001[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Good evening. Good evening. Today is Thursday, August 21st, and this is a regular board of education meeting. We start out 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. Charisma Fox, senior at Enlightenment Middle School, passed away on Jul July 11th, 2025. Tina Sans Crossing, passed away on July 15, 2025. Cynthia Hoffman, retired life development and home economics teacher, passed away on July 31st, 2025. Robert M. Blue, Senior, crossing guard and founder of Blue Dove Ministry in Waterberry,
002passed away on July 26, 2025. Norma Fedlesen, former teacher, vice principal, and principal at Barnard School, passed away on August 14th, 2025 at 100 years old. Oh jeez. Commissioner Van Stone, can you lead us in the pledge? To the flag of the stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Vice President Brown, present. Commissioner Anthony Ireland. Commissioner Latoya Ireland here. Commissioner Jackson present. Commissioner Lopez present. Commissioner O'Brien here. Commissioner Orso here. Commissioner Srano Adorno here. Commissioner Van Stone present. President Hernandez here. Commissioner Jackson, may I have a motion for communications? Sorry. I motion to receive and place on file communications as listed. Second. Discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Motion carries. No public speaking. Superintendent announcements. Dr. Schwarz. Thank you, President Hernandez. Good evening, Vice President Brown, Secretary Son O'Dorno, our
003board of education commissioners. Uh really excited to uh get the school year started with you tonight. Uh so I wanted to uh start it off right, but also before we get to that, just wanted to follow up with some of the uh comments made at the last board meeting. I know I've sent some communication, but wanted to publicly acknowledge some of the um inquiries you had at the last board meeting. Um I've responded back regarding uh the contract with school mint. Uh the uh question at hand was the secret shopper language. Uh did write back and confirm that this was an addendum but not as part of our contract. There will be no secret shoppers in our contractual agreement. Uh the following schools have busing uh for preschool. Currently this does not include uh students
004that require busing for special education. Obviously, we do that at our our schools, but Buckill Elementary and Roberto Clemente are the currently the two schools that have busing for preschools. Um, I know there was a question regarding educators rising uh and Na will be working with the uh counselors. They just returned on Wednesday and we'll get that information as soon as possible to everyone. Um, Mr. Albini is working and discussing uh food waste with quantum or organics. So he is working with a company regarding food waste right now and we'll be able to deliver more information in the near future and uh there is one company company uh I believe vice president Brown asked about looking into the engineering firms and uh which ones were minority owned. There is one that's minority owned. Uh we
005have been working with them uh on some indoor air quality work and looking for them to also uh work on some additional projects in the near future. Thank you. Okay, it's here. First day of school on Monday, August 25th, 2025. Reminding everyone who's listening, uh we're really excited. The buildings are not the same without the students. And so we're looking forward to that that early morning rush. Uh in preparation for Monday uh this upcoming Monday, we have kicked it off with the administrators professional development uh from August 13th uh to the 15th where we gathered, reconnected, collaborated and planned for success in the school year. Uh we look uh we we looked forward to this time together because this is really the the first kickoff. And if you could see that little graphic up there
006with the two, that's a good reminder that even two students in every classroom can have one powerful impact. Two students in each classroom can increase our scores by 8 to 10%. So, we're really focusing on that messaging this year of really knowing your data and knowing how to move um students across the line, whether it's chronic absenteeism or academics. I want to thank the judicial branch of support services for their donation. They generously donated school supplies to several Waterberry schools in high need, fulfilling wish list list items for Walsh, Enlightenment, Spray, Greed, Wilson, and Dugen. These donations will make a meaningful difference for our students as they begin the new school year, and we are deeply grateful for their uh for their donation. So after the administrators come back, we were able to greet our
007new teachers on Monday uh again at Westside. You can see a lovely picture with all their new teachers there. And new new educators had the opportunity to connect with fellow teachers, supervisors, school administrators, and central office staff. Uh learned a lot about the district in those uh in those two days. Were able to also take a bus tour of uh to learn a little bit more about the city. Um, and then we ended at the Madatuck Museum where they learned a little bit more about uh the city of Waterberry, the Madatuck specifically, and ended it uh with some fun with a scavenger hunt. I was really excited to see uh our early college high students uh go at signing day on August 21st. 36 incoming Crosby High School freshman enrolled in early college high and
008this was their uh college signing day just like athletes signed to different colleges. We like to sign our students for academics up for post university and uh want to thank the leadership at Crosby High School including Mike Verono and Sean Mosley for putting together a wonderful event. they were there with the teachers of the program and it was a hit and I could tell you that the parents are very grateful to the board of education uh for their continued support of the program. I had to do this for for Mr. Hunter because uh he was up here last time in front of you all and I failed to mention that he's just hit his 30 years of dedicated service to the district and so I wanted to uh thank Mr. Hunter for his 30 years
009of dedication to the Water Bay public schools. Obviously, we have a lot of members in our school district that uh that that stay with us for a long time and wanted to uh specifically point out because I'm sure transportation's on a lot of people's mind right now. So, thank you, Mr. Hunter. And uh keep your phone on in the next few days. Uh Kingsberry backpack donation. This was excellent. The uh the firm law firm of Mo O'Brien and FOD held a backpack and school supply drive generously donating nearly 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for Kingsbury Elementary School. uh parents and students uh were thrilled and appreciative of the generosity and we want to thank them for their donations. Back to school rally uh which was today. So we got those photos in quick and
010I um afternoon uh this afternoon Waterberry Youth Services hosted their 28th annual back to school rally at Fulton Park. What a it was just a wonderful atmosphere. I love this event. Uh you just you stroll through Fulton Park and there's table after table after table of our community just supporting our students coming together about that first day of school giving them all the supplies that they need, supports that they need and um just a great event. So if you weren't able to make it this year, I encourage anyone whether in the community uh to be a part of it for next year. But great success and I I saw a few of our commissioners there. So thank you for for also being there. our pre-K and K teachers, we just want to make sure that
011everybody has the opportunity to know who their teacher is. PreK and K gets a little tricky for us because they're not quite on parents square yet. Um, and so how do you know who your teacher is before that first day? Obviously, we love that they come and they trust us to get them into the right order. But, um, what we put out today on social media is listen, if you want to know who the teacher is, call in. We want you to know who the teacher's name is. We want you to feel more comfortable with it. One of the things that we're looking at um you know was talking to Commissioner O'Brien about this uh because she had an inquiry or two about this and um you one of the things that we'll be looking
012forward to um improving next year is when uh students sign up when they're prek and k we should get them right onto parent square right away make it a lot easier to communicate. So, we're going to look to do that for next year to smooth this transition because obviously four and five year olds, you know, um it's it's an important time for us to be sure we're communicating effectively with parents. So, we'd like to sign them up on Parent Square right away, but also one of the things that we we talked about doing is using one of these professional learning days in the beginning of the year to specifically hone in on uh PreK or K. I know prek has their day on Monday where the the students come in, but it's the kindergarten too
013that's usually brand new to the district as well. So, we're looking to leverage one of these days where we can have like a a social at all the schools and specifically target kindergarten parents to come in, see the room, find out where the bathroom is, find out where the office is, find out where the nurse is. So, um, something that we need to improve on, uh, for next year, but, you know, right now we're encouraging parents to call in, find out who your teacher is, and we'll work on that for for next year. We also have an um, this one out on Parent Square as well, but I just, you know, every opportunity I can I can talk about it, I want to make sure people know we have a new Durham bus tracker app.
014Uh, it's available on the in Google Play and Apple Store to track school buses. The access code is 4019WPS. Um, it's Durham Bus Tracker is the simple and safe secure way for you to check in almost real time. There's some lag there uh to see where your child's bus is located. It's available in English and Spanish. And so if you uh want to be able to track your child's bus, this new app uh is an improvement from what we're being told from Durham. And uh that code is right there. And so uh if you have any There it is. Commissioner Van Stone is already on it. Is that my car or is that the is that the bus? I'm tagged too. Oh god. Oh boy. Um so that is uh just wanted to share that
015with you all has gone out on parent square but it's something we'll continue to communicate. Just want to uh also being communicated by the schools but I just Hello commissioners network and turnaround schedules just because we've added some commissioner network and turnaround sk uh schools into our um district. Just want to be crystal clear with everyone. This is being communicated by the schools, but in transparency with the board, we know Crosby and Kennedy are entering the commissioner's network this year. They have they would they would typically be going for three to five years. Um the legislation uh just passed this last year says three years and it's over. No more commissioners work in three years. We were able to get Crosby and Kennedy in which is allowing us to have about $900,000 extra dollars to
016support those schools. Those budgets are being worked on right now. We were just they were just delivered. So they have uh half-day Wednesdays for professional learning as uh has worked very well for our middle schools to come off turnaround. Uh they're going to be continuing to focus on that. Willby will be continuing in their fifth year of commissioners network. This is their last last year for Commissioners Network where they will continue to have those half days for professional learning. Um although Westside is exiting commissioners network schools, all of our middle schools have officially ended their five years in the commissioners network because Westside if you recall did not come off turnaround last year. Hold your breath for this year, but you know it's it's coming. That news will be coming out soon. But because they
017didn't exit turnaround last year, they actually were able to continue what's called the school improvement grant. And with that money, they are able to secure up one more year of professional learning for their staff this year. And so Westside's going to continue with that as they work through um um their half-day professional learning. Wallace and North End, on the other hand, they have exited turnaround their commissioner network money is over. And so this is one of those situations where you get all this money, you get through the commissioner's network, you make improvements, and then they pull that money away, and then they lost their school improvement grant because they did so well as well. So they so you you get you do all the things that were necessary to improve and then they pull the
018money and say well district try to find a way to um to to continue to to support these schools which we have in many ways. We have found ways to support them um with some of the staff that they've had in the past. Uh but one of the requests that they had at North End and Wallace was to continue some additional Wednesdays um to be able to professionally develop their staff. it is part of the reason why they were able to come off turnaround. So, I am looking at uh a few dates with those schools where we could um we could extend a a half-day option for them to do professional development beyond what the rest of the district has. Um but I wanted to be upfront and transparent with the board that we are
019looking at that uh opportunity for those two schools so that when they come off commissioners network, we're not ripping the band-aid off and they're losing all the supports that they had. Okay. So, um, this video alone, this is about our admin PD, social media response. So, at the at the administrator's PD, we interviewed some of these administrators and we talked about, you know, what they're looking forward to in the upcoming year. We're going to play it for you. But in this one video already, we had more than 200 likes, 5,000 views on Instagram and counting, more than 15,000 views on Facebook and counting. Wow. uh combined 200,000 page views on Facebook and Instagram in the last month, an 800% increase in social media in the last 30 days. So, great job to our communications team
020really working hard at putting some of these videos together. But the um I'll I'll play it and go from there. [Music] I'm excited to see all my amazing staff back. Uh, and next the kids. Can't wait to see the kids. About 650 of them coming in August 25th. So, I'm excited for that. Uh, most excited about uh having the opportunity to uh motivate, engage, and empower our students, families, administrators, and also our educators so that we can all work together to build a stronger, more connected uh learning community here in Waterberry. I'm looking forward to seeing all our students again and supporting their academic growth as well as working with our staff. I'm also looking forward to celebrating positive attendance and working with families with our various family nights. Goals very aligned with the district.
021I'm excited to see the work with Cormier continue highquality instruction for all students and I'm big with chronic absenteeism this year. Kids aren't learning if they're not in school. So, we got to make sure they're coming every day. [Music] Um, I wish someone would have told me that it is okay to be uh a little nervous. Um, but it's also very important to always be yourself. Uh, embrace who you are, bring your culture, bring your language um, and everything that you have uh, uh, at home. Whatever is your essence should be present in everything that you do in school. I would say just be yourself. I would say find new people, join a club, join a sports club, and find what interests you. Listen to your principal. They know best. [Music] So, there it is.
022Thank you. So, thanks to Hector and Zakai uh and the communications team again for putting that together. We're starting to increase our presence there and tell the good story of the Waterberry public schools that I know everyone in this room knows uh that we have. And so, just a reminder to follow us on social media. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Dr. Schwarz. Could I ask a question? Any vice president? Thank you, Madam President. Uh, thank you for the presentation. I just had a question. I had an opportunity to talk to our illustrious uh deputy of human services. Did I get it right? Human capital. What is Juan? What is your title? Assistant super. What is it? Deputy superintendent. I'm sorry. I always get you get so many titles. I don't know. Juan. Anyway.
023Uh that works. Anyway, I was so excited uh speaking with him about the uh the new teachers. I mean, we we got so many. Uh, so recap for us. I'm excited. You did such a great job. Come on up. Deputy Deputy Wong. Deputy. Okay. Thank you. So, I had just shared with her that um we had 110 new teachers. Wow. And uh 34% of the teachers were teachers of color. And it was a very diverse group in terms of experience, uh, race, uh, experience. So, uh, we were really excited. Uh, it was also a very good group. During PD, we actually joked around about how well dressed they were compared to previous years. So, that's a good sign. And I talked. It was a good sign. Very professional. We're really excited about the teachers that
024we got this year. They seemed very high quality. Wow. Great job. Thank you. Any other questions? Commissioner Srano Ado, thank you. You forgot You forgot about me. That's okay. In December. Okay. Okay. You can forget about me in December. No, don't. I take that back. I take that back. Um, Superintendent Schwarz, thank you for this. I do want to say, coincidentally, I actually spoke to Mr. B Samo today because a parent had asked about the half a days and um so he kind of clarified it. But I do want to say that I do support the continuing professional development for the staff. I mean if it ain't broken, you know what I mean? I that that was my concern that you were just going to kind of rip the band-aid and they wouldn't have that
025support to continue the success that they did. So thank you for that. Yeah. No, I I appreciate that. And um we've worked hard with obviously this would you know Mr. Albini would be involved with the busing on those days. Uh Miss Violo also looking at the funding to make sure that we're able to do this. And so they've identified uh um certain days throughout the year that they still think that uh between um Miss Gilmore and Mr. Balsamo that they think would be enough for them to continue. Like I said, ripping it all off at once is going to be difficult um for them to do. Uh so this could be a slow transition or a new normal. We'll we'll see. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. You're so welcome, Hernandez. President's comments. Um, sorry,
026uh, Commissioner Serrano Adorno. With love. With love. Absolutely. Um, I just want to say thank you um to Dr. Schwarz, Deputy Juan, um for um getting such a good group of teachers uh for our upcoming school year. I want to say congratulations to everyone. I hope everyone has a good school year. Let's bring nothing but positivity to Waterberry Public Schools. And that's my report. Beautiful. Secretary Srano Dono, may I have a motion? I apologize. Madam President, 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? I oppose. Deputy Juan, can we can you join us please? You see what this started? I'm sorry. You see what this started? Deputy Juan. Deputy one. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]
027Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. I feel heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Are you [Music] I move to return to the regular order of business with the record reflecting there were no votes taken. Second discussion. All in favor? I I oppose. Motion carries. Number nine, Commissioner Rossel. Thank you, Madam President. Item 9.1. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the appointment of Dr. David Lucian to the position of curriculum supervisor of technology and learning as recommended by the superintendent of schools effective immediately. Second discussion. Dr. Schwarz. Thank you, President. I'm pleased to recommend Mr. David Lucian as the supervisor of technology for teaching and learning. Mr. Lucian has been a dedicated educator for Waterberry
028Public Schools for the past 10 years, most notably serving as the Dugen and Reed computer education teacher where he played a key role in advancing instructional technology. He has provided professional development on platforms such as land school and near pod and successfully oversaw the implementation of the adenometrics program. Over the past six months, Dave has served as the interimm supervisor of technology for teaching and learning, bringing strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration to the role. a certified Google trainer and IST a certified educator which is instructional technology. He is highly respected by his peers, students and family alike. Known for his collaborative spirit and infectious enthusiasm for technology, Mr. Lucian is a true team player whose passion for integrating technology into teaching and learning continues to drive innovation across the district. We look forward to his
029continued impact in the leadership role as the supervisor of technology for teaching and learning pending the board vote. Any further discussion hearing? None. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. [Applause] Long walk. He's a tall guy. Yeah. Good evening, President Hernandez, Vice President Brown, Secretary Srano Adorno, commissioners, and Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. I won't take up too much of your time tonight. I just wanted to say how truly thankful I am to be considered for this position. My professional career started here in Waterberry at Dugen School as a computer teacher. The last nine years have filled me with so much joy and accomplishment. Uh the dis this district has provided me with so many opportunities and to grow and flourish, feeling supported every step of the way. When I was completing my doctoral work with
030the administration and educators at my school were excited to volunteer their time to help me with my research on technology integration. The experience reminded me of the strengths of the collaboration in the district and the dedication of our teachers to improve student learning. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough not to only build a strong K technology curriculum, but also provide professional development for colleagues who are who are navigating the transition from the 21st century learning environment. Most recently, I stepped into the interimm role where I worked closely with administrators, teachers, district leaders to ensure technology was being used meaningfully in the classroom. Before I conclude, I would like to introduce my family who are here tonight over there. Uh first, I wanted to thank my parents Kathy and Matt Lucian who have always
031been my number one supporters and motivators. You never questioned my seeming endless educational journey and were always the first to celebrate each milestone with me. To my wife Alana, your love, sacrifice, and understanding as fellow educator made all this possible, and I'm forever grateful. To my daughter, Chloe, you bring joy to our lives every day, and I hope you grow to love learning as much as your parents do. I humble I am humbled and excited to continue this work now as supervisor for technology for teaching and learning. I look forward to supporting our educators, empowering our students, and working alongside all of you to continue seeing Waterberry thrive. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is doctor. It is. Congratulations doctor. Congratulations. Hey Chloe, how you doing? Congratulations on both. Congratulations. Lovely family. She's waiting.
032All right. Yes. A long way. Can mom and dad stand as well as Chloe and everyone else? Of course. [Applause] She wants grandma. He's a cute age. Yeah. out of hands. Commissioner also 9.2. Item 9.2. I move that the Waterberry Board of Education approve the appointment of Jillian Slater to the position of supervisor of special education as recommended by the superintendent of schools with the appointment to take effect upon the execution of an employment agreement. Second. Discussion. Dr. Schwarz. Thank you again, President. I'm pleased to support the appointment of Miss Jillian Slater as supervisor of special education. Miss Slater brings with her strong background in special education leadership and a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Jillian has held various leadership roles serving as director of special education in both Torington and West
033Harford and most recently as the special education department chair in New Milford. She has actively contributed to her district level initiatives as a member of the strategic planning committee professional development and evaluation committee and as a team mentor for new special education teachers. Described by her colleagues as a dedicated, conscientious individual who strives to instill her passion and love of learning in each and every one of her students. Miss Slater is known for her collaborative team oriented approach and high energy leadership. Her commitment to meeting the unique needs of all learners while building on their strengths is evident in every aspect of her work. We are thrilled to recommend Miss Jillian Slater to our district and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our staff, students, staff, and community. Any further discussion?
034All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. This is getting the sign up on sparkler app already. Good evening, President Hernandez. Vice President Pres Vice, sorry. Vice President Brown. Is that kind of nice? Secretary Ardorno. Did I say that wrong? No. Okay. Board of Education Commissioners and Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. Um, I am very honored to join the Waterberry Public School um to be your new special education supervisor. Um, I'm inspired by your mission to inspire and prepare every student to be successful in and beyond school. I think that is so important. Um, that mission is has been part of my guiding force in my career and most of my initiatives as an educator. Um I have over 17 years of special education experience. Um my career has been devoted to advocating for students with special
035needs and um as Dr. Schwarz said, you know, my previous positions have been in Torington um in West Hartford at the intensive education academy. So I feel my skills um are very well-rounded and I'm excited to come to Waterberry and share all that with you and be part of your success. Um some of the highlights I think you already spoke about. Um I've done comprehensive training for PAR educators. Uh implementing intensive intervention processes that have reduced behavioral incidents in schools. Um I have a very strong background in behavior and working with families not only in school but out of school. Um I love working with families. I love making sure that our families feel supported and I'm really excited about that opportunity here in Waterberry. Um, in addition to that, I have prek uh experience
036uh where I've partnered with Head Start to improve our prek programming. So, I feel that I hopefully you guys will be proud of me. Um, I'm really looking forward to working beside all of you. Um, on a personal note, I'm married and I'm the proud parent of three children who are currently uh uh launching their own careers. My daughter Lauren is finishing up her senior year at school and we just finished shopping for all of that. So, that was one more year. Um, and our home is shared with three wonderful cats. Um, I was hoping the cats would go with the kids, but that didn't seem to happen. So, if anybody on the board would like a cat, please let me know. Um but thank you for welcoming me. Um I really am looking forward
037to supporting the educators, the staff, the administration, um especially the families and the students and all of you um as I come on board. So thank you very much. [Applause] [Music] Congratulations. I'm alert. And I'm a dog now. Sorry. Congratulations. [Laughter] She's funny. That's cool. I didn't know his last name. I'm not a cat person. Number 10, consent calendar. Does anyone wish to remove anything from the consent calendar? Okay, here we go. Committee on Finance requests approval to apply for the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant through the Connecticut State Department of Education for Wallace Middle School. 10.2 Request approval to apply for the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistant Grant through the Connecticut State Department of Education for Waterberry Career Academy. 10.3 request approval of amendment one to the memorandum of understanding with
038visions to learn inc to provide students nocost vision screening 10.4 4 committee on building and school facilities use of school facilities by school organizations and or city department we have a rundown of thank you and 10.5 use of school facilities by outside organization and or waiver requests Good evening, President Hernandez, Vice President Brown, Secretary Serrano Adorno, Board of Education Commissioners, Superintendent Dr. Schwarz. Uh the education department has received four additional requests for building and school facilities used by school schools school organizations and/or city departments as listed. They are um Mr. Hunter uh D Belchure uh Jen Sarah and civil service uh Joan Shabbo. Thank you. [Music] The education department has received two additional requests for building and school facilities used by outside organizations and they request a waiver of fees by the board of education
039and they are teams locked in at Wilson Gym and Waterberry Knights chair at Waterberry Career Academy gym. And the education department has also received three additional requests for building and school facilities use by outside organizations as they request a waiver by the waiver of fees by the board of education as they were granted waivers in the past and they are hoops for life reed gym and westside middle school gym teams locked in Wilson gym and waterberry nights chair J Drake Drake's gym Any questions? Thank you, Mr. Albini. Thank you, Commissioner O'Brien. May I have a motion? Consent calendar. Yeah. I motion to approve consent calendar items 10.1 through 10.5 as read. Second. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Vice President Brown Committee on the whole 12.1. Ladies and gentlemen, I move that the
040Waterberry Board of Education approve a memorandum of understanding with MC2 Technology, Inc. at no cost for steam related activities for enlightenment school students. Second discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Commissioner Lopez, may I have a motion for superintendent notifications to the board? I motion to receive and place on file the superintendent's notification. The board items 13.1 [Music] through 13.6 as listed. Second [Music] discussion. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Do I have any commissioner cheer reports? Okay. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. Second. Third discussion. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. We are journ. Good evening everyone. I know.