001Dr. more drummits. >> That's usually my job. The the audio my function Good evening. I'm back. Good evening. My name is Dr. Moren Breum. I'd like to call the November 11th meeting of the board of education to order. Please stand as you are able 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. >> Mary Bea >> here. >> John Hollerin >> here. Marissa Lens here. >> Amy >> here. >> Sam >> here. >> Ryan >> here. >> Thank you very much. Our bylaws indicate the board bylaws indicate that on the first meeting following the bianual town election the board shall elect a chairperson and a secretary. A vice
002chairperson may be appointed at the discretion of the chairperson. So I would like now to move that we suspend the rules of the meeting in order to immediately move to the election of officers and then return to the regular agenda. The chairperson shall pro preside at all meetings of the board. In the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson shall preside. In the absence of both the chairperson and the vice chairperson, the secretary shall preside. In the absence of the three officers and when a quorum has been assembled, a chairperson prom shall be chosen. A member of the board will need to make the following motions. Someone needs to make the following motion to move that the board of education accept nominations for the position of chairperson. >> Uh Newton, Tim. Uh uh I move
003a motion to nominate uh Amy Paratt as the chairperson for the 25 26 27 uh semester year >> and member will need to second that motion. >> Second. >> All right. Do I hear any additional motions? Move the nominations be closed. I move that the nominations be closed. >> Second. >> Okay. And now we'll do a roll call vote, please. >> Mary Beth, >> yes. >> Sean Hollerin, >> yes. >> Marissa London, >> yes. >> Timothy Newton, >> yes. >> Amy, >> yes. >> Char, >> yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Nice. >> Let the record indicate that Amy Paratt has been elected chairperson of the Newington Board of Education. >> Thank you. >> Um I think you Yeah, it's still you. Okay. No worries. I would now like to ask for nominations for the office
004of secretary. The responsibility of the secretary is as follows. The secretary shall be responsible for the records of board meetings. Minutes of the board meeting shall be furnished to each board member before final approval for the record. I will now entertain a motion for the board of education to accept nominations for the position of secretary. >> I nominate Sean Hollerin for secretary. Second. >> Make a motion to move that the nominations be closed. >> Any discussion? >> We need a second. Sorry. >> Yes. Second. All righty. And um any discussion? >> Thank you. Okay. All right. I now move that the roll call vote. Right. >> Deb, would you take a roll call vote, please? >> Mary Beer, >> yes. >> Sean Hollerin, >> yes. >> Marissa Lindsay, >> yes. >> Timothy Newton, >> yes.
005>> Sam Chararma. >> Yes. >> Ryan Steo, >> yes. >> Dr. Stanley, >> yes. >> Ethical Weaver, >> yes. >> Passed unanimously. >> Let the record indicate that Sean Howerin has been elected secretary of the Newington Board of Education. Congratulations. And the chairperson will now assume responsibility of the meeting. >> Oh, thank you. Um before we continue, I would like to um use my discretion and appoint Miss Jessica Weaver as vice chair of the board of education. >> There is just appointed. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jessica. Okay, we will move back up to uh agenda item B. Chromebook set up for all BOE members. So, do we have to do that officially now or >> We're all going to get new Chromebooks. >> We are all going to get new Chromebooks and we were
006going to use the opportunity for a brief introduction so we could take a recess from the meeting briefly while folks get their orientation so they can feel free to ask questions without protocols. Um, so I guess we would need a motion to go into a brief recess. That's >> motion to enter a brief recess. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? All in favor? I. All right. We are in a brief recess. >> All right. Our technical team will now deliver the Chromebooks. Motion to go back into regular meeting. >> Move to go back into regular session. >> Second. Thank you. Uh we motion a second. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I Okay, we're back into our regular meeting. Um at this time I'd like to open up
007to um public participation on any matter related to board responsibilities um in the room. Anybody can come to the table or on the um on the Google meet you can raise your hand to be recognized. I am seeing none. We already took care of our election of officers. So, um, moving on to new business number two, discussion, assignment of BOE members to subcommittees. Move Dr. Bummit has the committee assignments. Um, we'll send this out in email as well, but um right now >> Yep. So this is um the board has um six subcommittees and then there's a few town um committees that we have board of education representation. Um so the assignments are here. Um you can take actually I had to adjust um the executive personnel policy because there's only three um actually three
008members. not five. Um, we'll update it, but the assignments are here. Um, I did not assign a Republican member to the Anna Reynolds project committee, building committee, because um, we just had, I believe, our last meeting last Thursday. Um, so there's no um there should not be a need to have someone's sworn in just to not meet. Um if anything there changes I will assign someone but um for now I'll just remain on that and then if anyone had any has any questions or or anything once they actually get a chance to look at it and digest it just um reach out via email and let me know. >> Oh yes. Um and one of the things that we are thinking of um with the policy committee is thinking of creating a new subcommittee for
009communication. Um, a lot of some boards in our area have some sort of communication committee. Um, so we I would um ask that the policy committee take a look at that and see, you know, what options could be just to form um another subcommittee if needed, if we decide it's needed. So, I think that's just a something that we should look at. And we also want to um change the participation to four minutes instead of three minutes for public participation. So you already have work to do policy committee. >> Um yeah, so any questions or comments? >> Yes, Miss Weaver. Um sorry I just wanted to note too I think um on the town committee ones that we are appointed to um I don't think we as so we don't sit as chair people so
010we don't um commence those meetings so just you will get emails about those committees should they um meet some of them are um more ad hoc than others but those ones we will get emails about we won't be the ones setting those correct >> correct and you would need to get um sworn in um in the town clerk's office for anyone on a town committee. The board, the town council at a future meeting will appoint these names to that committee and then afterwards you would go to the um town hall to the town clerk to get appointed or worn in. So that's the the town government committees there. >> There's a if want a description of it, it's 913. Okay. >> Yeah. So, bylaw 9132 um is a policy which will eventually be revised but
011um but that would be the current description of the committees. >> All right. Any other questions, comments? Okay. Is there any flexibility in changing this? >> Um, yeah, we can we can chat for sure. Um, >> yeah, just shoot me an email or >> we'll get Yeah. Oh, yeah. It's Yep. >> Just Sorry. Just make sure everyone when you talk >> most of them are supposed to have representative bipartisan or >> Yep, they all do. Um except for the ones that we don't control. >> Well, most of them do actually. Like the building committees have Oh, I think the permanent building is only one represent representative from the board of ed, but like John Wallace has bipartisan representation. Um yeah, and all of our committees have bipartisan representation. Okay. U moving on to reviewing upcoming
012meeting dates. >> So on the left hand side are um regular board meetings that we had um the previous board had voted on. Um just a couple changes that we need to cancel the February 11th meeting that was originally scheduled due to conflicts. Um and then we added the budget working sessions on the right hand side. So on February 4th will be our special meeting um for the budget presentation and that will invite the town council u members to attend that meeting as well. and then we'll have our working sessions um throughout February. So, take a look at the dates if there's any um like if we for any reason we wouldn't have a quorum or whatever, we just want to we would have to reschedule. But, um just let us know how those look.
013And this is justformational for now, but we can Oh, is there Okay, it said review. I didn't realize the Oh. Yeah, we should set it in zone if we can. >> Is it okay? >> If it's not. >> Yeah. I'll move the board of education cancel the February 11th, 2026 meeting and approve the budget meeting dates for the 2025 2026 school year. >> Second. >> Thanks to the motion and a second. Any discussion? Miss Weaver. >> Just noting too that um these meeting dates we usually approve like a year in advance. Um but we can always have special meetings or ad hoc meetings if needed. Um and add budget working sessions. So it is flexible. These are just the calendar we approved last board. Any other discussion? We have a vote on the motion, please.
014>> Mary, >> Yes. Marissa Lensing. >> Yes. >> Amy, >> yes. >> Sam, >> yes. >> Thank you. And next on the agenda is to discuss mandated BOE training on December 9th. turn over to Dr. Bman. Thank you. Um, in 2023, the state legislation passed um section 10-28C, making it mandatory for any newly elected board members elected after July 1st, 2023 or the first time to participate in a mandatory training. Um I did check with legal counsel and why we will get training from our legal counsel on the December 10th meeting that is considered additional and not in lie of. So uh the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education has offered up the first training and I haven't heard whether they're going to offer another one but this um satisfies the requirements under that law
015change. Now, because members tonight who are returning were elected before that date, it is not mandatory for uh folks that are returning, but it is mandatory for new board members. Um it is currently offered on December 9th from 8:30 to 5:00 at the Sherin in Rocky Hill. Um so I was going to pass around a signup sheet and then my secretary would register you. If you cannot attend because that isn't a lot of notice, um we will keep the board apprised as to any additional dates that CAB offers. They are the only governing body that the state legislature designated to run these trainings. Um but they are full days and um so they are a bit of a timeconsuming situation, but it is required by law. So, I'll pass that around to board members to
016sign up and if you cannot make it, then um I will certainly keep everyone apprised of additional dates. We did check prior to today's meeting and none are currently offered, but I suspect more will be. So, I'll pass that around. Deb, if you wouldn't mind me that, >> right, >> and any um returning board member is still welcome to >> Absolutely. >> attend the the conference. It's um I've been several years and it's definitely very informative and you also get to meet other um members of other boards of education. So, it's a good it's a good learning opportunity. >> Yes, the it does look like a very good opportunity for folks. Um and if calendars permit, you would be strongly encouraged to go. >> I'm not required. I have to just double check. >> Is
017it a teacher Tuesday? >> That's what I said. >> Any questions on that discussion? Anything? And then it's not >> and it's it's close by to Rocky Hill. The um >> the other ones have been in Mystic. Yeah. >> West Street, right? The old the old Marriott. Yeah. So it's right there past Midw. So >> Okay. >> All right. And then the next agenda item is delivery preference for BOE materials. >> Yes. Similar to I'm sorry. Similar to the last agenda item, I do have a signup sheet um for our new board members. We're assuming old uh returning board members uh will keep their same preferences. As mentioned earlier, uh the you always get an email notification of board meetings as well as the packet and the packet is of luminous collection of materials uh
018that board members can read ahead of time. Some board members historically have preferred a paper copy. So, if you would like a paper copy, I would just ask our new members to just please initial under their preferences on this sheet. And if any returning board members want a different preference, just jot your name down here. >> Deb, if you wouldn't mind uh circulating that document. And then just for the record, for the budget materials, we will always get a hard copy. So, even if you choose electronic, you'll um you'll still get a hard copy of the budget items. Any questions or discussion there? >> There's no judgment. >> Yeah. >> And it does get delivered to your home by our courier. >> We will make sure that doesn't happen again. >> You'll still get email.
019Yeah. >> You'll always get an email. Yes. Okay. And that brings us back to public participation on any matter related to board responsibilities. No one in the room. I guess our party isn't as good as the one next door. Um, and if anyone's online, they can raise their hand. Still seeing none. And remarks by board members. Mr. a question and then I'll have a remark. Are we giving out copies of Robert's rules in the next meeting >> probably >> to new board members? I think that that's just very helpful um to understand how the meetings are run. I think um if you haven't really been exposed to a lot of that, it can seem very confusing when do you have to make a motion, when do you not. Um so I have my little one
020on hand, too. Um, but I just think that that's a good way to get yourself um, brought up to speed with the organization of the meeting. It keeps things on track. But that's just my question. Um, my comment is welcome to all returning and new board members. Um, our last board worked very very well together. didn't agree on every point, but I think we had a really strong board and we all were doing the right things for the kids in making sure that education was always paramount in our decision- making. I hope we can continue that. Um, I think we will. Um, and I think you'll find that we are here to help one another as best as we can. Um, so, um, good luck to us all. >> Thank you, Miss Weaver. Just want
021to say congratulations to everyone here. Um, and thank you to all of the voters who voted in Newington. Uh, I think it was one of the record turnouts. So, it's always great to see that the town um is involved and um wants to have a say um particularly when it's the offear elections. Every year is an election year. Um just a reminder to everyone. Um but I just want to say welcome to everyone. I'm looking forward to working with everyone. Um this is term number four for me. So, I'm sitting here getting gray hair and old now. Um um but no, it's um there's always a million different things um that come up during a school year uh that we need to both be reactive but also proactive about. And I'm looking forward to doing
022both um with everyone at this table, both this table here at regular board meetings, but also in our subcommittee meetings. I'm really looking forward to working with Gail and uh with Mary and with Mr. Paresi. Can't get rid of us. Haha. um working on getting more of our policies updated and finally getting getting through all of them. So um I just want to say congratulations to everyone once more and um looking forward to a great we're in a school year now so next school year um and appreciate everyone stepping up and um taking the time to serve. So thank you Mr. Newent. >> I'd like to welcome all my colleagues to the board. I miss my other colleague, but that's okay. I'll get over it. >> Um, >> I just can't reiterate enough to I
023say it to the board members all the time that were here last two years with me. The primary focus is the children. You know, it's it's nice to have input. It's nice to have this and that, but the bottom line is we have to do what's in the best interest of the children and be responsible to the taxpayers. Nobody misunderstands that gnome. But I think sometimes people think the lines are blurred and for the new ones on the board, you're going to learn in a hurry. They're not that blurry. But, you know, we have a lot of detractors on the outside that don't fully understand the mission of the board of education. So, just come in with an open mind. Miss Petress um just want to quickly um welcome all new board members and you
024know this is my third term so you know I'm delighted to serve again and I think um just like Mr. and you said our focus is doing the right thing for the students and keeping their interest in mind, right? That's the reason why we ran and you know um we represent everyone. So, um I welcome everyone who's just got elected and you know we look forward to working together and doing the best uh for each kid because each kid that goes to school in our district is like my child. That's why I'm here. Thank you, >> Miss Petus. >> I too want to welcome everybody. I'm looking forward to working with you and hearing your input. It's really nice to hear some new voices and I'm looking forward to to working with and learning from
025all of you. Again, um as others have said, we do this because we care about our students, we care about our staff, and we care about our community. And so, I'm really proud to serve with each and every one of you and looking forward to to working closely with you so that we can do what we can for our kids. >> Dr. Stanley, >> thank you everybody. The welcome at this table is amazing and I think we have a really strong team and I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. Um, and working together, I think we can do it and I think we all have the best uh heart uh for this. Um, so and I just want to say thank you to everybody who voted too as well. Um, that
026was really appreciative. Um, and get ready to work. >> Um, and I'll just be really quick. Um, as Dr. Fletcher, my first term on the board said, our very first night, we we walk in the room and we leave our party affiliation at the door and we're here for like Mr. Newton said, the kids and um I I know that we're going to all work really well together and um thank you for entrusting me to be your chairperson um for another term. Very excited and I'm grateful for the opportunity. So, um, yeah, I look forward to this this next two years and I'm very excited that we're all here at the table in person. It's fantastic. So, thank you everybody. >> Best to get on Monday because we all have our photos. >> Literally, we're
027going to get out. >> That's true. That's true. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Um, oh, we have a motion to second. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I meeting adjourned. 8:01 p.m. Thanks everybody. >> Wow.