001Oh, can you just leave it open because it's a public meeting. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Don't want anyone to think that they can't come in. >> I think we're okay. >> Okay. >> Keep us awake. >> Okay. It's uh 7:01 on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. We're going to call the board of >> educ. Yeah. >> Oh, take two. >> Okay. Uh, Thursday, April 23rd, 2026. It is 7:01. We'll call the Wilton Board of Education regular meeting to order. Has everyone had a chance to look at the agenda? >> Yes. Yes. >> Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Pat. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Pam. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Um, comments from the public. The board has set
002aside time at the beginning and end of regular meetings for public comments for members of the public to share their views on matters involving the Woodland Public Schools, and to help inform the board's decisions on such matters. Two minutes will be allotted to each speaker and a maximum of 15 minutes to any one subject. For the record, please also give your name and address. The board considers the views of citizens in his deliberations and welcomes and appreciates public comment. The board listens to public comment thoughtfully and with interest. The board, however, generally does not respond to public comment during board meetings by offering commentary or answering questions. The board also invites commentators and the public to contact the superintendent directly with any specific questions or comments. Are there any comments from the public? Then online
003uh consent agenda. The consent agenda tonight consists of the U meeting minutes from the regular meeting of April 9th and personnel changes. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So, thank you, Lori. Is there um a second? >> Thank you, Mark. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I carries um unanimously. Um >> retiring. >> Reports and recognition. Oh, there's so much reporting and recognition going on tonight. So, I'm just going to be really brief and just want to remind everybody that the annual town meeting, the, you know, the place to be on Tuesday, first Tuesday of May the 5th, um, come out, support our school budget. And um you can rehear my you know my my laws and you know and accolades and um justifications and understandings for how um well we spend
004our money and the value that Milton receives um in these school buildings. So um that's my big plug. Thank you. 7 o'clock. And then uh voting takes place afterwards and then there's adorn voting voting that Saturday. >> Um Dr. Smith. >> Great. I've got a few things for you. Um, a number of congratulations are in order here. Um, first, the board received a number of communication awards this year from CABE. Um, Wilton won for the 2025 superintendent's budget presentation. Received an honorable mention for the board chair's budget public hearing presentation. Wilton received an honorable mention for the community wellness and belonging newsletter developed by Kimmo. Um, Wilton received an honorable mention in the special projects category for eighth grade parent presentation on demystifying course registration. Um, Wilton won in the website category um for our
005website redesign. Um, so those awards are forthcoming. Uh, we want to congratulate our music program for once again being selected as a NAM Foundation best community for music education. This is the fifth consecutive year Wilton's been recognized with that award. On Tuesday of this week, uh we were joined and I want to say thank you to Lori for joining us for a couple of hours, but we were joined here in the district by a group of nine Connecticut superintendent and several um other executives from the superintendent network um of which I've participated in since um 2018. Um this is a professional learning organization that focuses on strengthening um superintendent school leadership. The group joined us to participate in an instructional rounds exercise through which we studied our instructional practices in mathematics. We had two intersecting
006lines of inquiry. One tied to our district goals. We wanted to focus on better understanding how well our students with special needs were able to access grade level content and instruction in our math high school math classrooms. And the second line of inquiry focused on our implementation of building thinking classroom strategies. Um so I want to thank um Brian um Trudy Denton and Brent Dunn were the three designers and architects of that um experience. I'll just I'll share with you um the piece of a note I got from Richard Lemons, the executive director from partners who um leads the network. He writes, "What struck me most was the authenticity of the problem of practice you brought forward. It was clearly anchored in teaching learning and just as clearly driven by an aspiration for more powerful
007learning experiences and more equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. Just as important, your team seemed deeply invested without becoming defensive." There was a real openness to learning which gave the visit both credibility and substance. The visit itself was also thoughtfully designed. We had the chance to engage in a deep and disciplined conversation supported by the sheer number of data points we were able to gather. The narrow narrow and purposeful focus on math instruction and the supplemental materials that gave superintendents a clear picture of the vision for strong math teaching. All of that helped make learning sharper and the conversation more grounded. At the same time, it was equally clear that there's so much good happening at Wilton High School. Your faculty demonstrate real care and affection for students. The high school has moved forward
008with deliberateness on a challenging agenda, especially around delivering math, the math course catalog, and it was exciting to see building thinking classrooms alive in meaningful ways in the high school math classrooms. Um, so Brian and team, thank you. And Lori, you got to participate a little bit. you know, if there's anything that jumped out at you. >> Um, especially the classrooms that we observed. Um, I was so impressed with both the teachers and the students. Um, there was a um the same message was um put forth in each of the classes we went to and uh I was really proud and the group that I was with was your um superintendent from New Kanan. They they were really engaged as well. So, thank you. Thank you all. Very good. Now, and those kinds of professional
009practices, you know, with varying groups we, you know, under Chuck's direction engage in all year long, they're just really powerful example of the um commitment to continuous improvement that Wilton engages in annually. Um so, thank you and Brian, thanks again. Um that's it for my report. >> And now we have um a happy introduction of our new Miller Driscoll assistant principal, Caitlyn Walsh. Welcome to Wilton. So Marie, do you want to kick off the introduction here? >> Sure. >> Yes. Well, in my role, I have the privilege of leading the executive searches. And tonight, I am so pleased to introduce to the board for the first time officially, Caitlyn Walsh, who comes to us having had a very successful 24-year career in the field. She began her career at Greens Farms Elementary School in Westport,
010where she was a classroom teacher. She moved on to Monroe where she was a classroom teacher and an instructional leader, a coach, and then she went back to Westport to Greens Farms as a math coach before going on to become an assistant principal in Ridgefield. And uh it was a really rigorous process, four rounds, many committee members. Uh, but one of the things that came through just so clearly was how student centered Caitlyn is and her warmth and her passion for the work and her commitment to students and families. And so, we're we're very excited to have her on board. And I know Kathy wanted to share a few comments as well. >> Sure. First, I want to compliment Maria Coleman um because let me tell you, she runs an amazing um search and interview
011committee and she she has everything, you know, all buttoned up from start to finish and she fed us very well. So, you know, fed me well for four rounds. Um Caitlyn throughout this whole process, four rounds, again, the first thing we were attracted to was her intellect. She's so incredibly intelligent. Um, she exuded positivity. She was incredibly poised. Um, again, under a lot of pressure. I just said to her when we were sitting here, "Are you having a little post-traumatic stress disorder?" Cuz this was the room that we were in. Um, and she's like, "Oh, it's a much more relaxed environment tonight." >> There were a lot more people at this table, believe it or not. >> So nice. And then like Maria said, you know what what what what sealed the deal for us
012was she's so warm, so student centered, wants to support the staff, wants to get to know parents. Um, so those were things that just, you know, brought it home, Caitlyn. And in case you wondered, we've already started a list at Miller Driscoll about all the things that we have planned for Caitlyn. Um, so I said to her before we came in here, I wish we could just turn the page and have it be July 1st so that she could get started. Um, but we are really, really excited. Thank you. So, congratulations. >> I'm incredibly excited to be here. So, thank you all very much for welcoming me and for the committee for making me feel so welcome throughout the process. I can't wait. Thank you. And I will say that even though she she works
013in Wilton, she had the very good sense to never wear orange and black stepped foot on our campus. But to make sure that that never ever happens, we have some gear for you. You may not want to wear this in the next couple. >> I'll wait till July 1. Welcome. >> Thank you very much. Thanks everyone. You'll be in good company because I wear my Wilton hat in Richfield all the time. >> But welcome. We're really excited to have you partner with us. And uh welcome aboard July 1. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to everybody. >> Great. Good. And so round of applause for Kate. >> You don't have to stay. >> Okay. >> Thanks again everyone. >> Thank you. >> Now, one of the most joyous, you know, occasions, the um Cave Student
014Leader um awards. and we will start with um Middlebrook and Jory. >> All right. Thank you. So, this is uh certainly one of my favorite things to do. We come to the board and we can brag about students. That's uh I'll I'll step up sign up for that anytime. So, tonight I get to talk about two spectacular children that grace the halls of Middlebrook every day. But before I do that, I want to give proper credit where it's due, and that's to their parents. So, first I want to introduce Addie Bender's parents, uh, Ashley and Tad sitting right here. So, thank you to them. And also Owen ODay's parents, Bailey and Joe. Without them, we're not here, right? So, um, so let me brag about, um, Addie first. Uh Addie exemplifies the spirit of the
015CAB student award through her positivity, her leadership, and her dedication to the school community. Actively involved in chorus and web, which is where everybody belongs, and committed to her passions as a horseback rider and dancer, she brings enthusiasm and energy to everything she does. Addie is known for consistently being upbeat, having an upbeat attitude, and her determination to overcome challenges with resilience and incredibly strong work ethic. In the classroom, she leads by example as an upstander, supporting others while maintaining high standards for herself. Nominated by her peers and recognized with the quarter 2 epic award for enthusiasm, Addie is admired for her passion, positivity, and ability to inspire those around her. And one of my favorite things to do is to ask her peers what they would say about her. And so from her peers,
016they say, quote, "Addie is a good nominee for enthusiasm because she always has passion for her work and has eye high energy in class no matter what we're doing." End quote. Another student said, "Addie is quote, always bright and makes sure you look on the good side of something, even when it's hard to do." End quote. But through her compassion, her optimism, and commitment to making others feel supported, Addie truly embodies the values of respect, responsibility, and integrity that define the Cape Award recipient. So, congratulations to Addie Bender. >> Photos now or All right. Who's Who's the photographer? >> Take a photo. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Jory, join us. >> Mom and dad, come up, too. >> Absolutely. Mom and dad producers of this >> congratulations. >> Well done. >> Thank you. >> Maybe I'll
017take a few. >> Great. Thank you. >> Congratulations. Well done. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Okay, let me talk about Owen now. Owen OD Owen exemplifies the qualities of the CABE student award recipient through his leadership, intellectual curiosity, and strong character. As a web leader and active member of the student council, he plays a meaningful role in shaping a positive and engaged school community. Owen consistently sets a high standard academically. He embraces challenges and excelling while pursuing his own learning like teaching himself Latin and exploring advanced math and science topics out of genuine curiosity. Deeply invested in his eight green community, Owen fully participates in team building efforts from games to decorating fundraisers um where he stood out as the top contributor to the food drive. Uh beyond the classroom, he
018balances a wide range of activities. Get this, that includes theater, student advisory council, piano, crew, and water polo. all while honoring each of his commitments and responsibility with dedication. Owen is known for his honesty, his strong moral character, and his ability to connect with others. I will add that he connects with me every morning to say hello and ask me how I'm doing, and I appreciate it. >> He enjoys sharing his interest and learning about those experience the experiences uh of those around him, fostering a true sense of inclusion and respect. peers. What did they say about him? What his peers said was, quote, "When Owen is passionate about something, he gets so excited to share it with others." End quote. And another quote is, "He is thoughtful and has a sharp mind and always
019participates in class." And finally, a quote that says, "He is great to work with in a group because he's a real team player." End quote. Through his leadership, integrity, and genuine engagement both learning and in the community, Owen embodies the respect, responsibility, and compassion created by the CAB student award. So, congratulations to Owen. >> Oh, thank you. Okay. Congratulations. Thank you. Wonderful recognition. >> I guess we have to go in the same order. >> Sure. >> Like graduation. >> Yes, exactly. This >> morning. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thanks. Congratulations, >> Dr. O'Donnell. >> All right. Thank you. So, firstly, congratulations to Addie and Owen and those families. We cannot wait to have you leading at Wilford High School as well. So, we're very proud of our middle school
020students. We have two amazing Cave recipients tonight. I'm going to introduce Mason Vehar. Brian will introduce Terry Halfacaker. Uh, so as I begin, we will congratulate Robin and Paul Behar here and a special special greeting to Ben who is a sophomore, very high achieving sophomore. So why don't you stand up for a minute back there so we know who you are. Congratulations. And I'll talk about Mason. Mason is is truly amazing. He's a remarkable young man. So we are honored to present Mason Behar as a 2026 CA winner. Mason is an extraordinarily well-rounded, driven, and selfless individual whose commitment to his community, academic, and athletic achievements are evident throughout his entire time at Wilton High School. Mason has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to lead with integrity and purpose. He was elected vice president of his
021class in both his sophomore and junior years and is currently the president of the senior class. An amazing accomplishment. His leadership abilities extend far past the end of the school day in his role as a captain of Safe Rides, in which he leads a team of 20 students on weekends to ensure that his peers have a safe way home whenever they need it. Mason's community involvement and compassion for others is also very evident on the baseball field. As a true warrior challenger baseball volunteer, he maintains an environment of safety, inclusivity, and fun in a baseball league designed for special needs players. As a little league evaluator, he trains and mentors young players. Mason consistently gives back. What is truly remarkable is how Mason balances his many extracurricular and community responsibilities with a rigorous AP course
022load and athletic commitments. He has achieved a 3.76 unweighted GPA here at Wilton High School thus far. And as a member of the National and French Honor Societies, as well as the football, skiing, and wrestling. He actually went out for wrestling this year and demonstrated amazing mental and physical toughness as a senior. No small feat. Um, and also a member of our currently member of our baseball team. With all these amazing engagements that he has, his time management skills are nothing short of remarkable. We are proud to have a student leader with such integrity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence here at Wilton High School. Mason will be attending Colgate University in the fall. Congratulations to Mason and his awesome family. Congratulations, Mason. So, we're going to have you come up first
023and gradually. This is for you. This is the bio just so we'll have the whole family included. Take a nice picture. information. >> Thank you so much. Good to see you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Such a pleasure. Nice to have you, Smith. Way to go. You guys are doing a great job. >> So, if we Yeah, if we could have everyone shift over just a little. Get ready for June. >> In between the flags is perfect. >> Okay. Ready? One, two, three. >> Great. Thank you. >> Well done. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Congratulations. >> And I'll follow suit uh as I introduce Taylor Halfacaker, and congratulating her parents, Bonnie and Ted, right behind me for the outstanding job they've done raising a wonderful child.
024Uh we're honored to present Taylor Halfacre with the 2026 Cab award. While Taylor joined Wilton High School community only at the start of her junior year, transferring from California, the impact she has had in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. She's a student divined by intrepid spirit, a rare level of resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her peers. Transitioning schools midway through a high school career is daunting for anyone. Yet, Taylor navigated this challenge with gusto. She didn't just adapt, she thrived, immersing herself in our extracurricular life and earning the respect of her classmates so quickly that she was elected senior class vice president. Her commitment to student government does not end there, however. She's also involved in our exec board. Taylor has quickly become a person both staff and students turn
025to to uh seek her wisdom, energy, and willingness to help out whenever it's needed. In addition to her involvement with student government, Taylor's an active member of the school's choir and theater programs. In fact, she's appeared in every theater production since her arrival at Wilton High School, and is part of two prestigious coral groups, our magical and ac capella group. Her passion for video editing and graphic design, much of which she learned through self-initiated projects, is evident in her involvement with the school's yearbook and as the social media manager of the school newspaper at the forum. that she manages this extensive extracurricular portfolio while maintaining a rigorous honors and AP workload and earning a 3.69 unweighted GPA is a testament to her exceptional self-drive and academic prowess. We're proud to have a student with such
026enthusiasm for learning innate leadership ability and compassion here at Wilton High School. Taylor will be attending Forom University in the fall. Congratulations, Taylor. I welcome congratulations. Thank you for Congratulations. >> Better than barbecue. >> I was just saying and I was like, I know that your Harry Potter auditions. I was buying ribs online. >> Congratulations. >> Small town, right? >> Small town. I guess I can't believe you. >> Okay, ready? One, two, three. I'll take a few here. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> And all award recipients, congratulations. But you do not have to, you know, >> sit through the rest of the meeting. Enjoy the weather. Enjoy the evening. >> Thank you so much. >> Congratulations. such a fun normal crowd. U next up uh the financial report. Kevin
027will walk us through us. Laya is not here with us today. >> Great. Yeah. So, uh just so everybody knows, Laya um has been enrolled in a program University of New Haven for school business conditions and they added a course. So, she took the program last year, finished it. They added a course this year and she asked if she could take it. So that's where she's been on the last few Thursday nights. The course she's taking is called facility transportation and ancillary services which sounds great in charge of when she gets back. >> Can't get any better than that. >> Yeah. But um she provided as she typically does her summary. Um you saw we're keeping a close eye on end of year expenditures. um she's been working with the staff in the buildings to
028close out purchase orders and you know generally speaking um we're in a pretty good place. Um there aren't any lines in this budget um that are performing in ways that were unanticipated. Um in some other news um she shared with you that we um have purchased and received um our second 10 passenger van. Um the driver has been hired and um we expect to begin um right at the beginning of May. Um and then the last update she had for you um was around the um nursing services RFP. We received 12 proposals. Uh we're going through those now. So maybe she'll have recommendations later in May. >> You know they're by and large in line. >> Um I have no idea at this point. Yeah, I just know the number that we received. >> That's
02912 proposals are substantial. >> Yeah. So, what she did say was most of them were from organizations out of state. >> And so, um, again, not sure, you know, what that means, if you're trying to, you know, get a tow hold in Connecticut or what, but, um, she's just started to work through the the process. >> Um, any questions for Kevin on um the budget? Um there's also um the um transfer sheet uh on the last page. Budget questions are always welcome. So if anything stands out after the meeting or if you have any um questions, you know, Laya um is available and that um directly Mr. question >> Wilton PS athletic highlights. >> All right, >> welcome to the table. >> I got a fresh one. Uh >> what's going on at that >>
030girls lacrosse 83 win over New Kanan for the for the girls. So fantastic big wins held them scoreless in the second half. So uh fantastic. So I don't have a boy score. >> You don't have a boy score. They were down at half when I checked, but has something over there. >> 59. No bueno. >> Um, I'd like to start with some um dates first, just to share. Um, on Sunday, uh, May 3rd, the senior principal, Mr. Peting and myself, will be attending uh the CAS CIA scholar athlete dinner where two of our student athlete seniors will be recognized. Um, Karen Wiseman and Ellery Worst. So, we look forward to celebrating both of those athletes um up at the Aqua Turf uh center up there. Um followed by uh June 1st, we welcome our class
031of I can't believe it, 2030, ready for the rising freshman uh night for athletics. Um so, uh a fun night of a panel of guests including coaches, parents, alumni, officials, a tour of the athletic wing, and then an opportunity to meet and greet with all of our athletic coaches. So, a nice way to transition our um their next class at the high school. So, looking forward to that. Our hall of fame committee um has set a date of uh Friday, October 9th to celebrate our second um induction class, the class of 2026 uh which is a fun group. Uh once all of those are are finalized and uh our inductees can attend, we will share those those names and lists with you. Um followed by our homecoming game on October 10th. So, um, fun things
032ahead for, uh, Wilton High School. Um, and just on the note of the the Hall of Fame, I don't know if any of you, um, how often you, um, go through the website, but, on the athletic website, um, our touchscreen that lives in the fieldhouse, uh, is also, uh, URL based. So, um, we've updated that um, not only with our incoming Hall of Fame class and and the ones before, but, um, kind of elevated that to um, some of our warriors at the next level. So, since I've been here, we've been tracking obviously where all our student athletes go. Um, so this year we have 17 student athletes going on to participate in athletics. Uh, eight at the division 3 level, Sunni Onian, Gettysburg, Bates, Emerson, Ithaca, and Alberta Magnus. Um, and nine at the
033division one level, Harvard, Marquette, West Point, Colgate, Iona, Bryant, Vermont, Cornell, Colombia, and Arizona. So all those names are visible um on our wall of distinction is what we call it um both on URL and obviously the touchcreen if you stop by the fieldhouse. Um we are also this is sort of a a preview for all of you but um we worked with uh Susanna SDS uh Dr. O'Donnell and myself um to create a uh mascot competition. So, we will be bringing back a mascot to Wilton High School um and really involving uh the student base to, you know, create the design um submit designs and then create a committee to vote and hopefully uh on the sideline of uh the fall of 2026, you'll see a new Wilton Warrior mascot that we haven't had.
034So, uh looking forward to that roll out, looking forward to what the kids designed. Um you know, we did that with our Hall of Fame logo and and had some a real good success rate. So looking forward to the same with our mascot roll out. So um now on to some other highlights. Um just to kind of sum up the winner, um we finished with 36 all FCA athletes, 13 all state. Our girls ski were class S regular season champions. Our boys swim and dive for the second year running were class M runnerups. uh and our our new coach was uh named SCE coach of excellence followed by our boys and girls uh hockey teams who both qualified for both the FCA and state tournament and both of their our coaches were selected as FCA
035coaches of the year. Um our FC our wrestling team won the FCA sportsmanship award had a fantastic showing at our league level FCAs our states state opens and we had one wrestler qualify for the New England wrestling tournament up in Rhode Island. Uh it was a record year in class L's. Highest points scored, highest finish in school history and most places. And we had our first class L champion in our own fieldhouse, which was pretty amazing. Um, similar to what we did with, um, the partnership with Sacred Heart and our strength and conditioning program, uh, we have now since partnered with Southern Connecticut State, um, and with the help of, uh, Maria Coleman and, uh, the rest of our team have brought on an intern around the mental performance coach. Um, this is becoming very
036popular obviously at the professional levels, even as as recent as the draft is tonight. And the NFL is now required one mental health professional per team. um and it's kind of making its way through college and and soon obviously through high school but um you know more for the opportunity to teach goal setting, adversity, perseverance um and just provide someone um in that field. So they will report directly to me, work with our coaches. So um sort of a trial period for this spring and hope to create that connection moving forward um for our fall and winter seasons as well. Um and then just a quick sort of current standings of where we are. Um, our baseball team's off to a great start, five and three, followed by softball, six-2. Girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys
037lacrosse, all 500 at this point as of before the this this game. Um same with our our tennis, girls tennis and our volleyball team who um as you know are competing at the varsity level for the first time are three and three and uh competing you know very well and and hope to um you know qualify for the classm state tournament as well as the FCI tournament. So everything is off to a great start and just thank you for letting me share. Oh, you >> I'm gonna ask you to email that to me so I can like highlight some of these great achievements at the annual town meeting. Um, but it's really fantastic and um I just think that >> the growth and the strength of the program year over year um just has been
038tremendous and uh this new partnership with Southern Connecticut State that sounds so you know kind of interesting to me and it's the forefront of the intersection of have a well-rounded education and be an athlete and also a leader. So, I >> I'm really u pleased to see that direction. >> Any um questions for Do you know how many kids are participating in spring sports? >> We have 432 student athletes, about 36% of our student body right now. >> Is it usually spring less than fall? Is that or is in about >> um >> the same >> about the same you have the same? Yeah. Our our our winner is probably our highest, you know. >> Okay. >> About 500 and change of students. So, but similar pattern. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Thank
039you. >> Done a great job. >> I appreciate that. >> And we actually have a Thanksgiving game in here, right? >> We're at Ridgefield this year, but >> It's fine. You can all wear a wilting gear there. >> That's right. That's right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Bobby. >> IT update, Phil. >> Sure. So, as you know, we're in a bit of a period of transition. Uh, but Derek Ley, who is the COO of Novvice, has stepped in to help out and he has a transition team he's been leading, partnering with us, and things have been going really well. So, I'll just give you a few brief updates. Um first off um we're working on um improving our network infrastructure. So at each of the buildings there have been some things some inefficiencies or um
040things that just weren't set up optimally. So they're working through that right now and improving that overall throughout the district. Um we're also working on inventorying our hardware and trying to come up with a a replacement plan for student Chromebooks and teacher laptops. So we're working through that. But one highlight from that conversation is that um we're looking to go with better, more robust Chromebooks for students and in we also want to price out including cases with that purchase so that we can get more mileage out of it and um keep Chromebooks in students hands longer before having to repurchase them for another class coming through. So we're hoping to you know spend a little more up front but save a little bit more overall. So that's kind of our grow plan at the moment.
041Um, teacher laptops is still in the process. We're still planning on a lot of that within our budget constraints. Um, the community Wi-Fi grant is going well. Um, overall, uh, Derek says we're beefing beefing up our fiber so we can have better connectivity between buildings. Uh, we're also building some redundancy in our Wi-Fi to help provide access for places like the um the sporting fields, things like that. Um, as far as our, uh, systems and security, um, we are looking to upgrade our phone system. Uh, and I know we're disentangling that from the town system. So, that's been a bit of a project. Um, but they're setting their sights on getting the upgrade done sooner rather than later at this point. So, Novas is working through some of the options there. Um, as far as
042some smaller projects that are going on, uh, we are working on bringing back digital signage. it's inconsistent throughout the four schools. Um so Derek and his team have um highlighted uh a app called OpticSign and they think that that could help bring back some digital signage. Uh for example, you know, there's TVs in the high school cafeteria that have been turned off for as long as I've been here, so going on two years. So they're hoping to get that going again, provide lunch menu information, things like that. Um, I know that uh we're thinking of uh getting the TV going in Cider Mill in the lobby so when students come in they can see the announcements and parents can see that too when they visit things like that. So we're hoping to get all that
043up and running again sooner rather than later. So that's just a brief list of updates that Dererick shared with me. Uh and I'm happy to talk more about it in detail. has I know that um Derek is kind of pinch hitting for us right now. Has there been a timeline set or a process in place for someone permanent? >> That's actually one thing I left off by accident. Um there was a a network admin position that they're actively recruiting for. Um and they're close to having the right candidate picked out for that. They have um some different um tasks for that person to do as part of their application process, but they're getting closer to replacing that position. And Kevin, I'll let you talk about still recruiting for the CTO. >> Okay. >> Yes. And
044he from the skies, he's planning to um stay for a while. >> Okay. >> Make sure everything is exactly as we need it to be. >> And and we're you feel like we're sufficiently involved in that search where under the contract that you know we'll be well well served. >> I do. Yeah. I do. >> Any other questions for Bill? Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Um, next up is policy 6163.1 and slash1312.3 selection of school library materials meets um Wilton goals and priorities um 56 7 8 and 14. This will be a first read. So we're not what policy pooa not quite there to consider tonight a pre to policy pooa. Um so this policy um is driven by a new state statute adopted last year. Um, if you look at
045the existing policy, we're proposing to strike all of the existing language and supplant it with model policy language developed by Shipman and Goodwin. The new policy addresses primarily three areas. The first is library collection development and maintenance. Um, this component of the policy requires that students have access to grade level appropriate material and other material that is relevant to students interests, research needs, reading interests, and other educational needs. This component stipulates that the district establish a procedure by which our library media specialists will continually review the material. So, that's um been done and part of the um policy. The second component um has to do with library displays and programs. Um that component expresses the inherent value in library displays and notes that they should be provided for the interest information and enlightenment of all
046students. They should represent a wide range of very diverging viewpoints. They should enable student access to age and great appropriate content. And then the um third component um are standards for reviewing challenges to um library material um library displays and then um student programs. And this component essentially spells out the process an individual must engage in should that person want to um challenge the um presence of some material or program. Um lastly, the entire policy reinforces the understanding that the library media specialist is the staff member most qualified to curate the materials, displays and programs in the library media center. I had a couple questions. Sure. Um, policy reference in appendix A, which I didn't see attached. I don't know if that was on purpose or not. >> WD procedure. >> Yeah, that's I saw
047the the the request form for consideration. >> Oh, you know what? We that's the you know I must have just neglected to include it. I I'll I'll post it on the next agenda. Um but that was the procedure that um Bill and company developed for um just reviewing materials. >> Okay. Sorry, I thought I didn't do that. Um, and then in doing some research on this, it seems like there's a recommendation that we may contemplate some kind of informal resolution step before you go right to like a formal review. Was that discussed or considered as part of our policy to say like if if someone wants to challenge a material? Is there an interim step where and I'm sure there's a conversation had but like I don't know do we want to include that as
048part of the formal process to say before we jump all the way to convenience? >> Sure. I we may not have discretion honestly um because the language is driven by statute um and I'll have to go back and um scrutinize the existing language. Yeah. Um so I think you know two pieces. One um what I can do is just verify the the call of the law and um just that that's permissible to do. I think the second thing and as you noted um with any kind of conflict just you know in general we try to um resolve informally first um and try to do some education if possible. Um but I'm not sure that we have discretion in this case. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Bill, did you want to weigh in? >> Um, it's I
049don't know sure what it looks like online, but on the printed version, uh, under B, the process is spelled out there. So, by statute, you're supposed to start with the principal, the principal's designate, uh, uh, and then go from there. >> Yeah, that's true. Okay, good point. >> Yeah. So, it's kind of set in stone, so to speak. That's not to say we couldn't, you know, do it our way a little bit here and there, but, um, there is a process set out by the statute. One big change is that um it has to be someone with a vested interest within the district. It can't just be someone kind of taking interest when they're not, you know, part of the welding community. So >> yeah, and I think, you know, the the history of this
050legislation is exactly that that they were, you know, book challenges across the country. Um, so I think the state legislature wanted to put up some guard rails for all concerns. >> Just a minor point. Then this B, is that in effect appendix A? >> Where it says B, is that in effect the start of appendix A? Since appendix A is meant to be the review process and this is the review process, I >> think so. Yeah, >> just labels. >> I'll go back and look. Yeah, it might be that might be with the document, too. Sorry about that. And then do we separately I I thought I recalled some process where if a if a parent has an issue with a material that they don't want their spe their child to have access to they
051can separately >> yeah work with the teacher work with the administrator >> their their child's access without having to go for a whole challenge. Right. >> You can put a note under the library file. So I mean this is this particular policy has to do with library materials. >> So if there's materials or subject matter that you don't want your child to have access to, it can be noted on their library pile and that would remove their ability to >> um have access or >> so yeah. So you don't they don't have to go through this full process, >> right? If there's something that they feel that they don't want for their child, but they're not looking to remove it from the entire library. Y >> Thank you. Other questions about that policy? >> So,
052this is a first read, so everyone can um take their time to digest and we'll um look um to answer some of the questions um that were posed um tonight and come back at the um next meeting and um discuss. If anybody has questions about it in the interim, please feel free to um reach Kevin directly. >> Yeah. >> Do we have a lot of this? Did we have a lot of >> we haven't had a we had one book challenge three or four years ago >> remember that >> and we had a process articulated you know establishing a committ so on um and then occasionally we'll have a a parent reach out and you know put a put a lock in the system or have a particular material >> there's not like a flood
053of There's not even a trick. >> Yeah, I didn't think there was. >> Okay. Um, moving along, getting us closer to policy pool um, policy updates and um, meeting goal number 14. >> Yeah. So, uh, just to remind everybody, um, last summer we engaged with a to conduct an audit of our policy manual. Um, while the manual was on in pretty good shape, there were a number of policies that hadn't been reviewed quite a long time. So, uh, Roo, Ruth, Mark, and I have organized them into several groups, and we're working through the updates now. Um, so there's a number of policies. I'm just going to walk you through and we'll we're going to put them on for a first read on the 7th. >> On the seventh, some will come for a first read,
054and some will be on the consent agenda for just um technical typo type. Um, >> yeah, most of the policies we're reviewing haven't been reviewed in, you know, eight or 10 or more years. And so, um, the majority of the work that's been done is really just language clean up, typos, spacing. Um, some updating to, uh, statutes where appropriate. Um, there are a couple that, um, have more substantive revisions. There's one we sent back to, um, Shiva Goodman with a question about the necessity of the policy. Um, but I appreciate the effort on Mark and with Sparta to get these done. So, um, in your packet tonight, and I'll make sure this goes up online so we're looking at the first policy that we looked at, 3232 individuals with, um, disabilities act fiscal compliance. Um,
055there were no substantive changes to that policy. It was really just technical in nature, typos and spacing. Um, I made one correction to the legal reference. Um, it's IBA 20 USC, not 40 USC. Um, so I made that correction. The second policy that we looked at was 356.5 sexual offenders on school property. Um, there were no substantive changes to that one. Um, again, typos and spacing. The third policy 3541.32 transportation for cocurricular activities. This is the one I sent out to shipment with a question. Neither Shipman nor Cade carry this policy in their recommended manuals and so um we've had it for a very long time and so I was just curious about the necessity. So I can come back to you with a recommendation on that. uh 41 15.3 evaluation termination and nonrenewal with
056athletic coaches. Um here too no substantive changes at all. There were some typos some spacing um where formatting with letters. Um this policy mirrors the shipment in Goodwin model policy 411 recruitment selection and appointment of certified and non-certified staff. Um here too no substantive changes to this policy. again typo spacing again the capital of the letters uh 4132 professional publications and presentation by staff we did um revise the existing language to improve readability u we amended the provision around superintendent office review to stipulate a twoe turnaround um but we added a line about product ownership and um I guess we need to make a decision decision um if it's going to be legal claim or property, right? >> Or ownership, excuse me. Yeah. And so we'll >> we'll settle that >> decide on that. >>
057Yeah. >> Yep. And then the last one in this series that we looked at 5144.4 physical activity and student discipline. Um in the existing policy, we added some recommended language from the cave model policy. Um and then after a discussion tonight, uh we're proposing um to strike all of B. Correct. >> Correct. >> Um and so you'll have an amended version when you see this again in two weeks um >> as a first week. >> Correct. And uh we just updated the legal statute. >> So progress. We're making our way through. So clearly um we'll have these we'll post them online for at home. Um and then at our next meeting um there'll be a few at on the agenda for first review and then there'll be a few on the consent agenda that are
058just um typos and technical um changes. If anybody has any um questions now or comments now um please feel free Okay. Um, moving along under possible action items discuss and approve consideration of a request for an appeal hearing and concerning complaint involving employee filed under Wilton Board of Education policy and regulations 1312. Um earlier um this evening we uh met in executive session um and discussed an attorney client privilege memorandum providing legal advice regarding appeal of a complaint involving an employee. And I'm going to um ask um for a motion from the board uh um that consistent with board of education policy and regulation 1312 public complaints. The board declined to hear the appeal of the complaint received by the board on April 23rd, 2026 from an employee of the Wilton Public Schools and moves
059further that the board authorizes the superintendent to communicate this decision to of the board to said employee. Is there a motion? >> So move. >> Thank you, Lori. Any um discussion or comments or questions? Is there a second? >> Second. Thank you, Pam. All in favor? Pam. All in favor or not? Motion carries unanimously. Um, thank you all. Um, comments from the public. No comments um from the public. Uh just want to um again draw everybody's attention to the annual town meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 7 pm. That's held here in the um Cloon Auditorium. And then we will have a regular meeting on May 7th. And then on May 21st, we'll again have an executive um anticipated executive session at 6:00 and then a regular meeting following at 7 um p.m. Um and
060also for everybody's information, the um April 2026 enrollment report is attached um to tonight's materials. Um it is 7:57 meeting adjourned.