April 27, 2026 - Board of Education Meeting

001Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 27th, 2026 to order at 7:15 p.m. And I'm I'm going to confirm quorum of all seven members are present. At this time, I'd like to ask that we all rise for Mr. Cormier to lead us in our mission followed by our Pledge of Allegiance. >> The mission of the Stratford community school community is to support the growth of the whole student through a challenging and inspiring education within a safe and inclusive environment. >> 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. >> Thank you. You may all All right. Now, we're going to move

002to our spotlight of the month. And this evening, we have a few spotlights. We're going to start with Ms. Acting Gilliard and our talented and gifted program. >> Hello. >> You might want to make sure that's on. >> There we go. Um so, I'm here today to give you kind of an overview of the enrichment in the Stratford Public Schools, um specifically in our elementary level. Um I'm sorry for all of you that have to turn around in the next couple minutes. Um so, years ago, before I was here in Stratford, um you had in the Alps model, um which basically took um the top 5% of third grade students as measured by um a cognitive assessment. At the end of their third grade, they were qualified, and then they were removed from their neighborhood

003schools and taught together in a separate space. Um that continued um for fourth through sixth grade, and then um into the middle school, which I don't really handle. Um the model emphasized acceleration of skills um and moving them forward in their learning, as well as having a rigorous learning environment. Um some of the limitations of that program was that only 20 to 30 children per grade or the top 5% um were identified. And so at the elementary level, you were uh serving at most 90 students. Um they benefited from that program, and I've heard like rave reviews from people who were a part of it. Um but it did leave lots of kids who had high potential outside of that enrichment space. Um it also was quite costly. Um you had teachers um either three

004to four teachers, depending on the model at the time. You had bus and costs. Um you had the location. Um and it became, my understanding is, financially difficult to justify for their limited number of children. So currently, we still identify gifted and talented students at the end of third grade. We use a combination of factors um in line with the statutes for the state of Connecticut. So we combine standardized testing, academic benchmark testing, as well as cognitive assessment testing to identify the top 20% of our third graders. Um those 20% their teachers are then given rating scales, um which are the teachers based on observations, classroom data, um and they look for leadership, creativity, and academic standing. Um and then we bring those rating scales in and kind of give them a value based on

005the outcomes. Um and then we report the top 5% of those students to be gifted and talented for the state of Connecticut. Those students are guaranteed a placement in what we call our STEM clubs. um, and then we expand upon that. So, our STEM clubs, um, are fluid, data-driven groups that are at the fourth, fifth, or and sixth grade level in every elementary school. Um, this is the first year we've had that much of a broad view of STEM clubs, um, and has significantly increased the number of kids that we are able to service. So, the reason they are fluid and and, data-driven is at the end of each testing cycle, I meet with the leadership teams at each teams in each building, um, and we determine who the best fit students are. Those great

006gifted and talented kids are always in that group, but we expand beyond that. Um, and so we look at the project that is going to be given and the assessments that most best match the skills that kids will need in those projects. And so, we add and move in and out, um, throughout the year so that groups are not fixed and kids that have strengths in different areas can have challenges throughout the year. Um, let's see what's next. So, um, each school has four projects per year in each of the grades. Um, it's roughly the letters of STEM, but not quite in that order based on what's best for our academic calendar. Um, so we do math, um, real world problem solving, which is a long project usually first thing in the year. We do

007a science, um, which is a hands-on investigation that also usually produces, um, either a presentation or a website or something that they, um, kind of use to present that information to either their classrooms or, um, different constituencies depending on the level. Um, we do a unit on coding, um, which is mostly block coding, uh, using the Scratch program, and then we do an engineering challenge. That's usually our fourth quarter project because you guys are doing they're doing so much testing in the rest of their day that building something is a nice break. So, this is a an example of a project. So, this is our science project for fifth grade. Um in a regular fifth grade science curriculum, students study the water cycle and ecosystems. Um and for the enrichment project, we kind of take

008that and up it a level. So, they are they work in teams and they are challenged to design a Mars base where five astronauts would have to live for a year. Um they have to think about all of the things they know about life on Earth and how they would create those environments on Mars. Um they create a presentation um and then they pitch to one of the fourth grades in their school. And the fourth graders get to decide which astronauts they feel would make it to the end. Um so, they are now responsible for a budget, which is usually the first um question, and they do not have to get the astronauts there or back. Um but they do need to think about all the um the factors that would keep them alive and

009then do some research around what is possible. I will say that this is one project that I really love cuz it has changed over the years that I've done it. My first year, um there was not an answer that NASA had for how we would produce oxygen on Mars. Um and now there is. Um there is a functioning um machine that is on one of the rovers that is producing um oxygen from the carbon dioxide. And so, in the first years, we were doing like a theoretical conversation about it, and now they're like, "Oh, there's this thing." Um so, it's interesting to see how these projects develop as science itself develops. Different things get um integrated. Um what students gain. Our goal is that they increase their critical thinking possibilities, they really work on teamwork.

010Um a lot of our kids who are high performing are very used to being the kids in the group that get to do all the things. They get to tell everyone in the group which parts they get to do, um and control kind of the narrative of groups. And so when you put four high performing kids in one group, they all want to be the boss. And they all need a chance to not be the boss and kind of work on those soft skills as well. So, the teamwork is a big part of what we do. Um they have a lot of research um responsibilities. We talk about some of those digital citizenship items that are up and coming in our district. Um we've had more conversations about AI this year and why they cannot

011use them. And um also find incredible sources and how to know if a source is credible. Um in addition to the technology, we do go into the coding and we have some kids that leave at the end of sixth grade with some very impressive skills. They certainly surpass me. Um I've had kids that take it in fourth grade and then never stop. And by sixth grade they're way past my knowledge. So, it's pretty amazing. Um and then communication. They have a variety of ways throughout the year that they present their topics, um whether it's to a whole class, individuals, bringing their friend, administration. Um and this year we are working on a sixth grade culminating showcase. So, for the second half of the year, sixth graders have been tasked with um picking a research topic

012of their choose. Um it had to have some academic connection. We some some of us we had to really reach to make those. Um but so they have had to create three different projects. So, they are midway through their second at this point. Um they had to research and write and create a website, a Google site, um or a Canvas site with at least five different subtopics of interest within their project. Um, they are now coding a game um that connects in some way to their topic and then they have to build a 3D model. Um, so when those showcases come in the next month or so, you'll all be invited. You can check out what our sixth graders are doing. The idea behind this came because we wanted to bring together some of the

013sixth graders who are then going to be going off to flood in Worcester. Um, one of the things we noticed was many of our kids are in the inter-districts or intra-district jazz band and so I would come and see them playing their songs and they would start to wave at me from the stage and then look at each other and be like, "Wait, you you know her. You know her." Um, and so we thought it would be a really nice opportunity to kind of send them off to flood having met each other a little bit, seen what other people are doing that are on a high level. They will likely wind up in some of the same classes with each other um, and just have that kind of connection be made. Um, so as far

014as the numbers, I started off by saying that Alps had a small reach. So our STEM clubs this year have really expanded the reach and the number of kids that are able to access enrichment in some capacity. So there are four projects a year. There are um three clubs in each um school so that means we have 24 clubs considering all of our elementary schools. Um, and we have 230 students who were served this year in some capacity whether they were in um did one project or four. Um, and we only have 78 identified students. So the the comparison from 78 to 231 is a significant expansion of what we're able to do and the number of kids that are able to be challenged in this different model. Um, and so we're really excited. I

015would say I have like the best job in education. I get to go work with kids that are really excited to see me every week, um and do projects that are really fun. That's it. >> I think one thing for the board to also be clear about is there used to be three to four gifted and talented teachers servicing a max of 90 kids, and we now have one teacher servicing 231 students. So, it's it's very impressive. One of the other points that I I didn't hear you touch upon is it has allowed us to really diversify the students that are receiving these services, and to really be able to meet a multitude of kids' needs in each building. So, instead of you know shipping everyone over to just work with just 90 kids, we

016are now able to touch each of these kids that have the ability to do this in each of their buildings. >> I would just say having it it's working out to more like 5% of every school is being serviced, roughly. And where you have schools where one or two students are identified as gifted and talented, they would be the only ones seeing me. And so, having a working with a teacher one-on-one is nice, but it's not the full experience of group work and problem solving and all of that that would be possible with a larger group. And then those kids are also bringing that improved problem solving and interpersonal skills back into their classrooms in a way that Alston wasn't able to provide. >> Thank you. Does anyone have any questions for Ms. Bulliard? Mr.

017Cormier? >> Um just have you seen any um What's the response from parents of kids to get their child is is matriculated out to make room for others as as some kids move out of the program out of the 31? >> So, right. We've been very careful in our language in this year. When parents are notified, anytime a kid is having a regular leave from the classroom, we identify that with a letter home to parents. And so, we were very careful to say that when they're invited, they're invited for this length of time. And so, we've only had one parent even call the school to say, like, "Hey, what happened?" And the principal was able to easily address that and just be like, "Remember, we're trying to make room for as many kids to have

018these opportunities as possible." And it was pretty you know, it was like it was a conversation and that's it. So, I would also say I think many of the parents whose kids have Let me use you as an example since you're sitting here. Whose kids were not identified as gifted and talented, but have been included this year with that wider reach have enjoyed it and have given it has given them a chance to kind of grow themselves and see themselves as those valuable um with those valuable skills and learning something new that I think is is worthwhile for them. Please let us know if you have any questions. >> Any other questions or comments? Seeing none, thank you so much, Ms. Gilliar. Thank you. All right. I'm going to pass the mic over to our

019nurse here on the board, Ms. Kristen Sapada. >> Good evening, everyone. It is my honor tonight to recognize someone whose leadership, compassion, and dedication has made a lasting impact on Stratford Public Schools and our entire community. We're incredibly proud to share that our very own Kim Lesperance has been named Connecticut Nursing Supervisor of the Year. This recogni- is a true reflection of Kim's unwavering commitment to the students, family, and staff of Stratford. For years, she has been steadfast advocate for our children's health and wellness throughout our district, always ensuring that the well-being well-being of our students remain at the center of every decision. During one of the most challenging times in recent history, Kim helped guide our district through COVID-19 pandemic pandemic with remarkable strength, resilience, and grace. Parents, staff, and administrators leaned on her

020for support, expertise, and reassurance, and she met that moment with calm leadership and compassion. As a nurse myself, Kim is an inspiration to me and to many others through her advocacy, professionalism, and the way she uplifts those around her. As a parent, I am deeply grateful for her role she has played in keeping our children safe and healthy, and as a district, we are thankful that she continues to be the guiding force behind health-related decisions while serving as a constant source of support for our nursing staff across Stratford. Kim has shared that this honor is a reflection of the incredible team she works alongside each day, and that humility speaks volumes about the kind of leader she is. Our nursing staff continues to provide exceptional care, heart professionalism in our school communities, and Kim leads

021the work with excellence. Kim, your impact extends far beyond what can be measured. Stratford is stronger, safer, and healthier because of you. Please join me in congratulating Kim Lesko as Connecticut Nursing Supervisor OF THE YEAR. >> RECOGNIZED PUBLICLY IN A LOT OF WAYS. I would love to get a picture of our future nursing students and Kim and with Miss Zapata because that's a lot of nurses in one room, and we're thankful. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> You look amazing. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Current and future. >> Yes, congratulations. >> Thank you. >> I will now pass the mic to Mr. Fierello for another celebration. >> This is one of the fun ones. A lot of what we do isn't necessarily easy or fun, but I do I love this celebration.

022A few months back, uh one of my former classmates from Bunnell High School contacted me. I knew her then as Laura Eckert. She's married now. And she said, "Um did you know my mom? Do you know my mom?" And I said, "No, I didn't." And and she said, "Well, she's an educator from Stratford and she had a lot of connection with the Stratford schools. She was known as the library lady at Wilcoxson and she was also a secretary to the Board of Education at one point in her career. Or if you're a member of of Christ Episcopal Church, she's also a church lady. You might know her by church lady or library lady. Um she recently turned 100. And um she couldn't make it here to be with us today. Um she's actually in the

023hospital. So, if you want to keep her in your thoughts and prayers, please do so. But on April 3rd, 2026, she turned 100. She's sharp. She's loving. She's well. And we wish her well, but she she gave a a great deal of service to the district and we wanted to thank her AND CONGRATULATE HER. >> ALL RIGHT. WE ARE GOING TO WE MOVE INTO OUR public forum. Um the board will welcome comments from Stratford residents who submitted a request to speak in advance. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes. We ask that all comments remain respectful and focus on agenda items. Mr. Fiorello, can you please call the speakers? >> Um I believe we have one speaker and I hope I pronounce his name correctly. Uh is it Jeff Blanchette? Yes. Perfect. >> Thank you. >>

024Can you state your name and your address, Mr. >> Absolutely. You're one of the few that pronounced it absolutely perfect. So, thank you. Uh again, my name is Jeff Blanchette. I live at 105 Burbank Drive. Uh I currently have two daughters that attend Eli Whitney Elementary School, one in kindergarten and one in second grade. I'm here this evening to formally request that the transportation policy be reviewed and revised for the 2026-2027 school year and thereafter. According to the bottom of the first page of the policy, it has not been revised since November of 2012. As you may know, currently the policy states that students in grades kindergarten through 8 are not provided a bus and expected to walk to and from school if their house is located less than 1.5 miles away from their attending

025school. This is a policy I would propose changes to for the safety uh for safety reasons of students, especially our youngest. The policy is a district-wide policy without consideration of the geographic location of schools in our town. There is more danger, arguably, in students walking to Eli Whitney Nichols or Franklin than Chapel, for example, based on where the schools are located in our town. The layout of schools versus the traffic patterns should be taken into consideration on whether transportation is provided. Furthermore, the policy as it currently states, kindergarten students must be met by a parent, guardian, or caregiver at the time they will be dropped off by school bus, otherwise they will be turned to their home school. This is typical of most school districts and absolutely age-appropriate. Our policy indicates that we feel it's

026safe for kindergartners to walk a mile and a half on a potentially high-traffic street in front of the homes of registered sex offenders in town, but not safe for them to be left off the bus unattended at their bus stop, close to or potentially in front of their house. The logic does not make sense. Our current policy also states exceptions to students walking to school. One, for pupils enrolled in grades K through 6, any street, road, or highway possessing a traffic count of 90 or more vehicles per hour at the time students are walking to and from school, or if there is a hazard, which is defined by our policy as a thing or condition affecting the safety of pupils walking to and from school, a possible source of danger or duress, or difficult or

027exposure to molestation or attack considered morally degrading or physically harmful. The policy reads that the Board of Education may grant an exception to allow them students to be transported where a particular condition or combination of conditions renders such conditions a hazard based upon reasonable judgment. Franklin, Nichols, and Eli are all on extremely busy roads with likely more than 90 vehicles per hour traveling during pick up and drop off times. In a 1-mi radius of Eli Whitney, there are five registered sex offenders. In a 2-mi radius, there are 12. This has a high potential to put students in danger or exposure to physical harm if they're walking home unattended. All these factors need to be considered when revising this policy. There are also some families in town who do receive bus transportation under the 1 and

0281/2 radius, while many others don't who live an equal distance away from the school. Currently, I'm paying $6,000 a year for after-school care for 3 days a week. Luckily, I have 2 days a week where elderly grandparents can help my students. Um but because a bus is not provided, $6,000 a year for 3 days a week. I'm not the only family in town in this predicament. Another family at Eli uh has to leave their job at Sikorsky, pick up their daughter, drop them off with a family member, then turn around and drive back to Sikorsky. It's a significant financial hardship and an inconvenience for parents who have to pick up their young children at 3:30 because transportation is not provided. I ask as a group you please conduct a full review and revision of this

029policy. Provide bus transportation for all elementary students for at least our youngest and consider making other changes to the circumstances I outlined this evening. I appreciate your time and consideration. >> Thank you, Mr. Blanchette. Okay, there is no other speakers this evening. We will now move to our student representatives. This evening we will hear first from Ms. Grace Myra Dominguez from Stratford High School. >> Good evening, members of the Board of Education and guests. Some personal news to share is that I've recently committed to Georgetown University starting this fall and I will be majoring in nursing at Georgetown's School of Nursing. I would also like to highlight some of my classmates who have been accepted to Ivy League schools. Nick Peglow has been accepted to Yale and Cornell. Brendan Kelly to Dartmouth and Madison Vasquez

030to Harvard and Brown. Other colleges or universities that my classmates have been accepted to include Northeastern, Boston College, Villanova, UConn, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Ohio State, Fordham, and George Washington University. Congratulations to all these amazing students and their very impressive accomplishments. As we look ahead to May 1st, also recognized as National Commitment Day, we're very excited to see where this year's class will end up in the fall. On March 26th, Stratford High School engaged in activities to strengthen the quality of daily instruction as part of its participation in the Barr Foundation grant. The Barr Foundation focuses on transforming public high schools across New England to advance both excellence and equity for all students. Their work is grounded in the belief that schools should provide rigorous, relevant, and purposeful learning experiences for all students. Through this

031partnership, Stratford is aligning its instructional practices to ensure all students are known, challenged academically, and supported both in and out of the classroom. As part of this implementation process, the school is taking intentional steps to bring its theory of change to life through targeted professional development that centers on instructional improvement and collaboration. A key component of this work is the introduction of collaborative classrooms, which serve as the bridge between professional learning and daily classroom practice. This model is grounded in three core goals: increasing student collaboration in classrooms, providing meaningful opportunities for teacher collaboration, and exploring a range of effective instructional strategies. This work is not about perfection, but about building a shared instructional vision and cultivating a culture where educators learn with and from one another to continuously improve outcomes for all students. Stratford High

032School hosted administrators, students, and teachers from across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and from Pennell, where we engaged in meaningful learning and school improvement discussions. The convening provided a valuable opportunity for participants to take part in classroom rounds, observe instruction in action, and engage in professional development sessions grounded in the Barr framework. We thank the STEM and humanities teachers whose classrooms were visited as part of this work. These experiences allowed all educators to see firsthand how Stratford is working to align its instructional practices with its vision for student success. Congratulations to Nicholas Roche and Lila Boucher, who were honored at the best luncheon this Wednesday for their community involvement and impact. Most students wrote essays on community service and impact and were presented with a gift and certificate for their engagement. District administrators and community leaders were

033also in attendance. Also on the 26th, Mr. Velasco took a group of young ladies to the Women in STEM Engineering Challenge at the University of New Haven. This experience served as a prime example of how the STEM community is growing more and more innovative and diverse every day. On March 30th, the Stratford Recreation Department began their interview their interviews for SHS students to gain employment. Over 60 students were interviewed and interviews are still continuing to this day. Our spring musical this year was Grease. Ms. Murphy and her team, as well as every student involved, did an amazing job. People in the audience were singing and dancing along and it was one of the most successful plays in the history of Stratford High. On April 6th, our school counselors hosted a college and career fair for

034our junior class. Every junior was able to visit up to 28 booths to help support and guide their choices moving forward. Thank you to Dr. Piazza for coming to support our students on that day. On April 23rd, Stratford High School hosted a successful and impactful family engagement event focused on career readiness and community connection at the Birdseye Complex. The evening began with a brief presentation that provided students and families with valuable guidance on building strong resumes and understanding important interview do's and don'ts for jobs, internships, and future opportunities. Following the presentation, participants had the opportunity to apply what they learned through hands-on activities including resume building support with staff members and a mock interview experience. These interactive sessions offered personalized feedback and practical experience, helping both students and family members feel more confident and prepared

035for real-world opportunities. The event was a meaningful part of ATP's new outreach initiative aimed at increasing family engagement and creating stronger connections between home and school. The positive collaboration among students, families, Stratford High School staff, and Baldwin Center volunteers made the evening a tremendous success and reinforced our shared commitment to building community and supporting student growth. In the STEM department, on April 8th, we successfully hosted our first SHS Steam Night, drawing a great turnout and featuring engaging stations throughout the evening. The following day, on April 9th, our SHS forensics classes hosted a forensics detective from the Stratford Police Department. The detective visited their classes to share how forensic science is applied in real criminal investigations, bringing the classroom learning to life. Great work all around to everyone who made these experiences possible. We are also

036happy to announce that 100% of our pre-nursing students have registered for the upcoming CNA exam, which will be administered starting next week on May 4th. Good luck to all those who will be testing. Spring sports at Stratford High are off to a very strong start. On Wednesday, April 22nd, our baseball team traveled north to face crosstown rival Bunnell. In the victory, junior Jack Wilty was outstanding on the mound, throwing a complete game shutout. Offensively, Wilty, Julian Rivera, and Max Allen led the charge with multiple hits each. The Stratford-Bunnell co-op girls lacrosse team earned an impressive 14-2 victory over New Milford on Tuesday. Samantha Deloya led all scorers with seven points and Lauren Russo scoring three points. Additional goals were scored by Sophia Estrella, Sophie Jackson, Audrey Norris, Kiara Lorenzo, Payton Farrell, and Sophie DeLisle. In

037goal, Payton Salerno recorded eight saves in just her second start. Stratford softball is off to a strong 6-3 start this season, including a split series with Bunnell. Morgan LaTizia has been exceptional on the mound and recently reached a major milestone with her 200th career strikeout. Ashlyn Tracy leads team in hits and RBIs, while Riley Dicks has been a force on the base paths with 17 stolen bases and steady play at shortstop. Adriana Colon has provided consistency behind the plate and is tied with Tracy for the team lead in home runs. The Red Devils travel to New Fairfield today to face the Rebels. Good luck to them. Now for some upcoming important events we are looking forward to. Our spring concerts are taking place on May 12th and 13th, and our spring art show is on

038the 13th as well. Both nights are an amazing way to see the talents of our students, and we hope to see you there. Over the last month, Stratford High students have demonstrated their skills and their commitment to our community using the portrait of a graduate pillars and new 21st century skills. Our graduating class has accomplished amazing things, and these college acceptances and commitments are nothing short of amazing and impressive. As this year is coming to an end soon, and so will my time as a student representative, I want to thank you all and the board for the opportunity to share all of the amazing things going on at Stratford High. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. NEXT WE'LL HEAR FROM Julia Tedesco from Bunnell High School. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Julia Tedesco and

039it's a pleasure to speak with you all again this evening. I'm also committed to college. I'm committed to Fairfield University for nursing in THEIR HONORS PROGRAM. I ALSO WANT TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE other Bunnell students on their post-secondary plans. I can give Aslan a little shout out on her commitment to Yukon. Other students accepted into schools like Villanova, NYU, Boston University, Fordham. Whatever it is, we're proud of all of them. Um tonight I will begin by sharing several updates and celebrations throughout the school community. Bunnell recently completed its NEASC decennial accreditation. The The highlighted many of our school's strengths, including our curriculum review process, strong strong instructional practices, real-world learning opportunities, especially our CTE programs. The visiting team also recognized our commitment to student growth through feedback, reflection, multiple ways to demonstrate learning, effective

040use of technology, and our shared vision through the portrait of a graduate. The report also praised our data-driven MTSS process, collaboration with district leadership on the positive culture and climate within our school community. Overall, it affirmed the dedication of Fenway staff and their commitment to student success. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important process. In the science department, juniors have recently completed the NGSS summative assessment. Results will be available in the coming weeks and will help provide insight into student progress and performance. In the humanities department, teachers are beginning the process of curriculum revision for 9th and 10th grade ELA and social studies classes. They've also been collaborating with Stratford High to develop a shared vision of these courses. In 11th grade, teachers are finishing the pilot stage of new curriculum and are

041pleased with the progress so far. Students are also participating in book clubs in both 9th and 11th grade ELA as the department as the department continues building opportunities for more student choice. Our award-winning yearbook has officially been submitted after hundreds of hours of work by editor-in-chief Kiara Moreno and our advisor Mrs. Heather Martiri. Mr. Fiori also published the first full-color design version of The Scribe, which was a big success. Their staff fundraiser raised $2,500 to support future publications. In school counseling, the guidance department has released the BHS required graduation survey through Naviance. This survey helps finalize information for the class of 2026 database and is also required for state reporting. Seniors should only complete it once they have made their final decisions about their post-secondary plans. AP testing begins Monday, May 4th with 159 students

042scheduled to take one or more AP exams. College and Military Day also take place on May 1st where seniors are encouraged to wear attire representing their college program or pathway they pursue they plan to pursue after graduation. The music department will be holding two spring concerts in May. Honors Ensemble Night will take place on May 18th at 6:00 p.m. and will feature groups such as Select Choir and Wind Ensemble. Ensemble. The regular spring concert will be held on May 19th at 6:00 p.m. and will include Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Orchestra. We hope the community will come out to support these talented student musicians. In athletics, congratulations to Coach Bart Bronzon, who was named the CIC Unified Sports Coach of the Year and is being recognized this evening at the statewide Unified Sports Banquet at

043the AquaTurf. Unified Sports athlete and Kayla Wellen and partner Mason Maxson are also being recognized tonight. Congratulations to all of them. Our April Our April Athletes of the Month are Ronnie Riggle for basketball and track and Parker Smith for softball. Girls Girls track is currently under undefeated at 4-0 and Lindsey Brazil broke a 36-year-old shot put record with a throw of 36 ft and 6 in. She also broke her own school record in the mid-south long with a score of 2,805 points. On April 30th, the athletics department will recognize 10 student athletes who are signing to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Finally, for extracurriculars, our CNA students are preparing for the city exam with the first group testing on Monday, May 4th. Prayers to us. Students have been working hard by practicing

044skills and completing mock exams. Student government, in partnership with Zagar, continued the tradition of Battle of the Classes on April 10th. Student government has also entered election season and will be soon be electing collecting applications for class officer and student government officer positions with elections taking place mid-May. The National English Honor Society recently took a field trip to Eli Whitney, where members participated in the spring-inspired activities with second and third grade students. For the fifth year in In the Women's Empowerment Club participated in the Center for Family Justices 11th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser on April 25th in Fairfield. Funds raised support Camp Hope, a program for children ages 7 through 17 who have experienced domestic or sexual violence. Interact Club is currently planning a field day with Sekou Holley and students

045continue to volunteer and give back within the community. 21 DECA members left for Atlanta, Georgia on April 25th to attend the International Career Development Conference. They're competing and participating in a professional development workshops alongside 26,000 other registrants. We wish our students the best of luck and look forward to hearing all about that they've learned. We're also grateful for Ms. Chelsea Maza, Mrs. Katherine Hopkins, and Mrs. Leola Miller for accompanying them and supporting them throughout this opportunity. They're currently there right now. They look like they're loving it. I'm so jealous. Business law students also recently visited the courthouse where they were able to see the legal system in action. This helped connect classroom topics like contracts, liability, and legal procedures to real-world situations. Finally, the class of 2026 is looking forward to senior prom this Friday

046at Cascade in Hampton, followed by post prom at the Shelton Sports Center. We would like to thank senior class advisor Ms. Record, who's usually here, but we'll thank you, and the senior class council for all their hard work behind the scenes to make this event special. We would also like to thank Ms. Susan Marcus and Mrs. Lisa Carol Fabian, our post prom committee chairs, for organizing a safe, memorable, and exciting event for all students. Thank you all again for the opportunity to share these updates on behalf of our students. We appreciate your continued support of the Bunnell and Stratford community, and we hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the spring weather in the weeks ahead. >> THANK YOU, GOLD. I'M JUST GOING TO ASK, request that you send those dates for the band concerts

047to Ms. Marcus so she can get them on our calendar so that we can all it available, okay? If you have anything like that coming up, we'd love to attend, so. >> I just want to say um um your presentations every every month every have and and your predecessors have it's been my it's my favorite part of our meeting. It's it's positive. It's it's uplifting. We we get to hear what's really happening in We are doing we can to make sure you guys get what you need. So, you and your predecessors have been fantastic and congratulations on on your college acceptances. We're very proud of you. >> Thank you. Moving on this evening, we do not have a state board update. Um Miss Record is not here and uh we have no presentations, so we'll

048move on to the administrative executive reports. We'll start with Superintendent Miss Borges. >> Good evening, everyone. I'm proud to share that the Stratford Public Schools has been selected to represent Connecticut at the National Day of AI Youth Festival this July in Boston. Two students from Stratford, alongside me, will participate in this national convening hosted in partnership with MIT, RAISE, and AASA, where students from across the country will serve as student AI senators, helping shape student-centered national AI policy for K-12 schools. This recognition reflects Stratford's leadership in responsible and ethical AI use, including our district's work around AI guidance, digital literacy, and student voice. It's an honor for our district to be recognized on the national stage for forward thinking and innovation, and even more exciting that our students will help lead this important conversation about

049the future of education. This opportunity is a wonderful example of our portrait of a graduate in action, elevating critical thinking, innovation, and civic engagement, and I look forward to bringing the lessons from this experience back to Stratford. To be clear, there is one superintendent and two students from each of the states. And that is it. And that group is coming together to write the national AI policy. Um so it is incredible and look for the press release that's going to come in early May that identifies your two lucky students, one from Stratford High and one from Bunnell, um that'll be going to represent us. Uh and a lot of thanks goes to our AI task force from last year, academic integrity task force. The grant that Dr. Eppler got um for AI to be able

050to work on that ethical use. Because we did all of those things, when Connecticut made their vote, they voted for Stratford. So we didn't volunteer. We were voted to be selected um because we have been ahead of that curve and I am deeply proud of our community for this and very excited for 3 days um in Boston at MIT with students working on this and we will bring back that final product and share it with you. >> Thank you. Does anyone have any questions for Ms. Borges? >> Well, I was going to ask for the names of the students. That's a bargain. >> It's a surprise. >> All right. >> Have we Have we improved that overnight, guys? So that doesn't come back to us? >> It's a summer trip. >> Oh, summer. Oh, okay.

051>> Um it's a summer trip and there's no cost to it. Um MIT, ASA, and Raise, and the Day of AI pay for everything. They pay for it. They even book your travel. We don't even have to book anything. They book all the travel, they pay for everything. Um and the product they're going to get out of it is this new policy for a national policy. >> So next time we want the board to join, let us know. All right. Seeing no further questions, we'll move on to Ms. Mangini, the chief operating officer. >> Thank you. There are just a couple of things I wanted to share with you. And one is that this week we are officially um migrating over to a new platform for our financial software system. Actually, um EMS Link purchased

052the Alio platform a couple of years ago. And through this acquisition, the Alio platform is now being replaced by Link. So, overall, the functionality of the software is the same. It just has an updated look. And Susan Nicholson, did provide a webinar over to a webinar for um our administrators as well as secretarial staff and support staff that actually work in the financial software system. So, we will certainly support all of our schools and departments to make sure that it's a smooth transition. But in a lot of ways, I do think it's a cleaner look, and I think it's definitely a move forward for us. So, we're cautiously optimistic that everything will go smoothly. Um and we have been working with them for the last couple of months through HR and finance to make certain

053there won't be any problems with payroll and in key um and all that fun stuff. So, I think we'll be fine. The other thing I just wanted to mention, each and every year I come to you with our food service management company contract renewal. This year is actually the final year that we're allowed to renew with our food service management company. Next year, we will have to go out to bid for the state um regulations. We do have to have our renewal process completed before June 30th. So, we're currently um negotiating with Sodexo for any tweaks to the agreement. And we will be provided the state-mandated CPI increase that no food service management company can exceed. Um and it looks like that's going to be 3.9%. So, we will certainly continue our discussions with Sodexo,

054our current food service management company, and bring that to you for approval probably um in your hopefully your May meeting. Uh that's what we're shooting for anyway. And lastly, I just wanted to mention the community eligibility provision program. Each and every year we do our annual state application process for the program and we review the district's identified student percentage. It's called an ISP. And based on that, the state recommends the schools that are cost-effective to be part of the community eligibility provision program. And once again, the same six schools are the schools that we are recommending that we just retain for the CEP program. If we include any of the other schools, there will be a significant cost to the district because our percentages of um the ISP based on free and reduced just isn't

055high enough and there would be a significant cost to the district. And lastly, I also just wanted to mention um I did mention this at uh the finance committee that on peak meals uh costs do continue to increase. We are up to almost $100,000 and we are hoping that families really will take advantage of opportunities to apply for the free and reduced meals um by completing the application which as we discussed can be done at any time during the school year. It's available online and or you can get a hard copy at any of the schools. That's my report this evening. Thank you. >> Does anyone have any questions for Ms. Mangini? Yes, Ms. Fournier. >> Just might be one question about the set up. So, um you're you're the the CPI uh the cap

056is what? You said 3.9%? >> Correct. >> What did Was that what we budgeted for >> Actually, it's not part of our general operating budget. It's it's a separate line item. >> All right. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> I do uh would like to provide an update on the budget. The proposed budget has been reviewed and approved by our finance committee, the full board, and the mayor, and now is under consideration by the town council. On April 2nd, Ms. Borges, Ms. Vangeli, Mr. Fiorello, and I presented the budget to the council. The proposed budget is fiscally responsible while maintaining our commitment to strengthen our educational outcomes. The primary cost drivers include salaries, benefits, transportation, special education services. This proposal also includes essential new positions. One technology integration specialist teacher at the high school,

057one special education teacher, two English for speakers of other languages ESOL teachers, two career and technology and education pathway teachers, and seven kindergarten aides. We recognize the complexity of the council's responsibility and appreciate the thoughtful consideration being given to this proposal. As Ms. Borges noted, our door remains open for any questions and further discussion. We believe this budget represents a meaningful opportunity to build on the strong foundation already established, ensuring Stratford students are equipped with the resources they need to succeed. All right. So, we now have our assistant superintendent report. >> Thank you. Good evening, everyone. There's so many things happening in our teaching and learning department, but I will try to keep it brief. We did hear a presentation from our superintendent, and that will you'll hear more at the curriculum update as well.

058But, across the schools, there's been a strong emphasis on recognizing and celebrating the people who make our system so special. We've honored our paraprofessionals this past month, our assistant principals, our volunteers throughout the month. Nichols had a really special celebration for one volunteer who has been volunteering there for over 15 years. If you didn't see it on social media, you should try to watch it. It was really heartwarming. I was really excited to be there and able to participate with them. Uh, but they really do a lot for us, so we did want to recognize them throughout the month. Um, schools also engage students in the importance of awareness opportunities including autism um, acceptance month and things like Earth Day. Um, as we look ahead, we'll be preparing for our week-long teacher appreciation week. Um,

059also in the month of May will be principal appreciation day as well as nurse appreciation day. So, we look forward to those events. We'll look of course wish all our mothers a happy Mother's Day as well and there's a lot of learning that goes behind all these in all of the classrooms. Um, and we're looking forward to our upcoming volunteer breakfast. Um, it's been called this in the past. It's at Flood and we hope to see many of you there that morning. It's a nice celebration. In the areas of curriculum and instruction, you'll hear more again later this evening from the curriculum com- committee, but we were proud to share our K-4 health curriculum. Um, it was ready for presentation and our committee members had an opportunity to also preview our Atlas curriculum management system

060platform. That was like the first time we dove in at the curriculum committee. You'll see it again when we introduce our literacy um, curriculum for next month. So, lots of curriculum writing going on. Um, you'll also hear about tonight um, a there was an AI presentation, a digital literacy in the high school presentation, um, middle school band enrichment opportunities were presented at the meeting. Um, and all of that aligns directly of course with our portrait of a graduate um, and our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Our staff continues to engage in meaningful professional learning. Uh, this past month it included restorative practice and SIOP model, um, which is a sheltered instruction process that um, better support our multilingual learners as we have increased students in all of our buildings. Um our

061goal is to have all staff members trained in restorative practice and the SIOP model. Um in addition, we had six uh trained pilot kindergarten teachers trained in a pilot of what's called the Pyramid Model. You heard about it last year. I I presented it um that our preschool has adopted it and it's going really well to support our youngest learners in their behaviors. Um and it does go up to second grade, so we're piloting it into kindergarten for now. See how it goes, but early feedback has been very positive so far. Um we also had the opportunity to host uh an affinity group. I think you heard it uh past couple years. Once a a year they come to Stratford, uh Derby, and East Haven. So it was our turn to host, uh which we

062focused on the science of reading. Nichols School showcased a strong instructional practice in kindergarten and first grade, so they came and watched it in action. It highlighted purposeful play. Um our teachers, including Miss Pillow, Miss Wiseman, Miss Delaney, Miss Simmons came over from Eli Whitney Whitney to help us support it. And of course our department head for humanities, Abby Owens, um organized an amazing presentation. They had a panel discussion and the feedback that we received was very They experienced such a high level of instruction and they want to come back individually to visit even more schools. Um they did go to Wellcoxen last year, uh so we try to share different schools. Um but it was a proud moment for Stratford and and for myself uh watching them them shine. Um finally, we participated in

063a state-led alliance math symposium where Dr. Piazza, myself, and our STEM team engaged in learning around strengthening math instruction um and systems to support improved student outcomes. This work continues to align with our district focus on enhancing tier one instruction, especially in the areas of math. So, we appreciate your continued support as we work together to strengthen teaching and learning across all our schools. >> Does anyone have any questions for Dr. DiIorio? >> I just have one. I saw that the second grade swim program has ended. Do we have any feedback on that? And where do we stand with that program? >> Rolling out to the rest of the district? >> We are meeting with them, but both principals said how incredibly shocked they were that they'd be so positive about it. Many staff members

064went several times to check it out and it really went well. So, we'll we'll converse with them. We'll converse with the union. We'll make sure um you know, it's something that could be rolled out throughout the district, but it was really positive response. >> My daughter loved it. Forever is a long time. >> All right. There's no further questions. We will move on. We're moving to the consent agenda. The chair will entertain a motion to approve the acceptance of the meeting minutes from March 23rd, 2026 regular meeting and the April 6th special meeting. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Mr. Fiorello, second by Mr. Cormier. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? Uh any abstentions? Seeing

065none, the motion passes. All right. We will now move to items for action and discussion. Our first item on here is the chair will entertain a motion to regarding the personnel assignments, resignations, and related matters. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Fiorello. Is there a second? >> Second by Mr. O'Brien. Is there any comments or discussions on the personnel report? All right, seeing none we'll move to a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? Seeing none, the motion passes unanimously. The next item on our on our agenda is budget transfer. We have three budget transfers this evening. I will entertain a motion for the first budget transfer. All right, Mr. Cormier. >> Uh budget transfer number one transfers budgets within the object 100

066to adjust for resignations, new hires, transfers, leaves of absence, and salary reclassification adjustments. Total budget transfer amount is 1,275,995 and 3 cents. Um So >> by Mr. Padden or seconded by Mr. Padden, moved by Mr. Cormier. All right, is there any discussion on this? All right, Ms. Mancini, would you like to explain this again? >> Certainly. Um once again, as I mentioned in the finance committee meeting, this budget represents housekeeping for certified salaries. Basically, it's the result of our redistricting. We had originally budgeted as things stood last year before we adjusted classrooms. So really, the large dollar amount of almost 1.3 million does not change our budget in any way in salaries. It's simply moving it from one salary line item to the proper one. >> Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to

067a vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right, budget transfer one passes unanimously. Do I have a motion for budget transfer For >> Yep. >> Mr. Cormier. >> Uh budget transfer number two transfers budgets within within object 100 to adjust for resignations, new hires, transfers, leaves of absences, and salary reclassification adjustments. Total budget transfer amount is $572,052.67. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Pardo seconds. All right. Ms. Mangione, would you like to explain this? >> This one is actually for the same personnel with the redistricting and adjustments to non-certified positions. And this would be secretaries, custodians, um tutors, those individuals that um were removed for various reasons and or we recognize some savings. There was some of this funding that did actually go to

068offset our um special education deficit, as well. >> Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion passes unanimously. Next one is budget transfer number three. Do I have a motion? >> Budget transfer Budget transfer number three transfers budgets within object 100 for paraeducators to adjust for resignations, new hires, transfers, leave of absences, and vacancy adjustments. Total budget transfer amount is $390,262.17. >> All right. Ms. Mangione? >> Next slide. And with this um housekeeping budget transfer, it also represents non-certified object code 112 and it is focused on our special education CIA staff, our paraeducator staff. >> I I've got a second. >> Second. >> Okay. You're looking at me. Okay. Sorry about that. All right. Do we have any questions on this third? All

069right. Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion passes unanimously. Our third item is a donation and I'm not sure who's taking this. It's for Okay, great. >> So, per our policy, any donation that is greater than $1,000 needs to be brought to the Board of Education for approval. Um sadly, Franklin lost a nurse a few a year or so back and out of the sentencing, um a restitution donation of $3,500 was set to be made to Franklin Elementary School. The proposal to honor Liz's leg- legacy, Liz was a dedicated and caring nurse who left an indelible mark on the students and staff. Those who remember her know how how much she valued wellness and outdoors. She rarely missed a chance to eat her lunch outside and get

070her daily dose of vitamin D. So, the proposal to use this money, um is to a location in the back corner of the parking lot. There's an attached photo. I'll share it with everybody. This area is currently being underutilized um and they are proposing to make an outdoor classroom and staff wellness area. Um the equipment is commercial grade outdoor picnic tables. Capacity, um the goal will be to accommodate approximately 25 to 30 students allowing one full class to be able to use the space for outdoor learning or for staff to use during lunch breaks. Um the financial impact, uh they've already priced everything out. It is within the $3,500 that they're being donated, but in order for them to accept this donation, you need to approve it as a board. >> Anybody have any questions?

071>> Can I just make a little a little comment? Um Ms. Jones Rogers, I just I don't remember her second was the the nurse. My My children all watched Franklin and she was the nurse at at at Franklin. And we actually ran into her about a week before the accident at Noble Farms in Milford and she was all hugs seeing seeing my children. And she was She was the She's that nurse that that takes every child under under under her under her wing and when she sees a child struggling, she'll step in and pull that She'll step in and pull that child into her office just to give them give them a moment of respite. Um, and her her loss is is is it's a it's an immense loss for us for Stratford. So, this

072is This may I feel very very positive and happy about this proposal. >> Do we have a motion to accept this donation? Moved by Mr. Pirolo, seconded by Mr. Cormier. Any further discussion? Seeing none, let's move to a vote. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, it passes. Next, we're going to move on to overnight field trip. I'm looking for a motion to approve an overnight field trip to Meredith, New Hampshire, May 6th through the 8th and Mr. O'Brien moved it. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Mr. Pirolo. Okay, I don't know who said it first. And then, Mr. Pirolo, if you could tell us about this. This came with uh from curriculum committee. >> It did. Um, Dr. Graf and Manella presented to us um There will be two

073teachers, uh one from Bunnell and one from Stratford High, and four students, two from each high school. Um, they're proposing that they get to attend this Portrait of a Graduate Spring Convening. Um, and this is funded by the Barr Foundation. It What I found interesting What I heard from both of the high school speakers, both Grace and Julia mentioned Portrait of a Graduate, Barr Foundation, collaborative classrooms, all of which uh seems to be coming together in a nice way. Uh that it that's what's happening. This is soon as we brought and it's uplifting that student voice to bring them to the screen community. Where the goal uh it's driven by our needs, but it's also funded by the Bard Foundation. Uh we we all know what the portrait of a graduate says. We've seen the

074posters, we've seen the the logo and things like that. But, the idea is moving from poster to practice. And both the students and the educators will have a chance to do that uh focusing on these collaborative classrooms. And these teachers are participating and they chose students from the classrooms that are participating. Um and this comes out of curriculum with a 100% positive um recommendation to to approve. Oh, the dates are May 6th through May 8th, 2026. That's all the time. >> Dr. Pierson, >> Oh, I'm sorry. Are there questions, concerns, comments? >> Just the timeliness of this very late coming to us, so um if there was any need to change anything, it doesn't allow um a week, so. Anyone else have any comments? >> Move forward to a >> Okay, go ahead. >> The

075reason it it was submitted in in early March. So, do you get to curriculum at all? >> Yeah, maybe a little bit just to let you know what the stuff >> What was the timeframe on the curriculum approval? >> For like 2 months. >> It gets three. >> All right. Moving forward to a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? All right, passes unanimously. Next, we will hear about the elementary health curriculum. >> All right, this also came before the so I'd like to speak about it. Um Alicia Sabrowski brought this to us. She presented to us, but she was representing a team of kindergarten through sixth grade teachers who wrote this curriculum based on an existing health curriculum called Second Step. But the teachers wanted it the teachers of health for these

076students wanted to make the lessons more robust. Obviously, we're meeting all state requirements, but they wanted to fill out that curriculum to meet our state recommendations as well with age-appropriate lessons, activities. There We talked about this. There is There are opt-out letters if parents want to opt their children out because there are some very sensitive topics that are brought up, but I I was gratified to learn that very few parents do opt their children out, and those who are considering it once they're informed of what the topics are and how they will be handled are very comfortable with it, and and I think this it's important. This also came out of curriculum with 100% positive recommendation for approval. >> Okay. We have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Fiorello. Is there a

077second? >> Second by Mr. Cormier. Is there any comments or discussion on this? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right, the curriculum passes. Next we move on to the next curriculum, which is digital and AI literacy course. Mr. Fiorello, >> Sure. We did have a long meeting this month. Um this was brought to us by Dr. Eckler, and it's a digital and AI literacy course. And what I like about this it's not so We all hear about digital tools and AI. We either hear is AI being used or is it not? Is it scary or is it useful? This is about literacy. It's not simply who's using it, are the teachers using it, are the students using it, what age? That is all

078included, but it is about educating the students in proper and ethical use of these very powerful tools, recognizing that there is bias inherent in artificial intelligence, because it simply aggregates things that human beings do, and there's bias in human beings, and students are informed about that. It's not just brushed over. Uh teacher concerns about plagiarism and academic integrity are all built into this this course, as well. Uh and it's informed Dr. Eckler informed us, but the the writing of this course and this curriculum is informed by ISTE, which I have to learn, is the International Society for Technology Education, um about ethical use of these tools, and and how they how they can be implemented and integrated into education. Um this also came with 100% positive recommendation for our approval. Full curriculum committee. >> I

079do want to say her hope and desire is that this will become so innovative that the state will make it a requirement for graduation. So, she is hoping to write the curriculum, share it with the state, promote it, and possibly have it become a requirement like personal finance. A requirement for graduation. >> Thank you for saying that. I do agree. I do want to add one thing. Um in the pilot years, this is budget neutral. It would take existing educators that would be implementing If it becomes a state requirement, obviously that would we'll have to discuss that >> I have a quick question. >> Sure. >> Um I know there's a digital integrity policy coming along, I believe. >> Academic integrity. >> And it follows this same AI. >> Okay. >> Do we roll them

080out at the same time? >> Okay. All right, any other questions? I will take a motion to approve the digital literacy course. >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. O'Brien. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Mr. Padda. Any other comments or concerns, questions, discussions? Seeing none, moving to a vote. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion passes unanimously. All right, now we are getting into the policy section, item number seven. We have um six policies this evening coming to the board. I'm going to pass this to Mr. Cormier as he is our policy chair, um to walk us through each one of these. >> So, our first the first policy we are looking at A couple of these we're going to I'm we're going to request to waive second um second reading,

081but some of them we're going to be regular The reason we're looking at waiving is because they they're either cave written based on mandated policy or they are straight from from um state statute. New state statutes. So. Um the first one is ages of uh ages of attendance. Um in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 10-168, the Board of Education shall provide education for all persons residing in the district. What this What this policy sets is any children You have to be 5 years old by September 1st to to register for kindergarten. Um I think the state gave us a possible leeway. We've chosen to it since we gave the we worked with the leeway and because some of the schools the the the evaluation of of kindergarten readiness was wasn't as as uniform throughout the

082district. We've opted to and this this is our option to implement the the state policy this year without um um waivers. Correct? >> Yes. Per the state um starting in the following school year, there will be no more waivers. For this upcoming school year, districts were allowed to choose whether or not and I want to reiterate that there is no evaluation of a kindergarten age student that makes them actually ready. There's no test you can give them. So, when they made this legislation originally, districts were left on their own to figure out how they wanted to assess kindergarten readiness um and that created inequities and is not appropriate. Um in Stratford, we want to value that readiness and we want to make sure that students are fully prepared. We did meet with the attorney. The

083attorney changed the language in this um per the K policy and so we just wanted to make sure that if possible, this one gets pushed through because we are already actively in the process of following the new legislation. >> Thank you. Any questions or comments on this policy? >> Um my only thing is we just got a clean copy before this meeting. Um so, I feel more comfortable now moving it forward now that we have a clean copy. I just want to put that on the record. So, I want to make sure we're not the new updated copy. All right. So, we will take a Are we doing these all together? >> Uh no. Uh should we do this all together? >> Yeah, separate. Do you want to waive the first read status on this

084one? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. So, do you want a motion for that? >> Um I'll make a motion to accept 5112 um ages of attendance um as as revised. >> Someone >> Second. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Sorry. I didn't know why said a Mr. Bryan's second. A second. All right. Do you have a second? >> Second by Mr. Fiorello, I'm sorry. And then >> You got three seconds. >> I know, it's okay. And then you need to say you want to wave the >> Um >> the motion to wave >> first read status. The motion is >> I would like to move separately. >> Within the motion? >> Second motion. >> Oh, we can vote on that one. Sure. All right. So, is there any discussion on it? >> I think I

085think I do probably need to pull the motion back. Make the motion to accept >> Wave the first. First you want to make a motion to wave the first reading. >> Then you're going to make a motion to accept it. So, re- re- take yours back. >> I withdraw my motion. >> Your second. >> All right, I withdraw my second. >> Take back your motion. >> All right, I withdraw my motion. >> Okay. >> Um I make a motion to wave first reading on policy number 5112. >> Second. >> Okay. All right, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstain? Okay. >> I make a motion to accept 5112 as as revised um to number our policy for this 2026-2027 school year. >> All right, second by Mr. Fiorello. All in favor? >> Aye. >>

086Opposed? All right, motion passes. Next one, we have the work study student employment work release mandated policy 5113.13. >> Um so, this policy aligns it's it's it's it's in accordance with various local area businesses and industries. Uh the district establishes and maintains a work study and work release programs for students who are at least 16 years of age. Um this policy is also a cave uh policy. It's it's also uh public act 24-45. Uh the question in this one is we made some changes to the parent. Instead of parent, we put we made it legal custodian. But we used we used Kates text. >> All right. Do we have a motion to accept this policy? >> First, um >> Are you leaving this one? >> Cuz the way it's a it's a it's a Kates

087policy. >> We need to wait then? Or can we do the full >> You can take your time with this one. >> Okay. I think we should cuz I think we should follow the procedure and so unless it's a >> All right. >> So I'm making a motion. >> I'm making a a a a a a motion to accept this as a first reading. >> Okay. Do we have a second? Seconded by Mr. O'Brien. All right. Any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion passes unanimously. All right. Our third one is 5125 student records mandated policy. Aligns with Kates recommendations policy. >> So again, okay, this is another policy. It's educational records defines records directly related to a student will be kept for each student

088and will reflect the physical, emotional, social, and academic aspect of the student's development in the educational process. Um this policy is also a Kates policy. It's been edited to to show um legal custodian parent legal custodians instead of uh parents. Um and this is words. Trying to see what else is up with this. But it's keeping it's it's it's record confidentiality. >> So take these updated. >> Provides our policy. >> And this is not a a rushed policy. Okay. >> So, do I have a motion to accept this as a first read status? >> Motion by >> by >> Mr. Seger. >> Motion by Mr. Cormier, seconded by Mr. Fiorello. All in favor? Are any discussion? I'm sorry. Any discussion? >> the difference with Kates is they just used parent. They would just have parent.

089>> Yeah, they we we we made it we made a decision when you were children >> Right. on on policy to to to make a make that change. >> And just for those who are viewing, K stands for Kentucky School Boards Association. Principal Weeden. >> Okay, so we'll move to a vote. All in favor >> Accepting the first read. >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right, motion passes. All right, we're moving on to 5125.11, health and medical records. Mr. Cormier, would you like to present on this? >> Um this this is what the typical most district schools will comply with the health insurance portability and accountability act above to maintain the privacy of protected health information that it receives, um obtains, transmits, or sends. So basically it's it's it's protecting it's using the

090HIPAA protections for student medical records. Um it's also a K Yeah, it's it's it's it's a K recommended policy. Um and again I think this is another one that can be voted first. I I that can go to first read. >> Mhm. Okay. >> So. >> Do I have a motion to accept this as a first read status? >> Mhm. >> Moved by Ms. Temple. >> Second by Ms. Danshaw. Any discussion? Seeing none, I'll move to a vote. All in favor? Opposed? Abstentions? Passes unanimously. Moving on, we have 5144.12, student challenging behavior prevention. Mr. Cormier. >> Uh so this is another is another mandated policy uh through we're aligning aligning with K's recommended policy. Um You know I'm I'm reading the introduction so that pretty much gives they pretty much gives our the overview for

091the for the policy. Related to all matters of student discipline, the Board of Education requires district staff to make every effort to correct student challenging behavior through school-based resources to support students in learning the skills necessary to enhance a positive school climate and avoid challenging behavior. This policy um it it it outlines restorative practices and how and and how student discipline is is is carried out. Um but it also we have we updated the policy with um the parents and legal as legal or legal custodians instead of parents and put in Stratford Public Schools as indicators for our district. >> All right, do we have a motion to move this for first read status? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. O'Brien. Is there a second? Seconded by Mr. Pado. Any discussion? >> Yes, um

092so it'd be for the school year beginning 2026. So, is that right going back to July 1st, 2025? >> No, it'll be 2026. Correct. Yeah. So, um Susan, got it. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? Amendments? So, would you like to make a motion to amend that? >> Uh so, I you should remove Is there Who seconded? >> You seconded. >> Remove your second. >> Motion to remove my second. >> So, you need to amend it, right? >> You could just say think amend it and >> Oh. >> Um >> You you can just ask the second if this is considered a friendly amendment. >> All right, I'd like to make a friendly amendment changing the date for the school year beginning July 1, 2026 instead of July 1, 2025. >> If the mover and

093second are both find it friendly, that works as well. >> Good. >> All right. Any other comments or discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Abstentions? Motion passes unanimously. And our last policy of the evening is a revisit of our field trip policy 6153. >> This one we would like you to wave the first read and approve it. This policy was thoroughly worked on last year and approved, but nurse Kim has gone through and made a couple technical adjustments to make it more efficient. >> All right, so do I have a motion to wave the first read status? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Fiorello. >> Seconded by Mr. O'Brien. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? Okay, the wave is unanimous. Now,

094do I have a motion to approve the field trip policy 6153? >> So moved. >> Motion to approve as amended. Motion to approve as amended by Mrs. Dancho, seconded by Mr. Fiorello. >> Yes. >> Is there any discussion on this policy? >> Just that Kim Blackwood is very thorough and we're lucky to have her. >> Yeah, sure. Our nurse Kim provides her parents. >> Well deserved. >> All right. Being no further discussion, we'll move to a vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? Passes unanimously. Woo! We made it through all those. Okay. Now, we move to school adoption. I would like to thank you all for signing up for the school adoption list. The official list is as follows. Everybody signed up accordingly, so we have Victoria Soto Preschool, it's going

095to be Mrs. Yvonne Temple. Lordship Elementary School, it's going to be Mrs. Laura Dancho. Johnston Elementary School, it's going to be Mrs. Kristen Zapata. Rice Elementary School is going going be Mr. Chris Cormier. Nichols Elementary School is going to be Mr. Fiorello. I'm sorry. No, sorry. I Mrs. Laura Dancho. Second Hill is Mr. Michael Fiorello. Chapel Elementary School is going to be Mr. Bill O'Brien. Wilcoxson Elementary School is going to be Mrs. Jill Tangelo Powers. Eli Whitney will be Mr. Bill O'Brien. Whisconier Whisconier Middle School will be Mrs. Kristen Sapiaha. Flood Middle School will be Mrs. Jill Tangelo Powers. Stratford High School will be Mrs. Laura Temple. And Bunnell High School will be Mr. Mike Fiorello. So, I would look forward to all our work in these schools and it should be a fun time

096for us all to connect with the community. So. >> Yep. >> I have a quick question. Um should we introduce ourselves to the principals? I mean, we probably already have, but to let us >> I make a strong recommendation and now that you've officially been assigned, send an email to the principals. They know we're doing this. So, send an email introducing yourself as that you have adopted their school, you are the board member that has adopted their school school, and that you are a live chat during communication back and forth. >> Or that we're allowed to. Yes. Thank you. That's exactly what I was thinking. >> That way they don't go, "Hey, did you know I just got an email from" Right. All right. We are now at the executive session portion of our evening.

097The chair will entertain a motion to enter executive session for the purpose of the superintendent evaluation process. This executive session will include all seven board members and superintendent Miss Borges. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. O'Brien. Do I have a second? >> Seconded by Ms. Sapiaha. And all in favor, say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right, we will now enter executive session. The chair will entertain a motion to come out of executive session. Do I have a motion? >> I I propose a motion to come out of executive session. >> Second. >> Moved by Ms. Dancho, seconded by Cormier. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Any abstentions? Seeing none, passed unanimously. We're coming out of executive session agreeing upon our procedure we will

098follow for the superintendent evaluation. There is no votes necessary on the procedure. Okay, we move on to tabled items. There are no tabled items. Committee assignments, there is no committee assignments this evening. We'll now have committee report updates. We will start with curriculum with Mr. Fiorello. >> Okay, I won't be long because you heard a lot about curriculum already. We approved some curricula and then overnight trip, but we also did have some informational presentations that curriculum operating cook presented about music both as regular ed, but also the enrichment that's allowed in through music and what some of their needs are, what some proposals are that might be coming up in the future. It's very dynamic and energetic and it's terrific to hear that. Dr. Epler in in addition to recommending curriculum also presented on I

099want to say procedures, not policies because that's a that's a committee meeting. Regarding digital literacy and AI and age appropriateness and shared a powerful word. I think that Google slide on that as well. Did I leave anything out? That's everything. >> Thank you, Mr. Fiorello. Any questions or comments for Mr. Fiorello? Seeing none, we'll move on to finance, Mr. Cormier. >> Uh finance today we had was our our finance meeting was just before the board meeting today. We had three transfers that we had to to make. We we we approved them unanimously and it's the the housekeeping balancing of our moving the funds to the right line up. >> I think the other thing just to add is that we did receive our first excess cost payment, um which has lowered our special education deficit,

100um and we have also lifted um the freeze that we had put on the account in worry of the deficit and are allowing our schools to be able to purchase the things they need. All right. Next >> Any questions or comments for Mr. Cormier? Seeing none, next we have school plan planning committee. We met on March 26th and then we did a building tour. I'm sorry, we had a building tour on March 26th. Our next meeting is scheduled for May 7th and we didn't meet in here, we just went through the tours. Um I love the tour of the building, so. Any questions about plant planning? Seeing none, we'll move on to policy review with Mr. Cormier. >> Policy met on April 22nd. We moved six policies uh to the board. Um three of two

101were moved ahead waving the first three and the other four are in in in first read status right now. Um I believe next month's policy will probably have up here four and more policies to move forward to the board. Um our meeting next month is not the normal uh third third Wednesday of the month. We moved the meeting to um sorry. >> May 11th. >> We moved the meeting to May 11th because um many of us would like to attend the continuing education um meeting upstairs at the high school ceremony. That uh is up at the charter not charter school? >> No, Shawsheen High. >> Yes. So, yeah. >> Is there any questions or comments for Mr. Cormier? >> I actually have one. Okay. Um I was wondering if in the policy review if you

102can add a change log to the policies when they get changed. I was at a meeting recently and someone had suggested this to us and I think that would be efficient for boards to come in the future to see what we amended from the policies and where our thought processes were and just to have a separate log so that if we ever need to look back at that policy we can see what we have changed. >> Okay, can we talk to I can talk to Mr. Argan as well as Mr. Sager and Dr. Eckland possibly. >> Okay, great. Thank you. And Mr. Pirrello? >> Well, I just want to say we had a public speaker who asked us to review and adopt a different policy. And I wonder if you just want to talk about

103what happens next if we decide to take the speaker up on that because people are watching they say, well, you had a speaker who said, "Hey, do this in policy." What happens next? >> Well, the case >> Today about the bus and transportation >> Um well, it revising that policy we would probably start on on on an executive level first because right now we have what we have. We're budgeted a certain to cover the cost. >> Any changes to any the changes that were discussed would be probably a nice a nice bite of of additional some I'm actually not even sure if >> So, what happens when a public speaker comes and the board would like to entertain a revision or an update of that policy, but the request came to me. I start working

104with my team and when we are ready we will bring it to the policy committee. Um but again, uh policy like that was presented on the agenda and it does have financial impact. So, it may be something we can consider, but we didn't budget for it this year. So, it may not be something that we can do probably for the start of the school year, but anytime someone comes and speaks to us and they'd like to explore let me know and we will do that and then we'll bring it to the policy committee. >> I was thinking based on the date quoted in the school board reviewing anyhow because it's been a while just to >> Well, we we've been looking at this policy >> Oh, yeah. I'm going to say that this is >>

105We've been looking at this policy for the past three years. We've been trying to figure out a way for us to reduce at least down to 1 mile for the elementary kids reduce it down to a mile and a half for the high school kids cuz it's 2 miles for the high school kids currently. You're also trying to explore options for a mile district wide for everybody to be able to see if we have the capacity. There's multiple problems, you know, the number of buses that Durham says they would have to add for us to do that would be an additional cost and Durham was clear that they don't have bus drivers to add that many buses for us to make those changes. So, it might be something we need to phase in, but we

106have been really thinking about it for the past couple years and it is something we want to do. And so, Pam does have an offer. She knows how much it will cost and we can give that to you or we can talk about what we can do in order for us to be able to do it a little bit better, but really a mile and a half is too far for our little guys to walk and honestly 2 miles is too far for our high school students to walk. >> I do have a quick question. Is it possible for for us to get the mileage policy on what the mileage is across the state? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And maybe we ask our speaker for his notes. >> I sent that in an email. >>

107Did you? Cuz I I he did some serious research. I would like you know, confirm it and all, but I think if you could give it to us to kind of have a SR and R in our pocket as a >> And just remember in your current policy after October if a parent feels like their child is on a dangerous street or needs transportation, they send a request in and if we have space on the bus, we do accommodate those. It's good to know for for safety and for and some of our buses do have space. So, we just have to wait until after that October 3rd date. It's October 3rd inside the policy. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else for Mr. Cormier on policy? Seeing none, we'll move to athletic review with Mr. O'Brien.

108>> Yes, we met April 7th and my co-chair agreed to chair that meeting. He felt like he would learn from the first one, but we had two good reports from the uh high school athletic directors, had some good discussions on a number of things, but Heather, can you talk a little bit about the what's happening with the sportsmanship uh CAA? That's pretty interesting. >> is pretty um it's pretty amazing and both high schools are really excited about the opportunity. Um essentially, CAA C has programming inside of it that helps districts with something called um the Class Act Initiative, about positive school rivalries. Uh and they go around the state and they support districts trying to help them, you know, have good sportsmanship and positive outcomes. And they saw Stratford as a unique opportunity to um

109offer a new approach to become a Class Act District. So, instead of Stratford High becoming a Class Act School, then all becoming a Class Act School, because we have two high schools and they are cross-town rivals, they are going to work with the staffs at both schools to become a Class Act District. Um the first uh initiative is coming up where they are going to the athletic directors and coaches are going to travel over to the CAA C for restorative meeting and work towards the goals. Um they will be working with a man by the name of Kendrick at the CAA C, who's absolutely fantastic. Um and really works on how to come together. So, they'll come up with a plan. And the plan might be, you know, things like um giving back to the

110community, right? So, during the fall football game, the focus might be on raising food for the food bank, right? It might be on Sterling House. They will change the focus and the two teams will have to collaborate and work together in order to achieve a goal that makes our town better. And if they do all of these things, then at the end of the year, CIC will deem them the very first ever Class Act District. So, there'll be a whole bunch of host of things they need to do. >> And it will be good whether we get named a Class Act District or not. >> Absolutely. >> Good even if we don't get those things. >> Absolutely. Yeah. And they're going to involve unified sports and they're going to involve parents. And so, just the

111first session is just with the coaches and the athletic directors to restore everything that is going on, you know, currently this year. And then they'll be adding students and parents and families to each of the next pieces as they develop this plan. Each school will have 15 people representing them when it's all said and done. >> Are there any questions for Mr. O'Brien? >> And we agreed to meet one more time before the end of the school year. That will be Tuesday, June 2nd. >> They have it. That's happy birthday. Now I know. It's in there. You got it. All right, moving on to the personnel committee, Ms. Temple. >> Will to be um I I'm really adamant about having a couple of HR folks up there, especially since the coach evaluations. Um Yeah, that

112probably needs to be at the personnel committee. So, I'm excited about that. Um but also making sure that we are following the contract as they are actually in each contract. Um so, um that's where I am with that. Um, did reach out to a couple HR folks that live in Stratford or work elsewhere. Um, still happy to be on a couple other boards, um, in Stratford, but, um, one reached back out, so just waiting to hear back to confirm. And then from there we'll have our first official meeting. Okay. Um, so, that's it for the personnel. And as a note, please note that this is not a monthly meeting. Okay. So, ask me if you have any questions. >> I'll ask you just cuz I don't know if you've ever met. So, if you could

113just say if we have ever met that way, but All right, next is Oh, any questions for personnel? All right, seeing none, next we have Community Culture and Climate Committee, Ms. Zapata. >> Okay. The Community Culture and Climate Committee didn't meet in April, but our next scheduled meeting is May 21st and there will be results from the family engagement survey. >> Great. Any questions on that? All right, seeing none, we'll have an update um, from CAB representative, Ms. Temple. >> All right. So, in the liaison newsletter for April 2026, a few things. Uh, so, save the dates, legislative wrap-up, May 12th, 2026. Um, I believe everyone should have received the email about that information. Um, I will personally be attending that one. Uh, the delegate assembly, November 19th, 2026. CAB CAPs convention is November 20th

114and 21st, 2026 and they are accepting, um, they're doing a call for proposals, so >> We have already started proposals being submitted. We don't know if they'll be accepted, but we have already started proposals. >> Awesome. Okay, ready, set, go. Uh, so, 2025, >> 2026 finance webinar series um is located online. The audit process webinar May 20th, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. And then if you want, you know, if you have time during your day, take um feel free to go on CABE's website. They have several past videos on school or past webinars on school finance. Um and then there's the board chair webinar series as well supported by the SDE. Um yeah. >> Questions about the CABE update? Seeing none, we'll move to the CES update with Mr. Pado. >> Our last CES

115meeting was held on April 2nd, which we continued to discuss educational legislation and how it affects our local magnet schools and our local town schools. Um and our next scheduled meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th. >> All right, any questions for CES? Seeing none, we'll move on to the liaison committee. We did not meet in April. However, we like I said in my update, we did go to present to the town council our budget and so we did do that. Um our next meeting is May 13th, 2026. Any questions about that? Seeing none, we'll move on to good and welfare. Does anyone have anything for good and welfare? >> I think you do. >> I do, but I was going to see if anyone else did. That's Good. Okay, I'll present it. Um this

116past month, a few of us had the opportunity to go to Franklin Elementary School to receive this beautiful drawing that they made us to thank us for our volunteer work here on the Board of Education. So, I wanted to bring this to our board room so we can hang it up, but it was really nice of them. They presented to us, to other volunteers that they have at the school. They presented to the bus drivers, to the nurse, to a whole bunch of people. Crossing guards. It was really It was such a wonderful event. The kids performed for us from grades kindergarten up to sixth grade. It was very inclusive. I was a wonderful event. I had have tears in my eyes when I was there and we were in the front row. So, it's

117a little bit embarrassing, but it was really sweet. So, I'm very honored to accept this from Franklin and to hang it here in the board room. So, we're going to find a special place for it. Um it's becoming our busy season right now with award ceremonies, with graduations, with a whole bunch of stuff. Um we had the volunteer appreciation luncheon or breakfast. So, I hope that you guys can make it to some of these events because they really are the worthwhile things that we get to do here on the board. So, um I plan to be at as many as I can. So, look forward to being with you guys at those. And if anyone else has anything they'd like to present. >> Did anyone else get invited to the chapter for their inaugural Veterans

118Breakfast? >> I'll be there. >> I don't know if they sent it out to everybody. >> Just you're being honored for I hope you get invited to the nurse appreciation and Chris and Mike for teacher and Ron for teacher. But yeah, no, we didn't. But you should go and enjoy that. Yes, excellent. All right. Seeing nothing further, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. Moved by Mr. Temple. Second. Seconded by Mr. Cormier. All in favor.