001Good evening. It is now 7:00 and I would like to call the February 4th, 2026 Board of Education meeting to order. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Today we honor three extraordinary educators whose lives and careers shaped generations of students, families, and colleagues in Bristol. We remember Gail Dickau, who devoted 49 remarkable years to teaching at Bristol Central High School. Nearly half a century of steady leadership, guidance, and belief in young people. In 1993, she was named Bristol Teacher of the Year and received the prestigious Milin Educator Award, a reflection not only of her excellence in the classroom, but of the inspiration she
002pri provided far beyond it. We remember Timothy Driscoll, who dedicated more than 35 years to Bristol Elementary School, named Bristol Teacher of the Year in 1996. He represented the very best of what it means to be an elementary educator. patient, steady, and deeply committed to nurturing young minds at the very start of their journeys. And we remember Grace Anne Grindle who taught first grade at Ellen P. Hubble School for 37 years. 37 years of welcoming children into their first true experience of school. The impact of a first grade teacher is immeasurable, and hers will be felt for generations. Together, these three educators represent more than a combined century of service. They present dedication, compassion, and the profound influence a teacher has on a community. Their classrooms were places of growth, encouragement, and possibility. As we
003reflect on their lives and their service, may we carry forward their example to teach with patience, to lead with integrity, and to serve with heart. Please join me now in a moment of silence to honor Gail Dickau, Timothy Driscoll, and Grace Anne Grindle for their years of devotion, their lasting contributions, and the countless lives they've touched. Thank you. As a reminder, please be sure to turn on your microphone when speaking and voting to ensure those online can hear you. We have one commissioner online tonight. Um, and please silence your cell phones. The next item on the agenda is staff and student recognition. I will turn staff and student recognition over to Superintendent White. >> Thank you, Chair Ponds. Good evening, everyone. For our first recognition, we are honored to recognize Zoe Rupert, who was the
004first female Eagle Scout for a Bristol Troop. And her mother didn't want me to say this, but her mother, Whitney, is also very heavily involved in the community. Um, and she also is the president of the Mountain View PTA. So, we wanted to recognize her and her service to the schools. Um, but we wanted to invite Zoe up to the podium if she would like to say a few words and congratulations. What an honor. >> My name is Zoe Rupert. Thank you so much. Um, I just wanted to talk um or say briefly a brief thanks to everyone in the community who has been a support to me. Gloria Day is our home unit. We would not be able to exist as a troop without their support. Faith Lutheran Church is the church that I
005did my Eagle project at and I am very grateful to be able to help promote and work with them as they join some of the churches in the community as well as my school Bristol Eastern and I've worked with Mountain View through the PTO for multiple events. My troop 1425 is my heart and soul. I've been working with them. I'm very proud and grateful to be working with some other scouts who are on their journey to Eagle such as Annie Vasola over here who came to support me as she always does and a few more of my friends Elena Guy and Rio Karpata and am very grateful to everyone in the community who has been a support to me over my years of being able to get this award. >> Thank you Zoe. Um, it's
006extremely impressive and we're really proud to have you break ceilings here in Bristol and be a trailblazer for more females who would like to do what you just did and earn their right to have to become an Eagle Scout. So, thank you for sharing and for being a role model. >> The next item on the agenda >> I know I'm still doing. >> Oh, you're still doing? Yes. Recognition. So, we have a couple this month. >> That's amazing. >> Yes. And the next one is for the board of education members. It's board of education member appreciation month. And we wanted to recognize and thank the board of ed commissioners for all the time they spent as volunteers, committee meetings, board meetings, meetings in between, conversations, feedback. Very much appreciated. Our schoolboard members provide thoughtful leadership,
007vision, and governance. Their countless volunteer hours, careful decision-making, and commitment to students and families help guide our district forward. We are deeply grateful for their stewardship and unwavering support of public education. And we asked the schools if any of the schools would um like to share any videos or any thank yous of appreciation to the board of education commissioners. And so we have a short video that we'd like to present with you. >> Thank you to our dedicated schoolboard members for their leadership and commitment to our students and community. Dear members of the Bristol Board of Education, on behalf of the entire Stafford Elementary community, I write with heartfelt appreciation for all that you do with your students, families, and staff Bristol. Your dedication, thoughtful leadership, and steadfast support truly make a difference in the
008lives of our children each and every day. Because of your commitment, our students experience more than just instruction, they experience joy. You have helped create an environment where learning is celebrated, curiosity is nurtured, and every child feels valued and inspired. That joy is visible in our classrooms in the smiles of our students and inspired feeling part of this year. Our staff feel supportive and empowered because of your vision and care. The decisions you make in the time you give and not go unnoticed. You are shaping future truths, strengthening our community, and reminding us all that education is such a powerful and unusual. To capture a small glimpse of the impact of your work, please see the attached video. It reflects the gratitude, excitement, and pride that filler halls each day in front of you. With
009sincere appreciation and respect, Principal Farrell, on behalf of the Stafford Elementary community, That's true. I don't know what you get. You know we're going to be in Thank you. We love you. >> What? >> They love you. >> Yeah. She's crying. Because of you, >> because of you, we have safe sports. Because of you, we have teachers that I'm so sweet. I think that was the nicest thing anyone ever did for us. >> I travel was so nice. Thank you so much. >> Thank you for all Yeah. Thank you for all you do. Yeah, we all appreciate you. So, thank you very much. Um, and the recognitions continue. We have National School Social Work Social Work Week, which is this week, March 1st through March 7th. Our social workers play a pivotal role in supporting
010the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our students. Their compassion, expertise, and advocacy ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. They are often the steady presence behind the scenes helping students and families navigate challenges with care and professionalism. So, we recognize and thank all of our school social workers. And National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day is this Friday, March 6th. Our maintenance team works tirelessly to provide safe, clean, and welcoming learning environments. From early mornings to late evenings, their attention to detail and dedication keep our schools running smoothly through snow and ice. and there's been lots of that this winter. So, they've been very busy. So, we're very appreciative of them. Often in the early morning hours, they work diligently to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances, ensuring
011that staff and students could safely return to school. Because of their dedication, our schools remain safe, accessible, and ready to welcome everyone back. So, thank you to our maintenance workers. We appreciate you. And that concludes staff and student recognition. Thank you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. You have all received a copy of the minutes in your packet for January 24th and February 3rd, 2026. Does anyone have any correction or abstensions? >> Commissioner G Antonio abstains from January 24. Okay, you got that, Cindy? And I have an a motion to approve January 24th, 2026. >> Meeting minutes. >> So moved. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I >> opposed and one abstension. Uh, can I have a motion to approve the February
0123rd, 2026 budget workshop meeting minutes as written? >> February 3rd or >> 3rd? I'm sorry. Did I say 23rd? February 3rd. >> Okay, I have February 4th in my minutes. So, just wanted to confirm. >> Is that is this It might be a typo. Which one is correct? >> The fourth. >> Okay. So, can I have a motion to approve February 4th? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. The next item on the agenda is committee reports. Barbara, would you like to start? Um we have no meeting this month, but last month um we talked about the direction that we would like to take in moving forward with um the committee of school uh community and family partnerships and revisiting um uh
013board of ed commissioner liaison with the schools and strengthening that um beefing up that uh partnership a little perhaps a more than has been in the past. Um, suggestions were made like possibly uh, you know, attending a PTA PTO meeting um, maybe to answer questions or just to give some updates. Um we are using the uh the goals from um the previous committee but just going through them and concentrating on which ones need to be um amped up a little bit more like which ones have we done really well on and um they align very well with um Superintendent White's goals for our district too as far as those partnerships. So, it's it's a strong beginning for us, but just trying to um you know make a direction to move forward and add more details.
014>> That's it. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. Uh policy committee meeting we met on February 11th. Um we discussed two policies, policy 4117.4 4 and policy 6141.328 um which are on our agenda for this evening. So we'll be hearing more about those under our policy agenda item tonight. Um our next policy committee meeting is a week from today, so next Wednesday. The finance and operations committee met on February 11th. Um perhaps the most notable agenda item was the discussion of the bus contract where we went into executive session twice to look at the RFPs and um essentially determine what um contract we would present before the board this evening. Um so that will be in a subsequent agenda item. But of course we did discuss as we always do at our meetings um budget
015updates, cafeteria reports, appropriations, uh pupil personnel services, student activity accounts, and if there are any operation operations committee agenda items before the board. Um, our next meeting is March 11th at 6 o'clock. Hope to see everyone there. Thank you. Thank you. >> There was no meeting for that. Okay. So, that will conclude the reports. The next item on the agenda is student representatives. Bristol Central, Amelia Brown, senior. Good night. My name is Amelia and tonight I will be reporting on the past month at Bristol Central. First off, I want to start by congratulating Alex Lamar, who's a junior, who placed first in the 150 lb weight class, senior Malia Rios, who placed third in the 120 lb weight class. Junior Cheyenne Bryan, who placed second in the 185 lb weight class, and sophomore Sienna Porer,
016who placed third in the 100 pound weight class in the 2026 wrestling CIA's openings. So, congratulations to them. On the 13th of February, we had our first ever Bristol Central Wellness Fair. This was a collaboration by the Get Side Club, which is a psychology and mental health club, PS I Love You Day, which is an organization against bullying and advocating for depression, as well as best Bristol eliminating substance abuse. And during this event, we had booths set up in the gym that ran throughout the entire day. The teachers were able to sign up their students for the event. And during the event, we had tables such as get psych table where they had popped the stigma. It's a balloon game where the students choose a popular stigma that resonates with them and they pop said
017balloon. We had debates on psychological topics and we had trivia with prizes to give away. There was a booth by the Wheeler Clinic, another booth for abuse and mental health awareness. We had planting booths and rock painting, bear decorations, a dental booth, and more. And I would say it was a very successful school event. A lot of the students loved it and a lot of the students still walk around with the bears on their backpacks today. In terms of events, the culture club is still planning our culture day of 2026 with lots of new fun ideas as well as representing much more cultures. Our volunteer club interact, which also happens to be the biggest club at Bristol Central, is trying to bring back a central tradition that became lost after the hit of co. The
018event is a boy's beauty pageant titled Mr. BCHS and they will be holding their interest meeting tomorrow right after school. The event entails a charity, a talent show and a dance performance and many and much more things. I'm sure there is a boys volleyball tournament for a charity scheduled to take place also um this month, March 27th, that the male students and their volleyball coaches are practicing for during this month. Also, the woman's interest in business club she leads, founded and led by the class of 2026 valadictorian Emily Gal, is steadily gaining new members. The club is steadily gaining new members. They are also offering marketing help to clubs around the school in order for the underassman to practice their marketing skills. So, they have like media marketing and things like that. So, congratulations to
019everyone in the team that's involved helping better the school and the clubs. As the upper classmen inspire the underassmen with all their new accomplishments, the juniors have been starting new clubs at Bristol Central of their own. We have the new greenhouse club, coding club, and defenders against cancer. Furthermore, on February 19th, we had an assembly for Kayo, which is an organization advocating for breast cancer and early detection of bre of breast cancer. Student athletes and other student leaders within the building were invited to learn about breast cancer and they gave away many things such as t-shirts, Kobe shoes, um hoodies. Yeah, they gave away a lot. It was very fun and informative to all those who attended who attended. And lastly, the juniors will be taking their SATs for the first time next week, the
02012th. So, wish them luck. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next we have Paige Ansa, senior at Bristol Eastern. >> Good evening. This report will highlight a number of upcoming events at Bristol Eastern High School. Spring sports is will begin in the coming weeks. Baseball has the first practice on March 14th, track and field, girls tennis, and girls lacrosse on March 21st, and softball, boys tennis, and golf starts on the 23rd. The Bristol Eastern Science National Honor Society has a number of up current and upcoming events and activities. Firstly, the courtyard and composting committee has started a food waste collection in our cafeteria. Instead of throwing extra food in the trash cans, the composting committee collects it and sends it over to Blue Earth so it can be used to make used to be make used
021to make compost for the school. The Real World Science Committee has been planning a field trip for SNHS to visit the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium in Boston. The date for the field trip is May 27th. Finally, SNHS and DECA are hosting a student and staff basketball game. Each team consists of five to eight players and the cost for each player is $10. The cost will cover admission for remission fee as well as pizza and aroma joe's. It will take place at 1:45 to 4 in the Bristol Eastern gym and the winning team will take home a prize basket. Speaking of National Honor Society, this year's applicants for the BH BEHS National Honor Society has begun completing the applications with hope of being invited to the NHS tapping breakfast on March 13th.
022Those students who meet the criteria to join the National Honor Society will be inducted on the evening of March 23rd. Culture Day is coming up. Diversity students have been working hard creating trifolds and securing flags after the unfortunate loss of many of our old materials. Culture Day will take place in the small gym from 12:37 to 2:00 p.m. There'll also be a parade around the school at 7:20. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the parade. Finally, the BEHS Music Try Music Honor Society is hosting the annual coffee house on Friday, March 6th at 6 p.m. This event will showcase the musical talents of the BEHS Jazz Band, Strawberry Fields, and various student and faculty groups. Admission is $5 or a donation of two canned food items. Thank you so much for your time and
023have a great night. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is the chair report. I'd like be I'd like to begin by recognizing Commissioner Anderson who recently resigned from the board. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavors. I would also like to formally welcome our newest board member, Rob Parenti. Rob received unanimous support from the city council and brings extensive experience in education leadership and operations. His background includes serving as chief education officer for an educationbased company, director of teaching and learning at Oak Hill School, and director of business operations and social services for Ed Advance, a regional education service center. He holds an MBA, an MA, and a BA in psychology along with an education administration certificate. Rob's experience in school improvement, planning, datadriven goal
024setting, budget development, and special education leadership will be an asset to this board. So, thank you and welcome Rob to not as fun conversations. Uh based on spending trends, we anticipate a year end special ed deficit of approximately $3.4 million. By law, the board must request an additional appropriation to cover this deficit and ensure all mandated services are fully funded. I have been in communication with the mayor's office and the board of finance regarding this deficit and will be sending an official letter to the chair of the board of finance later this week. Historically, additional appropriations were made after year end once the exact deficit was known. In a recent joint workshop with the board of finance, city council, and board of ed, attorneys Ritter and Mooney reviewed the laws governing the board of ed
025budget. Attorney Mooney advised that supplemental appropriations should be made before deficit spending occurs to better reflect the true cost of running the district and to not deficit spend. Including the appropriation in the current year's budget provides the board of finance and city council with a more accurate starting point for next year's budget. Over the past several years, the majority of budget increases have been driven by legally required special education costs. After covering covering these mandated expenses, very little discretionary funding remains to address other predictable costs including salaries, benefits, utilities, transportation, supplies, inflation. This is why the board was asked to eliminate positions last year. No one wants to make further cuts and we all recognize the negative impact these reductions had on our schools and students. For example, the 2025 2026 budget was reported as
026a 5% increase, but that increase did not reflect the supplemental appropriation for pending special ed deficit costs. Had it been included, the actual increase would have been less than 1%. once the additional funds were applied. This illustrates that structural funding challenges cannot be addressed effectively if true costs and deficits are not recognized in real time. I also want to note that Superintendent White and Jodie Bond have met several times with the mayor to talk through the budget, the current deficit, and the challenges the district has been facing, including the impact of eliminating 40 positions last year. These are not easy issues and there isn't a simple solution, but everyone involved is continuing to work together to find thoughtful and creative ways to reduce costs and make the most of our available resources and rebuild trust
027in the community. That concludes my report. The next item on the agenda is the superintendent report. Superintendent White. Thank you, Chair Ponds. Um, a little later in my report, my update, um, I will be recognizing Commissioner Anderson. Um, but I do recall my first one-on-one meeting with him soon after I was appointing acting superintendent. And he talked about being the parent of a student who had been outplaced and how isolating that felt for him and other family members in the same position, in the same situation. and he talked about the desire to have a type of networking social um opportunities for these parents to help them feel connected and part of the community. And I'm happy to say um and thank you to Dr. Amy Martino that there are plans to start a connection series
028for these families. Um I happened to be at other meetings with parents of these students um and they shared similar sentiments about wanting to have social activities uh way to connect um in a way that would be supportive and helpful to them. So I'm really appreciative that we've been able to start that series. So thank you Dr. Martino. Along with stakeholder engagement, I've continued to have opportunities to talk directly with students. And last month, um, I had the pleasure of speaking with drama students, um, at both Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern high schools. So, it was a really fun conversation and they talked a lot about um how being able to showcase their talents means a lot to them and also being able to um have their shows at their schools meant a lot to
029them as well. So, that was a push for me to um work on improving the auditoriums. I know, but it meant a lot to them um to be on their own school stage. So, I really enjoyed um the conversation. And so I want to thank those students for for meeting with me. One of my priorities this year is mental health supports um and I'm happy to report that um through the efforts the recommendation of Erica Trani um and Title 4 funding. Um we're able to start um a bridge forward program. It's a structured evidenceinformed behavioral support and re-engagement program developed by TMCC consultants. It's really focused on building resilience, intervention, development, and growth for engagement. Um, this operates mainly at both high schools until the end of the school year. There'll be small group facilitated
030sessions on responsible decision-m, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and leadership development. The group is led by Troy Ellison. Um he's the facilitator and he's been running a group at U Bristol Preparatory Academy for the past two years. So we're happy that with grant funding we're able to expand the program to our two high schools. And we're also grateful to our partnership with Prudence Crannle. I think I mentioned at the last meeting um that members of Prudence Crannle did a workshop for our uh social workers, psychologists and counselors back in January and they're going to be doing some follow-up sessions um to review more specifics of what is occurring in Bristol, signs to look for and other preventive measures that should be implemented. Um Prudence Crannle was also at the uh Bristol Central PS I love you
031day. um I was there and I saw a lot of students at that at their table. So, they got a lot of traction on that day and um they've been able to provide us with resources and information that we've been able to distribute to the middle and high schools. So, we want to thank them for their partnership. Continuing with mental health supports, um Malcolm Huckabe, who many of you may know, he's a Bristol native, um active parent in the community. He also is a former NBA player. Um had the opportunity to meet with him and athletic director Galuzo today. Um and he's very interested in um expanding some community connections supports for athletes um our student athletes um really building their leadership skills, wanting them to think about um what their careers are going to
032be after high school. And so he's been connecting me with some folks who are interested in partnering with us, providing some funding and some um mentors, guest speakers who will be able to come and work with our student athletes. So I look forward to more information on that legislative advocacy. So um been working on testimony, preparing testimony for public hearings. Uh the first public hearing was the appropriations committee public hearing that took place on February 17th. The focus of my testimony was on the governor's proposed budget. Um and really emphasized the current budget situation and challenges here in Bristol and emphasized how the education cost sharing has not kept up with the inflation or the true cost of educating students in today's environment. also talked about um when the ECS has been flatfunded, schools have
033been faced with the the difficult choice of either making severe program cuts, eliminating positions, or increasing the tax burden on the residents. And so my testimony really focused on increasing the ECS funding, uh, fully funding the special education cost grant and providing state relief that prevents disproportionate tax increases at the local level and recognize that districts are facing structural, not discretionary cost growth. So that was the focus of that testimony. And I also um focused on our family resource centers. We have three family resource centers in Bristol. One at Bris West Bristol, one at Green Hills, and one at Southside. And Governor Lamont's budget proposal for the co coming year cuts FRC funding across the state by another $1.26 million here in Bristol. That would be a loss of over 40%. If this goes through,
034we will not be able to sustain these programs. um Sandra Groden who is the director of the family resource centers. Um I know that she's been making reach outreach to the community and particularly the um parents in the community and those three schools to really advocate for the legislature to restore that funding. I know that last year there were some challenges to the F FRC funding and our legislative delegation was very involved. I know some of the representatives actually visited um the F FRC's in the schools and really advocated for the restoration of that funding. So that also will be a focus and a priority on testimony moving forward. And I also submitted testimony to the education committee today um in the public hearing in support of House Bill 5002 and Senate Bill 7. Um,
035and what I included here on the slide are just um the bullet points that um show the main parts of those two um bills really focused on increasing ECS funding um and also looking at um eliminating general education tuition payments for local school districts, allowing the seed grants that's those are the special education u development grant funds to be used on contracted services and um I know that there's talk about having creating an ECS working group to study formula making recommendations um many of my fellows urban superans and myself we support that but we need relief now it's great to have a study but we a working group but we also need relief now so um that's really been an emphasis across the board so that legislative advocacy will continue. So, at this time, I'm
036going to invite um Director of Finance Jody Bond to come to the podium. What we wanted to do was provide you with some updates um that have occurred since my superintendent's budget proposal presentation on January 24th. So, Miss Bond, >> hello. When we originally presented uh the superintendent's proposed budget to you, it was 152,365. We have since had to make a couple of changes and additions to that budget. So, you have before you um a packet of the changes. The new budget request is 154,649443. And if you look on the second page of the package, I have um some drivers of what constitutes these changes. So we had of the new requested positions. If you remember, there's 53 positions. They're also listed out further along in this package. Um 53 positions. Four and a half
037of them were originally budgeted to be in our alliance grant. We have since found out from the state that most likely we are being flatfunded in the alliance grant which means we cannot support any new positions in the grant next year. So those positions those four and a half positions were moved over into the general fund. Um we were also asked from the city to please include benefits for these 53 new positions. Um so that I worked with the city. They had the actuary come up with a um an estimated cost per individual based on their bargaining unit that totaled 1 million295286. So that added a large chunk to this increase. um our transportation contract. We have since since the original budget development, we did get feedback from um from the RFP and our two
038transportation contracts which we will discuss later in this meeting were very comparable in cost. Um but those we did have to add an additional 887,714 to the budget. We had to increase the liability insurance because of the new Northeast Middle School. It's increased square footage. So therefore the insurance went up. Um and we just recently got that cost um again from the actuaries. There's swipe software had to be included. That is a software that both of the high schools need. Um it's required. So that was not in the original budget proposal. So I did add that in. And subsequent to the original budget proposal, we did get a couple salary and step movement notifications. Normally, we just let those go because obviously things come up through the year, but since I was changing the budget
039anyway, I added those in since I already know about them. Um, and in positive news, we were able to reduce our budget by $350,000 because at last week's board of finance meeting, um, the board of finance did approve to purchase our,000 Chromebooks that we were going to purchase next year, we're going to purchase them this year. Mr. Telki did really nice research and found that we could get them at a a much more reduced cost than if we waited till next year. So, we are able to purchase them this year for $256,000 which the city is graciously funding from the contingency fund. Um therefore, we could take that $350,000 out of our budget ask for next year. But those 2,284 4443 changes did increase the budget ask. So I included um the main sheets with
040the breakout on there. So I'm happy to answer any questions. Do any commissioners have any questions? one one quick clarification >> um on the the key drivers >> um the benefits understood and when I flip into >> the rest of the pages here they're not numbered I'm sorry um the budget drivers here the grid Yes. >> Um had another 8.74 million in salaries. Were that was that an unexpected amount from the original? Did that change from the original ask? Did it increase >> the salaries? >> Yes, that salary um >> salaries would have increased based on these this $350,000 those salaries that we moved from the alliance grant. But that's the only thing that Yes. Yes. Yeah. No other new salaries. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. And because this is um new information, I
041think if people want to review this at home and send an email, I can share any questions you have with uh Jody with >> Superintendent White. She'll get the answers from Jod, get them back to us. So if anybody has any questions, please just send them my way. >> Thank you for providing this information because it will make it easier to go through it. So thank you very much. >> Yep. You're welcome. >> Thank you, Jody. You're welcome. >> Did you want to say you want me to say something? Break it some business. >> I just want to make this make sure this is okay to say, but do you know you'll have to have a special meeting to vote on this? >> Yes. >> You already know that, right? Okay. >> Yes. So, Superintendent
042White has been in contact with the city and has decided not to vote tonight uh because we don't know what types of funds we're getting in the education cost share because those uh in Superintendent White's update, she explained how there are two bills that could significantly impact um our funding and if the increases that could occur occur, then it will significantly change um our ask. And so if the state were to increase uh the per pupil allocation for the education cost share by $1,000 a student, we can do the math. It would be could be $7.5 million. it could be lower because this was just um what the bill would possibly provide and it would continue to increase over a number of years. This uh funding had not been increased in a very long time.
043And so I think people are very hopeful that you know this bill could make a a huge difference in our budget. I think um in a collaborative nature and effort to to wait and both uh the city and and the board of ed really just want to find the best budget to actually put forth. So um instead of trying to make cuts or talk about things that we may not may not be as the same issue, we're just going to postpone this uh to later in the month and hopefully have some more answers. And our originally scheduled date to present before the board of finance was March 16th. And in conversation with Diane Waldrin today, um she proposed March 24th at 6:00 p.m. which is right after their regular board of finance meeting. We thought
044that probably would be a good night to have it. That way most likely we'll have the full panel of the board of finance. Um, and that does give us a couple more weeks to really with all of you have a chance to digest this, evaluate, make any changes, and then be able to have a special meeting before >> before that >> that to vote through a budget >> um to be considered. So, we will work on getting a date for the special meeting and I will share that through email and then we can have Sydney schedule that for us. Next slide. Thank you. And so I had the honor of meeting with Mr. Philip Damonte, who is the father of Lieutenant Dustin Damonte, um to plan the dedication ceremony at Green Hill School on May
04527th at 9:30 a.m. Um I never had the opportunity to meet Lieutenant Damonte. Um, but in talking with his father and the different stories that he told of him, um, it was just a really nice opportunity to just learn more about him and the wonderful man that he was. And so we look forward to honoring him at that time. Um, official uh, invitations will go out in the coming weeks. I've already um, Mr. Damonte already shared with me who he would like to attend and so I've already sent out save the dates um to those folks and of course the board of ed commissioners because you were the ones who took the vote um unanimously. So of course um he will want the family will want you all there. So thank you for that. Um
046Lieutenant Damonte was also a school resource officer at West Bristol. So, I've had an opportunity to talk with uh Principal Levasser about um them having their opportunity to honor him as well and the family is aware of that and also very appreciative of that as well. So, thank you to the West Bristol community as well. And finally, um, wanted to recognize former board of ed commissioner Russ Anderson, um, who was elected as a board of ed commissioner in November 2023 and served until this past January. He served on the finance and operations committee as well as the school safety committee. um had the opportunity to to talk with him when he came to bring his resignation letter and I was able to thank him for his service but also for his um personal kindness to
047me on on different um occasions. So really important to recognize him, his service, and he was so passionate about the students and particularly students with disabilities. And we want him to know that we're going to continue to carry on his mission to make sure that we are um improving outcomes and supports for those students and their families. So thank you to former board of ed commissioner Russell Anderson. Welcome to Mr. Pari who I had the opportunity I reached out to Mr. parent before he was we even knew he was going to be on the board and I asked him if he would meet with me for breakfast just to pick his brain about special education about finance and he agreed to do it on a holiday a day that he had off we had breakfast
048yeah we had breakfast at the Parkside Cafe had a wonderful conversation and he told me all about friends of Fenie um which we've had to call on unfortunately a couple of times this year um with families who had experienced traumatic loss and he immediately responded. The friends of Feny um did wonderful things to support those families. So, thank you for that and we're just happy to have you on the board. So, thank you. And that concludes my update. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is consent agenda. Prior to voting on tonight's consent agenda, can I have a motion to remove the following items to new business due to revision needed in date of effective hire under 81B teacher hires? So moved. Someone can say if you don't want to. >> So move. Yeah.
049>> Uh I need a second. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? I >> I >> oppos. >> Motion carries unanimously. Can I have a motion to remove the following item to new business due to revision needed under 8.1C teacher resignations? >> So move. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Okay. So, can now I have a motion to approve the consent agenda which will include items 8 to 8.1F. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Okay. The next item on the agenda is Um, public comment. No, >> grants. Sorry, >> grants. >> I have a motion to approve the consent agenda item 8.2 grants, which
050will include item include items 8.2A to 8.2G. >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion carries unanimously. >> So now we have public comment. >> Do we have any public comment? >> We have two public comments. First, I'll invite Jen Tagriello. >> Good evening, Madam Chair, board members. My name is Jen Tagriello and I reside at 64 Halib Berry Road. I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you, Chair Ponds, about the excitement that I feel for the opportunity that you and the board now have with the appointment of Commissioner Parent. Hi, Rob. >> I had the pleasure of selecting Rob to sit on the board of education in June of 2023. His resume was impressive and his experience and dedication to students was matchless. However, due to political
051nonsense and self-s serving people, that role was taken from him and given to someone far less worthy. As seen last November, that decision had ramifications that will continue for years to come. Rob has always belonged behind that table, and Bristol is better now that he has taken his rightful seat. The board is gaining a commissioner with expertise in not only curriculum and delivery, but in special education services, budgets, and administration. Not to mention, he is a kind soul. Rob continually puts others above himself and pours out his gifts to the community at large. Whether he's coaching little league or planning events for friends of Feny, Rob lives to serve others. His knowledge and his temperament will be an asset on this board, and I am very excited to see how his presence can be utilized
052to stabilize partisanship and increase collaboration. Bristol public school staff, students, and parents won big with this appointment. Thank you and congratulations again, Rob. >> The next is Sienna. Absolutely. Thank you. >> You can pass it around. >> Um, good evening. My name is Sienna Porter and I'm a junior wrestler at Bristol Central High School. >> Um, my name is Gabby Stamford and I am a sophomore wrestler at Bristol Eastern High School. >> Gabby. >> Hello. My name is Jazara Jenkins. I'm a junior at Bristol Eastern High School. Wait, Central, sorry. Um, we are here tonight not just for ourselves, but for every girl who wants the chance to step on the mat and feel like they truly belong there. This season, there were six girls on the Bristol Central team and five on the Bristol
053Eastern team. That may not sound like a lot, but behind those numbers, there are real athletes. Girls who show up every day, work just as hard as everyone else, and love this sport. Now, just imagine how many more girls would join if they knew there was a team built for them. A place where they could feel fully comfortable, supported, and seen. For some families, having their daughters wrestle on a team with boys can feel intimidating. And for some girls, it could be discouraging. And sometimes that is all it takes for someone to walk away from something they may have loved. An all girls team wouldn't divide us. It would open doors. It would remove barriers and it would tell the young girls in our town that wrestling is for them, too. Wrestling teaches discipline, confidence,
054resilience, and leadership. And it pushes you past your limits you didn't know you had. It builds mental strength and carries into the classroom and into life. Across the three NCAA divisions, wrestling has one of the highest percentages of first generation collegebound student athletes. Women's wrestling is now an official NCAA sport, and opportunities are growing everywhere. Every year, there are already over 218 women's college wrestling programs nationwide, and that number keeps on rising. By creating an all girls wrestling team, we're we are not just adding another sport. We are creating opportunities opportunity for scholarships, leadership, and for young women to discover just how strong they are. We understand that starting a new program requires funding and planning, and we are ready to help. We have certified volunteer coaches willing to step in. From what we are
055told, a paid coach has to travel with the team and be in practice and be in the practice area at all times. But that being said, we are hoping that we can change that to being a CIA certified and vetted coach. This change will not only help us, but all the teams and coaches in town. We are prepared to fund raise and support the program however we can. And we're not just asking for a team. We're offering commitment to help the program grow responsibly. We're asking to begin with a co-op between Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern. Just like what is already done with swimming and lacrosse, this would also allow participation to grow while keeping costs manageable. We've also gathered signatures from members in our community who believe this vision and people who believe in
056this team and in the girls. All we are asking for is the chance. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and for the support and for supporting the future of girls wrestling in our town. Well, I have to say you guys did your homework. I'm very impressed. So, are you asking for a policy change? >> Yes, >> I think you are. >> Amazing. And, uh, co-op sounds like a great first step. And you and you're using other teams that had a reference and did that, which is amazing. Um, I saw that you had the mayor's signature on your >> Oh, yeah. petition. So, I mean, that's looking good for you guys. I'll tell you that right there. >> Right to the top. >> She's a fan of of wrestling as well, you know. So, that
057that goes well. And I mean, just more strong leadership, breaking ceilings, pushing to get what you deserve. And I mean, I think this is a board that recognizes that and really appreciates that. And if we can get the funding, I don't think you're going to have any problem with us voting yes to support you. It's just going to take a little bit of time for us to talk about the numbers as the budget rolls in. And I love the ideas for fundraising. I think that's great. And I love the idea of looking into it. We'll have to talk to the unions because those types of policy changes require us to make sure that they don't conflict with any of the contract language. Actually, the president of the union is in the room herself in the
058back. You might want to make friends. We got all the big players here. Uh but yes, absolutely. I I'm so impressed. so such brave and smart and using your research and bringing that to us. Congratulations for what you've done tonight and we are definitely going to consider and make every accommodation we can. >> Thank you. >> I think other people may chair >> to you. Absolutely. Well, this is a long time coming. I'm going to have an Al Bundy moment real quick. And Mr. Sigman's laughing and I know why he's laughing. And I'm calling out Mrs. Sigman in the most loving and admirable way because in the 1990s when Mr. Sigman was one of my teachers and I was a student at Bristol Central High School, I said to Mr. Sigman, maybe half joking, maybe
059half not joking, and maybe a small bit of wanting to bust Mr. Sigman's butt. I said, you know, I think I want to try out for the wrestling team. And what did you say to me, Mr. Sigman? He remembers. >> He does remember. Um, so >> I may have to >> I I think it's a long time coming and while in the 1990s it may not have been the right time or place for it. In 2026 it is. So, thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your commitment to, like Chair Pon says, uh, breaking ceilings and a little bit of girl power. Thank you. Love it. You got a lot of signatures. There's a lot of support out there. Um and I made a note to uh going to talk with administration as to
060when it makes sense to bring it onto our policy agenda for our policy change >> for a conversation. Yeah. >> For a conversation. So, we'll start that >> and you know, congratulations on all those signatures. That's that's huge. >> We've been trying. >> We can sign. Yeah, pass it around. >> Thank you. >> Next item on the agenda is deliberated items, district leadership team reports. Uh first we're going to call up uh Amy Martino. wrong way. Good evening. I'll start my uh report talking about our special education enrollment counts. As of February 1st, 2026, 1,768 of the 7,868 enrolled students require special education programming. This enrollment reflects 22.47 of the total BPS student population. As of February 1st, we had 127 students with disabilities requiring out of district placements at private special education programs. There
061were 86 students requiring special education programming at other public out of district schools. That includes magnet schools. And during the month of January 2026, 27% of the newly registered students were identified as students requiring special education programming at the time of registration. One of such students required programming at an out ofd district facility. During the month of January, there were 27211 and seven 911 calls. Are there any questions regarding the enrollment numbers before I talk about the budget lines? Next slide. Thank you. Um, as of February 1st, 2026, all of the represented budget lines are trending as expected with the exception of public place tuition and the professional service lines, which are trending higher than expected this month. The general budget overview from Mrs. Bonds shows that special education lines are currently over budget uh
062due to the entry of all the incumbrances. However, please note that this does not yet reflect our anticipated excess cost reimbursements, Medicaid payments, and tuition revenue that the board of education expects to receive. At this time, with this all said, we do anticipate being over budget if all of the incumbrances remain the same through the end of the fiscal year. There any questions about the main driver, the main budget driver lines? All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh, next we're going to hear from Deputy Superintendent Mary Hawk on school climate reports. Thank you, Chair Pounds. I want to briefly share what our challenging behavior and major behavior referral data is telling us and how we are responding with the framework of the Connecticut updated school climate policy. As you know, under recent state
063legislation, full implementation of Connecticut's revised school climate requirements is expected by this school year. This update represents a significant shift from a narrow bullying focus to a broader preventative centered school climate framework. The policy expands our res our responsibility beyond addressing repeated acts with a power imbalance. It introduces a statewide definition of challenging behavior which includes any conduct that negatively impacts the school's environment or interferes with learning or safety even if it does not meet the legal threshold of bullying. It is also requires the districts to designate school climate coordinators and specialtists, maintain active school climate committee committees, pro provide annual staff training, track and report climate data as part of the continuous improvement plan. A major operational change is the move from the bullying onlyly complaint process to a uniform challenging behavior reporting form.
064Previously incidents were formal were formally reviewed only if they met strict bullying criteria. Now students, staff, families can report a wider range of concerns including single instances through one streamline system. Each report is reviewed by the school's climate specialist who determines whether the behavior constitutes bullying or another form of challenging conduct and initiates an investigation and intervention as needed for Bristol Public Schools. This means broader reporting, earlier intervention opportunities, increased transparency for families, and a disciplined practice that aligns with the state's preventative climate focused approach. Now looking at our data from September through January, we documented nearly 30 formal incidences primarily involving students in grades 6 through 8 and the highest concentration in seventh. Reports were submitted by students, staff, and parents indicating that a reporting system as is accessible and being used as intended.
065When we examine the types of behavior, a clear pattern emerges. The most frequent behaviors involved were fighting, bullying, and egregious defiance or disrespect with a smaller number of instances involving threat um theft, vandalism, and substance possession. Importantly, this data also shows consistency in response. Every incident triggered formal documentation, investigation, and family notification. Outcomes reflect a balanced approach. Restorative practices were used in a majority of the cases. Student support services and individualized support plans were frequently implemented. In school and out of school suspensions were issued when behaviors rose to that level. In specific cases, title 9 or bullying investigations and law enforcement consultation were appropriately utilized. What I want to emphasize in this data reflects followth through not failure. We are seeing students who need support, structure, and accountability, and our schools are responding with intention.
066The repeated use of restorative practices alongside consequences shows a clear and committed um commit commitment to repairing the harm, changing the behavior, and maintaining a safe rather than relying on solely punitive responses. This data reinforces the importance of early reporting, consistency, consistent expectations, and coordinating supports. It confirms that our systems are working not just to react but to prevent intervene earlier and strengthen the school climate in a thoughtful, transparent and student centered way. >> Thank you. Any questions from any commissioners? Okay. The next item on the agenda is policy revisions. I am going to turn this over to Commissioner Fitz Simons Bula. Good evening. Okay. So, I can give a um an intro into policy 4117.4 for um and the work that the committee did and why we decided to um review and um propose
067updates to the full board on this policy. Mr. Groowski, please if I forget anything or if I get something wrong, please feel free to hop in. Um so, the committee had reviewed and updated policy 4117.4 4 um to align with Connecticut general statutes regarding the teacher non-renewal timelines. The policy previously referenced an April 1st deadline. The committee revised it. Um so the date is now May 1st which um ensures alignment with our statutory requirements. It helps to prevent any confusion with discrepancies um and just supports consistent implementation. So, that's one of the critical changes in this policy. Um, anything additional or that needs to be added, do you think? No. Okay. Um, so I'd like to make a motion to adopt policy 4117.4, dismissal suspension with accompanying regulation 4117.4, for non-renewal termination um for approval.
068>> So moved. >> Second. >> Any any further discussion or questions? >> So motion has been made and seconded. That's okay. >> Committee mode. >> No, no, no, no worries. Um motion has been made and seconded. Uh discussion. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Union. Okay. Now we're looking at Do you want to just roll into the next one? >> Yeah. >> Perfect. >> Um, so in regards to policy 5090.9 and policy 6141.328. in between um so when the committee reviewed it in between then and now um there's been some new information that's been presented um and it really um seems like we need to bounce this these two policies back to committee to have further conversation and integrate um the new information that we received into that conversation. Um,
069so I'd like to make a motion to move policy 5090.9 and policy 6141.328 back to committee for further discussion. >> Second. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Discussion. Okay. All in favor? I >> opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Okay, now we're moving on to new business and we're looking at participation in healthy food option of healthy food certification for 2026 2027 school year. And who will be presenting this information? >> I may thank you. Um, every year the board of ed votes on this policy. There's two policies to vote on. Um, this is for the healthy food healthy food certification requirements. Um, and by voting on these, we have to have the exact language. I believe you should have it in your notes. Um, we're voting on the participation and then an exemption
070for combined food and beverage exemptions. And by voting on these, um, this is how we receive our reimbursement from the government for our school foods program. >> Okay. And I know that this language has to be read very concisely. >> Very concisely because then we have to update the the meeting minutes and the approvals. So, okay. Thank you. >> So, I'm going to read this exactly as it's presented here. Um, let me make sure I'm looking. Okay. So, can I have a motion to approve participation in the healthy food option of healthy food certification for 2026 2027 school year pursuant to Connecticut General Statute section 10-215F, the Bristol Public Schools certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its juris jurisdiction and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards
071published by the Connecticut State Department of Education will comply with the Connecticut nutrition standards during the 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 stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organizations and groups. Can I get a move? >> Still move. >> Second. >> Okay. Wonderful. Motion has been made and seconded. Any discussion? You left at an opportune time, Chair Ponds. Um uh so it's a motion's been made and seconded. Um any discussion? All in favor? >> I Okay. Any opposed? Motion carries. We are on a second. You want me to just carry it
072through? Yeah. Okay. Maybe I'll have you read that though. >> Really? Which one? >> Okay. So, the next item is the combined food and be beverage. Wait, was that the second one there? So, it's the exemption. >> You did this one or I'm doing >> That's That's the one we're doing now. Um, so it's the combined food and beverage exemptions for healthy food certification for the 2026 2027 school year. And can I have a motion to approve for combined food and beverage exemptions for healthy food certification for 2026 27 school year as the Bristol board will allow the state I'm sorry the sale to students of food items that do not meet the Connecticut nutrition standards and beverages not listed in section 10-221Q of the Connecticut General Statutes provided that following conditions are at the
073sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend. The sale is at the location of the event and the food and beverage items are not sold from a vending machine or school store. An event is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice meeting or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer game, school plays, and intercolastic debates are events, but soccer practices, play rehearsals and debate team meetings are not. The regular school day is the period from midnight be to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. That one's confusing. Location means where the event is being held and must be the same place as the food and beverage sales. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded.
074All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Okay, one more. >> Um, >> so can I have a motion? >> Did that one? That's it. >> That good. >> Great. So, here we are. >> Okay. >> Y I have a motion to approve Oh, no. We did that. So, next is the bus transportation 5-year contract for 2026 to 2032. So Colin is here. So before we make the motion, Colin, do you want to come up and kind of talk about what's going on? >> Good evening. >> Thank you. Uh we received three proposals back for in town student transportation services contract with offers from our current provider, First Student, as well as Datco and Zoom services. Uh over the course of the five-year contract, uh Deco and First Student came in with very
075similar bids in the range of $54 million and Zoom services was much higher at $61,000 almost $7 million more than the other two potential bids. Um initially it appears that the lowest bid is for student with Dco less than 1% higher, 0.79% to be exact. and again Zoom $7 million in the other two. When considering only fix fixed expenses over the five-year contract, First Student DO submitted very similar proposals with First Student having the lower bid by a narrow margin less than 1%. However, the key difference between determining the lowest overall cost to the district lies in the variable expenses such as school field trips and athletic charters. DO's charter rates represent a 38% increase over our current billing whereas for students proposals reflected an 88% increase. Uh, additionally, if Bristol Public Schools continues to
076average approximately 250 field trips per year and around 3500 hours of athletic charters, DECO would result in a limited in an estimated 50% additional savings on the field trips compared to first student. Uh, for next year alone, DECO would cost us about 106,000 less than first student, for example. it's harder to track the field trips because that's more of a variable changing expense. So, it was determined by our contract evaluation committee that DECO was the lowest cost option um for student transportation services. So, although although it's important to consider the lowest price vendor, that's the only factor in determining the best fit for Bristol, ensuring the safety, reliability, and quality of service for our students remains our top priority. Over the past few years, we've experienced some significant service failures with First Student. And I
077could elaborate if you like, but I think we're all aware of some driver shortages, issues, uh office shortage, staffing shortages, uh bus reliability, buses breaking down, and safety complaints, invoicing issues. Um and we had some some issues with the fuel being used inappropriately that we had to settle with first student on. Um in looking into Deco they became they were they had some strong references uh specifically with Middletown uh East Windsor, Windsor and South Windsor. Uh they're located here in New Britain uh which gives us a lot more access to their senior leadership team. Um Deco specializes in bus sales, bus charters and school transportation. So leveraging those three companies together can help to reduce expenses, ensure a quality service for our students. Um, Deco also opted for a one p 1.5% um, sorry I
078lost my notes. A 1.5% reduction based on early pay, a prepaid discount. First student didn't opt to that. So that was also a good option to save money for us as well. Um so considering the combination of the overall cost uh the proven reliability and uh leadership oversight, we recommended that we move forward with DECO as our transportation provider for the next five years. >> Thank you. Do any commissioners have any questions? >> I have a question. Um, considering the experiences that you just spoke about, um, that needed resolution over the last several years, um, does this new contract offer some service level agreements with DACO so that we have performance measures that we could hold them accountable to and perhaps, you know, be reimbursed if we see the same types of performance that we
079had experienced with first student? >> Yeah, that that's a good question. So, the contract that Bristol has been using for I'm not sure how how long when we did have these disputes in the past, Shipman and Goodman pointed out to us that this was a dated contract that needed revisions. So, that was the first step of this process was to work with them. Uh, the contract we're using is actually a template that's used by most districts around us. So, it's very familiar and easy for the companies to bid on. >> And so, does it include that language? I think is what >> it's it does it's it's difficult for it to do as much as I'd liked it to do but Shipman and Goodman um gave us all the best options that we can. >>
080So we have more than we did have. >> We do. Correct. Yes. We removed some gray areas. >> That's great. >> Okay. Any other questions? With no other questions, I will need a motion. Madam Chair, I can make a motion to approve the bus transportation 5-year contract from 2026 to 2032 to D.CO. >> Motion seconded. >> Oh, sorry. Is there a specific motion? >> I'm so sorry, but it's not 2032. It's 2031. >> Oh, 2031 is the 5year. >> It says 2031 in our in my packet. So, >> I was reading off the screen. Sorry. >> Oh, yeah. That's okay. I'm sorry. >> I'll revise my motion. >> Okay. >> I will make a motion to accept the bus transportation 5-year contract from 2026 to 2031. Should I have done the math in my head,
081not read to Datco Transportation? >> Motion seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I I >> oppose. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, Colin. We know that was quite a journey to get there. >> We appreciate you. >> Good work. Um, okay. So, the next is appointment of board commissioners to school crack leaison assignments. Can I have a motion to approve the following appointments of commissioner Robert Parenti to serve as the correct district representative with Maria Perro Simmons to serve as the alternate member. >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Can I have a motion to approve the following appointment of Commissioner Robert Pari to serve on the Finance and Operations Committee? >> So move. >> Second.
082>> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. Can I have a motion to approve the following appointment of Commissioner Robert Pari to serve on the student achievement and outcome committee? So moved. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I motion carries unanimously. Okay. Next we have move to new business from the consent agenda. 12.6 Six teacher hires Stafford Benjamin West Bristol grade 2 teacher effective February 18th 2026. Can I have a motion to approve teacher hires as stated? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries unanimously. The next item is 12.7 teacher resignation Woods Christristen Green Hills School Library Media Specialist effective February 26, 2026. Can I have a motion to approve as stated?
083>> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion made and seconded. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries unanimously. And the last one 12.8A1 8 A1 resignations Woods Kristen. Wait, it's the same. Do it again. Okay. Green Hills School Library Media Department head effective February 26, 2026. >> Have a motion. Yes. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? I >> I opposed. Carries unanimously. Okay. Um, information for liaison reports. So, is my I'll pull my list up online. I mean, on my email. I don't think I have the It's not in here, right? Okay. I don't Let me just grab it. I did send it to the board here. >> You want me to pull mine up? Um, I can grab it. I just have to open my computer. Got it. Okay.
084So, I will need a motion. Oh, no. Do we don't vote on this, do we? I just appoint or do we vote? I think we vote a motion. Do I need a motion? Okay. So, let me read it and then I'll ask for a motion. Uh, Commissioner lays on assignments. Bames Cara Ledger Bristol Central High School Jen Van Gorder Bristol Eastern High School Maria Perro Simmons Bristol Preparatory Academy Jen Van Gorder Chippens Hill Middle School Jill Fitz Simons Ba Edgewood PreK Academy Shelby Ponds Green Hills School Robert Pari Hubble School Barbara Tedasco Ivy Drive School Lorine Ozenowski Mountain View School Carol Ledger Northeast Middle School Kristen G Antonio Southside School Maria Pero Simmons Stafford School Barbara Tedesco West Bristol School Jill Fitz Simons Bula. Can I have a motion to approve the liaison as read?
085>> So moved. >> A second. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. So the next item on the agenda is vote to convene into executive session for the purpose of >> oh >> the do we want to offer up the uh liaison to present any reports from their respective >> No right now. We could do it after when we come back from >> Okay. >> Because I I think this was just appointing them. No. >> No. Well, that's >> that's what this was. >> Information leaison report is that's a standing agenda item. >> Okay. Can we just go we'll go into executive? Okay. Um discussion and possible action on Bristol Association of BR of principles and supervisors 2026 through 2029 contract. Can I have
086a motion to convene into executive session? Oh, wait. and we're going to invite the superintendent and Joe Grabowski into executive session with us. Can I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Just one clarification because we posted the agenda the way that it was. Are we going to run into rules issues with going out of order on the agenda? Is the >> We didn't change anything because of the >> I haveformational leaison reports as 13 before 14. No, we did. We just I appointed every No, the actual >> liaison report. >> Oh, >> if anybody had a leazison report. >> Okay, Maria, if anybody has to give that liaison report. Just >> I just need to say for the record I think that we should move the liaison report up in the agenda so
087those of us who have liaison reports don't feel pressured to not share them because I feel it's my role as a liaison to celebrate the wins of the schools that I represent and if it's not um a skillful order in the agenda then we need to revisit it. I know it's something that we're looking at. >> Okay. Right now we're just going to do the leazison on report. >> Perfect. Go. Okay. I love you. Go. >> I'm just saying I'm not going to feel pressure tonight. I'm going to read it. >> Glad we don't have anything. That's what it is. We're just jealous. >> Oh, well, you too can send an email to the principal and say, "Hey, what do you have?" Okay. Um, so here are some updates to Bristol Eastern High School. Bristol
088Eastern is holding its annual coffee house this Friday, March 6th, in the BEHS cafeteria. Come listen to poetry, live music performed by our band and jazz band, and coral performances from several of our performing arts groups. Refreshments will be served, and the performances will be fantastic. Also on March 6th, Bristol Eastern High School will be hosting part two of its welcoming walkthrough initiative which started last spring as a partnership with CRE to focus on the following areas of school climate and culture. Physical environment, schoolwide practices and policies, welcoming school staff, and written materials. This meeting on March 6th will be a follow-up to the audit done last April to see how we were doing on the suggestions and recommendations that came out of the meeting from last spring. students, staff members, and parents will be
089there to participate. I also would like to share that um Mrs. Delernia um invited me to speak to students in the teach what you love class, and there's something magical about being in a classroom where students feel safe to be open and ask questions and really engage. And that's exactly what I experienced when I um visited Mrs. Delern Delernia's room. Uh the students had amazing questions. They were very pointed questions. Um, I was just very impressed with uh that class and I wanted to just shout out to the the class and to the teacher and to the leadership for nurturing, you know, such a a great um class for the students. Okay. Now, oh, and we have um our model United Nations group of students is headed to New York City from March 18th to
090March 21st to participate in the annual conference. Our students will be representing the West African country of Benin. Benin somebody did I say correctly? Where is the history? Bin. Benin. Anyone? No. Okay. Thanks for bailing me out on that one. Um where they will participate in numerous meetings, presentations, and debates centered on global issues and to learn more about the many cultures and geographical regions around the world. Now, for Southside, um, Principal Abraham shared, "Our staff is working on fostering positive experiences for all students while participating in discourse with their peers. The curriculum and instructional services department has supported all schools in this endeavor." Southside's school's student vision for discourse. I feel valued and comfortable when sharing my ideas and listening to others during class discussions. The questions we will ask students to gain further
091information. Do you think your teacher really listened to your ideas by repeating, rephrasing, or sharing your ideas or presenting your written work to the class? Do you think your classmates valued your input today by using hand signals, agree, disagree, add-on, slanting, or talking about your ideas? Are you comfortable sharing your ideas even when you might not know the answer? Each grade level will be implementing research-based strategies to improve our students experience and having smooth inclusive discourse with their peers. And then she put fun stuff next. Teacher lipsync contest. How fun is this? This is awesome. The performers were dressed up in full costume and had a story to tell. Alphaba and Glendo won their link sync lipsyncing of impossible. So that's pretty cool. African drumming group performed and danced with our students in celebration of
092Black History Month. TA a teacher event was a huge success. Staff sported all kinds of crazy removable tattoos that students purchased for them. And I also wanted to to thank um Southside School for inviting me and so many others to their ReadAcross America event. I know that was featured in many other schools. Um, and I definitely want to encourage all commissioners to um, come to our board meetings monthly, even if it's at the end of the agenda and support the great work that our schools are doing because I feel like that's one of the major reasons why we're here. Thank you >> through the chair. I hate to do this, but I actually do have a report that I had to go after Maria. >> That's why you brought it back up. Well, no, I
093was hoping to just sneak mine in before Maria's quickly because it does um it does um it does inform our public and our um our community about upcoming events. So, um I'll just share mine very quickly. Uh on Tuesday, February 24th, I attended uh a program called Big Supports for Little Learners, and it was hosted by the Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative where I was um uh able to view Dr. Martino and uh Kevin Daly give who is a um special education advocate um give a presentation on um the difference between 504 plans and IEPs, when and why children may qualify for special education supports, how the special education process works in the early years, ways families can advocate for their child and partner with schools, and what supports can look like in preschool and early
094elementary settings. Um we did have some parents attend their new parent leaison were also there to support the parents that were there and they look forward to hosting uh more as the months come by and we'll um share that information so it can be posted on on our socials with everyone. So it was great presentation um very informative and I think that the parents that did attend uh were very happy to have the information. Thank you. >> Thank you. So now I need a vote. I need someone to make a motion to vote in to convene into executive session for the purpose of discussion and possible action on Bristol Association of Principal and Supervisors 2026 through 2029 contract. And again, we will invite Superintendent White and Joe Gowski into executive session. >> So moved. Second.
095>> Seconded. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. So at this point, we go up into executive session and when we come back, all we will do is most likely motion for a vote on the contract, vote on the contract, and then adjourn the meeting. You are welcome to stay, but that is the rest of the agenda. Thank you all for coming. Do you have Cara back on? >> Yes, I'm Yes, I'm here. >> Okay. Can I have a motion uh to resume back into regular session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion's debated and seconded. All in favor? >> I I >> motion passes. We're now in our regular board of ed meeting. And I would like to uh have a motion to approve
096the BAPS contract for 2026 through >> I9 >> 2029. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motions are made and seconded. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. motion >> and meeting is adjourned. >> Good night.