001Heat. Heat. Heat. Good evening everyone and welcome Welcome to the Waterberry Board of Education regular meeting at Waterberry Arts Magnet School. We have a full house tonight. Welcome everyone. Uh we're going to begin this evening with a silent prayer. Do we have any memorials? >> Yes. Thank you, President. In our moment of silence this evening, let us remember former members of the Waterberry Public Schools education community who have passed away. Rosemary Sullivan, retired principal at Carrington Elementary School in Barnard School, passed away on April 23rd, 2026. Next, we have the pledge of allegiance by our two student representatives, Aiden Niha and Han Ismali. Did I say it right? >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and
002justice for all. >> Commissioner Bowen >> Commissioner Anthony Ireland >> present. >> Vice President Latoya Ireland >> here. Commissioner Jackson >> present. >> Commissioner Lopez >> present. >> Commissioner L >> here. >> Commissioner Munz. >> Commissioner Orso >> here. >> Commissioner Van Stone >> present. >> President Brown >> present. Thank you everyone. We have a quorum tonight. We're very excited about presenting our uh Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards. The CAPE student leadership awards program includes seventh and eighth grade students along with high school students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. Two students from each school in a CAD member district which is Waterberry are eligible to receive the student leadership award. School principles are requested to ask their staff for the names of students who exhibit leadership skills based on the following
003criteria. Leadership skills should include willingness to take on challenges, capability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work with others, willingness to commit to a project, diplomacy, and ability to understand issues clearly. So, congratulations to all of you who exemplify those tremendous uh skills and values. Uh, I'll have Jan Frenis will announce the names, please. >> What? >> Good evening. Our first recipients tonight from Carrington School are Skyler Talbert and Kendrick Vasquez. Come on. from Crosby High School. Zikesa Delet Lopez and Aiden Mahia. I'm sorry. One more. Nariah White from Crosby High School. from Dugen Elementary School. Jella Crawford Chambers and Michael Barrier. from enlightenment school. We have Pamela Cologne Cologne and Sonia Gimenez. From Gil Martin School, we have Daniela Sedano and Adam Vlashi. from Kennedy High School. We have Asher Sims
004and Sincere Stevens. from North End Middle School, Jessica Garcia and Franklin Mila Shungo. from Reed Elementary School. Heidi Lema Douchi and Lacricia Silva. from Wallace Middle School. and Jolly Kandai and Benny Nanc from Waterberry Arts Middle School. Allesandre Santos and Belle Wright. from Water Ray Arts High School, Maya Sto and Lton T. Garden. from Waterberry Career. Academy. Michael Butterworth Jr. and LSE Marie Rivera. from Wendel Cross Elementary School. Jaloney Brooks and Donald G. Rios nervous. from Westside Middle School. Adrien Martinez and Nathan Yumba. Congratulations. And last but not least from Wilby High School, Janiah Johnson and Stacy Velasquez. Congratul Congratulations to all of our CAD leadership award recipients and their families. >> Yeah. You want me to make the announcements? >> Sure. >> Okay. So uh with the CE uh leadership award um I think
005it's mandatory for most of the students who have won this is a good time to request like to go out to eat at some point or for some ice cream coming up. So you know you got to take advantage of these moments as best as possible. So um you know work that in work that in somehow but I do want to thank everyone for coming here tonight. Uh congratulations. This is always one of our favorite nights. Um, and as a superintendent, I couldn't be more proud of our students and all that you accomplish. Thank you so much. And so, the board is going to continue on with their um with their agenda. Uh, so some of you are sticking around and some of you have um other plans for tonight. And so, this would be
006a good time. Uh, we're going to take a small recess. Is that correct? To allow you to exit so we can continue with the agenda. But if you want to stick around, feel free to stick around. Thank you so much everybody. >> Thank you. I took a couple of big pictures. >> Is it some Is it something I said? >> What >> is this? >> I thought you were going to buy them ice cream. >> Wow. >> You're Tom is going. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Terrence Terrence is getting >> I thought for sure I thought they brought him >> Carrie. We only do coffee on workshops, right? >> We only do coffee at workshops now, right? >> Yeah. We got >> We could bring you one if you want one. >> Would you
007like a coffee? Congratulations to everyone. We are now going to return to the agenda for our our meeting this evening. Commissioner Bowen number five, please. >> I make a motion to receive and place on file communications as listed. >> Do you hear me? >> Okay. >> Can I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Is there any public uh address to the board this evening? >> We have nobody signed up for public speaking. Okay. Superintendent announcements. Good evening, President Brown, commissioners, student representatives. Uh thank you so much. A short one tonight uh because we met last week. So, just wanted to start off by wishing everyone in the room who's a mother uh a happy belated Mother's Day and just a nice
008few a few nice pictures from Kingsberry Elementary School. Obviously, a lot of our schools did things with their students uh to to get them ready for Mother's Day to celebrate all the moms out there. So, I hope everybody in the Waterberry Public Schools had a wonderful Mother's Day. Just highlighting Willby. Uh Willby had uh an amazing uh uh youth services attendance star awards uh uh banquet where 18 will be students who were considered at risk saw major improvement in their attendance where the average improvement was an absence reduction of over 30%. So congratulations to Willby. Keep it up. >> All right, Willby. Last night, I had the pleasure of going to Tinker Elementary School where we celebrated the 100year uh anniversary of Tinker opening and uh we had a great time and as you can
009see the students uh put on a little performance from Shrek Jr. And so, uh, they did an amazing job. And I want to thank the staff at Tinker School for doing, um, um, a wonderful presentation, uh, being amazing hosts. And I want to thank also our school inspector's office, our chief operating officer to make sure that they spent a lot of time over the last year getting Tinker ready and getting it, you know, a facelift over for this 100 year anniversary. and I had the pleasure of going around to a lot of the rooms with um some people who had graduated I I think they said in the 70s from Tinker and they just really enjoyed walking through the school. So that was a great opportunity for us to celebrate Tinker. So great job uh
010Ryan and team over at Tinker Elementary School and we had a lot of fun uh um recently on May 11th at the Palace Theater where we recognized our amazing uh educators here in the Waterberry Public Schools at our 2026 Celebration of Excellence. I want to thank all of the uh uh uh staff and um and and all those that made the night possible. It was s such a special night. Um I love the walk up music. I love the drum line. Uh it was such an amazing uh experience. And I did see our Hey, teacher of the year. There he is. >> All right. Ready. >> There he is. And I see I think our support staff of the year here somewhere in the Yes, Eve Devon's right there. She's trying to hide. >> I
011see you, Missy. Administrator of the year, Missy Givvani is here as well. >> Man, I like this crowd. We should bring this crowd everywhere. >> I know. Yeah, >> this is like a hype crowd. I love it. >> Hopefully I didn't anybody else in the crowd that I missed. that was a award winner that night. Anybody out there that should have won an award that didn't get No, I'm kidding. All of you. All of you. Trust me. So, thank you all and congratulations to all the winners. And just a a quick reminder to always follow us on social media. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay, president comments. Uh just ditto to everything he said, all the celebrations going on in the district. Uh, one that I attended Saturday was the graduation of post college
012and we had our early college high students. I believe there were 60 of them who are actually got their associates degree before they actually got their high school degree. So, uh, let's give them a round of applause. And also at the uh post college uh our first Waterberry promise students were recognized. We started the scholarship program about four years ago and there were four students recognized by uh post college who who were there uh on the waterberry uh promise scholarship. So it was very very moving to see uh the the fruits of the scholarship program for all of our students. So kudos to everyone who who donates to the scholarship and who and all the families and friends who support these scholars. So thank you very much. >> Yeah, >> lots of happenings. Yep. Our
013student representatives. Who's going first? Aiden. Okay. >> Yes, I am. >> All right. >> Nice and loud. >> I got you. I got you. Got you. >> Good evening, President Brown. Vice President Ireland, Board of Education Commissioners, and Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. My name is Aiden Mahia, and I am representing Crosby High School and Early College High School program. I'm the president of DECA and the captain of the tennis team. I will be attending Columbia University in the fall. >> And I want to say thank you for this experience, the last two years as a board of education student representative. Ahon and I are here to discuss many of our school's positive things and the tremendous progress we've made together. The students at Crosby High School have accomplished some amazing things so far. We recently received
014our preliminary scores for the grade 11 spring SAT that we took here at Crosby. And even though they are just preliminary, Mr. Veronos says they look great. Currently, over 85% of our grade nine students are on track receiving passing grades in six or more of their classes. Wow, that's >> As we reported in the fall, students are coming to school on a daily basis. Our chronic absenteeism rate is the lowest it has been since we came back from the pandemic. Our seniors have been accepted in colleges and universities all across the United States, and we are so proud of them. This year, we have seen many upgrades as a result as of our partnership with the state of Connecticut. We have a new outdoor classroom outside the cafeteria. We opened our new success center, and
015renovations have made been made to our student bathrooms. I would also like to give a shout out to our community partners CJR, CHMA, Dunkin Donuts, ion bank, Post University, and many more. Thank you for everything you do for us. Now, Airhan will share a few more things about what is happening related to Crosby athletics and activities. >> All righty. All right. Good evening, President Brown, Vice President Ireland, Board of Education Commissioners, and Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. My name is Arhani Smiley. I'm a 12th grade student at Crosby High School. I am actively involved in various activities within my school community. I serve as the president of Best Buddies, a program where I help students with intellectual disabilities make new friends and foster meaningful connections. In addition, I am a student council president, a member of the
016mayor's advisory council, and the superintendent's advisory council, as well as the captain of my swim team. Next fall I plan I excuse me. Next fall I plan on attending Quinnipak University to major in criminal justice. >> Woo. All right. >> Thank you. Um majoring in criminal justice with the goal of making a positive impact in my community. We are excited to share some news related to Crosby athletes and activities in sports. We are very excited that our girls softball team is one win away from qualifying for the state tournament for the first time in decades. >> All right. >> Our baseball team is also on the brink of qualifying for state tournaments. >> The boys tennis team has become city champs and has qualified for the team state tournament for the first time in decades
017as well. All right, here we go. We feel that we have so many talented athletes in our school. It's true. In addition to sports, we have many activities taking place. Our spring music concert took place last month. We had two concerts, one for our band and one for our chorus. We had a student versus staff basketball game. A big thank you to Dr. Schwarz for playing in the game. The staff won 69 to 66. It was a great game and many people had tons of fun. In the weeks to come, we look forward to so many things. One thing that we are very excited about is our springfest. Springfest will be taking place next week and was rescheduled from today because of the rain. Springfest is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to come
018together and have a good time. There's food, games, music, and so many different activities for families and students to enjoy. Each season, we have a different festival planned. Thanks to our partnership with the Ward family, we will take our final exams next, excuse me, we'll take our final exams the second week of June. Um, and the class of 2026 will be graduating June 17th at 9:00 a.m. Aiden will take it from here. All right. Before we conclude, I just want to bring up some issues with busing. Many students report buses being late, packed, and at times failing to even stop at their bus stops. We feel more kids will come to school if there were better options available for student busing. Thank you for taking the time to hear from Aaron and I. Go Crosby.
019>> Okay, great. >> Dr. Schwarz. Yeah, I just want to say it's been a pleasure uh serving alongside you two and watching you grow and contribute to the community and I think it's really cool tonight especially because we have some announcements that are coming right after this agenda item. We have a lot of people here from the elementary and middle schools and you can see all the hard work that you all do and you could kind of see it come to fruition with students like this and so it's like a special night to kind of I know there's a lot of people out there saying wow this is what our students become and then this is just the start. I know you too are going to make a major contribution to not just Waterberry but
020wherever you end up uh in your in your in your life whoever you end up you know working with collaborating with um and hopefully hopefully that that's giving back to the water community but you two have been a pleasure and I want to thank you both. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> Fantastic. Okay. Uh, Committee on School Personnel, uh, Commissioner Anthony Ireland. >> Yes. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approved the appointment of Charelle Herbert as North End Middle School principal effective July 1st, 2026. >> Second >> discussion. Dr. Schwarz. >> Absolutely. I'm pleased to recommend Miss Charelle Herbert for the position of North End Middle School principal for Waterberry Public Schools. Miss Herbert is a dedicated and accomplished educational leader who currently serves as an assistant principal at Northn Middle School, a role
021she has held since 2019. A proud product of Waterberry Public Schools and a graduate of Kennedy High School, she began her career as a middle school ELA teacher at Sacred Heart where she spent 11 years before joining Waterberry Public Schools. Throughout her career, Charerelle has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to highquality instruction and student success. In recognition of her excellence in education and leadership, she earned the educator of the year award from University of Bridgeport in 2017 and was named the 2023 Waterberry Public Schools administrator of the year. Known for her consistently mo known for consistently modeling integrity and empathy, Miss Herbert leads with intellect, passion, and a solutionsoriented mindset. She is deeply committed to professional growth, provides specific and supportive feedback to staff, and fosters a collaborative culture through her coaching centered approach
022to leadership. Pending your vote tonight, we look forward to her continued impact in this leadership role as principal of North Middle School. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Congratulations. Ray, I think we needed the drummers for this. The staff is here, so that's good enough for tonight. They stepped in. Good evening, President Brown, Vice President Ireland, Secretary Lopez, Board of Education Commissioners, Superintendent Dr. Schwarz, student representatives, colleagues, family, community members, and members of the Ram fam. I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you tonight as the new building principal of North Middle School. As someone who is deeply rooted in this city, this moment is incredibly meaningful to me. Waterberry public schools along with my village of family, mentors, educators, colleagues, and community members helped shape who I am. not
023only as an education, educational leader, but also as a person. To now have the opportunity to lead as building principal in the very community that helps raise me is something I do not take lightly. My journey in Mterbury public schools has been built through years of learning, growing, listening, and serving students and families with pride. From the classroom to school leadership, every experience has strengthened my belief that our students deserve excellence every single day. That belief will continue to guide me as principal. As I step into this role, I do so with a clear vision grounded in three core commitments. Coherence, consistency, and sustainability. I believe strong schools are built when everyone moves with a shared purpose. When expectations and support are consistent for students and staff and when strong systems are developed to sustain
024long-term success, highquality tier one instruction must remain the center of our work. Every student deserves engaging, rigorous, and meaningful learning experience that ignite their curiosity, inspire their love for learning, and challenge them to grow academically and personally. Our responsibility is to ensure every student is equipped with the skills, the confidence, and the opportunities they need to be successful, not only in school, but also in life beyond North End. At North End, we often say we are the Ram fam, and I truly believe that statement. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships with our students, teachers, staff, family, and the community as we move north forward together. I am excited to continue working alongside each member of the Ramfam as we strengthen our culture rooted in coherence, consistency, and sustainability while creating a school
025community where every student, every staff member feels supported, connected, valued, and inspired to succeed. Together, we will continue leading North End with pride, purpose, and excellence. I'd like to take a moment to thank the people that have supported me on my journey. To my parents who are over there. To my husband, my sister, and my brother, my family near and far. Thank you for your commitment, your constant encouragement, patience, and love. Your support has carried me through every challenge and every opportunity. I am deeply grateful to have such a strong village beside me and I look forward to making you proud in this next chapter of leadership and service. To my sorority sisters of the greater award area alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated who are also here this evening. Thank you for
026reminding me of the importance of sisterhood, scholarship and leadership. To the members of the Ramfam, thank you for being here this evening and for supporting me on this journey. Special thanks to the incredible members of the sixth grade team with whom I've had the privilege of working with for the past seven years. Thank you for being a part of my growth as a leader. Your dedication to students, your teamwork, and your belief in what we can accomplish together have meant more than you know. Together as a school community, we will continue moving forward with pride, purpose, and excellence. To the administrative team at Northn, Mrs. Gilmore, Mr. Simpson, and Miss Maloon, thank you for your leadership and commitment to Northn Middle School. Thank you. As the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and poet Jill Scott once said
027in her one of her songs, "Go ahead and be great. Why not? I love this quote because it speaks to the possibility of confidence and purpose. It reminds us not to be limited by fear or doubt, but to move forward boldly with fortitude and purpose in who we are called to be. This is my hope for North End Middle School. That our students will believe that they are great. That our staff will continue pushing excellence forward every day. And that together we will continue building a school culture rooted in pride, relationships, accountability, and opportunity. North's story will continue to be written through our shared efforts, our shared leadership, and our collective belief in what our students can achieve. I am proud to be rooted in Waterberry and I look forward to continuing the work of
028leading for excellence alongside our teachers, staff, students, family and community. Thank you for this opportunity. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Commissioner Ireland 10.2. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the appointment of Dana Wallace as Rotella Interdist Magnus School principal effective July 1, 2026. >> Is there a second? >> Second. discussion. Dr. Schwarz. >> Okay. Absolutely. Again, I'm pleased to recommend Miss Dan Wallace for principal position at Rotella Interdist Magna School. Miss Wallace brings 22 years of dedicated service to Waterberry, including 11 years of experience as the school administrator. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Rotella, a position she has held since 2015. Prior to her administrative role, Dana served as a school counselor at Northn Middle School and a grade 5 teacher at Carrington Elementary School. Throughout her
029career, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of budget management, strong fiscal responsibility, particularly in relation to magnet school funding and compliance requirements. Miss W. Miss Wallace also brings valuable experience in recruiting and maintaining the 7030 enrollment balance essential to magnet school success while upholding and promoting the integrated arts magnet theme. Known as decisive yet collaborative, she approaches challenges with innovative thinking, leads by example, and is deeply passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students, staff, and families. pending your vote. We are looking forward to her continual commitment to our district as principal of Rotella Intra District Magna School. Okay. All those in favor, >> opposed, abstain. Motion carries. Congratulations Thank you. Good evening, President Brown, Vice President Ireland, Secretary Lopez, Board of Education Commissioners, Superintendent Dr. Schwarz, and student representatives, and all of my staff that's
030here tonight and family. I am deeply honored and grateful to accept the appointment as principal of Rotella Interdist Magnet School after proudly serving as vice principal for the past 11 years. During that time, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedic dedicated educators, supportive families, outstanding students, and committed community partners, and resident artists who make this school such a special place. Having attended Waterbury public schools myself, I know firsthand the tremendous influence our teachers have on their students. And it is because of them that I have spent my career in this district. As principal, one of my primary goals will be to lead our school toward achieving category 1 status across accountability indicators by strengthening academic instruction, increasing student achievement, supporting teacher development, and ensuring every child receives the highquality education that they deserve. We
031will continue building a culture of high expectations, collaboration, and accountability while also supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students. In addition, I am committed to expanding the reach and reputation of our magnet school by attracting more suburban families to our vibrant learning community in an effort to maintain our magnet requirement of 30% suburban students. We will highlight the unique arts integration opportunities our school offers and continue creating innovative programs that make our school a choice for families seeking exceptional educational experiences. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me as I begin this next chapter in my career. I would like to thank our current principal, Miss Robin Henry, for all of her support and mentorship, as well as my amazing staff, some of whom are here tonight, and my wonderful family, my
032husband Rob, my kids, Trey and Maddie, and my mother-in-law, who is a retired Waterberry Public Schools teacher as well. Thank you. Thank you. As Dana is going through the line, I just want to make a mention as she alluded to is that all three hires tonight are based on retirements from the Waterberry Public School. So, I know Jackie was here. So, I just want to thank Jackie and Robin and Donna, who's also here, for all of your commitment and dedication to the Waterberry Public Schools. And I know that they feel very happy about the direction we're going in. And I'm sure it feels great as an administrator as you as you transition and move on to give it to somebody that you feel like the school's in in good hands with. So, I just wanted
033to point that out that you see that that handing off that torch um which is uh that kind of a special thing that we don't always get, but it's um I just wanted to point it out tonight. >> Absolutely. Congratulations. >> Okay, Commissioner Ireland 10.3. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the appointment of Carla Fendanza as Wend Cross prek8 school principal effective July 1, 2026. >> Discussion, Dr. Schwarz. >> Absolutely. I am pleased to recommend Miss Carla Fedanza for the principal position at Wendler Cross Elementary School. Since 2020, Miss Fedanza has served as assistant principal at Dugen Elementary School, where she has consistently demonstrated calm, thoughtful leadership under pressure, and unwavering commitment to students, staff, and families. Prior to entering administration, Carla dedicated 18 years to the Waterberry Public Schools as an
034elementary school teacher, serving the students in communities of Hopeville, Chase, Brooklyn, and Dougen. Throughout her career, Miss Fedanza has built strong relationships that foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. A dedicated student advocate, trusted instructional leader, and skilled operational problem solver, Carla consistently approaches challenges with positivity and makes decisions that prioritize student well-being and success. Wendel Cross will certainly benefit from Miss Fedanza's experience, collaborative leadership style, and steadfast dedication to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Congratulations. Good evening, President Brown, Vice President Ireland, Secretary Lopez, Board of Education Commissioners, Superintendent Dr. Shores, and student representatives. It is both an honor and a pleasure to be here with you tonight. For the past 24 years, I've proudly
035served as an educator within the Waterberry public schools, working alongside exceptional students, families, teachers, and administrators. For the last six years, I've been afforded the opportunity to serve as Dugen School's vice principal, another thriving prek through 8th grade community school. It has been a true privilege to work alongside principal Melissa Diovanu Djiovani Waterberry's own administrator of the year. All right. Mrs. Diovani is an extraordinary role model and mentor whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering a positive school culture have greatly influenced and strengthened my own approach to educational leadership. She has played a key role key role in shaping not only the educator I am today but also the leader I strive to be. Through this experience I have witnessed firsthand how developing strong relationships with all stakeholders and maintaining a safe, positive and supportive
036environment contribute greatly to students success and overall well-being. As Wendel Cross's newly appointed principal, I am committed to building a school culture grounded in respect, collaboration, accountability, and compassion. I have learned how vitally important it is to empire empower the entire school community and lead a strong team. I look forward to working closely with the teachers and staff whose dedication, talent, and daily commitment are the foundation of Wendel Cross School's success. I am equally excited to partner with Wendler families and the community to develop strong relationships that support the growth and success of every child. Together, I am confident that we can continue promoting a welcoming and supportive environment where all students are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I would like to take this time to thank my family and friends who have
037shown me unwavering love and encouragement, especially my daughter Sophia and my son Santino. I would not be here today without them. To my Dougen family and friends, over the past 15 years, we have shared countless experiences, challenges, and triumphs together. And leaving this incredible staff is truly bittersweet. I'm eternally grateful for the support, friendships, and memories each of you have given me and will carry with me always. There are two special people who are no longer with us that I owe so much to. my mother and my grandmother. From the moment I decided to become a teacher until the day they passed, they were my greatest supporters and my cheerleaders. And I know they continue to watch over and guide me. In closing, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the board of
038education, Dr. Schwarz, Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Mendoza for your trust and confidence in me. I am truly grateful to begin this journey alongside all of you and prepared for the important work ahead. Together, I am certain that we will continue to cultivate a school environment where students are empowered to dream boldly, strive for excellence, and develop into the very best versions of themselves. I'd also like to introduce my family that's here tonight. um my son Santino, my my sister, my nieces, and my nephew, my aunt and my uncle who have been big supporters. And unfortunately, my daughter Sophia was unable to make it tonight. She is attending her school's honor society um convocation. She's the president of her honor society and is passing down the porch torch. So that's why she's not here. But thank you
039again all of you. >> Thank you. Well, I know I'm enthusiastic about our new leaders. Let's give them a next round of applause. >> Okay. Uh, next we have uh executive session. Commissioner Lopez >> added. >> I move to add to the agenda and executive session. >> So keep going. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. I move to convene into executive session for discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. To avoid confusion, we're going to be having two executive sessions tonight. >> Lucky. >> I know. >> Where are we going, >> Jackie? I don't want to break it. Who deserves Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat.
040Heat. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey. Hey. Ready. >> I move to return to the regular order of business with the record reflecting. There were no votes taken. >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Okay. The consent calendar. Does anybody wish to remove anything from the consent calendar? >> Yes, >> Commissioner Ireland. >> Uh 1119 11 19 please. >> 11.9 >> 19. Oh, sorry. Okay. Okay. Any others? >> Thank you. Okay. Proceed with the reading. Okay. Proceed. Liz. No. Okay. uh committee of the whole requests approval of an education affiliation agreement at no cost with Trinity Health of New England Corporation, Inc. to provide students with certified nurse assistant training/clinical hours. 11.2 request approval of amendment two to the professional services agreement with FI Delta Kappa Internationals, Inc. DBA
041Educators Rising for teacher preparation courses. 11.3 Request approval of a contract with 4Erunner Technologies LLC for voice over IP maintenance and support services. 11.4 Request approval of a contract with Canon USA, Inc. for copier and managed print services. 11.5 request approval of amendment three to the professional services agreement with Linguistica International, Inc. for phone and or video ondemand translation services. 11.6 request approval of amendment three to the professional service agreement with Imagine Learning LLC for online learning system provider. 11.7 request approval of a construction contract with Sound Stage Productions Inc. RFP number 8739 for sound system upgrades at Kennedy High School and Crosby High School gymnasiums. 11.8 request approval of the acceptance the 2025 CED dream big competition for K12 student school prize for Drake school. 11.9 Request approval of a professional services agreement RFP
0428132 with the following for engineering on call services BSC Group Inc. Environmental Partners, CT, Inc., Lux Consulting Engineer LLC, and TATA and Howard, Inc. 11.10 Committee on Finance request approval of a professional service agreement RFP 8580 with DMV Industries LLC for digital fire alarm transmitter services. 11.11 request approval of a services agreement RFP8649 with Curriculum Associates LLC for online math intervention software. 11.12 Committee on Finance request approval of amendment one to the professional services agreement with Access Rehab Centers LLC for occupational and physical therapy services 11.13 committee on finance request approval of amendment one to the professional services agreement with Stepping Stones Group LLC for speech and language therapy services 11.14 request approval of a professional services agreement RFP 8719 9 with Apex Educational Services LLC for board certified behavioral analysts. 11.16 Request approval of
043a professional services agreement RFP number 8721 with Apex Educational Services LLC for board certified behavioral analyst services and districtwide deescalation and restraint training. 11.17 Committee on Policy and Legislation request approval of the new policy number 6171 Special Education. 11.18 Committee on Building and School Facilities, Use of School Facilities by School organizations and/or city departments. Uh that ends the reading of the consent calendar. May I have a motion? >> Make a motion to approve. I make the motion to approve. >> Second >> discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Obstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Committee on building and school facilities. Vice President Latoya Ireland. >> I'm sorry. Items removed from the consent calendar. I'm sorry. 11.19. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I just have a question. >> Read the motion first. >> Which which motion be
044as the >> 11.19? I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the use of school facilities by the following groups organizations subject to fees and insurance as required. >> Second. >> Okay. Thank you. So my question uh can I go on? >> Yes. Discussion. Y. >> So my question is why are we continuing to vote on PG Ro Hernandez? I know it happened and I know what it was for, but why is it on the consent calendar when it's already happened? >> It is pro uh Good evening, uh, President Brown, uh, Board of Education Commissioner, Superintendent, Dr. Schwarz. It is procedural that we have to vote on it. Now uh in error our error that the facility was used uh before the approval was granted that's an internal uh mishap on our part that
045will not happen again. I can I can assure you we have spoken um in in length on this topic internally to rectify this problem that while it may have been a policy or I shouldn't say a policy a way of doing it doing business in the past out of good faith it is not what we do going forward. So we we will not allow um any facility to be used until a formal approval by this honorable board is uh the approval is granted >> and even for the waiverss as well because we're going to be voting on the waiver in a few minutes. >> Correct. And and that and that again is your uh right uh your responsibility and only you have that responsibility. this board honorable board honorable board that has the responsibility the
046board to approve that or not I don't the office doesn't not even the superintendent doesn't this is your um right and responsibility how you want to proceed going forward so that's why uh uh Miss Swain has broken these out individually so that you can look at them and say you may have a particular opinion or reason why one would be granted Ed and not the other. So going forward, this would be the right way to handle it. >> Oh, okay. >> And and also um so the board knows I have a complete set of internal and external uh rules and fees that we can uh I can distribute. We can look them over at some point and then we meet in our building and facilities use. We can go over those fee schedules and some
047of the rules and regulations that we put in place. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Aline. Any other questions? Commissioner Van Stone, >> just to complete this, just so we know also, we always bring these up for the external requests. Uh, however, internally, there are two requests that are in the past and one is going on >> or went on this afternoon. So if we're going to change these policies, it really needs to match up because you also have three internal groups that have things that are now in the past. So >> thank you. >> And I think that you know we might want to think about that through our the new procedures too is how to how to handle that. If it's like a you know Wendle cross asking to use the Wendler cross gym,
048do we want to slow something down if they want to hold an event that >> correct >> that doesn't just happen to fall. So that's something that the board will have to decide whether an internal group should be held up for a vote or should could be approved by another process if you approve that you know that new procedure. So it'd be something to discuss to Mr. uh Commissioner Van Stone's point. >> Any other clarifications, questions? Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Just want to clarify because I have got some um clarity myself after executive session. Um, so we talked about last week East Mountain and some other groups, outside groups getting some waiverss. Just want to put because on the consent calendar, they're not on it, but it's we don't charge for
049the field as of now. So that's why they're not on this actual calendar itself and it's not going to be voted on. It's under the, >> you know, um, just under sign of the way because there's no fee for as of right now. So that's why like I just want to make that clarification that way. They're not saying you know why are the knights the Shiva the hang time and g academy only on it and only shown as separate items on the agenda whereas other groups are not just to for the public to know. >> Thank you for that clarification. Right now we do not charge fees for the field use of the field. >> Correct. Right. >> Correct. >> Thank you for that clarification. >> Any other questions clarifications? Thank you. Um, all in
050favor? >> Opposed? >> Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Uh, Commissioner Ireland 13.1. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the custodial fee waiver request of Yeshiva K. Tiana in the amount of $378 for their use of Willby High School on June 14th, 2026. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. Commissioner Orso. >> Um I mean I should have looked at my package more a little bit better, but what are they using it for? Do you know? >> I believe it said graduation. Well, what I saw at graduation. >> Graduation. >> Yeah. >> Don't they have a gym? >> So, >> they'll sac, right? >> Yes. >> I don't know if they have a gym or not. >> Madam President, for clarity, it just says boys and girls graduation
051ceremony. >> Okay. >> That is correct. >> At Willby High School. Well, thank you, >> Commissioner Jackson. >> If I may enlighten a little bit, the Shiva Katana, this is um for those who don't know, this is part of our uh Jewish community here. And I, you know, not representing them, but guessing why they would need a larger facility is because they tend to have larger families and there's sometimes separation between male and female. So, they need more space to move. That would be my guess if I had to guess. Thank you. The motion before us is about the waiver of $378. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> I >> to oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. 13.2. Commissioner Ireland. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the custodial fee waiver
052request of Hangtime Choice Awards and the amount of $695 for their use of Rotella Magnet School on May 6, 2026. >> Is there a second? >> Second >> discussion. U Mr. Albini, I believe Hang Time, they service the children at Crosby, the students at Crosby High School. Is that correct? >> Um, I I couldn't tell you exactly, but this is the one that has passed. >> This Yeah. So, it doesn't matter. >> This was the one that should not have occurred. This this is um so in in the new regulations, we're putting something in there that you have to have your application in 30 days in advance. So, this will not occur. What's happening now is organizations are just submitting them very late. Not enough time >> to do the process >> to get the
053approval or disapproval of the board on the waiver and so there there's a disconnect there. So what we have to do is we have to put in it has to make it so we can get the discussion on on on your uh >> correct >> in a more workshop and then correct but unfortunately this has taken place. I will say fortunately there were no in injuries. These are some of the things that we look at that at the very least be very accurate with it with following the the times at least then you can evaluate the hang the excuse me the the waiver if you want to consider it but it can never be after the fact. >> I guess I was just uh just wanted for clarification. I know hangtime is a program of
054>> ex-offenders who are are working with our students in a prevention model. Uh it's headed by a former uh police officer. I think he was a detective somebody. Anyway, I did go to a couple of the meetings and uh they're trying to do prevention with the students and I think they're at Crosby. So that's they are serving our students. They do. I just don't know if it's solely Waterberry students. That I don't know. >> Excuse me. Just just to uh chime in. >> The question before us is about the waiver of the event that already took place. So >> I think >> a question. >> No, no question. Just just wanted to uh provide some context. So hang time. They have two kind of cohorts. It's hang time and her time. And similar to what
055you what you said, they deal with, you know, ex-offenders that are coming out of prison um and helping them get get back on their feet. And they have a Bridgeport location, they have a New Haven location. They just started in Waterberry maybe three or four years ago. Um and this particular event, it was a coaches award. And one of the coaches that actually got one of the awards is um a will be will be basketball coach Devon Parker. So um they do great stuff. Charlie Grady um is is an awesome individual. Um been doing this for a long time. So um just wanted to provide that context. >> Thanks for the clarification. Any other >> Commissioner Ireland and then Okay, Commissioner. >> Thank you. So just for clarity on my part, I don't mind any
056organizations using the facilities. I believe all of the organizations that are using them for our youth are doing a great job and our youth need it. My main concern is just the time after. >> Thank you. >> Julie noted, Commissioner L. >> Thank you, Madam President. Yeah. So, I'm going to be voting no on this one for the approval of the waiver just because um I'm all for reform when they come out of prison, help them out, get on their feet, get back in society, do what they have to do. >> However, if I'm going to vote no or say possibly no to a youth group doing some stuff on the field where we're not waving fees, I'm going to say no to these adults as well, just because of what, you know, I get
057it, but I'm going to say no because we kind of at this point, we're trying to set a standard, right? We're trying to plant our feet and say this is what we're going to do, what we're not going to do. I think kind of what we've been saying these past few meetings kind of goes along with, you know, kind of our new mission and vision, especially with two months ago, we were kind of in a spot where we don't know if we have enough money to, you know, keep what we have going, keep the lights on, you know, essentially. So, um, so I'm going to be voting no. I just want to kind of do that. It has nothing to do with prison reform, that's consmates, whatever. Has nothing to do with that. It's purely
058money and I just can't say yes to them and say no to someone else. Thank you. >> Uh, Commissioner Lopez. >> Yeah. To to second that that I continue to say that I I just I I approve people using our facilities. I think we we definitely we're a community. Um, we are serving the community and the community should be able to use our facilities. I just don't want it to be on our dime. That's the only thing. So, Commissioner Jackson. >> Yes. Um, are any of these groups um tax exempt? I would assume like is nonprofit. Are all of them considered nonprofit? >> Okay. Those in favor? >> I >> Those opposed? >> No. >> Okay. Let's do a roll call again. >> No. >> Commissioner Anthony Ireland. >> Yes. >> Vice President Latoya Ireland.
059>> Abstain. the vote. >> Commissioner Jackson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Lopez, >> no. >> Commissioner, >> no. >> Commissioner, sorry. >> Commissioner Orso. >> Yes, because it already happened. >> Yeah. That's why I abstained. >> Commissioner Stone. >> Yes. >> President Brown. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Next one. Commissioner, Vice President Ireland 13.3. >> I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the custodial fee waiver request of Waterberry Nights Dance Group in the amount of $1,332 for their use of Willby High School on June 2nd, June 4th, and June 6 of 2026. Is there a second? >> A second. >> Second discussion. >> I I just have one. >> Commissioner Ireland. >> No, you were first. >> Just a quick question. Um, do you know if they're charging for for these?
060>> We I don't know. >> They usually say it on the application. >> Yeah, they are charging. >> According to the application, um, Commissioner, it says $15 to get in. So, um I think last week also the request was made kind of to figure out if they were to not charge then maybe we can reconsider but if they're going to charge and make money then they should be subject to fees. >> So it's $15. >> $15 a person. >> Okay. >> Any other comments, questions? All in favor? >> I opposed. >> No. >> Oh no. No. >> Could we Could everybody say it again? I >> One, two. >> Okay. And >> opposed? >> No. >> One, two, three. Okay. >> It does not pass. Okay. Thank you. All right. Let's see. Next one. 13.4.
061Vice President Ireland, Catholic Academy. Oh, another one, huh? I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the custodial fee waiver request of Catholic Academy in the amount of $1,764 for their use of Gil Martin School on June 22nd, June 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, and July 1st of 2026. >> Second. Second discussion. Commissioner Van Stone and then Commissioner L. >> Thank you, Madam President. Through you, this is a very interesting one for me because Catholic Academy has their own gym first off. Um, and I don't understand that their usage on the form says basketball practice. One, for schools, especially grammar schools, it's not basketball season. and two, school will be over by the time these dates come to us. So, and it's a session in the morning and a session late afternoon. Um, and they're
062asking for a waiver of almost $1,800. And sorry to say, but these sound like more like dates and times of a basketball camp, but that's just my opinion. Um, so you know, it's what the form says, so it's what I'm going to take it to be. So, uh, this can expect a no vote from me. Thank you. >> Uh, Commissioner Lat. >> Thank you, Madam President. Yes. Um, so I did not know that they had a gym in that facility. Um, I was planning to vote yes because they are a school. However, knowing that they have a gym and then now Commissioner Vans don't point out the Times, this sounds exactly like a basketball clinic or camp that they will charge kids for. So, for that, I'm going to vote no. >> Thank you. Any
063other comments? Okay. All in favor? >> I. One, two, three. Opposed? >> No. >> Okay. Motion fails. >> Uh Jackie. >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. Let's see. Okay. Commissioner Lopez on policy and legislation 14.1. >> Yeah. I was wondering if anybody objected to any of the items and or if we can just vote them as a whole. >> Anybody okay with that? >> Go for it. >> Okay. Well, they're not on the consent calendar, so Oh, I see what you're saying. Oh, okay. I don't have any objection. Anybody have an objection? >> No. Okay, go ahead. >> All right. I motion to approve items 14.1 through 14.5 as stated. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. >> Good one. I like that. Okay. >> Okay. >> Our secretary. >> All right.
064Commissioner L. number 15, superintendent notification to the board. >> Yes. I'd like to make to make a motion to approve the appointments items 15.1 through 15.11. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Abstain. Who's abstaining? I'm sorry. Commissioner Van Storms. All right. Okay. Are there number 16? Are there any committee chair reports this evening? >> No. No. >> Seeing none. Okay. We're going to executive 17. Executive session number 17. Secretary Lopez. >> I move to convene into executive session for discussion concerning the evaluation of the superintendent of schools. Second discussion. All in favor? I. Post of stayain. Motion carries. We'll be in the library. >> All right. We could do this in an hour, y'all. >> Not bad. >> Uh,
065does anybody want coffee or anything? Cuz I'm going to see if there's a be