001really cool. You hear him say, "I can't wait to get the homework cuz it's like I come home. You have anything yet?" He said, "No, not yet. I want to get it." >> I don't know where >> we'll just wait 2 minutes, but we are on. Just I'll wait two minutes for the um 7 o'clock. So, you can chatter. I just wanted to let everyone know. >> She's finger broken. And I'm like, "Oh, it's going like this. >> Yeah. >> Nice. >> So, I'm happy whenever they get off the bus. Happy. I'm happy. >> That is called life. >> Yes. >> My wife puts it well. >> It wasn't bad. >> Sicknesses are going >> painful because it's true. She said, "Jen, when you're a parent, you're only >> August 13th and it's in here."
002>> That's true. >> That's very true. >> It's in your packet. >> Yeah, but they're not in the folder for me to sign after the meeting. >> But I'm going to stick mine in there. >> Oh, perfect. >> Oh, cool. >> Okay. 7 o' glad you got your time. >> Thanks. Right. I'm going to call the meeting to order. This town Board of Education regular meeting tonight is September 10th. Um it's 7 o'clock. Um first order of business, pledge of allegiance. [Music] 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. >> Exits are located in the front and the rear of this building. Should you need to exit, you walk out the doors,
003take a right or a left, and follow the hallways to the main door. All right, I'm going to move this um right along. We have quite an agenda tonight with a couple of other meetings. Can I have a motion to add to the agenda discussion of possible action regarding the November meeting date? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Awesome. I'm going to add that on ajourn business. Hold on. got a vote on the >> Yeah, I'm just letting you know where it's going to go. >> Um, all those in favor. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, report of the board chair. Um, I have several little things that I wanted to bring up. Um there's a cave workshop on 9:17 at 12:00 that is through Zoom. Um I do recommend somebody or a
004few of you from the board um try to attend. I think it'll be an hour long. It's um from the school and state finance and they're partnering with CAVE regarding school funding changes that are coming up for next year. >> Is that a webinar or a live? >> It's a webinar. Yep. Um, and you can get through it, Jim. Um, either by going the CA site or if they're on Yeah, I'm for the public. >> I just wasn't sure if it was the same one I'd already seen. >> Yeah. Um, they're going to cover um education cost sharing, grant funding, tuition to public schools of choice, um, special education funding, and school construction. Um, I do highly encourage you guys to um, pay attention to that. Um, if you can't log on to K because
005you're not a member, you can also contact info at schoolstatefinance.org. Um, I apologize to the board members for the late packet going out. Um it's been extremely busy over in central office and our packet tonight was um I believe it was 121 pages um with all of the warrant information. So um I appreciate everybody's um patience with that as well. Um and thank you Jim for getting out the policies to everyone late last night for your upcoming policy meeting. >> You're more than welcome. I'm just grateful that my folks are patient >> and forgiving. >> Um there's quite a few new ones when we go over that when you do round table September events coming up. Um you'll find those also in your packet. Um there's an open house at the high school tomorrow from
0066:00 to 8:00. Highly recommend people try to attend that. We also have um three field trips that are going to be going on as well. I know that's been a conversation by a lot of um parents about field trips. There's um the marching band um has a field trip to Wler Field FFA to the Big E and there's also a STEM field trip going on. So um I just wanted to bring a little bit of attention to that. In the fourth packet, you'll also find the enrollment report. Um we are holding at 921 students uh districtwide. Um Cara, thank you for coming in at 5:30 tonight and doing a back-toback meeting for business and planning. We'll do roundt there. Um a huge shout out to Paul who's been um our in um in yeah in
007um business manager and uh filling in. till our new business manager starts at the end of this week. He's done a phenomenal job. Um I just want to acknowledge all the work that he has done and learn to uh cover the gaps and to work um extensively on the grants that needed to be um finished up and year end and working with the town finance in regard to closing out the year. Um, next thing I wanted to bring up, board reps. Um, the new board reps. Um, will probably be sometime in October. Um, the principal is right now at the high school sending out applications or gathering them. Then I guess there's an interview process that they go through. Um, so we'll be really excited to see who they pick and and welcome them. um
008couple of correspondents that we received. Um I had correspondence from and we all did so you already have them um regarding the roll out of the new reading program. Um that was responded to with um a suggestion to go meet with the classroom teacher. We also received an email with a concern about restorative practices and chronic absenteeism. Um, some of that's been covered in prior presentations. So, um, I just did a very quick response to that. Um, receiving emails. Um, and I'm not sure if you guys are as well. Some of these survey requests, please be very, very careful about clicking on to any of those. Um, if you do not know who the sender is, please do not take these surveys. We don't know where they're going. we don't know who they are or
009they could be scams. Um so be very cognizant of that. I've been getting a lot of them um this week as well. Um some of the board members had an opportunity to go to or go to the Hasslam Foundation um charity um golf tournament or andor donate items. Um so they were very very appreciative of that. um and I wish them the best of luck. They um put on a really nice dinner and really kind of um went over all of the things that they have done for um for the district. It's really amazing how much money that they put into the district. So, um just a shout out on that. Um and then the last two last things. Um it was brought to my attention that the state is doing away with their um
010state policy on professional code of conduct. >> So you're addressing that. Perfect. Thank you. And last but not least, there's a referendum on September 16th. Um, the polls will open at the normal time at 6 o'lock in the morning and run to eight o'clock at night. It's for $10 million in road improvements, $2.3 million in culverts, and $3.4 million um for fire apparatus. Um, >> apparatus or >> apparatus that we would be happy if their building would come in at 3.4. Yeah, >> I think it's >> probably twice >> twice. I last time I heard it was probably about 14 to 16 million. >> So that would be >> I'm going to go throw up now. >> Okay. So anyway, um please um 916 there's a referendum. Just wanted to put that out there for
011anyone. That's all I have. Does anybody have any questions for me? Okay, moving right along. talk to you. >> Good evening everyone. Um want to welcome everyone to a new school year. Um it's hard to believe that uh when the fall starts that means that 2026 is getting closer. Um but um eager to have kicked off the year. Convocation was pretty amazing. Um the welcome back for all the staff and we've had a really smooth start. It was really seamless. So, want to thank um the families and all of my colleagues for um kicking off such a fantastic um start to the year. Um some exciting things that are happening. I um am doing a book study with instructional facilitators and started that today along with administrators um and the focus is on students and
012the text is leaders of their own learning. So looking forward to grounding our efforts in coherence across the district K12. Um a letter was sent out to families welcome welcoming them to the new year but I would like to highlight some of the information that was included um at the elementary level. We did implement a new program um that will uh complement the foundational reading programs that are already established foundations integrity. So families will see um bookworms as the new um literacy program as well. The middle school continues their reading initiative and they have instituted one-hour long instructional blocks. So that increase in instructional time teachers are very excited about because it allows them to go into more depth with the students. Um so kudos to the middle school for making that change. The high
013school is experiencing an increase in student engagement, visible increase in student engagement um because cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. They have just a designated location at lunch. um and they are enforcing the policy at the school and um appreciate their attention to supporting learning and backing the teachers um as needed because there have been a few um folks who've been caught with phones, but we're working with the families and um everyone is on board with minimizing distractions during learning time. In addition, uh the new science sequence um at the high school ensures that all freshmen will experience an integrated physics course followed by biology and then chemistry. And that guarantees that within three years um our students will have fulfilled learning outcomes defined by next generation science standards and then will be
014ready for the science assessment that is administered in the spring of junior year. Also included in the letter um was some specific information regarding awareness and protection of the digital world. Um as I receive information I I shared out that digital parent controls are critical. Um, families should really be monitoring usage and there are recruitment efforts um to trick youth into thinking they can trust folks um on those platforms um with some very horrifying outcomes as um youth become victims to those tricks. So, there were some tips in there from the FBI and obviously family involvement is the strongest protection for every child. In addition, I shared a link um through Southern Connecticut State University. They put together modules um focused on building strong families for a changing world and wonderful topics from parent rights
015and responsibilities to college payments to helping them understand developmental growth stages of their kids, helping kids become self-sufficient adults, raising resilient children, and a parent resource hub. So that information is on the NextGen Parent Academy on Southern's website and I did share that link um so that families um if they would wanted to attend those sessions um they could. In addition, wanted to share that the testing results um have been made public and all families should have received their child's individual report because the state a week ago did allow for school districts to um mail those out. a a shout out in particular to grade three. Although the principles, as they do every year, will um share results for the next generation accountability report when it comes out. But in third grade for um ELA,
016this group of students in 2025 had the highest results in I want to say six years. So it was a 16 percentage point increase. >> Wow. >> From last year's group >> and in math was um a 10% >> percentage point increase from last year. So this is a trend we want to set. We're we're just um really analyzing the results and administrators at the building level will set goals for themselves and staff based on results. And so you'll hear more when they come and do their presentations, but wanted to at least um congratulate um our staff and students. >> Congratulations to you, too. >> Yeah, to all of us. It certainly takes all of us. Um there is a um report from the state the special ed audit. They did come in last year
017and it it took them u many months but we did get the report this summer and the interim puke personnel director Dorian Johnson is going through those results right now. We are beginning to prepare for another audit. It's our nutrition um lunch and breakfast program audit. We um will be visited by the state this year and so um that is for January. So we are already starting to make sure that we are checking everything that they need and um professional development is being provided to our director who's only been in that position for a short time. Um so wanted to share that as well. Yesterday I attended the commissioner's welcome back for superintendence and the focus was on unlock unlocking lifelong potential. So focusing on kids and their passions and what assets they bring as
018opposed to many times we focus on deficits, what they can't do. But it was energizing. It was very positive. Um it was held at the science center in Hartford and so I definitely enjoyed the message from the commissioner. The governor was there as well and um some additional guest speakers. I also want to thank the Hasslam Foundation because they provide a lot to support our youth and um the latest addition which you will see at the high school around the track are the aderondac seats. So, um looking forward to having games and competitions and um seeing families gather um together. So, want to thank and recognize the Hassel Foundation as well. Um tomorrow being the anniversary of uh 911, all of our flags will be at half staff. Um, we certainly will never forget and
019um want to pay tribute um to all those who suffered and continue to be impacted by that tragic event. And for now, that is it. But thank you quite a bit. Karen, do you have any questions? >> Um, in regards to your uh the uh sorry the test the English >> always I would are you making notes like so like the third grade class the fourth grade class I would have taken that is the code like the September 2020 >> kindergarten. So are you making notes along like the chart like following who was like these students that were going through the co time, >> right? So third grade is the first grade that was assessed with a state standardized test, >> right? But I'm saying so then like so those students came in in the
020fall of 2021. >> Yeah. >> Are you assessing like are you looking at that looking at the data? >> Right. So this is the first year for this group. right >> that they get state state assessments. So they it's not like they had a state assessment last year or the year before that or the year before that. So this is the first one, but we'll follow them all the way through. But yes, we're we're we're looking to turn a corner, right? And we just want it to be consistent. >> I'm wondering if that makes if that made a difference because those students started in the fall of 2021 things sort of lightening up. I I can't answer that being a correlation >> information and food for thought. That's all I have. >> Almost. Thank you.
021>> Question. >> Um just a silly question, but just looking at the calendar. I'm just looking for veric verification because for this Friday for getting kids in the elementary school, I heard PTO I see PTO bingo night. I heard that was cancelled. >> It's probably Kelly might not have gotten the update. >> So that's no problem. >> You might you might get word before the rest of us. >> Yeah. Um >> like I said something silly. Just didn't want people >> Yeah. I just >> showing up if it's not >> Well, it's on my calendar, so I appreciate the um notice if it is cancelled. So, we'll look into that, Sean, and let you all know because I certainly wouldn't want you eagerly showing up as board members to support the school and >> I'd
022rather for everyone else. >> Yeah, I appreciate you bringing that to light, but >> we don't have that knowledge that I'm aware of, but >> something to look into. No problem. And uh that's that's all is right now. >> Thank you. >> No thanks. Um, well, I'm thrilled to hear about the new science and and where where you're taking those steps. Um, I think that it's going to really help um our students achieve with the SATs and PSATs. Um, I think you're going to see the difference in two years from now or maybe even next year because PSATs are 10th grade, correct? So they should have some of that knowledge and that's going to help them along. Um so I was very excited about that. The um classroom time for middle school, what did you
023say that is now? >> 60 minutes. >> So it's 60 minutes. That's >> hour long. Hourong classes compared to barely 40 minutes before. That was a concern. Um >> that's huge >> for teachers. >> How did they find the time? >> They restructured. They expanded rather than breaking up the kids into more sections because our numbers we could do fewer sections and allow for greater time and they were pretty creative as well. So yeah, it's good for the kids. >> Yeah. >> Time makes a difference. >> Yeah. So is that all the way four through eight then? Excellent. Because then at the high school they're in 90 minute blocks, right? >> About that. Just under it. I think it's about at 90 minutes. Okay. Um the tests are public. Um the scores when do you
024anticipate the presentation being done? >> So the next generation accountability report is typically the report that has all the indicators and that's later in the fall. But the administrators as soon as they're ready I will have them come and present because they set goals, right? So they do surveys of families and of students. All of that information is um looked at as they >> prepare. So >> So which um test is that one that you're referring to? That's >> the smarter balance in math is grades three through eight. >> Okay. So it's why we want to separate. >> You said it had been a 16 point jump in one of them, I think. >> Yes. ELA for third grade. 16 percentage points for this group. It's a different group than last year. I'm just comparing
025to how last year is a totally different group of students, >> but still it's it's >> definitely needs to be recognized. >> Yep. And math. >> Well, especially >> since uh there was an announcement that um >> I think it was >> juniors nationwide completely tanked. >> Yeah, >> it's a little scary. >> So, let's see. Well, let's see how we're doing. We could be the anomaly in a positive direction. That's fantastic. And then um >> we've also I don't we're also selected I believe it's the middle level to have our students take NAPE which is the national assessment. So yeah that's right. So that's the one that will actually show how do fourth graders do across the nation in reading in math and so they will randomly select different schools throughout the country and
026>> we've been selected for this year. >> So >> just the one grade just fourth grade >> um I don't want to speak like I'm not sure if those documents all came through. I just got a letter saying we've been selected. >> Yeah. >> But I'll have the principal definitely share. So for the um I'm sorry. So for the rest of the Smarter Balance um is there going to be a short presentation or anything on those scores all the way around? >> Oh, for sure. Each building administrator will talk to each. Yes. >> Okay. Because that one can actually probably go even before next generation, right? >> Yes. The next generation that's indicator one, >> right? >> But yeah. >> Yeah. We could break them up into sections or something like that. >> Sure. So,
027um, and the audit for special education, um, once, uh, Mrs. Johnson has a chance to digest it, will some of those results be shared with the board? >> Absolutely. >> Excellent. >> And I'm not rushing. I'm I'm inquiring. I'm not Thank you. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure that's very very clear. >> Okay. Um audience of citizens action for the minutes. Motion to approve the regular uh meeting minutes for August 13, 2025. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Any discussion? >> Yes. >> I was not there and I'm listed as attending and I was also listed as vice chair and I'm the secretary. So, I've made changes and I'll submit that to Kelly. >> Okay. >> We have one other change in the committee reports. Um, the policy instruction committee report
028is under the business and planning. >> I'm looking for my >> All right. What was that again, Cara? >> Under committee reports. >> Um, the policy instruction committee report is listed under the business and planning um committee report. business planning had not met and so that should go up policy. >> Thank you. >> Any further discussion? >> Motion to approve the minutes as amended. >> Still moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> So that was making care. Okay, thank you. Um, policy and instruction. Jim, can you give us an update, please? >> Yeah. Um, we I I had a um good meeting um with staff from the high school and Mrs. Drio, Dr. Drio and we worked out some compromises regarding how money will get handled. Um although um Mr. Eert had been
029there, he either hadn't been aware or it didn't click that uh we were creating more significant problems for them than we ever really realized. And um it it would have probably put us in a position where we would have had to have staff out of the building virtually every day to do banking. And you know, they need to actually be in the building to do some work occasionally. So that didn't seem workable. So we worked out a compromise for that. Um our next meeting will be tomorrow. Um I'm hopeful that Zenorf is going to be there. She told me she would be. If she's not, I'm going to cancel it because we won't have a quorum. Miss Gary cannot be there. And so that'll maybe be a hiccup. Um there has been a lot of
030stuff, some of which I only really became fully aware of in the last couple of days from the state. Um there was a Supreme Court decision which created um a possibility that parents could really kind of cause issues um with library collections and things like that and the state government passed um policy laws which we went into effect immediately. Um so we had to react to it right away. So, uh, I spent, uh, the better part of the last couple of days getting that stuff together. It It ends up, uh, being, I think, and, I may not have this completely correct, six brand new policies and one amended one to address it all. Uh, it's the kind of stuff that does not require a whole lot of word smithing on our part. I I I
031had one or two things that I did, but not much. Most of it is just straight out of CABE because most of what's in CABE came straight out of the the public act. Um so it was it was a lot of work to get it ready, but it um it's important stuff. Um we also have other things in there. Our special ed policy is something like 15 or 20 years out of date. Um, and so we have an updated policy on that that we're going to be looking at tomorrow. And there's other things like that. Um, we've got stuff in the hopper for the October meeting. Um, so we're we're going to be humming for a little while. I'm going to be back to everybody saying, "You got to slow down. You're making Kelly crazy."
032But we have a lot to do. >> Making you crazy. >> Yeah. Um, so um, we'll we'll be busy and as always, I'm grateful for a good team. What time is she meeting tomorrow? >> Tomorrow we meet at noon time. And actually that reminds me I had offered to get lunch for everybody since it was a a lunchtime meeting. So Sean, if you're are you going to participate remotely or you >> Okay. All right. Well, it's just you and me then >> and maybe Jackie and we'll talk after the meeting here about uh lunch because I will keep my promise if people would like it. >> Right. If Jackie cannot make it, I probably can sit in, but I would have to either zoom or you can call me and I can have a form
033anyway. >> Yeah, there wouldn't be. >> No, because you're you would be ad hoc or whatever it is. >> No, it's because I can sit in on any of the boardings. >> Can you vote if you're not actually Oh, >> if if that's legal works for me, I will call you. >> Okay. If needed, if only if needed. So, >> okay. you. I'll keep my cell phone on. >> Anything else? >> Yeah. Can I just Did you see this month's CA newspaper? They have a whole big article in there on the library thing. >> Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. >> That's what you're talking about. I just I knew that I had seen it. I just didn't know if you had a chance to see that and ask. >> No, what happened was that
034um Dr. Drito had made me aware of the changes, but neither one of us really knew when it was supposed to be effective. >> And then I get my copy of the the Cave Journal. Looks like >> a whole giant page. >> I got seven p policies to play with here. Won't that be fun? >> Okay. >> Business and planning. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> We met this evening um at 5:30. I hate to tell you to go to YouTube, but you should because there should be some pictures on there. um most of the meeting done in Grisola gave us the uh update of the school um what's going on in the summer but what went on the summer projects um obviously big things like the HVAC project the elementary school which sounds like is
035buzzing along really well uh middle school didn't get too much happened in the summer but we'll make up for at some point and the high school got their uh chiller replaced and it's operating and uh They're working hard on the softball and baseball fields. So, I think that's exciting. And then our business manager, new one coming in Friday. And um the 2526 budget for anyone that's we're going to have the um numbers and we'll vote on it again in our October meeting because we need to have the line items adjusted for the second referendum and for what um what's happening with all the salaries and benefits. So stay tuned. >> I had somebody introduce themselves the other day at the gym to tell me how happy his son was at the elementary school because it
036was cool when they went in. >> Anything else for Kira? >> No. >> Thank you, Cara. Personnel and negotiations. Uh we have been meeting and we have another meeting this coming Friday at 4:30 to continue the negotiations with the teachers contract. um CIP >> um we are meeting um September 25th and live in person at the elementary school because uh I Joe and I are going to go look at everything and have our regular learn um Terry was not able to come and she'll provide us with the minutes um probably through email to everybody body. Um, Rayborn haven't met. >> Yeah, we haven't met yet. >> Long range has not met. And safety, no, we haven't met. >> Safety and security um is scheduled and that will be upcoming. All right, moving along. New business.
037Um >> there is no business. >> There is no old business. answer question. >> Oh, you have an answer? >> October 12th is now. >> Oh, okay. >> So, thank you for that. I just inquired. >> Thank you. >> October 12th, >> not September 12th. >> Yeah, >> thank you. So, you'll see it on the October calendar, but you can cross it off for this Friday. Thank you. Sorry. >> No worries. No worries. Just want to clarify. >> Um, in everyone's packet, you have the April and May warrants. Um, does everybody feel comfortable with being able to move those forward for a vote? >> The May warrant is so incredibly different from any other that we have received. So if I don't I don't personally have any questions. It's just the format that has changed
038like 100%. >> So I understand that we have new business manager moving forward, interim business manager in the meantime. So just that's probably why the May warrant looks so different. Okay. >> Yeah. It's so thick. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Are you okay to move forward with that? >> I'm good with me. >> Okay. Okay. I have a motion to approve the April MA warrants. >> A second. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? >> I >> Okay. Um All right. Before we get to our our um goals, I wanted to discuss the November meeting. Currently, because we set our meetings like, you know, way in like December or January for the following year. Currently, it's set for November 12th. The election is on November 5th. >> 4th. >> Oh, November 4th,
039I'm sorry. The swearing in is going to take place, I talked to Kathy Clank, between the 5th and the 13th. So, um, and then the official like when the new board members kind of take over is actually on the, um, oh, I'm sorry, our meeting is on the 12th. They take over on the 17th. So, I kind of feel like it's strange if we have a full board meeting on the 12th because three of us who are board members really are no longer board members, if you will, because you're in that flux time. And I not that we would ever do anything nefarious or anything of that nature, but I just I don't feel like the three of us should be voting on anything at that point in that flux. So um what I am
040wondering is if we want to and we don't have to decide now but if we want to either cancel that 12th that meeting on the 12th and then you guys want to consider moving that to anytime after the 17th probably the 19th. >> I think that makes much more sense. >> Absolutely. >> I I agree with you. >> I think we should move it now. So is everybody in agreement then to take the meeting from um November 12th and move it to the 19th. So before >> is that a Wednesday? >> That would be a Wednesday, right? >> So instead of the second, it would be the third Wednesday of the month of November >> only for that month. Yeah, >> just understand by moving that you're taking it from being a regular meeting to
041a special meeting which means that you can't add once the agenda is set you can't change it which realistically on your first meeting you shouldn't have a lot within 24 hours that you have to add. You're going to have a lot of work to do at that point. >> Yes, we are. >> Okay. All right. So, is there a motion to move the November 12th meeting to November 19th? >> So, moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Great. [Applause] All right. We are going to move on to our board self um evaluation. So we do this every year and then um this is kind of like our wrapup and then when your new board is seated that's when you guys are going to
042be making your goals. There's no sense in Laurel and I participating and making your goals um because we're not going to be here. So um the self-reflection is the vision. The board has a vision or a mission for the school district with a primary focus on student achievement. the vision or mission and the goals are developed collaboratively with the um staff and the community. The board initiates a process for long-term um long range planning and strategic planning that aligns with the vision mission for the district. Okay. Um the board uses the district policy manual to create culture that supports the vision and the goals of the district. The board expresses in the vision or mission um the belief that high quality instruction in every classroom is the foundation for high achievement of all students. The
043board communicates clearly the goals and the expectations for the district, staff, students with emphasis on high achievement for all of the students. And the board develops goals that align with the vision and mission for the district, foster continuous improvement, and remain and remain the highest um priorities. So, I just wanted to get everyone's feedback on how we think we're doing with that. >> I'm going to start with Jim. >> Oh, thanks. Um, I think in terms of vision, um, for the most part, I think we have a pretty unified view and set of goals. Um, can't say that without noting that we have had one board member who has been absent for two years. Um, that's unacceptable behavior and he should have just resigned, but there there it is. And um, I think that clouds
044anything we talk about in here. Um, having said that, um, this will maybe sound silly, but one of the things that I kind of pushed for a little bit in my role in policy was the, um, the policy that we instituted uh, preventing any kind of alignment to political things. Um, for me personally, it has been a joy to work with um, people of all different political persuasions and consider them friends and colleagues and trustworthy. Um, Sean and I are very much on different ends of the political spectrum, but I would there's nothing I wouldn't do for him if he needed it, and that's based on trust um, in his good character, which is the only damn thing I care about anyway. Um, and um, I think maybe I'm wrong, but I think that speaks
045volumes about the fact that we focus on what matters. I worked for a principal years ago who always used to say that the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing here is kids. And we're all on that program. And I don't think we we're not perfect. I'm sure we make mistakes, but I know I do. But um I also believe that um unifi unified right down the line. Our hearts are on the right place and um I'll take it. It's as much as anybody's going to ask for or get. >> Sean, do you have anything that kind of spreads out as a whole thing, not just for this? So we can do it that way and move it along. >> Just what I Okay. Yeah. No, as far
046as the vision, I specifically to the vision, I second Jim in just about everything he says. I um as far as how we have the collaboration amongst our team, I think done a lot, especially with, you know, working with doc Dr. Drito and in pushing out the new visions and uh working with the administrations to drive it down through the teachers and the um and the schools. A lot of work to be done still. Um, but I think as far as the vision itself, I think we just need to continue that and to uh to keep pushing. >> Yeah, I think that the vision is pretty solid. I definitely think that we're very focused on student achievement. We've hired a superintendent that's very focused on student achievement, which is which is awesome. Um I think
047something to note that is different that uh maybe just to think about for future is uh collaborating with staff in the community on the board goals and how could we how could we get feedback from people. I think it's also important to note that we do put a lot out there and we do sit at these meetings and we don't have many people in the audience. Um, so that will obviously be on them to come forward and share, you know, their thoughts on our vision and um, what we want to do on the board of ed. So that's on them to do, but for us to put it out there to kind of hear, you know, what what what would they like to see um, could be nice. Just give them the voice. >> Thank
048you. >> I have a different form than everybody. I guess I got the form from a couple meetings back. This has been moved out a little bit. So I had a score from five to one, five being positive and one being negative. And I've checked off five because I have seen so much work pumping out of this board, this particular group, just updating the policy manuals, being cognizant of language, really focusing on modernizing the way that we address things. And I agree with everything everybody has said. I really do think that this board has gelled solidly and is working really well. >> Ken, I I agree with everything. I think if you look at that first bullet point there, the board has envisioned a mission for the school district with the primary focus on student
049achievement. And I mean, Dr. Drito has talked about before what an increase in the uh in those uh ESPback scores. I mean, um, while like Jim said before that nationwide things are falling and we're rising, I think that that says a lot of, um, of student achievement and our vision for for student achievement. So, >> I would agree, too. Um, okay. Community um, leadership. The board communicates and interprets the school's district vision mission to the public and listens and incorporates appropriate community perspectives into board actions. The board um works to promote the accomplishments of the district within the district and community at large. The board board advocates at national, state, and local levels for students and school districts and promotes the benefit of public education. The board collaborates with other school boards, superintendent, agencies, and
050other bodies to inform federal, state, and local policy makers of concerns and issues. The board provides community leadership on educational issues by creating strong link links with appropriate organizations, agencies and other groups to provide healthy development and high achieving students. Um, anybody have any self-reflections in regard to that? >> I do. I do. >> Go ahead. I was going to say that um the only thing that I think uh I personally this is me maybe being the numbers person that I wish we could improve upon is uh the state continuously drops these unfunded mandates like everything there's so much in our little in our huge education realm and I wish that we could come together we say it every budget season like I wish this was better I wish this is better and maybe we
051can collaborate with not just our board of ed It says local boards to go to the state and be like we can fund all this stuff in small towns like East. >> Yeah, we're trying to do that with our state rep and it just didn't happen. So that's got to be a focus. >> I agree. Anybody know? >> That's the exact thing that I left blank. I couldn't answer it because we aren't working with other agencies to bring our concerns forward. I >> well actually I do I do participate with um CA with all of their super or their >> board chairs on a monthly basis and we do um participate in that legislators >> with the legislators as well. I mean, we're volunteers, so we can only we can only do so much, but
052it would be nice to uh to bring our our thoughts and our opinions up to the state level and, >> you know, >> yeah, >> at least maybe they can look at us for a second. >> Yeah, >> I I think in a generic sense, we put out a lot of information for the general public, >> which pretty much goes right by and no one notices it or sees it. Um, I'm hoping um that one of the changes we put into the bylaws about having a committee that will send things directly to taxpayers, not just because that's part of our problem. Um, we our communications go to a specific cadre of people who live in this town, only some of whom are in any meaningful way engaged on a day-to-day basis with the school. Um,
053you know, a lot of times once kids get to upper middle level and on, you know, they're they're years now. Parents don't have time and energy for it anymore. And um that leaves a whole lot of taxpayers who really don't know what happens around here and in a vacuum it'll get filled. >> So I'm hoping that that's something that we can work on collaboratively that will change that a little bit. Um get something out a few times a year to the whole town. See how that works. >> Okay. For Oh, go ahead. >> Sorry. No problem. >> We got two executive sessions after this. So, >> no problem. Just wanted to take a minute to just say, you know, I'm really proud of just having this board. I mean, being we have just about everybody,
054you know, we're we're either attending uh legislative functions at different schools. We're in the in the district. Um, you know, with Dr. Drio, I've seen a lot of heightened communications. You know, we're all attending a lot of cave functions. I know I'm going or going to this to state in Hartford just to learn more. I mean, at the very least, we're all doing things that are we're gaining knowledge and we're being able to bring it back to with different perspectives and if when we're learning and we could bring it back to talk about it, you know, it it just heightens, you know, all of this information. So, again, I just like to put that out there that we're not just here to do the meetings. We are taking our time above and beyond this to
055go outside and gain knowledge, you know, amongst our town, surrounding towns and statewide. >> I think you're dead on. And I think one of the nice things about working with these folks is everybody has their own particular interests and strengths. >> And you know, what I'm not particularly interested or good at, someone else is going to cover just fine. And I'm real glad they're there. You know, Miss Numbers lady. I'm going to move I'm going to move this along and do you have anything? Are you good? >> Can I move on? Okay. Um board operations. The board ensures um the district policy manual is up to date and comprehensive. The board conducts meetings that are efficient, effective, and focused primarily on student achievement and other district priorities. The board makes decisions based on analysis of
056relevant research and data. The board adopts a fiscally responsible budget based on the district's priorities and regularly monitors the fiscal health. The board um collectively uh executes its legal responsibilities and ensures that the district adheres to all federal and state laws and board policies. The board um provides appropriate support um including quality professional development for programs and initiatives consistent with the vision and the state and the vision and the mission of a district. The board conducts a comprehensive orientation to familiarize new board members with the role on the team. The board conducts an effective annual self-evaluation which we are doing right now. The board participates in professional development uh specifically regarding its roles and responsibilities on relevant content and the board belongs to actively supports and participates in professional organizations. Does anybody have any comments
057on that? I would otherwise I'll make a general statement. >> I'll just say one thing. >> Yeah. Um, according to my track tracking document, we are closing in on 60 different policies that in most cases have been significantly revised in the last not quite two years. >> Fantastic. >> It's pretty good. >> I'll just say that I think we've hit each one of these points excellent amongst the time here. Just um want to I think in the next upcoming where the board adopts a fiscally responsible budget based on district priorities. I think we all have great intentions. I'd definitely like to see in the next budgets going forward more more uh you know engagement up front from say the board of finance with the team and then you know more some metricbased decisions on say
058uh you know children you know roles how many kids all that just based on I know we go line by line and we do absolutely the best with best intentions but maybe just bringing in the the board of finance in the beginning and maybe setting targets and goals. So, like we talked about, instead of everybody putting together their wish list, coming in very high, you know, and then just having to cut that >> and it already puts a negative light in the situation. We can avoid that. >> We can avoid that up front where we have targets from the board of finance from the time. >> I agree. >> It's going to get that's going to be very helpful. >> Yeah, it's going to get more difficult in the future. >> Yeah, I think you're
059triborn and I agree with that. Anybody else have anything for for this? Okay. Um, board ethics. The board establishes the code of ethics and conducts business in accordance with the code. The board members maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive communications. The board members honor board decisions even when the vote is not unanimous. The board does not let politics interfere with district business and the board deals with internal and external conflicts openly, honestly, and respectfully. Um, I think that we collectively um do a very very good job. We've had a couple of rogue things. um you know one um you know with a board member who hasn't been here in two years that once in a while pops up on emails and things but um collectively I think we all do a great job. Okay. Last, um, the
060board works effectively with the superintendent as a collaborative leadership team to focus priorities around highest achieve high achievement for all students in the district. The board sets time aside the the board sets aside time at least semianually to discuss board superintendent relations. The board demonstrates support and respect for the superintendent's role as the chief executive officer of the district. The board provides direction to the superintendent as a whole, not from individual board members. The board follows a chain of command as identified in the board policy. How are we doing there, folks? >> 100%. >> I think we're doing very well on that, Tim. Absolutely. We've got a superintendent we're supporting. So, that makes it a lot easier. >> It sure does. It sure does. And that we're proud to >> proud to work with and
061um I I think it's been a great team effort. So, >> great. All right. So, that concludes our annual required self evaluation. All right. Uh discussion on policy 3293.1 authorization of signature. >> Um when we updated this policy um a year ago, I don't remember if it was in Cab's version or if it was something I added. Honestly, I don't remember. But it does require that we identify who will be a, you know, uh signitories to checking accounts for the district. and we have to renew that every year. So with that in mind, I would like to move that we name Dr. Drito and Miss Bujorn um our new business manager as the person to persons to be able to do that. >> So moved. >> Is there a second or I mean I >>
062Yep. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor? acceptance of consent agenda 1 through three, which includes the high school field trip to um the Eastern States um the resignations and appointments. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? All those in favor? >> I I >> All right. Discussion of attorney client communication. Can I have a motion to go into executive session? >> So moved. >> I'll second that. >> I'm inviting the superintendent. I'm sorry. >> You should say that again. >> Okay. Is there a motion to go into executive session for a discussion of attorney client communication and invite the superintendence? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Fantastic. We are now into executive session. >> We typically come out of executive session in open session and
063discuss