save programs like Bike Week, but just offer it in a different way before we just um just completely uh eliminate a program. >> Thank you. I think when you see numbers as low as we do in most budgets, um, you know, obviously families and students will be experiencing much greater than the numbers may show, but I'd love for people to go to the town council and see how much $5,000 would save the average taxpayer. If we were to add that back to the budget, my estimation is we're saving each taxpayer five or 10 cents at most. And that's probably pretty generous. Um, so is $8,500 that we're

086cutting from this budget really worth five cents a taxpayer? And this is something that I exper I you know went through this program when I was in third or fourth grade, I believe. And and I know it's something that benefits both our students greatly and our community members and walking railways that really enjoy this program as well as our PE teachers. But um my next question is for uh the honor cords. Uh how much are we charging per for honor cord? >> I believe it's $4. And just for clarification because I know there was some misinformation that may have circulated um through various um publications. This none of these things are for profit. Um it's to cover the cost. So, the honor cords, we were picking up the cost of the honor cords. And quite

087frankly, when I saw the size of the bill, I had a hard time defending uh that this is the taxpayer should be picking up such a large bill when families could pick it up for the $4 for each cord. Um, and but I do I I think there might have been a misunderstanding that that's just to cover the costs. It's not generating profits or revenue for the district. It just means that no longer is the taxpayer going to pick that up. And in my estimation, because uh families are already paying for caps and gowns, um it seemed reasonable um to add the honor expense onto families um in light of other things that we're trying to save and not cut, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. And and I I mean I guess the honor

088cords too. My assumption is because I saw there was some misinformation on Facebook and in other places um that people would be able to buy whatever honor cords. My assumption is that if a student has earned about an honor cord that would give the family the option to buy the honor cord. It's not like everybody could buy like 15 honor cords and somehow we'd be making tens of thousands of dollars from this. Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. Um for the behavioral specialist uh we are keeping I know there are two FTEEs this year. We are keeping one FTE in the budget >> for the be Oh, there's a behavior specialist at TE. Is that the one? Yes, that's that is remaining in the budget. >> Okay. All right. Um and then also for med when

089you say rely on Medicaid funds, what exact exactly does that mean? So Medicaid funds and and we felt that this was appropriate um sourcing because of the nature of the transition program. Um there is a program where the district will take in funds based on services. So as our student it's it's very time consuming and it requires a lot a lot of paperwork. Um but we do get reimbursed partially for some of the services that students partake in. So, we have to track all that, submit it, and then we will get back Medicaid funds in back to the district. And since this program um is one of our special education programs, and many of those services are associated with special education, we thought Medicaid would make sense to to be the source of funding for

090this. That's not, again, as you know, you've been very um clear about it, relying on on reserve funds um if you would, um is is not a a long-term plan. Um, you know, last year to meet the the 1.3 million cut, we um we relied heavily on reserves. Well, that's not a strategy that you can do year after year after year. This year, you're seeing um a strategy of protecting programs, but asking families to pay for them if we want to keep them. Next year, th that strategy may get um uh be stretched as far as it can, and then eventually you're just cutting programs. So, we're we're we're on a trajectory towards that. Um, but I I do feel that based on the Medicaid funds that we can anticipate coming in that we felt

091that that would be an appropriate way to manage that um that cost. >> Yeah. Thank you. And I and I think nobody on this board and hopefully nobody in the council wants to see our programs being cut eventually at some point in the future. Um, when I was elected to the board, as is the case with all the all the eight members of the board, we were elected to move our schools forward unless unfortunately we have not been uh that has not been the case the past couple years and we've seen consecutive years of cuts which hopefully uh we will not see next year. Unfortunately, as we know, I fear that next year is an election year, which means, you know, this might be a worse next year, but hopefully the council will see the

092value in funding education fully. Um, and hopefully we'll be able to get some more assistance from the state to be able to offset some of the costs in the budget. So, thank you and thank you to your team for everything you do. I know having to go through the budget and make these reductions is not easy. Having to tell teachers and principles that what you might thought you might be have been getting or what you requested you're not going to be able to get is not easy. So, thank you for all the work you do and hopefully a year from now we'll be in a much different position. Thank you, >> Miss Yanoway. Yeah, I I just want to echo everything that's already been said by my fellow board members. This is obviously not what

093any of us were hoping to see after the the council's vote. Um it's deeply unfortunate and deeply disappointing that we are in this position. Um and I appreciate all of the very hard work you all made uh or you all did to make these choices. Um, I recognize that this is essentially making the best of a very bad situation. So, thank you. >> I do Can I just add one thing? Um, we tal we're talking a lot tonight about shifting costs to to families, but please know that students that are eligible for free and reduced lunch or families that need financial assistance, we're still going to be doing those things. Um, so we we will never be in a situation where a child is not going because he or she can't afford the fee for

094the field trip. I we're going to work with families on that. Um, but you know, the reality is um if if we don't get the funding from families, then we just don't do the programs. And that to me is another stage that we're not at yet. We're at this stage at this point. I I certainly um share the points being made. Um really if ECS formula could change and benefit South Windsor to a greater degree than what it does now um that would be a gamecher for us. Um so certainly paying attention to the state and what they're looking to do with ECS um would be uh very important and and could be potentially you know good news uh for South Windsor. Um, you know, I I appreciate uh Mr. Caldwell's comments um about I

095don't ask for a$120 if I only need a dollar. And that has been said uh by many fiscal conservatives in town, no less. Um, and I I just um I I just hope that people realize that um when there's only I believe I think it was 10 when there's only 10 towns spending more per spending less per people pupil than you that again you've heard me say it many times we don't have a spending problem we have a funding problem right so um it's uh it we're not in a position when when we're when our per pupil is so low in compared to the rest of the state that eventually you're as efficient as you can get and then eventually it just comes down to a philosophical discussion about whether we can or cannot afford

096certain programs and believe me I don't take it lightly. I mean taxes are have a a difficult impact on on all kinds of families in our community including our seniors. Um, so we don't take that lightly, but I do think that there may be I I worry that people, despite us having said it, I don't know how many times we could have said it, we are trying to forecast this trajectory so that no one is surprised and and caught off guard when they suddenly hear we're cutting programs that they can't believe that we're considering cutting. Um, so we have sounded the alarm. I think we've done as much forecasting as we possibly can in every public arena. Um but eventually this trajectory will will mean short of if we get better state assistance to a

097significant degree then that might really change this conversation. >> Mrs. Shaw. >> Yeah. No, thank you Dr. Carter. I think you just answered one of my question I had that if there were families that weren't able to pay for the field trips what we would do because I could see that could create a conundrum in class as well if there's some kids going to the field trip versus some kids who are not going. You know how we figure that out. But I also want to thank you and your team for going back to the board looking at things of how we can work with this budget cut. And even though I know this hurts for shifting costs to the parents and caregivers, um, but we're still staying away from cutting major programs that we're all

098afraid of that eventually may have to dip into such as STEM and other programs that we all love. Um, so I do appreciate what your team has done to try to avoid that just yet. So glass half full, we have that. So thank you. >> Anybody else? >> All right. So there's a few things on here that I think is is important for us to acknowledge. Um, but I one of the things the sports stuff, Dr. Carter, I think sometimes people don't always understand where this money would go to. So they they say, "Oh, you're uppering at $50, whatever." thinking it goes to us somehow. Yeah. Don't forget we have to pay for officials that get paid more. The buses may take take more. Uh all the extra costs when we go to different tournaments

099or our teams make the tournament that could cost us certain money. Do you have any insight on or maybe I just summed it up enough and we have to raise this not just because of things that we're doing but the world is going up and and for us to be able to just continue to do what we're doing it's going to cost more money. >> Yes. Um, you know, the the pay for play is, you know, it's unfortunate. We don't want to charge people more for sports, but to your point, >> it's not like suddenly we're going to have a whole bunch of extra money. >> Pay for play just pays for a small fraction of the true cost of running a a full athletics program. You mentioned transportation, a significant cost, but think about

100all the coaches and all the equipment and the uniforms. And so there's there's a lot it's an expensive program to run a high school athletics uh program. So the pay for play is not suddenly oh sports is covered. It just offsets. It's an offset to the full cost and we're just trying to offset it at a higher degree than what we were say a year ago. >> Yep. And I think going to the bike week stuff, obviously uh being a PE teacher, I understand that there is a lot that goes into that and I I wonder what what the partnership could be and we have the chair chairman of the parks and rec commission um and what we could do to somehow partner with that because I I'm also thinking of the teacher that's away

101and helping another school. Does that mean my kid lost being with their PE teacher for the whole week or that one day that 45 minutes or whatever it is that they get because they had to leave? I'm assuming that's probably what happens. that's also not fair to everybody else. So, I I I I hear what you're saying, Mr. Marks, but I also don't know if there is a great solution to that. I wonder if there's some way that we can work with the parks and wreck because that is a subcommittee of them, I believe. So, that they, you know, they have what, five wreck supervisors and somehow maybe we can work that in that way. The kids are still getting the bike week and learning all that and somehow working it into our schools if

102we're still able to do that in the future. I like I said, I don't have a a solution at the right now that probably works for everyone, but I do see both sides of that. Um, and I think it's just like a it's a difficult it's a difficult decision that we might have to make. Um, the what I might also say here might be unpopular as well. Um, I think we've all none of us would be here if we all weren't upset or any of those things about the reduction that the council made, but I also think we al we have to kind of at some point stop and step back and look at like we're playing a different game than we used to play and we have to there's different rules involved and we

103have to make sure that, you know, Dr. Carter said we're not at that stage yet. I would argue that we need to start planning for that stage now for the future. you know, we do we we don't maybe have all the answers of what the future might bring, but we need to start preparing for making some of those cuts like uh Mr. Armstrong said whether it's now because as much as we want to say that next year it's not we are there's going to be cuts. I'd be if it doesn't I'll leave my post. I I I it's just going to happen. So, we need to stop pretending and we can't become Washington where we're against the council and they're against at some point we have to all, you know, decide that we're going to

104try to work together to find revenue and find ways to still keep our schools moving forward and not do this because when I look at this, you know, $8,000, $5,000, this is nothing. I mean, it's not nothing, but it's it's nothing in the grand scheme of where we're going to have to go. At some point, we're gonna have to make a decision of what programs are going to make it or not. And as much as all of us are going to say we don't want it, we can't believe it's going to happen, let's start preparing for that now and have that conversation. And I think I'm I can I can say this is that I also know that the the council and and and the board leaders are are planning to have conversations sooner than

105later that we can try to figure out a way that we can all work together to to keep moving us in the right direction, but also keep our our schools funded appropriately obviously. We would all love more. You know, there's nobody here that can understand that that that we need a more history teacher more than Mr. Armstrong or any of these things. So, I think it's just we really need to kind of maybe turn the page on kind of some of the things that we've been doing and start to focus on this isn't changing. It's not we're not going to get to a point where we're going, oh, okay, we don't have to make any cuts. It's going to be like that for a while until we figure out how the town can bring in

106more money. And maybe that's not our decision. Maybe that is the council's decision. And hopefully they're working at on those things. But and I hope I don't mean to come across as kind of frustrated with it, but I feel like I look at this and this isn't going to cut it. This isn't going to cut it in the future. And as much as we want to say, and next year we'll sit here and go, we hope the council doesn't make that cut. Well, they have a job to do as well. And luckily, and what we're lucky and our kids are lucky, is that we have an admin team that is actually willing to work with us and make decisions and not let things do fall by the wayside or make inappropriate decisions. we have people

107that are making the right financial decision. So, I'm at least confident in the fact that we have the right people, the right players on the team. Uh, wow, that's that's sounds like Mr. Zimmerman, right? Making these sports jokes. Um, but we have the right team in place. We just got to figure out, I think, how we can all kind of get in the right mindset of moving us in the right direction and stop thinking things are going to change because they're not. They're just not going to change. And as we move forward, we're we really need to um start thinking of that, I think, right away. Um, that's that. Um, Dr. Carter, would it be the right comment to say that if once these things go into effect, any parents, the community members can contact

108the athletic director, the principal, if they have any specific questions, maybe go to their teachers if they have problems paying for something. What would be the right way? I know we're not going to leave anybody behind, but what in the community should they do? Like, who should they contact directly? So um it it I think it would depend on the situation. I'm not sure if there's a formal process for pay for play currently now how how a parent would be able Yeah. So right now uh specifically if you're a parent who is on the free and free and reduced lunch program or if you may um need to apply for that in the future, there is a waiver form on that. There are several items that you can check that says it gives us the

109authority to then pass that information on to whoever that um leader is of that program. So for example, that would be um Mr. Sutulik who's our athletic uh coordinator and he uh is eligible to get that information and then he'll know that within any of the athletic programs that um that would either be a free or reduced charge. >> Okay. I I think it's just it is important and as Mrs. Shaw said like no kid's going to get left off the team or not getting to go on the field trip for any reason. That should not be a concern um for anybody. Um but I think if if any parent has a question or comment, they should be able to reach out reach out to their principal or their classroom teacher or the athletic director

110and they'll be able to at least point them in the right direction uh so they know who to contact. Um before I end, I think it's very important that we acknowledge something very very important. Um we have our very own budget queen as Mr. Murka whose birthday is today and I think as we as we finalize and we hopefully turn the page on this year's budget which is always a fun process. Um we we thank you all for the work that you do and the principles that have tirelessly uh worked on this budget but and how you're spending your birthday. I couldn't think of a better way for you. Um um but and and our gift to you is the process is really going to start in but just probably a few short weeks. So,

111um, happy birthday from the board. Um, but I do think it's important that as much as we go through all this and you know, we have to sometimes be the advocates that are going out there and fighting and and talking with our repres people that we are uh our colleagues about it, but also you're the ones sitting in the office all day looking at the numbers and trying to figure out how you can present something to us without us going crazy about anything. So, that might actually be harder than some of the job that we actually have to do. So, uh, as we hopefully can move on and start fully preparing, as I know, uh, Mr. Szo was starting to do the hiring. They've already been doing a lot of the hiring process. Now, we

112can really move forward and and and prepare for another great school year. But, happy birthday. And, um, like I said, I think it's probably a few weeks away till you'll start next year's budget all over again. So, uh, any other comments before we move on? >> Good. Oh, we got need a vote. We need a vote, right? We had a motion and did we have a second for that motion? We had a second. We had our discussion. All those in favor? You have to say something, guys. All those in favor? I. Okay. All those uh are there any um absentions? Anything? No. No. We're good. Motion passes. Great. Good. Okay. Um we're moving on there. Um, Mr. Marks, can you read um the motion, >> please? >> Yes, sir. Uh, move to approve the fiscal

113year 2026 fourth budget status report as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Any discussion? Do you have Mr. Marco? Sorry. Go ahead. >> Thank you again. Uh, tonight I'm presenting the fourth budget status report of the year. Overall, the district remains aligned with our projected yearly expenditures. As is typical throughout the year, adjustments between budget accounts are necessary to ensure expenditures are properly aligned and all accounts remain balanced by year end. At this time, the district has identified approximately two or not approximately, we've identified $210,664 in unallocated balances across several budget categories. The primary budget pressure area continues to be special education. Current projections indicate special education expenses are exceeding the spending plan by approximately $220,000. Through careful monitoring and management of district-wide accounts, we are able to offset the majority of

114these costs using available unallocated balances. The remaining uncovered balance, approximately $9,000, will be addressed prior to year end as additional savings become available. Thus, the recommended transfer request of $210,664 to special education is as follows. $133,197 from program accounts, $49,952 from personnel accounts, $23,614 from benefits accounts, and $3,91 from supply accounts. These available balances are the result of a variety of factors including vacancies, staff changes, leaves, lower than budgeted tuition reimbursements, and savings across district supply and program accounts. I also want to address the district's health reserve healthcare reserve balance. Historically, the district has maintained a self-funded healthcare reserve equal to approximately 25% of projected annual claims which aligns with industry standards for maintaining claims volatility. However, the reserve currently represents approximately 20.5% of projected annual claims. As the fiscal year progresses, we anticipate that

115additional savings will continue to accumulate across the district's more than 2,000 budget accounts. Our recommendation is that any additional year-end unallocated funds first be used to address any remaining necessary account balances such as the special education with any excess funds directed back to the healthcare reserve account. Thank you. That concludes my report. >> Does anybody have any questions? Mr. Marks. >> Well, thank you. First of all, happy birthday. I do have a couple questions, but I will try to get them quickly so you can get home and enjoy the rest of your birthday. Um, I feel like every single time we get one of these status reports, I can't stress enough how important is we do not continue to rely on reserves. Obviously, that is not the case. But, um, my my first question is,

116uh, I know obviously we're getting the the state funding next year. I believe in this fiscal year we are supposed to get about $230,000 from the state. Uh do we have any plan on how that will be used? Will that be discussed during our next morning uh next meeting? Um and kind of what's the outlook on that? >> So I believe you're referring to the drip money which is the money that um is going to be used for um repairs of the building, maintenance of the buildings, that kind of thing. So right now um we're anticipating as you know one of the items our item number two was cut from the capital budget this last Wednesday. As I said we we are we're moving forward with number one item but not the second item which

117was looking at um high school the high school possibilities. So we will be talking about the needs of the high school in this upcoming year or really not even just more more frequently than that. Uh we will be talking about them very soon about some of the needs that we're going to have at the high school. And so we anticipate that depending on what those needs are and how quickly we need to do them that we would likely allocate some of those monies there. Additionally, that money um is allowed to be carried over yeartoear. So it isn't something that we need to absolutely um allocate for this current year. >> All right. Thank you. And then uh my second and last question is I mean maybe this is a good time to talk about surplus

118funds and things like that. I heard our town coun a town counselor say at the meeting where they cut our budget that because we have a surplus um at the end of the year that either means uh we're not managing our our fiscal house responsibly apparently or at the same time that means in the future years that means they should cut us by even more because we don't need those funds at the end of the year. So uh Dr. Carter, if you may, if I can give you an opportunity, just explain uh why surplus funds are an example of our fiscal responsibility and why uh it's not a bad thing. >> Right. And and actually this year uh the we anticipate the surplus funds to be the tightest that it's ever been in in over

119a decade if if ever. >> Um so there for those that don't like surplus funds, there won't be much uh this year if that's helpful. Um but uh you know I I spoke about this during the budget process and you know I tried to keep it very simple which is to say a surplus is a sign of fiscal restraint. Once the town appropriates provides the appropriation dollars it's very I can assure you that our teachers and principles would find a way to spend every last penny of those funds if we didn't create a culture of if you don't need it don't buy it. Right? Um, don't buy magic markers just because if you don't buy them, they might uh you might not get them next year. So now we've got a package of dried out

120markers because somebody was afraid that they would be accused of not needing those funds the following year. So when you have surplus left over it and and in a budget of $106 million, you can imagine um with the number of leaves uh just even on the personnel side, imagine the number of vacancies you may have that you weren't expecting that suddenly generated um some additional funds. Um, so it it really is um I I think a tribute to our end users of the budget, our our budget owners, our principles and and curricular leaders that they know that if they turn over funds, it won't result in a knee-jerk reaction of cutting their budget. It's, hey, thank you for being fiscally responsible. I'm glad you found a, you know, a less expensive, I'll make it up

121textbook, and now you've just generated $5,000 of funds. they don't run out and now they buy everybody a south or high school sweatshirt. They use those funds to offset other needs in the district. And that's why the culture is set up so that at the at the building level if they generate surplus, they know that it's going to help the district in in moving forward. And so the I mean there are plenty of school districts and plenty of municipalities and towns where it is their culture. they know they better spend every penny they were given or someone will think they don't need it. And we've tried to create a more transparent culture which is if you don't need it this year, we we can use it. Like right now our our um you know our

122health reserve is not at the level it should be. So if someone were to generate $5,000 that they were thought they were going to spend but now they didn't, well that's going to help fix the the hole in the healthc care reserve. So, um, you know, I think people sometimes forget that what 1% of a $106 million budget is. Um, you know, we're not coming in with 20% surpluses. These are very, very tiny percentages. In fact, once we know the final numbers for this year, it will be a very small percentage of the budget um that was actually quote unquote allowed for surplus, which I honestly I wish we were going to have a larger one because our healthcare reserve really could use it. Um but uh cost this year did not um allow us

123to really generate the types of surpluses that we've seen in the past. >> Thank you. All right. Yeah, thank you for the answer and all your expertise and I hope people uh around the town and and our leadership in town heard that every single time you explain it. And I just to clarify, I didn't mean that question to be standoffish or aggressive to the town council. Um I think as Mr. Mackey said before, it is important we form a partnership with them. I think this year I can vouch for the fact that there was more communication than there was the past couple years going into the night where they cut our budget. We had a general idea of what they were cutting it. we just go in and they're saying this is what's happening or

124even worse, this is we're going to do it weeks beforehand to try to uh be not transparent about it. So, uh again, thank you. Uh that was not meant to be standoffish and and I yeah, that's what I have to say. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Okay, moving on. New or unfinished business, Mr. Marks. Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, yep. That's true. We had a motion. We had a second. We had a disc. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> I knew it was going to pass. That's why. Okay. Sorry, Mr. Marks. >> Uh, thank you. I move to approve the adoption of the West a new history as presented. >> We just have a personnel report first. >> Yeah, you do. I wrote right there. I missed that. Go ahead. >> Good evening, Vice Chair

125Mackey, and members of the board. I'll keep my personnel report brief. There are five resignations that I'm sharing with you that are included in your board packet. >> I knew you were going to say that, too. >> Where's Genevie? All right. Go ahead, Mr. Marks. >> Third time. Okay. Sorry to interrupt. Um, I move to approve the adoption of the West and New History Textbook as presented. >> We have a second. Any discussion on that? All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Mrs. Shaw. Pursuant to CGS section 10-21F, the South Windsor Board of Education certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its jurisdiction and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education will comply with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards

126during the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. This certification shall include all food offered for sales to students separately from reimburseable meals at all times and from all sources, including but not limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organization and groups. >> Second. >> We have a motion. We have a second. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion passes. Um, Miss Yanoway. Um, the South Windsor Board of Education will allow the sale to students of food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standard and beverages not listed in section 10221Q of the Connecticut General Statutes providing that the following conditions are met. One, the sale is in connection with an

127event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend. Two, the sale is at the location of the event. And three, the food and beverage items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An event is an occurrence that involves more than just a regular scheduled practice meeting or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer games, school plays, intercolastic debates are events, but soccer practices, play rehearsal, and debate team meetings are not. The regular school day is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. Location means where the event is being held and must be in the same place as the food and beverage sales. >> We have a motion. We have our second. Any discussion on that? >> All those in favor

128say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay. Okay, items D through I on the agenda are first reads, so no action is needed tonight, but we will discuss and vote on this in our next scheduled meeting. Does anybody have any committee reports? Seeing none, uh, hearing of visitors, looks as though there's nobody here. Do I have to read this even though there's nobody in the room? No. Okay. Any items for future agenda? No. Can I have a motion to be adjourned? Have a great night, South Windsor. We'll see you next time.