001I'd like to call the this meeting of the New England Board of Education to order for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2006. The time is 700 p.m. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. 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. >> Deb, you please call the role. >> Here >> Marissa, excuse me, Marissa Lensing >> here. >> Timothy Newton. >> He'll be late. Amy Paratt >> here. >> Sam Chararma >> here. >> Brian Skebo >> we're here. >> Dr. Gail Stanley >> here. >> Jessica Weaver >> here. >> I have everyone here except Mr. Newton. >> Thank you. All right. Our first presentation is for our everyday hero, Dr. Brahma. I'll turn over
002to you. >> Absolutely. Thank you very much. So, our everyday hero for this evening is Mike Morgan, director of security and residency. He's seated way down at the other end of the table. Uh, he was nominated by Jason Lambert and Tara Tigma, and I believe at least one of them is online. Um, here's what they wrote. We are honored to nominate Mike Morgan for the Everyday Hero Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. As director of residency and security, Mike provides outstanding leadership and serves as an invaluable resource to administrators and staff across the district. He has direct oversight of all emergency protocols, including lockdowns and other critical response procedures, as well as creating safety operation plans for dances and events and ensuring they
003are thorough, up-to-date, and effectively implemented. Mike has been instrumental in advancing our district's safety initiatives, most notably through the development and ongoing refinement of our threat assessment team. This team collaborates closely with local agencies, including the Newington Police Department, fostering a strong partnership that enhances student safety both in school and beyond. His work on additional protocols such as relocation procedures has left our schools feeling wellprepared and confident in their ability to respond to emergencies. Beyond his strategic contributions, Mike consistently models composure, level-headedness, and professionalism in high stress situations. He is exceptionally accessible, offering thoughtful guidance to staff both on and off school hours when navigating complex decisions related to student and school safety. As a collaborative thought partner, he ident helps identify the most effective strategies to support students and families and to plan proactive
004responses. Mike's supportive leadership extends to his school security team across the district where his presence and mentorship have strengthened our overall security efforts. His work has brought genuine relief, reassurance, and heightened sense of security to students, staff, and families alike. At NHS, he is often seen in the cafeteria helping students find their way and saying goodbye to them each afternoon. He has joined administration in listening to students ideas and help create plans that allow for activities, but ensuring safety is always the top priority. Mike Morgan embodies the qualities of an everyday hero through his steadfast commitment, expertise, and calm leadership in keeping our school community safe. He truly deserves this recognition. Congratulations. >> Thank you very much. >> I mean, >> well, first, >> but Deb is gonna take a picture. >> Got a lot
005of little ones around here. All right, here we go. >> Hi everybody. Mike, I'm never going to pass up a mic. Um, so obviously what you heard is what we feel about Mike across the district. And today I said, "What are you doing tonight going to a lacrosse game?" And he was embarrassed and humbled to admit that he was coming here tonight. And I said, "Oh, like maybe a whole team, you know, maybe do a team or just like one person." and he's like, his response just sums it up. He said, "It's always a team." And that's truly um how we operate in Newington public schools, specifically at Newington High School with our family of learners and what Mike has brought since um coming on board in the district. When we first uh we worked,
006we lived on the same street at one point, but when we first worked together, I thought we were speaking a different language because we seemed to always um what appeared to be butdding heads, but what we're really doing was understanding each other's love language, which at the end of the day uh was keeping students safe and putting them first. So, we are truly a team. We're so happy to have them on board. So, I think I speak on behalf of the entire district when I say thank you so much for all you do for our students and our staff. Thank you. Okay, thank you everybody. And that um that's the truth. It's it's a team here. It's a team of administrators, teachers, support staff, security staff, um board members. And you know, one of the
007things that I find enjoyable about this district is we have a lot of people coming at a question or a problem or anything that we're addressing. We're coming from a lot of different angles with a lot of different backgrounds and experience and there's a level of respect and professionalism here in this district that's pretty amazing and that allows us to work collaboratively to come up with some some pretty special solutions. Um and like Tara had mentioned um at the end of the day when we're finished and we're arriving at the solutions or the plans that we're coming up with u the number one priority is the safety of our students and staff here in the district. And uh I'm I'm very proud to be a part of it. So thanks for allowing me to be
008here tonight. Jason, Mr. Lambert, would you like to say anything? >> I would be honored to do so. It's been an absolute pleasure working with Mike. Um, he's an awesome thought partner. Um, he always puts students safety and our staff safety first. Um, and I appreciate his uh availability, you know, both on and off the clock. and um he's a tremendous resource and he loves the district. He loves working for the schools and it shows in everything that he does. He's forwardinking. Um he's willing to be creative with solutions and um and I am so honored to work with him and I'm so excited that he's receiving this award tonight. Welld deserved, Mike. We're so proud of you. Thank you so much. Uh we'll do everything all at once. So our next resolution is honoring
009our Newington teachers. We have our NTA president up here. So let me read this into the record. Resolution honoring Newington teachers May 5th which is in the future 2026. Whereas May 5th, 2026 has been proclaimed as Newington Teacher Appreciation Day. And whereas the Newington public school system is committed to honoring its teachers and recognizing their contributions to the educational system. And whereas the Newington public school teachers are wellqualified, very dedicated, and responsible for the shaping of minds of future citizens. And whereas the Newington public school teachers provide instructional opportunities that help prepare the students for the demands of the challenging workplace environment. And whereas Newington public school teachers help students understand the democratic principles that built this nation and how those foundations of freedom are serving as hope for people around the world. And whereas
010the commitment of the New England public school teachers to providing the best education possible for their students is exemplary. And it is the desire of the board of education that teachers should be made aware of their appreciation. Therefore, we do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 as Newton Teacher Appreciation Day. Be it resolved that we are dollar citizens of our community to join with us in actively expressing gratitude to Newington teachers who represent an investment and excellence in our community. Be it further resolved, the secretary of the Newington board of ed is directed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to provide a suitable copy to the president of the teachers newton teachers association. Thank you. um this year especially on behalf of the teachers of Newington public schools and um
011all of my members who um work in all seven schools across the district um with the students here in Newington. We really appreciate the support that you give us. Um it is because of the work that you do late at night and um collaboratively as a group that allows us to do our best work with the students and that's really why we got into education is we love spending time with our students and giving them that gift of learning and we let you worry about some of the other things. >> So thank you for your support and thank you for the um resolution honoring our teachers. I'm gonna let Miss Weaver read the next one. >> All right, we have our school nurses. I see Mercy online. All right, let's read this one into the
012record. We have different days, too, just so everyone knows. This one is different. School nurses different. So, yes. Uh so resolution honoring school nurses May 6, 2026. Whereas May 6, 2026 has been proclaimed as Newington school nurses day. And whereas Newington school nurses help to foster a healthy nurturing community in which our children can learn and grow. And whereas Newington school nurses are the first and sometimes the only line of defense against the illnesses and conditions our students face, making their contribution to the education and welfare of the student population invaluable. And whereas Newington school nurses by the nature of their profession are called upon to take on roles beyond that of a health provider acting as teacher, confidant, mentor, and to and friend to the students of Newington. And whereas Newington school nurses are
013dedicated to the success and wellness of Newington's future generations. Therefore, we do hereby proclaim May 6th, 2026 as Newington School Nurses Day, be it resolved that we urge all the citizens of our community to join with us in actively expressing gratitude to all Newington school nurses. And be it further resolved that the secretary of the Newington Board of Education is directed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and provide a suitable copy for presentation. Yay. >> Mercy. >> Hi everybody. Um I'm excited to actually see three other nurses on um virtually as well. Um Karen, Dana, and Kristen. So thank you for joining. um and with them and on behalf of all of our other nurses, um I would first of all sincerely like to thank you, Dr. Brummit, and the members
014of the board of ed for this resolution honoring our school nurses. Uh we are we're we're really deeply grateful for your recognition of the work that the school nurses do each day to support um the health, the safety, and the well-being of our Newington school uh students. Um, as most of you have heard me speak before, school nursing is much more complex and it seems to be more complex every year um and critical than before because our students come with a wide range of needs um medical, mental health, social, emotional and for many of these students, the school nurse is the first place they turn u when they are struggling. Uh our school nurses, they manage many chronic conditions. uh respond to medical emergencies. We actually um put in a medical emergency response team. We
015call it MERT that's been very successful. Uh they support students in crisis, promote wellness. They serve um as basically a trusted connection between families, health care providers, and everybody in our school community. Um school nurses are also very essential um to the educational team. uh they you know are basically their presence ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and healthy environment. Uh with that said, healthy students are better learners and that's super important. And lastly, I will hurry up. Um it's not just about what we do, but it's also the importance of continuing to invest in school health services. We have our school-based health center which has been super successful so that we can meet the growing and changing needs of our students today. >> Thank you so much. >>
016And our third resolution for the evening is a resolution honoring Newington instructional support staff. Whereas Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 has been proclaimed as Newington Newington instructional support staff appreciation day. And whereas the Newington public school system is committed to honoring its instructional support staff and recognizing their contributions to the educational system. And whereas the Newington public school instructional support staff are wellqualified, very dedicated, and maintain a close working relationship with students, school staff, and parents. And whereas the Newington public school instructional support staff provide assistance, direction, and guidance to students under the direction of special education and regular education teachers. And whereas the Newington public school instructional support staff reinforce skills, assist students in completing work using technology, organizing, and assisting with physical needs and personal care. And whereas the Newington public school instructional support
017staff contribute to the success of the entire school system and are always willing to go above and beyond their duties. Therefore, we do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 as Newington Instructional Support Staff Day. Be it yet resolved that we urge all the citizens of our community to join with us in actively expressing gratitude to Newington instructional support staff who represent an investment in excellence in our community. Beet further resolved that the secretary of the Newington Board of Education is directed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to provide a suitable suitable copy for presentation. >> Felicia and Alex. >> Miss Telia Foy. >> Hello. And Alex. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you so very much everyone for the recognition and acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of our
018PAR educators and tutors in our district. Uh we know that they work very hard. They're a vital role. They play a vital role in our schools and the success of our teachers, our staff and all around. So we can't thank them enough for all the hard work that they do. And I have with me Alex Hland who's one of our assistant directors of special education to just give a little extra thank you in regards to our pair of educators. >> Yes. Um they are the backbone of everything that we do in our schools. Um without their professionalism, their guidance, and their care for all of the students that are in our classrooms, um we wouldn't be where we are. um they really have everyone's best interest at heart and the amount of um >> the
019amount of professionalism that they show and care for the children that they work with is um so extraordinary. And every year um I am amazed by how well they are able to put up with the new the new challenges that are uh put in front of them and the uh perseverance that they have to come to work every day still smile and still uh enjoy and love everything that they're doing. So thank you everybody for what you're doing. our paparazzi. Okay, at this point I will open it up to board comments on any of our presentations of awards. Miss Beatric. >> Um, I just want to congratulate and and really um be clear about the amount of appreciation and respect that we have for our teachers, our paras, our security people um and our school
020nurses. Um, you know, I'm struck by hearing all of the the um kind words that were spoken today and talking about our our school community as very much that it's a community with lots and lots of different types of people, lots and lots of different types of needs and challenges. And each one of you are meeting those challenges and exceeding those challenges in a way that are so special and that always have the education, the safety, the security, and the love for all of our students. So, thank you so much for all that you do. It is definitely recognized and appreciated. >> Miss Weaver, >> this is a whole list of love fest tonight. I love my love fest, but wow, we got we got all of the top top folks here tonight. Um Mike,
021want to say thank you so much for all that you've done for our district. Um I remember you came on and the work we've done um particularly on board side of making sure when we have schools construction projects um talking about security um was top of mind for Wallace for Anna Reynolds for all of the things when we have um the man traps and and all of our schools. Um, you know, I think having those conversations, you have been a great leader. Um, not only for I know us as board members who are looking for like what does Mike think about this or on policy, what does Mike think about this? Thank you. Um, and I I think it's just one of those things that's um you're a pillar in in our school community. So,
022thank you for what you do every single day. Um, thank you to our teachers. Holly, you know how I feel about Newington teachers. Um they are a very large reason of why I am here today. Um and some of them mo many of them still teaching there. Um some of them at this table. Thank you Mr. Das. Um and I think Newington just has an an exceptional quality. I talked to other board members, my friends, my families that are teachers, my friends that are teachers, and I just know Newington teachers are special. Um, so I know when I say thank you, please know it comes from the 13 years I did here as a student, but also the years I've done here as a board member. Um, to see the growth, the challenges, the immense
023responsibility that it is to be a teacher. Um, and the appreciation is never enough. So, thank you for our nurses. The same goes the care that has been given to me, my sister, especially when you have a nut allergy. Before it was like a thing. Um, and there was like tofoodi like ice cream and all these random things. We were like, we don't know what to do with this. Um, Mercy, thank you to you and your team and to those online tonight. I know those challenges are ever changing. Um, particularly I think since uh postco world we've seen just the amount of of changes and to your point um know we were just talking about mer teams last night in or the other night in policy and um also our schoolbased health center as being
024a a great need and a great value to our community. So, thank you for continuing to take on more responsibility um and and be the front line truly. And lastly to our PAR educators um truly has been a topic I think for a lot of this because we do appreciate our our pair educators. It has been really important conversation because um more and more we are looking at shortages and the intensity of that job. Um it knows no bounds. So I cannot express my gratitude enough um on behalf of the board for our PAR educators and our tutors. um that are there helping our teachers who I know are appreciative of them too and the camaraderie between the staff to staff and the staff to parents to be honest um has been wonderful to see
025that connection with paras and seeing what the true changes that can happen especially as those who are one-on-one bringing children uh along in multiple grades and having that that connection um they're some of the most heartwarming stories I've seen in education thus far. So thank you to everyone. Thank you for all that you do every single day. The love fest is not enough. the resolutions are not enough but we appreciate you every day. >> Okay, Mr. Chararma. >> Hey, I just want to congratulate all the honores um especially the nurses um the teachers and then of course the support staff and being a teacher myself uh it's a lot of hard work. Um it's not a 73 job. I wake up at 4:30. By the time I'm done it's about 9:00 p.m. And sometimes I
026remember I put in I spend about like three hours just making one lesson. So I mean I know how it is and how much hard work our teachers put in um for our students. So congratulations again and we really appreciate what you all do for all our kids. Thank you >> Dr. Stanley. >> Thank you. Uh I just wanted to say thank you to everybody um especially the teachers. Um you are some of our most trusted uh folks and a part of our community and really a part of our family um throughout the year. And so I just wanted to say that we really appreciate you and you definitely deserve this resolution. Um big shout out to the nurses of course. Uh the day-to-day job of nurses is so broad. Um from band-aids to ice
027packs to EpiPens to reviewing health records and making sure that the students are safe and and also um faced with um psychiatric challenges and managing um that and supporting families. So um big shout out and thank you to all of our nurses. Um, and then the PAR educators. Wow, we're trying. I know. We love you guys. We really do. And we hear it. And we know how important you are to the Newington public schools. And we are fighting and rooting for you just as much as you are fighting for our kids and and you know, dealing with those day-to-day challenges that are just the most difficult um sometimes in our schools. And a big shout out to Michael. Uh, thank you so much for all of your leadership and dedication. um and with all the
028um speeches uh just showing how much you're appreciated is is really kind um and nice to hear. So, thank you so much. >> Any any other um Mr. Morgan, I remember one of my first board meetings, you came and presented about our security and then there happened to be a tragic event and um just hearing the care and dedication that you put into making sure that all of our buildings are safe and all of our students are safe day in and day out on you know when they walk into the building and leave and then 24/7 around that. um just the the upgrades, the constant thinking, the constant improvements that you're making. We really appreciate and um can't do it without like without you. And anything you need, let us know um to keep our
029kids safe because as as Miss Tno said, safety is number one and and we all are are on the same page with that. Um so, thank you and welldeserved honor. Um to our teachers, we love our teachers. obviously you're, you know, in the classroom every day with our students. So, definitely the the ones that are um are there day in day out supporting us, supporting our students. Um thank you so much, school nurses is obviously a, you know, can't learn if you're sick, can't come to school if you're sick. are the partnership with the schoolbased health center that we've done I think is a really great thing cuz then the students are able to get what they need in school, get a prescription, come back the next day ready to learn. Um and and maybe
030students that otherwise would not have the opportunity to see a nurse um for an illness like of that nature um and keeping them in school obviously with with vaccines and and the nature. So Mercy, thank you for for partnering with the schoolbased health center on that. And then of course all of our challenging needs and and the students that are coming in with allergies and and medical necessities that um again keeping them in school, helping them able to learn. And then to our paras and tutors. Obviously, we've heard a lot of stories over the past several weeks of of our paras and and the importance that they play not only for the individual individual student or students that they're with every day, but the teachers that they're supporting and the school. um just being in
031the building and and being that presence that that steady presence and and listen to town council meeting last night and some of the paras that talked or some of the teach the special education teachers that talked. It was really really touching and definitely um it it definitely paints a picture of who these people are in supporting our students. we can't are some of our most needy needy students and and um the ones that that can't learn without you. You're just a blessing to everyone. So, we um definitely appreciate all of our honores tonight. So, thank you and thank you to everyone who is here and share the love with everybody else. All right. I will now open up the floor to public participation on any matter related to border sensibilities. If you're in the room,
032you can come to the head of the table. Um, you have four minutes to speak. If you're online, you can raise your hand to be recognized. >> I am not seeing any hands. Nope. >> Um, quick consent agenda and then we have a presentation. >> I move to approve the consent agenda as present as presented for the regular meeting March 11th, 2026 and for the regular meeting April 8th, 2026. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? All in favor? All right. >> Um motion passes. Oh, any opposed? Motion passes unanimously. All right. Dr. Bremmit can introduce our presentation. >> Yes. I'm sure you've noticed the high level of cuteness here in the audience tonight. Um and these are our stellar students from Elizabeth Green. I'm going to turn the
033mic over to Kevin Durant so he can explain to you what he means by six bricks and how that plays out in the school setting to help our students learn skills through play. So, I'm going to boot that up, Mr. Duran, and you're ready to go. >> All right. Thank you very much. I do have to say last year when I presented, it took an hour and a half to get up to the table. So, I'm quite happy today. So, but um yes, what what we're going to be presenting today is we're going to be presenting Six Bricks by Lego, which we use in the classrooms. We use it for executive functioning. And Miss Dill's with me today, and she's going to be going more into depth on it. But first, I wanted to just
034thank uh the E-green community because as you can see, I have seven awesome third graders who are going to be here today to help present um Six Bricks to you and their families are all here with them. And it's really a tribute to the community we've built at Egreen Green, how everybody's so supportive and they want to come in and and help in any way. So, when I asked them about this, they jumped at the opportunity. But with Six Bricks, it's a it's a great program where kids are more handson. They're talking. They're solving problems. They're working for solutions. Um they take on roles as they're going through the problems. And you're going to see an activity today which you'll be involved in of the six bricks activity where you're going to see how these
035kids are going to take the lead in the activity and what you can actually learn from it. But I'm going to turn it over to Miss Dill who's going to give you a little more input and then I'm going to have after she talks have this my third graders come up and introduce themselves to you. >> Dr. Bett, are you controlling? Perfect. So, um, six bricks are, uh, many of us probably have played with Legos in our lifetime. All they are is six Duplo Legos. And there are so many things that you can do with these. Um, these are the specialized colors. They they come like this. Um, and when kids do them, they don't take a long time. It doesn't take a lot out of our day. Um, it could be during morning meetings.
036It could be be during brain breaks, transitioning from one activity to another just to kind of get the kids up, moving, thinking, and doing. Um, why we're doing this is it's about executive functioning. So, that's been a buzzword in education for the last I don't know how many years, right? Would you agree? Um, so if you could go to the next slide, Dr. Bummit. Um just there's there's a lot of research about executive functioning out there and um just to share it indicates that um strong executive function is a better predictor of academic readiness than IQ or entrylevel reading and math scores. So if you think about that, these little bits of time that we take to do these with kids when they're having fun um really pay off because they help students. if you
037could go on to the next slide. So, a little bit about some of those core ones and um they're kind of long, but I'm not going to read to you. I want you to just kind of take a peek at them. It's really about inhibitory control, working memory, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Those are the big three of um executive function. And if you read through some of those up there right now, um, something that stands out to me is as you work around this table at the board, are there any of those that you need to keep in mind and that you have to have as skills? >> Quite a few. Right. So those are things that are just good life skills to have. So those are things that we want to instill in our
038kids and and we could do that in a lot of different ways. Six bricks is just one way to do it, but it's a fun way. and you're going to get a chance to see that um now. So before we move on um we'll in Yep. We'll invite our kids up so you can meet them. >> Don't be shy. You're not shy at school. >> Come on up. >> All right. And remember, talk into the mic like we talked about. >> Olivia, you start introduce yourself. Hello, my name is Olivia the garbus. >> Hi, my name is Jordan. >> Oliver Lebron. >> Hi, my name is Penelope. >> Hi, my name is Amelia. >> Hi, my name is Cammy. Hi, my name is Juliet. >> All right, >> so we have our um our third
039graders here and instead of hearing and and learning from us, what better people to learn from than these seven here. So, I'm going to give them um some bricks and we'll explain our activity real quickly. All right, so our challenge is called backtoback. You're gonna pair up with a um third grader and and we might not have enough so you might have to pair up with an adult which won't be as fun but um you could pair up with each other and what you're going to do is you're going to stand back to back. Olivia, can you stand back to back with me? One of us will be the architect and that architect is that designer. We're going to design something with our bricks and the other one will be the builder. The builder is
040going to build. >> Okay. So what we'll do is the architect will make their design and then they're going to explain to the builder without the builder seeing how to replicate that design. Okay? So your partner, your third grade partners are going to let you choose what you'd like to be and we'll see how we do. So then once you're done, you'll get a chance to turn around and see if you were uh if you did a great job. What do you think? You ready? >> Yeah. >> All right. They will find uh our third graders will find a partner. If you don't have a partner, we can find one. >> Yep. Go ahead. >> Take one of our board members who would love to join. >> Mr. Okay, I got it. >> Dr. Brema,
041are you in? Ladies, are you in? >> Okay. So, you're I got to take >> Okay. So, I shouldn't start with them apart. Take the orange and put it on the >> under the orange. Um on the side of And then the light on the orange. But on the side >> with the green one. Stop it. Look at that. >> Let's get a picture of you two together with it all made perfectly. >> Do we get a prize for doing it first and the best >> and being the cutest ones and we're the best problem. >> Mrs. Weaver was no prizes. >> All right, let's get you two together. Get in there. Let's get it together for this photograph. >> All right. Here we go. >> All right. >> Good work. >> I was sweating.
042I was getting nervous. How many are we going to do? How much time? >> Just one. We'll be done in like two minutes. Get that. >> We'd like to know what's your feedback. >> Yeah. >> He comes to work every day like he's on time and everything. >> He's friendly to come visit your class a lot. Lucky duck and you said third grade. I remember the most about third grade is learning time and my third grade teacher was named Mrs. We don't do this anymore but I'm really old so they all day. And so she would walk in the class. She would walk in the classroom say nobody first place. Wow. Wow. >> She won't allow Weaver to run. Weaver will first get >> because I had done action. So it must be that when
043you start the activities >> they all look the same like they're all in the same board. >> Are there different activities that you do with them? >> Yeah. >> So third graders if you could wrap up his home. >> Third grade will start to wrap up and come on back with us. >> Legos. >> Here you go. Yeah. So, third grade is doing it, but now we have other grades that want to get involved. Everything Get some. >> Yeah. Thank you. Which one? >> Um, well, you can use the center one. >> Oh, please. >> Okay. Which one am I using? >> Just center one. Just give it a second. This is kind of just a question. >> So, we're going to keep on this slide just for now >> and then you're going to
044change it after. >> So, just like when we do this work, um we always like to find out what the kids have learned from this. So Juliet has a question for you. >> Think about the activity that we just tried. What were some skills that were necessary to boo to be successful with this activity? >> Just chime in. What were some skills you needed? >> Well, Julia was my partner and I think we crushed it. I had to listen very well. Uh and then I had to visualize in my mind what Juliet was saying. So, I had to make sure that I was listening, but also then focusing and being able to visualize. And then I also had to use my hands to be able to do this. So, a little kinesthetic, a little visualization,
045um, and auditory listening. >> So far, let's let's see what others had to say. I I would say that um being a well I'm not an architect but I went to school for architecture for many years. So I would say a a good good mindset a good idea building in your mind u from p from plan to paper to actual building uh that's that's the key to success right there for building a good building good architecture. Thanks. >> How about third graders? Any idea? Any things that you know that we've talked about before that you've noticed? >> I can jump in. >> If you go up to the microphone, make sure that you also microphone. What's one that you thought about? >> I also thought that we have to focus on doing this so then
046you can pay attention on like your mind so you don't get confused and stuff. You need to listen like like you have to really listen to what they're saying to make uh to make it with the six bricks. >> Yeah. To like use your vocabulary words. >> Yeah. Right. >> You had to listen really carefully and make sure you didn't get anything wrong. anything. Don't worry. That's okay. >> All right. >> So, we have just come up with some you want to read them to them come up with as we watch along. >> Um, we came up with some and we kind of like have a slide of some that we came up with. Oh, >> some skills that we used was active listening. And we used memory and focus and vocabulary, following directions and
047directional concepts, clarity of language, visual visualizing and spatial awareness, perseverance. And I'd like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to just to share something that we've started this year. Um, third grade is fully involved in this right now at Egreen Green. And then we know that probably starting of May, we're going to have some other grades jumping into this also. So, it's a great activity. Come stop by anytime you want at 30 Thomas Street and you can get involved. I have a I just have a quick question. What are some of the other like just brief activities that you've done with the bricks? >> Activities that we did with the six bricks is making a tower with all of them with a partner or maybe with three groups. >> Cool. >> What was
048it? What was the purpose for that one? Do you remember? >> Uh really focus in and try to build it like the tallest tower with your partner using teamwork. >> Yeah, >> teamwork. Nice. >> All right. Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thanks for coming. And thank you to our families for coming and supporting. It's really great to see everybody. >> Yeah, absolutely. Thank you, friends. >> Well done. Very impressed. >> Thank you for joining in. >> Thank you. We love interactive presentations. >> Jackets and phones. Don't forget >> my jacket. >> Trying to give away her jacket. >> Hopefully they'll take your jacket. I know mine cracked when I went down. >> The 20 years since he grew hitting hard 20 years. Oh my gosh. I haven't been that long. >> Oh
049my gosh. Thank you. >> Okay. And now we have to move on to a not so fun topic. All right. So we have um first item on new business is an update on the this next year's budget. I will let Dr. Braum start and then yeah so I just first and foremost want to thank board members that came out in support of the budget at town council meeting. Uh many of you stayed till the wee hours of the morning last night and as has been stated by um folks tonight and certainly last night we saw tremendous support for parah benefits and some amazing stories including from students. So um that I just wanted to once again thank folks. I did send out a note this morning um acknowledging the the strong support that we had
050last night at the town council table. Um, but I did in the course of the last few weeks of the budget process, you know, I did hear some facts that didn't quite align with uh the reality of some of the things happening in district. So, I wanted to clarify that and announce publicly for the record that if anyone isn't sure of a fact, they can always call me and I can provide information, spreadsheets, anything that you need because I did hear some, you know, inaccuracies last evening at the town council meeting. Um, there was a statement made that we have 41 administrators at town hall that make over $100,000. That is absolutely inaccurate. We have 13 district-wide administrators at town hall who serve all the schools. So, while we're housed at the town hall, we
051go to schools all the time and members of our special ed team have to also uh go to magnet and private schools to manage the student programs there. Uh while it is true that folks uh typically make over $100,000, virtually everyone has more than 20 years of experience, master's degrees, several master's degrees, some doctorate degrees. So they would be making that even if they were still teaching. Um the remaining staff on top floor town hall are administrative assistants and I I don't think we all total 41, all of us, but certainly not administratively. So I just wanted to clear the air about that. There was also chatter last evening that our capital money that we have left from this year isn't expended yet and therefore why can't we simply use it for next year and
052I wanted to clear that up that while there is still a balance in our uh board CIP account we always buy technology at the end of the year so that it's a current model and I can assure uh folks listening tonight as well as the board that our technology department is getting ready to write purchase orders in excess of $800,000. Um, all planned for in the budget uh with a little help from the drip money that's coming in from the state and some utilization as was planned for in the budget of the Chromebook uh insurance fund. But all that together is going to drain the resources of that fund. So there was not resources going to be left over for some of the capital projects that were uh cut last evening. So, as I understand
053it, we'll have just the the typical 125,000 mandated uh aotment from the town for uh capital, which means at this point um Chaffi parking lot probably cannot happen. Um the Patterson roof, we'll have to see. Um paras, there was a statement made last night that paras don't get raises and are somehow missing out on that. Um no, they've gotten raises between 3 and 4% every year. Um unfortunately it's a raise on a small amount so it isn't they do not make a lot of money but the real issue for us is our competitiveness due to our lack of PAR benefits. Um that will always be the case why we are not competitive with any of our neighboring districts because we are really the only district that does not offer them. Um there was u commentary
054that the board should be able to find a way to pay for the benefits even with our $1.8 million cut last evening. Um that also is not true. Um if for some reason the ECS money does come through um there is quite a bit of uh activity at the state when uh Bov went to the state uh for the uh press conference a couple days ago and things are it is quite possible that the town could receive additional ECS money next year. Um and if they do they could certainly reallocate it to us but be advised they get that money. So if that money is to benefit the board, even though the governor has been very public, that's that's educational money. We can't control anything that the town receives. So there that would certainly be
055super helpful if they get another million dollars and root it back to us, but that's still a couple of steps away from affording the benefits. Um and uh so again that as I mentioned in my email to staff today para benefits are you know definitely in peril unless some uh money comes through. Uh there was also a statement that the board budget have gone has gone up 10% in recent years. Um based on my math and my analysis of our increases our average 9-year increase is 3.02%. So, um, I just wanted to put that out there. Basically, if we had to, um, stabilize our budget today, which the board does not have to, that's not an agenda item tonight, but right now, if nothing were to change at the state with any state funding or
056any grant money, we would have to um eliminate the proposal for paratutor insurance. We have to add back in the time work bonus because we took that away thinking that paratuda benefits would go through. That's $105,000. I can actually show you this. There it is. This again. This is draft, not firm. And in order to balance the cut, we would have to reduce the noraster academy out of the budget and the student um school-based health center out of the budget. And then we'd still have to come up with $45,000 more. Again, this is worst case scenario. This is assuming no grant money comes in, that the ECS money doesn't make its way back to us. Um, so these are thing and we also are going to talk momentarily about the um health benefit credit. So
057that is something that could also assist. But I just wanted the board to see current reality. Hopefully we will get some good news. And um we're also waiting to hear um about additional money that we can use to offset our effective school solutions um bill. There is strong indications that we will be getting some money in that regard. Potentially 300,000 this year and $200,000 the subsequent year. I'm sorry, by this year I mean next year's budget cycle. However, we're still after I can't tell you how many phone calls I've made to even people at the state level don't know how that money is going to be distributed. They don't know whether it's going to go to the town, the board, to ESS directly, or who knows where. So, until we know where that money is
058going, we can't count on that yet. So, that's my update. I'll turn it back to board chair for any further uh remarks. >> Yeah, thank you for clearing up some of those. There is another one that I had heard too um was that we and I know we've talked about it at this table but um we have 25 PAR educator vacancies that doesn't mean that we have 25 less people in the schools providing the support that our students need. we're filling on a day-to-day basis filling those roles by substitute teachers or um other staff or contracting out at a higher rate. So, it's not that we're we have vacancies and we're not using those bodies, it's we have vacancies and we're paying more to fill the um the that those necessary required roles. and and
059Miss Foy is in the room and spending her her time day in and day out hiring, interviewing, finding, reaching out, finding paras. Um, it really the PAR educator benefits is really significantly impacting our ability to fill those positions. And we're we heard last night, we've heard just several anecdotal stories that we're losing really good people based on the fact that we're not providing benefits. Um, I also heard a comment that the town council doesn't um decide line item um board of ed budget numbers, which is true. They do not control how we spend the money. However, in all of our presentations, in all of the communication, in everything, it's been a known this is the cost for PAR educator benefits. This is what we need. Um, choosing to cut the 1.8 $8 million despite the
060fact that I heard several council members last night saying they support career educator benefits um having this larger cut which is more above and beyond what our our I think it was like 1.395 total it was 1.6 six, but then we had the the time work and I think there was another $100,000 um maybe other salary like uh contracted services I think was the other one that we added. >> Oh, we're going to reduce our reliance on permanent building subs. >> Permanent building. So, permanent building subs. Um so, it was it was essentially $1.4 million that we needed. Um, so despite the fact that I heard several council members say we support PAR educated benefits, they clearly knew that that was like the number that we needed and and it got cut um even more.
061So I'm um I think that as Dr. Morett said, there's there's still missing pieces. The the state budget still is not finalized. They have until May 6 when their session ends. Um, I'm hopeful that we'll be able to make it work if extra money is coming to the town for the purposes of education. Um, but I have not gotten any feedback on that from um, a couple of people that I asked so far, but like still to be determined. Um, it wasn't we we don't have to finalize now. We have until the 1st of July, which obviously we'll do it sooner because we need to do it sooner rather than later. But we do have additional meetings um and things again still will are up in the air until um the state finalizes their budget
062to know exactly what's coming to us. But um it was a little disappointing that the this large of a a cut came um last night. So that's all I'll say for for now. Um yeah, I'll open up to any other comments or discussion. Miss Weber. Um yeah, just want to reiterate uh gratitude for those who came out. I was like online for a second, then I was like, "Oh my gosh." Uh, and then I had another meeting and then um I did not last till the 1:00 a.m. mark. So, thank you for those who who lasted that that long. Um, bless. So, um, >> yeah, I want to echo sentiments of of frankly disappointment. I think this has been pair educators has been on the docket for frankly the last year. We were talking about
063it last budget season, then we're like, we're going to do it this budget season. um recognizing it. It is a revalure and that is um I'm not envious of those sitting at the council table, but I think it is one of those things that um I think we as a board agreed on and we're and want to appreciate again that that consensus there. Um I think the other thing that is of concern to me is not just this budget, but I I say this quite often like sustainable budgeting. I am concerned about what this means for next year's budget. I do not think it's going to be any easier despite not the initial hit. Um but tsunamis have waves. So um I am concerned particularly not only for the PARUB educator benefit line but also
064the lack of buses and the lack of CIP. Um we I know did extensive presentations about this. Thank you to Lynn and to the U dean and to everyone who put in so much effort on those um presentations about just kind of what we're facing in terms of um those bubbles on the bus lines. Um I am very concerned. This is a kind of picking can down the road situation where we will not have the ability and we are going to hit a a certain point where we will not be able to have enough buses and rotation and be in a situation especially given that it takes a year to buy a bus at minimum um and that we'll be paying more because costs aren't going down ever on buses. Um so definitely just concerned
065um not only for making this work obviously I know there's been a lot of advocacy. Thank you to those who have been advocating at the state. Um, I know it's been in the headlines a lot and I know um we'll have clarity probably by May 6 hopefully uh as end of session comes into to the foray but I think um yeah and I'm hopeful you know I know we I have a lot of conversations and I talk about this at length that we don't have as much state support as we need and particularly as the rising cost particularly when it comes to special ed um but just in general not seeing that and ECS not adjusting for inflation ever Um, all this rant to say I'm I'm just concerned not only for this year uh
066and a bit disappointed on what it is. I recognize, you know, it's um it is a hard year with revaluations, but I don't think the the hurt will be any less next year. Um, and what that means for us obviously asking for this this year. I think the need and the ask will still be there next year. Um, so just want to kind of have a zoom out in perspective for not just this budget but next year and also the budgets years after that. Um, so not just, you know, in this in this term and under this board. Um, I just hope folks can kind of have that zoom out, too, because um, you know, next April will be here before we know it, too. And I don't think the need's going to go down.
067I don't think the costs are going to go down. Um, but certainly, um, the the need will be there. And so, um, with it's not in our operating budget now, um, I am concerned about what it looks like for that next operating budget. Uh, as well as our capital improvement budget, particularly when it comes to the buses. So, um I do want to reiterate though I appreciate everyone's time and effort both on board and council side for this effort. We all are volunteers and I know um the 1:00 a.m. the late nights of everything both here at board and then at council I know that is um again not invasive of that. So, thank you for everyone for for what they've done. Um and also um know that there's a lot of work ahead until
068July 1 and I think anything we can do um to be able to do this. I'll reiterate my my support for prayer educator benefits obviously um but we can only support if we can put the money towards it. So um that is that is something that is top of mind I think for all of us not recognizing the irony that we just honored them with a resolution. I think they would like money more. So that's just my guess. But um yeah, I think uh and and just curious my actual question to this is um is it are we anticipating with I I know the governor has made comments and all these things. Would the anticipation be and maybe that's for Dr. Brumit that we would hear about that by end of session or might it
069might be an Easter later. um and any indications I know those lengthy conversations about the ESS um what that looks like in terms of timeline. Again, I'm assuming no timeline it was given on when they would decide that I'm but maybe by ECS for sure that will be part of this budget session unless they do a U-turn. Um, I've also been told by what seems to be a reliable source, um, legislators that, um, that New England is slated to receive in some way, shape, form, or fashion $300,000 this year and $200,000 in a subsequent year toward EC toward acute mental health expenditures. But really, u ECS was kind of the ESS was Are we too many acronyms tonight? uh they were well behind that. They visited here. They did kind of a communication um rally
070across the district and across the state. So I I just don't know where that money is going to go. Um and I I can assure you I I literally spoke with the regional northwest regional director of Northeast rather of ESS and he said Moren I do not know where this money is going to come go or what have you. And he's pretty pretty well connected. So, uh, we're we're keeping in close contact, but, uh, no clear indication there. The the Nor Easter Academy grant that I wrote with our grant folks is due to be announced in June. Um, so that is another possible. Um, we do have some continuous feelers out for uh, schoolbased health center grant money, but we're coming up kind of empty-handed there. So, those are what we know about right now.
071>> Thank you for clarifying. appreciate it, >> Miss Petus. >> Um, a couple of comments that I heard actually last night at the town council meeting also uh referenced a discussion about needs versus wants. And when I'm looking at the the spreadsheet that we see here, it seems like the um the items that may be on the chopping block are actually items that impact our most at risk kids. Um and so I really feel strongly that that is not a want, that's a need. And I think it's our responsibility and it's our moral responsibility as well. The Nor Easter Academy and um especially our paras reach our most at risk students. These are kids that um are not going to be successful in school if we don't provide these valuable services. Um, and so I
072just really uh feel strongly that decisions that are made, things that are talked about, and the the thought that goes into each of these items is done with the absolute needs of our students at the forefront. Um, these are critical services. These are not wants. These are um definitely important services that we really really need and in some cases are legally obligated to uh perform. And so, um, it's just it's it's I'd like to get the message out that decisions aren't made lightly. These are not pet projects. These are things that really help our students in the most, um, impactful way. And we really need to do what we can to make sure that, um, we are providing those services. So, our our students um, at at the least don't fall behind. At the most,
073we don't have students that don't graduate. And so, um, you know, I just want to clarify that the the needs versus the wants are really about the needs. Thank you, Mr. Skeo. >> Yes. Is there a way to u get a get a print out from from last night all the true facts that were that were mentioned? Is that possible? >> Yes, I can send that to the board tomorrow. Right now, it's just in my working notes, but I can pretty it up >> so I can have the the real facts. >> I'm happy to do that and I'm always happy to do that at any time should a board member be questioned or want more information. I mean, public reaches out as well. So I'm always happy to do that. >> Thank you. >>
074Um Miss Lindsay and then >> basically just want to agree with um Mary that cutting nor easter and pay benefits. We have to try not to do that. The noraster comedy is amazing and I know many people that um are thriving because of noraster and um pair of benefits. We don't want to lose no more good parents. We really don't cuz like as I said before, we have lost good ones because they don't have the benefits. So, um I agree that we need to do our best to keep those two things in here and not cut them. >> Um Dr. Stanley, >> thank you Amy. Um I also had heard something that I just want to clarify. Um, is there any avenue, for instance, if we don't get these grants that we can apply for
075funding from the town council? I know they have a grant matching program, but is that an avenue if we don't accept a grant? That was like a >> um the well acting finance director, I guess, is what she is now, had mentioned something about that last night. Um I think it definitely has to come through the council and they would have to for sure like um vote to move it through. Yeah. The um in off offline conversations too, there's been like the the town council's able to do special appropriations to any account in right >> in um in the town finance um which includes the board operating budget. if they did that um that would be an avenue to to increase our funding without affecting the mill rate that which they officially set last night.
076So I think there are other avenues. Um it's not our decision though. I think is so if we advocate to them to >> um to do that received the northeaster grant for how many years now? We've been successful on it. >> This is our uh first this is the year that we just got it. So, it's finishing up this year. >> Okay. >> And then we applied for the same grant for next year, >> right? So, this is our first year that we've had the grant. Okay. Um and then the student health clinic, um we've had that grant how often or >> that was over a two-year span because it got to a slow start. The Department of Public Health was was slow to get it approved. So, that's uh spanned two school years, but
077it will be expended by the end of this year. >> Okay. So hopeful that we are successful because I'm sure you are amazing and the programs are amazing. Um but uh just a little reassurance um that I think that our members and town council also believe that these are important programs and if we strongly feel like we want to continue, we have other ways to advocate um to them for special appropriations. I'm hopeful. Um, and then also just want to reiterate, you know, paraprofessionals are so important and any way that we can carve out some money from maybe it or be creative on like how often were we replacing some of these electronics, anywhere that we can get a little bit from athletics. Don't come for me. Um, but you know, coming up with 1.6
078million is a lot to ask for. Um, but I know we're going to be looking really hard at our contract negotiations and what our contractual obligations are because they're growing and growing more and some something's going to have to give um if we're going to be able to afford PAR benefits like they deserve. >> Mr. Newton, >> jumping on what Jenna Jessica said, uh, this is my third budget and I already see the town council power play that went on last night with that 1.6 million. My concern is and and if I'm wrong, doc, let me know. We've been averaging a four or5 million increase every year. Well, they've already eaten in one and a half. If we if we get the pair of benefits through, and I'm fully in support of that, that now
079means next year if we were normally asking for five, one and a half of that's already gone because that extends our budget. So, I feel like we're being pigeonholed. And, you know, I don't know what the ultimate plan is, but I think the town council has an ultimate plan. I think that we just need to understand that when we do whatever we do, it has a ripple effect into next year's budget. So, we have to be smart. >> Yeah. And and just kind of going off of that too, um there was a lot of comments of, oh, you have the non-lapsing fund, you you know, you can use the non-lapsing fund, but back to the sustainable budgeting, that's not sustainable. We already know um from our budget work sessions that our finance director has cut
080the budget a lot based on actual expenditures versus what was budgeted. So we didn't just budget what was previously budgeted. We looked at actuals and lowered from there. So, um, we already did the work to kind of tighten up our budget as a board. Um, and you know, that I think that maybe didn't kind of come across in our original presentation. Um, but also, you know, we we may not have money to put into non-lapsing fund year after year. Last year we did have an overage and we even sent money back to the town, but this year we aren't looking that way and next year pretty guaranteed we won't just because of the um the the cuts that we had already made. Um so I I think that we can't you know maybe this year
081we could fund 1.6 6 million out of our non-lapsing for pair of benefits. But then what do we do next year because we're digging ourselves into a hole and we can't give benefits and then take them away. Like I think that's even crappier than not giving them at all which I think is even more crappier. Um but but we so we actually like it would be irresponsible and I know that this was said about the general fund last night. It's irresponsible to keep dipping into the general fund. I think what maybe wasn't mentioned last night is that money does go into the general fund based on estimates are, you know, like for example with ECS, the estimate in the budget right now is flatfunded from last year. We have we're under the impression that we're
082getting more money. So if that comes in, that's a million dollars or whatever it is that they didn't expect. If nothing happens with that money, that's going to the general fund. So there is money I don't have the exact figures but money has been put into the general fund year over year over year um based on the conservative budgeting and windfalls and sales of properties and all these things. So the fact that you know there was a a big discussion about we can't keep taking money out of the general fund in that case it does fluctuate and they have a statuto um obligation to keep a certain amount in there but they're at that even more than the statuto obligation. Um, but that was an argument. So to then turn it around and be like,
083"Oh, you've got this pot of money that you need to use again, it's not sustainable. We can't then dip into the same money fund next year because it won't be there." So, um, and then on just another, and I've said this before, too, is the non- lapsing fund is, um, it set up it is not supposed to be an offset to the budget. It's not supposed to be uh something that we are able to balance our budget with. It's supposed to be for emergencies, a bus breaks down, we didn't get capital, we need to buy a bus or uh two students that are s have significant expenditures move into district and we budgeted for five and we've already got seven. So we need to have a cushion um so that we have the ability to
084pay for the the education of the students and at the end of the day it's about the students. It's about what they need to succeed and this like nickel and dming the board of ed like saying oh there you can find the money you'll find the money. It's really like I think um Miss Rooney last night said it like we're balancing a budget on the backs of children and it's the system like if you take money away from education you're weakening the system you're not enhancing the education. So Miss Rooney full credit to you. Um but I loved how she said that last night and seriously listened to her her speech um at the council meeting. So that's my spiel. I I don't know if anyone else has any other um comments on the budget.
085I think there's more to come. Hopefully, hopefully like a million dollars more to come, but um but that's what I know for now. Miss Weaver, sorry, just to clarify again, I know you had said this, but reiterating we have until like July 1st to do this. obviously want to get it done before >> within the next >> probably within the next two meetings we should have it >> maybe if the noryster grant comes in June. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I I mean I keep checking but they're not nothing I mean I think the board needs to balance the budget certainly by early June to be >> just to give public expectations on timeline I think is helpful. Um and then um also noting that session ends on May 6. So should be helpful to know
086and clarify where the ECS money will be um will be very helpful. When's our next May meeting? Right around the same time. I think it's >> Oh, it might be that day actually. >> I think it's that day. Yes. So just wanted to say like from an expectation timeline perspective. Um we have time but we won't be going up to July 1. We have our meeting dates set through June. Want to be clarifying on that. Um May 6 will be the end of session and our board meeting may have some late breaking news. Okay. >> Well, they're probably going to be up late so we may not have an answer. >> They do end at midnight, so yeah, >> could be at the same time. Could be live action sports. Okay. Thank you for the
087clarification. Any other? Nope. Um Oh, this is a fun one. We have a We have a resolution honoring our or for our 2026 validictorian and saludiatoran. >> Oh gosh, >> it's fine. Okay. So, we'll we'll honor them um officially at the honors breakfast. And but here's just an official motion. >> Okay, we we don't have the print. I just want to make these right. I don't want to be on record saying the wrong. >> We did a little practice earlier, but I can't guarantee it's 100% perfect. >> Mortaza Ather Napoli Napolei. Where's the emphasis on? >> Just do it. We'll we'll correct them. >> All right. I apologize in advance, but we will get your names right a million times because we also present these a million times at scholars graduation. There's a million times
088you'll get these awards. So, by the third time, we'll be good. Um, all right. I will move the board of education proclaim Mortaza Ather as validictorian for the Newington High School graduating class of 2026 and Garrick Napolei as saluditarian of for the Newington High School graduating class of 2026. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> Congratulations to these two students. Definitely is a high honor to um I'm sure they have a lot going for them and I can't wait to meet them. Go ahead. >> I was going to say I can't wait to read the um 700 AP classes that they're in the um a million different activities they're involved in and also um where they're going postgrad. I know a lot of decisions have been coming out.
089May 1st. >> And May 1st is the the decision deadline. But um congratulations to both. I know it's an incredible honor. Um can't wait to even hear like the ex insane GPA that come out um as well. Um just always great to see. So can't wait to honor them multiple times. Um but congratulations to Mataz and Garrick. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? Vote, please. >> Barry Bfield. >> Yes. >> Sean Howerin? Yes. >> Marissa Lindsay. >> Yes. >> Timothy Newton. >> Yes. >> Amy Patty. >> Yes. >> Brian Skebo. >> Yes. >> Sam Chararma. >> Yes. >> Dr. Gail Stanley. >> Yes. >> Jessica Weaver. >> Yes. >> Motion passes unanimously. 90. >> Yay. >> All right. Um discussion and possible action on our health
090benefits reserve fund. >> All righty. Um, for our new board members, this is kind of an interesting concept that's fairly unique to Newington, but each year we are directed to budget for health benefits. Oh, there it goes again. On a roll, too. Um, so this comes directly from the agent of record. We don't have discretion in this. However, there is anou that's been on the books with the town that if the amount we budget turns out to be an over budget, then the board is awarded a credit um however that credit is not awarded until after the fiscal year ends and all the budget um dust settles on the fiscal year. And I think folks know we have a h a high deductible plan. So, this is the time of year that people have satisfied
091their deductibles. So, they're going to the doctor a lot. Um, so that often the the amount that currently is shown as a credit, which is a good size $514,000 credit is very likely to shrink the before this is all said and done. There's been many years where that credit completely evaporates. There's been many years where that credit becomes negative. So, then it's not really a credit. Uh, it's a deficit. But we uh the the good news about that is if we ever do get into a deficit, the town absorbs that all through the well before my time. Um it's unusual to have any type of credit of this magnitude anymore because the way our health care is financed, all of the credits that we used to get after the fact are now baked into the
092rates that we are afforded. So there used to be prescription drug type credits and things. So, there's been years where this health benefit credit was a million dollars. We haven't seen the likes of that in many, many years. So, this likely will shrink. Um, and because of that, um, you know, there's a recommended motion here, but the board is obligated to consider this at this time. Um, the town is aware of this, but they also know that it could shrink. So, I'll turn it back to board chair for further discussion. >> Thank you. Is there any are there any questions or comments or anything? I'll just add that when the the times where this credit was a million dollars, that's how we got buses in the past. >> Um, unfortunately, that doesn't happen anymore. So,
093go ahead, Miss Wear. >> Just a question on the recommended motion didn't pass. >> So, town's final budget is passed. So, we can I just didn't know if we can still defer it. I just It has already passed. >> Oh, yeah. Do we need the motion? >> Do we need a Do we need to have a motion to do this? >> Um, >> you're going to do the budget adjustments. When you do the budget adjustments, >> yeah, we do the budget adjustments. I would still say that um it's a good question. I mean we can do budget adjustments now >> can just defer >> because we cannot this money will not be known to us till the fall. So we can um I would say actually the motion should say that we should move defer
094any budget adjustments until after the town's fiscal year has officially been uh passed. Any recommendations Lyn on your side? I would just say to defer it until the um final cost analysis has been done because we can use it to defer next year's budget if it still exists next year. Yeah. And I so um in some conversations with the our caucus and um it didn't go anywhere but um we had said like we we know that or we think that this credit might occur. So if you were to cut you can cut maybe $500,000 and then we might be able to use that. So um but again with the ex the knowledge that it may deplete to zero and we wouldn't have anything. But um yeah, I don't I guess I just am confused at
095what the motion is for cuz we can't really do anything. I think if if um if we do get this we'll have to finalize our budget before we know the final amount anyway. like >> so the board can certainly table this for now >> and I also have >> yeah it's possible we don't have to do it >> yeah so the next is the report is that what you're sharing >> right okay >> just by means of more explanation of how this works >> oh sorry Dr. Stanley, I didn't see your hand. >> So, just a if we table it, does it come up on an agenda in the future or table it for what does that mean? >> If we need to make an action on it, Yeah. But if we don't need to,
096then it wouldn't. >> So, if it still exists, we get informed it gets earmarked as something. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Right. And I I think I'm going to look at previous motions as well because what we've done in the past is just agreed to use it as an offset next year's budget if in fact it exists after the budget >> this issue last year. >> Correct. So I think we just have to revise the motion. So tableabling it and I suspect we'll be surfacing that at the next meeting. Um again like I mentioned earlier we typically don't have a credit. Last year it was negative. So, uh, we haven't had this actually hopefully good problem in a while. But for for board members that are, um, curious, this, as I mentioned earlier, this is a
097historical perspective of the health benefit fund um, and credit rather. And it started off back in 96, as I mentioned before my time. It was meant as a way to become to allow our health insurance costs to be, you know, set by the town, stabilized, and not requiring the board to try to shoot in the dark, but rather get a recommended amount, put it in the budget with the safety net of knowing that if it were to be negative by the end of the fiscal year, that the town would make us whole. And then conversely, if it's positive. Um, but Lynn, I think when does the town have all the dust settled for this fiscal year? >> Absolutely. >> So that's typically when we will know whether this exists. So I think the budget I'm
098sorry that motion should be revised to simply say if there is still a remaining credit. As of October 1, the board would like to use that as an offset to the budget. And again, we'll put that out as a budget uh rather a motion at the next meeting for board consideration. Do they actually know the number? >> Your mic's not off. >> The claims have to run out. So the usual runout period is at least three to four months. >> So then it it would go against the previous years. Correct. >> Okay, that makes >> Yeah. and and this is linked into your board packet, but this paragraph indicates by October 1st. Um there's a comprehensive review of the previous year's financial activities and the settlement is determined. By settlement, that is the balance. And
099again, if it's a positive, we get a credit. If it's a negative, the town absorbs that. So, um you know, >> that wasn't last year negative. >> It was next year was negative 200,000 or so. This kind of gives you a snapshot. I Lynn uh this might be more of your uh wheelhouse but basically some of our claims uh in real time that we've uh experienced. So these are just anything you want to speak to here or it's just a accounting. It's a guesstimate actually because I'm guessing that we're going to have that three 3,837,17 in claims based on previous year's activity plus a 3% margin. We do have $175,000 cap that we pay because we have insurance that covers anything over 175,000 which picks up the catastrophic illnesses. But even so, we have so
100many members that I I believe that if trends follow the way they did in the past, we'll eat up over 347,000 of that credit that we currently have. >> Okay. >> So, the revised credit based on clearly projections is 166,980. So, that is >> Not 500,000. But again, estimate >> and we can't possibly predict uh folks medical expenditures. >> We do not want any of our staff to get sick. >> Well, of course not. We'd love everyone very healthy and not needing any type of medical >> expenditures, but it's there if they need it. >> If they need it, for sure. >> Okay. >> So, that is the history and that is in your packet if you want to read up more on that. Um, and screen just did something wonky. Ready? >> All right.
101So that was our last agenda item. Is there any any other comments or questions on that? >> Okay. So moving right, we're all set. >> We are. >> Okay. So moving back to public participation on any matter related to board responsibilities. If uh I don't see anyone in the room. Um if you're online, you can raise your hand to be recognized. And you have four minutes. I am not seeing any hands and remarks by board members. Miss Weaver, quickly just back to our love fest at the top. Just want to thank teachers, nurses, Paris, Mike, Morgan, all of those things. It's just really cannot thank them enough. And I think my favorite way of saying that is you're going to get paid. Um I think that's the best way we can do that. Um, but
102just want to say thank you to everyone and thank you to our e- greeners. It makes me just so happy to see. Um, my cousin's in the third grade at Egreen as well. So, um, just met some of her friends tonight, which was really fun. Um, and just love having that and all of the haze and of this budget, but just want to come back to like this is a tough budget season. I don't know how we can really absorb all of the impact of a reval at a budget in one single budget. And I just don't think that's humanly possible. But I know there's so much that we're grappling with Newington that we're grappling throughout the state. Um we're not the only district that is dealing with this. This is not an isolated incident.
103Um so I know this is just a hard struggle, but I appreciate everyone that is putting the time and effort into doing this. Um again, especially to our electives that volunteer to do this and and have this time, but also all the admin, the teachers, the staff, town side as well, their staff, the amount of time and effort that goes into this. This is very much a labor, I don't know, labor of love sometimes. Um but it's definitely something that we could do and especially shout out to again your educator appreciation would love to appreciate you for giving benefits. So um just want to say that and um we'll note too that um our next meeting I think we're meeting before but policy we scheduled for May 11th. Thank you. Okay. So we're meeting before
104then. Um just wanted to keep that. I know we didn't have committee updates tonight. So, um, May 6th will be the next and then policy May 11th. Just want to put that. Thanks everyone. >> Mr. Newton, >> I think that we should take solace in the fact that West Harford passed their budget last night as well and their taxes were increased a lot more than ours was. The city of Harford passed their budget with a $52 million deficit. So, in some ways, I think we should be proud that we're doing what we're doing. When you compare it to the bigger picture around here, education costs money. Our it's an investment in our future. It's an investment in our town. We do owe the taxpayers reasonleness to to show where the funds are going, but we
105still need to keep in mind that our our we're not the town council. We're the board of education. Our function is to the children and the taxpayers. The town council answers to other people. Other g other I don't want to say games. I don't want to offend anybody, but other people have ideas. They want to spend money different ways. Um I've lived here 30 years. I haven't I haven't enjoyed taxes. I came here, it was $1,000 a year for the entire budget. So you know we have to we have to understand that as we grow whether it's slowly or rapidly or however expansion costs money and maintaining services costs money and with that I that's all I have to say >> go ahead want to remind the board that tomorrow at 10 at Wallace the
106governor will be here for a press conference uh to announce or endorse the free universal breakfast for all and uh if you are on a reduced price lunch free lunch and this is something that representative Turko has also endorsed. So, there'll be some dignitaries there tomorrow, including board chair Pott and the mayor, but you're all welcome. Um, and it is being ho hosted at John Wallace. And then the governor is actually going to serve a little lunch in the course of in the course of the event. >> It looks like a good lunch, too, >> including a chef's hat and apron as I'm told. So, I just wanted to put that out there again. >> Thank you. Motion to adjurnn. All in favor? I meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.