001[Music] Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Waterberry Board of Education regular meeting. Uh we'll begin tonight's uh meeting with a silent prayer. Uh Dr. Schwarz, do you have any remembrances tonight? Thank you, Vice President. I do. In our moment of silence this evening, let us remember former members of the Waterberry Public Schools education community who have passed away. Janette Diiosi, former ESL teacher at adult education, passed away on August 22nd, 2025 at 88 years old. Nancy Coachiola, retired para educator at Kennedy High School, passed away on September 7th, 2025 at 66 years old. Just as a note, her daughter Caitlyn Mcwigan is a teacher at Hoffville. Her father Francis Brennan is a former vice principal at Kennedy, principal at willby and director at Yukon. Marie Dashelle, former lunch aid for 30 years at Crosby High
002School in Wallace Middle School, passed away on September 8th, 2025 at 92 years old. Okay, we'll have the pledge of allegiance led by Brilin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Vice President Brown present. Commissioner Anthony present. Latoya here. Commissioner Jackson. Commissioner Lopez present. Commissioner O'Brien, Commissioner Orso here, Commissioner Srano here, Commissioner Van Stone, President We have a quorum. Okay. Number four, communications. I'll ask Commissioner Ireland. Uh, Anthony Ireland, may I have a motion for communications? I motion to receive and place on file communications as listed. Second discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Is there public address to the board? Seeing none, no public address. We'll go
003to um superintendent announcements. Thank you, Vice President. Um, I just want to say it's been a great start to the school year and we were happy to uh kick off some of the festivities on the September 6th where we proudly participated in the uh Puerto Rican Day festivities uh not only uh with our Roberto Clemente International students going to Mayor of the Day and celebrating that opportunity, but also just marching uh with our with our fellow uh Waterbearians was uh we we we showed up and it was a fun time and I appreciate those that who were those who were able to make it and we're looking forward to also marching in the gathering that's also coming up on a week from Saturday on September 11th. Many of our schools across the district honored uh
004that solemn day for the nation. There was one particular uh uh uh activity where many of us were able to go to Rotella where we not only honored uh uh September 11th but that as a day of service. And we wanted to thank our foster grandparents who uh work with new opportunities and go to uh many of our schools to be able to adopt a classroom and a school to to help out with. And uh we had the the luck to meet um a young lady uh Barbara who's 92 and she uh works specifically with our classrooms at Rotella and uh the school couldn't speak more highly of someone who just brings that type of uh grandmotherly love to the to the school and the classroom. And the grandparents also spoke very highly of our
005students. Just following up on something that was mentioned. I believe uh Secretary Serrano Dorno uh we we talked about this at a previous meeting, but we do have 10 additional half days for North End and Wallace as they transition out of turnaround. We know the importance of them to continue that professional learning community uh for their schools. So, I want to thank uh the team uh to the to the right here who also helped kind of coordinate these days with uh Jackie Gilmore at North End and Vin Balsama Wallace. This will provide 10 additional days for that much valued professional learning that they need. Um just one followup from uh last week where there was a question about the Jackie Carol staffing. I did follow up individually with uh Commissioner Van Stone who did ask
006this question about Jackie Carol staffing. Um it was confirmed Jackie Carroll was the lowest bu bidder. Um um Commissioner Vanstone asked if they were they were the lowest bidder on the RFP. Um he also uh was concerned about how the district and the city could work together uh on making sure that uh uh that POS for the city weren't going into the board of ed. And there is a process that's in place uh between GAN and purchasing and the human capital and the human resource department to ensure that uh there is not uh going to be crossover between the city and HR. And so we did reply back to Commissioner Van Stone and I wanted to let you all know that they were the lowest bidder tonight. And uh before my last slide to remind
007you all to follow us on social media, I just want to uh um come out and say, you know, uh we're we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, of course, like we always do every year. Uh Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th. Um our schools are going to host various uh cultural nights throughout the year, but most importantly, uh we have a ongoing list, uh that I'll send to the board. many of the the the uh culminating events will happen near the uh end of the month. Um but I will send that out to the board if there's something that of interest that you want to go to and celebrate uh Hispanic heritage heritage month at a school. I'm going to share that with you. Uh we have a few more schools that
008are just finalizing some details on the night. Other than that, just a reminder to follow us on social media for the latest and greatest and most accurate news about Waterberry Public Schools. Did you have a question? Yes. Okay. Melissa, thank you um Madame Vice President Darren. I just want to say thank you and for the staff for uh really supporting the schools with the turnaround. I think it's just very important for them to be able to sustain all their hard work. So I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you. Well said. Yes. And I think behind the half on behalf of the board, uh we've great great uh few weeks of school and I see great press with the staffing. Kudos to everybody to deputy over there uh and your staff for uh the
009hiring. It looks like we're really in a good shape uh going into this year. So, thank you all very much. Uh our student representative from WS Brilan May McDougall. Good evening, super superintendent Dr. Schwarz, vice president Brown, secretary of Serrano Adorno, and commissioners. My name is Brila McDougall, and I'm honored to be here tonight as the student representative for Waterberry Arts Magnet School. I'd like to begin by recognizing our incredible maintainers who have worked hard to keep our building clean and welcome welcoming as we transition back into the school year. Their dedication doesn't go unnoticed, and we are grateful for them. We've had a strong start to the year with our open house last Wednesday, September 10th. Families were able to connect with staff and learn about the exciting opportunities WHAMS has to offer. We've
010also completed our back- tochool community meetings which have helped set a positive tone for the months ahead. One highlight so far from this year was the United Way breakfast on September 4th where I had the privilege of attending alongside Dr. Cecus, Miss Lombardo, and my fellow peer Samantha Bastoni. It was a wonderful experience to represent our school at such an important community event and I look forward to attending more events like it. At WHAM, student involvement is thriving. We're excited to introduce some clubs this year, including dance club, spirit club, and DECA club alongside the many opportunities available for students to explore their interests and passions. Class officer elections for 2026 and 2027 are currently underway and both middle and high school students council elections are taking place as well. On the art side, auditions
011for our fall musical Chicago have been completed and rehearsals are underway underway and our students are eager to bring this production to life in the coming months. Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting events. On September 26th, high school students will attend the college and career fair Whams is hosting for our students. It's an important step in preparing for our futures. In October, our sixth and seventh graders will enjoy their first field trip to Urban Air. October 16th, we will host a FASA parent information night, followed by a FASA student night in November. October 17th, WHAMS will hold a Hispanic Heritage Month performance for our students during the school day. Select 11th and 12th grade students will also have the opportunity to tour Yukon on October 29th and Western Connecticut State University on November 14th.
012We're excited for what this school year holds and grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow and connect as a community. Thank you for your time and continued support. I look forward to sharing more updates with you throughout the year. Thank you. Any questions for our students? Sounds fantastic. Thank you. Okay. Uh next on the agenda is the consent calendar. Would anybody like to remove anything from the consent calendar? Commissioner. Yes. Uh if I may, I may I'd like to remove items 9.7 through 9.11. Second. Discussion. All in favor? I. Okay. Motion carries. Okay. Uh 9.1 request approval of a service agreement with Zello, Inc. for a college and career readiness platform. 9.2 request approval of amendment one to the memorandum of understanding with Clingberg Family Centers, Inc. for special education services. Request 9.3 request
013approval of a professional services agreement with teaching strategies for early childhood preschool curriculum. 9.4 request approval of a grant agreement with Ready Connecticut for funding for first robotics program. 9.5 Request approval of a services agreement with Jackie Carroll Staffing Services, Inc. for temporary professional staffing services. 9.6 request approval of a college readiness and success agreement CB-000038979 with College Board for PSAT and SAT student assessments. And skipping down to 9.12, use of school facilities by school organizations and/or city departments. Commissioner Lopez, may I have a motion? I motion to approve the consent calendar items 9.1 through 9.6 and items and item 9.12. Second discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. Now we will go back to items removed from the consent calendar. Okay. 9.7 request approval of the project man. Oh, I'm sorry. Go
014ahead. That's okay. Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the project manual dated 82025 and Associated Professional Costimate for Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration project number 151-0310PV for the rooftop solar photovotayic project at Wendo Lcross Elementary School and authorized the chair of the Waterberry Board of Education and the superintendent of Waterberry Public Schools to sign state form SCG-042- request for review of final plans and submit these documents to the Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration for their approval prior to release of the project manual to the market. Can I have a second, please? Second. Discussion. Commissioner Serrano Adorno. Thank you, Madam Vice President. Thank you, Nick. Hi, Rob. Sorry. You know, sometimes at 1 2:00 in the morning, things come to your mind, right? It's
015just mine is at 3:00 in the morning. I don't know what it is. So, we'll see. Um, so I have a few questions and I I'm happy that I was able to um send it to Mr. Albini in advance. So, I'm just going to jump right in. My first question was, um, so for the schools that have the new roofs, who are now going to be getting the new solar panels, how does this impact the roof's warranty? Uh, so I said, in other words, how is it going to impact the 20-year manufacturer warranty when you put the solar panels on top? Okay. Uh, good evening, Vice President Brown, Secretary Serrano Adorno, Board of Education Commissioners, uh, Student Representative Brilan McDougall, and, uh, Superintendent Dr. uh, Schwarz. Uh, thank you for sending these questions ahead of
016time. We were able to get the answers in an efficient manner for the board. It is a big project. We think it's important um, and uh, it's it's a benefit for the city, but these are very important questions. So, um, first of all, our roofs, we, uh, opted for the 30-year warranty. So, we have a 30-year warranty on our on our roofs, our three new roofs. Okay. Um, and the the warranty is not void. So, DAS funded the the roofs replacements. They also are funding the photovoltaic uh panel, solar panels. So, they are in agreement with both projects on the same on the same roof. In fact, they would not approve they would not approve this if it was an older roof. So, I'll equate it to residential. If you have a a house uh
017with a roof that's 20 years old, you wouldn't want to put a solar panel on it because you know you're going to have to take it down, put a new roof on. So, they only want to fund if it's a new roof. And these roofs fall under that category. And our warranty is not void by either DAS or the manufacturer. Okay. So, you said that's a three-year warranty for the new roofs. Two year two year on manufact on uh contractor and 30 year on the product. Okay. All right. So, once the solar panels are on top, then that would be the 20 year. No, actually the third year would have started uh uh last at the end of the summer last year. 24. That's when it starts. Okay. Okay. So, next question. If the roof
018leaks after you put on the solar panels, who is responsible to repair? The roof manufacturer or the installer of the solar panels? The the installer of the solar panels? Okay. Okay. Installer of the um I don't recall I remember we have discussed this before. Um I know we're getting funding from the state for the DAS. I don't recall if the roof projects from um the state at Wendel Cross, Tinker and Spray, was it already accepted or completed by the board? No. So, two things here. Uh the Wendle Cross was not a roof. The Wendle Cross was a new construction. Okay. And that hasn't been closed out because if you remember correctly, the unfortunate Christmas Day a few years ago. Yes. So, we're making sure that all those repairs are corrected. uh all the um uh
019malfunctions are corrected and then we'll go through the process of I believe it's a 049F we'll go through and get a close out for the school. Okay. The three uh two are listed here uh Tinker and Sprag, but a third school is included if you remember correctly, Kennedy. They were sent over to corpor uh corporation council so that we could begin the closeout process, but our our good friend uh lieutenant um Joe Britain um is away for six weeks. He comes back Monday. So, we'll be able to take those documents that he is over there and we'll begin to close out on those three roofs. That way we could start the process with the solar. We'll be able to because they already DIS has approved even though they didn't have a closeout. But yes, we
020are going to do these these projects won't start for another year probably. Okay. So, we'll have plenty of time. We'll have our closeouts in place. Beautiful. Thank you. And my last question is um during the presentation, Rob, last time you were here, I had a parent in the audience who also installs solar panels and his question was um uh let's see if I could find it. Can you is there an option to put the solar panels on the ground opposed to the roofs? So, good evening everyone. Rob Cle for from Cle Sustainability with my colleague Sam Zikian where you are your um consultants on this project and thank you for having me back again this evening is a wonderful question. We evaluated each of these five schools for their solar opportunities. The new roof presents
021a a nice initial opportunity because that new roof with the 30-year warranties is sort of ready to go. It's also a very standard practice in the industry to install on um uh rooftop solar. That said, um and there are some of these schools have pretty tight sites. They don't have the room or it would take up a playground or other spot that you don't want to uh to uh lose that function. That said, we're happy to work with you and the superintendent if there are places to look for ground mounted options or even those uh car ports that go over parking lots. Okay. So, I don't know if that's something, you know what I mean? I I don't know the pros and the cons. I would think that the maintenance of the ground would be
022easier than going on the roof. I don't know. I'm afraid of height, so it doesn't matter. Um, so I don't know if that's something um worth I don't know looking or having someone maybe assess that part just so that we could see. I know there are some schools that are too small that would be out of the question for but maybe for the larger ones and we're happy to work with with Nick and and the superintendent's team and and come back to you with um what might be feasible options for the future. Beautiful. Thank you guys. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. All set. Yep. Thank you, Madam Vice President. Are there any other questions? Okay. All in Oh, Roco, quick question. If you do install them on the ground, is there a lot
023of vandalism? Would that would that be a big cause of vandalism? It it could be the rules. There's no perfect uh solution, Commissioner. Uh if it's over a parking lot and they're on ballards, certainly could be struck by a car accidentally. I think there's going to be some restrictions no matter where we go. So, this was the perfect place and opportunity to take advantage of some electricity for us at um free electricity, lower cost electricity. But complexes like Crosby, Wallace, Kennedy, uh will be North End, those may be opportunities for parking lot type which we'll look in the future. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Albin. Good question, Ro. Thank you, Commissioner. Any other questions? Okay. All in favor? I I Wait, I'm sorry, Commissioner Lopez. Sorry. Yeah. No, just just wondering, would we be producing enough?
024Do you think we'll be producing enough energy where we wouldn't get a bill or get some credits back from Eversource? Yeah, I'm going to let uh Rob answer that, but I don't think it would ever generate that much. I mean, schools use a lot of electricity. However, it's a great savings and solution, but I'll have Rob answer. Yes, thank you, Commissioner. It is a great question. For the five school projects, we project that you're going to um generate about $230,000 a year in revenue over 20 years. So, that's um a benefit, but I don't think it actually none of them max out the actual usage of each of those schools. So there is actually again room to add more solar in the future at um other locations but um for these five projects as their
025size that's the the annual benefit. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh all in favor I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Commissioner Ireland 9.8. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the project manual dated 82025 and Associated Professional Costimate for Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration project number 151-0311PV [Music] for the rooftop solar photovotayic project at MM Generaly Elementary School and author authorized the chair of the Waterberry Board of Education and the superintendent of Waterberry Public Schools to sign state form SCG-042 request for review of final plans and submit these documents to the Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration for their approval prior to release of the project manual to the market. Second discussion. Commissioner Serrano Adorno. No. Thank you. Seeing no discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Motion
026carries. Thank you. Commissioner Ireland 9.9. Yes. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry board of education approve the project manual dated 82025 and associated professional cost estimate for Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration project number 151-0312P for the rooftop solar polaic project at Sprag Elementary School and authorized the chair chair of the Waterberry Board of Education and the Superintendent of Waterberry Public Schools to sign state form SCG-042 request for review of final plans and submit these documents to the Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration for their approval prior to release of the project manual to the market. Second discussion. [Music] All in favor? I. Motion carries. Thank you. Commissioner Ireland. Yes. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the project manual dated 820 2025 and Associated Professional Costimate for
027Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration project number 151-0310PV for the rooftop solar photovoltaic project at BW Tinker Elementary school and authorized the chair of the Waterberry Board of Education and the superintendent of Waterberry Public Schools to sign state form SCG-042 request for review of final plans and submit these documents to the Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration for their approval prior to release of the project manual to the market. Second discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Commissioner Ireland 9.11. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the project manual dated 82025, an associated professional cost estimate for Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration project number 151-0314PV for the rooftop solar photovotayic project at Westside Middle School and authorized the chair of the Waterberry Berry Board of
028Education and the Superintendent of the Waterberry Public Schools to sign state form SCG-042 request for review of final plans and submit these documents to the Connecticut DAS Office of Grants Administration for their approval prior to release of the project manual to the market. Second discussion. All in favor? I opposed abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Um now we'll go to let's see where are we? 11. Uh 11. Uh Secretary Serrano Adorno. Thank you Madame Vice President. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the application for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education's CABE 2025 Board Recognition Award, Board of Distinction Award. Second discussion. I would just to thank Carrie for her work in putting together the application. Uh Waterberry has had the distinguished honor of getting the award for many
029years. So, we're hoping that the application I'm sure you did a good job uh will uh when we go to the convention, it's always fun to get the award. So, thank you, Carrie. Okay. All right. Okay. Committee on Finance, Commissioner Orso. Oh, we didn't vote on it. I'm sorry. We We didn't vote on that. I'm sorry. I got carried away. Any other discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Commissioner Orso. Item 12.1. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approved of the submittal of the FY2026 Alliance Priority ESH grant application. Second. Discussion. All in favor? I opposed. Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. All right. Uh 12.2. Item 12.2. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve an agreement with Ben Haven for educational services in accordance with students individual
030education plans IEP. Second. Discussion. All in fa I mean uh all those in favor. I I opposed abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Commissioner Latoya Ireland number 13. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the use of school facilities in or waiver request of various groups and organizations as listed. Second. Sub subject to fees and insurance as required. Second. Okay. Discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Okay. Number 14, uh, superintendent's notification to the board. Commissioner Orso, may I have a motion? Boy, I lost my motion to receive and place on file the superintendent's notification to the board. Items 14.4. Oh, no. I'm sorry. Sorry. Sorry. 14.1 to 14.4 Four. Six. Six. There's six. Six. Second. Discussion. All those in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. And uh we do have
031executive session. So, Commissioner Odorno, I move to convene into executive session for discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health, or dismissal of a public officer or employee and discussion concerning strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and or pending litigation. Second discussion. All in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Oh, can [Music] I have plenty of time? [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]