001I'd like to convene this regularly scheduled meeting of the Watertown Board of Education at 7 p.m. Agenda item B, a moment of silence in remembrance of Amelia Grover. Thank you. I'd like to turn it over to Miss Hoskin for the reading of the obituary. >> Amelia M. Grover. Amelia Josephine Mancini Grover, 79, of Watertown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital, Vetus Center, surrounded by her family and faith. Born March 1st 1946 in Waterberry, Connecticut. She was the daughter of the late Rocco and Incoranada Mazola Mancini. Amelia dedicated over 30 years to the Watertown school system, retiring as director of finance for the Watertown Board of Education. While fiercely devoted to any endeavor she took on, her greatest joys were her faith, her family, and her friends. Amelia will be
002cherished as the ear that always listened, the voice of reason, and the heart that loved beyond measure. To know her was to love her, and to love her and be loved by her was something special. Amelia was an avid reader, challenging Amazon and Barnes & Noble to deliver books faster than possible. Her handmade ornaments, crossstitch cards, and blankets were gifts of her heart. A whiz in the kitchen, her amazing cakes, Easter pies, and Christmas cookies were shared with those near and far. She was a wildly talented painter and musician, and her time singing in the St. John's Choir with her daughter brought her joy at every note. Nothing brought Amelia more happiness than time with her granddaughter and greatg grandanddaughters. In addition to her parents, Amelia was predescased by her husband of 31 years, William
003E. Grover, her son, William J. Billy Grover, and her brother, Pellegrino, Bill Mancini. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Charles Olmstead of Watertown, Connecticut. Granddaughter Danielle Gallow and husband Michael, great granddaughters Mave and Claire of Cheshure, Connecticut. Her sister Teresa Mancini of Wulkit, Connecticut, her special friend and sister-in-law Betty Betsy Simons of Watertown, Connecticut. And many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. Thank you, Karen. Would everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Kathy, if you could please call the role. >> Cindy Failen here. >> Karen Hosking >> here. >> John Gavales >> here. >> Christine Fessa >> here. >>
004Jason Malagudi >> present. >> Kareem Bellica >> here. >> Mindy Davidson >> here. >> Elizabeth Lawen >> here. Sher Martino >> here. >> Board members should have received the meeting packet which includes the minutes from our meeting dated November 10th. Do board members have any questions regarding the minutes? All right, let's see. None. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes of the regularly of the regular board of education meeting minutes from November 10th, 2025 as presented? >> Yes, Mr. Chair. I make a motion to approve the minutes of the regular board of education meeting minutes from November 10th, 2025 as presented. >> Do I have a second? >> I second the motion. >> Right. All those in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Abstensions? Motion carries. Item F, Swift Middle School girls soccer team.
005I'd like to turn this over to Jason Malagudi. Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is with great pleasure I have uh a mic at this time to congratulate a group of girls I could not be prouder of. You stepped in from day one, worked together, enjoyed each other's company, and just bonded together like no team I've ever seen. and you played incredible this year. You believed in yourself. You believed in your coaches. And look what you were able to accomplish against the odds. Their season was incredible. They came in as one of the favorites in the NBL. And they came up against Seymour who was an extremely tough team who defeated us. I think it was six to1 first time we played them. But you kept at it, never losing a game from there out. And
006when we came back to the field to play Seymour again in the finals, you accomplished the unthinkable, a one- nothing shut out. I am so proud of you girls. That was hard work, determination, and everything was on the line and under the greatest lights. You succeeded. You You have the greatest gift now. You have in your memory bank being under pressure and succeeded. You will always remember this moment. I am so proud of you all. And I would like to thank all the coaches. Um this is you know, a special moment for all the ways soccer community, all the people that have been a part of these girls and all the soccer players in town's lives for many years. Um, some of the ones I've had privilege of working with, uh, Bobby Bostonramm, Coach Todd,
007Coach Jerry, Coach Veto, Dave Braun, and of course Bobby and Dave over here. um they came in this year and from day one my first practice I have the privilege or I don't know if it's a privilege there being close with Dave's son uh brother-in-law and he said to him and I overheard the conversation just come see us in the finals and I knew Dave meant it. I knew he believed in them and you girls have given or you guys have given our girls the greatest gift. You believed in them and they succeeded because of your belief in them. when I would attend the practices all the time picking up there, they would be laughing and you could tell it was a true team from the start. So, congratulations girls. It is a welldeserved distinction.
008They're the 2025 Swift Middle School girls soccer team, NVL champions. What I'd like to do is we have an award here. I'm going to call out each of your names. So, when you hear your name, please come up, receive your award from Chairman Bellica, and you could start standing over there in front of Miss Kathy Oaks. and we're going to work you around here and once uh we have everybody up here, we're going to get a picture with board members. >> Like to call out Mr. Adriana Calgary. One second. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Can I just add one quick thing before everybody comes off? I just wanted to add on um one of my children played for Dave for many years and I've had opportunity to witness Bobby coaching as well. And you ladies
009have two of the best coaches that you will ever play for. So, soak it in. >> You do. I'm not being facicious. I'm being serious. They say good coaches win games, great coaches change lives, and Swift made a smart move because you have great coaches. And I'm very excited to watch you girls continue to grow, represent the high school here, take the field. It's going to be a great soccer career for you all. >> You're here. You're here. >> Adriana Calgary. ADRIANA Harper Bramulations. Congratulations. Ally Cronin, Audrey Geianetti, Charlie Le France, Lorena Longo, Daddy Mandelo, ARIANA RALDI, SARAH SANTANGELI, Maline Zebo, Michael Kamalo, Amalia Kieran, EMMA NOW CC LOPEZ MADISON MALAGOODI MIK EVA MCCAS AVERY OVERBOT EMILY KITLER. Last but not least, Miss Norris Stener. Board members could come around front. We'll get behind uh
010the soccer team here for pictures. >> Actually, we'll stay behind here just a packed room there. Anybody like to get pictures? Tippy toes. >> Yeah, tippy toes. You got this. >> Good idea. >> Yeah, just closer. >> We'll move down like this. There we go. >> It's okay. >> Yeah. Anybody over the right >> have to get crates for the back so that you guys can stand on. >> Awesome. >> One uh final thing, Abby. >> Do me a favor. Get the girls together there and round up the troops for the final time there with the swift chant for us. >> Come on. Come on. >> Come on, Abby. Do it. Do it. Do it, girls. >> Do it just like you were at the game in Seymour there. Finish it off one final time,
011girls. HEAT. HEAT. That was great. So, next part I have the privilege of doing is to welcome in the Judson Elementary School students for a performance of Shrek kids. Uh, with performances coming on December 3rd and 4th for them to come. >> Do you want to send them out first? >> Okay. uh just because of the amount of people coming in, it may be a little tight. So, if any people would like to leave now or if any of the girls for the soccer team, >> we're not kicking you out. We should have some Yeah, cuz I don't know if Yeah, cuz I don't know. >> Yeah, it might be hard. >> Okay, girls. >> No, we've never had to do this. Now, how do we >> How do we buy tickets? Do we buy
012tickets? Yeah. Chinese brother my children or what it's exciting it's I just didn't know you know I could I could be I don't have to ask yeah no I Yeah, I know. My daughter said she would like to go >> take one little the baby. >> Yeah. >> No, this is amazing. towards >> I like my daughter. >> They're good. >> We'll see. because I think they're gonna perform over there. >> How are you? Do you do you still just cuz they're going to perform their press. >> Thank you guys. You guys very much >> seats in the front. Everybody's okay. >> You guys should go over to this side of the room. Thank you. >> The seats in the front are open, too. No, not like >> I had to write up the report.
013>> So, unfortunately, everyone will hear me talk for about a few minutes. Show after >> I think there's 63. Yes. >> Everybody in. >> Okay. So, picking up here again. Thank Thank you everybody for joining us this evening. I'd like to welcome the Judson Elementary School students for a performance of Shrek Kids with uh dates will be um December 3rd and 4th. Time is 6 p.m. Location Judson Elementary School. Welcome. We turn it over to you. Thanks for coming out. >> Okay, Mom. Dad, you said you had a surprise for me. Is he Is it a puppy or maybe a trip to the swamp fair? Nope. Your own swamp. Dig a hole and start your miserable little life. People run >> mama. Mama. >> Once upon a time, there's a little ogre named who lived
014with his parents in a bog by a tree. It was a pretty nasty place, but he was happy there because ogres like nasty. On his birthday, the little ogre's parents sat and dived tall, just as all ochre parents had for hundreds of years before. Although we want you here, the rules are very clear. Now you're so mama packed a sandwich for your trip. You're actors us. You're going to make us proud. No backing up allow. Just keep walking walking and you'll find somewhere to go. It's a big bright beautiful world with happiness all around. It teaches in every dream come true. >> But not for you. Watch out for them with his force. And so the little open far far away from the world at the slide. which is just the way I like it.
015Keep your big bright beautiful world. I'm happy where I am all alone. I got all I need. So read the stinking song. bright beautiful world anyway with the one and it's all Ready? Too early. Here we go. to do. Such a perfect town. Here we have some rules. Let us lay them down. Don't make stay in line and we'll get on our mind. D is a perfect place. Please keep on the grass. Shine your shoes like your face. D is lock is to lock is a perfect way. Sorry. >> No. I'm not a puppet. I'm a real boy. >> Not sure what kind of hut out there. >> Uh, gingerbread man. I said gingerbread man. Anyone see the gingerbread man? >> He's been missing for days. >> Oh, yes. That's right. >> Dumped on a
016swamp. Man, I tell you, sometimes being a fairy tale creature sucks. Fine stack. It's disappointing. Whoa. This what I know. Outed by my nose. That's just how it goes. For poor Pinocchio. Story of my life. Always cheated by a box, swallowed by a whale. That's the story of my life. Oh yeah. That's the story of my life. Uh, three bears take your spot there by that sign. No, that's too far. Too close. Ah, just right. Begin witch. >> Strike is never ending. >> Peter Pan >> vanishes. Mama bear in my hat. This will be a fresh because I wore a granny dress. >> Story of my life. The party's off the hook. I flew into a wall. That's the story of my life. back in the kingdom. You will be happy. >> That's the story
017of my life. I always dream I get a happy ending. I always dream I get an ever after. This is it. It blows. It blows. It blows. STORY OF MY LIFE. ALWAYS on the cross. ALWAYS IN THE WOODS. ALWAYS GETTING LOST. Always on the ropes. Always on the bridge. Always around like a That's my life. That's the story of my life. Wow, you're amazing. Great job. >> Thank you all for that incredible performance there. I'm blown away by it. Uh you guys are going to do great there. I wish you uh best of luck during the performance states there. I'll try to attend. But great job and and thank you too for organizing this. Uh I'm just blown away by the performance. Great job guys. Keep it up. >> Thank you. >> All right. Heat.
018Heat. Sunrise music. She did a great job. She kept some >> ice. It was awesome. >> Great job. Love it. hard to follow. I know We need to auditorium, >> right? No, that's why I said as soon as the the sound systems, we can move it to the >> we wanted to listen to a good voice. >> Yeah, they're amazing. >> Future future kids coming to me. >> Say recruits. >> Oh, yeah. Absolutely. I was sitting there going, "Oh, yes." And I was like, "Oh my god, I left her last year. I never would. I tried to get >> looking for Luigi. Where's Luigi? >> I think I stuck out with the kids. >> Teacher is he directing traffic out there. >> I was about to say he snuck out with the kids. He's done.
019Teacher, the woman in the back. >> We're trying to get something. They're trying to get something started. student right when you're going to be up. >> Yeah. >> That makes sense. >> There we go. >> Exactly. I think it's more recognized because I mean >> thank you Luigi >> obviously they see it >> beautiful. >> Moving on to item G student council report >> for John Dumbo Primary School. There are no updates at this time. Poke Elementary School curriculum and instruction. Science of reading. During West Ed's recent science of reading visit on November 12th, teachers observed literacy instruction across classrooms and collected evidence of practices in action. Post observation debrief identified instructional strengths in areas for growth schoolwide. Students staff engaged in a root cause analysis to uncover patterns and determine high impact instructional sess
020uh shifts. session promoted strong collaboration and established clear datadriven next steps for literacy improvement. Ongoing focus on refining instructional methods and implementing innovation approaches aligned with science of reading. School community Thanksgiving baskets. Students donated non-perishable items over several weeks. The PTO and staff contributed turkeys, pies, and baskets. The donation will create Thanksgiving baskets for family in need during the holiday season. some upcoming events. They have their Paul assembly November 25th, their turkey trot November 25th, their planetarium assembly December 3rd, and then the PTO holiday sale from December 16th to the 18th. Judson Elementary School curriculum and instruction. There has been a continued focus in strengthening instructional practices, exploring innovative approaches to enhance learning, math ready coaching teachers, Mr. Terzi, Miss Stokes, Mr. Espazito and Miss Schulmer collaborated with I Ready coaches with I Ready Coach
021Rakenna. The teachers engaged in a co-eing lesson followed by a reflective debrief. Experiences supported real-time modeling of strong math instruction and immediate application of new strategies provided valuable professional learning for both teachers and students. School community highlights. Jaguar fund run. The Judson Elementary School surpassed their fun fundraising goal, raising over $16,000 as the goal was originally 14,000. The funds will support exciting playground upgrades. It reflects strong enthusiasm and generosity across the school community. Veterans Assembly, November 10th. The school honored veterans through songs, poems, and writing. The stu students learned about all branches of the military. The students presented certificates to veterans family members, creating a meaningful connection. Shrek kids performance. The Justin's excited for their Shark Kids performance on December 3rd and 4th at 6 p.m. Their students and staff have been working incredibly hard
022and we can't wait to share all their talent and effort on stage and it's going to be a fantastic show. Upcoming events November 26th to 28th Thanksgiving recess. December 3rd and 4th is Struck Kids at 600 p.m. and December 12th is the Connecticut Children's Medical Center PJ Day fundraiser. Swift Middle School. Swift has has launched their Swift Stitch, a new community closet providing clothing for students in need, non-p perishable items donated by the community. Access to the closet will be available through school counselors, support staff, and nurses to support students as needs arise. Donations request is gently used middle school appropriate clothing, shirts, sweatshirts, pants, leggings, coats, etc. in the donation box located in the main office. All students viewed a presentation from the Say Something program, learning how to recognize and report concerns to
023the school. The school music program received a a 7,500 music grant for instrument purchases, instrumental repairs, supplies, and music software. The gratitude is expressed to Miss Lauria for securing the grant. Curriculum and instruction. Continued implementation and reflection on instructional strategies include small groupoup learning and learning stations. Grade 8 curriculum highlights. Close studies of narrative of the life of Frederick Douglas. Students analyze Douglas's use of word choices, imagery, tone, and rhetorical appeals. Focus on how Douglas blends personal narrative with persuasive writing to reveal the brutal brutality of slavery and express the meaning of freedom. It emphasizes on understanding both historical contexts and author's craft school community. 8th grade students attended a performance of the Truman Show at Water High School. The students participated in a talkback session with the adviser and cast soaring eagle assemblies. The
024first assembly is scheduled for the first week of December. Students will be recognized for demonstrating qualities aligned with Swift's code of conduct. Upcoming events, Tuesday, November 25th, the trimester closes. Wednesday, December 10th, the Swift Course concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 17th, the band's concert at 6 p.m. And Wednesday, December 17th, the strings concert at 7:15 p.m. Lastly, Watertown High School curriculum and instruction departments are preparing proposed budgets for the 2025 2026 school year. The Watertown High School department departments are developing new courses and pathways for the updated program of studies focusing on areas including instructional strategies, curriculum development, instructional innovation, and budget and program planning. School community student recognition. Ava Stangle, a senior, was selected for the CA CIAS student performance arts spotlight, contributing in many aspects to the Watertown High School, including WHS
025marching band member, pit orchestra performer, tuba player and honors win ensemble, composer/ranger for two school plays, Halo Award winner for the best original incidental music, active leader in the theater program. Features available on the CIA website and WHS Instagram. Clubs and community engagement. World Language Honor Society. World Language Honor Society hosting their first ever fall festival on November 18th, 2025 with pie tasting and craft activities. Volunteering. They're volunteering at the Saint Vincent Depal Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry on November 25th, 2025, distributing Thanksgiving essentials. Interact Club. Interact has raised over a thousand dollars for disabled American veterans. They organized a field of flags display on the town green for Veterans Day. Unified Sports participated in the CAC unified sports cornhole tournament. Team of Travis Williams and Isaiah Rosa reached semi-finals. Team leaders attended the unified
026sports leadership summit heard from motivational speakers and special Olympian athlete Loretta Culliborn. Students described the experience as inspiring and meaningful. Best Buddies Best Buddies partnered with the Sun, Moon, and Stars for a community game night on November 12th. They're hosting their annual fence giving on November 19th, including National Honor Society members. The attendees will support unified sports at their 3 p.m. game afterwards. Grade 8 open house, the future warriors. This was held on November 18th, 2025. Included a tour, staff meet and greets, program presentations, and extracurricular showcase. Well, it was well attended and generated excitement for the class of 2029. Some upcoming events. Monday, December 1st, school spirit committee will meet at 20:05 to 2:30 in the coffee fund ra fundraiser for publishing is ongoing. On Wednesday, December 3rd, SAB meeting from 9 9 a.m.
027to 10:00 p.m. in the Watertown High School lecture hall. A faculty meeting at 2:10 to 3:10 at the Watertown High School cafeteria. Student Divi Student Diversity Advisory Council during flex block at WHS lecture hall. On Thursday, December 4th, progress reports for the marking per marking period 2 is due at 2:30 in Power School. The WHS winter social is from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. And there's details to come. And the school safety and security meeting at 2:10 to 3:10. On Sunday, December 7th, Publishing has a class can shake fundraiser at from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Stop and Shop in Watertown. And lastly, for athletes, the winter sports registration has officially opened. >> Thank you. Moving on to item H, superintendent recommendations and report. >> Yep. So, this uh first item is really for your
028information only. >> So, moving on to item I, superintendent updates. >> Yep. So, I have several updates uh to share with the board and the community this evening. Um, first of all, I just wanted to uh take note and and just extend my apologies for omitting the committees and the communications on the last agenda. Um, it certainly wasn't intentional. It was um, you know, every two years is when I think we have an election and then that agenda is just different than all of the others and so it certainly was not intentional to leave those off. um it was omitted because I assumed that there were not people running those committees so that there wouldn't be information to share but my apologies for the that omission. Um next I'd like to uh highlight the music
029department which we had you know them here for for Shrek tonight but um several of our music teachers uh sought out um a grant through the Patel Stockle Music Trust um and they were a able to obtain some significant funds um for our schools. So, I just wanted to acknowledge and share a little bit about that with you. The uh trust is actually administer administered through the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and it supports music education and performance initiatives across the state. So, we had several music teachers that sought that grant. Miss Borbis was able to secure $4,700 for Pulk and 10,000 for Judson. and she's going to use those grant funds to um offset the cost of some new stage curtains at each of those schools. Miss Cummings was awarded $1,400 for John Trumbo Primary
030School, and she was going to use those funds for um a piano, a Corg LP 380 piano and piano bench. Um, and then Miss Lauria, I think was also in Nicole's update this evening, was able to um secure $7,250 for Swift, and she was using um those funds for baritone ukuleles and the res restoration of the grand piano on the stage, some concert choir folders, make music accounts for all instrumental uh music students. So, I would just like to extend my sincere thanks um to our music teachers. they did that of their own accord and it just demonstrates, you know, the lengths that our folks go to to try to offset um some of our our budget constraints and and they do actively go out there and and pursue those funding opportunities. Um in keeping
031alignment with grants, we also did receive a prek grant. So I was just going to turn it over quickly to Miss Elev who will share a little bit about that grant with you. >> Yes. So, we received the Connecticut Smart Start grant for the expansion of the preK program from half day to full day and the new class that was added. Um, with the grant comes $75,000 in capital improvements. Um, we plan to use that for an indoor playscape and sensory space in the shared prek um area. And then for fiscal year 26, we also received $75 $75,000 for operational expenses. And fiscal year 27, it's 975. um which is used for all materials for the classrooms um anything that the teachers will need to make sure their classrooms are running smoothly. And so this
032all allows us to set those preschoolers up for success when they get to kindergarten. >> It's amazing. >> Yes. So um a lot of people I think although I just wanted to mention think that prek is self- sustaining program and it actually isn't. Um we do collect some tuition. Um but that is very helpful for us to offset the cost in particular as we've tried to really do right by our community and add that full day four-year-old program. Um but prek is is a cost to the district. So that's very welcomed funds to offset some of those expenditures. Um next was also mentioned in a couple of the updates that Nicole shared some pieces about curriculum and um we've really kind of turned our efforts this year into a different kind of professional development. So
033I'd like to turn it over to Jen Gaelic who's going to just share very quickly a little bit about some of the PD that we've been engaging with in our with our teachers. >> She says very quickly because I literally >> No, that is not true. I did not >> because it's so exciting to me. Um so we have two um kind of significant initiatives that we're running with our K5 crew and then other things that are happening um at the secondary level. So um over the past probably sixish weeks um we hosted two two big pieces. So the first is a literacy initiative. Um it's a partnership through uh the CSD, the Connecticut State Department of Education, which was completely free of cost, which we also really really like. Um so we hosted teams
034from the state department of education and also from a group called West Ed. Um that we've been participating in PD across um the fall and it will continue all year. Um and part of that is two site visits. So they came for the first time on November 12th. Um we had three teams um with members from their group and then staff members um building and district administrators who spent the entire day learning together. Um so we calibrated around a literacy walkthrough tool. Um in the morning we analyzed some of our own student assessment data. Then we actually spent the bulk of the day out in classrooms using the literacy walkthrough tool and analyzing our practice and our students performance against that tool. came back together in the afternoon again, calibrated around our findings, cross-referenced that
035with the data. This is where I really start to geek out a little bit. Um, and then talked about kind of like a a connection. What did we see kind of in the walkthrough data with our student assessment data? Um, and then we're meeting again on December 4th, um, to identify kind of a problem of practice and an area that we want to focus on across the rest of the year with our work with them. they will come back to us um at the conclusion of the year. I believe it's a May date um where we will again kind of engage in that process to kind of see the growth that we've made towards that goal. So, it was a really incredible and very positive learning experience. Um and just really amazing to have that
036partnership. Um the second piece is uh a coaching piece that we've talked a little bit about already um but that's with our partnership for I Ready, which is our core curriculum for math. Um so we have two coaching packages. The first is with nine teachers um across K2 at John Trumbull. And then we have a second package that we're sharing across Pulk and Judson. That's with eight teachers. Um so the staff developer Rakina Halloway who is a fan favorite with all of the teachers that she's worked with um came for a cycle at John Trumbull and a cycle across Pulk and Judson. She spent an entire week co-planning with teachers, co-eing with teachers, and then debriefing with teachers. Um, again, we have building, district, um, and school kind of leadership engage in all of those
037sessions as well. Um, feedback has been super positive from the teachers that she's worked with just about kind of how nice it felt to like strengthen some of their math instructional moves and to learn um, alongside somebody who's truly an expert in this program. Um, and even though we've been using it for a number of years, finding some things that we didn't even know existed within the resource and really just strengthening our math instructional practice. So again, it's just super exciting to be able to engage in that work >> um through the chair. Um that's exciting, >> but I'm going to circle back. I have a question about I don't mean to point my finger. I apologize. Um the smart start grant that's very exciting. That that's a big deal that we got that money.
038So my question is with the funds that are coming in over the next three years, is that strictly to bolster and build up what we need or are we able to use that through the rest of prek? Does that question make because I I'm looking at it like we're trying to build out more because we have more need right now. >> But the funds are they strictly for that need or are we able to use that through prek? Is it spec I guess is the grant specific with budget season coming up? I'm just curious as how that could play into the needs that we have in the district. >> So it's specifically for the prek for classrooms that um expanded and the new classroom. However, >> um we can use those as shared resources. So,
039we're encouraging to buy things that, you know, instructional things that we could use throughout all of preschool. Okay. And then the shared space will be pre-K3, preK4, all everybody that uses that space. >> Great. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Thank you. >> So, exciting work in both endeavors. Um, and I I'm really excited about the coaching pieces. um because I feel like teachers benefit so much from just being a able to have a thought partner and talk about their practices and they're doing amazing work, but it's so nice to have a partner to kind of talk through some things. So, it's it's really exciting. So, thank you both for for sharing that as well. Um next, I'd just like to quickly mention that um I was able to attend some wonderful events across
040the district. I attended the Swift Junior Honors Society in induction. Um I also attended the Leo Club induction. Liz was there as well. And there were actually 50 kids that were being inducted. It was amazing. The people um from the state organization were like, "We've never seen 50 kids get inducted into the Leo Club." So, it was quite amazing. Um I also attended the Truman Show on opening opening night. It was amazing. Um I was talking with Mindy a little bit earlier and just saying that the quality of the acting is is so impressive to me. Sometimes when you see young actors, they they look a little uncomfortable, but these kids don't. They look like they've been acting all their lives. So, um it was so impressive and it all student run. So, that was
041amazing. Um just in moving forward, just mention that between um after Thanksgiving break through the holidays, I will spend a half day at each school before the holiday break. Those have been scheduled. I'm going to push out those dates to teachers tomorrow. And then my final topic is one that terrifies me. It's about snow operations and coordination and calling it snow day. So, Mr. Valardi and I attended the annual town meeting um for snow operations, which was amazing because you're able to kind of connect with everybody across the town and just hear a little bit about how that works. Um so, I just wanted to share with the board in in the community that there are so many touch points around making this decision. Um, and it's always, I think, a very challenging decision to
042make because you're trying to balance keeping school in session and maintaining, you know, our educational programming, but then you have this whole safety piece and New England weather is not easy. Um, so I just wanted to share a little bit of of all of the things because it's a little bit amazing to me all the things that go into to this process. Um, so first and foremost, we do connect with um Mr. Robert Grand Prix who is the superintendent of the highway department and he's able to really talk about the condition of our roads in town and then of course um Mr. Valardi will talk about our parking lots. So I think that those are important two pieces to mention because sometimes the roads may be done but we may be struggling with the parking
043lots depending on the snow and the timing of it. Um so it's coordination wi with those two folks in in our district. Um, and then also with Michelle at the bus company ensuring that the buses have been cleared and that their lot is is in good shape. In addition to that, I don't know that people are aware because this was a was good news but new news to me. Um, the superintendents across Lichfield County participate in um a conference call with our our town me or the Lichfield County meteorologist and he talks specifically about each area with all of the superintendents and what the weather forecast is. Um, so that's another just little bit of piece of guidance. And then after that, um, local superintendents in your neighboring committee get on a second call and
044talk a little bit more regionally about the conditions and just have some conversation about what seems to make sense based upon the weather forecast. Um, so I mention all of that because there is no exact science for this. Um, but there is a lot of thought that goes into making these decisions. Um, and so out of full transparency, I just like to mention that I will always make the call as early as possible because I know from being a parent myself, it's a challenge. Figure out where your kids are going and and all of that. So, I will always make the decision as soon as possible. And just my own philosophy is that when in doubt, I will always er on the side of caution because student safety is is the most important thing. um
045in advance. I appreciate everybody's patience and understanding as we balance student safety in minimizing dis disruption to school and we will do our best when the flakes fly. If you don't like the decision, you can call Mr. Valardi. I will leave his on the website. >> Poor Luigi. >> Mr. Valardi is happy to take your phone calls. And on a final note, I would just like to extend a very happy Thanksgiving to the board and to the community. Um, and I hope you enjoy the long weekend and time with your family. So, thank you everybody. >> Thank you, Lisa. Moving on to item J, public participation. In accordance with policy number 9050, participants must state their name and address for the record and limit comments to three minutes. The board encourages speakers to avoid defamatory
046remarks about personnel or individuals associated with the Watertown Public School System. Is there anyone who'd like to come up and speak? Is the mic on or do I just talk? Okay, I can't hear it. You can. Um, good evening, Katherine Camera, 31 Cottage Place in Oakville. Um, very impress tonight's been extremely impressive starting with a show that I didn't know I was going to see and and some great money coming in and that show was great. You guys should do that at least once a month. Um so um I wanted to tell you that um after last week's meet uh last month's meeting two weeks ago meeting sorry um I contacted Superintendent Fecky to offer to purchase for the board a timer so that people um so that um you can time the people up
047here talking and nobody has to take away to go on their phone. I misunderstood what the phone activity was um because I've seen it at other times. So I I we don't really know and when you're out in the audience you don't really know. Um so I apologize. Um but it's you know I think it would help you as well to not have that on your shoulder to do. So I've offered that. I do want to ask though if you're when it happens if you could put it where we can see it because at the town council we can't see it. So it's not really helping us. um so people can you know get an idea and you'll it'll take away a lot of issue but I also would ask that you would consider maybe
048moving it to four minutes only because I go to a lot of meetings and I always see it's kind of like shoving the last bit trying to get your last words in to to get to that three minute you know maybe another maybe a half a minute but um you know I just feel like it always seems like you're people are almost there and then they're saying just give me a minute and I just think it would take take a lot off of everybody. So, that is my offer to do that and I'm sure you'll let me know when the bill comes or whatever. So, thank you. >> Catherine, before you take a seat, I just want to I know we don't usually address, but I wanted to actually address the clock. So, in a
049place that, you know, to be seen, we're actually considering it putting it kind of across that wall so the speaker who's over there can just see it directly so they know where the time is easy for us to look at. And we'll definitely consider potentially moving it from 3 to four minutes. We'll look at and have conversations. So, thank you for your public comments. I appreciate it. >> Thank you for your offer as well. It was a very good idea and as a matter of fact, I think Kathy ordered two different clocks so we can see already which one might work best for us. So, it was a very good suggestion. So, thank you for that. >> You're welcome. >> Is there anyone else from the public who would like to speak? All right. Moving
050on to item K, item of discussion. Um, 2026 board of education meeting dates. >> Okay. Well, I I will always be honest. >> I don't know what happened, but okay. So, here we are. You have a brand new copy there. Um I don't know why this was such a challenge for me. I think that next year it will be much easier when I realize I have to really balance those um calendars, the district calendar, the town council calendar, and then pick our meeting dates. Um, so the latest iteration that you have, um, I believe the only conflict that's left there, the only conflict that's left there I think is the April vacation if I'm not mistaken. Um, but the rest of it I believe should be accurate at this point where it will not contradict
051with the town council meeting dates. So certainly the board um can have some discussion and and eventually decide what we want to do moving forward. I also included in red in case people wanted to consider not a Monday or the start time because this is when that opportunity presents itself and everybody may be fine with the way it is but it's just worth putting it out there in case anybody had any comments on that. So um I'll leave it to the board to discuss those dates. Um again I think it's the 20th was the oneth 13th >> the 13th that's when we're on vacation. So that's the one. Any other discussion? If >> we just cancel that meeting, but there's is there a need to reschedule it >> uh for the 13th of April? >>
052There are town council meetings the Monday before and after that spring break. >> That's >> Yeah, I I don't think it'd be an issue to cancel and if we need to have a special meeting for whatever reason, we can always schedule. I don't see I see a problem with that. >> Okay. >> Feel good with that? That's >> I we couldn't hear down here. >> Oh, my apologies. So April 13th, I believe we're on break and the Monday before and after our town council meeting. So we were considering just acting that meeting and say we need to >> have one in April >> having one in. >> Yes. And if we say need to come in for anything, we can always call a special meeting. Any other discussion? Okay. So we're fine just kind of
053asking that meeting just that there >> and then Monday at the seven is still a go. >> Yeah. I mean does anybody have any everybody's fine with that? >> That's fine. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Item of discussion B, Board of Education committees and PTO liaison. I'd like to start off by thanking every member of the board for having a conversation with me regarding this and, you know, able to be, you know, come to a bipartisan um deal here as to, you know, who's going to be going on to each subcommittee for the liaison. Uh, you were pretty much already in your position before, you're going to be remaining in that position. Um, so starting with governance, um, we have a vacancy, so we'll be appointing Elizabeth Lawton to that position. Uh, for facilities,
054uh, we're going to be doing Mindy Davidson. for public policy and labor, Jason Malagudi. For curriculum, Karen Hosking for budget and finance, John Gavales. For the PTO liaison appointments for Jetson, Jason Malagudi for John Trumbull Primary School, Elizabeth Lton for Pulk, Sher Martino for Swift, Cindy Failen for the high school, Mindy Davidson for Ed Advance, Christine Feresa. As for the liaison from the board of education to the town council, that'll be myself, Karine Balikica. And that should be all of the appointments. Thank you everybody for having those conversations with me. I look forward to working together with all of you. And you know, I really want to see the subcommittees be used a lot more. We have a lot of stuff, you know, to get done. A lot of good work to do as a
055board collectively, and I, you know, very, very encouraged by all the good conversations we've already had so far in the short few weeks we've had. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Moving on to item L, monthly finance report. Miss Marie Kosuba, business manager. >> Good evening everyone and welcome new board members. Um, you get to sit here and listen to my first of many finance reports to come during the year. So, if you flip to the top that says monthly financial report, you'll see the year-to- date report that I it is a year-to- date report that are produced monthly. Um, I tend to use the same format. Uh, I've used the same format all four years that I've been here. Um if at any point anybody would like any additional detail, I can always provide that
056um when asked. So um it is October 31st. This is the report um as of October 31st. This reflects the financial activity through October 31st, which is the fourth month of the fiscal year 26. At this point, we're beginning to see more defined spending trends. While the overall budget remains stable, there are several areas um running higher than expected um that we will continue to monitor closely as this year progresses. Um, more specifically, this month's trends show a few significant pressure points beginning to take shape primarily in pupil transportation and tuition. And I'll address those two categories when we get down to that section. Um, the first uh section that I'd like to discuss is salary and benefits. Um, certified salary um is running slightly over budget at about 1.24%. Um, we continue to apply
057grant funding as grants are finalized and approved. Um, Lisa Fecky and I will also be meeting in the next few weeks while we're busy with budget. Um because Lisa pretty much was given this budget. She wasn't really the one that was in place when we were putting together. I did mention to her that um after I I'm able to do a deep dive on all of these lines, I'd like to talk to her about maybe if we need to make some um budget transfers to balance out some things, but I first want to do my deep dive to make sure to see where any of the overages or or um uh additional funds are. We will discuss that and we'll bring it forward as we move forward. Um so on non-certified and other salaries, uh
058we're trending under budget by 4.55%. Employee benefits are showing a large positive variance at this point in the year. Don't get too excited. This is expected because most benefit related costs are not pre-enccumbered now that we're fully insured. These expenses post only when they are incurred primarily through the bi-weekly payroll cycles. And this includes um items such as Medicare, Social Security contributions, health and dental premiums, and other payroll driven benefit obligations. As the year progresses and additional payrolls um run, this line will move closer to the expected budget level. Um I do still continue to uh monitor that closely because obviously this is the first full uh fiscal year that we are under um a fully insured plan. So I just want to make sure that there's nothing unexpected which there shouldn't be but I
059also want to make sure that um our budget is aligned to what it should be. Um next category would be purchase services under professional technical services. Um we are on track u many many annual contracts um were encumbered early which is what we want. We know what those figures are. We apply them immediately. Um legal counsel is currently over budget. Um this continues to stem from labor matters and uh contract related legal review. Miss Becky and I will also be meeting to uh discuss any open-ended items that we have some which are carryovers from the prior year and some that are just typical for year-to-year review. Um facilities utilities remain close to budget with only a slight negative variance to date. Um this is even after uh making the necessary adjustment for um water and
060sewer increases which I know the whole town is um aware that we needed to make an adjustment for. So I'm happy to report that I'm surprised that that line isn't um slightly greater in variance. Repairs and maintenance continue um at a moderate pace. Telephone and software are still showing a significant negative variance. This is largely due to front-loaded annual software licensing and technology renewals paid early in the fiscal year. In addition, and more importantly, uh we have recently finalized the new phone contract are in the process of closing out several legacy frontier accounts. Um that's the old uh the old lines that we used to had. I think Luigi and Mike referred to them as POTS lines. We're still trying to close a lot of those lines out. And I don't know if any of
061you are aware, but Frontier is um switching over to Verizon, and I think that's part of the reason why we're having difficulty trying to get somebody there to make a substantial decision to help us cut off the lines, but we're actively pursuing that. Um we expect this area to normalize once these accounts are fully closed and all contact all contract transitions are complete. Um lastly under construction projects um this activity remains low at the moment. Uh I felt it necessary to point out that Mr. Valardi is always careful to delay his discretionary projects until all anticipated uh facility expenses are properly encumbered to ensure he remains within budget. He maintains a prioritized list of projects and we expect to see several of these begin as we move forward now that the core operating costs have
062been accounted for. Um I know that that came up in in past uh conversations when we are questioned about you know you have this money sitting there and you're not using it. Um I can speak very honestly for M Luigi. There are a multitude of projects that he we don't even put on the budget. Um but because we never know how utilities are going to be or how other items are, he waits as long as he can to make sure that we're going to make all of our costs. And um there are some projects though that need his attention right away. So I know he's going to start on some of those um as we move forward. Uh next is contracted services. Um this category represents the most uh notable pressure um this month. Transportation
063continues to run over budget and remains one of the most closely watched lines in the budget along with tuition which is also showing a variance. Although both lines are currently running over budget, this pattern uh please know is typical for this point in the fiscal year. These accounts are fully and cautiously encumbered early to ensure that all known and anticipated costs are captured. It's also the two lines where we experience the most volatility with special ed. um they generally remain high until our excess cost grant um hits. Our first um 80% payment, which is usually uh received in February, will be applied to both those lines as needed. And then the remaining 20% we usually see at the end of April or beginning of May. So those two lines, while you're seeing a significant amount,
064please know that at minimum, we're looking at receiving at least 1.2 million in excess cost. And I I only budgeted for that much assuming that we'll receive more. I never want to over anticipate what the anticipated amount is because to then not have and or not receive it would be somewhat devastational to us or to anyone really. Um next uh insurance yes insurance has been fully paid for the year. Um it's slightly above the budgeted amount um primarily due to um commission cost not the whole amount but commission costs which I had underestimated. Uh dues and fees reflect early commitments but remain within expectations. The last category I'd like to discuss is supplies and equipment. Instructional supplies and equipment are trending normally following school startup needs. Custodial supplies show a small negative variance. This is
065tied to replenishment of the building supplies and increased cost of goods. We are still uh visiting uh into bulk buying. I I'm hoping to have something um substantial to report to you guys once we've been able to place some of those orders to see if we were able to recoup um some savings. Um spending here is not a concern at this time. ment is consistent with uh fall purchasing patterns. In closing, as we move into the late fall, the overall budget is actually holding steady. However, transportation, as I mentioned, and tuition costs are emerging as pressure points. We are monitoring these areas carefully, and we'll continue to evaluate whether mid-year adjustments may be needed. At this time, our encumbrances and controls remain strong, and we will keep the board informed as trends become clearer. Um,
066I'm happy to answer any questions or address any concerns the board may have, as I know we have some new board members as well. Um, and if at any point you ask me a question, I don't know the answer, I promise I will get you all the detailed um, information and get back to you if I need to, whether it be via email or even at the next board meeting. Um, and at this point, I just wanted to state one more thing that I think I reported last time we were at about 97 98% encumbered. I'm going to say that we're still at that number because there are always things that come up that we encumber as they occur. But right now, I'm confident that um any anticipated expenses that we normally would expect for
067the year are on the books as of this date. So now it's just a matter of writing out the year um crossing our fingers to hope that um special ed um you know stays contained and under control and um you know just monitoring everything to the best of our ability and I will continue to report and again we have lots of new board members. So if there's any other reports that I can produce that any of you think would be beneficial I'm happy to do so. And for those of you who don't already know, once we uh review these that usually within the next day or at least within the next week, we do then forward this report to the town council. We are reporting to the town council on a monthly basis, which in
068my opinion was not I my understanding was was not done before my tenure here. And that's our um attempt at trying to be as open and transparent as we can with town council. And we're hoping to continue that trend. >> Any questions? Um, Marie, have you ever looked into I know that um, Miss Dikowski really looks for every savings she possibly can when she orders supplies. Has she ever or have you ever looked into the state consortium for doing it and stuff? >> Which consortium? >> The state consortium. >> Yes, the state consortium is actually already in the system of most of the um, vendors that we use. So like even uh, whether we use Amazon or WB, all those pricing lists are already in there. Most of the vendors are very smart and they
069know that if they want to get most school district businesses, those are in there. But believe it or not, we still vet things and we we usually just go or wherever we can get the best price. Um, so yes, >> through the chair, >> I just had a quick question about a project and where that would have hit and I apologize if you had said it when this was happening, but the field lights that didn't fall under construction projects. Where did So that was a new kind of unanticipated project. Where did that where what line where did that come out of? >> We actually had some some funding some grant funding that we were able to apply towards that and then I don't remember where did we pay that entire bill already Luigi the second
070half of that. No, >> we didn't really consider that. A project would be I think like I'm I'm thinking construction projects. Am I correct? I can double check to because I don't want to misreport to let you know exactly what line that hit on. That's not a problem. But construction projects for me are like the big things like when Ouija wants to pave the road, I mean the the parking lots or the sidewalks. And you can correct me if I'm wrong, but those are usually the items that hit that line. Correct. >> To be fair, the lights kind of had our back up against the wall. >> Yeah. No, I was just curious because it was kind of a bigger item where it ended up hitting in the the breakdown. >> A great program with
071zero financing. >> So, we're not making the bill. It's not being paid all at once. It's a monthly payment. >> We can look exactly what line, >> but Liz, I will tell you exactly where I applied that without the the small deposit that we did put on that or the the portion that we applied on that and I will let you know which line it hits because there are multiple lines that roll up under all of these categories too. So, okay. I will let you know. >> Any other questions for the chair? Uh oh. Okay. >> Um just quickly on the uh pupil transport, are most of the overages from first student or some of the private uh smaller services? >> Primarily private. Um primarily private. >> Primarily private although I will double check the
072uh first student ones as well just to make sure but primarily it is all under special ed. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Through the chair, uh you mentioned perhaps doing some transfers from other line items. Uh speaking longterm, June 30th, uh do you think what will come in within this budget with you doing your transfers? >> I I am absolutely. So when we talk about transfers, we wouldn't be touching the bottom line at all. It just means that like for instance, when I look at the non-certified line, and this is me wanting to do my investigation, but I'm saying, "Oh my gosh, we have 4.5% in um you know, unused or untapped non-certified lines." Now, I need to go back to make sure that everything has been applied. God, you know, sometimes maybe
073somebody's put on an incorrect expenditure line. I don't think that's the case, but we will examine it. Um, my point was instead of seeing an overage in certified staff, if we can rectify and con, you know, confirm that in fact um, non-certified might have been over budgeted or perhaps we're not looking to fill some positions that are currently vacant, we can shift the money into the certified line so that we're not showing an overage in that line. But technically, in total, our budget would still remain the same. It just means rep prioritizing either the way the budget was done or just making adjustments or corrections as needed. >> So you're not limited in what you can transfer. I know on the town side we were limited I think four or $5,000 you could transfer. No
074permission but you can >> there are limits. Um, I as a business manager can transfer up to $2,500 and those uh we do do some usually that's like in athletics if they need to move something from a supply line to dues and fees or um sometimes at the high school if uh they budgeted for supplies and then the actual cost ends up being a little bit more whether it's due to freight or increased cost they tell me what line they're going to take money from and move it to another. So those little transfers happen >> I don't want to say daily but they do happen. Um I believe uh when I look at the the budget transfer um report that we fill out and the admins do have to sign off and I sign off
075and Lisa signs off on Lisa can um has the authority to transfer up to um I believe it's 2% or 5% of the actual budget. So if anything was going to be an astronomical amount or any amount really if you wanted to we certainly we would bring that to the board which is what we've done. I will tell you that in my tenure here, we've never had to do any large transfers there. But I just feel like I told Lisa like this was a budget that she pretty much inherited that was done by, you know, um, Dr. Villaina and myself. And so I do think it would be appropriate for us to at least just reexamine it. But I would not even advise her to move anything unless I could >> tell her with confidence
076that I felt the move that we were making made sense. And we would certainly report that back. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> I actually have two. So, I know that the state recently passed um some new special education funding for the ECS. Um do I I know Watertown is getting a little bit more, but I'm not entirely sure. Has the state kind of communicated already to the district about that additional funds coming in or no? >> So, um are you talking about education cost sharing or excess cost? >> Excess I believe excess cost. >> Okay. So, excess cost last year was the same thing. we had anticipated a little bit more and I was grateful that I only kept it at 1.1 because then as we get closer to them actually disseminating the
077funds then they ended up finding out that there wasn't enough or they didn't come through with the amounts that they've applied and then it we ended up getting a little bit less um when we get our first amount in in um February is when I'm able to come back and say yes we're getting the full funding because if they give me 80% then I know what the other 20% is going to be but as of right now you're correct every year they tell us that they're going to, you know, give us a little bit more. I have very little faith until I actually see the the the money hit the account. But I can certainly tell you guys what those amounts are if you'd like when we come back. But again, I've never ever put
078in the budget the exact amount that they've given me because I've just felt like that is kind of like shooting ourselves in the foot. I'd rather expect the minimum and get a little bit more than expect more and then find out in February and if not even in May that we're not going to get the amount that we needed because at that point, you know, our backs are up against the wall to try to come up with funding. >> Yep. And the second thing is um would it be possible and this is not really timesensitive at this time more so maybe around January or kind of as we're getting into budget season >> about how much we're having to put towards these un like unfunded mandates that come down from the state. >> Yeah, that's
079been asked of us for before as well. I guess I would have to start with just first of all compiling an entire list of um non-funded or unfunded mandates and uh we certainly can can try to put something together for that. >> Yeah. Because I think it'd be important to kind of just show the community as well especially when we go out for the budget season and you know we're working through the budget process to show like hey you know the state is requiring us to do these specific things and this is the amount it's costing you know the district to do so and you know it help inform you know the public more about kind of you know the stuff that the state expects from us and it's not just you know what what
080we're putting forward. >> I agree. I think that that would be very informative because I think people's eyes would be um you know very wide open because I know I was as a business manager coming into the public sector. >> I couldn't believe the amount of things we were expected to do with with no financing you know sent our way and and it's not just us. It's every school district really. But yeah, no problem. We can start to compile and >> that could help with advocacy if we are able to do that at the state level too as a board and having that number and compare it to what our budget total is as a small district. Numbers go a long way. >> Yeah. because I mean we went to I think you can't remember
081if it was last year or the year before we went to a cave event with the um nearby school districts and regardless of what party you were from Republican or Democrat we were all very you know appalled by the amount of mandates coming down from the state and how much you know school districts you know from their own tax base we're having to dish out you know just to provide for the programs that they want us to push. So you know anybody who wants to join in that advocacy you know it's definitely appreciated. All right, moving on to item M, communication secretary. >> Okay, agenda item N, report from the board chair. I'd like to start by saying happy Thanksgiving to all Watertown families. During this time of the year, we are all reminded what
082we are thankful of in our lives. whether that's family, good health, or good grades when it comes to our students or anything else uh people are grateful for. While I'm thankful for many things, one of the one of the ones I'd like to bring up this evening is how thankful I am to all those I serve with on on our board of education and our joint commitment to seeing a prospering school district and including our, you know, Grave Central office. You know, you guys are really, really awesome. You've made this process for me very, very smooth. You know, coming in as the as the chairperson. Jason, you've been great. Everyone's been great. So, thank you all uh for that effort. I really do appreciate it. Moving on to item O, executive session. One second for
083the motion. I apologize. >> Yeah. Uh, do I have a motion uh to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion regarding all hazard school security and safety plans? >> Yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of a discussion regarding all hazard school safety and safety plans. Attending the executive session are John Gavales, Cindy Fan, Karen Hosking, Sher Martino, Mindy Davidson, Karen Karim Bellica, Jason Malagoti, Liz Lton, Lisa Fecky, Luigi Valardi, and myself, Christine Faressa. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. All those in favor