001Are you Heat. Heat. Ready. Good evening. Today is Wednesday, November the 19th. This is a rescheduled regular meeting of the Waterberry Board of Education. We'll start off with a silent prayer. Dr. Schwarz, do you have any remembrances tonight? 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. Carol Martino, former teacher aid, passed away on October 19th, 2025. Rosemary Petrusi, former teacher at Walsh Elementary School, passed away on October 31st, 2025. Kenneth Koviello, former crossing guard, passed away on October 31st, 2025. Francis Brennan, retired vice principal at Kennedy High School and principal at Willie High School, who also served as president of the board of education in the 1960s and later spent six years at the director as the
002director of Yukon, passed away on November 10th, 2025. Marian Morano, retired teacher at Kingsbury and Tinker Elementary Schools, passed away on November 10th, 2025. Can our student reps for Mortar Career Academy sing the pledge? Say the pledge. I don't want you to sing it. 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. And our Waterberry Career Academy student representatives are Anna Lee and Jaden. Vice President Brown here. Commissioner Anthony Ireland present. Commissioner Latoya Ireland here. Commissioner Jackson present. Commissioner Lopez present. Commissioner O'Brien here. Commissioner Orso here. Commissioner Srano Dorno here. Commissioner Van Stone President Hernandez here. At this time, I yield the floor to Superintendent Schwarz. Okay. Well, for a special night calls
003for a little bit of a different look. It's been a while since I've been up here and seen you all from this purview, but if there was a night, tonight would be the night. So, uh, good evening, President Hernandez. Vice President Brown, Secretary Serrano Adorno, our board of ed commissioners, and of course our student representatives. Tonight, we celebrate how your service, President Hernandez, Secretary Serrano Dorno, and Commissioner O'Brien. How your service has shaped our schools, uplifted our students, and strengthened our community. You have given time and time again. You have shown your passion, your unwavering belief in the power of public education. Serving on the board of ed is not easy. As you know, it is demanding, often thankless, but always consequential. You have been asked time and time again to make decisions that impact
004over 18,000 children and thousands of staff members and influence the direction of an entire school system and city. You did this not for recognition but for a simple reason because you care deeply about the children here in Waterberry. the countless hours you spent preparing, meeting, reading, listening, questioning, and advocating. Often has gone unseen. All of that time and effort, though, was not in vain. Our students benefited from your courage to ask hard questions. Our families benefited from your insistence on transparency and fairness. Our staff benefited from your support, your partnership, and your encouragement, and our entire community benefited from your belief that every single child deserves the best we can possibly offer here in Waterberry. Your service has made Waterberry Public Schools stronger. Your leadership has paved the way for continued progress and your legacy
005will live on in every classroom, every achievement, and every future opportunity for our students experience. On behalf of the entire district, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your heart, and your unwavering belief in our mission. As you transition to your next chapter, know that your work here will continue to shape lives long after tonight. Thank you for everything you have given to this district and to the children of Waterberry. And I think that deserves a standing ovation. So, we have uh we have a few uh uh citations and awards for all of you. Um and then I have a few gifts to give to you at the end. Good evening. Thank you, Superintendent Schwarz. Uh, I'm here to actually present some citations to the outgoing commissioners. But before I do that, I'd like to
006actually congratulate all those elected on November 4th to actually carry this commission forward and those that will continue to serve. Um, your job is so very, very important. All of you actually have our most important resource or source in this our our most important resource and uh uh residents, you know, to actually provide for and that's our students. There's nothing more important than our children. So, I'd like to thank all of you for what you do in that capacity. Um, I'm going to uh simply um say some few words and I know the mayor is going to come up afterwards and we will hand out the um citations and awards together afterwards. But for those of you who are leaving, uh, Commissioner O'Brien, Commissioner Sorrano Adorno, Commissioner Board President Wanita Hernandez, I want to thank
007you specifically because over the years it's a partnership between the state and local government and we've provided resources and funds for you to do your job and I am so pleased and and so happy at the results that you have taken advantage of with the resources that you've been given for our students. So, I just want to thank you all uh for all your dedication. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Feels funny to be out here now on this. So, um I want to just say all the best to Margaret, Wanita, and Melissa. We are going to miss you. Um I've enjoyed serving with you for two years. I know we haven't always agreed. We've been through some difficult times, but I am convinced that each one of you has always had the
008best interest of the city of Waterbury, the Department of Education, and most importantly, our children at the forefront of everything that you do, and I really appreciate that. I know the city appreciates it. Um, you know, the board of education is a huge commitment of time and of yourself into a lot of um issues that are often difficult to deal with, and I appreciate that you all wrestled with those things. and um uh you are you are going to be missed. You were voices of reason. You were voices on behalf of uh the young people in our community. So, thank you for everything that you've done and I hope that this just means you're moving on to other ways that you're going to serve the community, that you're not going away for good, and that
009we're going to continue to be able to see all of you and continue to work together. So, again, thank you for what you've done. I've enjoyed my time with you. I consider each one of you a very good friend of mine and I wish you and all of your families nothing but the best. Thank you. Why don't the three of you come down and we can give you the the citations? The price is right. Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. Yeah, nice color. Now, the uh the president also uh quite frequently came to my office as you could imagine the president would. And she always was enamored with my my plant here with the glass uh vase here. And so she uh always looked at it, loved it, and we talked about it quite
010often. And so, um, the president, I can say without doubt, has been nothing but kind and generous and supportive of my superintendency, and I appreciate everything you've done. So, my plant is now your plant, and so, please enjoy. I love it. I I actually told him I was going to go in his office and steal it one day. Thank you. Okay, somebody take pictures. You want to you want to say a few words? Adorable. I guess I'll start. I really don't have a speech like Melissa does. Um, and she's probably going to cry throughout the whole thing. I just want to say I appreciate you all. It was hard sometimes. Um, but I respect you all and I'm hoping that moving forward the new commissioners and the ones that are still here will always remember
011first and foremost it's the students. For me, it's always been the students. I I don't know anything else that is more important. We were all given a job from their parents when they elected us to do what was right for their children. And I will always stand behind that. It's never been about who liked who, who didn't like who, uh, politics. For me, it has always been the students first and everything else second. I'm going to miss it really. Um, but you guys will see me. I'll be up to this podium because now I have grandchildren in the school system. So, I'll be here talking junk. Don't you worry. So, make sure you get it right. I love you all. I appreciate central office. Dorene still owes me a lunch. Uh Nick still, you know,
012invites me over to dinner, but I never make it. Um Jan, I've always liked Jan. She's been quiet. Uh everyone else, you guys all have my heart. I I really appreciate working with you guys over the last 12 years, two years, four years, whatever. Just keep the system going. We don't touch. She's So, she's right. I have my tissues. You guys all know that. I wear my heart on my sleeves. But I'm going to try to get over this as quickly as possible. Do that. My order. to the board of ed commissioners, my friends, newly elected commissioners, superintendent Dr. Schwarz, and the cabinet members. As my term comes to an end after serving two fulfilling terms, a total of eight years, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the honor of serving alongside each
013of you. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to represent our community, advocate for our students, and help shape the vision of our school district. Throughout these years, I have witnessed incredible dedication, collaboration, and progress. Together, we have faced challenges and celebrated achievements that have made a real difference in the lives of our students and families. I am very proud of the work we've done and the meaningful days or steps we've taken toward equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. As I transition out of this role, I have shared in a separate communication several important topics and areas of focus that I hope the superintendent and the board will continue to discuss in the near future. I am not going far. I will be here with Juanita because I also have grandchildren. My
014hope is that our district continues to prioritize all students, including those with special needs that really hold near to our hearts, right? Those who face barriers and those whose voices are often unheard. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. And I have full confidence that this board and leadership will continue to uphold that commitment. To the newly elected commissioners, welcome. You are stepping into a vital role that has the power to shape generations. Lead with compassion, courage, and an open mind, and never lose sight of why we serve our students. Thank you all for your support, collaboration, trust, and friendship throughout my time on the board. I will always be an advocate for our students and community, cheering you from the sidelines as you continue this important work. I want to thank my family for
015for their support and their sacrifice for always just, you know, being being with me and um supporting me throughout the whole thing. I know it wasn't easy for them as well. Carrie, you are a rock star. Thank you. And to my camera crew, please make sure someone brings them little treats from time to time. So, I appreciate it. It's a pleasure. I love you all. God bless you guys. Four years went fast and I've made a lot of friends here, but a lot of them I knew before I came on. You were a pain. I was a pain before and I'm was a pain during. She was an advocate. Yes. And I'm returning to my advocacy. Um I will still be around Waterberry. I will still be working with my children in this community. And
016now I have a grandchild that'll be entering this school system in two years. So you're stuck with me back here along with these guys facing you. And thank you. And I Jackie Latoya, I've known you. We ran together. Keep it going. This guy, these guys over here, keep it going. I just won't be bugging you as much. You think? Thank you all. And Dr. Schwarz, good luck. I can't follow your speech. I know. She She puts us all to shame. And I think uh we'd be remiss if we didn't uh also recognize former president Anne Sweeney who's also in the waterproof. It's okay. It's all right. Still looks good. communication. Commissioner Jackson, may I have a motion? A motion to receive and place on file communication as discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries.
017We have no public speakers tonight. Superintendent's announcements. Thank you, President. Uh start for the superintendent announcement. Wanted to start off by um highlighting our Waterberry Public Schools Veterans Day celebrations across the district. We were able to celebrate our veterans. Obviously, we have a lot of veterans here in Waterberry and a lot of staff and students connected to veterans across the country. And so it was just heartwarming to see uh harsh students and how much uh they honored uh the sacrifice that veterans make for all of us to have our freedoms. And so uh kudos to all the schools who put on those veteran day celebrations and uh I look forward to um even expanding that for next year. Rotella named uh is named the 2025 exemplary school designate. Only six schools nationwide are named exemplary
018school design for their commitment to arts, education, creativity, and student achievement. So, we are ve very proud of our very own Rotella Elementary School, one of six in the nation. US Marine Corps celebrated its 250th birthday. Wilby High School MCJ JROTC celebrated the the that 250th birthday with a cadet ball. Attendees dressed in formal attire for the evening. And we had uh Attorney General William Tong and Representative Napoli uh also visit and talk to the students about the importance of service. So uh happy birthday to our US Marine Corps and congratulations to the willby MC JOTC. food drive. See, some of you said I don't dress down enough. There you go. There you go. I got the hat. There you go. Doesn't even look like me. It looks like a little kid out there. I
019know it does. All right. That's why I don't dress like that. That's why. But when you're trying to collect food, uh, you know, I'll I'll do just about anything, especially after the last few weeks where many of our families were, uh, fell on difficult times as, uh, the nation struggled with filling the SNAP benefits for our students. And so, um, really kudos to the entire organization. This wasn't a Darren thing. This was a Waterberry Public Schools things where we all rallied around in a very short amount of time to collect food for students. Special shout out uh especially to Jackie Davis who really helped spearhead a lot of this work where um we had uh we had the first week it was over 600 families that asked for help over the weekends. So in in
020less than three daysish we were able to give over 600 bags of food and groceries for the weekend for help sustain students over that time where they wouldn't have the breakfast and lunch at school. Next week we had over 800 families sign up and so the second week the SNAP benefits were um in limbo. Uh in between that week and the next week we did the food drives at stop and shops and I could say I have you know I'm I'm never I'm always impressed by Waterberry because we always show up for each other. But when I say people showed up, they really really showed up. I mean people were giving what they could as they walked out. Um, you know, even families that were admittedly like struggling to get some of their own food
021would give up a box just for somebody else. And that's Waterberry right there. And I I saw so much giving so much giving of administrators and teachers and and students. We I threw it out to the students to help show up and help do the drives. And um it was just uh it was amazing to see. And you could see that second picture. That's what the room looked like after that food drive. And we were able to collect give out uh between the schools and uh our food drive at the stuffer trucks, we were able to give out over 800 bags of groceries. And we still have more. We're going to be giving out uh as we enter into the Thanksgiving week to make sure families also have something extra. And tomorrow we're actually giving
022out 400 turkeys uh at 2:30 at at at Waterberry Career Academy. uh thanks to a generous donor and a partnership we've been able to create and again Jackie and Sandra helping organize that tomorrow for some of our families. We have some teachers on the move. Two teachers from uh Roberto Clemente Dual Language School were able to present at the uh the dual language conference in Albuquerque New Mexico and their session was navigating the first year's insights and strategies from new dual language teachers. they were asked to actually go and present this as they are experts now and experts that work in our city and apply that knowledge to our students at Roberto Clemente. And so it's always amazing when our teachers get asked to present at national conferences and so congratulations to uh Sora Bellam.
023That's a nice plant I'm telling you. And uh I know some of you weren't able to make the State Street Cafe last time they came down. Um and they, you know, they they cleaned house on us is what they did. Um but they're doing it again on November 21st. Um I told them to to to camp out at city hall this time to let's let's let's get some of them to to give in. And so our State Street students are opening up a cafe at city hall on November 21st from 11:00 to 1. And they're going to be selling chocolate banana muffins, blueberry burst muffins, gluten-free treats as chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, coconut macaroons. They've got uh uh oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate espresso cookies, ricotta sugar cookies, and chocolate brownies. They also are going
024to be selling roasted butternut squash and apple cider bisque uh for fall soups sold by the court frozen. Perfect to keep on hand for Thanksgiving. If I am a I am a used car salesman, that's okay because our students are uh amazing. You should see that they light up. So, if any of you can make it $10 per core gluten-free soups, if you can make it to city hall, I am sure those are going to go fast. So, I recommend getting down there for 11:00. It's not too far of a walk from the YMCA either. Just saying. I'm just putting it out there. And with that, uh, please follow us on social media. Thank you. Okay. President's comments. I was going to have people speak during this time, but it happened earlier. So, let me
025just say that I have been proud to lead this board even through the rough times. I would be remissed if I didn't say thank you to Dr. Ruffin and past president Anne Sweeney for all the guidance that they gave me. Again, I wish this board nothing but the best moving forward. Never let anything get in the way. of why you chose to run for this board. You had a passion to see our children close the gap and receive the best education that the board could give them. Continue. I'll be around. You don't have to lose my number. You can call me anytime. I just want to say Tom has been my board husband. I used to in the beginning kick him under the table. Tell him I'm done. I can't do this anymore. And him
026and his nephew Jason used to say, "Just hang in there. Just hang in there. It'll get better." And it did get better. It got better for a long time. In the beginning, I felt isolated. So, I'm telling you guys, always ask the question. No question is a stupid question because if you're thinking it, someone else is thinking it as well. Lean on each other at all times. Be honest. Be transparent. I walked in here with transparency and pride and respect. and I'm going to walk out with transparency, with pride and respect. So, respect each other, talk to each other, do what you can for our 18,000 students because they're depending on you. If there's something you don't understand, Reach out to anyone. That's what this board is about. There's no I in team and you
027guys should be a team and you should work together. One of the main purposes of a president of a board is to ensure that you assist the superintendent in the things that they want to see happen in in the school system. I know a lot of people thought that Darren and I were I I was very honest with Darren. I was very honest in my in my votes. At the end of the day, I had to look at myself in the mirror and make sure that I was doing what I felt was right. I could fall asleep knowing I did my best. So, I'm leaving here knowing that I did my best. So, good luck. Call me whenever. And I appreciate you all. Commissioner Van Stone, you didn't think I wouldn't. Madame President, Oneita Hernandez
028through you. We came in together 12 years ago. We were rookies. Yeah. And you didn't just kick me when it really got tough. You actually rubbed my back. She actually tried to calm me down. Imagine that. And it works sometime. But I also kicked you a little bit too because you would whisper questions to me and I'm like, "Say it out loud." And boy did you end up taking that advice and you have been such a valuable member of this board for 12 years. Um, we've done a lot together. We visited schools together. We did all these cave conventions together. And what the newer people don't know is we got out on that dance floor at the convention, too, didn't we? We're dance partners. But, um, I'll always consider you my friend, dear friend. And
029I don't want to say too much. I gave the three of you a personal note that I penned today. wasn't easy writing it, but um it's it was how I felt from my heart that I didn't want to say out loud. So, thank you so much all three of you. Thank you, Commissioner Van Stone. That would be the last time that I say Commissioner Van Stone. Maybe not. That's true. All right. Where are we? Back on track. Number eight. Student representatives comments. Jaden and Aaliyah. Huh? Who's first? Annalie. Oh, I see. I told you I was going to screw it up. I'm going to get a text from a friend of mine's because whenever I screw up someone's name, she texts me and say, "Uh, that was wrong." What are friends for? Absolutely. I'm going
030to miss that. Good evening, President Hernandez, Vice President Brown, Commissioners, and Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. My name is Anna Leia Bayz representing Waterberry Career Academy and I'm currently in the 12th grade. I'm going to be giving you an update on our academics. In our education and training academy, we are proud proud to share that two students have been selected to serve on the educators rising 2025 through 2026 CT State cabinet. In addition, one student is serving as an educators rising national ambassador and a 2025 WC graduate is currently serving on the educators rising national cabinet. We have begun our clinical experiences this year. Our students have placed are placed at Roberto Clemente International School, Wilson Elementary School, Maloney Magnet, and in our very own WC PreK classroom. We are also excited to announce that 16 of
031our students will be attending the CT educators rising leadership symposium on Thursday, November 20th at Wesleyan University. for our health academy. Our student our senior students are in our EMT course were given the opportunity to go to a job site visit in Ansonia at the beginning of October. Alongside with our EMT students, seniors that are currently enrolled in our EKG class have been given the opportunity to practice a threele EKG to gain hands-on experience. Juniors have completed their CPR training and are now CPR certified. And our sophomores that are in intro to allied health are currently focusing on resume writing. In the manufacturing academy, sophomores have learned how to read blueprints and are now working on a unit that involves interpreting actual blueprints of mechanical parts used in industry. Juniors are focused on basic machining
032skills, primarily using the lab and milling machine with most students working on a creating a three-step bar. Additionally, the juniors recently attended the STEM and expo tour and took a tour at CT State Nagatuk Valley where several WCA robotics team members showcase a demonstration. Meanwhile, seniors are currently working on a project that utilizes the new Protra CNC systems on the milling machines, gaining hands-on experience with this advanced technology. In our IT and engineering, our senior students are diving into a variety of engaging projects to build both technical skills and real world knowledge such as the stock market challenge. In game design, students are creating interactive worlds, developing coding abilities, and enhancing their creative problem solving. In IT essentials, students gain hands-on experience with computer hardware, networking, cyber security, preparing them for industry recognized certifications. And
033now for an update on clubs and activities. Our Ed Rising is hosting a coat drive. HOSA hosted a successful food drive alongside a very successful blood drive. Our NHS club is hosting Operation Shoe Box in order to bring cheer to those in need. Some of our students were given the opportunity to go to Washington DC alongside with POW. Our student council is holding a Santa workshop alongside our girls club. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors participated in the PSATs on October 7th. HOSA hosted their annual bullgrams which was a big hit in the school community. Our robotics team won the first robotics competition which was hosted at Waterberry Yukon. We recently had our annual college and career fair on October 15th. We had five of our athletes go to an eighth grade class and share information about
034our school and their sports. Last but not least, our crochet club has partnered with PAL for the warming water bear event, donating hats, scarves, sweaters, and gloves to help keep people warm this winter as part of their warm winter essentials drive. Hi, my name is Jaden Levasser. Um, I'm also representing Waterbury Career Academy. I'm currently in 11th grade and I will be updating you on our athletic and student accomplishments throughout our school. So, as for sports, our boys soccer team made it to the state tournament. Both boys and girls cross country had very competitive seasons with the boys taking home first place at cities and the girls coming out second. Our football team beat Anonia, which was the first time since 2008 that a city team was able to beat them. And our volleyball team
035hosted the NVL state and state game and won our first ever state tournament. And for our past and upcoming events this year, juniors who are taking AP US history were given the opportunity to watch Hamilton on Broadway. Uh seniors from our AP government class will be taking a trip to speak on the se of the Senate floor. Um seniors have been on multiple college trips with many more to come. Student council members hosted a fall sports pep rally and are planning for a winter one. Last month we held our annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with our Black History Month celebration set to take place during February. Our student council is also hosting spirit week this week with our homecoming dance scheduled for Friday, November 21st. Student council is also hosting a door decorating contest in
036which classes compete in a friendly competition to decorate their classrooms doors for for the holiday season. We also had a big turnout for our eighth grade open house and as applications are due on December 5th, we've had many applications so far. Today we had a save a life presentation which will have the help of some of our students. Moving on to a student narrative. Throughout the school year, students have repeatedly commented on how cold the building has been. This issue has led to constant complaints and has affected comfort and concentration during class. As many students find it hard to stay focused and find themselves often distracted trying to stay warm due to the cold environment. Um, many students have also felt that they are at a disadvantage as we are the only school in Waterbury
037that doesn't have a block schedule. Due to the fact that we only have seven classes in an academic year and other schools have eight, students have felt that they don't have the same opportunities as the other public schools because we all have the same graduation requirements but not the same amount of blocks throughout the year. Thank you. Thank you. Y'all want more work, huh? Okay. We need any questions for our student reps? Thank you, ladies. Oops. Number nine. Does anyone wish to remove an item from the consent calendar? Commissioner Vance. No, she just likes to say he told me he was going to remove everything from the consent calendar. 9.1 Committee of the whole request approval of a project authorization letter PAL to allow Waterberry Development Corporation WDC to manage administer the Willby High School
038football field renovations project 9.2 Two, request approval to participate in the repeat study, understanding how children learn to read, Yale, Yale Child study center, Haskins Laboratories, and Yukon. Committee of the whole request approval of the revised 2526 school year calendar. 9.4 4 request approval to apply for the Connecticut State Department of Education 2526 Carl D. Perkins Grant. 9.5 Request approval of amendment one to the service agreement with Savas Learning Company LLC for English language arts core programs. Okay. 9.6 Use of school facilities by school organizations and or city departments. Commissioner Arland, I'm sorry, you wanted to remove something. Yes. Uh 9.2 9.2 request approval to participate in the repeat study. Right. Yes. So before we vote it, okay, can I have a motion to approve the consent calendar? So move 9.1 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6
039So moved. Second. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. We will go back to 9.2. Commissioner Ireland. Thank you, Madam President. Do you I just needed a little more information. Commissioner Brown has to read. Commissioner Brown, you have to read it. 9.2. Okay. 9.2. Request approval to participate in the repeat study, understanding how children learn to read. Yale Child Study Center, Haskins Laboratory, Yukon. second discussion. Thank you. So during our last meeting, we had a presentation and I just wanted to know if there was any more information on this. I don't feel comfortable voting on it until it wasn't clear to me and I just wanted a little more information on that. Is there anything specific uh commissioner that you were looking for in terms of um that that the researchers didn't answer? Well, yes.
040When we asked a few questions, there wasn't a lot of data or information that they can give us to see how it would be used or the results or the outcome. I don't know, Jen, if you have anything to add to that. I think for me the the researchers were trying to link how the brain learns how to read. And so basically uh what they're trying to research is to best learn um to research how the brain activates certain areas. Um how that stimulation affects how students learn how to read. ultimate goal would be to take that research waterberry students being not the full body of research but part of the larger research study that they're doing across different schools and states to be able to make then a determination to practitioners like Jan me
041teachers to say when you go to teach reading we've learned that the brain activates mostly with XYZ whatever they find out in the study So um their their their their goal of the study is to research how the brain is activated when students are learning how to read andor when students with um specific disabilities are trying to read. Take that learning then apply it to what can we use as practitioners then when we go to teach reading because it is such a it's such a it's such a complex um process for the brain. And so the more we understand it the better we could teach it. And so the ultimate goal is to help practitioners learn how to better teach reading. Okay. Um through that brain research. I don't know if Jan if you had
042anything to add to that that um it's completely an optin uh situation. So it would be parents who are interested in it. And again, uh, as far as the the MRI work, if students were not comfortable with that or parents, they wouldn't have to do that part of it. Um, if there's specific information or documentation you would like me to seek out, I'd be happy to do that. What students are picked or chosen to do this or they just sign in? So, there's there's not a specific school. Okay. I I think what happens is the information basically goes out there. They're looking for a particular age group. Was it 12 to 15? I I don't have my notes with me. Uh but it but it's 100% opt-in. So they're not going to choose say um
043Gil Martin and work with all of the students there. And they really are interested in um neurode diverse students as well. So students who are already doing well with learning reading and students who are struggling so that we could try to u puzzle out how to help students who struggle. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Are there any other questions? Thank you, Jan. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Committee on policy and legislation. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. Uh item number 11.1, request approval of revised policy 5114, discipline student conduct. Can I get a second discussion? I'll just say that um I'm sorry. Yes, I was. I'll I'll just say that uh the items under this category are making the Waterberry policies aligned with the new state legislation that was passed. So we're
044kind of uh you know uh required to implement these policies. Uh but as far as the discipline and student conduct, I don't believe there's major changes. I think it just really outlines more of the processes and interventions. Uh that's my understanding and it's it's policy guidelines. it's much more outlined of the exact uh protocols that the teachers and the administrators have to use so that it's standardized across the district. Uh so and it adds uh the framework embedded in restorative practices is kind of the the additional uh category that's now included in the discipline policy. Anything else dear? No, just this policy and all policies tonight are mandated policies, right? Uh just brought on by legislation. So if anybody was wondering about that, the restorative piece is mandated through the legislation. Also good practice, but
045it's mandated. Any other questions? All in favor? I oppose. Vice President Brown 11.2 to request approval of revised policy 5118.2 educational opportunities for military children. Second discussion. Uh again, this is to allow um a a student of a military family who moves out of district. It gives the choice of the student to stay in the district and finish out the school year. Uh so it's uh trying to provide the opportunity for the for the student to stay in the district if that is their choice. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. 11.3 Request approval of revised policy 5131.911 bullying/ cyber policy and plan second discussion. Okay, I this one Commissioner Van Stone. Thank you, Madam President. you uh on this policy. What bothers me a little bit is
046taking bullying out of the u the title. Uh I did look up section 170 for all of these items today and I had some other questions that I decided not to ask on the ones already gone by, but I do have some later. But taking bullying out of this uh title bothers me because I I fight all the time for the kids that are being bullied uh not for the bullies. And most of this policy just talks about the bullies and we don't talk enough about those being bullied and we leave it behind a little bit. But as far as taking it out of the title, the other concern I have is I went to our policies on online and when you go to the search engine within our policies, the only thing it can
047search is the title name. It does not search into the policy for any keywords that are in the policy. So now if one of our parents who have already come to us saying they have trouble finding the form to fill out will now search bullying in our policies and find nothing. It will say nothing found. Um I used a bunch of keywords in other policies and everything came back nothing found. So I'm very concerned that a parent cannot go or a ch or a student cannot go into our policy search bullying and be told no nothing found. So we need to fix that search engine because you know to say you're it actually says search keyword. No, you're searching titles. So, if we're really going to search keywords, and we must, or not even have
048a search engine, because this title saying school climate, which I know is the buzzword, we'll change that in another four or five years, I'm sure, but school climate is could be every policy we have, you know, and now we're changing bullying to school climate. So, I'm I'm going to vote yes on it. I'm not going to, you know, because the policy is just bringing us up to date with the state mandates, but um I do think we need to take a look at our IT system and fix that search engine to find text, not just titles. Thank you. I would just also add in building on what Commissioner Van Stone said is that uh there still will be a separate policy and protocol for bullying as such, but as as you're saying, it's not specifically
049accessible at this point. And the legislature has kind of an umbrella of of policy now called Connecticut School Climate Policy and Regulations, which Jackie Davis is our expert now on uh on all of the the new requirements. So, this is a lot. This is a lot. This is a big policy uh change and I think uh I think it it really will when it's implemented and standardized that every school will will embrace it and uh I think everybody will be on the same page. Vice President Brown, can you reread the motion? I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve revised policy 5131.911 bullying cyber policy and plan and to rename policy to Connecticut school climate policy regulations. Thank you Dr. Schwarz. Well, thank you. Yeah, we did discuss that uh Commissioner Vansstone at the
050policy committee. I mean we many of us share the concern. Um again this specific policy is the exact cape model uh that came out and um there was there has been a lot of changes over uh over this in the last legislative session and um I think they were thinking of trying to reduce all the paperwork and in conversations with the state department and uh a few others you know it became so much about people wanting other students to be late bullying. They forgot the bigger picture of just make creating a positive school climate and then that restorative piece that goes with students. Uh so um again this is a this is a a mandate. Um it doesn't mean we all necessarily agree or have strong opinions about it. I know we all do. Uh
051especially if a student is getting bullying. We want to make sure that's that's clear. And I'll look into that search engine for you, Commissioner Van Stone. I I use the search engine on the on the homepage. I get six results for it when I hit bully. But I think to your point, I think the search engine when it comes to policies is a different search engine than on the homepage. And so I can certainly talk to our web master about that and and and and fix that for us. Any other questions? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. 11.4. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the revised policy 5141.25 accommodating students with food allergies and rename the policy accommodating students with special dietary needs. Second.
052Discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. Item 11.5. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve new policy 5142, School Safety and Security Plan. Second. All discussion. Yes. Dr. Can you just give us a little more details of the uh school safety and security plan? Sure. Yeah, thank you uh commissioner. So, you know, this is uh we don't have a policy right now on this although we practice it and and so it's uh we thought it important for this to be in um and it it was also a mandated policy so it was good timing. However, by November 1st, we must hand in a report to our uh our our district regional coordinator uh for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, our um annual
053school security and safety plans. Obviously, that's a very voluminous uh piece of work. Um it's uh important to keep that uh in the right hands. Obviously, there's sensitive material in that as well, and if we don't hand it in by November 1st, we aren't eligible for certain grants. So, we always hit that November 1 uh deadline, of course. Uh and uh we thought it important that no matter who sits in the chairs, whether board or superintendent, that it was good for us to have this as a board policy to make sure that the the district's always eligible for this. And in that um in that in that uh voluminous pieces of work are also everything from uh you know situations where if it's an athletic event, what what's our protocol for an athletic event in
054the middle of a field somewhere? You know, do we have the proper uh equipment nearby or do we know what the protocol is for coaches to go and get that equipment? Um it ranges from that all the way to uh we sp saw a bear outside uh and to the most serious incidents such as similar to what we experienced at career academy uh last week which was the uh the the firearm or the gun that was uh eventually found within the school and it really lays out our policies and protocols. But I also want to be clear that those policies and pro protocols are also they can't be read they can't be read word for word either because in real-time situations they present differently and so u for example in this situation you know administration
055we're directly on the phone with uh with um Mike Trip uh who's our uh SRO uh coordinator uh with the Waterberry Police Department and in collaboration with Dan Barry talking about okay what have you heard? What do you definitively know? What do you not know? And then let's let's let's move with this type of movement. Let's bring another SRO in just in case there is something threatening at the school. Um, I could tell you that watching the video, um, and listening to the reports and reading the reports, uh, that it was, uh, it it was it was swiftly acted upon once that information was, uh, provided from a student to the SRO and that there was uh, there was a there was a quick turnover in identifying uh, the student and in identifying the weapon
056in the school. And obviously those consequences are already laid out in our protocols for what happens with those students. And so, you know, uh the the system kept students safe. Um although it's always a serious uh and and um we never want to see any sort of instrument in the school that could do harm. Uh never mind a firearm obviously and a gun. Um and then afterwards uh when I went up there that day, I did talk to the administration about making sure they bring students together. that might not be in our protocol, but we always do kind of list um uh discussion after any major event. What could we do differently? You know, do our policies really line up to how this we actually did this thing right here? And then if not, maybe
057we should adjust the wording for in this this case, we had some questions about shelter in place versus lockdown. And so we looked at that and we said it's a little too rigid because when you don't know if something's happening, um what do you go into? And so we we're always constantly learning. We're constantly adjusting. Um, and I and I'm and I'm and I'm really proud of the the work that we've done up to this point, but none of us feel like you could ever do enough. Like there's always something to learn from. And so in that situation and other situations, uh, we consistently meet, and I know Nick Albini, our chief operating officer, meets frequently with Dan and goes over our security protocols and continues to to to work on security measures. for example,
058this year with ident addition of idents and other things that we're doing in the schools. So, it's a it's a voluminous uh piece of work, but it's also helps guide us on what we do and it helps uh teach us what we should and shouldn't do in the future and constantly learning. So, it's a it's an important piece for us. Thank you. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. 11.6. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the revisions to and replacement of policy 6142.101, student nutrition and physical activity, school wellness as presented. Second. Discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. Item 11.7. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve new policy 6161.12, library material review and
059reconsideration. Second discussion. I would just say that um a lot of effort went into this. This cottifies the protocols and actually uh makes it very clear uh if you're opposed to uh any any curriculum or any books or displays or anything that uh there is a process and there will be a review board established to to kind of review the complaints. If you look at the policy, they actually have a form that people can fill out and they have uh you know uh templates there. So, it's a very tight uh protocol for the public as well as uh staff and students uh to uh to to apply for uh a revisit of of these uh materials. Just just to add on to that, yes, it's it's really important for us to have this policy and
060protocol in place even though we haven't faced it often here. Um I know another a lot of communities they have faced this and it's great to have a protocol and better to be proactive or if it does happen it doesn't put it just on the library media teacher or the principal to solve this. The committee is formed they get to decide on it and there's a timeline to it. I do want to point out commissioner the um the the form and everything was a sample of a template of what we could use. um we did not put that form necessarily in the policy itself because if we have to change a word on the form then we have to change the whole policy. So what but we will example correct we will have a procedure
061in place for uh for people to fill out and it will be accessible and searchable on the website. Thank you. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Vice President Brown. Okay. 11.8. Yep. Thank you. Uh I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve new policy 6161.13 library collection development and maintenance. Second discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. 11.9 Vice President Brown. Thank you, Madam President. Nine, right? Yes. Yeah. Item 11.9. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approved new policy 6161.14, library display and program. Second discussion. Commissioner Van Stone last time. Thank you, Madam President. through you. I just wanted to get some clarification. I did go to the uh PA25-168 on the state website. However, it's about 800 pages long because it's a lot more than just this. So, for
062one sentence that I'm going to ask about, I stopped looking for it. I just wanted to check uh in this for us. It's uh library display review and re uh reconsideration procedure. And when it comes to putting a committee together, the review something that's on display and so it's uh three uh letter D and it says a representative from local or regional board of educations. Now we have three magnet schools. Is this policy allowing us to go out to the 50 whatever towns that send kids to our magnet schools? No, I think because it's the K policy, it would do the slash there. But obviously because we have a local board, we could we could obviously if it's a local board in the next revision, I'm sorry, the next revision I would love to take
063regional out of it. I just don't want it to be misleading to someone who may think they're uh they got a right to one of our committees. I think we can do that. I I think we could take liberty at for one one or two words. I don't think the state's going to take away our grants for doing something like that. Yeah, I agree. So, I just I just don't want to be misled to uh You wouldn't want me to bring in an entire different board of education to make decisions. Well, I've I've met the regional board of educations at my uh legislative breakfast and uh No, I I understand. I understand. Thank you. All in favor? I Oh, wait a minute. Is that a friendly amendment? She said a friendly one for down the
064line whenever we revise the policy. I'm not looking to make a motion to change anything. I wouldn't do that. I want to eat his last name. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Item number 12. Commissioner Ireland, Latoya Arland. I apologize. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the use of school facilities and or waiver request of various groups and organizations as listed subject to fees and insurance as required. Second discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Abstensions. Motion carries. Superintendent's notification to the board. Commissioner Van Snow. May I have a motion? I got to find it on my list. Is it on there? Yeah. I motion to receive and place on file superintendent notification to the board. And that would be items 13.1 through 13.7. Second. Discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion
065carries. Secretary Serrano Dor, do I have any committee chair reports? No, ma'am. I don't have a report, but I do have a question. Is that okay? Commissioner Orso, has there been any arrangements yet for the swearing in ceremonies? I actually received some sort of invite on December 1st uh to be at Kennedy High School at um a sheriff's call will be going out tomorrow. Oh, okay. There you go. I'll be looking forward to it. Oh, I I can see usually want to answer that call. Secretary Serrano Adorno, may I have a motion to adjourn? My pleasure. Motion to adjurnn. Second. Discussion. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thank you. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. Thank you everybody. Nice recording. What a great wasn't that where the gun was found. There you go.