001Okay, good evening. It is Wednesday, May 13, 2026. It is 7:02 p.m. This is the East Tatum Board of Education, our regular May meeting. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. >> There's two exits. Your right one takes you to the back, left one takes you over to the front of the window office complex. Uh do you have a report from the high school reps? They are not here because they're very very busy and I do absolutely have a report. So, wish me well to Sarah who has track and Faith who has softball game. So, tomorrow night is a spring concert and senior night.
002They have an amazing show planned for all in attendance and can't wait to display the amazing talented students. Please come and show your support for the arts. The show starts at 7 p.m. and runs to approximately 8:30 in the high school auditorium. The past two weeks, students have been working hard on their national AP tests. Students participating um in both afternoon and morning exams, testing their knowledge of year-long AP courses, exams including um chemistry, literature, Spanish, calculus, and additional courses. We're proud of our students for the hard work they put in. During the week of April 27th, the high school hosted their last spirit week and pep rally. Spirit days consisted of sports day, hat day, PJ slumber day, anything but a backpack day, and lastly, class colors day. The pep rally opened with national
003anthems sung by the members of the trillium and a performance from the band. At the end of the pep rally, the um spirit point winners were announced and will be receiving a point party pulooa. Congratulations to our seniors. Speaking of seniors, recently our senior class had their senior capstone expo. Many of us were there were um there and it was amazing. They presented projects um that they've been working on the whole year and the night was full of excitement for the future and it truly brought the community together. Congratulations to Bria Zuckermanman who received the award for most aesthetically pleasing and Faith Khalise who received best in show. On Friday, May 8th, our softball team hosted their senior night. They played the Lime Old Lime Wildcats and won 12-2. Congratulations to our seniors, Faith Kalis,
004Maggie Janisk, and Lily Janie, and the whole team. Also, fun trivia question. Are you ready? Who is the first person to ever hit an out of the park home run at home for our softball program? >> Wasn't it Lily? Nope. Keep going. Not Lily. >> Haven't the slightest. Nope. That wasn't it either. >> It was in the high It was a high school report this week, but I already forgot the name. >> Maggie Janisik, who actually hit two in a game last week. >> Congratulations. >> Grade 10 will >> That's amazing. >> Yeah. Grade 10 will embark on their model UN General Assembly activity on May 19th. This is where the entire 10th grade will be engaging in a general assembly simulation full of critical thinking and teamwork challenges. Students have worked extensively in preparation
005for this event and it looks to be an exciting opportunity for them. Have some exciting um field trips coming up. Dennis Nature Center, Lake Compound, Seale University Art Gallery, Zor Outdoor Adventure, and Palace Theater. End of year awards ceremonies will be starting as early as next week with the underassman awards ceremony on May 21st and the senior awards and scholarship night to be held on June 4th. It's an exciting time of the year as we begin to wrap up an amazing 2526 school year. And thank you to our reps for providing that thorough update. >> Thank you. Good luck on roller sports. Uh, moving on to item three, which is the chairman's report. I hope everyone had a wonderful April vacation and a mother's day. Spring sports are in full swing, pun intended. I hope
006everyone can get out and watch a game or a meet on our lovely track. Especially on April 24th, I attended the elementary school volunteer breakfast in the capacity of a parent. It was wonderful to see how many parents, grandparents, and guardians volunteer at the elementary school. On April 29th, the high school hosted the senior expo night, as you've just heard. Uh the night consists of the students presenting their capstone projects in the gymnasium. The students I had the opportunity to speak with were very polite, uh insightful, motivated, and respectful. And I was truly impressed by seeing a young group of people. Um it was very impressive. Uh, the budget passed at the first referendum on May 5th. On May 8th, the elementary school PTO held its annual basket bash. I did not win and I've
007been playing since 2018, so I'm still on my losing streak. I know there were more events that took place in the past month, but those are the ones I attended. The end of the school year is fast approaching. There's only 24 school days remaining. High school graduation is on Friday, June 12th, and the eighth grade promotion ceremony is on Wednesday, June 17th. Last day of school for students is Thursday, June 18th, and we'll be here before we know it. That's all I have to report. Item four, your report. >> Good evening, everyone. First, want to start off by apologizing for the need for a two-hour delay yesterday. not what we would expect, but because of a mechanical malfunction, um the fire alarm, the sprinkler system went off and caused havoc at the high school and
008they were really trying to fix it and thought they could um and it at the time just got too tight and I had to call the emergency um two-hour delay because um we would not be following the law if I were to have people in the school when the fire system is not operable. So things did get fixed and we were able to move along with our day but disruptive, right? AP testing was scheduled. It's and it's a domino effect because we share transportation for the high school with the middle school. So you can't have it only impact one school. There's a domino effect. So it had to be the entire district. So, apologies for that. Um, last week there were lots of celebrations. Teacher appreciation week. Um, we celebrated all staff and so families
009um parents, students, we all definitely benefited from um all of the catering and all the gifts um that took place. So, it was a lovely week for everyone. A shout out to the high school. Um we did have NASC um visiting team and they were more than prepared for our guests and we're looking forward to getting the official report um and then they will return in two years. Uh lots of other exciting things happening. Um this is a time that middle school students are visiting high school um because before we know it they'll be moving on to high school. Uh lots of field trips are happening across the district as well to even local locations like McMudas um and uh disc golf and seventh grade is going a little bit further away. They're going to
010the Boston Freedom Trail. So exciting stuff is happening. In addition to AP testing, uh want to acknowledge that all schools are engaged in high level stakes assessments right now through the smarter balanced and NGSS. Uh so want to wish all the students the best as they enter into the final stage of this school year and we'll be having final exams at the high school soon. Thank you. All right, moving on to audience of citizens. The audience of citizens provides an opportunity for Easttown residents to briefly and respectfully share their thoughts, concerns, and questions with the board of education. Any written comments or materials must be submitted to the board chair and may be distributed at a later time. The chair reserves the right to discontinue public comment at any point if the remarks include specific
011or personally identifiable references to board employees and or students. This portion of the meeting does not involve discussion. All questions will receive a timely response from the board chair or superintendent. >> Huge crowd. Moving on to item six, which is the National School Lunch Program. In order for us to benefit from participation in that program, we do need to publicly um make this motion so that it is clear what we are able to do and not do. >> Okay. So, I have two motions to read for you guys. Here's the first one. This is the healthy food option. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 10-215F, the East Hab Board of Education certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its jurisdiction and and not exempt exempted from the Connecticut
012nutritional standards published by the Connecticut Department of Education will comply with the Connecticut nutritional standards during the effective period of July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027. This certification shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimburseable meals at all times, and from all sources, including but not limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and un any fundraising activities on school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organization and groups. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Do I have any questions? >> I have a quick question on Zoom. >> Yes. >> So, um I'm just curious. Do we have vending machines now that have soda or candy or do we do we offer that at all now? Currently,
013>> No. that language is in the language that they request we read. It's it's not because we have vending machines. >> Okay. And are we participating in the local food for local schools program, which is a grant that's offered through the state of Connecticut? >> Not through the grant specifically. No. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any additional questions? I have a motion and a second. All those in favor >> I >> opposition abstaining. Motion carries. The second part of that is food exemptions for the school year 2026 to 2027. The Easttown Board of Education will allow the sale to students of food items that do not meet the Connecticut nutrition standards provided the op the following conditions are met. One, the sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of a regular
014school day or on the weekend. Two, the sale is at the location of the event. And three, the food items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An event is an occurrence that involves more than a regularly scheduled practice, meeting, or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer games, school plays, and intercolastic debates are events, but soccer practices, play rehearsals, and the debate team meetings are not. The regular school day is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of a school day. Location means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the food sales. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Got to say it. >> Can you say it? >> Second. Let's see. Do I have any questions? All those in favor? >>
015I >> opposed abstain. Motion carries. We will move on to item seven which is discussion and possible action on the 2026 to 2027 uh school year budget. Um the as I said before the budget did pass at referendum uh last Tuesday. um because there is uh things going on with the state as we speak with this um this grant. I am not representing the budget tonight, but I have three motions to make in regards to the 2627 budget. Um I have something that I would like we would like to eliminate from the budget. Uh well, so I'm gonna make these motions and this is about the budget and then we can um go from there. Uh actually I'll go backwards. I'm sorry I came from a little league of a little clut. So, our proposed
016budget was $757,795 and then that the board of finance added $25,000 back in uh for the Ray board which came to 962,795. They did give us >> Hang on just one second. >> You're talking about the increase to the budget. >> Yes, this is the increase. >> You just said the budget and I'm like, "No, we spent much more." >> Sorry. Budget. >> That's okay. Just making sure >> increase they did give us $32,796. So that is so they the increase between the 2526 budget and the 2627 budget is $32,796. So we have to come up in if we want to fully fund our budget is $929,999. There's $480,000 in that non-lapsing fund. Um, when that becomes official, we would like to eliminate the >> ESS effective school solutions, which is 170,000. And we also
017have this supplemental state grant of $142,238. So that brings our cuts to 137,761 um which we have some retirements and resignations. So I would like to bring the budget back to our June meeting. Obviously, it cannot go past that because the fiscal year ends June 30th and the 26 27 school year budget begins July 1st. But I want to reprint some of this stuff so you guys have it on paper. And like I said, it's been a real moving target with this supplemental um grant which just came in the 11th hour. So, my motions tonight would be my first one is uh I would like a motion to eliminate funding for effective school solutions which is ESS which is a $170,000 from the board of education 2026 2027 budget. Do I have a motion? >>
018So moved. >> I have a second. Sorry. >> Second. >> Does anyone have any questions? >> Yeah. >> Can you just describe what ESS is again? Because I forget. >> So, it's um an outside um organization that comes potentially into schools. You pay for that service and they um try to work with students to prevent outplacements. And so it's that kind of a mechanism, but we've not had um unfortunately good um consistent people in the program. I think since I've been here, there's been turnover at least seven times and the person who's there now isn't returning. And we said if that person's not returning, we weren't going to continue. >> An employee of the program. an employee of the program. Yeah, >> if I understand correctly, bottom line, >> it hasn't proven cost effective. >>
019And these are services that we're able to fill. Yes. Oh, Wendy's with her team making it work because it it actually causes >> more of a challenge and parents have complained because you get used to one person and all of a sudden they're gone. Now your child has to start all over. and start from the beginning and try to build up rapport and then that person is gone and then it happens again and then again and then again like it yeah it's not not doing what we had hoped >> madam chair I do have a question >> yes >> so I I had done a little bit of research uh on this uh organization and I I want understand clearly what they're doing for our district because on their website and then also through talking
020to other folks because this organization serves other districts that they really have a mental health counseling focus and what I'm hearing described as a special education focus. So what exactly are they doing for our district? >> Can you elaborate? What do you mean that you're hearing a special education focus? >> Well, you you just uh described the backfill will be through our director of special services and it's to prevent outplacement. That those were your words, correct? So, I'm assuming that that means um that these uh the students that were using this uh this organization had some sort of a IEP or some sort of a special education uh classification. So that's why I'm asking you specifically what these what what services were they providing because I'm a concerned about doing any cuts if they providing
021mental health services to for instance our entire middle school which is what I thought they were doing. So I'd like to know very specifically what services they're providing. Um, specialized services does encompass mental health and it was a few students. >> You still we still have mental health services at the middle school. Of course, >> I think she's looking for clarification. What kind of mental health services are available at the middle school? >> We have the community health. >> Yes, we have the counselors. We have the school psychologists. We have social workers. But um yes, ESS was um supposed to support with u mental health for very specific students. >> So So this was specifically we were utilizing it specifically for children that are highly have high needs that were being outplaced. Is that what
022you're saying? It was very specific. >> It was supposed to it was supposed to prevent outplacements. so that we could um utilize their services and keep the students in district. >> And how how long of a contract did we have uh with them previously? So, >> we've had them now three years. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Of course. >> Are there any additional questions? So, just so I'm clear, will the um which staff is going to be absorbing the I guess the >> a combination? Yeah, it was a combination because it was a special ed teacher in the program assisting not not ESS program but our employee working alongside um that individual. So, Miss McCabe has already developed a plan because they're restructuring. They're restructuring what's happening at the middle level. >> Any
023other questions? >> I have a motion and a second on the floor. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Abstain. state. >> Motion carries. >> I do think it's worth noting that in some ways here the issue is not the services or the loss of them because it wasn't working anyway. There there's no loss there. Um that's unfortunate. Uh wasn't working. Well, when we when we say it wasn't working, are we saying that the service itself wasn't a benefit to the student or that it was just the provider who was leaving that wasn't the benefit to the student? I just want to make that clarification. >> What I hear, and Dr. Dibrto or or someone else can correct me if need be is that the organization who provides the service were providing an unstable stable
024of people providing the service and it wasn't working. Now there may come a time where we say we need these services and the trick then will be to find someone who can actually do it effectively. So, it may be that we're going to want to bring this or something like it back in the future, but right now it's not working and we are faced with a need to make budget cuts. It's in my mind, it's a little bit like cutting the salaries budget um by not rehiring someone who is leaving anyway and who's really not needed, you know? Does that does that fair? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we have to make choices. And I mean, that sounds like a revolving door, too. If there's not if it's not stable, I'm not an expert in
025special education, but that doesn't always work for students with high needs to have they need a stable environment. >> Yeah. Special special needs kids are particularly sensitive to transitions of any kind. And adding additional ones like that, what Dr. Dr. Drio described as not seeing tenable >> and that service is a very relationshipbased service. If you can't build relationships because people aren't there long enough, then you're not helping them. >> Sort of the state of affairs across the board right now. Anything that's in special education or services to children with high needs has a high turnover rate and they're struggling to just find paraprofessionals and and people that are reliable and skilled to service these children. >> I'd like to make a second motion in regards to the 2627 budget. >> Did that Did you
026already vote? >> We did. >> Okay. >> Sorry, we had further. You went back and forth. >> We had further discussion. >> Uh to my motion would be to utilize the fiscal year 2025 non-lapsing funds to offset the board of finance reduction to the board of education 2026 to 2027 budget. Do I have a motion? >> Do I have a second? >> Sorry. Yeah. Have a second. >> Stephen does have any questions. >> Madam Chair, I have a question. >> Yes. >> It's my understanding that the audit is still not done and so are we how do we come up with the figure of the 480,000? Am I correct that this is from the audit that's still currently >> this is the audit that's um still not complete >> but I think >> so how
027do you so how do you know how much money is is in an audit that's yet how do you know how much money they've identified in an audit that's not complete >> they've already identified it because of the overage and then the town is also going to get funds back so they know this has to be done by June at the absolute latest. So they're working diligently to um get through it. So I just want to put on the record that you are asking us to vote on a motion for dollars that have yet not yet been certified by an independent audit agency. That is what is before us in this motion. Is that correct? >> Change the dollar amount. Just >> I didn't say the dollar amount. >> Okay, then it's just non-lapsing. >>
028I said the non-lapsing funds >> because that's what the board of finance expects us to be doing, >> right? >> You identified $480,000 earlier. >> Right. That's what I said before, but not in the motion. >> So, you're not including the dollar amount in the motion? um not the exact dollar amount, but we need to use the non-lapsing funds to fund the 2627 school year. >> So, >> well, that's a choice the board of ed is making. I just want to understand that that the motion before us is to use funds that have have yet to be determined by an independent audit agency. That would be accurate. Correct. >> It is. Yes, technically you are correct. >> And it's 48. I just want to get that on the record. It would be >> that was
029the maximum 480 >> was the maximum it would be. So we're not saying we're going to be voting on something that would be a million dollar >> whatever is allowed non-lapsing >> because if they go over which it looks like they might go over that amount. It doesn't matter. We can't we can't have that. >> The town gets the additional funds back. town gets some funds back get a certain percent >> so through you madam chair the 480,000 is the max calculation based on the 2% is that accurate >> yes yes >> okay >> and then and then in addition to that what what would the balance of our capital account be since we're not depositing this amount of money into that account. >> So that's a separate account. So this is the first year
030of the 2% non-lapsing fund that starts with the 25 fiscal year >> before. >> What is the current balance of our capital account? >> We were trying to figure we're still the town and um I hate to throw the >> business managers here. They're trying to figure it out because they were telling us there is a certain amount in there, but we have to go find out what was there before. >> There's an amount in this in the U financial software system that doesn't match the amount that the town gave us as a number. There are um purchase orders that were outstanding at the end of 2025. When those get liquidated, those numbers that money comes back to us. I have provided the the auditors with those liquidated purchase orders that amount to more money.
031So that has to get applied to our capital funds. >> So we're still until the Huh? >> You mean 2024? >> 24 2024, >> right? You had said >> sorry 2024. Um so as we're progressing through the audit, they're validating those numbers as well. What is the estimate or the projection that you have right now that's in the capital account? >> I didn't bring that with me. >> I think it's like around 600, but I don't want to say that really wrongly. >> Right. That >> that would include >> but the we can't use us to the operating budget that's always been earmarked for capital funds. >> I I guess what I know I understand that. So what I'm trying to show what I am trying to illustrate is by using the two using an
032unknown amount which could be as much as 480,000 is what we are doing is we are by not depositing that money into a capital account we are not putting aside future revenue for capital purposes. That's all I'm trying to get on the record. by by using by using the funds today for operating. That's a choice because we're not cutting other places. And I just wanted to make sure I understood it and make sure other people understood it for the record. So I understand that and I appreciate the explanation. Thank you. >> The board the board of finance has asked us to use the previous capital funds for this year. That's why they gave zero dollars for capital. They are asking us to use our previous capital funds to fund our 26 27 capital projects and
033then the non-lapsing. Yes, it is our choice but to offset the lack of funds. We only got $32,796 above the 2526 budget. That has been the if we want those additional funds, they want us to use the non-lapsing funds. And you know, u Melissa, for the record, um, at the town meeting where we were discussing this, I explicitly asked the board of finance if that meant that, you know, they were going to be frustrated or upset that we had used that money um, and would therefore refuse to provide capital funds in the future. and they said no, we want you to use that money and we have every intention of making a capital deposit in the future years as we have normally done. So you're saying that the board is making a choice and there
034is a level on which that is absolutely true. There's also a level on which we didn't have a whole lot of choice and the board of finance who were the people who actually had the purge strings are telling us to do it. So, we're following directions from the people who write the checks. >> Jim, that's a fair point. I I did watch the town meeting and I watched your your colloilquy with the chair of the finance uh committee, but I just think it's important because I just checked today to see if the audit was complete and it's not complete yet. And and that just is very very concerning to me. >> Okay. Any additional questions? I have a motion and a second on the floor about the non-lapsing funds. All those in favor. >> Anybody
035opposed? Abstain. >> I'm going to abstain. >> Okay. So, I got Jim. >> I got Jim. >> You two. No, Jim. Terry, >> Terry, and Melissa are abstaining. One, two, >> sorry. >> Motion does carry though. >> Thank you. Okay. And my last motion tonight is regards to the new state aid in the 11th hour at the state capital. Um, they did not, they had talked a lot about this season at the state to redo the ECS formula. They did not. They are providing uh every town in Connecticut with the it's called the state of Connecticut supplemental aid grant. There is a certain amount of money that is going for education and a certain amount of money for the town. And my motion is going to read to utilize the state of Connecticut supplemental aid
036grant in the amount of $142,238 to offset the board of finance reduction to the board of education 2026 to 2027 budget. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Do I have any questions? Madam Chair, I have a statement. I don't have a question. >> Yes. >> So, this this funding I just want to put out out there on the record that this amount of money is not guaranteed to the town of East Tatam Board of Ed or frankly any community. The amount of money that they put into education funding if they were to decide to change the formula or do something different. this amount of money might get sucked up into another community. My guess is most likely that's exactly what's going to happen. So, this is in my opinion um
037also one-time funding and I just I just think it's important for us to keep that in consideration. It was based on the percentage of ECS funding uh to the community and the budget that one party worked on had an increase of over 14% and this is uh between two and four uh%. And so I just I just want to put it out there. So, it, you know, we're relying on a lot of one-time funding for this current budget proposal, which is which is going to have, you know, lingering consequences for the next budget proposal. So, I just wanted to put that on the record. Thank you. >> No, thank you. I appreciate that. It is, um, for lack of better terms, it's a band-aid. Uh, it is a one-time grant. So, thank you for clarifying
038that. You are absolutely correct. Um, I do also want to thank you. you are the one who got me um a few weeks ago. I I couldn't make heads and tails out of the state stuff. Um and you sent me the uh spreadsheet on a Sunday and I appreciate that because it had the amount. I couldn't I couldn't figure out it was just out there in the news but there was no amount. So I do appreciate um your expertise at the state level with that. Um we will have a bloody budget near next year. I'm trying to mentally prepare for that I hear in advance. Are there any other questions or statements? >> The only thing I want to mention um I have heard rumors that the board of finance has uh an interest in
039actually somehow recapturing that $142,000. Um, my understanding is that that would essentially be illegal. Um, but and I know I've spoken to at least one board of finance member who's dead set against trying to do that. Um, so we are not without supportive allies in that regard. But I do think it's worth just mentioning it is a one-time grant. That does breed its own problems. Melissa is correct about that unfortunately. But um my understanding is that they have not yet set the town's budget which is kind of funky. So because they got a vote already. So I don't you know the town vote. So I don't know what's going on with that. But >> we states wishes are for it to be for education. >> Yeah. >> So I think the department intent >> the
040department language the language in the legislation specifically says it's the board of edority to determine its use >> and I did were you attended something with the department? >> Oh yes absolutely with the commissioner of education. So she had the state posted something for superintendent to say that to do this. So >> So to that point, Madam Chair, I just I just want to pop in. You know, I think uh Jim's caution is to is is something we should be paying attention to. The fact that the town hasn't set the mill rate is exactly because uh as you all know I wasn't able to be at the capitol the last week of session because I was uh at my mother's bedside but it's my understanding that the language was uh negotiated renegotiated put into a
041bill reddrafted put into another bill. So there's this the idea that this is uh you know written in stone. I I disagree. I think that there is definitely a concern that Jim is talking about because the language in negotiations between the majority and the minority and then the governor's office. A lot of the conversation had to do with providing tax relief to towns. And the language is very specific because it talks about towns who have set their mill rate or passed their budget versus towns who haven't done so and those that haven't done so may have the legal authority or ability to in fact provide tax relief. So, I just I know the superintendent feels like she is on very solid ground, but I would be remiss if I did not, you know, uh join
042Jim's uh caution because it's not necessarily the board of finances wishes. It's the language. It's frankly because of the of the real crappy legislative process waiting to do the most important document till the very end. the language was not fully baked and that has become a big problem in interpretation of the language. So it it could happen. You could be voting to accept this money to augment your budget and the town could turn around and provide the same amount of money in tax relief based on an attorney's interpretation. So I just want to say that out loud >> that would cause all hell to break loose in this town. So, we'll see what happens. >> I am watching >> you and I have to be careful. We're going to scare people if we look like
043we're agreeing. I um I am watching it like a hawk because with a $32,796 increase to our school budget, if the board of finance or the town for that matter tries to take $142,238 grant from uh the East Adam school children, I sure hope that we would have some uh support for education because uh and for our students because that is the first and foremost Um, >> and uh I will I'm ready to go out with my back swinging with that one. So I I I definitely hear both of you. I am uh cautiously optimistic and that's why I'm not revoting on a budget tonight. I know it's going to be 11th hour in June, but that's why I'm making these motions tonight. Is there any other questions or statements? I have a motion and
044a second on the floor. All those in favor? I >> I >> any opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Item eight, action on the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 8th, 2026? I have a second. >> You guys look alive tonight. Come on. Any questions or changes? >> You looked at them ahead of time. >> I did. >> Thank you very much. >> No questions or changes. All right. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Everyone was there that night. So, item nine, committee reports. A is curriculum policy and educational programming subcommittee report. >> Um, we met on Monday of this week. Um, we had a discussion regarding the middle school science program uh that was presented to us last month. I think it
045would be fair to say that there was pretty much a universal praise for what we saw. Um, and uh, I myself had a number of reasons to like it. Other people had reasons to like it that either matched or expanded on that. Um, bottom line is I think it's a good program and I've asked that it be added to the consent agenda for this meeting because I think it would be a good idea to go ahead and prove that. Um, kind of cut these people loose in their planning for next year. Let them do their work. Um, I think they're doing a good job from what I can see. Uh we talked a very preliminary conversation about some legal changes. We need to uh get some work done on policies regarding child abuse and neglect.
046That's got to happen lickety split. Um and there's other things coming up. Um there is as of I think it was the end of March or the end of April, I forget exactly. Um the state basically promulgated a um uh curriculum format which in large measure um mirrors the one that I had been advocating. Um, and it looks like we should be able to come up with a um, unified approach and bring a uh, uh, district curriculum template to the board. Um, possibly as early as June. Um, I'm not promising that, but possibly. And, um, I think it's going to get support. There's reason to believe that um from the NASCAR report sort of scuttlebutt I guess is the best way to put it that um there are teachers that are kind of anxious to
047start redoing this stuff. Um hopefully um they're going to be sort of energized about this. They seem to be about looking at curriculum um districtwide from what I'm hearing. Um, we set several meetings upcoming, including another one in May. Um, and u because we want to try and get some stuff done for the June board meeting. I'm hoping to bring the um the child abuse stuff to the board for um June and so we don't have a lot of time for that. So, uh, and then there'll be one in July. Um, and I'm grateful that the the members of the committee were willing to do that. And I believe we set an August date too, but I don't have that stuff directly in front of me. But it it looks like we should be ready
048to begin sort of regular order working and being productive and doing other good stuff like that. >> Thanks, Jim. Uh, business and planning. Can I read what Sean said? Yeah, Sean said I didn't know Sean wasn't here. >> Sean was is not here. Uh they met on Thursday, April 30th. Uh there was not a a quorum, so no official business was conducted, but they had an informal update of the following items. So, uh, I appreciate the, um, the elementary school HVAC BMS work, uh, this summer, uh, interior and exterior. The generator installed is completed and tested. Um, actually, this is going to piggy back on the CIP report, too. During the HVAC installation, the gym floor was damaged. Um, and that is being covered by the company that installed the HVAC. That is not going
049to be um uh on the school. So, in August, they're going to be working on the elementary school uh gym floor. Uh the middle school uh tile floors are scheduled to start June 27th. Um, two HVAC services have been completed. The boiler uh has been completed. Um, I'm sorry I didn't read this out of time. Discussion move to work. >> Well, park and wreck is meeting in elementary school >> for the summer. They're not going to be at the middle school because of the flooring. Uh the high school new BMS program and installation is complete. Two new HVAC services have been complete. Uh the new guard rail uh was partially in uh oh the new guard rails that were partially installed after the snow removal was damaged. Is that also going to be not the
050school's responsibility either? >> Correct. School system responsibility. Um, districtwide fire and security drills complete. Uh, security grants are on and going. Uh, two circulated pumps need to be rebuilt at the middle school. Parts are on order. Uh, the high school needs the exterior doors, which is a capital item. >> More to come about that. Cameras are 100% complete. Field maintenance has started and ongoing. And Yeah, that looks like Oh, you guys reviewed the warrant which is attached to your board. So, that's business and planning. Uh personal uh personal personnel and negotiating subcommittee report. Um the teachers union contract and stipen negotiations are complete and those were attached to your board meeting uh board packet. I think we spent more time doing the stipens than the um rest of the contract but which was really necessary
051because that hasn't occurred in about 15 years they said and now we're moving on to the upsu which is the uh next negotiations uh east schools capital improvements committee leaison report they met uh April's 30th and basically same as I said before the HVAC at the elementary school is looking good almost done. Uh the gym roof equaling the floor issue which will be taken care of in August and at some point I don't know if they voted on making Stephen the Stephen is supposed to be their uh committee leaison at some point because that was been really mixed up but we will get that taken care of. I don't know. I didn't watch the last election in the meeting if they voted yet. I I guess I should ask watch it. >> Learn. Well, first
052let me say uh due to family obligations, I have not been able to attend uh the learn meetings in person. However, I've been reviewing the meeting minutes and presentation materials that were shared uh at each meeting. And so what I've done is synthesized all of the key points for the board and I'll make sure I forward all of those materials to you. Um so a significant portion of the meeting focused on three rivers middle college and its approach to college readiness um instructional practices and student outcomes. Um, one of the more interesting aspects of the presentation was um, Three Rivers emphasis on helping students become active participants in their own learning, which is what we're doing here wonderfully. The instructional model is heavily based on John Hadtie's visible learning framework, which focuses on teacher clarity,
053feedback, self-reflection, and helping students understand not only what they're learning, but why they're learning it and how success is going to be measured. Um, the program also places a strong emphasis on educ on executive functioning and independence QE families. Students are expected to develop skills such as self- advocacy, time management, resilience, communication, and accountability alongside their academic coursework. Um, Three River students continue to demonstrate strong academic outcomes through their partnership with the Connecticut State Community College. Students collectively earned over,300 college credits in 2025 with an average Connecticut State GPA of 3.12. The school also reported strong enrollment interest for the coming year with 83 applications submitted for 54 openings. Uh, additional learn updates included ongoing recruitment efforts in specialized staffing areas. Um, continued work on evaluation systems for service providers and legislative advocacy related to
054magnet school funding and teacher residency programming. Um, one aspect of the presentation that did stand out to me was how closely many many of these processes align with the direction that we're moving in through all of the work we're doing with NEASK and um our curriculum development. Um, the emphasis on clearly defined learning targets, uh, student reflection, feedback, authentic engagement, and helping students take ownership of their learning. uh strongly uh connects to the conversations that we have been having around instructional practice um especially curriculum alignment and college and career readiness. So I also thought that the focus on executive functioning skills and student self- advocacy was definitely relevant. Um these are areas that increase student success across every grade level. So, and these are important considerations as we start, you know, going through this process
055and we're refining the curriculum and instructional supports and the expectations of our learners. Um, overall, the materials reflected Learn's continued focus on college and career readiness, engagement, instructional practices, and ownership of learning. >> That's it. Rayboard. >> Oh, do you have a question? Oh, I'm sorry. I can see your hand on the screen. >> I know. Look at me. I'm I'm uh using all all the features. I just had a quick question. Um you mentioned the stipen uh being attached to the uh board packet. Um are are we are we what is the pro I guess what is the process, Madam Chair? Do we also vote on that as a full board or is it justformational purposes only? >> No, that's part of the consent agenda which is uh under new business. There's seven seven
056items and one is going to be the contract. It's part of the full contract, the stipens. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure we're going be voting on it. And then as it relates to that, I just um I I've had I've had uh several folks reaching out to me about coaches and um the stipens for coaches and I I guess I I do have some questions regarding that. Should I wait for that part of the agenda to ask questions? >> If you don't mind, that would be great. >> Nope. Totally good. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, Rayward. >> So, the Rayboard scholarship dinner was yesterday. I did not attend. I don't know if Sean did. I assume you attended Dr. DeRoto. And how was that? >> It was lovely as always. >>
057Yeah, the last year it was lovely as well. Um, but I did not attend because I have not been able to make the meetings and I felt like I did not want to use up their resources on my ticket to the dinner. So, I opted out of it this year, but congratulations to the scholarship recipients. How many were there? >> There were three. Awesome. Small, intimate group. A lot of staff there, which was nice. They always appreciate the teachers. So, it's very nice. >> Thank you. long range capital improvements committee um is actually going to start again and uh Jim, Steve and I will be your liaison to long range at the town that's a board of selectman um subcommittee and safety and security committee who did not meet we have a meeting next month
058All right. So now moving on to item 10 which is new business. I'm going to read the consent agenda and then we will ask questions. So the items one through seven. One is the discipline report. Two is the enrollment report including description on the process to gather data. Three is the April 2026 warrant. Four is to approve the seventh grade field trip to Boston social studies class. the Boston Freedom Trail. Five, which is approved the 2026 to 2029 EHA contract. Six is approve the open sed middle school science program. And seven is to accept the following resignations and retirements. Dorene Johnson, elementary school special education teacher. That is a retirement. Brian Topper, high school second shift custodian. Help me out here. Is it Alicia? Is it Aisha? >> Aisha Jandrew. >> Jandrew. She's the middle
059school cafeteria worker. I've met her many times, but I can't say her name. Georgiana Hodson, accounts payable, finance secretary. Help me out with this one. Mrs. Tomasi. >> Sylvia. >> Sianne. >> Sylvianne. Tamasi, middle school pareducator, and Jacqueline Yosher, middle school special education teacher. Before I even make a motion, do I know there's questions? >> I'd like to pull the contract out of the >> Oh, I'm okay. Do you want to ask questions first before we pull them? >> I'd like to pull that out so we can have a real discussion. >> Okay. I'm not going to even make a motion. Let's just go through what what your questions are. I'd like to understand the the stipend for the athletic director a little better. It looks to me, and I may be wrong, like he's
060going to have a half-time teacher assignment and then get a pretty significant stipend. Is he still getting a full-time teacher salary with a halftime assignment? I have a problem with that. I really do. not with a $12,000 statement. >> It was discussed because he does have his own 92 and he does oversee the middle and high school athletic programs and he does evaluate all the coaches he hires and evaluates. >> He's getting a full-time teacher salary >> plus the $12,000. >> Correct. >> That's all I'm going to say. I I don't I don't see that as being justified at a time where we've got a financial knife to the throat here and people screaming that we have to cut the budget. I don't know how we ever explain that to people. >> I I I
061would say too that there's a lot of teachers who are coaches and make more than that coaching three seasons. Um >> $12,000. No, they don't. Not unless they're co coaching multiple things. >> Yeah. Over three season. It's three seasons. So if you, for example, if you were high school soccer boys, that's $6,000 right there. That that's just for for that one season. And then if you you know, and if you go down through, it's anywhere from four to 6,000 that you make per season as a head coach. So if you're coaching and and I I've done it, you coach um on those three seasons, you actually end up making more than the the uh athletic director. Um not saying it's right, but I just want to put that kind of >> I understand. But if
062it if the person is a teacher, >> they're getting upwards of $50,000 on top of their actual teaching assignment plus the 12,000. >> Right. And I as a teacher, I was a coach as well. I got my teacher pay plus I got >> Were you working a part-time job teaching? >> I was working full-time. >> He's working part-time. >> He's got a halftime teacher assignment. >> That's different. >> How can you say that? What is it? negotiation. >> We actually negotiated it down, believe it or not, that what he was that stipen was larger. >> Um there are reductions to stipens. Um there are stip or there are things that we eliminated from the stipens. We did spend a fair amount of time. um what was brought to our attention if you don't do a
063stipen for that that it would be like a full-time teacher and then no after school requirement and with an ad you need after school ability. So they're half >> he's not a full-time teacher, he's a halftime teacher getting a full-time paycheck. >> That's different. And I understand um that I don't I don't want to give you or Dr. Drito a hard time about this. That's not my intent. Probably felt like you were in a real difficult position. Um and I get that. Um, I have a problem with someone getting a full-time salary and a very significant stipend on top of it for a half-time teaching job. I have a problem with that. I will always have a problem with that. I also don't think that that it's not the only consideration. I do understand that.
064I I I have some questions about some of the other stipens, too. I don't know why we have an AV stipen. AV disappeared 20 years ago. It doesn't exist anymore. >> You're hitting all the buttons that were part of our negotiations. And I know it's very difficult to understand and I'm not really sure what we can say publicly. Um we reduced >> that's why I said >> we reduced significantly the high school one. Um they like so piggy back off what you're saying the the the stipens probably haven't been looked at in 15 years probably five contract cycles. The high school one was significantly reduced by I think it was >> you do you have it with me I brought the budget >> like 1300 >> maybe 1300 or more. Um, we also, if you
065see, >> is a $50,000 that's half of his salary that he's not actually earning because he doesn't have a teaching assignment for it. >> So, the problem >> I don't I'm not going to engage in a discussion about this only because I don't want to give you a hard time. I said my piece. I have a problem with it. I'm done. >> I will piggy back up to the I do appreciate the questions though, Jim. I do. Uh the AV if you go up there's a on 38A there are it's under three stars says the party the parties agree that either party may reopen the AV stipen during the life of the contract based on the frequency and intensity/magnitude of the work conducted outside the contractual day by providing the other party at least 60
066days written notice of the intent to invoke bargaining over the AV stipen. During the 60-day period, the parties will attempt to reach an informal resolution of the matter. Um, let's see. >> So, long story short, the AV siphon can be renegotiated. We did reduce the high school one significantly because the board of ed meetings are here now. Um, >> their most recent. >> Oh, yeah. So, it was over, it's like you're right about $1,200. It was a give and a take. There was a lot. I'm telling you, we spent a lot of time uh negotiating. There is a actually a savings in the 2627 stipens over the 25 26 stipen amount. Like I said, I'm done. >> I'll Oh. Uh, go ahead, Terry. I'm going to go to Los Angeles. My question is on item
067seven. Um, of all of these requirements and resignations, which ones are going to be affected by attrition? >> None. there could be reduction in salary amount based on their how they're hired but um I would say not that yeah I don't I don't think we can reduce any of those positions. I agree, >> Melissa. I see the hand. Sorry. >> Yep. Thank you. So, I I just want to go back to the uh ad uh position and you know, I started kind of poking around a little bit um trying to understand what his role really is as far as uh relates to the review of coaches. And uh I reached out to central office and they were kind enough to send me the parent handbook for the high school. And it seems that there is
068a uh coaches review or a you know when the season ends there's a process to review coaches. But I'm hearing from parents that that is not necessarily a robust process. So my first question is, do we have a robust review of all of our coaching staff and is it done annually by the AD? >> Yes. And the um tool that's used is a tool that's used by other districts as well. It's pretty comprehensive with the number of questions that he has to respond to. the questions that the coach has to respond to, >> the questions that the AD is evaluating the coach on. >> So, are those in is that in writing or is that done verbally? >> It's in writing. It goes in their personnel file. >> It goes in their personnel file. And
069do the is a coach automatically uh placed year after year? >> No, they have to apply. We have a process that requires the AD signature, principal signature, my signature, and it's a yearly occurrence. >> And so, does it happen at a certain time each year or is it dependent upon the sport? >> A lot of it does happen at the beginning of the school year. I do get a lot of applications, but it also can happen in the middle of the year when there's a new season and there isn't anyone who put in for that position particularly and again not as much in the spring. They really do come in much earlier than the season typically when there is already somebody who wants it. And how does the AD deal with parents who have complained
070about a coach pretty intensely >> verbally and in writing? >> That would be >> how does the AD interact when it gets to a level of parental involvement? >> Then the building administration also gets involved. >> Okay. And how does the AD do we have a a set policy on parent volunteers? Are parents allowed to volunteer or is that only if a coach allows them to participate? >> It is directed really by the coach. >> It's also because they have to have the the educator license to get the five-year certificate to coach >> if they were going to try to be a licensed coach, >> right? Which they would have to be. >> Yeah. volunteer just sort of like >> you know a cheerleader if you will maybe assisting slightly with messages something like that.
071So, while I appreciate being part of the process, I do feel like um the process was a little rushed at the end because of the timing with uh that union. And I would I would um I think after going going through it one time, I would just say in the future, I would like to have additional meetings. We had meetings cancelled. we only ended up having a couple of real sessions and I have I share a lot of the same concerns regarding the AD. Um, I'd like to understand it a little bit more, especially in light of I'll just say I'm g I have uh I'm getting a lot of complaints from parents uh about um the process of reviewing coaches and the fact that people just assume that they're going to be the coach
072of a certain sport every single year. And I'm glad to hear that the AD is doing some things, but I just want to put it out there that maybe maybe it's maybe it's not enough. Maybe there's a bedside manner that should be improved. Thank you. >> If you're getting complaints, I'm not receiving any as the board chair. So, if you could forward if they're um or tell them to email myself and I could or Dr. to burrito because I'm literally not getting any I'm I'm not uh saying you're not, but I'm just saying uh please forward those emails. >> Oh, just for the record, I'm >> Hang on one second, Melissa, please. Um I was talking about a position and a contractual arrangement. Yeah, >> this is starting to feel like a personnel review, which
073seems wildly inappropriate. >> Yeah, >> in a public meeting. I just want to say that. Let's get back to >> Excuse me for a minute. I I don't think I wanted to understand what the role of an AD was and how they interact. I'm not interest I'm not doing a job interview, but you you know you pointed out the amount of the stipend and I think you know if they are doing these processes and reviews then you know that stipen sounds like it's reasonable but I I didn't have the opportunity to ask these questions in the personnel negotiation process and there was a lot of con conversation about this position and I wasn't aware of the review or even the handbook and that's why I asked those questions. So, I just wanted to say thank
074you for responding. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other questions on the consent agenda? >> Yeah, the um enrollment thing I do like that a lot more. Um you know, we had conversations about uh how kids who were outplaced maybe weren't included before and they are our responsibility to educate. They're our kids and so they should be included as our our students. Um, the only thing I think we lose here is what last year's number was. >> So, the old gathered this way, right? >> So, the old ones had last year's as well, and I think we're losing that. Um, and so I'm thinking maybe we do like moving >> the previous month and the previous year or something, but >> the information will not be accurate though because it was being collected differently.
075we're now we're really putting out here. So, do you see what I'm saying? >> And we don't have the historical stuff to really go back and because it's a moment in a snapshot in time thing. >> Okay. >> But in the future, >> absolutely. >> Do you have any other questions? >> Do you have any more questions for the people? >> Um the warrant. One quick question. And I feel like we might have I this question might have been asked and maybe on the spacing, but the rentals for this the superintendent office rentals is that there were more rentals than we expected or higher prices than we expected because that's pretty overbudget. >> The copy machines is >> it was the copy machines and we had an extra payment from one um old vendor that
076came into this year. Terry, do you have any questions on the consent agenda? Nope. >> I just have one question. It looks like for grade 12, it says 57 students in March and then 62 in April. It's just like from one month to the next, there's a jump of five kids. And why did that happen? Mhm. >> I could I mean unless they were in another location then they actually came back physically >> to ours. >> Okay. Let me inquire. >> Okay. >> Stephen I have just a um minor um disciplinary report. Did ours it seems like it went way way down to have all those zeros there. Are we doing something differently or is it just >> So keep in mind the zeros are in school suspension and out of school, right? So um
077>> it just didn't it's things have happened um that have resulted in a decrease in certain >> I mean last month we had 17 at the elementary school, five at the middle school and nine at the high school. >> Total you mean? >> Yeah. Well uh yeah for total for each but now you have zero. Now, keep in mind there was a week off in April. >> So, those five days if we were in school, this might have looked a little just saying. >> No, it just it just I mean I'm hope I'm just I'm being optimistic that you know things are you know good and I'm I'm fine with that. I just want to make sure I read that correctly. >> No, you did. >> Um it's quite the like I said to have
078go from 17 in elementary school to zero was >> March is a long month. could have been like a bus occurrence as well where like >> because I've never seen so many do which is great. >> That's fine by me. >> Any additional questions or concerns? >> Do I have a motion to accept the consent agenda items 1 through 7? >> So have a second. >> Second. All those in favor. >> Any oppose? Any abstain? >> Motion carries. >> Item 11, audience is citizens. And I'm gonna say nobody would like to speak. Oh, >> no. Okay. Okay. Item 12, adjournment. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? Hey.