001scheduled meeting of the Watertown Board of Education at 7 p.m. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge 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. >> Roll call, please. >> Cindy Falen, >> here. >> Darren Husking >> here. >> Steve Fessa >> here. Jason Malagoodi >> present. >> Karine Bellica >> here. >> Mindy Davidson >> here. Elizabeth Lawen >> here. Sher Martino >> here. >> Okay. Moving on to item D. Approval of minutes. Board members should have received the meeting packet which includes the minutes for our meeting dated April 27th. Do board members have any questions regarding the minutes? >> Do I have a motion to approve the minutes? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman.
002I make a motion to approve the minutes of the regular board of education meeting minutes from April 27th, 2026 as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions? >> Stay. >> Motion carries. >> All right. Do I have a motion to add a agenda item? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. I make a motion to add an agenda item E5, recognitions of students from John Trumbull Primary School to our agenda tonight. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed abstensions. The agenda item is added. >> All right. Moving on to item E, student recognition. E1, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award. I'd like to call up Principal Gian. Hello, good evening. Um,
003I just want to thank everybody for coming out to see me speak tonight. That's uh very nice of you to be doing that on your Monday evening. Um, the first award is the Cable Award. Correct. >> Yes. >> Right. Okay. All right. So, the CAB award, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, known as CABE, uh Student Leadership Award, recognizes students who have made a meaningful impact in their school community through leadership, service, citizenship, and character. So, recipients of the Cape Award are students who consistently demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and a willingness to support others around them. They are individuals who help shape a positive school culture and represent the values and spirit of the school community each day. So tonight, I'm proud to recognize two students who truly embody these qualities here at Watertown High
004School. The first is Julia Campbell. JULIA. YEAH, just right in the middle. Yeah, it's going to be awkward for a minute, but don't worry about it. Julia Campbell is a senior at Watertown High School and a tremendous example of what it means to be a well-rounded student athlete. Julia is a four-year varsity athlete who completed or sorry, who competed in soccer during freshman and sophomore year before continuing to make a major impact on both the softball team and the boys swim and dive team. As a captain and leader, Julia is someone teammates look up to because of the positivity, work ethic, sportsmanship, and dedication brought each and every day. Beyond athletics, Julia is a member of multiple honor societies and has maintained a strong commitment to academics throughout high school. Outside of school, Julia works
005as a lifeguard for the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department, continuing to demonstrate responsibility, leadership, and service to the community. Julia's involvement, character, and leadership have made a lasting impact here at Watertown High School. Congratulations, JULIA. more awkwardness. >> And the next student I'm excited to recognize is Alex Taylor. Alex, come on up. Alex is a senior at Watertown High School, has been actively involved in the academics, the arts, and technology throughout high school. Alex has consistently earned honoral recognition while demonstrating dedication, creativity, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Alex has been an important part of the robotics program here, applying teamwork, problem solving, and technical skills in meaningful ways. In addition, Alex has made a strong impact in the musical department through participation in band wind ensemble and chamber choir over the past three
006years. Alex's willingness to be involved in a variety of programs and continue challenging himself speaks to the type of student and person Alex is. Following graduation, Alex plans to attend four-year college to pursue a degree in culinary arts and continue turning passion and creativity into a future career. Alex is an outstanding example of many of the many talented and dedicated students that we have here at Watertown High School. CONGRATULATIONS. YEAH. YEAH. >> OKAY. >> Congratulations I can continue with caps. All right, cool. So, CAPS, the next award winners, the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendent is known as CAPS, student leadership award. It recognizes high school students who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and service to others. This award honors students who demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence while also making
007a positive impact both inside and outside of the classroom. They represent the future of our schools, the communities, and reflect the very best qualities of public education in Connecticut. So tonight, I'm proud to recognize two students who whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication have last have left a lasting impact on Watertown High School. Our first student is Ruby Dario. RUBY and Ruby, so you're not sitting there alone. I'm gonna I'm gonna invite our second student up as well, Jordan Paliter. Jordan, come on up. Okay, first you'll hear about Ruby. Ruby is a senior at Watertown High School. She has proven herself to be an excellent leader, taking on the role of editor-inchief of the yearbook this year. She's kind and caring, always listening and working as a team. Outside of the yearbook, Ruby is an excellent
008student who has earned uh spots on multiple honor societies. Ruby's always willing to help out, including being a pair tutor for Spanish. She's a link crew leader and the co-vice president of Best Buddies. She has a big heart, and it shows through all of her compassion for others here at Watertown High School. Congratulations, RUBY. And Jordan. Jordan is also a senior at Watertown High School. She's extensively involved in Best Buddies in unified sports. She's president of Best Buddies this year and works tirelessly to support the special education students in their in their inclusion in electives, extracurricular activities, and additional social events. In addition, she's a member of the Link Crew, creating and supporting events for 9th grade transition for 9th grade students transitioning to the high school. Jordan also teaches dance outside of school and
009competes for her dance studio. She's a wonderful example of what it means to be a warrior. She shows care and gratitude for all around her. CONGRATULATIONS. OKAY. >> CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS. >> CONGRATS, GUYS. OKAY, this is my last and final uh award that I get to present tonight. All right. Um, scholar athletes for the class of uh 2026. So, at Watertown High School, the CIA scholar athlete selection process is designed to recognize students who have excelled both academically and athletically. We begin by identifying the top 25 male and the top 25 female student athletes based on GPA. From there, we use the scholar athlete award formula to assign to assign points in several areas including the number of sports played, GPA range, varsity team awards, captain selections, all division, all league, all MBL, all state honors
010as well. In addition to that, we also um we also use the GPA, how many times students have been named to honor role or honor society memberships. That's all included in the formula as well. So, these student athletes uh with the highest uh uh points end up being named the Watertown High School scholar athletes. And our scholar athletes for the 20 class of 2026 are Lucas Longo. Lucas, come up. >> And our other scholar athlete is Julia Campbell. JULIA A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LUCAS. So Lucas has been an exceptional leader and role model throughout his time at Watertown High School. As captain of the hockey team for two years, he consistently led not only through his words, but through his actions, his work ethic, his discipline, and his commitment to excellence both on and off
011the ice. Coaches describe Lucas as the definition of a true student athlete. someone who prepares relentlessly, competes at the highest level, and pushes those around him to be better every single day. Along with his athletic accomplishments, Lucas has maintained a high GPA and demonstrated outstanding academic excellence throughout his high school career, proving his dedication extends far beyond athletics. His teammates look up to him because of his selflessness, leadership, and ability to put the success of the team ahead of himself. Beyond athletics, Lucas has represented our school community with pride, character, and integrity. teachers and coaches alike speak about the positive impact he has had on younger students and the standard he has set for what it means to be part of a successful program. Lucas is the type of student athlete every school hopes to
012have. And there's no question that he is incredibly deserving of this honor. CONGRATULATIONS. And last but not least, Julia Julia Campbell. So Julia has left her mark on Watertown High School both on and off the field. So over the past four years, Julia has established herself as one of the top softball players in the state of Connecticut, earning all state recognition three times, all league honors three times, and receiving honorable mention for all state recognition during her freshman year. All while maintaining a GPA and demonstrating ex academic excellence in the classroom. While her athletic accompl accomplishments are incredibly impressive, what stands out even more is the type of person and teammate Julia is every single day. She leads by example through her work ethic, has a positive attitude, has has positive sportsmanship, and is committed
013to helping those around her. Her coaches consistently describe her as a role model for younger athletes and someone who represents Watertown softball and our school community with pride in class. Julia has not only been a standout competitor, but also a leader who has helped shape the culture of the softball team. Next fall, she will continue her academic and athletic career playing softball at Southern Connecticut State University. We're incredibly proud of all she's accomplished and excited to see all that she will continue to achieve in the future. Congratulations, JULIA. JULIA. >> Oh my gosh, >> Julia. >> All right, let me let me fix that. Julia is going to be swimming at Assumption. I don't know where softball at Southern came from. Got it right. >> Spellch check, man. >> I look up. She's looking at
014me like, "What are you talking about? Something was wrong." You >> got it right. >> Julio will be swimming at assumptions. >> All right, with that, I'm all set. Okay. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Johnny. >> Moving on to item E4. I'd like to call up the athletic director, Warren Campbell. >> Didn't even know we called you. >> Warren calling you. >> You're up. >> How do I sound on this thing? Loud enough. Okay. Good evening. Um I'm the uh athletic director here at Watertown High School. Um we are going to introduce the uh boys swim and dive team from this uh winter. Um coach Murphy is going to talk about them a little bit more in a minute. Um just before I read off some names um just a couple things
015I wrote down um four years ago um my daughter started on this program and um there was approximately 15 kids on the swim team. Am I correct? About 15. Okay. There was about 15 kids on the swim team. They were competitive. um they just didn't have enough um bodies to compete at a high level. Fast forward four years, um they uh won NVL's by a landslide this year. Um the closest team was like 140 points behind them. Um and they were state runner up for class S. Um which was pretty impressive for a group of kids that for four years worked very hard to get to this point. Um it's one of the most motivated teams I've ever seen um in my 40 years of playing sports or coaching sports. Um so it was very
016impressive to watch all that they had done um throughout uh the season and throughout the four years that I've seen um them swim. Um I wanted to just ask Coach Murphy to read something quick if you could, Coach Murphy, and then we'll call off everybody's name um for the team. There's 37 names, so um might take a couple minutes. In true swim coach fashion, I had to wear my Crocs, which I would just like to give a shout out to Mr. Hadorski because he made the jibbits on them that are the records of all the kids on the team, WHICH IS AWESOME. ALL RIGHT. Over the years, watching this program grow has been amazing, and it is such an honor to be here tonight. When I took over, I never expected it to become what
017it has, but I love this sport, and I love this team. This year, the Watertown swim dive team had an outstanding season led by captains Julia Campbell, Anthony Muscolo, and Cole Demand. The team earned the title of NVL champions and finished as state runners up. At the state final meet, we had 14 swimmers in the top 24 of Class Simming. Anthony Muscola was class S state champion in the 100 fly, and the relay team made up of Cole, Brennan, Joey, and Anthony were named Class S uh state champions in the two-free relay. Anthony set new school records in both the 100fly and the two free, while the two free relay team composed of Cole, Brennan, Joey, and Anthony also broke a school record. In recognition of their achievements, Cole, Brennan, Joey, and Anthony were all
018named Allstate swimmers. Additionally, five current team members, Julia Campbell, Cole Deman, Brennan Baker, Joey Nasimento, and Anthony Muscolo now hold spots on the school record board, highlighting the team's exceptional talent and success. Thank you. >> Get a hand out. >> Yeah. May I just say something quick? Go ahead. Um, I've been fortunate. My daughters were in the program and Miss Murphy, you did an incredible job. The whole community really rallies around this team and being in this room tonight is uplifting. You guys are in this and it started with leadership, then buyin from the children, the community, the kids, and the parents supporting it. I remember our first pasta dinner. We had to do two waves of it there. That's how much buyin there is. And watching these kids progress and witnessing them at the
019states there and how passionate all the parents were. You guys have your own little section in the crowd over there. No one goes near the water town. They're like really hyped up over there. They love it. But uh welldeserved hard work paying off, dedication. So I was very proud to be a part of it and to watch all these kids that I know and got to watch grow up through the program today. So great job. A testament. >> All right. So I'm going to read off some names. Um you want them to come up and you'll Yes. There. Okay. So Nyla ASF Christian Amberini, Brennan Baker, Sophia Barbagawa, Sha Baland, Aiden Benjamin, >> Alice Boucher, Eva Campbell, >> Julia Campbell, Mia Cavalo, Nicholas Demand, Brennan Baker, Brendan Dantis, sorry, Brendan Dantis, Juliana E, Tyler Gear,
020Evie Gross, Marissa Guerrera, >> Elise, Kyle, Jonathan Kula, Tyler Latalin, Bessie Loli, Ryan Manetti, Anthony Mascolo, Gabby McDonald, Noah Mechaf, Malik Matasa, Joey Nasameo, Barome Nerdini, Hunter Pansik, Gabby Panzilla, Olivia Panzilla, >> Chloe CuadraD, Ryder Sharp, Congratulations, Elvis Sequenza. Julia Samo, Roco Sidano, Max Spring, Bradley Ty, uh Derek Vasquez, Amaya. >> Not everyone could make it tonight. They have other sports away as well. So then you can see >> a lot of them are here. Do we want to get them for a picture of it or >> I'm wondering if I should try something different if you guys should sit down and they turn around and I do it this way. You take that or no? >> Yeah, cuz we got all the parents in the background. That's cool. >> Yeah, that could work. Yeah,
021we could do that. >> Okay. Yeah, they're crouching. They're already crouching. >> Two. Oh, I see. >> That's all right. You guys, us. Come on, Warriors. No, >> I knocked your microphone. >> Thank you. >> I'm calling Laura. While you do that, I'll read >> I'll call Laura. She's still here, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Moving on to E5, recognition of students from John Trumbull Primary School. I'd like to call up principal Laura Mecca. Good evening everybody. I just want to say to my 20 students who are here tonight, oh my goodness, did you see greatness in this room tonight? All of those kids went to JOHN TRUMBULL. THAT COULD BE YOU. Will you be a swimmer? Will you be an athlete? Will you receive the superintendence AWARD? I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT. And
022I hope these kids before me served as an inspiration for you tonight. So, good evening everybody. Tonight, we are super proud to recognize a special group of second graders who consistently demonstrate the values that make our school community strong. Respect, responsibility, kindness, and perseverance. These students lead by example each and every day through their actions in the classroom, on the playground, and with their peers. At such a young age, they're already showing the character, compassion, and determination that will help them become outstanding leaders in the future. Please join me in congratulating these remarkable students for making our school a better place for everyone. So, boys and girls, when I call you up, you're going to come up to get your certificate and then you're going to make a nice line like the swimmers did so
023we could take a picture cuz we want to put this everywhere. Okay? Delaney Alvarado, Cameron Gennadyic, thanks Alicia LIAMING BRADEN DILVA PAIGE FIGELLA, Bennett Biss, Ava Lynn Bulls. Come on, girlfriend. Savannah bud. Good girl. Go right up. >> There you go. >> Ben Antilini, >> KAI RICKETTS, ARLA BILIKBASHI KOTA RUEZ CLA DISHNIKICA AUSTIN NEM Olivia Sephoretti. No. Oh, there. There we go. Amelia Lavaro. Ira Luca, John Rizza, Eloise Reon. Anthony Romano. And last, but definitely not least, Joey Verissimo. Good job. >> Yeah. Um, parents want to get pictures, we'll all look in to the right direction over here for now. >> So, look over to the once we get everybody lined up. Thanks, Miss Baker, for helping out. Start with the right, the middle, and then the teachers. >> All right. >> Oh, thanks, Mrs.
024Baker. >> Yeah, >> there we go. All right. Ready? All right. Everybody look over to the right at first. So, we got the parents over here. And over to the left side the other >> big smiles. >> You said those two. Thank you so much. >> Awesome. >> Good job. >> Congratulations, GUYS. CONGRATULATIONS. >> Thank you. Thank you. So yeah, this got to be me. You can hang out. >> I see you, Tom. Take care. goes by so fast. I'll tell you that little morning. Thank you. I'm sorry it took so long in the >> Cindy Murphy. That was very nice. >> Our pleasure. Thank you for coming. >> Thank you for coming out, guys. >> Oh my gosh. We don't have Luigi still. Do we got >> I know. Where is he? >> All
025right. >> She's got Johnny and Mike. >> All right. You're not allowed to leave. >> All right. Here we go. >> All right. Moving on to item F, faculty and staff appreciation. The board of education would like to extend our teachers, parap pared educators and tutors as well as our school and district administrators, office staff, secretaries, nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, and related service providers whose work keeps our schools safe, organized, and responsive to students needs. We are equally grateful for our custodians, maintenance and ground staff, food services staff, and transportation staff whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that our buildings are welcoming. our students are nourished and that they arrive at school safely each day. Finally, we recognize our technology staff, security personnel, coaches, and all other support staff who contribute to the positive school experience
026for every student. On behalf of the board of education, we thank you for the many ways that you serve our childrens and families of Watertown. Each and every year, our schools open their doors to welcome children and young adults of our community. A thriving school system relies on a collaborative network of diverse stakeholders working cohesively to support children's success. We begin with the foundation of our success, our superintendent and our principles and assistant principles who manage our daily operations, who have the ability to balance strong academic standards with genuine compassion to create a safe and welcoming environment where our students and staff can thrive. our teachers who are the guiding lights to our students whose passion and unwavering dedication to our students continue to change the lives. To our parent educators, we are grateful for
027the dedication you show, the connections you build, and the tireless work you do often behind the scenes to make an everlasting difference in our school community. Our administrative professionals, the glue that binds us together, the backbone of our team, handling adverse tasks with grace and while anticipating uncertainties before they even arise. the school nurses who are the young son heroes of our educational community acting as the bridge between healthcare and education. In addition to tending to scrape knees and fevers, they provide critical care for chronic conditions, offer vital mental health support, and ensure a safe, nurturing environment where students are ready to learn. Last but not least, our custodians are other heroes of Watertown who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our town and schools safe, clean, and welcoming. They are often first to
028arrive and last to leave, ensuring that our classrooms, hallways, and common areas are immaculate and ready for learning each and every day. The board of education again recognizes that all of our school communities do each and every day. And from all of us to all of you, we thank you for a job well done. >> Okay, moving on to item G, Wall of Honor 2026. Can I just read? >> Yep. >> The Watertown Board of Education is currently seeking nominations for the Watertown High School Wall of Honor. The purpose of the Wall of Honor is to recognize those individuals who have brought distinction to Watertown High School and the community through their commitment to excellence. To be nominated to the Wall of Honor, a candidate must have graduated from Watertown High School at least 10
029years before the year of induction and have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and honor in his or her chosen vocation. Award recipients will be chosen from the fields of athletics, business/finance, fine/performing arts, education, health, medical services, government/public service, and science/technology. The completed nomination forms must be received in the district office no later than June 1st, 2026. Applications can be found on our district website at www.watertownps.org. All right, moving on to item H, student council report, please. >> For John Tremo Primary School under curriculum and instruction, teachers collaborated in PLC throughout the school year to increase student achievement. The second grade team implemented a consistent phonics routine to support foundational reading skills. Students strengthened their decoding and fluency skills through explicit structured instruction. The focus on daily literacy routines helped build overall reading development
030and student growth. Under school community, JTPS is extremely proud of the second graders that were honored for their perseverance and hard work. These students consistently demonstrated the three Rs of respect, responsibility, and readiness, and they serve as a positive role model for their peers throughout the school year. The students showed kindness, compassion, and care towards their classmates and their teacher each day. for Poke Elementary School under curriculum and instruction. On May 5th, Sydney Adams, a teaching and learning specialist from Cooperative Educational Services, joined PLC's to provide professional learning for staff. The session focused on understanding the difference the differences between scaffolding, differentiation, and over scaffolding. Staff explored ways to provide approp appropriate instructional support while still promoting student independence. Teachers discussed how to how to create purposeful and balanced instructional strategies that challenge and engage
031students. This learning will help shift more responsibility for thinking and problem solving back to students, encouraging greater ownership of their learning. For Jetson Elementary School under curriculum and instruction for grade three, third grade students are learning measurement concepts, including telling time, solving time problems, and exploring liquid volume and mass. Students are building practical math skills by reading clocks, comparing units, and using measurement tools to solve real world problems. This unit helps students strengthen their understanding of how measurements is used in everyday life. For grade four, grade four students in unit 5 are focusing on geometry and measuring measurement concepts. Students are identifying and classifying shapes, exploring angles, and learning about lines, rays, and symmetry. The unit strengthens reasoning skills and encourages students to use precise mathematical vocabulary to explain their thinking. For grade five, fifth
032grade students in unit 5 are also studying geometry with a focus on classifying shapes and analyzing angle measurements. Students are exploring relationships between geometric figures and applying their understanding to more complex problem solving task. This unit helps build a stronger foundation in geometric reasoning and critical thinking skills. under school community. Justin is extremely grateful to our PT to their PTO for organizing a wonderful teacher and staff appreciation week. From the coffee truck to the pizza truck and many thoughtful surprises in between, the staff felt valued and celebrated through the week. The PTO's generosity, thoughtfulness, and continued support means much means so much to their school community. Their efforts helped make the week memorable and special for all staff. They also wanted to uh they also are very thankful for Mr. Mr. Malagudi for his uh
033contributions and ongoing support of their school community. >> Didn't expect that. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. It's my pleasure to help them always and I can not stress this. I know we're going to be having in the PTO shortly there how much they do for our community and the teachers and it's just really cool to watch it all unfold there and we have very good leadership over there with the PTO where they come up with these creative ideas. >> Yep. >> And it's awesome. Fun to be a part of it. My pleasure though. Thank you. for Swift Middle School under curriculum and instruction. Schoolwide math and ELA testing concluded on May 7th, 2026. Sixth graders are currently focusing on the topic of ecology. They are investigating components of an ecosystem, including differences between between
034abiotic and biotic factors as well as the movement of energy and matter through an ecosystem. At the end of the unit, a bio bottle will be constructed by students to demonstrate their understanding of the necessary components of a successful ecological cycle. Seventh grade students are currently wrapping up a unit on Edgar Alan Poe with the unit focusing on his literary works and analyzing elements of them such as mood, tone, and irony. They are also engaged within activities that include a debate, visual storytelling, analysis of an animated adaptation, and creating movie reviews to share their perspectives. As a cumulative task, students are planning and composing an analytical essay, exploring the reliability of posed narrators. In their writing, students develop clear claims supported by relevant textual evidence. They are also composing conclusions beyond mere summary, encouraging them
035to consider the broader implications of narrator reliability and its impact on reader experience. The work strengthens students critical thinking, overall reading comprehension, and argumentative writing skills. in our school community. On March 30th, students in sixth and seventh grade participated in an autism awareness panel headed by the focus center for autism. They learned about the autism spectrum system, learned what differences coales, and gained deeper insight into the lives of those with autism. Students also developed a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, inclusion, and respectful communication. The discussion also provided students with practical ways to support peers and contribute to a more inclusive school community. Over the past week, students have been participating in the Swift Booster Bash to raise money for a kindness mural. For upcoming events, on May 12th, there is a band concert
036and strings concert. On May 15th, there is a Swift play, The High School Musical Junior, at 7 p.m. On May 16th, there is also a Swift play, the High School Musical Junior, repeat from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On May 19th, there is a schoolwide quasi trip. And on May 29th, elementary visits to the middle school for Watertown High School under curriculum and instruction. AP testing is underway at Watertown High School. Over the next two weeks, students will be taking exams across a variety of disciplines that will award them with a passing grade, college credit, and an understanding of college expectations. Teachers have been instrumental in the advancement of these classes with high quality instruction and making sure students are ready for this level of rigor. The school counseling department has also been crucial along
037with proctors and support staff for the exams. under school community. Watertown High School grade 12 student Ava Stango has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 University of Connecticut early college experience excellence in visual performing or digital arts scholarship. Ava was awarded $1,000 in recognition of her outstanding work which was notable for its potent visual design, meaningful symbolism, and thoughtful integration of personal narrative and artistic identity. Watertown High School had has had multiple student artists accepted in the Western Connecticut State University Student Art Showcase, namely Nicole Buckley, a senior for her piece Treasure Chest, Kendall Croak, a senior for her pieces Nana Anna and Snakes, Emily Cronin, a sophomore for her piece Domestic Versus Wild Goat, and Elena Welcome, a sophomore for her piece Choices. Watertown High School recently completed another inclusion week from
038April 27th through May 1st, whereby the continued building commitment to creating a school community where individuals feel valued, connected, and supported has been kept. Throughout the week, staff and students participated in a variety of activities centered around inclusion, acceptance, and awareness. At the unified sports banquet held on April 27th, students Maya Swift Smith and Jordan Pelier were recognized with the exemplary unified teammate award. Several Watertown High School students currently have artwork on display at the Matuck Museum as part of the Congressional Art Competition hosted by Johanna Hayes. The student artwork will remain on display through May 28th. Students with artwork featured in the exhibit include Zack Dona, Mariah Matoss, Urinus Marin, Ella Smith, Davian Mitchell, Alisa Mancini, and Kendall Croak. Thank you both. Moving on to item I, Superintendent Recommendations, report and updates. Yes. >>
039Okay. >> All right. Good evening, Board of Education members. Um I tonight my update really is going to um mostly entail just giving you an update um on the budget. So with us going to referendum on Tuesday after the um last town council meeting where they they finally they made the final vote of what was going to go to referendum. um Marie and myself and um Jen on and off um when it was about content and not the numbers because she didn't want to be there for the number. Um but we got together and we kind of went through everything um with a fine tooth comb. Um and my goal tonight is just to report back to you exactly where we are and give you an update a little bit on the direction of the
040district and how we're really beginning to align our budget with the compass that we're starting to develop. Um, so that is the purpose of tonight. I will share with you all of the adjustments that have been made to the budget based upon the reductions. Um, and after us going back through again and rep prioritizing our expenditures. Um, so the first slide or page there just gives you a little bit of the history of the numbers. Um, so you can see at the top what was uh FY2526. You see where we started. Um and then we approached the town and the board approached the budget development I think a little bit different whereas we um made some significant reductions prior to bringing forward our proposed that the town um kind of brought forward their their full
041amount. Um so we have had some discussions uh between us about maybe calibrating how we bring our numbers forward in in subsequent years. Um but then you can see from there um where we came in at 4.54 the town came in at 10. So then when we had to make our uh initial our next set of reductions, you can see where the town had their additional reduction of 2.4 million and then we were reduced another 200,000. All said and done at the bottom you can see the 2627 adjusted budget figures and those are the ones that went to referendum. So a 4.57 increase for the town, 4.19 for the board and combined 4.34 is what will move forward to referendum on Tuesday the 19th. the next few slides. Um I'm very proud to report that
042we are starting to um really pull together some pieces and start to our strategic plan so that we very have a very clear compass of where we want to go and what is important to us as a district. Um so I won't go through all of these slides uh one by one. Um but we've included the pieces that we have in draft form so far. This is still in draft form. So you've got the mission and the vision. We have also um gotten to the point where we've developed some priorities. We have six priorities for the district and then a crosscutting priority of always using data to drive our continuous improvement. Um so you can see there the the priorities and then we've also um have in draft form our beliefs. We have eight um
043beliefs that we ground into for our decision- making. Um and really and again I'm more than happy to um answer any questions about any of those pieces and I will keep you updated as we continue to work on our plan. Um but I think the next slide is is the one um that I feel is important to share. So what you can see across the top are our six priorities and the cross cutting priority. And then um as you know, one of the major budget drivers this year for my team and I has been on just really focusing on tier one instruction. Um making sure that instruction is rigorous, relevant, and engaging for all students. Um so on the left hand side are some action steps that we will continue to ground into. So what
044I and these budget expenditures were lined up with these priorities and with some of these action steps. So what the checks show you is how many priorities each of the things that we're planning on doing or focusing on next year, how that lines up with our priority. And the purpose of this slide is just to demonstrate that these are in our opinion very high leverage um action steps to take to move us forward as an organization. So when we went back through the budget um another time certainly we facilities was another driver and we left those expenditures alone and we had our initial set of things that we thought we may reduce in the budget and then we had some additional ideas for the 200,000 but again we went back through again um and then
045we came together and and said what do we need to accomplish um and I think that we all agreed as a cabinet team that we have to have a sense of urgency around strengthening our tier one instruction ction across our organization while working within the budget constraints that we have. Um so given the limited and further reduced financial resources, the questions that we tasked ourselves with is how do we make necessary budget reductions in a way that minimizes the impact on the greatest number of students. So we really tried to select things that that had the least amount of impact on on students. And then secondly, how do we invest the remaining funds to maximize positive impact for the greatest number of students while incrementally advancing our priorities? So this is what we used to
046drive our decision-m when we did our next pass through the budget. the next slide. Um, one of the conversations that that we had and in looking at some of the staffing requests that we originally came forward with and and in these conversations, um, we took another look at our organizational structure. So, in our current existence, this is what our structure looks like as an administrative team and as an infrastructure um, connected and then down to the school level. So you can see there um where there's myself and then there's cabinet um across the area of cabinet there's little boxes of things that they are um in charge of u and then below is the schools and you can see the staffing and how it's um peppered across the schools. Anything in yellow I'm I'm just
047pointing out because one of the things um that we did was take a look at this and say okay is this where we need to be? what what if we could have this organizational chart have the highest impact on students what are the things that we would like to see in this chart. Um so in examining the chart the next slide um just talks a little bit about some of the takeaways that we had um what are some of the issues with our current model because what we're trying to do is with a sense of urgency and with a more rapid pace move our students forward by focusing on that tier one. Um, so some of the issues with our current model, um, it is a lack of clear infrastructure for curriculum, teaching, and learning.
048So if you flip back again quickly to the the chart and you see Miss Jennifer Gaelic and her very long 10word title, um, you'll see that there are no boxes underneath Jennifer Gaylick. Um, nor were there boxes underneath Lisa Fecketty when my name was in that little box. So how do you advance an organization when you don't have infrastructure that is focused on curriculum teaching and learning? We don't have a teaching and learning department. Um and then if you look um the next piece that we talked about um which we see as a barrier is that building administrators really need additional support. The prior reductions in the teacher level dean positions have really made it very challenging for our building administrators to be instructional leaders. um you are kind of pulled to the office for
049managerial tasks and then there are pieces that have to do with student behaviors and so you're spread so thin that it's really hard to be that instructional leader. Um so that's another kind of piece and again if you flick back to the chart you could see even um with respect to special education so at John Trumbull we're about a.5 sped coordinator there to cover them and then it's about when all is said and done it's about 0.25 25 time for Pulk and Judson and then it's Cesaly across those three places just as an example. So if there's an issue at Pulk and Cesal is at John Trumbull it it just I feel like we're constantly kind of trying to run between spaces to cover um and the the special education piece is next. Um that's
050just another part of it. There's we have wonderful programs um but our our sped coordinators are really spread very thin as well. Um so we just need to kind of beef up or have a more robust plan in our buildings so that we can be instructional leaders as well as do the other things that are expected of administrators. Um and then in the existing organizational model um there are some titles and roles that lack a little bit of clarity um and create some confusion. Um so that was another thing we decided we wanted to work on. Um and then we took a look at cabinet as well. Um there we have some roles in cabinet that right now the way they are are really unsustainable and and truthfully not healthy. Um I don't know if
051you know you go out for for a late night drive odds are you will see a car there from a cabinet member very often it's Marie Kashuba who's there till midnight. Um, and so the breadth and the scope of of the work um is a lot and we're all very dedicated to it, but I think it's something to keep in mind as we move forward and try to to be more efficient and effective in each of our individual roles. So the next slide um is the organizational chart that I believe that I could achieve this year with a sum zero. In other words, this is not going to cost the district anything additional than what was originally proposed with both the reductions I made when I came in with my proposed budget and the $200,000.
052And this is achieved through several things. Um, and I have I didn't include the numbers tonight, but I have all of the numbers just like when I did the costbenefit analysis when I rolled out the budget. I have all of the figures and I'm more than happy to share those with the board, but I just didn't want to keep everybody here forever with with all the numbers. Um so if you look at this organizational chart um one of the things that that you'll see anything in yellow is a proposed change. Um so first and foremost again this is a sum zero but Jennifer Gelick's title of what was on the previous page is very difficult to explain to people what that role is. Um and truthfully if if we're being honest she functions as the
053assistant superintendent as have I. Um and I think it's just a title change. Um, I I don't know that we we haven't budgeted anything additional. No offense, Miss Gayen, but I think it's just it's a title that people can actually wrap their heads around and understand what her purpose and her focus is. Um, and then if you see under Jen, we have an infrastructure, the start of a teaching and learning department. Um, what is in yellow is what I can achieve this year. What is in that bluish color is what I will be adding to the budget to the proposed budget for next year. So it is at least an incremental start in having a teaching and learning department. So you could see on the elementary side um an ELA instructional specialist across the three
054schools and a math instructional specialist across the three schools. That's achieved through a title change of existing staff members. Next year I'd like to add an administrative position 1.0 teaching and learning coordinator a coordinator level position in the administrative union. On the secondary side, this year I'd like to add a teaching and learning coordinator for secondary. And then you'll see where there we I would like to add instructional specialists in both language arts and math next year for secondary. The reason why we chose to do it this way is because um my level and I I think Jen's level of comfortability is has been elementary. Um so we felt like we could cover the administrative pieces of that. Um but that secondary might be a way to go. If you move down into the schools,
055and then I'll go back up to the right, but if you move down to the schools, um, what I'm proposing for next year is that we localize our existing staff, our existing special ed administrators. So, John Trumbull and Swift need a 1.0. Um, you really cannot function in those buildings at this point with one principal and one AP with the programming that's there and with all of the other things that need to be done. So my model is to um have a 1.0 special education AP at John Trumbull, a 1.0 special education AP at Swift. They're there, they stay there, and that is that is a more robust team at this juncture. Um Pulk and Judson would split an AP. So 0.5 at Judson, 0.5 at Poke. It's definitely more sustainable than the 0.25 and
0560.25 that Cesaly has has been doing. Um, so at least it doubles their amount of time with having access to an administrator. And then Watertown High School has the two APS at this juncture. Um, but we have the WTA and the WAA space. So sharing an administrator across the high school, the WTA and the WA. It was important this year to keep a coordinator there as we were really trying to build that program. But now I think that program is in in the shape where we can pull back, fade back and then the high school similar um to to Pulk and Judson has really not gotten a lot of attention in the in the area of special education because a lot of time has been spent at Swift. If you move back up um to
057the cabinet level positions, you can see where now for the director, this is a little more sustainable as well because you have people localized in these places um which which helps with coverage and which helps with instructional leadership getting into classrooms looking at the co-eing. So, it's just a more sustainable model. Underneath Marie Kashuba, you will see that I've listed an office manager. Um we we are too big of an organization for there to be one business manager and no office manager for the floor of administrative assistance that we have. And then we are adopting a new website. So I've added in a website tech. Michael Dalton has applied for a grant and we're pretty sure that we're going to be able to get that grant and that grant will offset those two pieces. Um
058so this is the organizational chart that I am proposing. That's kind of the product of what we'll get. Um, but then here is the final list of budget reductions. And again, I am more than happy to provide specific numbers. Um, so our budget driven position eliminations, these are positions that have been eliminated, um, are listed here. So we have the district AP, which is Nicole Cody, but she will go to John Trumbull. Um, we have a reduction in grade two, which is a Oh, I didn't flip the slide. I'm sorry. Um we have a reduction in grade two which is a we're able to achieve through attrition because we have a retirement so it's not a person um in pulk due to class size and enrollment we were able to reduce a section there. Um,
059and by the way, anybody that's impacted on on this page, um, less I think one tutor, everybody has a job. So, this doesn't mean that there's any particular person that is losing a position. Um, which I think is hugely important to myself and my team because every single person that works in our organization and every person that I've had a conversation with about their position being eliminated, I've made it very clear to them that it's not their performance or not their value, but we just have to we have to prioritize is is the fact of the matter. Um, so at the high school, we're reducing French and social studies. Um, that's a split position. and then at the high school a split position between art and sped. Um so these are kind of positions I
060I think that were created last year and and a little bit pieced together as we were phasing out French and um and so at this point those were the two um when we talked and decided that we felt were the ones that needed to be um eliminated. At the district level, we have one existing sped teacher on special assignment for out of district PPTs and we have one special education teacher on special assignment for prek. We've collapsed those positions and shifted those responsibilities onto administrators that will be localized in buildings. Um and then as far as the PAR educators, we're reducing by eight. I already have seven through attrition. Um and I would imagine that there will be one more PAR educator. I would imagine between now and and next year that will um that
061that may leave us. Um so I'm hoping that also will not be a a person that loses a job. Next is athletics. And I want to be clear that except for freshman sports, less basketball and football, we did not cut any sports out of the budget. Um, but we were able to reduce some coaches in places where the um, participation in that sport maybe didn't warrant both coaches. So, we did a deep dive here. So, we're reducing one cross country coach at Swift at the high school. We're reducing one football coach, one cross country, one tennis, and then all freshman sports except for basketball and football, and then the strength and conditioning coach. Um so again other than um freshman sports less basketball and football um these these events will not be necessarily highly impacted.
062It's just the reduction of one coach out of the two that perhaps they had. Um and then we did reduce um Pulk and Judson. Originally there were three tutors in in the first round of reductions and now this has been increased to five and then the custodial floater. So these are the positions that have been eliminated for 2627. Um other staffing uh budget driven title changes or ways to achieve that organizational chart. Um just changing Jen Gaelic's title from the the mouthful to two words which I like the just two simple words. Um at John Trumbull Primary School um we had a person that was doing 0.5 interventionist.5 curriculum work with Jen Gaelic. Um we are repurposing that role um in at least in the immediate to focus on tier one instruction as the 1.0
063elementary ELA instructional specialist. We had a 1.0 0 math interventionist at John Trumbull who who was doing some little consulting and and things um but again repurposing that role to focus on tier one um so that we could start a teaching and learning department. This is not because I don't want to intervene with kids that are struggling. I think you when you have reductions you have to decide um where you want to put your eggs right. So these both of these individuals are amazing with kids, but they maybe see 20 kids, but if they're pulled from their buildings and they're able to impact tier one across all three elementary schools, it's not to say that in a future budget cycle we won't add those interventionist positions back because they are important. Um, we reduced the
064three sped coordinators. There'll be one AP vacancy. Um, and then we added a teaching and learning coordinator. So those are some other pieces and then the final slide gives the remainder of the budget reductions. Um so miscellaneous priority three items. Uh due to enrollment we did reduce the CNA section. We were hoping at one point um that we would garner enough students to run two sections or move to like an EMT or explore a firefighter. That'll have to be another budget cycle. Um but we had we had the perfect amount of enrollment to run one section. So we reduced by one section. Um we were able to reduce some athletic fees. Technology made cuts in their budget. Um some miscellaneous spe special education items were reduced. We reduced those contracted services. And then um we
065had a big reduction in facilities but not in the things that I prioritized the first time through. All of Luigi's stayed through the second round of reductions. Um, and that brings us again just to this last chart that shows you the all-in in what's going to referendum on May 19th. Um, so my hope for the future, um, is to start to stabilize our budget, um, and, you know, have it be a little bit more predictable so that we can incrementally grow because there is only going to be so many times that you can um, move pieces around to try to achieve something. Um, so I think that this is a good start to getting us where we need to be. Um, and I think we have a lot of plans to try to be our
066own help with revenue and and such. Um, but this is where we are for this year. Um, and and this is what I think is the budget to move forward. That's going to give us the biggest bang for our buck, if you will, um, to start to move that tier one instruction forward. I'm happy to answer questions and again I have all of the numbers um that I'm I'm happy to provide as well not with me but I will provide them. >> Yes Christine >> you're the chair. >> Um Lisa I just have some questions about um the elimination of the spedtosa position for the out of district PPTs and such. Y >> um there is a person that does deal with case management correct for the out of district placements. >> That is correct.
067>> So is that person going to be I thought they were responsible for this work. what work >> the out of district PPTs and those meetings. >> So that position was eliminated and our plan um for the out ofd district PPTs and in is to um now that we have people localized in a building is to break those out of district placements amongst the administrators and one of the benefits um that we have for that is that that person will have eyes on the in district programming and the out of district programming which we thought would be a nice feature. I will say that the the person that has been in this role has done a very lovely job and has nice relationships with families. She's not losing her job. There are are several positions
068that she she's uh certified for that that she will have. Um >> but again, it in order to achieve localizing administrators that that was one of you know for everything that you get >> and that was sped the that was talking about the.5 administrators that you wanted. Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. I just had some concerns about that. And going back to if I could ask one more question regarding the contracted services. I know um we talked about that a little bit and the cost savings to the district is extraordinary and just how are we with making sure we're properly staffed for that? >> Very well. Jen could scoot over to the microphone in a minute. Um but we have some exceptional because she's been interviewing. I think she interviewed today. Um we've been slowly
069adding people so for ESY and very high quality people. Um I don't know exactly where we are because they interviewed again today. I think Jen and Alyssa did. So >> yes, Alyssa and I have been interviewing at rapid pace because if you don't interview very quickly and onboard people quickly, they disappear um because demand is high. So we have five positions currently filled. Um people who will start either for ESY or for an August start. Um all of whom are incredibly wellqualified. So, somebody who just finished a master's in their um ABA program is studying for their BCBA exam, but has clinical experience and is looking for a public school experience to balance. Um has an RBTert. Uh another who has an RBTert and has worked for a number of years um through ED advances
070programs um down in Danbury. I actually think there's two who have that same profile um but all of whom come very highly qualified with either a BT or an RBTert. Um we also have a number of staff who are existing para educators who have been participating in RBT training program in district and have completed um that program and are in the practicum with the BCBAS who have also applied. Um so there are some internal staff who will kind of rise up which is always awesome to see um and are looking for that additional experience and kind of training and support. Um so we're we're actually in really good shape. We also onboarded two additional staff members who have already started um for those positions. So, we're really well positioned. >> Whose idea was it to
071hold ESY at the high school this year? >> Uh, that was a special education department decision. >> That was amazing decision to do that this year. Just saying. >> Very nice. >> Kids, it worked out beautifully. >> The kids will get used to the high school and all that. So, >> and it's kind of nice to have like an adult kid version in a smaller. >> Oh, that made a huge difference the last couple years. >> Yeah, it's helpful. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions for the superintendent >> through the chair? there's no one else to use your words. I found your presentation rigorous, relevant, and engaging. And um just like to say that Mindy and Kareem and myself had met and spoke with Miss Becky about this on a few
072different occasions there. And what I'd like to say also is that you're new to the role, but you are not new to the district. So, it's not like you're coming in like you you've had boots on the ground here, both of you, uh for a long long time. And even Mindy's been great with feedback from working in central office. So, I love the reorganization here. Uh, and I think you're the right person to propose this cuz you have that working knowledge of what's going to get the most out of our school district. So, definitely support it. Um, could you just maybe I'm just reading the language drawing where it says except basketball and football. Yep. cuz I read like it's like a reduction or reduction or reduction freshman sports except >> so all of freshman
073sports and um one of the reasons why freshman sports was selected um even last budget cycle was because it's it's rare um because you have the JV and the varsity option and not all districts carry freshman sports so even scheduling games sometimes is tricky um but basketball and football are the two where we attract the most students so that was another thing that we looked at So, all freshman sports except for basketball and football have been eliminated. >> Those are the two that are staying. >> You know what it is? I think I'm just reading the word except wrong because I read it like except like those two were >> Yeah, >> it's it's probably in my own head, but as long as everybody else is confident that's the right way to put it out
074there. I don't want them to >> the public to see it. I originally had basketball um there but again it's it's one when we were trying to make the reductions we kept asking ourselves h how how how much is this going to impact like how is this going to impact and so I we felt like if we didn't have to at that juncture we weren't cutting basketball because we did I mean Mr. Valardi had a had a a bang up season. >> You were impressive. I watched you in action there. I enjoyed it. Yeah. Know, I understood why we had to do it. I was just trying to make sure I had the language right in my head there. So, okay. >> Thank you, Mr. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions for the superintendent?
075>> Just very clear. Very understandable. >> All right. If there's no other questions, then we can move on. Thank you so much, Lisa, for your presentation and um you and your team have been very very innovative, not only with the budget, but with the organization, the personnel, and >> I just can't stop being surprised with all the work that you guys do. It's just like, okay, we just did this. Oh my god, they found more that they can do. This is insane. So, it's it's great to see all the developments in the district in such a short period of time. And, you know, we're we're very very proud to have you guys in central office and the rest of the staff in our school district. We didn't want to lose a year was the the
076bottom line of it, which is why we went back through everything again >> because waiting another year to push the tier one agenda, it's another year lost. Um, and I really 100% I think we're all in agreement as cabinet that that is where we need to focus our efforts. We've spent 12 years trying to intervene our way to a different place and and so I think it it's got it's got to be there. We have to try something different. >> Yeah. in my opinion. >> Of course. >> So, thank you. >> Of course. Moving on to item J, public participation. In accordance with policy number 9050, participants must state their names and address for the record and limit comments to three minutes. The board encourages speakers to refrain from making defamatory remarks about staff members
077or individuals associated with the Watertown Public Schools. Please note that questions or issues raised during public comment are not typically addressed during the meeting. However, a member of the board or administration will follow up or respond as appropriate. Is there anybody from the public who would like to speak? Seeing none, um, moving on to item K, items of discussion, and I will pass that on to our secretary, Mindy Davidson. >> Yes, Mr. Chair. Item of discussion, the town referendum details. A referendum of electors and citizens qualified to vote in the town meeting of the town of Watertown will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to vote for the approval or disapproval of fiscal year 2026 2027 budgets. Voting will be at the following polling locations.
078Voting district 68-01, Watertown High School, 324 French Street, Watertown, Connecticut. Voting district 6802, Judson School, 124 Hamilton Lane, Watertown, Connecticut. Voting district 6803, Swift Middle School, 250 Colonial Street, Oakville, Connecticut. Voting district 6804, Pulk School, 437 Buckingham Street, Oakville, Connecticut. Persons qualified to vote in town meeting who are non-electors shall vote at the Watertown Town Hall office at the register of voters at 61 Echol Lake Road, Watertown, Connecticut. Absentee ballots may then be obtained at the clerk's office. >> Thank you so much. Moving on to item L, communication secretary. >> Yes, Mr. Chair, we received a card from Miss Becky thanking the board for their kind words and gifts in recognition of finishing her certification program. >> Thank you so much, Lisa. >> Moving on to item N, report from the board chair. Um the
079only thing that I I'd like to state tonight and it's more geared towards the public um is to emphasize um how important next week's referendum is and to get out and vote and you know be a part of the the civic process. Um, the budgets will define both the the board and the town side for for years to come in my opinion. And I feel that a lack of turnout kind of diminishes kind of the value of the voice that you have in this community. Come out, make your voices heard, whether you agree or disagree, and and let us know kind of what we're doing both at the ballot box, but also coming to our meetings and letting us know what we can do better or what we're doing right, what we're doing wrong. So,
080Please make sure to vote next week. Moving on to item N, committee reports, curriculum and instruction. Miss Hosking, >> no report at this time. >> Policy and labor. Mr. Malagudi. >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Miss Davidson and I had met um a few days back or last week towards the end there started working on the facilities policy there getting all of our pricing in line and uh we also are combining some of the language areas. So, we're going to have something very good to dive into. We're going to get a policy and labor subcommittee in front of us very shortly and possibly have a few other things to really start working on as well. So, >> thank you. Budget and finance, Miss Davidson's repeating everything I just said about voting. Um, please get out and
081vote on May 19th, 2026 at your local voting um area that you are out to get um a policy in um to get our vote in place. Um, I do want to remind the public that um if one vote passes and or one uh town budget passes and the other does not, they both fail. So, please come out and um vote, make your voice heard as Mr. Balikica said and uh let us know what you think >> here. Here and thank you. Moving on to facilities. Miss Martino, >> I have nothing to report. >> Okay. Governance and community engagement. Miss Lton, >> no report at this end. >> All right. Moving on to item O, executive session, for the purpose of discussing the employment/performance of a non-tenured teacher. Do I have a motion to enter
082executive session? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of a non-renewal and of non-renewal tenure teacher. Attending the executive session are Cindy Failen, Karen Hoskin, Christine Feressa, Kareem Balikica, Mindy Davidson, Liz Lton, Sher Martino, Lisa Fecky, Jen Gaelic, and myself, Jason Malagudi. >> Do I have a second? >> I second that motion. >> Any discussion? >> All those in favor? Hi.