00123rd 2026. And I want to remind you this meeting's being recorded and please turn off your cell phones. Elliot, would you please do our roll call? >> Yes, good evening everyone. Ms. Callan Carson? >> Here. >> Mr. Carey? >> Present. >> Mr. Dubaco? >> Here. >> Mrs. DeRoberts? >> Here. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Here. >> Mrs. Gold? Mr. Riley? >> Here. >> Vice Chair Mr. Lacavoli? >> Here. >> And Chairperson Granado? >> Present. All present. >> Thank you. And I would like Mr. Stephen Carr to come out up stand right there and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. >> [laughter] >> 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. >> [snorts]
002>> Thank you, Mr. Carr. We'll be hearing from you soon. Thank you. Okay, we're going to start out the meeting with the approval of the minutes of previous meetings. So on we had a meeting on April 28th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Second. >> Okay, uh I second second. >> I'll second it. >> Lacavoli second. >> No discussion. >> Yep. >> Okay, any discussion? >> Yes, um uh just a little bit of an annotation. Um there was a recommended amended motion that was made um and the only thing that was incorrect about it was that it says that it was voted unanimously. Um the motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and it was voted on, but we don't know who voted. But that
003motion did pass. But we should just have the fact that it was unanimous um stricken from the record. >> We'll do. >> And then later on in meeting we're going to basically revote on that motion to get the record to get the vote correct. >> Um, was that in action item 6A? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. So just the last sentence needs to be fixed. >> In the amended part, I see. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Any other discussion on this? Okay. Um, we will now vote on the amended >> uh, on the adjustment. >> Adjusted >> adjustment to the minutes. >> minutes. >> Yeah. >> Um, so we'll vote on that right now. All in favor? >> Uh, sorry. I I want a roll call vote. Let's do a roll call vote. >>
004Okay. Please. Okay. We act together here? >> Well, I think we're going to do a roll call vote for most votes. >> Yeah. >> Um, Ms. Callan-Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> Yay. >> Ms. Tabacco? >> Yay. >> You said yay, right? >> I said yay. >> Okay. No. >> Yay. Yay. Yay. >> You You said yes, is >> Yes. >> Okay, sorry. >> Sorry. >> And this is the Roberts the next one you're supposed to vote on. Ms. Drew? >> Yes. >> [snorts] >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair, Mr. Laquavole? >> Yes. >> And Chairperson Granado? >> Yes. >> So eight to nothing. >> Okay. >> Eight zero. >> It passes. Those minutes are approved. Thank you, everyone. And we'll move on to the approval of the minutes for May 26th,
0052026. May I May I a motion to approve those minutes? >> So moved. >> A second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? That seems okay, so we'll take a vote on it. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Any abstentions? >> Abstain. >> That motion passes. And the approval of the minutes for the June 9th, 2026 meeting. May I have a motion to approve those minutes? >> So moved. >> A second? >> Second. >> And any discussion? Okay, we'll vote on it. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Any abstentions? >> Abstain. >> Okay. Two, how many abstained? >> Six, zero. >> So >> Three abstentions. Three abstentions. Amanda, Janice, and Chuck. >> Oh, all three of you abstained. Okay. Okay, so that motion passes. Thank you on all that. Is there anyone wishing to make
006a public comment? Please come on up to the podium and state your name and address, and may I remind you that public comments are limited to 5 minutes, and also a reminder that the board members do not respond after your comments. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Elizabeth Caprio, 311 Garden Street. I'm here to advocate for the students and staff at Silas Deane Middle School. As a middle school science teacher with 15 years of experience, currently working in a neighboring district, I speak from a position of professional's perspective and deep concern. I want to begin acknowledging Superintendent Swiebe's initiative to address the issues at the middle school. I appreciate the time he has taken to listen to students, parents, and high school teachers. However, there is a significant oversight. The staff at SDMS
007has not been extended the same professional courtesy. The superintendent opened his present presentation by highlighting the portrait of graduate pillars, specifically the communicator and collaborator. These are vital skills we aim to instill in our students, yet the current process fails to model these behaviors. Despite claims of collaborative leadership, the SDMS staff was neither consulted nor informed about these schedule changes until a month ago. The scheduling committee has not met since January. Simply put, communication and collaboration are currently absent from this process. During the presentation, it was stated that the shift was not about test scores, but about feedback from student and parent focus groups. Yet when I was shown data, it consisted solely of math scores and accountability index ratings. There was no mention of anecdotal feedback gathered from these focus groups. I would welcome
008the opportunity to see the qualitative data, and I'm confident that parents and students did not request less time in unified arts in exchange for more time in core subjects. Furthermore, the WIN period as presented on Monday seems chaotic. If parents opt their children out of this period, the supposed benefit of additional instructional time is eliminated. Additionally, I'm deeply concerned for students who receive services. In my classroom, I modify and accommodate to ensure all students have access to science education. Some students through their disability may not reach goal on state assessments, but they thrive in unified arts classes. Under this new schedule, these students would be regulated to a WIN period for their entire tenure at SDMS, losing out on opportunity for additional unified arts classes. We are told this isn't about test scores, but the
009structural changes suggest otherwise. Finally, we reached a breaking point regarding teacher buy-in. The scheduling committee was disbanded in January because those teachers felt unheard. Their suggestions were repeatedly rejected. Existing teams that have worked together for years are being dismantled without explanation. With 14 teachers transitioning to new teams, they now face the daunting task of mastering new curricula, adjusting to different schedule, learning to orchestrate the WIN period, all within the next 8 weeks. Teachers have advocated for PBIS implementation similar to the elementary schools to improve school climate, and these pleas have gone unanswered. I cannot imagine the current climate of at SDMS. But this continues If this continues, you will lose quality educators. I've experienced this firsthand. In my current district, I feel supported, and our science test scores have never been higher. As a science
010teacher, I deem this current experiment invalid. We are testing too many variables simultaneously. A new math curriculum, new language arts curriculum, new schedule, new team structures, and a new WIN period instruction. We'll never be able to identify what effectively fixes the problem if we do not slow down. We are asking teachers to build the plane while flying it. In my current district, the high school will be changing the schedule next year. That conversation began last year, allowing all stakeholders time to understand the changes. It gave teachers the opportunity to work with union representatives, raise questions, and receive clear information from administration. By the time it was approved in January, teachers had 8 months to review curriculum and go into the upcoming school year confident. We are moving too quickly. We need to give these teachers
011time to train WIN period on WIN, and bring in professionals to show them how that period should be structured and what it will look like. Merely giving extra planning time on professional development days is not going to help them prepare. Beyond the instructional training, we also need to focus on the broader infrastructure. While we stabilize curriculum, we should critically evaluate our transition plan for moving all elementary schools into one large middle school. This is a massive shift in its own right. We must ensure we are managing student behavior, and ensuring that there's no disruption to the educational process in the classroom. As a parent of a future kindergartner, I want my child to have a rich, diverse middle school experience that I had. I finally remember producing a radio show, playing guitar, sewing, and participating
012in art. These were experiences that changed the course of my high school career. These are things that many students would not be exposed to at home. Looking ahead to the opening of the new 5-6 Intermediate School, I hope the board and administration will leverage the expertise of your teachers. They're in the trenches. They know what their students need. Trust them as I trust them. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Jenna Day. I live at 406 Griswold Road. Um I'm a Wethersfield resident, parent, and music educator in a neighboring district. Um I would like to speak tonight regarding the proposed changes at Silas Deane Middle School as well. I have been told by the administration that I have um been in contact with via email that this is a scheduling change rather
013than a curriculum change. However, I am very much struggling to see it that way. Students are now being asked to make more choices between unified arts courses, performance music classes, and world language classes. If students used to have access to all these options throughout the course of one school year, and now they're only able to pick one, maybe two, then the issue is not when instruction occurs, which would be scheduling. It's whether students receive that instruction at all, which is curriculum. Traditionally, Wethersfield middle schoolers have been able to explore a wide range of subjects over the course of a school year: music, art, tech ed, family and consumer science, health, and world language. Those experiences matter because they help students discover their interests, strengths, and possible future career paths, while also supporting their academic, social,
014and emotional growth. My concern that requiring students to choose between these opportunities will create inequities in access. I understand there may be a system where students can take more than one UA class, performance music class, or world language, depending on factors like attendance and academics. But a well-rounded education should not depend on meeting extra conditions and should be available to all kids, not just some kids. Middle school is a time when students are still figuring out who they are and what they enjoy. I see that every day in my own classroom in my district. They should not be asked at this age to narrow their options so early in the process. As a music educator, I am especially concerned about the impact on band, orchestra, and choir. These programs rely on steady enrollment, group continuity,
015and skill development over time. If students are adding and dropping these classes each quarter, it becomes very difficult to build strong ensembles or maintain the level of performances and concerts that students and families expect in Wethersfield. In my district where I work in West Hartford, students enroll in choir, band, and orchestra for the entire school year. That consistency is what allows us to build strong musical communities, provide meaningful musical experiences, and prepare students well for their high school music programs. Frequent changes in enrollment make that much harder and lead to lower retention at the high school level. More broadly, these classes that I am talking about, music, art, tech ed, world language, these are not extra classes. They're a core part of a complete and well-rounded education. For many students, they're the classes where they
016feel the most confident and most connected to school. I know I did when I was in school. And that connection matters. These classes are often the reason students feel engaged in school in the first place. If our goal is rightfully to improve student achievement, we must also prioritize student engagement. Students are more likely to be to succeed academically and reach their fullest potential when they feel invested in their school experience. The classes that get students excited to show up every day are not distractions from academic success. They're often what makes that success possible in the first place. I encourage the board to maintain broad access to the wide range of learning opportunities Wethersfield has traditionally offered its students since they help all kids learn, grow, and thrive here in this town. I truly believe that's
017what parents and families in this town want and have come to expect. It's one of the reasons why my husband and I moved here 3 years ago with our two girls. Thank you very much for listening and for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Hello, my name is Michael Olday. I live at 406 Griswold Road. That's uh my beautifully well-spoken wife. Um I wasn't planning on speaking until I heard her words earlier and until I came in and saw some pictures on this very wall that I'll get to. Um I went to a high school that had close to a 10% dropout rate. I was very close to being part of that. It was my high school choir teacher who I met with daily that kept me in school, um
018especially my sophomore year. Even though I'd been in music program um my entire life, my sophomore year was was a really tough time in my life and my high school choir teacher um not only called my home directly and maintained a relationship with me, but he's the reason that I kept going to high school, graduated, attended the Hartt School of Music with a performance scholarship uh when my grades probably wouldn't have gotten me into another school. Uh because of that, I've been able to go on to perform at the White House, Carnegie Hall, all over this country, and it wouldn't have happened without that daily dose of music in my life. Um and now I'm a Wethersfield resident. I'm a private private guitar instructor. That's why I mentioned those pictures. I see our former mayor,
019Amy Morimbello. I taught her guitar uh her daughter guitar. Kenny Lesser, our current mayor, I taught his daughter guitar who is now a music instructor herself. Without that constant support of those types of educators and also just the music in in in my life, I I fear what would happen to students like me who don't have that. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> [cough] >> Matt Saccullo, 1692 Wright Highway. I was asked to hand over the petition here. I'll read it first. We, the undersigned parents and community members of Wethersfield, believe the proposed curriculum changes in inequitable for students. It provides far fewer opportunities for meaningful learning experiences and will require students to sacrifice valuable exposure to the arts, world language, music, technology education, and family and consumer science. These subjects play
020an important role in developing well-rounded learners and preparing students for future academic career opportunities. We are also concerned that this change may make this transition to seventh grade more difficult and may not provide better preparation for high school. While we fully recognize the importance of math, English, language arts, and science, we do not believe this that strengthening those areas should come at the expense of other essential subjects. With the new school year approaching and many detailed policies and potential impacts of the proposal still under consideration, we respect we respectfully request that the proposal be postponed and not implemented for the 2026-2027 school year. We further request that when discussions resume, parents, teachers parents and teachers from world language arts, technology ed, family and consumer science, and music are included in the scheduling and curriculum planning
021proposal. These uh perspectives are vital to ensuring that any changes serve the best interest of all students. And it's signed by 310 parents and community members. And I believe it's being emailed to all of you later today or has already I'm not sure. Um Matthew, if you mind, I know I go long. So let me know if I'm going too far and too long, please. Thank you. Uh when I was last here, I talked about a day in the life of my eighth grader. How he explained how he had a full day of several different parts of his brain working happily experience orchestra, French, each of the other three unified arts classes, and was still able to fit in math, ELA, science, social studies, and gym. At the end of the day, he had den
022where it makes the most sense so he could finish his homework and decompress when he finally got home after his uh after from his after-school clubs. They were full days with several different parts of his brain working. Opportunities matter. And for the children that participate in them, it's their world. He and I are so thankful that SDMS was able to provide those automatically to every student. If they weren't automatically part of his scheduling and curriculum, I don't think he would have found these amazing areas that he is now so passionate about. Um His core academic classes were not sacrificed by his art and world language opportunities. In fact, they were enhanced by it. His reading comprehension and understanding of themes were supported by the music classes as he now understands the meanings and symbolisms behind
023various songs and rhythms of different pieces. His grasp of geometry was only strengthened by his understanding of art. His knowledge of computer science, math skills, and physics were reinforced by tech ed. And what is family and consumer science if not a fancy word for chemistry lab. The arts classes aren't just cool classes or extras. They are practical applications of the math, ELA, and science classes. They are how we understand the lessons. Each class improves with each other because each class is important. That is all part of a well-rounded education. The arts classes are essential parts of a complete education that strengthen academic performance, form community, and help students discover where they belong. Nothing was sacrificed and everything was gained, and I couldn't be prouder of him and STMS for for creating that community. The proposal
024takes away a unified arts class opportunity along with most den periods and replaces it with a WIN class. That is the essential change of this proposal. At just 11 years old, my now seventh grader will be forced to narrow his experiences when he should be expanding them. That is the fundamental problem with this proposal. It creates fewer opportunities for students than they have today. A well-rounded education should not require children to choose between their passions and their potential. Um if he wants to try another unified arts class, he has to stop music. Music is a performing art. It cannot be stopped or started quarterly as the proposal currently suggests. Like world language, it's all or nothing. If he stops music, he won't be able to keep up with the concerts, won't be able to be
025part of the junior Eagles marching band, and will significantly fall behind the rest of his bandmates. If he stops, he falls behind and loses community and opportunity. The latest proposal states that if the student is in good standing, they will be able to opt out of WIN class and earn back >> Excuse me, I can give you about five five more seconds here. >> Okay, then I'll I can talk at the next one later on. All right, I'll I'll finish then. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi everyone. I wasn't here for the instructions, so I'm just going to do what I did last time. My name is Matthew Corwin. I live at 35 Churchill Road. Uh I just came to speak shortly cuz I spoke twice last time. Uh I just want to say
026I'm kind of disappointed with the outcome of change. I understand that there's needs to be met with education specifically in the sciences, maths, and uh English language arts, but I just want to say that I'm I'm disappointed in the outcome with the arts. Um I've dedicated high school and middle school to music. I've also spent a lot of time in those areas, and I I'm kind of sad to see that the music program is damaged like this cuz it's going to be hard for a a lot of kids going into high school to continue band, but it's really starting new if they've only done it for a quarter over the past few years. And I understand that they can uh negate their one time to uh put it toward music or to put it toward
027a world language or to put it toward some uh elective. It's it's a whole different world if you haven't done band for a straight year or 2 years. And it saddens me because we just played at graduation, and some of the kids in marching band now, they're freshmen, won't have a band sizeable uh like we had to play Pomp and Circumstance. They're going to have to do it through a recording if the music program isn't good enough. It just kind of makes me upset, you know. I've dedicated high school, middle school, half of my elementary school to making the band program better. I I'm at every event. I volunteer uh with the musical theater, middle school, high school, summer. And it's I'm just upset to see that we might not have a music program that
028large, that successful anymore after uh 3 4 years once these middle schoolers with the new schedule go into the high school, there will be nowhere near as much membership and uh effort put toward the band program as there's not as much there's not going to be as much membership and effort put into the band program at the middle school. Uh that's a lot I don't want to be here long too long, you know, 2 hours, but uh I just want to say I'm disappointed. For the first time I'm kind of disappointed to be in Wethersfield, a school system that won't support its arts. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, we'll move on. And so tonight we have a report from our superintendent would be. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. As we close out the 25-26
029school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we've shared and the learning that's shaped our work together this year. When I began as superintendent last summer, I introduced the superintendent's entry plan designed to listen, learn, and build understanding across our schools and community. Over the past year, more than stakeholders formally participated in interviews, focus groups, and surveys that formed the entry plan findings report. It's a document that captures the voices, values, and aspirations of Wethersfield. The process revealed clear themes, a shared commitment to coherence in curriculum and communication, a desire for stronger systems of student support, and pride in the culture that defines our schools. It's been a genuine pleasure to learn about the community and to translate those insights into action. I'm also pleased to share uh a new
030document, the 2025-26 recognition and noteworthy achievements, which highlights the many points of pride across our district this year from student accomplishments and staff innovations to community partnerships and district-wide initiatives. This compilation reflects the excellence, creativity, and care that define Wethersfield Public Schools and the collective effort that moves us forward. I encourage the board and the community to review and celebrate these achievements as we prepare for the year ahead. Want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our administrators and support staff for helping us and assisting in the planning and the executing of the board and superintendent's awards night. It was a signature event um that honored our district teachers of the year, our paraeducator of the year, our retirees, and and uh our our students and parents alike. Whose long and dedicated service has shaped generations
031of students and strengthened the heart of Wethersfield. Your commitment and care are deeply appreciated and I wish each of you a restful, rewarding summer. Finally, as we conclude the year, I'm proud to highlight the board-approved district continuous improvement plan and the accompanying accountability matrix. These documents provide clear evidence of the district's progress in completing strategies aligned with the board's strategic operating plan driven uh this multi-year roadmap. Together, they demonstrate measurable growth, coherence, leadership, capacity, and operational alignment, showing that the insights from our entry plan have evolved into sustained strategic action. This work reflects our shared commitment to continuous improvement and positions Wethersfield for another year of purposeful, student-centered advancement. Just highlighting a couple of areas from the departments. As fiscal year comes to a close on June 30th, the finance department will continue to process
032invoices and payroll. August will feature the filing of the the Department of Education grant expenditures report and final unaudited expenditures will be reported to the Finance and Operations Committee at the September 22nd meeting. Moving over to food services, some good news. Uh reminder to all that the 2026-2027 school year, the Connecticut legislature adopted a state budget that provides funding for universal free breakfast for all public students again. So, that'll be something uh that's coming back next year, free universal breakfast. Um looking over to the talent accountability and human resources, hiring is ongoing for the 26-27 school year. We have a goal of ensuring all positions are filled with qualified staff on the first day of school. And the new Move move I'm going to move over to the Teaching and Learning Office. 2026-2027 phased implementation
033of the pilot for the grades 5 through 8 core literacy resource process. Following extensive feedback and comprehensive observation for for from our middle grades literacy research field test process, Wethersfield Public Schools is moving forward with a phased implementation pilot in the fall of the Great Minds Wit & Wisdom core curriculum resources for grades 5 through 8 during the upcoming school year. So, that'll be in the fall. Uh the the key instructional shift is heavily backed by data highlighting the program's strong alignment with the science of reading. There was also an extensive field test team made up of teachers from grades 5 through 8 who did a deep dive into read rich complex grade level texts while fostering sophisticated student thinking and classroom discourse. Uh moving over to textbook update. Due to increased enrollment in the
034AP Government and Politics course at the high school, the Office of Teaching and Learning purchased additional textbooks to recommend uh or to accommodate the um the course selection by the kids. So, we we had to buy more books because the course was so popular uh there. So, that concludes the the superintendent's update for the month. >> any discussion? Anyone? Questions? Okay, so we'll move on. So, at tonight's board meeting, we have many policies for our review and possible approval. Matt, our policy chair, can you read please read motion 5A for our consent agenda? >> Yep. So, we're going to try to approve these all at once through our consent agenda. I move to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion on this motion? Um and I'm going to say the
035following policies are presented as part of the consent agenda agenda. Any board member may request that an item be removed for separate discussion and action. If there are no requests, the chair will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Any other discussion on this? >> I just say I'm it's a lot of policies and all that changes. Most of them are are state driven, but I just want to thank the staff and central office for kind of organizing all this, especially Jennifer. Um and um and uh yeah, and just organizing it and for us and um a lot of it is is is just tweaks in here and there, but thank you for your all the all the work. >> Yep, I agree. Thank you. Anyone else, Janice? >> Um it's an
036amazing amount of work and reading through all the changes is amazing. Um, I know there were a question were question or two about the high school graduation policy 5 5300 and just to um clarify um why students are getting the credit for say like algebra one that they took in eighth grade, they're not getting it till later and why they're not getting it right as they finish it in eighth grade. Um, I know that that's been a question. >> Yeah, point of clarification, if we have a consent agenda, nobody made a motion to move any of these policies off the consent agenda, we shouldn't be discussing it. >> Okay. >> That's the point of a consent agenda is >> But I believe >> Point of clar- point of order >> The question was answered in
037response to an email that we we received that was questioning that specific policy. We can put you in touch with the person that answered that question. But that was answered. So uh >> Okay, any other discussion? Okay, let's uh have a motion to approve. I have a motion. >> And we did, okay. >> it's already been seconded. >> All All in favor of this Roll call. Roll call. But all in favor of this whole consent agenda. >> Yes. >> Go ahead. Um, Ms. Callan Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> Yes. >> Mr. Baco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. De Roberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Mr. Lacavoli? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Granado? >> Yes. >> Motion passes in favor
0389-0. Okay, thank you. So that motion passes and continuing on our action items, Matt, would you read motion 5B? >> Yes. So, uh we're going to go slow here because prior to reading 5B, and in conjunction with 5B, I must make a motion first for us to get there. Um the motion is going to have to do with the meeting minutes that we had earlier amended with that had the incorrect vote listed. So, I'm going to first I'm going to move to rescind the approval of the recommended amended motion 6A made at the 4/28 Board of Education meeting. >> We have a second. >> for discussion reasons. >> Okay. >> Now we have discussion. I I just want to clarify that has nothing to do with the minutes. The minutes clearly are correct. The motion
039passed. The rescind is that we want to you want to bring the motion back to the table to represent it in a different manner than what was approved. So, I just want to make clarification. It has nothing to do with the minutes. The minutes accurately reflect the meeting as is now that we amended them. That's all. Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else for discussion on this? Okay, so we'll put to a vote. >> Roll call vote. >> A roll call vote. Ms. Callan Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> No. >> Mr. Baco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeRoberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Nope. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> No. >> Uh Vice Chair Mr. Iacovelli? >> Yes. >> And Chairperson Granata? >> Yes. >> Motion passes in favor of
040five to four. >> No. No. No. No. No. Yeah, it wasn't five four. It was six three. >> Six three. >> Sorry, we're going to go slow. We're still getting used to the roll call votes. I think it slows things down. We can get a better count, right? We'll get there. So, now I'm going to make 5B. Which is move that pursuant to the Connecticut General Statute Section 10-20-248A, amended in 2024 by enacting Section 7 of Public Act 24-25, the Wethersfield Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to establish a non-lapsing account for unexpected educational appropriations. And further moved that the Wethersfield Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to automatically deposit unexpended educational funds from the prior fiscal year into the non-lapsing account with the following requirements. Deposit will not exceed 2% of the budgeted appropriations
041from the prior fiscal year. The funds may only be used for educational purposes. And the Board of Education must authorize expenditures from the non-lapsing account. >> Okay, can I have a second? I can. All right. Discussion? I just want to say that I'm super disappointed that we're bringing this back. I do not understand, and maybe you can clarify, um, why it must say automatically. Um, why it can't just say that we may deposit. Um, it it boxes us into a corner, and it and I prefer to have something open where if we happen to be super responsible and we have money that we can give it back to our taxpayers that put it in our pockets for us. Um, and I'm really just disappointed that, um, we have to revisit this cuz I I don't
042see what the problem was with may. So, somebody wants to enlighten me, I'd really appreciate that. >> So, my take on it was um I would rather have us, the board, be the decision maker in what happens with board finances and not the superintendent. I felt that the May um gave the superintendent a little more power and or leeway in terms of board finances. Just my opinion. This is This is directing the superintendent to put this money into essentially a bank account or piggy bank that we, the board, then get to decide what gets done with it. >> But he hasn't zero Sorry, I apologize. >> Yeah, yeah. >> He has He does not have the authority to do that. It's the board that has the authority to move any money. Like it has to
043go before us anyways. So, it's just like a This is kind of like a an yet another like layer that we're going to have to go through. And I It just makes things more difficult for us. So, I I don't understand. I I'll It's It just seems like a lot of bureaucratic stuff that's just piling on us. So, I again, I May, I don't I don't see it's it's something that we can do. And quite honestly, I'm not even sure we even need it because at the end of the year, we're deciding on our budget and we're deciding where the money goes anyways when we vote at the end of the year after, you know, so I'm not It's I don't know. I Maybe I'm alone, but that's that's how I feel. >> Thank you.
044Marjorie? >> I just want to say that when someone brings up an amendment to a motion that has been vetted by our attorneys and deals with like basically change in state law and allows us to do this and the attorneys advised us to do this, and then a board member decides to just route an amendment without first asking what the attorneys think or what the legal implications are and just throws it out there, that's not responsible. And I think we need to look back and if you want to make an amendment or ask the questions, ask the questions. It was on the agenda before the meeting. Ask you could have asked way before the meeting. And I think we need to understand the implications of our actions and take time and ask the very well
045paid people who make these decisions and understand the information here. So that is all I'm going to say. >> Okay. Well, any other discussion? >> Yeah, so clearly Marjorie doesn't understand that the board doesn't have the right to ask the attorney. Only one person on this board does. We get the packet on Friday. So we all have busy lives. So if we're lucky we read it by Sunday, which then there gives us the question on Monday. And if we're lucky an attorney gets back to us by Tuesday or Wednesday and that meeting happens on Tuesday. So it's kind of hard to ask when we're not given these things well enough in advance to actually have clarity and understanding. Furthermore, I just want to make sure I agree with the first part. We need I think
046we should establish an account. I don't I've been around. I work on a board of education. I'm the finance director in another town. The second part I've never seen and I've looked at many towns who have established these accounts. So I don't know why we need the second account where it's second part of this where it says the superintendent will put the money in. It as Amanda said it should be left up to the board to make that decision. But I do wholeheartedly agree that we needed to our own 2% fund to have control of. >> I just want to say one more thing. Sorry. >> Mhm. >> When you ask for an amendment without asking the attorneys how it affects the motion. You can ask in advance, you know, can we just delay this
047motion cuz I have some questions and if the attorneys can't get back to us in time, maybe we could push it off till the next meeting. That's responsible. Just throwing out amendment when you don't know the legal implications just because >> [clears throat] >> you think this or you might think that or you're not sure about that, you need to step back and ask the experts, what are the implications of this amendment? Because we're dealing with money here, we're dealing with state law. Um, and that could have happened, too. I'm not asking for, you know, for everyone to know everything, but but you have to know that when you're asking for amendment, think about what you're asking. And should you just take more time and ask maybe to stop the vote, a pause, whatever. But
048just throwing out the amendment without understanding the effects is really not how we should work here. >> You're assuming we didn't ask an attorney. You're assuming we didn't take into account the effects of it, and that's kind of [clears throat] misconstruing of you. We did have the conversation with attorneys we know, and we do know the effects of it. And the only part of the No. >> Okay. >> I'm talking. Hold on. >> Yes, yes, yes. >> The only part of this that is actually statute was the first part, which we didn't try to amend. The second part is not statute. The word may had no legal implicating implications. I can tell you that. We have the legal our own legal discussion on that. Thank you. >> Okay, anyone else? Mindy? >> I just you
049know, we have a lot of parents here tonight, parent advocates, and you know, the board has adopted a decorum and civility uh policy, and I think the way that we're speaking to each other is not great and not a great example to set. We're here to do what's right for the children, and to call board members out by name and say this person doesn't understand X, Y, or Z is not really how I think we should be conducting ourselves um in a public meeting. So, I just wanted to say that. >> I was also just going to say that I think that like part of the reason this went sideways is is because of the way that the vote ended. I don't think that the way that the vote went down is entirely excluded from
050why we're bringing this back up today. Um it's the way that that vote went down is we're not all parliamentarians. You run for the Board of Education. Not everybody understands Robert's Rules of Order. It's hard to run a meeting. It's hard to do it in public when there's pressure from people, there's pressure coming at you from the public, and other board members. Um I think that the way that we went about it this time with the roll call vote, we slowed it down. Amanda, you would still be free to make your amended motion. That's well within your rights. We respect that. We would have a roll call vote on the amended motion. Um I have less of an issue with the motion than with the way that it went down last time in terms of
051the vote. I'm not upset at anyone up here. You're within your right to make an amended motion that we can vote on it. I think part of the reason it went sideways is because of the vote. Just my opinion. That being said, I appreciate the fact that now the money is automatically going into a place where we have a say in terms of what happens with it. Why should we let the superintendent maybe put it in there or maybe not? This is our board. This is our budget. We want more control over it. I don't know how understand how anyone can disagree with that. Just my two cents. >> Anyone else for discussion? I think we'll move on to a vote. Okay, roll call vote? >> Yes. >> Ms. Callan-Carson? >> Yes. >> [clears throat]
052>> Mr. Carey? >> Nay. >> Ms. Tabacco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. De Roberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> No. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> No. >> Mr. Lacavoli? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Grenada. >> Yes. >> It passes 6-3. >> Oh, thank you. >> All right, let's move on. We have a report. Oh, I'm sorry. This is the best motion of the evening. Mindy, go ahead. >> Uh, I move that the Weather Shield Board of Education approve the international field trip request to Peru in spring 2028. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a discussion. Stephen Clark, can you come on up? >> Madam Chair. >> If I may, introduce Mr. Clark. >> Sure. >> [laughter] >> Just as a procedure procedural We're we're going to have three field trips up
053for consideration for the board. As you see, there are a couple of years out and the reason being um for this is so that the teacher can initiate fundraising amongst the students because it's an international trip. As you can imagine, it you know, it has uh you know, uh pretty real uh monetary implications on the kids and the family. So, the more time that they have to raise funds, the better. What the next phase would be is we will check the um the State Department uh threat level warning closer to the date of the trip, probably about 6 to 8 months prior to the trip, and we'll ask the board to vote if the if the board of agrees and approves the trip tonight, we'll ask you to come back closer to the the time
054frame uh and we'll we'll have a closer closer to the pin, so to speak, um State Department threat level at that time. So, at least it lets the the teacher uh start to raise funds for the kids now um cuz you as you can imagine, it's it's tough to raise these types of funds in a in a short amount of time. So, it gives them um more time. So, I just wanted to give you a little bit of background and I'll I'll turn it over uh to to our outstanding teacher to talk a little bit more about the trips. >> Uh good evening, everyone. Uh my name is Steve Carr. I teach uh social studies in the high school. Uh I'll be leading my sixth trip uh to Peru in 2028. So, today is really
055about getting a head start. Uh we have a really good group of teachers who lead students. Uh it really is expanding the classroom. You know, I think one of the things for us is just that experiential learning, understanding how to deal with the world around us, seeing others through their eyes is is really important. So, uh it's something I wholeheartedly believe in as an individual and I think uh allowing these kids to go on these trips and and getting them out there is something that's really really beneficial for them. So, um obviously with the cost, we kind of want to get ahead of this and and start right away in September and just be ready for it. So, that was the the intention of today. >> Okay. We We haven't read one. Mindy, would you
056read the first motion? >> Wait, it's already been read. >> Yeah, no, she already read it. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. All right. So, um we have some questions we can ask you at this point. You know, I went went through all these and I also saw there were extension tours. >> Yeah. >> Can you just explain how that's accommodated? >> So, normally we don't do extensions just cuz depending on the time frame [laughter] that we're doing this. Usually it's during April. So, two of those trips are Italy and Peru are both uh intended for April. So, we try to minimize loss of schooling for kids to make sure they're maximizing their time in school, uh but still getting the opportunity during our spring break. And then two of those trips, uh Japan and China,
057will be during the summer. So, depending on the uh options of the teacher and, you know, the expected cost of the uh extensions, they can uh do as they they will that time. >> Okay. Any questions? Anyone else have any questions? >> How many kids participate or go on these trips? >> So, we've been pretty successful lately depending on the the trips. I'll just give you an example. So, I I only brought 14 kids this past April to Panama, but there's another trip going on at the same time that had 42, I believe, to Europe. Um and then we've had trips of 36. I've gone on with 42. It just depends on where it is and the popularity of the location. >> What's the most popular? >> Uh right now, if you do Italy, France,
058Spain, and then Japan was very popular a few years ago, which you can see is why it's coming back, so. Uh I tend to go to the least popular ones, but they're awesome. Just putting that there. >> Okay. I will just say like that I just um love these trips and I the stories you hear about the how much the kids grow and the things they experience and I did go to one presentation for a Japan. Um my son never did it, but we but I was just blown away by just the itinerary and I mean, there's like >> [clears throat] >> every second is filled with something amazing. And that was food-based, I think, also. Like they were like, "Nope, you got to eat the Japanese food." Um [snorts] and so that really expands
059our horizons in culinary ways and, you know, historic ways and um so it's it's a great opportunity and and I'm glad, you know, glad you guys all do it and you man- do you manage it or whatever. Thank you. >> Anyone else for discussion or questions? Okay, so we'll take a vote. >> [snorts] >> Roll call vote. >> And is this just for the Peru? >> We're going to do four separate votes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Ms. Callan Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> Yes. >> Mr. Babaco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. De Roberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Mr. Lacavoli? >> Yes. >> And Chairperson Granado? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 9 to 0. Thank you. >>
060Mindy? >> Yes. I move that the Wethersfield Board of Education approve the international field trip request Italy in spring 2028. >> I second. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion? Want to discuss that one first, Joe? >> Might as well stay up. >> Sure. [laughter] >> So, Italy is actually going to be Ms. McGrath, who's our Italian teacher. She's going to be taking kids. She has a very popular tour. Those, you know, obviously you have a lot of students in Wethersfield who have Italian heritage. They go and they you know, experience what maybe their family did in the past. But, she's trying to get the language immersion and and trying to kind of expand her program. >> Okay, any questions or >> Is there a requirement? Like are there requirements for who gets to go on the
061trips? >> So, there are no requirements that currently. She had floated having only Italian students, but I don't know if she's decided yet on that. >> Okay, let's take a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Oh, roll call. >> [laughter] >> We're not going to get that in our heads. Roll call. >> Ms. Callan Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> Yes. >> Ms. Baco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeRoberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Chairperson, Mr. Lackavole? >> Yes. >> And I mean vice chairperson. And chairperson Granata? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 9 to 0 in favor. Thank you. >> Mindy? >> I move that the Wethersfield Board of Education approve the international field trip request to China in summer 2028.
062>> Second. >> Okay, discussion. Go right ahead. >> So, Sarah Wong, who was born in from China and went to school in China. Uh, really wants to expand kids' opportunities. I think there's a um negative stereotype about China, but they're living in the future. Uh, they're a a wonderful example of what, you know, putting money into infrastructure and future futuristic ideas is is about. So, it'll be exciting for the students. >> A- Any questions? All right, let's take a vote, a roll call vote. Ms. Callan Carson? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carey? >> Yes. >> Ms. DeBacco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeRoberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Mr. LaCavoli? >> Yes. >> Chairperson Granato? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 9-0 in
063favor. Thank you. Last one, Mindy? >> I move that the Wethersfield Board of Education approve the international field trip request to Japan in summer 2028. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion? >> [laughter] >> Uh, Jen Nicholas, who's our uh technology teacher, she really wants to focus on robotics. She had a lot of interest from some of those children. So, uh Japan is another great example of what it means to, you know, look to the future. So, um something robotics surrounding that she can um get students interested in. So. >> I have a question. How do you choose um chaperones? >> So, chaperones generally come, depending on the teacher. Uh, some people choose historically somebody they're close with. Uh, I try to kind of move the move it around. Uh, the people who are leading the tours
064are generally people who volunteer. Uh, obviously this year you see four. Um you know, we've kind of switched over our methodology, but I I think it's just if somebody wants to lead a trip, they do. Supply and demand goes, you You maybe one of these trips might not go off just for numbers. So, it just depends on if there's interest from teachers and you know, that. >> Another question, do you go alongside groups from other schools and other districts or is it just your group like on its own? >> So, it depends. So, usually if you have a large enough group, you get to go on your own. Usually that number is somewhere around 30 unless you have a smaller school. I've been on trips where you've had six people from another school or 10
065depending. It's It's really if they're trying to to do that. Obviously, we want to protect our children and make sure their experience is what it's meant to be, but that's kind of the risk of going to different places. So, >> Anyone else? We'll take a vote. All in favor? >> Mhm. >> Oh. Do the roll. >> Roll call. >> Ms. Callan Carson? >> need him to say that next to me. >> Carey? >> Yes. >> Mr. Baco? >> Yes. >> Mrs. De Roberts? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Drew? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Goal? >> Yes. >> Mr. Riley? >> Yes. >> Vice Chair Mr. Lacavole? >> Yes. >> And Chairperson Mrs. Grenado? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 9 to 0. >> Great. In favor. Thank you. And tonight we have a report on our school drill
066log and final annual report. Thank you very much. >> Madam Chair, board members, as you know, um we we have to certify and provide a report to the state every year uh based on meeting man- mandatory uh drills for the year and Director Bearbolt is here just to attest to the the drills for the year. Michael. >> Good evening, everybody. Good to see you again. Can't believe it's the end of the year already, right? We have conducted all our mandatory drills for every school and they've been submitted to the state prior to the deadline of July 1. So, we're really proud of that. What I like is we've done a multitude of drills, different variations, included all our folks from custodial staff to kitchen staff, to lunch aids, to recess safety. So, we our whole
067community is involved in our drills because they need to be there to protect our children. Looking to the future this summer, I'll meet with all the principals at every school. We'll set our drill table for the year by August 20th, the deadline set forth in our administrative letter. Also, I'll touch base with all the principals. We'll touch every single individual school safety plan, update them, make sure they're in place, make sure we have an understanding, and that drives us going forward through the year. Um couple other things I just want to touch base on, too, is we had some drip funding money coming from the state. So, I'm working with IT. We're going to upgrade our servers for our security cameras. We're going to add cameras at different locations, replace some old cameras. There's a
068couple door projects that are involved in that. So, we're making steps to actually update all our stuff and put everything on one platform throughout the entire district. So, that's an exciting thing moving forward. That's it. >> Any questions, Mr. Bearbault? >> Perfect. >> Now, I I do I do have one question. Do you get outside services to come in for any of these to observe our students to make sure I know you're excellent. >> Yep. Yep. So, we're fortunate enough we have SROs in the middle school and the high school. They're there. Our um Anthony D'Ignati or one of the fire marshal every single drill. So, we have outside people in there. The high school is a good opportunity because we have fire, police, administration, us there. It meets a requirement for all those parties
069to be there for one drill to critique. So, we're covered all the way through, but we have multiple sets of eyes. Some towns don't have these outside agencies coming in. We're fortunate that we work very tightly with those agencies. So, yes, they're other set of eyes. We all collaborate to make sure we're on the same page. >> Yep. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Have a good summer, everyone. >> For everything you do. >> We deeply appreciate Director Bearbault and and also the great partnership he's established through the years with our wonderful police department and fire department. Thanks Mike. >> Thank you. Okay, we'll go on to meetings held. Finance and operations just met, Matt. >> Yep. So I'll do this one and the one at the bottom of meetings held cuz they're both
070finance and operations. I just haven't commented on either of them yet. So the the first one was on 526 where we were $105,000 under budget on the year. Since then a month ago we're $70,000 worse off. We still have a surplus but it's only $35,000. That should be settled by the end of July. Pretty close to zero if you ask me in a 67-70 million-dollar budget. An up down of 35,000 is getting something right. So a big shout out to Matt Kazaka, our business manager, who manages all the ins and outs of our budget. I totally like give some people an idea of like what goes on in the school board budget. There's just so many moving pieces that it's an imperfect science. It's hard to get it exact. So for example, we budget a
071certain amount for certain items every year. This year we're under on our teacher salary line. We're over on our substitute teacher line. We're over on our paraeducator salaries. We're under on legal services. We're over in admissions and field trips. We're under in licenses and subscriptions. We're over in private facility school tuition. We're under in textbooks. So it's just there's all these items that get thrown into the blender and you you hope you end at zero. The main thing is the salaries, the substitutes, and the outplacements. Um whether or not we can service a kid in district with what they need. Um this year we budgeted for a certain amount of outplaces, outplacements. We ended up having nine over. So despite having to outplace nine students, we still ended pretty close to zero. So um I
072would say it's been a good year on the financial front. Um other than that, we discussed that we're going to be going out to bid um for two contracts next year. One having to do with transportation and one having to do with food services. That was what we discussed tonight. >> Okay, thank you. All right. Community and public relations, Marjorie, would you speak to that? >> Sure. So we met on the 1st of June, which seems like yesterday, but also like a year ago. There's so much that's happened. Um my son graduated, so a lot has been happening. So um one of the things that has [music] been uh like work in pro processes like getting uh a web page set up for the school construction project, the elementary school construction project. And we had
073a there basically was one, but it was very old, and if you clicked on it, it was very much older information. So there was like basically a uh a uh agreement to just start sending information and and the the webmaster uh for the district and um a couple other employees um got to work and helped kind of create the more new and modern version of a web page that will fully explain kind of what where we have been and where we are now and where we're going to go. Um and so that went live, I believe, last week in the building committee. It was also able to look at it last night. Um but uh during this meeting that we had at uh community and public relations meeting, we looked at kind of like what
074it was then. It was like a couple four weeks ago and any advice um and changes or recommended things. If as a new viewer, you know, what do you think what does it look organized? Is there >> [music] >> any information that you think would be better off here or there or think or added? And so, I took those we took those comments and sent them to the webmaster and also TSKP created this very good slide set of slides that shows the um the the timeline of like what what school's going to be done when and which students are going to be moved. And so, it's a really good timeline that you just click on each side and it kind of tells you how it's all going to work. And so, that was also added
075to this web page. So, the building committee, from my understanding, [music] I wasn't there, saw it last night and was very happy with it. And there's also question answer a question prompt at the very bottom which anybody can ask and it we'll send those questions either to I think that the the the webmaster will send them to Mr. Bibby or and then he might send them to the building committee depending on what the question is and figure out what the answer is, right? And then we'll start to create a set of frequently asked questions. So, we talked about that, went through the website our web page, and that was basically the bulk of the meeting and there was a lot of really good observations and points that our committee made. Many things I didn't notice
076and some of them noticed. So, it was a really good collaborative effort. And so, I'm very happy to say say that it's out there and it's green it's green lit and it's ready there for people to see and use as a landing page for information from here on out as as things change, right? And we also talked about the noteworthy achievements and accomplishments that Mr. Bibby, our superintendent, and staff put together from the entire year, a list of different achievements and and accomplishments. And we're looking to maybe send send this out in in a newsletter from the Board of Ed um for our final Board of Ed newsletter that maybe will hopefully go up at the end of the month and looking to see what we can do for newsletters next year align better with
077maybe the superintendents reports to the board and information that he gives us. So that's more to come next next year. Something to work on. >> Marjorie, thank you and the building committee did thank you. Thank you very much for your work. >> [snorts] >> I'm moving on human resources and personnel. Gabby. >> Hello everyone. So human resources and personnel met on Wednesday, June 17th at the Stillman building. So we went over a few items during this meeting. First and foremost we went over our certified staff turnover report for the year. So for the 25-26 school year we had about 24 teachers exit WPS. This represents about a 7.6% of our staff and of that exiting group of employees there was 43.5% of them that were retiring. So that's about 3.2% of our entire teaching staff.
078And it was really interesting to look at this data and you know which schools were seeing teachers retire early from the years of service that they've had with the WPS. And just looking at that data is always really interesting for our committee to dig into. With that being said we also reviewed some job job descriptions you know with some teachers leaving or retiring we have jobs that need to be filled. So we reviewed some of those that are going to be either active or going to be hiring for this next school year. We also discussed our teacher evaluations that need to be completed per the state requirements. With it being the end of the school year everyone is very busy. So we're doing really well on getting those evaluations done. We're still actively working on
079that. But we are on track to get those all done meeting the state requirements. And that was really the gist of what we went over. >> Thank you. And moving on, we have the advisory school building committee which met last night, Amanda. >> Yes, so we had the building committee last night. TSKP did an update where they let us know that they've met with planning and zoning and inland wetlands to start the process for their formal application to them. They also met with some Highcrest teachers to actually discuss what they will need on a day-to-day basis and to make sure that the actual plan will work with them. Downs did an update which is our construction and they said that the DD budget which is the design development budget is being worked on and hopefully
080submitted for our next meeting. We discussed the timeline and we're really tight but they hope that we'll be able to still make it for our construction date. And then TSKP so in their original quote they hired MP planning to do the enrollment study. And so we have agreed to give them additional money to actually do a redistricting plan. So it will allow us to use that company that does it already and to start it immediately because it's something that we're going to have to get going. It's going and a lot of people in the community really want to know where their kids are going. You know, it's it's important. They really want to know like what's going on, what the process is. So we want to get that that ball rolling. So it's going to
081be an additional $24,200 to do that plan and hopefully that'll that'll get the ball it has to go before the town council which I believe it's going to be July 20th for approval, um and then um they'll they'll start. We also um have an RFP that will be going out the end of this week for a commissioning agent. Um a commissioning agent is actually somebody who's an expert in um all of all of the things, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, just so that when the construction begins, we will have somebody outside who will be reviewing to make sure that they're actually completed properly. Um and then we had a uh discussion about PLAs again. The town council seems to uh they've decided that they might be bringing it back on the table to discuss it. Um and
082we've decided to uh be Switzerland and allow town council to make their decision on that. And then we also uh reviewed the uh new Board of Ed website, and there was a lot of kudos um in regards to um how it was created. It was very thorough, but very readable um for the uh vast majority of the public, so it was very appreciative, and uh we're going to try to figure out a way um that cuz we currently have our own website, where we just create like a landing page, where it will go to that. And so um and then the town we want the town to be able to link on to that, too, since it was done um so well. So we just wanted to make sure that um we're all getting the
083same information, and we're not having multiple sites. Um and that's really really it. >> I think that was enough. >> That was good. Thank you very much. >> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Um when you say that the we've hired someone to do the redistricting plan, um I don't know if Mr. Webe or can you speak to what the administration's role in that is? Are they a consultant to the school district? >> They are. Yeah, they'll they'll work directly with us. Um and uh we I believe we commence that work next week believe is our first meeting with with that team and it includes our architects are our owners rep and administration. It'll be a you know it'll be a process that will kind of stretch out through the fall and in
084the winter so that the board will have some options to look at over the course of next school year. We'll definitely be heavily involved with that. >> With multiple stakeholders coming together advised by >> We anticipate quite a bit of community outreach surveys and and mapping and it will be several measures will be kind of part of that. >> Okay, anyone else? All right. >> [snorts] >> So we have meeting scheduled. The advisory school building committee will be meeting in July on July what is that? 13th, July 27th and also August 10th. And the Board of Education summer retreat is August 18th. >> Is that a definite date? >> No, that the board's secretary had put out a poll and um so I can't confirm or confirm that it's >> Just a question. >> Okay.
085>> That's a It's a Tuesday. >> It's a Tuesday. >> even one of our choices. >> Yeah, I really thought it was the 15th or the 22nd. >> And I haven't even responded. >> I've only been >> All right. >> So that's to be determined. >> To be determined. >> So everyone knows. >> I'll add that notation to be determined or Okay, pending approval. >> Yes. >> All right, is there anyone wishing to make a public comment? Please come on up to the podium and state your name and address and may I remind you that public comments are limited to 5 minutes. >> Thank you. I'll try and keep it under five. Uh Matt Sakulo, 1692 Red Highway. Uh as I was saying, the last the latest proposal states that the students in good standing
086will have be able to opt out of WIN class and earn back a unified arts class, but only for one semester. What good standing means is unclear. What are the goals? What is needed? What is the practical fine print of good standing? What are the requirements? Uh how does this work? How do they sign up for it? With attendance being part of it, can they lose it if they are sick for a week? Will they be graded in the unified arts class like they would any class? What happens if the desired art class is at capacity? What percentage of the students are anticipated to qualify? Will it be the same arts class every quarter? How does this affect IEP and special needs students? How does it affect the mental health of the students who don't
087earn the arts back as they watch their WIN class get smaller and smaller? How does this make them feel when they see their classmates enjoying a full educational experience and they are stuck? While I believe the latest proposal is a much better version of the original one, and I truly appreciate Jeff and Tara for constantly working to this and being open to comments, I believe it isn't ready for 2026. All these questions and more need to be explored, answered, and communicated. Even if the practicality is worked out, there are still three burning questions I have for it. How does cutting arts access equal higher math growth scores? More time in math does not always mean better math. As Jeff said at the High Crest step up, High Crest sixth grade class had the highest scores
088in 10 years, right? Yeah? >> You can't >> talk. >> Oh, sorry. That's a yes, cuz I was there. I heard him say it. >> [laughter] >> Um the at High crest, the math classes are only 55 minutes, the shortest in the district. So, more time does not always equal more growth. How does cutting arts access make us a more competitive district? I believe it makes us weaker. It is our opportunities and experiences that make us stronger. And three, is making a full educational experience something that needs to be earned equitable for all students? No, it certainly is not. There have been discussions of making up the cut unified arts class in after-school programs. Students should not have to stay after school simply to receive a full education. The practicality of that is also rational
089as it assumes students have no after-school activities. They aren't in marching band, drama, student council, sports, other activities, or obligations. It assumes that they don't have too much homework despite a lack of efficient den. It also assumes that they are the already stretched teacher somehow has capacity to be involved. There's also another equity issue here. Families without with resources will often replace those cut opportunities with private lessons, camps, and tutors. Families without those resources can't, which widens gaps in skills, confidence, exposure. And the proposal does not give the educational experience to everyone. This will only deepen in This will only deepen in inequality within the school, community, and town. After-school programs are not an acceptable replacement for access during the school day. Another part of the uh the justification for this massive curriculum change was
090DRG, district reference groups, and index scores. On the Connecticut State Department's education of education's own website, DRGs were not created to rank districts and schools or provide an indicator of school quality. They fail to account for experience experiences of students and the barriers that lead to and exacerbate disparities in education opportunities and outcomes. This should not be the driving force for cutting access to the arts. Further, the test scores and trends have been moving in the right direction each year since COVID. At the meetings, Jeff has shown us PowerPoint slides with math growth scores as the main concern. Yes, I agree it can be improved, of course, but according to edsight.ct.gov's website, >> [snorts] >> where all the scores are public and available, the on-track for high school among Silas Deane Middle School students is
09196.7%. Before COVID, it was 94.7. The students are more prepared now than they were before COVID. In fact, to compare it to compare it to statewide, the statewide average is 85.9%. So, we're doing well above the the rest of the state for preparing our middle schoolers for high school. We're doing a lot of things right here. On the same website, they allow you to change the numbers to see the effect on the overall index score. The main outlier is attendance. Not only is it part of the index score, but it drives all the other scores as well. If a student is chronically absent, they will miss the lesson. If you change the attendance score to pre-COVID numbers, then our index score is above goal. Attendance is the key to improving all of our numbers. >>
092Hello, can I give you a warning? You have a few more seconds. >> Okay, then I'll jump to the last the last bit here. Uh boy, um I asked the board at what point do we acknowledge that this is more than just a schedule change? It does not provide complete educational experience for every student. Every student that walks into that school, it narrows how and what they are able to learn. What will it take to see that this is an inequitable curriculum proposal? The BOE must be accountable to the students of the town. Every student deserves opportunities and exposure to different classes while finding their community. That should be at at the core of every member's belief. The curriculum change limits and separates students. It needs to be voted on and rejected. Middle school should
093be defined by possibility, not limitations. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, anyone else? All right, are there any board comments? >> Yes. Uh first I want to start graduation was excellent uh last Friday. When was the last Friday? It seems like yesterday. Uh great job Mr. O'Connor. We got it in before the storm started. >> Yeah, shoo. >> [applause] >> I want to congratulate all the students of 2026. The speeches were excellent. As I sat up there, I was like, "Wow, there's a lot a lot far brighter people in this world than me who are speaking right now." And they did a wonderful job and I thought the whole ceremony was great. So, I was proud to be part of that. Um an additional comment can unless I'm missing it, Mr. Wibby, and you don't
094have to answer it, but can we get handouts from these subcommittees sent to us? So, Miss Baca Miss the Gabby cuz I don't want to mess up her name mentioned a handout about uh teacher turnover. I'd love to see that handout. And did I miss it? But I'd like anything that's given at subcommittee should be sent to the full board at the end of the week. It's how it's always been in the past. We've gotten minutes from the subcommittees and the materials. They all are public record if they're given out at subcommittees. >> We're happy to share. Um I don't know Thank you for bringing that to our attention. We'll make sure that you get that. >> Yeah, it's just a cuz we can't be in all the committees, so uh we usually get the
095materials so we can see them. >> There's no argument. I'll we'll find out what the what the >> No, it's all right. And I could have missed it and I quite honestly I might miss I might have missed it, so. Um I did want to just set the record. We are getting lots of emails from parents about the schedule at the middle school. I want to make it clear we have no say in that. But I do understand and respect all everyone's opinions. And tonight's speakers were great. I missed the last meeting. And I agree with a lot of what's being said and being an educator myself, having three kids who went through the middle school. So, I I do feel a lot of people's pain and do understand where they're coming from. Did also
096want to set the record straight in the 428 meeting, it was stated during board comment that the board gave direction to have the middle school looked at and changed by Mr. Weeby. That is not true. Three members of this board never had that discussion with him and I just want to make that clear for the record. >> Anyone else? Matt? >> Uh yeah, so I echo Chuck's comments about the graduation night. Uh as a board of ed member, it's always the the best night of the year. At least it is for me. Um seeing all those kids and all those families accomplish their goal and walk across the stage and get their degree is just so satisfying. Um very happy for them. Nice work to [clears throat] Shavon for getting through that. I know that
097there was a little speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down, but we saw the raindrops about to come and you literally got it off. I think the last child got their diploma as the rain started falling. So, nice work on that. Um I just want to commend everybody up here um on their work on the board throughout the year. Um I've said this in past board meetings, we're volunteers. We have families, we have jobs, we have other obligations. This takes a lot away from that. Um I appreciate the work that we got done this year. We got along on some subjects, we disagreed on some subjects. That's fine, that's normal. I think we did it rather amicably. Um and I especially want to congratulate our two newest board members, Gabby and Mindy, who I
098thought were awesome um in their first year. They seem like veterans already. Amanda, you I know this is like your first ish year. You You kind of count as a veteran though with the rest of us. >> count. >> Yeah, no, no, [laughter] no. Yeah, you've been up here before. Yeah, you're you're you've been renewed up here. Um but yeah, no, nice work to everyone. Um whether it It committee work, budget work, going to the PTOs, going to events, art shows. >> Yes. Um >> A lot. >> sporting events, all that stuff. All the stuff that we try to ingrain ourselves in in this school district in conjunction with everything you have going on in your lives is it's impressive. So, thank you all. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Amanda? >> Um I also would
099like to say thank you um in regards to graduation. I think all of you know that I've been chomping at the bit all year waiting for this. I swore was going to happen and I want to say thank you. Thank you to Wethersfield that has the tradition to allow parents to be able to hand the diploma out. It was um amazing and it's something that I will never forget and hopefully she won't either and I will watch the video over and over again. Um and then I also want to um give a big kudos out to every um parent, senior parent, every um uh company that donated to safe grad uh this year. Uh we took a chance and changed it to a different um place and it I believe it went off um fantastically.
100Um everybody who was involved in it um did an absolutely um wonderful job and uh I couldn't be prouder of, you know, all of the senior parents and everything that they did. I really appreciate it. Um and then also um just like Chuck said, I I want to reiterate again, um this is not the curriculum change is not something that is um something that we will be voting on. That it this is something that the superintendent is in charge of, the um administration um working with him. They are in charge of. Um however, we hear you. We've read everything um and oh I've spoken to a lot of parents. I've spoken to a lot of teachers. They all know my opinion in regards to this. Um I I am not in favor of the change.
101Um I also have a middle schooler as well and I believe that unified arts um is probably something that is one of the most important things for a developing child to have, to be able to experiment and to be able to enjoy and to find something where math might not be their their thing, but baking is. And that allows them to feel a confidence in school that they might not have um in a regular class. So um but however, um I appreciate all of the work that they've done that they've put into this. They obviously know far more than me cuz I am not a teacher. I do not claim to be one. I retired after COVID. And um I just uh I appreciate it and I and I hope that as parents we take
102the opportunity next year as it's being developed to give it a chance and to see how it works. Um so again, but I appreciate it and um and I appreciate everything that you do. I appreciate how you stand up for your kids and how you're willing to come and sit up here and and speak to us, email us, and call us and I really do appreciate it. So thank you. >> Okay, thank you. And you Jen. >> Um I just wanted to say that unfortunately I had to miss graduation. Um almost a year ago an opportunity for a trip came up and I wasn't even thinking about graduation at the time, but once I realized I was really upset because it is one of the best nights of the year. Totally. And I would have
103loved to have seen in person as it happened live um Mrs. Jew giving her daughter [laughter] her diploma and >> the video. >> What? >> I'll show you the video. >> Okay, want to see [laughter] it. And Mrs. Carson also giving her son his diploma. >> And Mr. Riley. And um my neighbor Max Genfrido. Um I was I told him I promised him a special something um for not having been there. But um and then there were others also. But those were the very special standouts that I really really regret missing and I did think about it that night and just how much fun it always is and how exciting it is especially for the Board of Ed where we have those ringside seats to all the excitement. So, I'm glad you made it before
104the weather got bad. I heard about that. Um and I am I will not book a trip again [laughter] before late middle of June. Um so, thank you. And also, I want to uh just give also my appreciation for all of the parents who have taken the time to um express their feelings and being involved in um their school the education of their children by letting their thoughts um and opinions be known. So, thank you. Okay, Mindy. >> Um I wanted to commend everyone who was part of the building committee meeting where um all of the contractors were uh introduced the town and Mr. Wibby was able to be part of that and speak from the BOE perspective. Um it's always great to see community involvement and um I'm really glad that the building committee
105prioritized um that kind of public meeting. Uh and hopefully that plus the website will get a lot of questions answered and really excited to see progress there. Um I was a little late tonight because I was at the WEC strategic planning kickoff. Um we are doing strategic planning for WEC to set direction um for their future and we're doing it in a really collaborative way with a lot of different community stakeholders. Um, so thank you to uh to everyone for getting that process kicked off and we're it was just Mr. Carswell was there earlier as well and we were all just like we got to share our hopes and dreams for the children of Wethersfield and it was just a really lovely room to be in with so many advocates and one of the things
106that we got to share things we are proud of and one of the things that I'm proud of in Wethersfield is our parents [snorts] taking their roles as advocates really seriously. So I echo the comments made tonight by fellow board members about um parent advocacy and there is nothing I love more than an organized group of parents. So thank you for making your voices heard. Um, I echo just how beautiful graduation was as well as the award ceremony. Um, just like couldn't stop smiling and uh congratulations to Amanda and Jim and Marjorie. Um, and also congratulations to Anoushka who's I see not here this evening but >> why. >> that was just so fun to see her walk across the stage and just know how much she has to accomplish ahead of her. Um, and
107lastly unfortunately we had to cancel the facilities and maintenance subcommittee meeting. Um, that was supposed to be what last week or the week before uh we have a lot of great work that we want to share. Um, so hopefully we'll get that rescheduled or at least the information out there because I'm really looking forward to I know Superintendent Libby and um and Sally Cats did and all the building principals did walk-throughs of the facilities and we have a lot of data that we've collected and so um you know just a general effort to be more transparent and communicative about the state of our buildings. So, excited to get that information out there. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Jim? >> I just wanted to say what a pleasure graduation was. Thank you, Shivani. It was great
108to be able to hand out a diploma. A little nerve-wracking speaking in front of so many people, um, but it was certainly was exciting and, uh, as far as Safe Grad goes, it must have been a success cuz I think my daughter got home at about 3:30 or 4:00. So, I think that went pretty well. Thank you. >> Marjorie. >> Um, yes, I'd like also to thank everyone for the the graduation. I know, um, Shivani had it put to a vote by the students and if they wanted it outside or inside and, um, they chose outside. I think it was unanimous, honestly, but, you know, I the traditions, they're just so excited about doing all the traditions and, um, [music] the car parade, um, lining up, sitting, you know, and, um, they're just, you know,
109it was so hot. I think I lost 10 lbs standing there, but it was well worth it. And one of the things I love about graduation is not just the Board of Ed being there, but the whole town council's there, the town manager. Pretty much it's a all hands on deck situation where the town and the Board of Ed and the and the district come together to just make this a great event. And they work really hard to make it happen. And it seems, except for the weather, that's the only thing that caught like everything else is seamless, seamless. Everyone's just so, you know, all the staff that work on it, the teachers. So, thank thanks for everyone for that effort. Um, also wanted to thank all the teachers, administrators, and staff for the whole
110district and the year that you've had and all the work that you've put into, um, teaching our kids. And one of the things that, you know, just came out with with a superintendent brought, you know, this list of student achievements and, um, also other things happening in the district and it's literally just a drop in the bucket. He, you know, in his reports he gives us kind of a snapshot based on what the principals send about what's happening in each school and so many great things, so many happy things, so many fun things, but also a ton of learning and a lot of interesting ways of learning that will keep our kids >> [music] >> engaged. And there's a lot of struggles out there and there's a lot of issues with screen time and less
111attention span. So I know that it's it's tough teaching. It's tough that profession's having a hard time right now, but I I thank you for all your efforts out there and and and and helping and teach our kids this year. And I'd also say a shout out to Safe Grad how we had it first time off offsite which I'm hoping the high school principal appreciates now that we almost had to have it inside. And hopefully next year will be we'll be able to do that as well. It was a lot less work in general because there's less space and and having offsite made it easier. And the kids were great. We weren't sure how the bus buses would work and if they would show up and they did. They everyone showed up for the buses
112and I think 220 students participated and they had a great time. We were handing out cards and get these little cards at Nomads where they can just use any machine, you know, limitlessly and they just ran in. They jumped on the buses and you get a card and you could tell they just it was so exciting. And a lot of them the last time they were there at Nomads they were like 10 years old. And it's it's really big, it's much bigger area and they play basketball, they did laser tag, and so it was a fun event for all of them and they were really great about getting back on the bus and, you know, just no behavior issues, it was great. It was great. It was it was a great event. And finally I'd
113like to just thank the Wethersfield Education Foundation and the Keen Foundation for all their efforts this year and the donations they give every year that really contribute and enrich our students um experiences, you know, tremendously. Like, I can't even imagine our school district without them and um they just do so much for our schools. So, if you have any extra pennies you want to donate to any organization, Keen Foundation and Wethersfield Education Foundation are there and they do so many great great things. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Gabby? >> Um I just would like to say a huge thank you to everybody on our board, central office, students, teachers, and everybody in the Wethersfield community. Closing out my first school year as a board member, um you know, one of the greatest privileges we have
114on the board is witnessing the great accomplishments of our students. And with being at graduation, having the opportunity to give an award out to one of our students, like Jim said, it's very nerve-racking when you're looking out at the Cove and you're like, "Oh, wow, there's a lot of people here. Okay." Um but, that was really such a great such a privilege to be able to honor our student in that way. And of course, our awards night was incredible as well. It's it's hard to keep it together when you're looking out at parents who are so proud. It's the sweetest thing. It really is. It's incredible. So, I just want to say thank you in reflection for a great year first year on the board. Um I look forward to continuing serving on our board,
115learning, growing, and doing what I believe is best for the community. So, thank you all. >> Thank you. Wonderful. Anyone else? Well, I just want to say how much I appreciate everybody up here on the board. You're just a wonderful group to work with. We managed to get through this year. Um and also, our new administration. I love working with this new group. Um we're trying to push things to move forward, and we will. We will. Um and I also want to tell everybody it's summer. And [laughter] which means we now take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy well-deserved moments with families and friends. And to our graduates out there, congratulations again as you begin exciting new adventures. And to all of our students, we look forward to welcoming you back in the fall
116ready for another year of learning and discovery. And on behalf of the whole Board of Ed, thank you everyone for your partnership, your trust, and your support of our schools. So have a safe, happy, and memorable summer. We can't wait to see what next year brings. So thank you all and good night, but I'm not adjourning this meeting. I now have a motion and make a motion to move into executive session for the superintendent's annual review presentation. Can I have a second for that? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Any abstentions? Thank you all for joining us and good night.