001I'd [clears throat] like to convene this regularly scheduled meeting of the Watertown Board of Education. Will we all rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Kathy, would you please call the role? >> Cindy Failen here. Karen Hosking >> here. >> John Gavales >> here. >> Christine Fessa >> here. Jason Malagudi >> here. >> Karine Bellica >> here. >> Mindy Davidson here. >> Elizabeth Lawren here. >> Sherry Martino here. >> All right. Board members should have received the meeting packet which includes the minutes from our meeting dated December 8th. Do board members have any questions regarding the minutes? Okay. Do I have a motion
002to approve the minutes? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to approve the minutes of the regular board of education meeting minutes from December 8th, 2025 as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All right. All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. Abstensions. Motion carries. Okay. Student council report. At John Turbo Primary School, they are focusing on strengthening math understanding through multiple problem solving strategies. Students are using strategies such as making 10 and double plus ones to add and subtract. There is an emphasis being put in place on understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction. Students are modeling math problems using pictures, diagrams, and open number lines, as well as solving two-step word problems using a variety of approaches. Instruction encourages deep thinking and mathematical decision-making. They are engaging
003in turn and talk discussions, allowing students to explain and refine their thinking. Students present and share their problem solving strategies with their classmates. School community students and staff celebrated Miss Lur's retirement with a special goodbye parade. The students lined up from the hallway with signs and cheer to honor her. Pulk Elementary School Graham and instruction. During January, all PULK students were participating in benchmark assessments in mathematics, reading, and social emotional learning. Desa assessments provided valuable insight into students progress towards grade level expectations. That data will be used to identify students strengths and areas for continued growth. Teachers will analyze results to inform in instructional planning, set individualized goals with students, and adjust adjust instructional strategies as needed. Teachers will communicate assessment results, progress, and the next steps with families. School community pulled its monthly pause
004assembly on Friday, January 9th. Students were recognized as December global citizens. Students were selected by their teachers for demonstrating positive character and consistently following Paul's expectations. Assembly celebrated students achievements and refined schoolwide values. Judson Elementary School curriculum and instruction. During January, Judson students also participated in benchmark assessments in reading and math. Assessments data is used to measure students progress since the fall and identify specific skill areas needing additional attention and support. I already results guide instructional decision-making across all grade levels. Data drives the formation of the new next round of when what I need groups. Instruction is target targeted, responsive, and aligned to students individual needs. School community responsibility is the character trait of the month of Judson's three core traits. Staff intentionally model and highlight responsibility by emphasizing dependability, following through on commitments, and
005taking ownership of word and actions. Character instruction is embedded in daily classroom routines and peer interactions. Justin hosts its first PTO bingo night on Friday, January 9th. event brought together fam students, families, and staff for community building. Families enjoyed multiple rounds of Bengal prizes, laughter, and connection in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. >> As for Swift Middle School for curriculum and instruction, Swift Middle School has recently been studying and analyzing meteorology with a focus in weather prediction. Students are learning how changes in pressure influence weather and in particular, wind, precipitation, and temperature. They have practiced analyzing weather maps by marking areas of high and low pressure. From these pressure readings, they have connected similar data and thus created isobars, which allows them to understand how pressure fronts move across various regions. Students will soon learn how
006air masses and these pressure fronts interact to create possible weather patterns. They will utilize these comparisons for an endofunit project whereby they will present their own weather forecast with citations of data and research to support their findings. This will develop reasoning and analysis skills. The I Ready math and ELA assessments will be administered to all students between the dates of January 5th and January 16th by their corresponding teachers. The DESA screener will also be administered to all students between January 12th and January 16th. These assessments provide critical information to staff so that students may be better supported. for the school community. The Swift community would like to thank the American Legion for their generosity with American Legion representatives Mr. Scarla and Mr. Deangelus making a significant donation to a family in need. As for upcoming
007events, the sixth grade dance will also take place on Friday, January 16th after school until 4:00. The 7th grade dance will also take place on Friday, January 16th from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There is a chorus concert on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30 p.m. And the eighth grade dance will transpire on Friday, January 23rd from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for Watertown High School curriculum and instruction under the publishing and video production category. Watertown High School's publishing and video production class engaged in the conference with alumni Tara Mirabella media partnerships director at Mondlay International. During this conference, Miss Mirabelli shared her college and career pathways in media marketing and creative development. Students engaged in a Q&A with Miss Mirabelli, gaining deeper and more enlightening information about the range of careers available after high school. Under the
008woodworking for wildlife grant update, Watertown High School has recently delivered a grant update to Thomas Savings Bank about the woodworking for wildlife initiative led by Mr. Brett Hadorski, the catalyst for this innovative course. Since receiving funding in September of 2025, students have constructed and installed 16 American robin nesting platforms and 32 eastern bluebird boxes throughout the community. There are wooden duck boxes on the way and additional conservation projects are planned. What had started as a grant-based initiative at the high school is now a completely developed standards enforced credit course at the high school which will be available starting from 2026 to 2027. Thomas Savings Bank has commended these efforts and portrays it as a meaningful course for student development that also fosters environmental stewardship under these civics and government courses. Honorable Judge Dan Shabin of
009the Waterberry Supreme Court recently visited civics and AP government classes as part of the judges and school initiative which is supported by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Honorable Judge Dan Shaban engaged with students in meaningful discussion providing real world scenarios and insight into the court system. Students got to ask questions and respond to scenarios, thus deepening their understanding of civics and the process behind civil service. Bordertown High School is committed to providing quality civic education through local partnerships. As for their school community, under the Interact Club Community Service Forum, on December 17th, 2025, students from the Interact Club participated in a meaningful service activity by gathering to color and write cards for the local nursing homes. This project not only developed students compassion but also their civic responsibility. The cards were [clears throat] delivered to nursing
010homes for residents to brighten their holiday season. For upcoming events on January 28th, there is a PTO meeting at 6 p.m. in the water town library. On February 10th, there will be a CCA or college and career accelerator information night starting at 5:30 p.m. in the WHS lecture hall. On February 25th, there is a district coffee house at 5:30 p.m. in the WHS gym, auditorium, lecture hall, and main hallway. And additionally, [snorts] on the 25th of February, there is also a PTO meeting at 6 p.m. in the WHS library. >> Thank you, Hunter, and Nicole. Moving on to item F, acting superintendent recommendations, report, and updates. >> Okay. Good evening, everybody. Happy new year to the board and to the school community. Um, I have a number of um, things to share this evening. Um,
011first of all, before the vacation, I know that the board had a question about the Smart Start Endowment Grant, which we refer to as the preK grant. Um, and so I just have an update to make sure that it's clarified. Um, this has been a little a little bit of a tricky one to know all of the details about because typically the state will release the grant and the guidelines through the platform and then we're able to kind of see the directions and how um the money is appropriated and what we're supposed to use it for. Um, and interestingly, they've kind of just kept they keep kind of releasing little bits of information about the grant, but ironically over the vacation on January 6th, they finally put the grant up on the platform. So, we
012have a little bit more formality about the funds, how much we were allocated, and what they're for. Um, so Watertown has been awarded $150,000 under this grant. Um, $75,000 must be utilized for capital improvements, which are um expenditures that will alter, upgrade, or build the physical facility. It has to be things that are kind of like long range infrastructure type of pieces. Um, and then the other 75,000 can be used for those operational expenses, um, which are any expenditures that either staff supply or maintain the program year-to-year. Um, and I know that was a question, I believe, from the board about whether we might be able to use some of those funds to offset salaries. We certainly can. Um, but only about half of that grant. Um, it is due officially to the state on
013the 23rd of January. So, we will get that submitted and then they'll approve it. And once they do that, we'll um Miss Kosuba can draw down funds and start to use them to offset some of our expenses. So, just clarifying that. Um before the break, um I was able to spend a half day in each school. It's part of my effort to really elicit stakeholder input. It's a big part of my entry plan. Um I thought these meetings were wonderful. I was so appreciative of our staff that came to stop in. They spoke with cander and professionalism. they had both positive and constructive things to say and the information has been so very useful. Um so I'm very thankful for that. I will be following up with folks. I think it's important um not just
014to listen but then to kind of demonstrate that certainly you have been heard um and that there is some kind of action associated with the pieces that people shared. Um my next round of visits are already scheduled and they start this week. So my next set of half days will be starting I think tomorrow. It might be my first one. Um, next I'd like to just speak a little bit about our turf fields. I actually um sent out on Friday a communication to all district families. And one of the pieces in that communication was regarding our turf fields. Um, I'd like to say that we are are so very proud and grateful and thankful for those capital projects um that allowed us to have these two beautiful fields both at Swift and the high school.
015Um, and I think that these facilities really represent a significant investment in our community. Um, unfortunately, we've observed recently some unintentional damage to the turf and the track surfaces. Um, certainly I don't think people are doing things on purpose to damage the fields, but nonetheless, it's happening. Um, I'll just identify that this is primarily from people moving or dragging equipment such as benches, um, goals and mats. Um, in the springtime, in the summer, placing lawn chairs actually on the turf or on the track, um, which is is creating damage. And then in particular um in this winter time uh that field is locked and we have folks that are jumping over the fence into the space and even so much as people trying to uh shovel the track so that they could use the track
016which creates damage. Um so we have done our due diligence within the district to talk to staff coaches and students about um just reminding them about proper use. Um, but really some of this damage seems to be occurring outside of regular office office hours. So, we kindly are just asking communi community members if you're using our facilities to please be mindful and if anybody observes any misuse or mishandling of our precious resources, please just give us a call so that that we could address that. So, um, thank you to all for your understanding with that. These are beautiful spaces and we want to be able to keep them that way and have people be able to use them. Um, next also in my newsletter to families mentioned our care closets. Um, at this point each
017of our schools has a beautifully stocked care closet thanks to our school wider school community. People have donated used u, not used, new, brand new um, toiletry items and snacks. And these resource are available to any family that's in need. Um if anybody is in need of those items, you simply have to reach out to the building administrator or a trusted adult at the school and your child um will be able to just access those items. Um we know that it could be tough economically around the holiday season both before and after and these spaces are there for our folks to be able to use and and to um access should they need them. [snorts] Next, I want to just quickly mention that we are officially embarking on budget season. Um I am very much
018looking forward to um certainly it is a little stressful my embarking on my first budget season but I'm also very much looking forward to collaborating with the board with the town council and the broader community uh to develop a buzz a budget that is transparent fiscally responsible but also forward thinking. Um I want to ensure that all of our budget expenditures promote continued growth and improvement of all areas across our district. Uh just a reminder that all budget related information as it becomes available will be placed on the website and available and I'm also o always welcome to feedback and questions if if people want to reach out. Um so just a quick mention that that season is upon us and I am looking forward to it. Next I'd just like to u mention um
019a little bit about residency in the district. So this year it has been a prioritize to really take a look at our board policy related to residency um and to ensure that we're complying not only with state law but also with our own policy for residency. Um we do now have a dedicated residency secretary position that was established to strengthen consistency and applying our policy um for new families but also we do residency checks in grades 3, six and nine. Um, so while we want to maintain a very welcoming approach to all of our families, I have to um emphasize that we also really need to be in compliance with any legal mandates and we also have to be fiscally responsible within our own community. Um, so this year um from now until from the
020beginning of the year till now, I'd just like to share a little bit of information with the board and in the community. Um, to date, we have uh conducted a total of 31 residency investigations, which is unprecedented. We have not done that in a number of years. Um based upon those investigations, we have um nine families that we have confirmed are certainly Watertown residents. We have 10 cases that resulted in findings of non-residenty and those students have either um withdrawn or they are um scheduled for a residency hearing and we currently have 12 cases that remain open that we're still investigating. Um, and I will be happy to bring more statistics to the board um, and to the community as they become available. Again, we always want to be warm and welcoming, but we also
021have uh to do our due diligence for the community and for our own budgetary purposes to make sure that we're following um, that compliance. So, more to come in the future, but just a little bit of mention to that. And finally, I just wanted to mention um that the board chair, the board vice chair and I met and we ironed out um a little bit of a long range plan for board meetings, but also for uh subcommittee meetings. And I will send that to the board as soon as I'm I'm done kind of finishing that draft. But just for everybody's information, we are hoping to have our first two next two subcommittee meetings right before our next board of education meeting on the 26th. We're hoping to do a policy and labor meeting and then
022also a governance committee meeting um beginning on or around 5:30. Um once we solidify those details, we will confirm the times and post the agendas. Um so I look forward to working with the board and those small groups to kind of dig into the work. So thank you everybody. I'm happy to answer questions if anybody has any questions. >> Any questions? >> One question. Where are the residency investigations triggered from? like how where does the information come from to prompt those >> triggered from a a number of different places and sources. Um sometimes it's as simple as as mail comes back or um the bus company will reach out to us and say you know something doesn't seem right like this person isn't on this route. Um sometimes the children themselves will say don't live
023in town. Um we've also had community members reach out. So there are a number of different spaces. And then the other thing um that often will prompt an investigation is that we're actually following our policy where we're having people reprove their residency in grades 3, 6, and 9. And in that process, we've come to find us that there are people that no longer live here. And when they have to reprove the residency, they don't necessarily have those documents. Um so really it's just a matter of us implementing the policy that we already have. Um and certainly it's not a gotcha. Um but it it it just really is follows following our policy in state law. >> So the chair. >> Yes. >> Is there a charge if a family says they want to have their
024student stay public schools? >> There a part of our residency policy um is the ability for families to appeal and to ask if they can come to us and pay tuition. And our tuition rates are set annually. I don't know them off of the top of my head, but they are on the website. Um and we will be doing next year's tuition rates. Miss Kashuba and I um put a date on the calendar coming up in one of our our meetings. Um but there is a process that they have to follow if they would like their children to attend Watertown and there is tuition cost. Um additionally, it's important to mention as well um and I don't know that people always realize that if people are found to um be utilizing our district and have
025falsified residency records that we do have the right to go after them for back tuition, which is certainly something we never want to do. So, we're just hoping that this is an opportunity for people to, you know, just kind of get their appropriate documentation in and and then we're good to go. >> Any other questions? >> All right. Thank you, Lisa. Moving on to item G, public participation. In accordance with policy 9050, participants must state their name and address for the record and limit comments to three minutes. The board encourages speakers to refrain from making defamatory remarks about staff members or individuals associated with the Watertown Public Schools. Please note that questions or issues raised during public comment [snorts] are not typically addressed during the meeting. However, a member of the board or administration will
026follow up or respond as appropriate. Do we have anybody who would like to speak? I don't know. Luigi, looks like you got something on your mind. [laughter] Moving on to item H, communication secretary. >> No communications. >> Moving on to item I, committee reports, curriculum instruction. Miss Hosking, >> no report at this time. >> Policy and labor. Mr. Malagoodi. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, just uh when we met the other day, we were just talking a little more about getting some meetings scheduled there for the policy and labor subcommittee meeting. Miss Cody is nearing the end of her policy audit which we are deeply grateful for and she'll present to us which one we should focus on first and uh from that that's what we're going to discuss at the first policy and
027labor subcommittee meeting and then we'll get our second meeting scheduled shortly after to make some changes to our policies. >> Thank you. >> Budget and finance Mr. Gavales. >> Uh no report Mr. Chairman. >> Facilities Miss Davidson. >> Uh yes Mr. Chair on Friday the 8th of January Mr. Valardi and I along with Mr. Campbell, Mr. Daltton, Mr. Soulziki and Mr. Reese met with the rep from DNR sound systems to go over the renovations at Watertown High School. We discussed the upgrades to the sound systems in the pool area, the gymnasium, and then toward the theater to go over all of the changes to the sound, stage, and back office, and renovations are scheduled to start midFebruary. >> Thank you. Governance and community engagement, Miss Lton, >> no report at this time. >> Thank you.
028[clears throat] Item J, report from the board chair. For my board chair remarks this evening, I would like to address the recent article relating to the contract of our superintendent of schools. I understand that the article has caused some confusion and I would like to offer clarification on behalf of the board. For those who may not have read the article, the brief summary is that we have added the word acting back into Miss Fecky's title at the direction of the state commissioner of education. This designation will remain in place until Miss Facity presents her 093 certification to the board this spring, at which time acting will be removed from her title. This is purely a procedural matter and does not change any other aspect of Miss Feck's contract or her future with Watertown Public Schools.
029As stated at our prior meeting, this action does not reflect Miss Becky's ability to perform in the role, nor does it make her any less qualified. For full transparency, the state's recommendation was simply that Miss Feck's title remain acting superintendent until the presentation of her 093 certification. The state made it very clear that it was in no way questioning Miss Feck's abilities. Had that been the case, she would not have been approved to serve even as acting superintendent as the state requires individuals to meet rigorous criteria to hold that position. I speak I speak on behalf of the board when I say that we eagerly look forward to Miss Fecky presenting her 093 this spring and transitioning into the role of full-time superintendent, a role for which we selected her based on her strong qualifications
030and our trust in her leadership. Do what's best for our students, faculty, and families in our community. Miss Feckodia spent many years with Watertown Public Schools, including serving in an administrative capacity in [snorts] the district when I myself walk the halls of this very high school. She knows this district exceptionally well. For sports fans out there, it's always special when a homegrown player makes it to the big leagues, and this is no exception. The board is grateful to have Miss Fecky in her role, and we look forward to working alongside her to bring our district to new heights. With that clarification provided, I will now turn us back to the agenda and proceed to our next item of business. Item K, items for discussion. Do we have no items for discussion this evening? No items
031discussion. >> No items of discussion for this evening. Action items. Consideration to approve donations. Fitness restored to Thomasson donated My apologies. Fitness Restored of Thomasson donated a treadmill, elliptical, bike, and fitness stairs to Swift Middle School with an estimated value of $4,597. It is recommended that the board of education accept this donation and a letter of appreciation be sent to the donor. Do I have a motion? Yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to accept the donation of a treadmill, elliptical, bike, and fitness stairs valued at $4,597 from Fitness Resort of Thomas and that a letter of appreciation be sent to the donor. Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstension. Motion carries. [clears throat] >> Carrie Kelly donated craft supplies to Watertown High School
032with an estimated value of $1,000. It is recommended that the board of education accept this donation and a letter of appreciation be sent to the donor. Do I have a motion? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. I make a motion to accept the donation of craft supplies valued at $1,000 from Miss Carrie Kelly and that a letter of appreciation be sent to the donor. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Abstension. >> Motion carries. >> An anonymous donation of $700 was received for the angel fund, which is student lunch accounts for John Trumbull Primary School. It is recommended that the board of education accept this donation. Do I have a motion? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to accept the donation of $700 to the
033angel fund which was donated anonymously. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. Motion carries. Moving on to item M, future agenda items and board member comments. Okay. And then moving on to item N, adjournment. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. I motion that we adjourn this meeting at 7:25 p.m. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All those in favor?