001All right, good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Berlin Board of Education special meeting on November 24th, 2025. We're going to call this meeting to order at 6.04 p.m., and we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance. Okay, so we are going to start out with the student presentation, Berlin High School, and I'm going to turn it over to the superintendent to introduce them. Thank you very much, Julia. I'd like this time to introduce Chris Dresko, our band and instrumental teacher here at Berlin High School. Chris Drasco, I'm the band director. Last year it didn't turn on at all and then I had to shout. This year I shouted and... Blew out some eardrums. My name is Chris Dresko. I'm the band director at Berlin High School. And this evening, after you hear from the Madrigals,
002our special feature presentation is somewhat unique in that this past season, we, for the very first time, extended an invite to any current eighth grade members who wanted to participate fully in the Berlin High School marching band in the fall. And we had six students who participated complete with band camp and evening rehearsals and performing at the games with us and attending a competition with us as well. And Tim Jose was one of our musicians that came up and he was playing trombone. And then throughout the course of informational meetings, I found out that he also played piano and I asked if perhaps we could feature him this evening. We did this so that we could sort of help make connections and bridge that transition. between the high school and the middle school and half
003the time I forgot that they weren't already with me in the high school. So it's been an absolute pleasure to work with them and he's going to be a very special feature this evening for you. Mr. Boyle who's up here with the magicals. I can introduce the magicals this time. We have Charlotte Baker, Angelina Blair, Daniel Kokoza, Evan DeCirol. Addison Garino, Abigail Jurgen, Austin Luria, Megan Schneider, Ryan Tang, and Avery Wealthjie. They'll perform the National Anthem as well as America the Beautiful. And Tim will also perform Until I Found You. Thank you, Mr. Boyle and the Magicals for being here. Thank you very much, Tim. Thank you so much to the students who performed for us. That was truly a highlight of this evening's special meeting. Now we are going to move on to a
004special presentation, the Berlin's Lion Club donation. Lions Club, come up to the podium. It is so important in a community that the relationships that the schools have, and the Lions are one of the most organizations that support the schools the greatest. And every year you come to us, and what's nice about the gift that you give, you give it right to the teachers. And so it can impact the students right to the classroom. So I want to just thank you for that. I'm going to turn the microphone over for you for a few words. Thank you. Thank you very much. I'll go too far. I'll be right there. Right next to you. Superintendent, Board of Education staff, fellow Berlin residents, good evening. I am Dan Daigle, a representative from the Berlin Lions Club. With me
005this evening is Greg Demm. Thank you for your time. The Berlin Lions Club is the largest service organization in town. We are committed to serving the community of Berlin. The largest fundraising event of the club is the Berlin Fair. Much of the success of the fair is due to the support we receive from the town of Berlin, and we thank you. During the fair, our volunteers earn tips from the sales of refreshments. The Berlin Fair has designated these funds to help further enrich our elementary school classrooms. Throughout the fair weekend, Berlin gave generously and enthusiastically. We are excited to be here tonight to present 62 gift cards with a value of $150 each, over $9,000 worth of gift cards. Enough for one card for each classroom grades K through 5 and pre-K. Please accept these
006gifts with heartfelt thanks for your outstanding work and dedication. So as we begin tonight's... Assembly it really is for the community and it starts with the Lions and it moves through student representation members of the community and it's really a celebration of what all of you do for the community and how you interact with the school so thank you for being here and Please sit through as you're going to hear many of us speak to you about each individual If we could hold applause till the end of each person that'd be great At this time we have some awards to give to students throughout the district. We have what's called the caps It's Connecticut Associated Public Schools Superintendents. We nominate two students at each grade, at each building for these two, for these awards. And
007at this time I'd like to ask the principals to come forward. I'm going to ask all five principals to come forward at the time and stand behind me and then I'm going to have each of you read the students' name and they're going to come forward and receive a gift and be recognized. And we'll start with the high school. Hello, good evening. Congratulations to everybody here tonight. It's so nice to see such a nice crowd and so many students at our meeting this evening. So congratulations to everyone. I have the honor of kicking us off and calling up our two BHS high school recipients for the CAPS award. The first recipient I'm going to call up is Miss Megan Snyder. So Megan, come on up and join me. As you can tell, Megan wears many
008different roles here at Berlin High School. She just sang beautifully. Megan is an exceptional student who possesses a rare blend of intellectual depth, empathy, and quiet strength that distinguishes her as both a student and a person of remarkable character. Megan's academic achievements are extraordinary. In speaking with her teachers, they note that Megan has a unique devotion to learning and approaches complex material with patience, insight, and a deep desire to understand. Megan is described by teachers as an independent thinker who elevates discussions, connects ideas across all of her classes, and inspires those around her. She has the ability to lead with empathy and humility. She brings people together through understanding fairness and respect. Her leadership is thoughtful and genuine, and she strengthens every community she's part of. Megan's leadership shines beyond the classroom through her participation
009in theater, magicals, and the mock trial club. She demonstrates creativity, focus, and commitment. She balances a demanding schedule of maturity and composure. Additionally, Megan is a senior coordinator for the upbeat peer leadership program, serving countless hours of service to her school and community. Megan is an exceptional young woman whose intelligence and resilience and kindness set her apart. She exemplifies integrity, empathy, and purpose with everything she does and is a more than deserving recipient of Brown High School CAPS awards. Congratulations, Meg. All right, our next recipient is Mr. Spencer Toussaint. Spencer, come on up and join me at the podium. Spencer is widely admired by his peers and faculty alike for his integrity, focus, and ability to elevate every environment that he is part of. Spencer exemplifies the very best of our vision of a graduate
010and represents the values we hope all students will carry forward. Spencer approaches every endeavor with purpose and persistence, qualities that have earned him leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom. As captain of the men's golf and tennis teams, he leads by example. Modeling teamwork, composure, and humility, he inspires others through encouragement. As the class of 2026 president, he has guided his peers through fundraising, event planning, and school traditions that have strengthened our community pride. Spencer's academics are equally impressive. He has pursued a rigorous program of studies that reflects his intellectual curiosity and academic discipline. He approaches learning as an opportunity to explore, create, and refine. Spencer's teachers consistently praise him for his insight, initiative, and follow-through. Spencer is also deeply committed to service. He volunteers as a faith formation teacher at St. Paul's Parish
011and regularly participates in community outreach programs. He demonstrates an unwavering desire to make a positive difference. Spencer is a young man of exceptional integrity, talent, and heart. He is an ambitious student and thoughtful leader and compassionate in everything that he does, especially in the Berlin High School community. Congratulations, Spencer, on earning the CAPS recognition for Berlin High School. Congratulations. My name is Chris Sullivan, principal of McGee Middle School. It's my honor to call up Mr. Joseph Vasi. Tonight, I have the privilege of recognizing a student who exemplifies academic excellence and outstanding character, Joe Vasi. Joe's academic record speaks for itself. He has set a standard of excellence starting as far back as kindergarten, where Joe proudly received the Honesty Award. Fast forward to eighth grade and the academic accomplishments continue as Joe maintains top marks
012in all of his classes. This level of consistency doesn't happen by accident. It happens through Joe's genuine commitment to learning. Yet Joe understands that being a great student means more than earning excellent grades. As vice president of the student council last year, he didn't just hold a title. He actively proposed new initiatives and events to benefit our school community. Teachers share that in their classes, when a classmate is having a difficulty with a concept, Joe takes time to explain it and work with peers so they can succeed. When a new student joins classes, Joe makes it his mission to befriend them and help them feel welcome at McGee. Joe's character shines through in the small moments where most think nobody is watching. He holds door doors open for others. He encourages his peers to make
013good choices. He participates wholeheartedly in class and treats everyone with kindness and respect. Joe's actions are those of someone who understands that authentic leadership means lifting up others. Beyond our school walls, Joe continues to serve through programs like Boxes to Boots, where he most recently packed care boxes for those in need. Whether he's on the baseball diamond, basketball court, soccer field, building computers, playing piano, or creating with Lego, Joe approaches all tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. Joe Vasi is well respected not because he seeks popularity, but because he is genuinely friendly and consistently willing to lend a helping hand. He is a true role model who leads by example both in and out of the classroom. Joe, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. And if Ms. Charlotte Henderson can please make her way down. It's my
014honor to present the Caps Award to an exceptional eighth grader who truly embodies what it means to be a McGee Spartan, Charlotte Henderson. From the moment Charlotte walked into our building in sixth grade, she has been a positive force at McGee Middle School. While her straight A's and consistent spot on the honor roll are impressive, what Charlotte's teachers value most is her attitude toward learning. When work becomes challenging, that's when Charlotte truly shines, pushing herself to grow and never give up. But Charlotte's impact extends far beyond the classroom. Walk through our hallways and you'll see her building connections with both staff and students. Watch our concerts and you will hear her announcing. Look to the front of our band at the Berlin Fair and you'll see Charlotte leading and conducting. Step onto the softball field
015or volleyball court and you'll find Charlotte leading her teammates and building their confidence. Charlotte serves her school community by helping others, volunteering her time, and brightening people's days. She serves her broader community through various organizations and by volunteering at senior centers. And perhaps most importantly, she serves her family as a devoted big sister to Shelby and loving granddaughter and supporter of her grandparents. Charlotte Henderson represents the very best of what we hope to instill in a young adult academic excellence authentic leadership and genuine kindness Charlotte we are honored to have you as a leader at McGee middle school congratulations on receiving the Caps award Hi good evening if I can invite Gabby Correa from Grizzled school Good evening everyone. As principal of Griswold School, it is a tremendous honor to stand here tonight to celebrate
016two students who truly embody the values of service and academic excellence. We are here to present the CAP Superintendent Award, an honor reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional service to our school, true academic perseverance, and a consistent role model behavior. Our first recipient is a student who consistently brings positive energy and joy to our campus. Please join me in congratulating Gabby Correa. Gabriela Correa, better known as Gabby, she excels across all of our criteria. Her service to the school is evident in the positive, welcoming environment she helps create. As her teachers share, she is a joy to teach and a wonderful friend to all, someone they rely on for positive sportsmanship. That kindness extends to her empathy. When we spoke, she said that if she were principal, the first rule she'd make would be about
017sharing food after first checking for allergies, a beautiful reflection of her thoughtfulness. Gabby's academic prowess is fueled by her imagination. She loves reading, describing it as having a big story in my head, my own personal movie. This creativity drives her to be her best self with a clear goal of becoming a teacher in the future. As a role model, Gabby shows tremendous courage. She exemplifies perseverance, whether it's overcoming a fear of heights on the Thunderbolt roller coaster at Six Flags, or simply reminding us of the advice she'd give to her adult self. You're doing a great job. Don't give up. She also reminds us that while academic work is important, so is connection. When asked a favorite memory of Griswold, she didn't mention a test or a project. She mentioned Walter, our school therapy dog,
018and how much she loves being with him, especially the memory of getting to have him squish with her. She values her family, her little sister Gianna, or Gigi, and the fun of playing soccer, and even scary games like Pie Face, which I'm very interested to know exactly what that is. This positive outlook is consistent in everything she does. When asked about her favorite grade, she told me she honestly couldn't pick a favorite because she has enjoyed every grade that she has been in at Griswold. Gabby, your kind heart, your consistent dedication to learning, and your dreams make you an outstanding example for everyone at Griswold School. Please continue being you and being great. If I could please invite up Hunter Davis. And now we turn our attention to our second outstanding recipient of the CAP
019Superintendent Award, Hunter Davis. Hunter embodies the service to Griswold School criterion every single day. His teacher notes that he often steps up as a leader in the classroom, but his service extends past the bell. He's the student who often stays during bus call and offers the help around the room to assist with daily classroom jobs. This initiative and willingness to go the extra mile show his deep commitment to our community. Hunter's academic prowess is powered by that same intensity he brings to the field. He works hard, participates often, and provides insight and clarity during classroom discussions, showing continuous effort. We know Hunter loves sports. He plays football, basketball, and lacrosse. He told us that if he had to choose between football and basketball, it would be tough because he's passionate about both, but he does
020enjoy that he can hit people in football. I played basketball with Hunter a few times last year when he was in fourth grade. Fortunately, he never hit me in basketball. I'm a little bit afraid to play against him this year, though, because he's almost as tall as me now. His focus is impressive. He knows exactly where he's going after high school, Florida University. Hunter serves as an exceptional role model. His leadership skills shine when he runs morning meetings, reminding peers to follow our classroom charter and leading decisions for classroom incentives. We also got a glimpse into Hunter's strong character and humor during our interview. He has very clear loyalties. He wants to play football for the Miami Dolphins, but when asked if he'd play for the Patriots, he didn't hesitate. He'd decline and hang up
021the phone. This clarity, confidence, and ability to lead by example are commendable. Finally, Hunter understands the value of setting high expectations. When asked for advice he'd give to himself, he said it would be to listen to his teachers and follow their expectations. Hunter, your continuous effort, your leadership, and your commitment to your teammates, your teachers, and your peers make you an invaluable part of the Griswold community. Continue being awesome. Congratulations. Good evening, everyone. I'm Tim Chevrini, principal of Willard School. Congratulations to all the honorees. Tonight, we put a spotlight on the spirit of leadership within our schools. At Willard, there are two students being recognized tonight that truly embody that spirit. First, I would like to invite Harper Kassane to come up to be recognized. Tonight, we recognize Harper Kassane, a student in Mrs. Fritch's
022grade five class, as a recipient of the 2025-2026 CAPS Award. As you all know, this honor is given to those students who exemplify excellence, and Harper is a shining example of all that makes Willard proud. Mrs. Fritsch made the following comments about Harper. Harper is a dedicated and hardworking student who consistently puts forth her best effort and inspires her peers to do the same. As a natural leader, she models respectful and responsible behavior. Her kindness is felt by everyone she encounters, making her a positive influence and a valued member of the school community. In the classroom, Harper's strong work ethic and willingness to help others creates and nurtures a supportive learning environment for her classmates. Her spirit of service extends to her work with the student council as a preschool buddy, where she enjoys reading
023to and playing games with younger Willard students. Harper demonstrates exceptional talent and drive both in and out of the classroom. She excels in her favorite subject, math, enjoying the challenge of different problems, especially fractions. She also loves writing, enjoying crafting personal narratives and adding descriptive details with the aspiration of writing a realistic fiction book one day. Outside of school, Harper has been a competitive swimmer since she was six years old. I thought I was busy, but Harper practices swimming six days a week for two hours a day. Recently, she received the award for the most points scored in her age group at the AquaTurf Banquet and won the High Point Award at the Connecticut Age Group's Meet over the summer. Her specialty event is the butterfly. She dreams of swimming in college and high school.
024Harper's future aspirations go beyond athletics as she hopes to run her own business one day as a party planner. Harper's entrepreneurial aspirations led her to this path because it allows her to use her natural organizational skills. Harper, your hard work, your focus, and your compassionate spirit inspire everyone around you. Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved award. You have an extraordinary future ahead. And now I'd like to call up Thomas Nowak. It is my great privilege tonight to recognize Thomas Nowak, a student in Mrs. Ratty's class, as a recipient of the 2526 CAPS Award. Thomas's internal drive, deep curiosity, and commitment to mentorship are some of his greatest strengths. Mrs. Ratty had the following to say about Thomas. Thomas is a true leader in and out of the classroom. Whether it is making trophies for noontime sports
025or helping others with their work, Thomas is a valuable asset to our class and school community. He is always willing to help his teachers and classmates and is a role model for his peers. This spirit of service is central to who Thomas is. He is committed to mentoring younger students as he is both a reading buddy and a preschool kindergarten buddy. Thomas serves on the student council and volunteers his time to help Willard's younger students grow. Thomas loves learning and being challenged. His interests are diverse as he plays trumpet in the school band, is a committed Cub Scout striving to become an Eagle Scout, and he enjoys engaging hobbies like playing chess. Thomas has a passion for books, not just reading them, but for the entire process of writing and creating. As a Harry Potter
026fan, Thomas was inspired to write his own fantasy books, as he reports that he has written 18 chapters of his own book, a novel entitled A Journey. Thomas's writing draws inspiration from classics like The Hobbit and sagas like Star Wars. Thomas's deep connection to his heritage is also evident, as he was recognized for being one of the best students at the Polish School in New Britain. Outside of academics, Thomas is a skilled soccer player playing goalie for the A-team, Vail, at the Forge. He shared that while he is driven by the goal of playing professionally, he also aims to build other skills for his future, demonstrating a pragmatic, mature, and ambitious outlook. This realistic and goal-oriented approach extends to his career goals, where he's also interested in following in his dad's footsteps by pursuing a
027career in accounting. Thomas, your deep drive to succeed, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in service to others, and your deep love of learning and mentoring, and your commitment to your community inspires us all. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Good evening, everyone. My name is Al Souza, principal of Hubbard School. I want to congratulate all the award recipients and welcome everyone. Hubbard is honored to present two CAPS award recipients tonight, and we have the special privilege that both recipients are cousins. So I see the Meager and Foster families here at about 25 deep, so your village should be very, very proud of both of the award recipients tonight. If I could please have to the front Mr. Dean Meager. Dean is a contributing member of Mrs. Pager's grade 5 class. He's been at
028Hubbard School since kindergarten. Dean is strong, really strong. But more importantly, his heart is big, really big. Strong like bull, heart like teddy bear. And as we know, with great power comes great responsibility, and Mr. Meager does not disappoint. As a talented athlete, Dean holds himself to the highest of expectations. He is an outstanding teammate and a dedicated competitor who always gives maximum effort. In life, it's a very good thing to give your best. It's a whole other thing to consistently bring out the best in others. That's value added, impact, another level. Dean's level. His motivation, work ethic, and mindset inspire everyone around him. Mr. Meagher is described by staff as someone who always leads by example. His character radiates an embedded understanding that actions thunder much louder than the mere volume of words. He
029shows others what it looks like to be a true leader, setting the example, the standard, for his peers. In speaking with Dean, becoming a pro football player are wrestlers at the top of his list. They're both fun and interesting. In his spare time, he plays with friends, bikes, and fishes, and sometimes, when it's okay, he'll play a little Madden 26, Rocket League, or Fortnite. His favorite subject is math because he loves using that part of his brain. He's happiest with his family and on summer break. Dean has no tolerance for cheating and lying. He shared that Polish school is right up there in the conversation as learning all the words is super tough, but quote, I get it, I'll do it. I asked Dean if he had any advice for me as Hubbard principal. He
030responded, keep all the fun school days, events, activities, concerts, field day, all of them. I also asked if he had any advice for his peers. Dean stated, always try your best, have a dream, and go achieve it. In closing, he wanted to tell his family, thank you for always supporting me, even when you get nervous like my mom when I play football. Congratulations, Dean, for such a well-deserved honor. Can I please have to the front, Miss Gabby Foster. Gabby is an active member of Miss Serena's grade five class. She's been at Hubbard School since kindergarten. Take love, kindness, curiosity, wrap it from head to toe with excitement for life, and name it Gabby. Make no mistake, though, the warning label reads, do not mistake kindness for weakness. Ms. Foster is a boss, plain and simple.
031She relentlessly harnesses motivation and independence, using them as internal fuel to set goals, identify challenges, and demolish them. With Gabby's endless determination, she will find success in whatever she sets her mind to. She will make it happen, period. Staff shares that Gabby's energetic attitude towards school and her spirit of cooperation are reflected in her impeccable work ethic. As a responsible, caring individual and critical thinker, Ms. Foster is a steel hand in a velvet glove. She believes in herself and tries her very best in every situation, making a habit of having a positive impact on all those around her. Whenever you refer to a student's positive impact as a habit, you're dealing with someone special. In speaking with Ms. Foster, she informed me she likes to be in charge, so she plans on becoming the first
032female president of the United States. In her spare time, she enjoys soccer, basketball, and softball. Aside from lunch and recess, Gavri's favorite subject is math, as it is one of her strengths. She is happy spending time with family and playing sports. She has no tolerance for those who take advantage of a substitute teacher and try to get away with things. The regular teacher is coming back. You don't think she'll hear all about it? I asked Gabby if she had any advice for me as Hubbard principal. She responded, continue doing field day, student, staff games, and school events. We get to take a break from learning and have activities with the whole school. I also asked if she had any advice for her peers. Gabby stated, respect who is teaching you, respect adults. In closing, she
033wanted to tell her family, thank you for always supporting me. Congratulations, Gabby, or shall I say, Madam President. Next we'd like to recognize our teachers of the year each year We select a teacher of the year from each building and then from those that are selected a teacher of each building We have a selection for the district So at this time I'd ask both curriculum directors Carl Watson and Laurie Jerpen to come forward for introduction of our building teacher of the year Congratulations everyone. We are pleased to announce and congratulate the following building teachers of the year from Hubbard school Michelle Hannon Michelle has been in education for a total of 15 years and has served as a Berlin educator for the past four years. Currently a K-5 library media specialist technology integration specialist at
034Hubbard, Michelle has also previous experience teaching ninth and tenth grade students. Michelle is a lifelong learner who serves as the open choice program coordinator and supporting students and families. to improve academic achievement and provide students with a broader range of education program choices. She is passionate about teaching, which she considers a day-to-day experience that gives her the opportunity to make connections with her students. One of her students said, I appreciate Ms. Hannon because she is always helpful and spreads kindness with her smile. Thank you, Michelle, for your continued devotion to the students of the Berlin Public Schools. Next, I would like to welcome Ruth Amayo from Emma Hart Willard. Ruth has been an educator for 26 years and has taught in Berlin for the last 12. A grade two teacher, she works hard to make
035certain that each student is successful. One of her colleagues says her energy is contagious and her students are fully engaged. Whether collaborating on a project, diving into a lively discussion, or exploring a new concept through hands-on activities, Ruth always looks for creative ways to help her students learn and finds gratification in what she does. She indicates that the rewards are the happiness of the students in front of me. The rewards are seeing the growth in my students from September until June. The rewards are the light bulb moments that I see each and every day. We are fortunate that Ruth has made the choice to spend each and every day with us in the Berlin Public Schools. Congratulations. And from McGee School, we have Lisa Turgeon. Lisa has been a teacher in Berlin for seven years
036and has worked at both the elementary and middle school levels as a library media specialist. Prior to that, she was a library paraprofessional for five years. She strives to make every library visit an interactive experience, transforming the space into a hub of creativity and exploration. This is evident with a visit to the beautiful space. Through initiatives like book tastings, Spartan Book Theater, and a monthly library challenges, she aims to turn reading from a solitary task into a shared adventure. Her colleagues say that students are drawn to the Library Media Center because they trust Lisa and feel safe with her. That says a lot about a middle school educator. Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do for our students and staff of the Berlin Public Schools. Thanks, Lisa. Next, I would like to welcome James
037Arnold from Berlin High School. James has been an educator in Berlin for the past 26 years, during which time he has served as a 9-12 physical education, health, and wellness teacher. James' focus is to keep students engaged in class while targeting various skills such as communication and problem solving. One of his colleagues wrote, his passion for health and wellness transcends to his students by teaching them to become committed to lifelong wellness. James truly believes one of the most important lessons in physical and health education is understanding the powerful benefits of regular exercise and how it impacts both physical and mental aspect by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and boosting brain power. One of James's goals is that he wants every student to discover an activity that they genuinely enjoy, regardless of their skill level. We
038thank James for all of his contributions to the Berlin Public Schools. Thank you. At this time, I am pleased to announce Michelle Wade, teacher of grade five at Mary Griswold, as the 2026 Berlin Public School Teacher of the Year. Michelle, if you could come forward. Michelle has been a teacher for 21 years, the last seven in Berlin. Michelle says that creating a welcoming community of classroom is central to her teaching. She prioritizes fostering a safe space where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to express themselves. This environment reinforces understanding that mistakes are not failures, but essential steps in learning a process. A tangible example is our spot my own mistake. poster where students celebrate identifying learning from their errors, creating a culture of mutual respect. Her colleagues note that Michelle consistently demonstrates an incredible ability
039to inspire enthusiasm and motivation for learning in her students. Through her genuine passion for teaching and her creative, student-centered approach, she cultivates a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and learning feels exciting. One parent stated she entered the teaching profession for all the right reasons, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their students feel loved, encouraged, and challenged. In addition to the work that she accomplishes in her classroom, Michelle is also the leader of a student advisory committee. This committee empowers students, equipping them with the valuable life skills in communication and community engagement. Students develop leadership skills by organizing events and positively impacting the Berlin community. For instance, during a Random Acts of Kindness week, they partnered with a local business like Switches and Stop and Shop to decorate bags and distribute kindness stickers, extending their
040positive influence beyond the school walls. At this time, I'd like to congratulate Michelle. Michelle will have an opportunity to compete at the state level, and she has a little bit of work to do for the presentation for the state level. But I want to thank you, Michelle, for choosing Berlin Public Schools and for your 21 years as a teacher in 7 here in Berlin. Thank you, Michelle. At this time, I'd like to introduce Linda Holian, Director of Pupil Services, to introduce our Paraprofessional of the Year. Good evening, everyone. I'm pleased to congratulate Jennifer Matney from Emma Hart Willard School for being selected as Berlin's Paraeducator of the Year. Jen is someone who can work in a variety of environments at any grade level. Wherever she is, she works hard to build great relationships with students.
041She easily meets students where they are at both academically and socially, emotionally. Jen's flexibility is one of her greatest qualities. Jen was an asset while she was working in the STEP program at Berlin High School. When working at the elementary level, Jen easily serviced students in a variety of classrooms. She quickly learned the expectations and style of each teacher she worked with and easily worked with students with a variety of needs at different grade levels. Jen's caring, dedicated, and compassionate demeanor proved to be just the right combination to have when working with our students. She sets high expectations for all students and knows exactly when to push them so that they will be able to meet with success and independence and when to just be there for support and guidance. The students trust Jen and
042know that she truly cares about them and their well-being. Jen is not only a support to her students, but to her co-workers as well. She's a team player and willing to go the extra mile to help out both within and outside the classroom. Jen's teamwork, dedication, patience, and empathy are qualities that truly make her such a remarkable person and paraeducator. Please join me in congratulating Jen as the 2026 Paraeducator of the Year for Berlin Public Schools. As I said earlier, this is about recognition tonight, and we'd like to recognize our support staff. Support staff have been selected in the various buildings as well as in central office. I'd like to just read through and recognize. Our first is Claude Presbitt from Griswold School. Is Claude here this evening? There's Claude. Tonight we have the distinct
043privilege of honoring a person whose dedication has literally held the walls of Griswold together for two decades. It is my great pleasure to recognize daytime custodian Claus Presbitt. Claus is celebrating a remarkable 20 years at Griswold. I want to start by recognizing, by sharing why he was chosen for this award. When you ask about his time at Griswold, Claus says he loves Griswold because it's a family. He finds true fulfillment being around the students and collaborating with staff. He also has been amazed by watching the world change right inside Griswold walls, knowing the incredible shift in technology that teachers and students are now using in the classroom. Perhaps his favorite part of all is seeing former students walk back through the doors and become teachers themselves. A truly cool full circle and movement. But if
044you ask Claude about his greatest pride, he'll tell you it's about making a difference in the lives of kids. He believes in taking students under his wing, mentoring them, and being a reliable person in the corner. He says he's had a variety of jobs and experiences in life, and now he simply sees an opportunity to give back. He says, I just do it. I don't think about it. For Claude, it's about helping everyone in the building to make Griswold a greater place for students to be. I want to thank you, Claude, for 20 years, and please continue doing what you're doing. Thank you very much. I'll go yet. Next, I'd like to ask Glenn Swantak to come to the podium. Mr. Swantak joined Hubbard School family as a building substitute in 2021. Since that time,
045he's been defined and actually the true definition of contributing staff member. Glenn's connection to and active participation in the Hubbard School community warrant the highest commendation. He radiates a unique, impressionable personality, and both memorable and impactful in the best ways. In the sauce of staff culture, Mr. Swantek represents one of those rare, secret spices that when incorporated into the right recipe yields unmatched flavor and enriched experience not otherwise possible. You can guess who wrote some of this, right? Okay. There are no imitators or duplicators. Glenn is described by staff as someone who shows daily dedication to his school, family, exhibiting diligence, care, and unwavering effort to do his best for his colleagues and students. Someone who is willing to go above and beyond to make a child and adult's day better. He not only forms
046positive relationships, but spreads the positivity with wit, humor, commitment, and the understanding of care is as constant and certain as an ocean tide. Staff shares Mr. Swantack is incredibly reliable, flexible, and thoughtful in all his responsibility. He asks questions, follows up with staff concerns, with the academic and social-emotional progress of students, and consistently provides information about substitutes, lessons, activities, and next steps. Glenn is a true force regarding the Hubbard culture both inside and outside of the classroom walls. Glenn, we want to thank you for all you do for Hubbard and for the Berlin Public Schools. Congratulations. Next, I'd like to ask Danielle Hughes to come forward. For the past five years, Danielle Hughes has been an exceptional ESL tutor and the Willard. Danielle's path and educational background are remarkable, not only in the first a
047generation college student, but she has also pursued learning across disciplines holding multiple college degrees. These include the foundational dual BA in linguistics and philosophy and Mandarin, Chinese language and culture, along with a minor in deaf language and culture, and two specialized master's degree in one curriculum and instruction for world language education and another in applied linguistics, TSOL. And yes, Danielle also knows sign language. Danielle's vast academic background gives her a unique and powerful perspective on how students acquire and use language. Danielle's passion is using her knowledge to help students. Danielle's colleagues describe her as hardworking, knowledgeable, flexible, and dedicated. She works tirelessly to meet the students' needs and to make her classroom space safe for students, to share her culture with others. Danielle's contributions to Willard is staggering. She services 41 ESL learners across grades.
048who speak an incredible 10 different languages. This requires immense flexibility, cultural competence, and expertise. Her colleagues depend on her, and she is truly a valuable resource, whose flexibility and expansive knowledge elevate the learning experience for everyone around her. Danielle, your dedication to Willard's most diverse population is deeply felt. You have opened the world for countless students by helping them find their voice. and Willard School is richer and Berlin Public Schools is richer for more vibrant place because of your service. Congratulations and thank you for choosing to do it. Thank you. Next, I'd like to ask Jamie Albright to come forward. I am honored to take a moment to recognize someone who makes McGee Middle School a better place every single day. Jamie Albright, the self-titled L-O-T-L-S. Ladies of the library had the following to share
049about Jamie. Jamie has become the heart of the McGee School Library. Students just don't visit the library. They go specifically to see Jamie. She's become their person in the building, someone they know they can count on for encouragement, direction, or simply a listening ear. She greets them by name, asks about their interests, and actually remembers to follow up on their... their competitions, their projects, their lives. That kind of connection, that's why it changes everything for a middle schooler. Beyond the deep connection with her students, what also sets Jamie apart is a willingness that brings a heart to everything she does. She doesn't just complete a task. She looks around and asks, what else can I do? She beautifies McGee's space, organizes things with purpose, jumps into every new idea or crazy event, dreamt up with
050genuine enthusiasm. And it doesn't stop in the library. Jamie covers classes, does lunch duty, creates bulletin boards, supports colleagues, and shows up at after school events with a smile and a positive attitude. One colleague stated, Jamie Albright has been the best hands down. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching and learning, and most importantly, she brings a genuine care for our students and staff. I want to thank you for all you do. I don't know how you do it all, but we thank you. Thank you, Jamie. And last but surely not least, if you come into Berlin High School, you will see... Carmela Williams, either in the front office or in the back, as she's the bookkeeper and clerical help in the front office, so a lot more. Carmela, if you could come
051forward, please. It's a great pride that tonight we recognize Carmela Williams, Berlin High School Administrative Assistant as recipient of Berlin High School Staff Person of the Year. Carmela has been part of Bowdoin High School community since 2023. Carmela's professionalism, dedication, unwavering support to staff and students is undeniable. From early morning sub coverage to tedious bookkeeping to every task in between, Carmela performs every responsibility with a bright smile and positive energy. Carmela, we thank you for always stepping up without being asked, for always going the extra mile in all you do. Your hard work and positive attitude truly make a difference to help Berlin High School staff feel supported in every way possible. There is no denying that Berlin High School runs more smoothly because of your commitment to excellence. Mel, you are an invaluable asset
052and well, we are proud and honor you today with congratulations as a Berlin High School staff support person. Thank you, Carmela. Last but not least, and I'm sorry, Carmela, I only had you as the last one. I don't know how I could forget Jackie. Jackie Dunn actually works at Central Office, and before she worked in the Nursing Department. But Jackie Dunn, if you could come forward, please. I'd like to honor Jackie Dunn as a Berlin Public Schools staff person of the year for the Central Office. Jackie currently serves as a data assistant in Central Office, having joined us in August 2023 after working as a nursing assistant at Willard School for a number of years. Before becoming an official member of the team, she worked for the town of V&A as a health aide since
0532014. Her professional path also includes time as an elementary teacher in Bridgeport, giving her a rare combination of instructional insight and operational experience, and deep understanding of the needs of both students and staff. When Jackie expressed interest in joining the data team, we knew immediately that she would be an exceptional fit. She brings not only her strong technical abilities, but also level of integrity, follow-through. calm confidence that elevates the work everyone around her. Jackie approaches each task with intention and accuracy, ensuring that every detail is handled with care. Her commitment to doing things the right way and her ability to do them, well, makes her indispensable and a member of the office. Jackie is also someone who continually seeks to grow. She takes on new learning opportunities with purpose, attending trainings, expanding her skills, and
054deepening her understanding. She brings that knowledge back to our team in a practical and insightful and impactful ways. Beyond her technical skills, Jackie enriches the culture of our office simply by who she is. Her positivity, kindness, and unmistakable laugh bring a warmth to even the busiest days. She is the person who shows up no matter the moment, no matter the request. Her willingness to help, her consistency, her genuine care for people around her make our workplace stronger, more collaborative, and undeniably better for having you there. Jackie, thanks for working at the board event. Appreciate it. Now I'm going to ask our board chair, Julia Dennis, to come forward. The last award that we're going to give this evening is an award that was started years ago, and it's called the Friends of Berlin Award. It
055obviously takes the community with the school, and this goes out to people in the community that have helped the schools and continue to help the schools and are really invaluable to the schools. So, Julia? All right, we're going to present these together. So? I'd like to ask Liz Fenner and Phyllis Campanaria to come forward, please, for Griswold School. So it is our honor tonight to recognize these two remarkable individuals who have made an extraordinary difference at the Griswold School through their dedication, generosity, and unwavering support of the students and staff. Liz and Phyllis help with the circulation desk and organizing books so that Griswold students have access to all the popular titles that are high quality and in demand to continue to foster a love for reading and learning. So Liz Fenner, am I saying
056it right? Okay, has dedicated over a decade of service to Griswold's and McKee Libraries, as well as the RSVP program. Her enthusiasm and strong work ethic ensure that the libraries run smoothly and that students always have access to the books that they want to read. Liz's patient and friendly manner has helped foster an excitement for reading. that ripples through griswold classrooms and hallways. She has helped cultivate a culture where reading feels welcoming, joyful, and accessible to all. So thank you for that. Our second recipient, Phyllis Campanario. Okay, good, thanks. has been a steady and meaningful present in the library for the past five years. Phyllis brings a calm energy and a nurturing personality that instantly puts students and staff at ease. The idea of being a lifelong learner, always curious, always growing, and always ready
057to take on anything that comes her way. Her quiet commitment has enriched Griswold School in ways that are felt every single day. Liz and Phyllis, your contributions and commitments have strengthened the Griswold School community in a powerful and lasting way. Thank you very much. Next, I'd like to have Kaylee Cotto from Hubbard School, please. Okay, so Mrs. Cotto has been a vital contributor and actively engaged member of the Hubbard School community throughout her child's educational journey. With commendable enthusiasm and a customary can-do attitude, Kaylee is instrumental in collaborating with others to turn good ideas into enriched experiences and actualizing the possibilities to support Hubbard students, staff, and families. Through an array of PTO leadership positions and volunteer efforts, Mrs. Cotto has fostered and enhanced meaningful relationships between the school and countless parents and families. She
058continually gives her time and talents without hesitation, dedicating herself to uplifting the academic, social, and community experience of every Hubbard student. Kaylee has served Hubbard School in such capacities as PTO Secretary, PTO Family Fund-run Co-Chair, and PTO Publicity Chair. She is a key organizer and volunteer for such school events as Halloween Bingo, Cocoa and Grafts, and the Hubbard Ball, the Pasta Supper, school book fairs, and the list keeps going. Thank you. Exceptional notes in Mrs. Cotto's voluntary service as a professional photographer for a number of schools in grade five happenings, whether annual concerts, events, or promotion assembly. Kaylee captures the spirit of students and staff and families in formal, candid fashion, providing keepsakes of special moments and memorable milestones for the Hubbard yearbook and school community at large. Mrs. Carter was described by staff as
059someone who routinely goes above and beyond for just about everything at Hubbard. Always trying to find new and creative ways of support, they characterized Kaylee as a different difference maker who is both selfless and caring, devoting personal time with generous spirit that helps define Hubbard not just as a school but a family. So thank you so much Mrs. Gatto for all your time and dedication to Hubbard schools. Next I'd like to have Karen Struveant from Willard School to come forward. So over the past four years, Karen has been a truly vital member of the Willard School community. Karen pours her boundless energy, creativity, and commitment into making Willard School thrive. She has two wonderful children, AJ in grade three and Gabriel in kindergarten. Karen's dedication is evident in her unwavering belief that supporting Willard staff
060directly translates to success for Willard students. She consistently demonstrates her patience, flexibility, and willingness to help in whatever capacity is needed, ensuring Willard's teachers have the resources necessary to excel in their classrooms. Her readiness to step up is one of her most valued characteristics at Willard. Karen's efforts have uplifted every corner of the school experience. As a former PTO president and an active volunteer, she is the driving force behind many Willard's most beloved annual events. from expertly running the complexity of the holiday shop and helping organize countless others, including the annual book fair, the truck retreat. Karen's impact has provided lasting memories for students and essential funding for countless classroom and school initiatives. Karen, your commitment, generosity, and genuine love for the students remind us all of the profound power of dedicated volunteerism. Thank you
061for your incredible contributions to Willard School and congratulations on this well-deserved award. Next, I'd like to have Patty DeVox from McGee Med School, please. Tonight, we have the privilege of recognizing someone whose dedication to the McGee School community spans multiple years and multiple buildings, Patty DeVox. Patty has been a consistent presence on the PTO from Griswold School through her active role in the middle school PTO and BHS athletic boosters. In her free time, Patty is also a proud supporter of the Berlin Robotics Program. Patty's contributions go far beyond simply showing up. She has ushered in and mentored new members and presidents, ensuring that the McGee PTO remains organized and effective year after year. When new volunteers wonder how things work or feel overwhelmed, Patty has the answer. A truly exceptional quality is her ability to
062balance fiscal responsibility with maximizing what can be done on a limited budget. She doesn't just manage resources wisely, she thinks creatively, coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to raise funds that support McGee School and students in meaningful ways. Her peers describe Patty as the ultimate team player. She's always available, always willing to help, and always looking for ways to improve student experience. She doesn't seek the spotlight, but her impact is felt in every event hosted, every program funded, and every student supported because of her tireless efforts. The Friends of Berlin Education Award recognizes individuals who make an extraordinary difference in our schools. Patty DeVoe embodies everything this award represents. Patty, thank you for your dedication and your leadership. McGee Middle School and our entire community are better because of you. Thank you so much. I get
063you. I know you do. I remember next time. Next, I'd like to ask Jamie Miller and Robin Evans to come forward from Berlin High School. Robin's sick. Okay. I'll just do it together because you guys are like two peas in a pod anyway. So it is my honor to stand before you here today and recognize these two exceptional individuals. Jamie and her imaginary friend Robin, who have had a tremendous impact on Berlin High School and Berlin community at large. Tonight, we would like to honor Jamie Miller and Robin Evans with the Friends of Berlin School Award. Jamie and Robin worked tirelessly together to support the diverse needs of our community, whether helping families navigate difficult situations, connecting students... their families with financial or food resources or organizing meaningful community service events they consistently go above
064and beyond to ensure our students feel included valued and truly seen together they are very selfless and the backbone of ensuring all students needs are met before during and after the school day Jamie and Robyn's efforts, students at Berlin High have had opportunities that extend far beyond learning in the classroom. Whether it's school-wide assemblies, guest speakers, or initiatives within the UpBeat program, both Jamie and Robyn are rooted in the wellness and mission of Berlin High School. Congratulations to the both of you on this very special recognition and congratulations. And now I'd like to recognize Giovanna Beradozzi from Kensington Cleaners. Giovanna recently just broke her arm, so I appreciate you coming tonight, Giovanna. Before Julia reads a little write-up here, if you know the Beradozzi family in town, I've been in Berlin 33 years, and they
065own Kensington Cleaners. They are the nicest people. If you go in to the cleaners, you're always greeted with a warm, friendly face. And people come in and ask her to do things all the time, and she does it for them quickly or with no charge and always helping people out. And what I found out for the last, I'm not even going to read this, for the last 20 some odd years, that any student who comes to the cleaners and brings their graduation gown, she's pressed for free for the last 20 years in town. It's just the type of people in the community you want. It's the type of people you want to interact with. And it's just something that she does with a smile. So I don't even need to read this about you because
066I know you, but I wanted to thank you as the superintendent and for Berlin Public Schools for all you do for the kids and for the community. So I'd like to thank you very much. Don't go away yet. All right. Thank you everyone for being here tonight and congratulations to all the recipients of the awards. Tonight was a really exciting night to celebrate all the wonderful things that go on in Berlin Public Schools from the students to the faculty and staff and the members of the community. So right now it is 7-18 and we need a motion to adjourn. Do we have a second? So the motion by Peter, the second by Jen. All those in favor? And then what about the two on mine? Okay, so the vote carries 9-0. So the meeting is
067officially adjourned. There are snacks out in the lobby. Thank you all, and one more round of applause for everyone this evening. Congratulations. Good evening, and welcome to the November 24th Berlin Board of Education meeting. It is 7-29, and I'm going to call this meeting to order. We're going to begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. All right, well. We are our first agenda item is a special presentation certificate of appreciation to former board member Jamie Miller So I know I know Brian our superintendent is gonna want to talk but I just want to say thank you so much for Your years of service. I'm going to miss you. I know where to find you and I drive by your house every day But you were a valued member on the board and I
068really appreciate all the work you did your input and insight and everything you do for our community You're welcome. So now I'm gonna turn it over Jamie I just want to thank you for Berlin for the 11 years of service to the board and to the community Just your voice of reason speaking up when there needs to be something to be said But also being a phone call away to offer guidance to myself and other other administrators The crossover with social services and what how you've merged with the schools has been exceptional your work with upbeat And I hope all that continues. We really appreciate all you've done for public schools. So thank you so much Oh, I think we have something for you We are going to turn this over to the superintendent. He
069is now in charge. Thank you very much. So the first order of business here is we're going to vote on a president for the remainder of this term until next November where we would vote again. So at this time, so at this first thing, the way it will take place is you first nominate. And you do that verbally by nominating. And then you write, there's a blue slip of paper that you have for the president. So you would vote on the blue for the president. And then once the president is elected, the president then takes back over the meeting and then votes for the secretary. Okay, so that's the process. So at this time, I'm going to ask, is there any nominations for president of the Board of Education? I nominate Julia Dennis. I accept.
070Any other nominations? Okay, so that this time even though there's one nomination I'm gonna ask you so you put into the record to them right if you know who you're voting for on the blue piece of paper talk collect and Vanessa If you could just text me your vote there perfect perfect Thank you both At this time I have all the votes tallied and it's unanimous and nine votes for Julia Dennis at this time the president of 26 27 the year until next election so congratulations julia all right okay do we have any nominations for secretary do you accept it do we have any other nominations for secretary i'll nominate jen jerry do you accept it yes okay any other nominations for secretary Okay, hearing none, you can go ahead and vote. Did you get
071your two text messages? Yes, I did. Okay. I have nine votes. There's six votes for Melissa and three votes for Jen. All right. Congratulations. Moving on to... under the reorganization item B motion for annual schedule of regular meetings Do we have a motion for consideration? Or policy nine zero eight five as presented Do we have it so we have a motion by the list? I get my Brian and we can any discussion Okay, we can move to a vote all those in favor Opposed? Vote carries 9-0. Okay. Moving on. Motion for fiscal management. This is designees for the purpose of signing checks for the general fund and grants, Berlin High Enterprise Fund, Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund, cafeteria fund, Board of Ed programs as necessary in accordance with board policy 9-0-4-6-2. We have a motion
072for consideration. There's five motions. Move that Brian Testero and Sandra Crespino be designated signers of the Berlin High School Enterprise Fund. Move that each principal and Sandra Crespino be designated signers of the Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund. Move that Ashley Dorsey and Sandra Crespino be designated signers of the Cafeteria Fund. Move that Ashley Dorsey and Sandra Crespino be designated signers of the BLE programs. So the motion by Gina the second by Brian any discussion hearing none we can move to vote all those in favor aye opposed Folk carries 9-0 moving on appointment for board legal counsel for 2526 in accordance with board policy 9055 the legal counsel to represent the Board of Education For the next year is going to be selected at this time. So we have a motion for consideration Of Hartford be
073appointed to continue as the Board of Education Council for the 2526 year and that they should be so in motion by Jen second by Brian any discussion Okay, hearing none. We can move to a vote all those in favor. Aye. Aye Opposed. Oh, okay opposed vote carries 9-0 Moving on to committee reports correspondence of the board Report of board members. You're not a board member. It's okay. Do any board members have anything they would like to report? So I will start out with I attended the CABE CAPS conference on Friday with our superintendent, Brian, and we... earned the CABE Level II Board of Distinction Award. So we got a nice photo with our commissioner, Charlene Russell Tucker. And I also was recognized as a board member who has served for 10 years. And I won
074an election that I didn't know I was on the ballot for. So I'm an Area 2 Director on the Board of Directors, and I am now serving as the Chair for the State Legislative Council. So I'm actually looking forward to that, to be more in tune with what's going on on our state level with our legislation and bringing it back to the Board and taking an active role and giving our opinions and thoughts on... our legislative agenda as it's gonna impact us, especially with unfunded mandates. I knew about that part, I didn't know about the first part. I think the conference went really well. I attended a session, a few different sessions, and Miguel Cardona was the keynote speaker and it was really impactful keynote address and it was very dynamic. He was a very
075dynamic speaker. really engaging. So it was, you know. Well worth my time and I think the professional development was very beneficial And I'm just really proud of the recognition our board got with the keyboarded distinction I think that you know, I think only maybe five boards got the Distinction that we earned so I think you know We're doing a lot of really great things as a board and getting that recognition is important Jen, did you also, I saw your email come through today. Did you attend that? It was a webinar. Webinar, okay. Do you want to share a little bit about that? There was a webinar a few weeks back on AI, and, you know, obviously a topic that everyone's talking about and how to best implement it in school systems. So there's a couple
076of papers that just got circulated from that in an email today, and I'm happy to. circulate those among this group or else other places. Just, you know, I think everybody has a different take on it, so it's, you know, there's no right answer, but I think there's just a lot of conversations going on about what to do. Thank you. And I know Brian also attended a session at the conference this past Friday about AI. Did you find it beneficial? It was okay. I think the best thing, we had Matt Mervis here at the beginning of the year, and I think that he did a wonderful job presenting to the staff and really expanding on the potential of what's moving now, but what it's going to be. and what it could be. I think we're already
077having conversations amongst cabinet and with administrative council. How do we prepare students for 13 years out? And what are the moves we need to make now? Jen, I'll take those two articles and I'll put them in the next update if that's helpful to send to the board. Any other report from board members? Moving on to the report of student representatives. So we have a brand new student board rep. You weren't at the last meeting, right? No. I wasn't either, so I didn't miss anything. I already forgot your name. Could you just say it one more time? Yumna Hashim. Welcome to the board. We're excited to have you. Are you okay to present your report? Okay, so we'll turn it on over. A science independent study team advised by Mr. Wisniewski was awarded a $7,500 Lemelson-MIT
078InvenTeam grant to develop an invention that helps bats survive the effects of white-nose syndrome. Students are combining what they've learned about biology, engineering, physics and conservation to design a system that gives bats a better chance of making it through the infection. Berlin High School is one of only eight schools in the entire country selected for this program, which is part of a national initiative supported by the Lemelson Foundation and MIT School of Engineering. The students who are part of the Carpe Noctem InvenTeam are Michelle, Hannah, Siddell, Monica, Angie, Kaylin, Ava, Marco, James, and Toby. Students across the varying grades spent days preparing for the annual hallway competition. Using their respective colors, they created unique and interesting hallways demonstrating Berlin High School's creativity. From October 27th to October 31st, BHS resumed its tradition of hosting our
079Spirit Week where students participated in a variety of themes throughout the week and ended it with a pep rally. On November 1st, the homecoming dance took place at BHS where students were able to show support for BHS and where seniors were reminded of the memories they have made. Berlin football has had one incredible season with former coach Kapodice returning. the Redcoats rallied in order to complete their regular season schedule with 10 wins, zero losses. They are the first team in the CIAC with this record, and the Redcoats outscored their opponents 382-73, allowing competitors to score an average of only 7.3 points per game. Carmine Rio led the team with 387 receiving yards, Sean Granger led the team with 10 sacks, and quarterback Cody Puzio had a total of 29 touchdowns. Go Redcoats! VHS will be
080continuing its traditional powderpuff game on Tuesday, November 25th at Sage Park. With football players acting as coaches, grades will go head-to-head to raise money for Berlin Helping Berlin. BHB aims to help less fortunate families within our town. The seniors have won back-to-back and are coming in to hopefully defend their title. All right. Thank you so much. Does anyone have any questions? Okay, moving on to committee reports, I know there was a committee meeting right before this correct because it's going to be at a later meeting, the next meeting, but we discussed two things. We discussed a new textbook for marketing, which was super interesting, and we'll talk about that next meeting, as well as course changes, and there will be a presentation by Gar and Lori next time on that, so I won't belabor that
081tonight either. So you have that to look forward to. And that was it. Thank you. Have any other committees met since? You know the ad hoc committee met last week and we talked about the policies that are on the agenda tonight. But we'll get into that shortly. Okay. Moving on correspondence to the board Dear Brian and Board of Education. Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers in memory of my sister Carleen Keough a graduate of Berlin High School the flowers bright and colorful Just like my sister who was one of the kindest people. I truly appreciate thinking of me in the sad time my best Lori Jerpin Bullen Board of Education administrators and staff. Thank you so much for acknowledging the passing of my father Everett Campanelli It means so much to me and
082my family my dad always enjoyed attending all the Berlin School District events and my own children participated in during the years in the school system We have many wonderful memories warmly Rosemary Goodwin Criswell school Does anyone else have any correspondence to the board Moving on to audience of citizen. Members of the Berlin community are encouraged to share their thoughts with the Board of Education and are invited to do so during this segment of the meeting. When appropriate to do so, members of the Board of Ed and admin may respond with comments. We just ask if you approach the board, you state your name and address, and we limit you to three minutes per resident. Would anyone like to approach the board? The microphone, I think, is on that side. But you could grab. You can
083grab one of these. The people that are live streaming can't. Jen, do you mind bringing your microphone around? Sorry. Sorry about that. I'll make it brief since you've got a long night tonight. Jim Phelps here. At last meeting, I asked some questions of the superintendent and the board of ed, and I haven't received a reply. And in Newington, if I spoke to the Board of Ed superintendent, I would get a reply within 48 hours written. I asked specific questions, and I did not get a reply. Fine, if that's how you want to deal with, so be it. But I think in the way of fostering a professional atmosphere and working with residents. It's important that we bridge that gap because 60% of my taxes go to paying for the board event and the achievements you
084do. And I ask very straightforward questions. That's all I want to say. That would help. And I think if you take my comments in a constructive fashion, you will get some buy-in from the residents. So when you want to increase your budget, we can speak in favor to the town council. Thank you for your time. Okay, thank you. I did just speak with the superintendent briefly, and he's going to watch the last meeting and follow up. Thank you. Anyone else like to approach the board? Okay, moving on to the next agenda item, personnel. We have a retirement for a media literacy and quest teacher at McGee Middle School. I'll turn it over to the superintendent. Sure. Lori St. Char has been a teacher in Berlin for the last 25 and a half years. She's also
085a resident of Berlin. Two students go through the Berlin public schools. She contacted me several weeks ago stating that based on medical reasons, she needed to retire effective. February 1st. So I want to wish Lori the best. It was a tough conversation for the Hav. She wasn't planning on retiring at this time, but she feels it's best for her family and her health that this take place. So I wish Lori the best. Do we have a motion for consideration? retirement of Lorraine St. Jarre, media literacy and quest teacher at McGee School, effective February 1st, 2026. Also, to thank her for the 25 and a half years of service she has provided to the youth of Berwyn and wish her good health and happiness in her retirement years. Do we have a second? So the motion
086by Brian, the second by Gina. Is that correct? Okay. Any discussion? Hearing none, we can move to a vote. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay, the vote carries 9-0. All right, the consent agenda. Everything was provided in Schoology for you to review. Before we get into any discussion, if there is any, do we have a motion for consideration? Presented. Do we have a second? Any discussion? Yeah, there's two trips. There's Boston and London, so I think those look great. I did read through the London one, and I think it's great that they're using EF Tours. And do you know if the trip is full? I believe they had 20-some-odd students interested this time. It doesn't mean that they're all able to afford it this time, but there was a lot of interest when they
087had the meeting. I think they have the chaperones. It looks like it. I'm just wondering if there's any number of students so the chaperones can go. I forgot what the ratio was for the number of paid students allowed for a chaperone. So since it is three F-tours, they also have the requirements. It's one to 15. All right. Any other discussion? All right. Hearing none, we can move to a vote. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay, the vote carries 9-0. Moving on to new business. We have our first readings of a lot of policies. Everything is in Schoology. I have it pulled up right now if there is any discussion on it. But do you want to talk about any of the new policies? We don't act on them tonight. Next meeting will be our
088second reading. When you're going through, what happens is as policies that we currently have in place, we're part of a shipment. They look at our model. We're a model policy book. So they look at when things have changed with the legislation. We have to update our policies to make sure they align with legislation. So that's basically what all these policies are. The one that we looked at, sometimes there's options within the policy. If we choose to move forward with something, one of the policies was... group fundraising like group on that group on um gofundme and things of that nature right now we don't allow schools to do that but we could have an option too and we were guided not to do that so i didn't put that one and that's just one of them
089that's here but if you have any questions any i gladly could speak to them to the best of my ability but i think the main thing to know is that these are all recommended by shipman and they now make sure that we're aligned with the new statutes and things that are coming down from the state and federal. Any questions or discussion on these? Okay. So next meeting, we will have our second reading and adoption. So if you have questions from now until then, just bring them to the next meeting, and that is where we can talk about them more in depth. Moving on to facilities update, I want to turn it over to Director of Finance and Operation, Ashley Dorsey. Quick update today. Okay. The Berlin High School project is still making progress the contract
090for any services That's for the planning and design of the full repair for the BHS flooring was approved by the PVC at their last meeting on November 13th, and it is set to go to Council for their final approval on November 25th, which is tomorrow and Discussions will continue throughout after the approval for the repairs, so we'll keep that keep you informed of that. The A&E contract for McGee Science Lab is still on hold and there has been no further discussions. Both HVAC projects are still underway with the work focusing mainly on the main corridors and exteriors. Both companies have also begun branch runouts in the classrooms. Lead times for mechanical equipment at Griswold have been established for the chillers anticipated delivery in February, for the switchgear anticipated delivery in July, and unit ventilators have
091already been delivered to all state for the Griswold project. Savmore is in the process of finalizing their lead times. Last week, I met with the Capital Committee to discuss some of our capital projects. We had the opportunity to discuss the BOE priority projects with other town departments and members of the Board of Finance. The meeting was productive, and I look forward to working with everyone as this budget progresses. Ashley, thank you for your report. To the update. Alright moving on to the next item a personnel matter We have a request for unpaid leave of absence. So I think we need to enter into executive session Okay motion to enter an executive session We have a second so motion by Brian's if I Jen any discussion Okay, all those in favor Opposed did both people online
092vote? Okay The vote carries 9-0. We're going to go into executive session, and then we will come out and adjourn the meeting. Are they all set to wrap up? They're all set to wrap up, yeah, because we'll adjourn from there. We can stay right here, I think. Is it okay? Can you guys just leave the room? This will probably be like 5, 10 minutes. And just turn the mics off. You can take the cameras with you if that's fine. Can you leave the stuff here?