001We do have a quorum. Mr. Kennedy is uh not feeling well this evening. So he will not be here with us. Uh but we do have six members which constitute a quorum. And I'm going to turn the invocation on the pledge over Mr. Premier. We beseech you almighty God to bless this meeting of the board of education. So guide and rule over our hearts and our minds that our deliberations and decisions may be in accordance with your will and lead to the advancement and welfare of the community of Stratford whom we serve. Amen. >> I aliance 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. Well, I want to welcome everybody. It looks like we have
002a a nice crowd here today. Um, appreciate all your enthusiasm. Um, I'm going to skip any long- winded remarks and we'll just move right into the public forum. Um, I don't know that we have any speakers. >> None. >> We have no speakers this evening. So, we have two new student representatives. Um, Julie Tedesco and Grace Myron Dominguez. and Julie will be speaking first. Um, is Julie here? >> Okay. Um, if you can come up to the to the microphone and um, give us your report. >> Yeah. Perhaps Dr. introducer. >> Sure. >> Oh, yes. >> And just if you could make sure that microphone is on. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Dr. Katie Graph and it is my distinct honor to introduce Julia Tedesco as the Benell High School student representative to
003the board of education for the 2526 school year. Julia is a senior who has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and service as she embodies the very best of what it means to be a bulldog. Throughout her four years, she has held numerous leadership positions, including the president of the women's empowerment club, Inspire Ed, and RHO Kappa, as well as vice president of the senior class and secretary of the National English Honor Society. She's also directed the Envision Equity STEM team since her junior year. Beyond the walls of Benell High School, Julia has dedicated herself to meaningful service and work experiences that highlight her compassion, leadership, and drive. She has volunteered more than 100 hours with organizations such as the Center for Family Justice, St. Margaret Shrine, and the Red Cross. At school, she has served
004as a link crew leader and is currently a member of the Bulldogs in training, which mentors rising Bulldog students, Banell students, rather. Julia's accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards including the prestigious Harvard Book Award, AP Scholar with Honors Distinction, and multiple awards um for academic excellence in several academic areas. She has earned first honors every semester of high school and currently holds a weighted GPA of 4.67. She is currently in the process of applying to colleges and attends to major in nursing or premed. Julia brings to the board of education a thoughtful perspective shaped by her academic achievements and her leadership experiences. And I can honestly say I cannot think of anyone better to represent Denell High School. I would also like to welcome mom here and um she's promised me killer brownies tomorrow
005morning. So thank you Miss Tedesco. Ladies and gentlemen, Julia Tedesco. Good evening. My name is Julia Tedesco. Sorry to adjust this. Sorry. There we go. Good evening. My name is Julia Tedesco and it is a pleasure to speak with you this evening. I'm currently a senior at Benella High School and I'm honored for this opportunity to share what our community is currently involved in. Tonight, I will begin by highlighting exciting updates and developments within the STEM department. For mathematics, the Benell math department now offers four dual enrollment courses. Statistics, calculus, college algebra, and discrete mathematics. Updates to the geometry curriculum with new resources have also been implemented this year as a part of our new curriculum revision cycle. Students are currently being recruited this October to take the ANC 10 and 12 math competition against
006peers across the nation. This is one of several competitions planned this year to enrich students math experiences and challenge them beyond high school courses. For science, the Banell science department welcomes two new staff members this fall in areas of biology and chemistry. Also, a new dual enrollment opportunity in college level biology has been added for students enrolled in AP biology. New curriculum resources are being implemented in biology courses as well as biodiversity as part of the curriculum revision cycle. With the new bell schedule this year, teachers in AP classes with labs have been given additional time in the first semester to ensure lab opportunities remain available. Over the summer, teachers collaborated across the district to adjust pacing and best prepare students for the AP exam in spring. Now, turning to the humanities department, English 3
007and Modern World History are rolling out their new curriculum in collaboration with Straford High. Both departments are seeing success in increased rigor and student engagement, and they note that our new cell phone policy has contributed positively to classroom discourse. In other news, returning members of the yearbook staff attended a dayong workshop at Southern Connecticut State University run by Wsworth Publishing. Sessions on photography, staff management, and design were memorable moments of their outstanding day. Similarly, journalism students are preparing for journalism day at Southern Connecticut State University next month. And AP literature students are planning a field trip to Yel Rep. Next, I'd like to share some updates from our CTE pathway. Students in our pre-teaching pathway are starting their field work. The students enrolled in individual and family development, started their internships today, and spent the
008day shadowing local teachers at Strawford Elementary and Middle Schools. I'm also currently an intern in this course, and I had a wonderful time at Chapel Street Elementary School today. I shadowed sixth grade, and I'm looking forward to returning back as it was a wonderful and insightful experience. Additionally, the early childhood education students are attending a field trip this week to Husatonic Community College Laboratory School. They will be touring the campus and attending a class with the Husatonic professor. Personal finance students are wrapping up their first unit and will soon be creating budgets for their future selves. DECA and FBA students are diligently preparing for fundraising, public relation campaigns, and upcoming enrichment opportunities. DECA students are getting ready for a leadership conference in October, and FBA students pending board approval are looking forward to their big
009trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Finally, a huge shout out to our technology pathways as four of our Minnell students were hired to do the recordings of these board of ed meetings. Next, in the school counseling department, the counselors have been busy meeting with seniors to connect them regarding post-secary plans. Each senior received a folder containing a copy of their transcript, required documents, and helpful information on navigating the application process for both two and four-year colleges. Students are being offered support in both the classroom and through workshop opportunities. Anformational letter was also mailed home to parents and guardians of seniors. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to sign up for college visits through their Naviance accounts and college admissions representatives will be visiting Banel through November. The FAFSA application opens October 1st for seniors who will need financial
010aid for post-secary plans. Families will need to create an account for the 2026 2027 school year. As in past years, Vanell High School offers FAFSA help through the school year. Miss Chelsea Delucha from Contact will be available at Banell High School starting October 3rd. Interested students and families who are ready to complete the FASA can sign up for assistance and workshops will continue to be offered regularly. Students and parents of all grade levels are invited to attend a virtual workshop hosted by Barnum Financial Group. The focus will be on paying for college in the financial aid process. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for October 13th and 14th at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration information has already been shared with families. Additionally, the ASBA military exam for interested students in grades 10 through 12 will be scheduled
011for November 7th. A registration form will be shared with students in the near future. Moving on to our fine arts and fine and performing arts department. Fanel Stage is proud to announce that our fall production is going to be The Great Gatsby. They just had auditions and had a great turnout. Mark your calendars for their show dates December 11th, 12th, and 13th at 7:00 p.m. and December 13th at 2 p.m. Also, the choir has grown drastically, and they are excited for their performance at Radio City Music Hall on December 4th at the 11:00 a.m. show. For athletics, September's athlete of the month recipients were Adam Ruskin for golf and Mia Scarzi for cross country. Also, Ricky Miller, a senior football player, was named the SWC defensive player of the week. The football team is currently
012ranked number 10 in the state heading to their week three showdown with the number one ranked school, New Kanan. The athletic department was recently informed that we will be receiving a Michael's Cup trophy as of one in 24 schools in the state for class act sportmanship efforts. Additionally, our unified sports program was recently named a champion school by the Special Olympics Unified Sports Champion Schools National Recognition Program. We will be receiving our champion school banner that will be presented and hung up in our gymnasium during the winter. Now moving on to Vanell Student Government. Vanell Student Government Association along with Vanell's Leadership Council has been very busy preparing for the Saturday, October 4th homecoming dance at the Trouble Marriott. Students are also helping to arrange freshman class council elections and are working to prepare for
013the Disney Imagination Campus trip in February. Finally, for our extracurriculars, the Women's Empowerment Club, which I'm currently president of, has begun the 2025 2026 school year with great momentum and many new members. In recognition of October as domestic violence awareness month, we will be distributing purple ribbons to acknowledge the impact of domestic violence, demonstrate support for survivors, and raise awareness about the importance of prevention. The Interact Club recently held its first meeting and is excited to welcome approximately 45 new members. During the meeting, students were introduced to the club's mission and the role of Rotary both within the school and across the nation. The National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society are currently holding um elections for new applicants and future officers. Both honor societies are currently planning new service based projects and
014the National English Honor Society hopes to consider literacy visits at Eli Whitney. Additionally, Roa and the Spanish Honor Society will be having meetings in the near future for future candidates. Inspire Ed, which I'm also currently president of, will be holding its annual no place for hate panel this October, which will highlight the diversity and differences amongst our students. This panel is an important step which allows Vanell to be recognized as a no place for hate community. Mr. Fiori, an English teacher and adviser of NHS and Bulldogs in training, has started a new debate club. Their first meeting was filled with lots of excitement and involvement with about 20 new members. They're planning opportunities for debate competitions across the state. Finally, thank you to the board for the opportunity to share updates on behalf of our
015students. From STEM and humanities to CT pathways, college readiness, athletics, and student organizations, Banel students are engaged, motivated, and making the most of every opportunity. We are proud to be a part of this community, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish this year. Thank you for your time and your support. We stay for I have a quick question for you. >> No, no, you're fine. Just you mentioned a new bell cycle. >> Yes. >> So there are some students that I heard from that are not so happy with this new bell cycle. >> Can you tell me a little bit about that and what's going on and why students aren't happy about it? >> I think that for the past 3 years, we've been so used to like the four periods a
016day and having that gap in between you work on homework. I personally can speak on the AP portion of it. I'm in AP chemistry right now and having AP Chem for two like two periods back to back can definitely be a little rough. Can you tell me a little bit more about the change? What what it was what it was? >> What was it called? So, basically went we went from having four periods a day, I believe like 88 minute periods to five periods a day. I'm not sure on the exact timing, but so now Mondays instead of having 1 through 4, I meet through 1 through 5. I think the benefit of it is that I get to have more work done. We get we meet with our classes now three times a week
017instead of two and three where it would vary each week. But I think it's definitely impacted getting more I noticed my classes have been moving significantly faster, but it also gives a little less time to work on homework. But I think that it kind of goes back to before the before co how they I think they had almost seven periods a day. Um I think it definitely it's not my favorite personally, but I think I just need to adjust to it more. >> Okay. >> I'd like to hear a little bit more from students about that if you uh for the next meeting maybe just what they're what they're thinking. Of course, I think to your point too and maybe I know you might not be able to speak to this, but I know some
018of the concerns I've heard from students are basically our students who do the um Aqua program. >> Yes, that was a big thing that I was cuz I was asking I'm not personally a part of Aqua, but I know students are now missing multiple periods each week, which I think can be very detrimental to their academics. Like they're missing they have to make up those days. And I feel like it works for a certain period of time, but missing class time, as I personally like with my internships and stuff, I already don't like missing school, especially if you're in advanced classes. And I think students who are a part of Aqua and RCA could be significantly impacted by it. And I think that that's something that might be possible work in the future. >> Okay.
019Looking forward to hearing more about that. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Mr. Thanks for the opening there. >> Thank you everyone. >> I just want to take a quick moment to thank uh interim superintendent borders of the board of education for allowing me to introduce Grace Myron Dominguez. Grace, why don't you come up here and stand next and talk about you? >> Thank you. Houston. >> So, I want to take a quick moment uh to introduce Grace Myron Mark Dominguez to all of you. Grace is a senior who embodies the school spirit of our school through her dedication, leadership, and service. She's a varsity girl soccer player, captain of our dance team, and vice president ourthlet of our athletic association. She's also heavily involved in our nursing pathway as she's preparing for a future career
020centered in helping others. Inside the classroom, Grace's commitment is just as impressive. She's a member of seven honor societies and plays an active role in building community at Straford High School. As membership chair of our PTSA, yes, we have a student as a membership chair. She has worked tirelessly to increase family involvement by also helping to boost school spirit and attendance at athletic events. Additionally, Grace's leadership extends to the state level where she currently serves as a member of the state student advisory council on education where she collaborates with peers across Connecticut to ensure that student voices are heard in shaping the future of education. We are so proud to have Grace represent Straford High School and I know you will see the qualities which we strive to cultivate in all our students. Congratulations, Grace.
021Good evening. My name is Grace Marin Dominguez and I would like to take a moment to thank acting superintendent and the board of education for the amazing opportunity you've provided me. I'm a senior at Straford High School, a varsity girls soccer player and captain of the dance team, and vice president of the athletic association. All of which have given me the chance to grow as a leader and teammate. I'm also on the nursing pathway at Straford where I'm pursuing my interest in healthcare and preparing for a future on helping others. Internally at SHS, I'm passionate about increasing family involvement within our community. That passion has led me to volunteer my time as the membership chair for our PTSA and work in conjunction with our athletic association to increase attendance at our sport events. Beyond athletics
022and academics, I represent Straford High in meetings focused on our portrait of a graduate work, contributing to the vision of what skills and qualities student students should carry with them after graduation. In addition, I serve as a member of the state student advisory council on education where I collaborate with other students, student leaders to share ideas and provide input on issues that impact schools across Connecticut. I look forward to this year and sharing all the amazing things that will be going on at Straford High. Straford High School senior Nicholas Peglo has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program as a commended student. The National Merit Scholarship Program states that those being named commended students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. On September 10th, Straford High School hosted Steve M and his outstanding choices
023matter assembly. Steve is an all-American athlete from Connecticut who attended West Point and Yukon and he spoke to juniors at SHS and seniors about the choices you make while driving. At 24 years of age, Steve was in a drunk driving accident and is paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping teenage kids and winning gold medals for the USA in the PAR Olympics. On Thursday, September 18th, Straford High held their first ATP meeting of the year. 21 community members, business owners, parents, students, teachers, and administrators met to discuss school data from the standardized testing, attendance, NEASC, Spring Point, and our welcoming walkthrough. The goal was to generate ideas to improve attendance, family engagement, and create a more welcoming environment. In an effort to highlight student voice, we asked our
024students to share their group ideas, and discuss ways we can incorporate our work into our school improvement plan. The humanities department is well on their way to engaging students in the new English 11 curriculum. Recently presented to the curriculum committee, teachers are diving into the first unit on power and persuasion, exploring questions such as what circumstances or traits allow for power to be acquired, maintained, or lost? And how do fear and power shape the choices of individuals make? And what do these choices reveal about responsibility in a society under pressure? Students most recently are engaging in station rotations to build background on the crucible. Already working to support the district's instructional focus on collaboration this year of PG competency. Grade 10 ELA has begun the year with analysis of short texts and application of critical
025theory. They will be moving into focused reading into a focused reading of House on Mango Street, exploring author's craft with vignette writing while continuing to apply theory to short reads. In our newly approved Yukon ECE course on maritime studies, students have been interacting collaboratively in a hands-on inquirydriven task of a ship build. Students spend the first three weeks of school reviewing prototypes of boats and then engaged in the design and build of a cardboard vessel that will compete in the Avery Point cardboard boat race of 2025. There will be demos and showcases by esteemed Yukon faculty and racing competitions by both Yukon instructors and early college experienced students across the state. On September on Thursday, September 18th, Miss Mack held the naming ceremony, and on Friday, September 19th at 12 was the launch. The school
026counselors have been working to finalize new registrations. We have welcomed 76 new students into Straford High School in addition to the 262 freshmen. Counselors have been working with students to adjust their schedules as needed and are preparing to go into the senior classrooms next week and this week to begin discussing post-secary planning and the college application process. Chelsea Deluchia will be returning to the Stafford High School this Friday to continue to assist students and families with their FAFSA, college essays, college applications, and more. In STEM department news, math and science teachers have embraced collaborative time to work together and have started the school year very strong. On the math side of things, we are completing our fall star testing administration and continuing to implement the practices of building thinking classrooms into our courses. Our math
027team had their first meeting of the school year with a record-breaking turnout of over 20 students. They are poised for another great competition season. Thanks to Miss P for her leadership and coaching of our math team. On the science side of the department, teachers are finalizing their lab safety conversations and are introducing students to experiments in the lab. Teachers continue to look for ways to make these experiences collaborative and both math and science have been reflecting on the fortune of graduate competencies with an emphasis on thoughtful and intentional integration into classes. In athletics, the Straford High boys cross country team has a record of 5 to one and is on track to have its best record in school history. Juniors Dylan Asunion and Zachary Tulle are currently ranked as the two fastest student athletes in
028the SWC with 5K times of 1623 and 1627 respectively. Dylan Asunion broke the Benel Force record last Tuesday running a 1629. Football is off to a nice start. They are 2-1 with victories over Cheney Tech and Bethl. Danny Cassiano was named the CT Alliance player of the week. Boys soccer also had a nice start to their season, winning their first three games and is currently three 33 and two. Girls soccer defeated Benel this weekend and is now three and five in the season. Girls swim recently defeated New Milford and New Fairfield and several athletes qualified for events in the states and SWC's. Avery Fuo has qualified in five events. Katie Raphaeli has qualified in six events. Kira Johnston has qualified in three events and is just one second away from breaking the school record in
029the 100 fly. Freshman Olly Grace has already qualified in two events. Our swim team is also proud to share celebrate Amber Lurman who recently competed in the 100 backstroke and the 50 freestyle. Amber's participation showcases inclusion at its finest and reflects a supportive spirit that defines our team and our school. Thank you for your time and I look forward to sharing the happenings at Stford High with you during your senior year. Ladies, before you head out, um just an FYI, um this current board, you you'll you'll get to come and visit us two more times. Uh then then the board will be changing over. Uh there'll be an election as you probably know in November and the board will change. But um in kind of tagging on Mr. Dell's question, can at the next meeting
030I'd like the two of you to come back with some suggestions on how this board can make the uh make the educational environment better. whe whether it's in in whatever ways you see fit, I I'll leave it up to you to to figure out what criteria you want to use to to make suggestions to us as how we can make your your school better. But um so for the next two months while you see us um any suggestions you have would be uh greatly appreciated. I know Miss um our acting superintendent, Miss Borges, has uh has a student advisory committees, but uh if you could bring us some additional information, that would be great. >> Thank you. And and after you give your reports, you are welcome to leave. You're welcome to stay as well,
031but don't feel mandated that you have to stay. >> I just want to mention because Julie and Grace are both going into nursing or the medical field. First of all, remember to apply for the Julio the Kathy O'Brien Kazinski scholarship that we give out every year. And Audrey Law, my niece, who graduated Benel, I say 20145, is now Dr. Law as of last May and doing her residency in Harvard. So maybe one of you will be up there someday. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> And then I'd also like to put a shout out to Mia, our new recording uh recording professional video >> videographer. We we've changed our format. We we brought students in to help us do that. Um which, uh I think is a great opportunity and shows our commitment
032to our to our uh educational and and to our high school. So, um I'm not sure if you'll be here every month, but um I'm glad to see that that Miss B just had the idea to uh involve our students and and create additional opportunities for you guys. So, welcome me and and uh good luck at your cross country, I think. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, um and then I'd be curious to get some input on on how we're doing with the recording. So for those of you who have who have watched some of our recordings in the past, just see if they're at least up to par or better and what we can do to improve it. So uh for this Thank you. Um I'm going to go out of order. Uh sorry
033Floyd, but we are going to jump to the teacher of the year Apple award presentation. >> The apple is not attached. >> Good to know. Good to know. Right. Somebody forgot to tell me that last year. >> I am so honored to present the Apple Award to our teacher of the year. So, September, please come up and join me up here. September's commitment to her students, her craft, and our community is extraordinary. and this year her excellence is being recognized beyond rapper. September was named one of just 16 semifinalists. I can't even tell you the last time that happened in this record. I think it was a very long time ago. So, this is amazing. um the the Connecticut State Teacher of the Year. As part of this prestigious 2026 cohort, she will not only
034join all district teacher of the years at next year's summer empowered lead symposium, but she is also going to get to take part in professional development experiences designed especially for those 16. These opportunities are training in media and communication strategies for teacher leaders, a book talk with a national teacher of the year book author, content specific PD at the Mark Twain House, a multi-day experience at Mystic Seapport, a dinner hosted by Mystic Aquarium, and a cultural learning experience with the Moheaggan tribe. September will meet her cohort this November at a reception at the CT State House and she will be formally recognized as a semi finalist at the statewide teacher of the year ceremony which I'm so excited to be there with you um at the Bushnell in December. At the end of the year,
035she also receives a $1,000 classroom improvement grant to benefit her students. We are so incredibly proud of September. Her honor is not just a reflection of her dedication but also a celebration of the teaching excellence across Rford. So please give her a round of applause. If all of you could please come out from behind and go right up there with September and her princess. She left out one thing. >> What? >> September also has an amazing voice. >> Well, she does. Absolutely. >> Thank you. But I'm not going to make a little head. [Music] Hey, Floyd. Good. How are you? >> I'm going to post it first. >> You're going to post it first. I know it's a race. >> Everybody good? Congratulations. All right. So, we will head back to our regular agenda. We
036have our attorney report, Mr. Dies. We have a couple of contracts, I believe, this evening. >> Yes, sir. >> And do we need to be in executive session with the trustes? You do not unless you want to have a you may go into executive session, but at this point, excuse me, I would say let me um explain it to you and if you want to talk about it in executive session, we do that. Technically, a recess and a non-me. So, the first um contract I'm asking you to consider approving um is with the um Strapford Association of Educational Secretaries. Uh this is a 4-year agreement. It dates back to July 1 of 25 and would be retroactive to members actively employed at the time of ratification. uh the first year for this year it would
037be 2.5% increase. The second year it would be a 2.5% increase again. The third year it would be a 2.5% increase. And then the third year u effective July 1, 2028 it would be a 3% increase. Um and effective upon ratification we're going to delete step one the first step uh which is um a little bit below market there thereby uh raising um overall starting salaries uh and adjusting the numbers accordingly. Uh on the insurance side of things there is no change to the plan design. Um the secretaries currently are contributing 18.5% towards the cost of health insurance. uh that will be frozen for the first year. Uh then it will increase to 19% in the second year, a half a percent increase. It will then go up another half a percent to 19.5 in
038the third year where it will stay for the third uh and the fourth years. Um there are a couple of language uh changes. Nothing particularly earthshattering, but um uh right now there's language allowing uh the use of sick leave for a family member's illness. Right now it is 3 days. We're increasing that to seven to be consistent with other contracts uh that the district has. Um we've also uh instituted language saying that if if an employee is out for 6 months, we have the ability to post the position with the understanding that when the employee comes back um the person who uh fills the job would be bumped. But at least this way rather than going on for nine months, a year, 18 months, um it allows the district to post the job and um
039and then um fill it and then if necessary to bump the person out of it later on. Um there were some minor changes in the uh recall rights and the bumping procedure. uh nothing of any material consequence, really more of a question of making sure somebody in a 10-month position can't bump somebody in a 12-month position. Um holidays just recognized the Junth holiday being added and updated that. And the only other change was a um modest increase in life insurance from $25,000 to $40,000. Those are the terms. Um, I um I certainly uh recommend your approval and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about that contract. >> Uh, back to the bumping of the after 6 months of leave. That bumping can only happen to that position. Correct. it it can't that
040the person can't return after the 6 months and bump any other position or a newer position that's been hired behind that. >> Correct. They would come back and bump the person out who took over their their position. >> So the hiring for that position would then be advertised as temporary, right? >> Uh yes. >> Okay. >> And then with the with that uh the language employees on leave was is that cumulative or consecutive? for article number eight add language for employees on leave for 6 months. Is that consecutive? >> I believe it is consecutive. Anybody else have a question? >> So you'd be looking for a motion to >> to approve the contract as presented. >> So part of the process is is to send these contracts to the council. I believe only for teachers
041and administrators. >> Okay. >> Not the non-certified. >> Okay. So then it would just be a straight motion. >> Correct. You approve it. Contracts binding. They've already ratified. It'll be a different conversation when we get to the um administrative contract. >> Um so then I look for a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Moved by M. Mell. >> Second by Miss Powers. Any discussion? Roll call vote. Mr. Fabian. >> Yes. >> Mr. O'Brien. >> Yes. Mell. >> Yes. Mayor, >> yes. >> Miss Flowers, >> yes. >> Chair votes yes. Motion passes 6. >> We're going to hold on the administrators. Um, they're not ready yet. >> They're not ready yet, >> Mr. Phil. >> I believe we're waiting on a correction to language in the contract. >> Um, okay. >> Okay. >> All right.
042So, we're not doing that this even >> and I I don't think we have it package. >> Yeah, we don't have it anymore. >> Okay. So before we head out, does anybody have any questions? >> I'll see you next month. >> Thanks. >> Next on the agenda, um, state board is I don't think we have any state reps here. So we move to the state board of ed report. this record. >> Good evening everyone. Um, thank you again for the opportunity to come and update you on the actions and goings on at the state board of education. Our last meeting was the first Wednesday of the month. Um, at that meeting, uh, we went over the board's five-year strategic plan. We are currently three years into the state board's 5-year strategic plan, and there are
043four priority areas. The first is ensuring equitable access to education, ensuring safe and healthy learning environments for all students, creating opportunities for students to explore multiple career pathway options, and elevating Connecticut's curriculum frameworks. And so, as we go through the year, often uh the reports from the commissioner are framed around what action items the state department has taken in each of these areas. And so those are the reports that we'll be receiving on a monthly basis. The department also announced that their theme for this year is unlocking lifelong potential uh which definitely goes towards um the board's strategic plan objective of creating opportunities for students to explore career pathway options. Um one of the highlights uh from our board meeting is uh updating getting updated about student assessment and attendance data. Um this was the
044first time in over a decade that all student groups in our state in all tested subject areas showed improvement at once. So it was quite an achievement that we're very proud of at the state. Um it was also noted that a majority of alliance districts improved in both uh ELA and or math. Um there's 36 alliance districts and that would be 28 showed improvement. and I know that we have some data that's going to look really good as an alliance district. So, I was happy to see some of Stratford's data uh including in our included in our board report. Um the other significant data of note was that chronic absenteeism fell for the third straight year across the state. Um it was 23.7% when we returned from the pandemic in the 2122 school year and
045last school year it fell to 17.2%. And what's really notable about that is not so much the percentage, but what the percentage means is that almost 34,000 students were now more present on a regular basis in our schools, which again is a huge achievement. And I know that Stratford has made really excellent progress in those data for ourselves. Um so again it was nice to see um sort of the combination between what the state efforts are doing and then knowing personally how that's been impacting us here in Stratford in both student achievement and decreasing chronic absenteeism across the state. I think it's kind of obvious that um high school remains the biggest challenge u for chronic absenteeism. That's true um in all districts in all areas uh and particularly in 12th grade. So, we did
046have a conversation about some of the wise that that might be particularly stubborn um for high school and then again uh in 12th grade and maybe looking at what the department and what policies um could be changed or enacted that might help to mitigate um those kinds of numbers. We also got a report um on educator vacancy. Um the department defines a vacancy as a budgeted position for which NLEA is actively trying to still fill and so overall teaching and special service vacancies across the state have declined but conversely pared educator vacancies have increased which is also something that we've seen very clearly here in Stratford and in surrounding communities. Um, in terms of uh updates on the federal level, um, from NASBY, um, I did get a federal update. Nothing has changed. Well, actually,
047depending on what might be going on tonight or tomorrow, we may or may not have a continuing resolution. Um, but we got the same budget update in terms of uh, the Senate bill uh, that was passed out of the Appropriations Committee. It seemed to be more favorable for education in general. um it flat funds the US Department of Education and requires adequate staffing of the Department of Education in order to administer the programs that are funded. Conversely, um the House bill is seen as less favorable because it reduces the overall education budget by 15% and that includes $5 billion less for Title One grants. Um so that's very very concerning. Um but who knows what will happen between now and Wednesday, so we'll see. Um, also of note is that through NASBY, um, I should
048have said before, I'm sorry. Um, NASBY is the National Association of State Boards of Education, um, I joined a highquality instructional materials exchange, uh, series. Um it's a series of five meetings of members of state boards of education from across the country and we're exploring key issues around um HQIM around effective implementation, state policies and best practices um and basically in terms of what can state agencies do to impact highquality instruction and the materials that we put in front of students. Um the last update uh as you know I serve also on the legislative and policy development committee. Um in that committee meeting two weeks ago we reviewed a draft of the English learner and multilingual learner framework. Um this is a document that outlines the principles uh ev evidence-based practices and policies for high
049quality instruction that allows our English learners and multil- language learners to access academic success, college and career readiness standards and also um gain langu English language proficiency. And so uh we did approve the draft of that framework to go forward to the full board. So at our meeting next Wednesday, uh that will be on uh consideration for an action item. So the entire state board will receive a comprehensive review um of that language learner format uh framework and I'm hopeful that um it will pass favorably with the state board because I think that's very important uh to support our EL and ML students. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. questions. >> I think it was very informative though. Appreciate it. >> Thanks very much for the opportunity. I appreciate it. >> Thank
050you. All right. Um, so there was a request. Um, there's >> the SHs, uh, the Straford High School dance coach is here with a very tired baby and I understand that and Miss Carol Fabia noted it. So, I just wanted to let you present first and get out of the way what you need to do. >> Appreciate it. with the baby sympathy. >> That's okay. >> Yeah, she does. >> You pull her face. >> Yes. >> How old? 6 months. >> Um well, hello. Um thank you guys so much for uh hearing us out. So, as most of you guys know, we were uh last year. Um, this is my fifth season as a Stratford High dance coach and last year was our first year going to UDA Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Um, at Wide
051World of Disney. Um, the Universal Dance Association Nationals is one of the most prestigious national dance organizations in the country. Schools from all over Connecticut and the country and the world go and compete every year. Um it's an unbelievable experience specifically for dancers who are looking to dance after college as or after high school in college as well. They get to see teams that are on um extraordinarily high levels. Last year us going was such an amazing experience for us that we came back and 3 days later won SWC's um for the first time since I was coached for the first time in over eight years which was super super exciting. Um the dancers were able to see. There's not a lot of times where they get to sit and watch and be involved while
052also competing on a stage that's as large as nationals is. It's broadcasted on ESPN. Um the collegiate nationals is the weekend before. So they've gotten to see what these collegiate athletes have done a week before, watched all of the dances, and they get to go and perform on the same stage, same rules, same judges. Um it's an extraordinarily amazing opportunity. Um, the team last year when we came back was so bonded, was the best, easiest group of kids I've been able to coach. Um, I'm really lucky. My dancers every year are top athletes, top students. I never have issues with any of them. Um, and they're just absolutely so deserving to be able to go and represent Statford, represent Connecticut, um, in this, uh, organization of UDA. We go to camp with them every year.
053It's where we learn our halftime routines. Um, and it really is setting them up for success for the rest of the season. Um, I don't know if you guys have any questions. Um, we, like I said, we went last year. Everything was extraordinarily smooth. Um, and I was 8 months pregnant last year when we went, so it's exciting possibility of going this year. Um, being myself, we are adding a staff along with me. Our varsity cheer coach has agreed to go with us as well. So, there'll be two coaches. um which will be amazing to have two of us there. Um Alyssa Riviera who is our dance co our head cheer coach uh cheered at Sacred Heart. So she's gone through nationals the exact same way everyone goes does it I did it in high
054school. Um like I said it's an amazing experience. >> Yeah. N >> so I just have um so the competition is from Thursday the 29th to February second. >> Yep. So practices and open spaces are on Thursday. So we get there, girls unpack, um we go change right into our practice attire. We have a practice on the facility at the hotel and then we go over to ESPN World of Sports and we get to practice for 15 minutes in their practice facility. Um we get our credentials and all that stuff and then that Friday night they have like a team bonding thing in the parks which is awesome. Competition starts on Friday. Um we have no idea what time. They send you the um schedule literally the Wednesday before which is so fun for planning.
055Um, so that's why I included our plan, our schedule from last year. Um, so I make two separate um two separate schedules. One for if we continue to move on. So you compete the first day. If you move on to the second day, you compete in semis. If you move on, then you compete in finals. Um, so I have a schedule for if we were to keep going um, and if we make it past last year, we were less than a point away from making it to semis. But we're really hoping that this year since we know what we're getting ourselves into, um, we would be able to make it to Sundays and maybe even finals. >> And then, so how does the Monday is that a travel? >> So Monday is a travel day.
056We leave at like 7:00 a.m. from Orlando. I think last year the buses picked us up at like 4:00 in the morning from the hotel brought us there. Um, we were back in Connecticut by like 11:00. >> So So that's they'll be missing three days of school. >> Yes. And and you have plans in place to for the kids to make up to you. >> Yeah. So, I emailed last year. I emailed every all the teachers, let them know. Um I give them a nice break before and a nice break after um from practices and stuff to catch up on their homework, stuff like that. There is downtime. I tell them they're more than welcome to bring their homework with them. They have three hours on either end of the plane. They're more than welcome
057to bring their homework with them. Um and go like that. Uh last year, no one had any issues making up homework, tests, anything like that. I tell them to start telling their their teachers as soon as we know soon as we get approved um to start letting them know looking ahead in their syllabuses and making sure that they know any school that is missed it's their responsibility to make it happen. >> How many dancers are going? >> So we have 11 dancers and one um our manager is one of the >> How doing fun fundraising or funding? >> We're doing we're doing well. So we aren't technically allowed to start fundraising for nationals itself until we get approved. Um, but we have fundraised our all of our choreography, all of our co costumes, our new
058palms, um, everything like that has already been fundraised for. So, we have a few fundraisers set for if we do get approved um, for the rest of the year. And we are hosting SWC's for dance this year, which is super exciting. Stratford is hosting it. Um, which means that we are able to have like a concession stand and things like that to help make money um, for the trip after that. So, their final payment will be due after SWC's to hopefully alleviate some of that cost. >> So, check out the Stratford Oldtimes website, download their application because they fund many things at Straford High. >> Okay, for sure. >> And what was the other thing I was thinking about fundraising? Uh oh, the football team just had a great fundraiser. I noticed they raised over
05918,000 online. So, >> yeah, we do the same fundraiser as them. we don't have um nearly as many kids. So, we raised but we did um actually cover all of our choreography and our costumes from our Snap Race fundraiser this year, which is really exciting. >> Any question for a motion to approve? >> So, moved by Mr. Patel. >> Uh any other discussion? >> Just I just want to say I appreciate I appreciate the the detail for this for this. >> Yeah, everyone sees everything. So, >> and they'll be using the right forms now. >> Yes, we have all the forms. All the forms are completed. I have them all in my stroller outside. >> Thank you for last year as well. I know it got a little crazy towards the end. So, we appreciate
060working with us to make everything uh happen cuz last year was an amazing experience. Thank you guys. >> Before you go, >> any other discussion? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Pass. I know. It's hard to follow the baby. >> You're not end up having to be here with Jack. I got the baby. I think my time might be more than Oh, that's your that's your >> All right. Well, I do want to say good evening. Uh my name is Dr. Phil Piaza. I'm here along with Dr. Dioro uh for our annual data review. We hope it'll provide some valuable insights into our students progress and our district's effectiveness. Um however we do want to mention that we do firmly believe that numbers uh alone cannot capture the full story of education or define true
061student success. At the heart of everything we do is our mission um and our portrait of the graduate. Qualities that while not easily quantifiable do represent the true measures of success and prepare students not just for tests but for life. Um, as you've heard tonight from our great uh, student reports, uh, we're proud of all the uh, many different things. Our expanded pathways and opportunities that we've created, um, career and technical education, dual enrollment, internships, project based learning, arts integration. Uh, these honor different learning styles and aspirations, recognizing that success looks different for every student. So, um, with that said, um, I'm going to start by looking at, um, something that, uh, Mr. Eard already, uh, commented on in terms of the state report. It's great that they're looking at this at the state level
062as well. Um, I'll make this a little bit bigger. I think I can. Um, so again, this is our chronic absenteeism. We have presented these. Um, I think we talked about this before. It's something that we're very proud of this year. Um, you can see the state line is the green line. the Stafford School District with the purple line. Uh this is the only graph tonight where we do want to see it going in that direction uh going down. So uh we do like uh the looks of it. Uh this improvement didn't happen by accident. It is a result of a comprehensive approach that includes early intervention systems, family engagement activities, and addressing the root causes that keep students from school. Uh whether those are transportation barriers, health challenges, or family circumstances. Our attendance teams
063work closely with families to identify obstacles and create individual support plans. Uh through our family and community engagement office, we are are dedicated to empowering families by connecting them with the resources that they need uh to thrive both at school and in the community. Our goal is to build a strong connection between home and school, ensuring families have the information, support, and guidance necessary for their children's successes. So these numbers that you see before you here um you know we're very proud of and we're going to continue to work uh to get those back down. As we as uh Mr. Record said a lot of these numbers you know skyrocketed uh during COVID and postcoid and uh we're well above 20 and so we're down you know uh at about 17 I said 17.2%. Um,
064so we're going to continue uh to make that uh that graph go down uh as we move on. I'll pass it off to Dr. >> Good evening everyone. So, our Dibbles K3 reading assessment data shows strong growth from the beginning of the year, which is the BOI, beginning of year, um, to the end of year, which is the EOI across all elementary schools. red well below grade level decreased significantly from 39% at the beginning of the year to 26% at the end of year showing fewer students needing intensive um assistance and intervention. Uh similar decreases for the yellow which is the below grade level and then on the other hand green which is at grade level rose from 25 to 28% showing improvement in students meeting grade level expectations. blue which is at oh not
065at it's above grade level increased substantially from 20% to 31% demonstrating more students exceeding expectations. So over the year there has been a 15% reduction in students in well below and below grade level and a 15% increase in students at grade level and above grade level. This is indicating strong overall growth in foundational skills reading skills for K3. This slide again it's still the dibbles um but it is showing um the uh analysis of dibbles performance by grade level showing that the students proficiency data at three points in the academic year. Again the beginning the middle and the end represented by the the B the M and the O. Um the data is broken down by grade level and shows the percentage of students scoring in different performance bands. So for kindergarten as an example,
066the data um shows a strong positive progression in student proficiency over the school year, which is crucial for early literacy development. The beginning of the year, you can see only 43 students percent of students were at the highest proficiency level, which is the blue and green combined. But at the end of the year, the percentage of students at the highest proficiency level significantly increased to 67%. Students needing support, which is the red and yellow, the percentage of students in the lowest proficiency bands dropped dramatically from 57% at the beginning of the year to only 33% at the end of the year. >> And you're combining two just to make sure people know, right? >> Combining them together. similar results for grades one, two, um, and three. You can see they're all going in the similar
067pattern, which is the way we want the red and the yellow to decrease and the green and the blue to increase. Um, so that follows the pattern for all of the other grade levels. Um, this slide uh also effectively demonstrates the progression of early literacy development across K3. In all grades, there is a clear and consistent shift from the lower proficiency bands, like I said, red, red, and yellow, um, towards the high proficiency bands, blue and green, between the beginning and end of the year. This suggests that the school's literacy, instruction, and interventions are largely successful in moving students toward proficiency in their respective grade level skills. And this is going to significantly impact when they get to the fourth, you know, through 8th grade when they're taking those um standardized assessments. For the Smarter
068Balance in ELA assessment data provides valuable insights into student growth and achievement in English language arts. This slide shows grade 4 to 8 growth trajectory and student achievement. We compared students from their previous year to see their demonstration of growth and I am happy to share that the growth rates blue in multiple grade levels are exceeding benchmarks indicating effective literacy instruction. The target achievement percentages which is are the which are the ones in green further demonstrate the success of our literacy programs in driving strong student outcomes. This is how close to reaching the students and schools specific performance goals set by the state. Sorry. This data also allows us to identify areas of targeted intervention and support especially for our struggling readers. we'll dive deeper into the specific data points and what they mean for
069our instructional priorities moving forward and that's what our teachers are doing at their data teams um which is happening in at all the schools. So in summary the most subgroup most subgroups show a trend of improving or stable performance in both student growth and targeted achievement between the two school years. So with subgroup one showing the most consistent positive trajectory across the metrics. This is key findings on our performance in math. Our targeted achievement green was stable in most grades with a decrease in grade 5 and an increase in grades 6 and 7. Grade 6 moved from 49.7% to 52%. Grade seven moved from 44.3 to 47.3%. Our growth rate blue showed a slight decrease in grades four and five but a nice increase in grade six and a slight increase in grades seven and
070eight. Grade six is a posit positive trend that uh we will study and try to replicate for the other grades. Math proficiency and next steps despite the varied outcomes will remain. We will remain committed to our goals for mathematic proficiency. We continue to focus on consistent growth patterns to demonstrate effective math curriculum implementation. We are seeing signs that problem solving skills are improving across grade levels which aligns with our instructional focus and our portrait of a graduate. And we have a new professional development initiatives in elementary um in place that are specifically designed to support and enhance teachers effectiveness in mathematic instruction. So our goal is to ensure that we return to the accelerated student growth in mathematics that was precoid. All right, moving on to science. I'll try to make these a little bit
071bigger so you can see them. Um this uh slide shows uh to the left is our science performance index. Uh this is a little bit different than the one on the right. This shows our our percentage of growth uh for our for our entire district. Um uh for all three grades that the NGSS uh is given uh in 5 811. Uh again this is uh comparative uh from 23 24. Again it goes up slightly. Um the just to note the performance index itself the the highest you can get is 110. Uh I would need a calculator and probably a slide rule to explain to you how they figure out performance index. It's a very complicated u mathematical equation but um you know right now we're definitely not at the achievement level that we want to
072be at but we are happy to see um the growth in this area uh from last year. Again here's a look at the the grade breakdown uh from 5th 8th and 11th. Uh we did see a slight dip uh in fifth grade. Again, something that uh we were we started looking at. Our STEM coordinators are already um you know busy looking at that a little bit closer. Uh but we saw some really nice gains uh in 8th grade. Uh from where we were from like below, you know, around 29 uh% and this is percent proficient. So this is different than the the previous uh the previous graph. Uh from 29% into the mid-30s about 35% and 11th grade from about 31 to to 40%. So, two uh two night nice games in 11th and eighth
073grade. Moving on to our to our SAT um ELA and math. Again, to your to your left, you have the state of Connecticut um and to the right Strapford. And we did I showed you these just so you can see, you know, we are following the same growth patterns as the state of Connecticut. We're a little bit below uh their averages. And again, uh the graph here, the pink is last year uh and the maroon is this year. Um and then uh for the math it's it's the lighter one is last year and the darker orange is is this year. So again nice jump in ELA uh from about 40% almost you know to about 49% proficient uh and math you know again acknowledging that this is nowhere near where we want to be uh
074we are moving in the right direction and trending in the right direction with our SAT uh for ELA and math. So we were happy with those results you know and really um those are just some of the data points as as we know you know there are many more uh that we are looking at and looking deeper at these and looking at in a lot of different ways. Um we do want to re again return to our mission statement. This guides everything we do our portrait of the graduate we're infusing into all that we're doing in terms of curriculum writing and instruction. Um, and we know that this work really requires all of us working together. The board has been very supportive. We've thank you before and we'll continue to thank you for supporting our
075professional development, our curriculum writing initiative, uh, because that helps us uh, put the best teachers and the best curriculum in front of our kids. So, uh, we thank you for your continued support and partnership and we'll answer any questions that you might have. >> Just And can you go back to that last slide for just a second? >> Sure. I know we've we've talked about the disparity between ELA and math over the years um and the STEM teach the you know the STEM staff and uh I'm sure you're involved in the conversations. What what kinds of things are we coming up with to to tackle that that I that disparity I feel like that seems bigger than it has been in years past. And I I know it's a statewide thing. I'm just concerned that
076it's >> and I'm not sure, you know, the data, you know, of the district from the past, but I I'll definitely, you know, take a look back. I know it again, I think it starts with our curriculum. As we as we looked back when we were um looking at our curriculum review process, we saw a significant amount of STEM classes that had not been updated uh in recent years. So, we do think um you know, we do think that's going to help moving forward because we we've already started tackling that this summer. Um and so, we should see some some more immediate results. Um I I you know I personally don't like looking at the SAT uh to gauge um our our success at math. I realize that that's the national test that everybody looks
077at and you know I I do try to look at this as just a snapshot. Um but uh we're going to continue to explore that and I think as we as we get more the um the curriculums in in front of you uh for review and start seeing how our our kids are responding to that over the course of this year which is the plan um I think we we'll have more of an idea of of the improvements that we've made and and where those holes were um that could cause this kind of disparity. >> And if you can remember back to last year when we presented the data and we were very clear with the board and with the community that this is a marathon. So what we need to focus on is that
078these numbers are heading in that right direction because students are going to move at their pace and we need to meet our students where they're at and continue to move them forward. So while I understand, you know, the depth of concern concern with the differentiated numbers between our language arts movement and our math movement, you know, people need time to be able to update the curriculum, reframe our thinking, provide additional professional development, which we're doing for the elementary teachers this year for math specifically. And we have to remember that, you know, we want to have that trajectory heading in the right direction, but we need to have patience, support, love, and nurturing for our students, our families, and our teachers as we continue to battle that up uphill battle. >> Thank you. >> Um, just
079a quick question. Uh, well, a couple questions. Um, I noticed on the smarter balance performance, um, is third grade no longer taking that No, they are. But because we compared um students, so it's we're comparing apples to apples. So So they didn't take the test before. So we couldn't show it um this way. But I will be very transparent. Third and fifth were their our weakest areas for both ELA and math. So that's an area that we're going to look at. But what's really positive is our dibbles were so strong that we're hoping that as they're coming through, you know, especially starting at K with the resources we have that we're going to see a huge impact. >> That was kind of what I was asking because I saw the dibble score, so I wanted
080to see like in comparison how it translated. Um the other question I have is is it possible for us to receive um the percentage of students um in each grade level that meet goal on the state standards or where we are compared to the state average in each grade at ELA and >> of course we can get that >> and math on each one and then could we also get a digital version of this >> and this >> of this or everything else was >> the other it Um time travel. >> Um and then I know one person has asked me recently um our performance data like is that from in the state's standards um like but I was just talking about the percentage of students in each grade level that meet state standards in
081comparison to the rest of the state. Can we have that put on the um website so people understand and know where >> and our performance indicted did increase. >> Okay. But if we can have that up on the website because I know people have been asking like, "Oh, can you share with me?" I'm like, "It should be on the website." >> Joanna, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's also on the ed site at the state public. >> A lot of people don't realize what that site is. So, if they can go to their town's board of district website and put on their school and see if >> that would be great. Thank you so much. >> Um, so I'm a little bit of a followup on what Miss Carol brought up. Um, so you
082you compare you you this report shows a cohort moving from third to fourth. That's the that's subgroup four. So this cohort we're following their their growth balance. >> But I'm looking at the that and then I look at at the ESPback data. >> We're looking at that's two pages. One more page. Two more one more page. >> Yeah. >> So here we're looking at the fifth grade and then >> um the performance. >> Yeah. These are apples and oranges. They're not the same group, >> right? So, so it's it's it's last year's fifth it's two years ago's fifth grade and last year's fifth grade comparing their scores. We're not comparing >> like >> we're not seeing it's not the growth of those particular children. >> To do that, you would need to take a fifth
083grade a few years ago and compare their eighth grade scores. Okay. >> Correct. >> Because they only do it every day. >> All right. >> And we are so transient. >> I don't know how how that would correlate. My question is a little trivial, but can we use different colors on our print out? We have It's just blank. There's nothing there. It's just a green bar, so there's nothing compared. So, can we change the color to maybe a red or something? So, we >> didn't print. >> We absolutely can. I apologize for that. >> It's the same thing on the uh there's no uh number line on the absenteeism. So, you're looking at this like, okay, there's two lines, but it doesn't make any damage. >> Okay. I apolog I've been looking at the screen
084the whole time so I did not see the breakout. >> Thank you. >> I apologize for that. >> It's okay. >> Questions. >> I mean overall though I think you know you've been seeing in the news a lot lately nationally test scores are going down. It's good to see their test scores are going in that direction and and I think I I think the reading especially showing you know the change of curriculum the the proactive path we've taken on that and now with some of our hope you know produce the same results but you know you got to do you got to lay the groundwork for for this >> that's the plan and roll. >> Thank you. Any other questions? We'll move on to the superintendent executive report >> and I will be brief. Um
085just as you saw in the data presentation, we are making progress and it is important for us to measure our students growth because the targets set by ESSA and the state sometimes make it feel so lon forget to celebrate the growth on the way to that achievement. Um, I want to emphasize tonight that this improvement didn't happen by chance. That it has taken a partnership of our families and the dedication of our staff across every role. Teachers, administrators, nurses, pareducators, tutors, secretaries, custodians, and our volunteers. Our students are so much more than test force, but we are proud of their growth. And we are proud of the community effort that made it possible. Strappford is strong because we work together. And if we keep that collaborative spirit, we will continue to move both our students
086and our district forward. >> That's it for me tonight. >> Any questions? uh chief operating officer. My report is also rather brief this evening, but I wanted to make certain that you did note that in your packet um you did receive information that was requested from the last meeting as a followup. We did talk in finance committee about the preschool program funding and you also received the professional development fund summary as well. Also, um you've been provided with the budget development calendar for fiscal year 27. And that doesn't even sound right to me. I can't believe that we are about to embark on another budget season. Nevertheless, um we did a lot of review over the summer and we came to the conclusion that it would probably be in the district's best interest and most
087certainly a benefit for the town for us to begin our budget development process earlier than we have in the past. Because what we've come to realize is that we are really right on the heels of the town charter as far as the date that we are supposed to get our information to the mayor every year. And while we certainly share the information, we don't always provide them with the detailed book within I believe it's um 60 days or two months. I can't um at the moment I'm holding to that I can't remember the exact wording in the town charter but reviewing that along with the transition that we know will occur during the election period in the next couple of months. We came up with a new calendar that actually um starts a little bit
088earlier. We've made our um administrators aware that they will have a little bit more of a crunch time, but there's been agreement that overall because we just started the new school year and there's been lots of >> Can I just that calendar? Is it in our >> Yeah, I believe I saw it. It was emailed you. You don't have it in front of you. Okay, >> it is. >> No, no, wrong. >> Okay. I apologize. We will I know it was in the email that um Teresa had sent with >> Do you want to just run through the dates? >> Why don't they do that? Thank you. Um we will start the budget development guidelines distribution on October 20th to all schools. So schools will have the 20th to October 31st to get all of
089their information into Alio. That's where we manage our budget. Then we will um review all of the school and department budget requests between the superintendent and myself. And that will occur in the first three weeks of November. And our superintendent will do all revisions and adjustments over the next couple of weeks into early December. We actually anticipate having the budget completely assembled and ready to distribute by the end of December. and the superintendent would then present the budget to the board of ed special meeting and right now we're earmarking that for January 12th. Our rationale is we are hoping um to have what is commonly called in many districts super Saturday, which really is a budget workshop day. And that will allow the board instead of having three evenings out just to devote a Saturday
090to truly reviewing all of the budget. And then from there, if the board needs additional time, we have some time to actually work through the process. But our hope is to actually forward the budget to the mayor by the end of January. And so it is pushing it up by a month. Um but again, every time that we've done it by the end of February when the board has approved it, by the time we've assembled it and gotten it over to the town, they've always asked for it by March 10th. And they've been very accommodating because we've given them the percentage increase in that information. >> Yeah. Just about too. And I apologize that um hard copies weren't provided this evening. Um but we we will again send it to you and um I really
091do think that it's going to help. I even I started to say that I do think um administration at building level as well as departments feel that as the school year began and they realize things like um needs that perhaps weren't planned for as well last year, it will help them to develop their budgets while everything is still fresh in their minds. So for a variety of reasons, um we think it's beneficial. >> Well, I'm just sorry to say that I won't be participating in that process. I'm just imagine like >> that's imagining like that's a lot on you guys. >> You have a new board that's going to get sworn in in December and they are going to have to put forth a budget by the end of January. Like literally get in the
092seat and go to >> I mean it's kind of better sitting around in January which is >> it's the same amount of time devoted to it quite frankly. I mean, we're not taking away the time and the opportunity for the board to review it. >> It's just a lot of learning really quick for a new board. >> Yeah. And I I wonder if three nights of an hour each opposed to a Saturday where you can be relaxed and talk about it is really going to make um is going to be detrimental. I really think it would be more advantageous. But >> um I think it's a better Yeah. >> It's a good thing we have some seasoned folks coming back. We're going to count on you. >> You guys will be the guiding light. >>
093Um, >> well, it's and typically it's only a month quicker than than we've done it in the past. >> So, our I mean our first year our first year we were >> only we were only seated for a month more before we jumped into it. leadership. >> Good luck. >> We're there to guide everyone. >> Yeah. And you have you do have Miss Fed and Morg just walk you through the process. >> And keep in mind there's time for additional meetings if they need because we are setting this up this way. It allows them if they needed to go further or longer, we could, right? I think I'm going to, you know, hopefully be able to support and work with Miss Manini to not have that happen because it gives us more time to advocate
094for the town for what we need. So, it sets us up for better success. >> Anything else? >> So, the tuition rate, I know we we discussed it. I don't see it on the agenda. Um, unless I missed it, but I I see >> it's coming up. page right here. >> Okay, got >> um that's it. >> Okay, then we will go to the assistant superintendent's report. >> They don't have a report. They just >> I figured you guys have been gone already. We didn't have anything left. >> Um so look for acceptance of the meeting minutes for August 25th regular meeting. Move by Mr. O'Brien. >> second. Any discussion? >> No discussion. Then all those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion pass unaners. Move down to the personnel reports. Um just uh just for clarification
095I guess or uh my wife's name is on here so I'll be recusing myself from the vote. It' just be easier to for myself to recuse myself from the entire piece of it than trying to single it out. Um but I I did miss boy just bring up to you um there were there were some spaces for secretaries um stipens positions for u planning and athletic review. Did we already do something for the for the board secretary or do we need to amend the minutes to add that? >> Did we do that >> or amend the amend the uh >> reporting that might have been done last month. Um, but I'm not 100% in our minutes, right? >> If not, then we would need to ask to >> do we have the the the amounts.
096It's the same as the others, right? >> No, it's $200. >> 200. >> Okay. So, I'm going to Well, we'll get into it. I'll ask you guys to uh give us the dollar amount so we can add it. We'll just add we'll amend it and add it this evening just in case it's not unless >> I have Hold on one secondary right. Um, so I'd look for a motion to approve the uh personnel assignments as as listed. >> So move back. I look for amendment to add >> for the amounts of >> $200 per meeting. >> And that's all it says in there for that's it. Okay. I'm looking. All right. So motion to amend second by Miss Carol Fabian. Any discussion on the amendment? >> All those uh all those in favor? >> Opposed?
097The motion is amended. Um and then I look for a motion to approve as amended. >> Did you abstain? >> Uh no. Um motion to >> We already have a motion on the table. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So then uh I will be recusing myself. Is there any other discussion on the motion to commend? >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes 5 Z one and one one abstension. Um budget transfers finance recommendation number two. Uh so in the finance committee, the finance committee voted unanimously to well 6 to move forward uh two motions uh to the board or two uh transfers to the board. The first one is a motion to recommend that the board of education authorize the chief operating officer and director of finance to make necessary budget transfers to salary,
098professional services, transportation, and tuition accounts and to pay other standard charges. These transfers uh may exceed board policy thresholds. The chief operating officer and director of finance will report all transfers made to the finance committee and the board of education. Um we'll take a uh that's a motion there. >> second. Uh any discussion? >> One question I forgot to ask previously. The pending receivables they have to be received by the end of the calendar year. Is there any any rule on that? >> There really isn't. We will continue to um see in person from the other towns, but as Heather's pointed out, normally they're just slow. So, >> but they normally you don't have to fight them. You usually get an event. >> The two towns were waiting on we will get the funds from
099>> Thanks. >> Uh any other discussion? Roll call vote. >> Yes. >> Mr. Brian, >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. unanimously. >> Uh the second motion I'd like to make is a motion to recommend that the board of education approve an additional AL allocation of $227,000 from the 1 million fiscal year 24 carryover fund to address the fisc year 25 projected operating budget deficit. Any remaining funds shall remain unallocated until further board approval. Fabian, any discussion? Want to just give a quick highlight to that? >> Okay, this is on Yes. primarily um as you know, we are estimating our fiscal year 25 year in deficit at $644,194. The board had previously back in June allowed us to set aside $500,000 of that $1 million carryover for fiscal year 24 to offset that deficit. And now we
100are asking for um the ability to allocate up to the balance 227,000 to cover that um projected deficit. We're hoping we don't need all of it. And of course, once the audit is complete, we'll know exactly how much we will need to um take from that 727. And as the motion states, anything that is remaining from that $1 million carryover will come back to the board to be reallocated. >> And we did have a little more detailed discussion during the policy committee. >> We had a very good discussion >> and it came from the policy committee. >> Finance. Um any discussions? No. Any other discussion? Motion was made. U >> yes. >> So Ryan, >> Yes. Motion passes 6. Number three. Uh proposed 2025 2026. take that. >> Sure. Um would love to make a
101motion to accept the proposed 2025 2026 uh tuition rates um that were provided to us. >> 24 27 >> 27 >> They're all 27. Y >> the the uh the table of contents says 24. Oh, that's a seven. >> There it is. >> That's a seven. Um the recommended tuition rates for elementary school uh students being 18,594 uh middle school students 24,151 high school students 20,82 special education students 27,983 um for 2025 2026 school year. >> Motion by Mr. Pell second by Mr. query of discussion. >> Can you >> I was just going to add we also had a very good discussion about this during uh the finance committee and that this is a very prescribed formula and rate and there is some increase from last year's tuition rates to this year's tuition rates and
102all of that coincides with budget increase and excess costs and there's a whole lot of things that go into that and that sliding scale that Dr. Piaza has will come in useful to figure it out. And MJ, can you explain briefly why we have to set a position schedule? >> We are required to um per board policy to entertain the application of any student who wishes to attend Staffford public schools. And of course, the board policy does require them to pay the tuition rates that are set by the board each year. So this is an annual process. Um, and as soon as we have these approved, they will appear on the district website. >> Any other discussion? >> Mr. Chair, >> yes. >> Mr. O'Brien, >> yes. >> Mr. D, >> yes. Mr. >> Pier,
103>> yes. >> Mr. D'Angelo, Miss Dangelo Bowers, >> yes. >> And the chair rose, yes. Motion passes 6. Um, we'll move on to number four, the acceptance of the Banell High School State Project 138-0116CV, which is on the uh, next page 28. So, look for a motion for the board to approve the following. the filing of form DAS1049F, the final grant application for a payment and flooring project at Banell High School with the Department of Administrative Services Office of School Construction and adopting the following resolution accepting the project as complete. Be it resolved that the Straford Board of Ed accepts the Panel High School state project number 138-016 CV as complete. moved second >> by in the fire by uh Mr. Fidell. Any discussion? >> I was wondering if any of this would have any
104recourse if we do decide to do a feasibility study and being reimbursed by the state. >> No. Okay. No, they're completely they would be considered completely different. This is complete. We'll move on to something. >> No discussion. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> O'Brien, Mr. D. >> Yes. >> And the chair votes yes. Motion passes 6. Um, next item number five, acceptance of Straford Academy Johnson outstate project. Um, number one CD is complete. The abatement and flooring project that should be on page 29. So the Straford this the board of ed the Straford board of ed approves the following filing a form DAS 104 9F final grant application for abatement and flooring project at Straford Academy Johnson house with the department of administrative services DAS office of school construction and adopting the following resolution accepting
105the project as complete be resolved that the Straford Board of Ed accepts the Straford Academy Johnson house state project number 1380115 CV as complete. >> So >> moved by Powers, second by Mr. O'Brien. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. Mr. Fabian, >> yes. >> Mr. O'Brien, >> yes. Mell, >> yes. >> Warrior, >> yes. >> Angel Powers, >> yes. Votes, yes. Motion passes 6. All righty. Um, proposed curriculum. So, we'll go uh number one, the overnight field trip. uh high school CTLA conference in Phoenix, Arizona. >> Yeah. >> Um so the Banell High School CTFPA um would like to attend the whole national leadership conference. >> 30 >> um in Phoenix, Arizona, November 5th through the 9th. Um the group is officially registered as the future business leaders of America chapter. Um the students would then
106attend a workshop workshops focused on business knowledge, networking, and career leadership skills. There would be about five to eight students plus two shop rooms. Um cost per student would be $1,545, but the fundraising that they're doing will help defer that cost. We have that in here. >> Okay. >> And how does that fall into the CTE? >> Because it's through the um so CTE, one of our pathways is business. >> Okay. >> And so the FBLA is one of our two um we also have DECA um business leadership opportunities. um our DECA I know Benel DECA last year went to Florida to compete in the DECA national international competition and so this would be the FLA group going to compete and um attend workshop leadership workshops to help them grow in that area. Um so
107it need a motion to approve. >> So moved >> secondary. Any discussion under program cost from the board of education budget. What's that word? >> Perkins like the Perkins. >> Perkins grant. >> Yep. That's what it looks like. Is that what that is? Burger train. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Miss Graph raising or nodding her head. >> Yes, it is. >> Any other discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion pass unanimously. >> Um number B. Overnight field trip high school performance high school music competition Virginia Beach, Virginia, April 23rd to 26. So, the Strawford High School Music Department is looking to attend the Teach Performers National Competition. Um, what what they will do when they are there is they will perform in front of professional judges and music educators. Um, the ensemble includes
108concert band, honors band, jazz band, a orchestra, and choir. Students will receive a national greeting and feedback. Um, additional experiences include a performance at the battleship in Norfol, Virginia, and they will get to go to Busushch Gardens. Um cost per student is $1,65 and fundraising is planned to defay that cost. >> Uh look for a motion to approve. >> So moved second. >> Ryan, any discussion? And I guess for for all these field trips, I'm just going to go into the assumption that the uh that this the school uh responsibilities, the educational responsibilities have been met and that they will not be skipping. >> Yeah, it's part of um any other discussion. All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion pass unanimously. We've already handled C, so we'll move on to D. >> Um, the overnight
109field trip for Fled Middle School debate team in Washington DC, November 7th through November to November 9th. Um, the debate team uh there's a debate tournament at the DC International School. Um, Flood Middle School debate team has had a strong track record um and included winning last year's championship. Um there will be four students in good standing who will be attending plus a chaperone. They will be traveling via Amtrak train and it is no cost as this is a grant that has um funded and including meals will be provided by the urban debate league. So it will be no cost to the students and it'll be an unbelievable opportunity for them to take their debate skills to um the international level >> and we're so proud of it now. Don't say no to them. They'll
110show up in you. >> All right. Um, so look for a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Second baby. Any discussion? All those in favor? >> Thank you, Mr. Carol Baby, for walking us through that. Appreciate it. >> Uh, proposed uh approval acceptance of the Alliance Grant. Just so everyone's aware, um the state released it nice and late. Um they had a whole bunch of other ways they wanted us to write the same information which we accommodated. Um and in addition, we have to submit it to them on October 3rd, which is why we squeezed it in now for you guys so that we can but nothing really changed. We were flatfunded, right? So we didn't get any new additional funds. So, but it's still important that each year that you send that approval
111forward for us to, you know, continue doing this. On a side note, it's called a SE grant. Now, changed. Um, on a side note, because flood was identified, uh, both Greg and Joanna worked extremely hard, submitted a application to get a special grant with the state called a school improvement improvement grant. It's called the SIG grant now because they changed commissioner school grants and they got it. So, it's $133,000. Um, they did a fantastic job and I'm so excited to be able to support them as they add some additional supports in there. Flood was the only school that was able to apply because they were identified specifically last year. >> Any So, so we we were flatfooted this year. How how do we handle the um the uh increases in in uh salaries >> carefully?
112Um we shifted um some more transient positions uh because we had it we ended up with money we didn't spend last year in alliance but it was because people came and went in positions that we needed more consistent. So we made sure we moved a little bit of the climate specialists that are much more transient for us into the operating budget. Um and then by doing that we were able to stay in our budget range. Uh we also looked at our benefits closer. So again as Miss Genie explained to you typically when you do grants you assume everyone's taking benefits and you put that in there. But this time because it's the same grant from last year we knew all the people and we were able to see who actually was. So we made it
113work. there was some savings in that area and we were able to make it work for everybody. >> So we didn't cut any positions. Everything that was in alliance is still there. Everything is still being supported. >> So this is pretty much the same plan as last year. >> Exactly the same changes. >> The change is that each year the ESSA goals from the state increase, right? So you'll see a different number. We're supposed to get to 70 and now we're supposed to get to 89 and you know it those keep increasing because that's just how the system works. Um, but other than that, no, it's the same thing. >> Yeah, there's there's been some discussion, and I don't remember exactly where I saw it or heard it, about the alliance program being changed significantly
114to eliminate a number of schools from that program. >> That did not happen. >> Um, yes, it was during the legislative session. They were trying to go down to 15 schools, right? Um, they did not do that and in defense of the state, although it was a little bit annoying for Joanna and I to have to go back and restructure, the reason they're having us restructure is so that they can defend us continuing to meet this, right? So, they made us literally break it down by every single person, what school they're at, whether they took benefits and didn't take benefits. We had to be extremely specific for the state this year um in in submitting that grant. So, and we understand why because they want to keep fighting to make sure that the 33 schools
115that are getting this funding continue to. And right now, we still are. >> And I'll just add that I was invited to participate in a roundt with some of my colleagues with state representatives for alliance and that's exactly the rationale. They wanted to understand the benefits and how we the benefits of this funding for our district and how we would utilize. I think Crystal's going to chime in because she's definitely dealing with it. >> Sure. Um, so this department um really lobbyed hard for the legislature to not take action on that bill because the logic of the department was that the state statutes already mandated that the legislature receive um a report about the all of the alliance districts at the end of this calendar or at the end of this uh calendar year. And
116so the logic applied was You legislators should receive the report about the alliance districts and the benefit that it has and why we need to maintain this funding before you make changes to the entire program without receiving our finalized report that's mandated by your own statutes. So they will get that report. It will be completed in December. It will go to them um in January. And I think the hope or the thinking is that that will then mitigate or end that conversation once there is uh accurate information and a lot of data provided to justify the continuence of the why we had to put it all together. But we did we took care of it. Joanna has been amazing. Um and we didn't lose anything gain anything. everything is I wanted to get that out
117>> and and the department and the department is very much in support of continuing the alliance program particularly given the data that I spoke about at the beginning of the meeting and that the tremendous strides that are being made in alliance districts across the state that it does not seem logical to now revamp the entire program and then eliminate half of the the districts out that are demonstr demonstrating so much progress. Yep. Great. Thank you. >> All right. So, I look for a motion to approve. >> So, moved by Mr. D. Second. Second by Mr. Cormier. Is there any other discussion? >> Roll call vote. M. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> M. Corer. >> Yes. >> Mowers. >> Yes. >> Chair votes. Yes. you pass unanimously. Um 6. >> Okay. Uh so the
118moving on to the next the districtwide feasibility study. We had talked a little bit about this. Um Miss G, you're going to look at some of the costs and um possible ways we might fund it if we decide to go ahead with it. >> I apologize. Um yes, we did reach out to our um friends. Um they're not slam anymore. I think they're empty planning. Um and I'm trying to pull up their uh email. I believe it was about $60,000 that they were estimating. It wasn't that much. 25. 25. Okay. I knew it was one or the other half. Thank you. Um but currently as far as recommendations on how to fund it, um I think it's a little early in the fiscal year to identify any funding through our general operating budget. Um all
119I could really suggest at this point is putting it into our capital and requesting that it go through the process. Um but it would be preliminary and it certainly would be uh the scope that we were looking for as we described to um Mike Gallagher um Pat Gallagher and Mike Zula. >> Would they be willing to come uh before the plan planning committee and just give us a presentation on what they might include and and what we might want to see involved with it? >> We can certainly ask that. Would you be um would virtual meeting be acceptable from them? >> Um I don't see why not. I mean not personally I prefer personal meetings but um you know for at this at this initial stage. It would just be good I think to uh
120get some sense of from them what their thoughts are and and for us to kind of talk and hash out where we might want to go with it and what kind of information might be looking for. >> Sounds great. be happy to reach out to them. >> And I did find the email it said between 25,000 and 13. >> Okay. Thank you. And I don't know where 60 came from, but that's much better. >> And that is that is one of the responsibilities of the plant planning committee is develop long-term uh plans for for our facility. So, um, and whether we start the process now, obviously, whatever we do over the next couple months, we're mostly starting the process, but at least to have those those things in place for >> conversations >> for whoever
121might be coming back. So, >> or whoever might be joining, we know who's coming back. >> Um, and just so you guys just forformational purposes, I had I know we approved a couple of projects. These colored charts uh which you have are some Susan use updates these on a I think monthly basis. She has been working diligently with the town to ensure that uh with all these school projects with all the paperwork is in place. Um the town has done the board has done a really good job of making sure their part is done and just ensuring that the town has what they need. Um, so you'll see some of the comments, some that are complete in the red are updates. Um, I know she updates them on a regular basis, but we've just approved
122two more. There are some other ones um on here, but so for anybody who wants to follow along, those are there and I'll try to get those every month added to our pony so we can just kind of see. And I know the building needs committee is is working on ensuring that these uh move ahead. It is it isn't it it it's it's the only way the town gets its reimbursement. So it's crucial that all the paperwork is filed and that and that uh they get to the state complete the audit so that they can get reimbured for for these projects and the more they get reimbursed for the more ability the town has to on board of our project. So um all right so that's where we're at now we're proposed policies. >> Quick
123question. >> Sure. um because I know Miss Borges and I have had a conversation about it um and I don't see it on here but and we don't h ever have um maison on meeting so I don't have a ask town side um perhaps it will come up at building needs but I know the um sound systems at both high schools are atrocious they're an embarrassment um >> so heist has already been addressed >> okay and did you have your meeting this they are scheduled to have a meeting with the town to go in and Look at that. Jack, yours has been addressed, correct? I'm not wrong. >> From what I hear, it's ordered. Yes. >> Yep. >> It's ordered. >> Yes. Well, because it was broken. So, Lisa, so they have to go in,
124they figure out what's wrong with it. They ordered all of those parts. Um, actually, I think it completely sounds from what I understand. And so, now they're going over to do the assessment of the house. >> Okay. >> And and that's on my list to ask. >> Yeah. Just because I mean, I've been to both high schools for games and events and um >> Yep. when your dance team goes out and there's no sound or you're at graduation and the child's name is cut off. Um, you know, I just want to make sure that that happens sooner rather than later or as Mr. Delpiano just shared her whole speech shut off. So, yes, we know um we are on it. We are calling them regularly and Mr. Roger reached out again today to ensure that
125Vanel was getting his visit to speak >> and luckily nobody saw me flip the switch when Mr. Dian started speaking. Amazingly enough, everyone heard me. >> But yes, I that that was um I have discussed that um with Miss Borgius and um I will be bringing it up at the Philippines. Hopefully they'll be meeting. I don't you know the last one because of a number of reasons they didn't meet last month. So we'll be going there. Um anything else? No, that was my biggest uh on the radar concern at the moment. >> And and that you won't you won't find that on this list. It's a separate capital improvement. >> I I figured it was there, but I wanted to I figured we're talking about building, so let's get it out there because that's my
126only opportunity, too. >> Okay. Um so, we will follow up on that. So, thank you. Um so, the so the next three policies um are are new policies. Um we don't currently have them. They are mandated by the state. Uh they are I'll I'll let Miss board just I'll let you walk us. >> Well, you you've gone through them from the first read. So hopefully everybody has had an opportunity to read through it. >> So So these these first three I don't think were first reads. They just came from that. The first group are came from policy. >> These are just policy. Yeah. >> Great. So I would strongly recommend you guys take it as a first read, read them, and then come back next meeting to approve them. They're not they don't have to
127be implemented until January. >> Is it there's not is there any anything we need to know and then you give us give us a brief explanation. >> Basically K provided us with a large chunk of policies that had to be updated on the new legislation that came out. And so that's what you have in front of you. And because they just gave us all the updates, nothing is expected to be fully implemented until January. So take your time, read them, and then hopefully, you know, If you have any questions, you can reach out to me between meetings. Um, but they really are mandated through the legislation and they are 99.9% caveswords. Um, we, you know, reddrafted to add Stratton public schools and change some of the pronouns to meet the guidelines that we've been following
128on all. Um so I look look for a motion to accept uh 1312.3 6161.12 1312.4 6161.13 and 1312.56161.4 as first reads >> move second by Mr. Dell. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion passes unanimous. Is it 6140? >> So, same thing, curriculum, special education, individual education programs, and educational opportunities for military children all came out of legislative mandates. They were all updates from CADE. They all came to you with favorable recommendations from the policy committee, but I would again suggest you just take it as first read, read them, and come back. >> And I think uh Mr. Poria, you had reviewed this >> and had some comments on Sorry to catch you. >> Oh, no, it's fine. No, it was reviewed. We talked about it. Gave some suggestions. >> Yeah, we
129some of the stuff we're doing, some of the stuff we're in the process of implementing, but we're currently uh meeting the the requirements of this policy >> for the curriculum one month. >> For the curriculum. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Cuz it I know it included some things that we weren't or were in the works of or >> hopefully you guys reviewed and made some of those changes. >> Yep. >> Mhm. >> Y >> first too. >> Yeah. I just this one was a little different. So, um 6171. >> Well, let's let's uh get a motion 6140 to accept as a first read. >> So, moved. >> Move by the DA. >> Second by Mr. O'Brien. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passely. And I think the next three are are
130also mandated by the state. >> Yep. Same thing. First read all the same thing. >> Yep. the whole actually the whole second issue >> but those are all new as well. >> Yeah, these are these are all >> yes two pages >> it was a very big legislative session. >> Yeah. So, so 6171 6159 and 51182.22 are new policies >> and they are mandated. >> So the rest of the rest the second page >> the whole package >> um >> the thousand series. >> Okay. Those aren't those aren't our um >> No. No. >> All right. So, do you want to just accept the whole thing for the first read? >> Yes, please, please. What is table 13 is table? >> That's the last page. Going through the second page now. >> Those are those
131are >> 1210. >> Yeah, those are those are new policies >> that are coming through. >> That's the way it's worded in here. >> I know we we didn't so we had tabled the entire uh >> you tabled public complaints. >> What's that? public complaints. >> No, I we we tabled the entire thing >> at the last meeting. >> And that's why I think the 11101, 11102, 11 those >> I have it right here. What was in it? >> It was >> I don't think those are first page. >> 1112 1110.2 1110.2 to 1110.1 >> 1112.5 1126 11 >> 20 >> Those were all table. >> Mhm. >> All the way. So those are not we we did those are tabled. So those have not been there yet. So um so all right just so
132we just did we 6171 6159 518.2 we haven't voted on those yet. Say the numbers. >> The last three. The last three on the first page. Number nine. >> Special education, individual education programs, and education. >> Did we finish the vote on them? >> I thought we just voted yet. >> We haven't voted yet. So, I look for a motion to approve as a first read 6171, 6159, and 5118.2 as first reads. So move >> moved by second >> Carol Fabian and second by Miss Bedell. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? >> Motion pass unanimous. The next page were items that were tabled at the last meeting. The reason why we tabled them was because of 1312. There was some discussion about 1312 the public complaint. The item in concern was the comment um
133>> was removing the removal of uh four and five I believe it was. >> Yes. >> Not on this copy. >> If a matter cannot be settled um satisfactory by the superintendent, it should be brought to the board of ed. Uh the question is in comments submitted to the chair of the board in letter form brought to the intensity of the board at the meeting. We then consider the grievance of the plaint of the matter according to its best judgment. Um and then I think number six as well but so it was tabled um I first need a motion to take off the table if we're going to discuss it 1110.1 through 1312. So moved >> by Mr. Dal second by Mr. Cormier. All those in favor >> motion pass unanimously. Um Mr. Tical Powers,
134you had some question about that. I had sent a uh a request to the attorney who said that that's not within our authority and came in this new packet that we had does have a comment about 1312. I have it here. Okay. I have both things that you sent me. Y >> um the attorney does say that it is common. It does happen in other districts. It's not uncommon to have that in there. Um >> but read read the whole thing. He also said it's not within our authority. Well, he didn't he didn't he he said that he doesn't believe it is, but he's not saying that that's finite. But, uh, the 1312 amendment that you sent me from Cade says that they um are taking that out of their original 1312A. So, if we
135could get an updated copy of what their 1312A is, I think that I would feel more comfortable because this is just saying that they don't that's no longer their guidance. >> Okay. Could you >> can policy pick that up again for for their October meeting and we bring it back to for just 1312 because the others are >> the others are the others you can move with. Okay. >> But if we take 1312 back to policy in October, we can have it back and ready. We can house can have that discussion >> um at their meeting. Then we bring it back up on our up on our October meeting >> for finalization. >> No for >> first read. It'll go back first. >> But it's it's only the one instead of instead of holding up
136the rest. >> Either way, >> we keep but we keep 1312. We send it back to committee. >> So how would we do this just for for expediency purposes? Let's let's approve those. Let's approve all these. Let's approve the this page uh as first read. Let's approve this. Well, let's approve 1312 as a first read. Let's send it back to the policy committee for further uh clarification. >> So, two motions, >> two separate motions and that way if it comes back to the board, we can have it done before we go. We So, we can either do it that way or we can table it and the next board can do it. So I look up for a motion uh to approve 1110.1 through 1210 as >> first are >> no we did we did
137not do a first read we tabled all >> is that we take we table the whole package we didn't accept >> right the whole package was >> y so 11 10 points but my memory is still there >> I'm just question we have possible adoption this year we I think >> uh >> well there no we have to do a first read and second read. So um 1110 through 1 through 1210 I'd look for a motion for a first and I think we already had that one right Mr. O'Brien Mr. Cormier um is there any discussion on this? So just for clarification, I had sat with the subgroup. They're in policy. Um we went through this, updated it, sent it to the policy, the policy committee, sent it here with a favorable recommendation. Now we're
138looking for um approval by the board. So the motion has been made for first read. Any other discussion? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion pass unanimously. So 1312 I'd look for a motion to uh approve of the first read and um and to send back to uh policy for further clarification. >> So secondary second any discussion on that? >> Um can I just request um the information that you're referencing that you sent to Miss Angela Powers was that it was not sent to the full board. Could we all have a copy of Yeah. >> that please? Any other discussion? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passing. I just sent it there because she had asked the question and uh All right. So, no committee assignments, committee reports, uh curriculum. >> Um we
139did all of those field trips. Um trying to look at my other notes. Um items for information that we covered was the English three which um was discussed by our student um speakers tonight as well as our assistant superintendent. Modern world history um developed new standards and IDM template. Um content literacy pilot is going on in seventh and eighth grade at Worcester only for students that um are falling below grade level. It's replacing their world language. Um these are students that are just on that cusp. are not students that would typically qualify for a reading class but just need a little um push to meet the standards. Um and then the elementary curriculum writing is going on with ELA and social studies and um pacing guide has been created and the goal is to finish
140the curriculum for approval by the end of the year school year calendar year. Um and then in the health added state required topic substance abuse, alcohol hygiene and nutrition. Um great body shop resources used for grades 5 through six. Um completion is expected by the school year end. >> Any questions? >> And will we see any of the the new curriculum in November >> um by the school year end? So no. >> Okay. There'll be some I mean there are some things that you might but >> you might get health >> right but for the most part no majority of them will be at the by the end of the school year. Okay. But that'll be in time for the um finance committee. >> Um we just went over most of the movements of funds
141and cleanup of the last fiscal year. Um budget planning ramping up for fiscal year will be 26 27. Um and we don't have much information. We're kind of in a limbo phase. We don't have much information on 256 right now. So awaiting some more information in the actual >> question. Um planning Daniel want to take it. >> Sure. We got to have the opportunity to tour Lordship School as well as Worester Middle School. And that was a good opportunity to see where the state of our schools currently stand. And uh I think it was eye opening to some of us. And uh we're still working towards a feasibility study for Benell and possibly the whole district. >> And um my next tour will be at Banell. Um I I will be inviting uh the PL
142planning and and the council building needs. Um hopefully you'll all take advantage of that opportunity to come and see. Um, I would encourage any, yeah, I would encourage any candidates too who are running for board of ed to reach out to the superintendent and if you're up for it, schedule a walk through now. Um, whoever's elected at the next on the next board will be hopefully moving that forward. Um, we've worked on it. um it's in the governmental process so uh doesn't go as quickly as I would like or my business but it's moving but anyway once that comes but I would encourage you guys to do that separately on your own um to to go take a look and see what's there and see what you're so um anything else >> they reminded me
143that we have to see amazing basements >> yeah's got a cool floor just clean. >> It was It was >> I'm pretty sure there was stuff from when I was a kid down there. >> A lot of opportunity though. >> Y >> my understanding the two 30yard dumpsters came out. >> Mhm. >> Uh le liazison committee did not meet policy review. Mr. O'Brien. >> Well, as we just saw with all the first reads, the policy made it very busy and we'll meet again October 15th. will look at the public complaints and start looking at other policies that need updating. It's been a good committee >> and I and I think I don't know if we said it here but Mr. Cormier and his team have been working on um some policies that need to be
144looked at kind of set the footprint for the next group. So, >> right, we're also putting together a schedule for review of each policy. So, we have like a fiveyear rotation for updates. >> That's great. >> Uh athletic review. >> Cool. did not meet. >> Okay. Uh naming committee meeting, personnel committee did not meet. Uh anything from Cave? >> Um so just a reminder that um November 21st to the 22nd is Cave Cap's convention up in Mystic. Uh I know his gorgeous will be attending so >> the doctors over there Dioro and Gaza. And um another thing to keep in mind on October 16th, CA is offering a legal issues workshop. um which will be very interesting. And for as you mentioned, there will be new board members coming on. So those of you that
145are running that could possibly be elected on December 9th, Cape will be offering a new board member orientation conference. Um and it's definitely a huge help when you are coming onto the board to have that information and how the process works. >> That's not a Monday, is it? >> December 9th. I think I'm sure >> the Monday is the organizational the second I think the second Monday of December is the organizational meeting >> Tuesday >> and while we're on the December 9th this Tuesday >> Tuesday you guys >> while we're on the topic of cave um I know Chris and I signed up to go to the convention I just want to make sure that the board is aware that we are going to go in case I know we've talked about having approval for
146it so I just Okay. I just want to make sure. Okay. Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Um, town building needs. I spoke on that already. Any other business? And uh, >> can I make a quick plug? >> Yes. Um, I spoke with some wonderful people from the be uh veterans of foreign wars in Stratford and I am going to give these to our principles and they they're really trying to get kids to apply to the voice of democracy for Benell and Straford High and Patriots Pen for Flood and Worcester. Um, across the state they just haven't gotten a lot of applicants. So, they asked if we could put a little special plug in and if you two could take these and give them to your counterparts and really see if we can see some of
147our kids shine um by sharing their voice and and applying for that. It does, if you go far enough, end up with like $5,000 scholarship. >> And thanks Heather for getting back to Travis before I returned with his call. >> And and you had met I don't know if you want to with the homeless. Um is that something you want to elaborate on? >> Sure. And I think that um that is I had a really powerful meeting um with community partners that are really trying to raise awareness but also be solutionoriented around homelessness in Straford. Um so it was a coalition. We had members from the Beth Ellis Center, um, from Milford and everybody got together and we are hoping that soon, very soon, we'll start some community conversations about how we can support each
148other. Um, it was a really eye opening experience. We we do a really nice job in Straford, I think, of supporting the kids, right? We have funds from the state. We have funds specifically from McKinto, but I can never do anything for the adults in the family. everything we do financially has to be specifically for the kids. So for this group to get together um and meet and to be able to be part of that and welcomed into that um was great because we were able to say okay if you're providing this for ex family we will provide this for the adults in that family so that we are then partnering to make sure the families are are more >> and because we made that connection I got a phone call from Dena today and
149she was like listen I need you to help we have a new family here that we come is homeless and they need help registering. So because she we were able to make a connection and meet each other, we're able to really support this need. Um and really my purpose of going there originally was just simply to let them know the difference between McKini Bindto for school and homelessness as you qualify in state, it's very different. So for us to be able to kind of share those aspects and to feel like if we have a family with kids that needs housing, I can reach out and we can help them get higher up on that housing list. It it was huge. It was a wonderful powerful meeting. Um, I'm excited to go back. I know they
150had a big fundraiser last weekend, so I don't know how that went. I need to go. Um, but it was a great group and it it's whether how big or how small, it's a problem that we all need to work together to solve. >> I think you've also been asked to speak as a rising star in the state of Connecticut. Have you done that yet? >> No. >> Yes. >> All right. So, two more things. Um, we we do have about uh 30 applications for the for the board secretary. Um, some of us got here earlier. If you haven't done it yet, I would ask that you uh reach out to Courtney, schedule time to sit down and review them. We'll schedule a meeting also in October. I'll be looking to schedule a time for
151the superintendent evaluation. Um, and that that will happen in se in October as well, but uh maybe we can do both. Typically, it takes about an hour, hour and a half, I think. So, but we'll be doing we'll be handling both of those in October. So, um but I'll reach out to you and get some data. So, >> oh, last thing. I need one or two volunteers to go on a Zoom on Sunday for NAS accreditation for Stratford High School. You have to have a board member on there. Any and you're on it. >> What time? >> Appreciate it. It's a Zoom meeting. >> What time? >> I don't know. I don't remember the time. Sunday night. Sunday night. >> Yeah, that's how me ask works. >> I guess I was nominate. >> I think
152he said six o' >> six o'clock. >> I think it's >> I can jump on too. >> Why don't I take anything else? >> I just want to mention Joe Myers of the Lions Club talked me about uh checking all the students. I guess they did it all last year in all the schools. It's a great free program where he comes in with a piece of equipment and I picture >> the vision. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> And so he's hoping to get started in October. I think he's been trying to connect with >> Yeah. We got both some vision and dental um for the kids in that district. >> Great program. We was hoping to be here tonight, show us the equipment, but we didn't >> in the good and welfare. Um earlier, u
153Miss Cerillo was here to talk about the special ed report and one of the things she highlighted is that the special education PTA is back up and running. So, if anyone's interested in joining across the district, it's a great opportunity to support our kids and I am joining that membership. So, just want to do another plug for that. I just want to say I want to I they're gone, but I want to thank um Julia and Grace for um stepping up for the next year. Um >> Julia, I think it's wrong on our board. Yeah. >> Um but I'm just I'm >> Katie, Julia, >> Julia. It's I their reports, the student reports are are some of my one of my favorite things in the meeting because this can this can be tedious. So to
154hear their their energy presented to us is is is very it's very impressive and very um lifting for us. And also I have one other >> well I was very impressed too with Julia's response to your questions. >> Yeah sure. >> And I was very impressed with how much they've accomplished and it's only the end of September. It it was >> I I would think typically at this time of year it would be very short, but they had a they had a lot >> they had a whole list of accomplishments to me. It was very impressive. So >> Jack and I learned actually after we selected them that the two of them have been very good friends since kindergarten. >> So it's just such a nice full circle moment for both families here. >> Nice.
155Nice. >> Anything else? >> Look for a motion to >> motion to second. So all those in favor