2/4/2026 Regular Board of Education Meeting

001Check. One, two. It is now 7:00 February 4th, 2026. I'd like to call the regular board meeting to order. Can we please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? The first item on the agenda is staff and student recognition. and I would like to turn it over to Chiefs. >> Thank you, Chair Ponds. Good evening, everyone. I would like to first begin by acknowledging National School Counseling Week this week, February 2nd through February 6. National School Counseling Week 2026, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, is celebrated from February 2nd through 6, 2026. The 2026 theme is school counselors amplify student success highlighting the vital role counselors play in supporting students academic, social, emotional, and career development. Thank you for our school counselors for your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to student well-being. Your work makes

002a lasting difference in the lives of our students and strengthens our entire school community. So, thank you to our all of our school counselors. Next, I'd like to acknowledge our school resource officers. National School Resource Officer Day is February 15th, and we proudly recognize and thank our school resource officers for their dedication to the safety, well-being, and success of our students and staff. Our school resource officers serve as more than just a security presence in our schools. They are mentors, role models, problem solvers, and trusted partners. Through their daily interactions, they help foster positive relationships, support safe learning environments, and build meaningful connections with students and families. On behalf of the board of education and entire school district, thank you to our school resource officers for your service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our students.

003Next, we have a special staff recognition for Miss Sarah Lupa. Sarah Looper currently serves as the director of adult education and supervisor of secondary TE-saw programming. We would like to formally recognize and commend Sarah for the extraordinary support she has provided during the transition and implementation of the loss testing process and the English learner assessment coordinator role this school year. And I'd like to call up uh Mrs. Karly for and our chief academic officer to share more about um our recognition of Sarah this evening. >> Thank you superintendent White and uh thank you for the board of education for giving me this opportunity to recognize Sarah's work. I wanted to take to take a moment to formally recognize Sarah Lupa for the additional responsibilities she has assumed in the transition and implementation of last testing

004and the ELAC role English language assessment coordinator role this year. When the ELAC position was vacated and a replacement was not immediately in place, Sarah stepped in to ensure continuity, compliance, and clear communication with our T-OLE teachers. all while ma while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and equity for multilingual learners. Her willingness to take on this work reflects the professionalism and problem solving mindset that we rely on across our system. And I also want to acknowledge that this effort was supported by many members of our CIS team, most especially Laura Lanza and other district colleagues who've taken on added responsibilities this year, often quietly and without expectation of recognition. So, I appreciate the opportunity for me to really call out. She's still hiding in the corner as you can see uh her efforts to

005really step in and help our team step up to support our learners. So, thank you for the opportunity and wave Sarah in the corner. >> Thank you so much, Sarah. It's our honor to recognize all of your hard work and efforts. Thank you so much for all you do. And now it's my honor, we wanted to formally recognize our trio of Miss Connecticut teen recipients who hail from Bristol and all hail from the same wonderful family. They're all cousins and we've never formally um acknowledged your achievement at a board of education meeting, so we wanted to do so. Um, and we're very pleased that Nailey Patton is here in person and our two her two cousins I believe are online. Um, you know, Payton Troth who, um, became Missaga team in 2023. She was formerly

006one of our board of education student representatives and in 2024, Cameron Patton uh, was recognized for the title. Um, want to recognize two dads who are in the audience. Uh, Marcus Patton and Morris Patton. Um, I was hoping her mom would be here, the matriarch. I haven't met her. So, hopefully at some point have an opportunity to meet her. But, >> you say she's >> all right, Mrs. Patton, come see me. I want to meet you. I'm going to be in touch and make an appointment to have you come in and meet with me. Um, but we really are so honored um to have you here um and wanted to provide the ladies with an opportunity. I think they wanted to share whatever they wanted to share about their process um and making sure that

007other of our young ladies are aware of not just the honor but the rewards that are part of being Miss Connecticut team. So Haley, would you like to have my person in the microphone say a few words? You look gorgeous, by the way. >> So beautiful. >> Tall. >> I know. Gorgeous. >> It is with great excitement that I share that Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut's team 2026 will be at the Rockwell Theater at Vain this year. It's incredibly meaningful, not only for our community, but for my family as well and me personally. And being able to bring such a prestigious event to a venue that represents culture, history, and the arts in our city is truly an honor. The Miss America opportunity along with the Miss Connecticut scholarship organization provides young women with more

008than just a title. It offers access to invaluable scholarship dollars, leadership development, and personal growth. Through this organization, young women gain confidence, strengthen communication skills, and grow as individuals prepared to make a difference in their communities and beyond. We are especially looking forward to the support of the board of education as we work together to attract visitors to our beautiful city of Bristol. Hosting Miss Connecticut allows us to showcase our community, stimulate local engagement, and highlight the educational and cultural opportunities that make this city super special. During the week of competition, we are proud to be hosting three confirmed fundraisers. Most Southwest Grill, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Jersey Mike Subs, which will support scholarships and further our mission of empowering young women across our state. In addition, the delegates and families will have the opportunity

009to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great country with a visit to Lake Compounds as well as tour ESPN where we will engage with some of the greatest professionals in the sports and media industry. These experiences reflect the balance of tradition, innovation, and opportunity that defines both Bristol and the Miss America opportunity. We are thrilled for what lies ahead and deeply grateful for the support of our community as we welcome Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut's team 2026 to the Roth Theater. This is more than an event. It is an investment in education, leadership, and the future. Thank you. I don't know if Ken and Cameron are online and want to say anything. >> Hi, I'm online. Um, so yeah, like kind of going off of what Haley said. So, >> am I good? >> Yes.

010>> Good. Okay. Um, yeah. So, going off what Haley said, so my name is Cameron Patton. I was Miss Connecticut's teen in 2024. So, um, it's been a while, but I had the amazing opportunity to crown my younger cousin, Haley. Um, so yeah, so she said a lot. Of course, we're so excited to have Miss Connecticut, Miss Connecticut in Bristol this year. Um, unfortunately, I can't be there today, but I'm currently a student at the University of Alabama thanks to the Miss America opportunity and the Miss Connecticut scholarship organization. Um, through this organization I was able to receive two full ride scholarships to University of Alabama where I currently attend and then also Mississippi State University along with that I think over $7,000 in scholarship which is so amazing and I was able to obtain

011that from the time I competed when I was 16 and then 17 years old. So, it's such an amazing opportunity especially for girls in Bristol which I would love. I know Haley's doing an amazing job at um spreading the word just so then our youth can have these incredible opportunities not only with sisterhood but in leadership which are all things that we have kind of been raised upon but being able to act on that as young adults has been truly amazing. Oh, wonderful. >> I'm sure Girl time. >> Well, I'd like to say congratulations. I have known Haley since she was a little girl. She was adorable then and she's gorgeous now and smarter than she is pretty. So, I'm so happy for your family and wish you all the best of success and I

012know you're probably going to win. Thank you. So, the next item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. Um, you all have received a copy of the minutes in your packet for January 7th, regular meeting minutes. Are there any corrections or abstensions? >> Make a motion to approve the minutes from January 7th. I do need to stand. I'm sorry. Motion's been made and seconded. Um, oh no. >> I'll second it. >> Now it's been made and seconded. Lori is abstaining. All in favor? >> I I oppose. Motion passes with one extension. The January 14, 2026 special meetings have all been provided to you in your packet. Are there any corrections or abstensions? Make a motion to approve the January 14th special meeting minutes. Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. All in favor?

013>> I motion passes unanimously. The next item on the agenda is the committee reports. Do we have people online? Oh, I'm sorry. Committee reports. Do we have committee reports? You can start. >> I can I can start. Um so for the student achievement and outcomes committee, we met on January 21st. Um Principal Higgins and Assistant Principal Vatrono um presented the program of studies. It's something that happens once a year. Um this version is now digitized. It's been digitized for a few years, but it can be found online in English and Spanish. So they reviewed that. It's just course descriptions. Um they can be translated online. It helps students select all of their classes. We um Leic Ward presented three curriculum revisions that we will hear about tonight. Latin 2, world language level one and the

014individual and family um development development course. It's an EC course with Yukon. Um there was a lot at this meeting. We had a presentation of the college and career readiness data. So this is like um once a year presentation. Oh wait, that's a different thing. Sorry. So, the college career readiness data, 98% of students are engaging in college level prep courses. There's a gap though with the readiness um getting credits and college entrance rates. So, the district is working on trying to address that through improved student tracking and expanding the pathways in STEM and humanities. Finally, we received um the 2024 2025 next generation accountability district performance index. This is that overall score um we get once per year. Bristol is outperforming the state in high need student achievement and graduation rates. Middle school and

015high school they are performing steadily or rising. There um are dips though in some elementary lit and math. So the district is focusing on acceleration strategies and finally to maintain progress they're going to focus on chronic absenteeism. So we were presented with that. That's is it. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. I will start with school safety. Um so school safety we met on June 20. Uh the items that we discussed for our meeting dates. Uh and then we did go into executive session to discuss Alice roll out camera update. Um the next school safety meeting on quarterly which brings me to the policy committee. Um, so policy met on January 28th. We really focused on four policies that I'll be going into a little bit further detail later on tonight when we get back

016agenda item. Um, and we did u discuss and approve our policy dates. There is a change for anyone who might want to attend any policy meetings going forward. It's going to be the second Wednesday of each month at 7. >> Good evening. I have finance and operations committee update. Um committee met on Wednesday, January 14th. It's a pretty standard meeting where we examined uh regular finance and operations um reports, student activity accounts through December 30th, 2025, uh 2026 budget update through 12:3025. Looked at the cafeteria report, appropriation transfers over 10,000. Um pupil service, pupil personnel services report, continue to have questions about special education, things that are encumbered. um invoices that are um out but not yet paid. Um also questions about funding updates. Um pretty standard questions. We looked at operations committee continue to

017have conversations about the um roof concerns at certain schools and whether or not we're going to be able to get support to repair those. Um, we also looked at the revision to the 2026 finance and operations committee meeting date dates. Um, were able to finalize that. And the next finance and operations committee meeting is February 11th where we will go over some of those same recurring agenda items but also be looking at bus contracts. So, hope to see many of you there. Thank you. Thank you. Um I'd like to share our um school family and community partnerships meeting. um we didn't have a lengthy meeting, but basically we uh realized that we really have to touch base with former committee um specifically um Commissioner Simmons to make sure that once we looked at uh the

018last agenda and all the work that was done and there was so much detail that we kind of we didn't want to start brand new. We wanted to give um credence to what was going on and see if there was a stepping point or a a starting point that we should go with. We don't want to recreate the wheel, but we also don't want to let go of anything that was supposed to be an ongoing um evaluation. There was some great stuff in there. Um and uh we also we talked about some ideas for um things going forward. Um, I know, uh, Deputy Superintendent Hawk had, um, a great idea. I think she were talking about how, um, families of, um, uh, special needs students in alternate settings don't always feel a part of the

019Bristol community. And maybe there was there would be some way that we can um, kind of create something to make them feel that. It might have to be modified according to, you know, what their needs are, but just kind of hearing everybody in the community to see that you we want to make sure it, you know, all means all. We want to reach everybody. We want everybody to feel like they're part of the community regardless of what um you know, kind of educational um environment they have. So, we have some great ideas, but like I said, we need to back up a little bit and just make sure we um come up with a plan to address things that were already in progress, continue those, and then perhaps then set a couple of new goals

020for this year. So, and we also changed our meeting dates too to the third Wednesday of each month at six o'clock um before the student achievement >> policy. policy um meeting so that we're kind of doubling up on meetings so we don't have as many mens to have to attend. So a little selfish on our part but >> oh I'm sorry you were right it's >> it was achievement >> yes >> policy >> you know you can't tell me I'm wrong >> I was wrong >> okay thank you miss chair pops that's it >> okay thank you the next item there was not a safety meeting yeah >> you got it okay Good. Um, so the next item on the agenda is student representatives. Uh, Amelia Brown is not available to give the student report

021tonight, but I think we have Paige Ansa on from Bristol Eastern. >> Hello. Good evening. This report for the month of February will consist of past and upcoming events and activities. Firstly, the first semester is officially completed and the second semester has started. Graded 9 to 11 students will soon begin the process of selecting courses for the next school year, while seniors will be continuing their college and scholarship applications such as the Main Street Scholarships whose porter opened on January 15th and will close on March 6th. The Main Street Foundation offers a variety of different scholarships for students and is a great opportunity for seniors to score some free money. modu has been hard at work preparing for the mun New York conference from March 18th to the 22nd. Final paper drafts has have been

022submitted to the dies of each committee for feedback and will be returned for revision in the in the coming weeks. In the track and field recently attended the CCC championships on January 31st with many of the competing athletes getting new personal records. Congratulations to Jayce Kosia for breaking the boys 1000 meter school record with a time of 2 minutes 37 seconds and 56 milliseconds as well as Kate Patterson for breaking the girls 300 meter record with a time of 40 43 seconds and 82 milliseconds. Track will have the last chance meet on Monday, February 9th as well as as well as boys and girls class L championships on February February 12th both at Floyd Little Athletic Center. Beta's production of Legally Blonde is in full swing with theater students having the opportunity to receive master

023classes from Kevin Rapone who's an actor dance teacher and a Bristol Eastern alumni who currently lives in New York. Legally Blondes opening performance will be on May 1st and will also be shown on May 2nd and 3rd. Finally, Culture Day is under works and diversity club students are working on making it bigger and better this year with culture day possibly taking place in the big gym and a presentation with the theme of diversity, inclusivity, and appreciation. More information on culture day will come soon. That's all for my report. Thank you so much for your time and have a great night. >> Thank you. >> The next item on the agenda is the chair report. On January 19th, 2026, Superintendent Iris White served as the keynote speaker at the Greater Bristol branch of the NAACP's annual

024EW ECW MLK Junior Scholarship Breakfast at Bristol Eastern High School. This meaningful event raises scholarship funds for graduating seniors across Bristol and surrounding communities while honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I want to begin by thanking the Greater Bristol NAACP for this extraordinary honor and for their continued partnership and supporting our students and community. Unfortunately, I was out of state and unable to attend, but judging by the many texts and phone calls I received afterward, the program left a lasting impression. Time and again, people shared how much Superintendent White revealed about her life and the experiences that shaped her into the leader she is today. Many describe Iris as a quiet leader, but her keynote gave everyone a chance to really see who she is, how her experiences shaped her,

025and why she leads with such thoughtfulness and heart every day. Feeling curious about her upbringing, I asked Iris to share her speech with me. Once I read it, I understood exactly why the audience was so moved. She wo Dr. King's legacy into her own story, speaking candidly about how his leadership shaped her personally and professionally. She shared deeply personal experiences from growing up in a union family where she learned early lessons about dignity, fairness, and collective responsibility. And from her first years in the classroom where students both challenged and inspired her, she explained how those real life moments shaped her understanding of opportunity and justice, connecting her journey to the broader work of civil rights, labor rights, and economic justice. Reminding the audience that these aren't abstract ideas, but lived experiences that guide how we

026choose to lead every day. What stood out most to me was her reminder that leadership isn't about a title, but about courage. The courage to stand up for what is right, especially when it's uncomfortable or difficult. Through her story, the audience didn't just hear from the superintendent. They connected with her values, her humanity, and her commitment to our students and families. Superintendent White also celebrated our students service, empathy, and inclusion from anybody can serve and reminded students that they are not just future leaders they are leading now during her keynote superintendent that her favorite Dr. King's speeches is his final. I've been to the mountaintop delivered on April 3rd, 1968, the day before he was murdered. In it, Dr. King spoke with hope and determination, describing the mountaintop as a vision of a better future.

027Superintendent White highlighted how this speech can of the enduring power of courage, vision, and action. For those of you like me who were unable to attend the breakfast in person, I want to share that superintendent's keynote truly root did the very best of public schools. Compassion, integrity, commitment to opportunity for all. We are grateful to the celebrate scholarship, service, and Dr. King's legacy, and for giving our district leadership and students the chance to be part of such an inspiring event. We thank Superintendent White for sharing her story, her leadership, and her dedication to our students, staff, families, and the entire Bristol Public Schools community. Thank you. That concludes my report. Now I will turn it over to superintendent. What? >> I didn't know she was going to do that. So a little joke. >> I

028didn't either. >> Until I read your face. A little joked up. Um so I didn't want to say that I before I um when the newspaper reporter called and said, "What are you going to talk about during your speech?" And I said I was going to share stories about my family and my childhood experiences. And I think it's something that I wanted to share because obviously I came in May of 2024 and when my name was announced, people were probably trying to Google me to find out who is this Iris White. It was really I was a stranger. No one really knew who I was except for a few people I'd worked with in district. Um, so the opportunity to share who I was, but also as a reminder of how our childhood shape our

029experiences and looking at the students that are in front of us every day and trying to deliver the best education, the best supports that we can because those events that happen in your childhood shape your whole your whole life. So, it really was a reminder of that. And I was also going to share in my update. Um, I wanted to thank the Bristol Boys and Girls Club. They had a whole bus load of students that came. They rented a bus and had the students come and the students were integrated as part of the presentation. Um, there was one student who actually um drew the front cover. Um, there were students who sang. There were students that read some parts of his speeches which was wonderful. And I also want to thank the Bristol Eastern High

030School Administration because they actually bought tickets for some of the students to participate. And so it was it was just very moving to see the students there and it's really a reminder I reminded them Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated and I think the McGomery bus boycott I think he was in his early 20s. So really there's no age limit to how much you can influence and how you can be a good person and serve and do the good work. So thank you. Thank you for that acknowledgement. Um so let's talk about budget. Let's transition to the budget approval process timeline. What a transition segway. Um so we've had the two budget workshops for my superintendent's budget. The last one was last night. So, thank you everyone for who participated

031and thank you to the board of ed commissioners, board of finance, member, city council. Thank you um who submitted questions and the central office team for diligently um answering those questions. And the next step um is for the board to approve my budget. Um and that will have to take place before the budget presentation to the board of finance. That meeting has already been scheduled for Monday, March 16th. I believe it's at 5:00 in city hall. Um, and the next meeting would be the board of finance meeting to adopt the city budget estimate which is April 28, 2026. And the joint meeting of the board of finance and city council to adopt um the city's budget for 2627 is May 18, 2026. So I just wanted to share the time so folks had an understanding

032what the next steps are. Next slide. >> Okay. So, at every board meeting, um, I'd like to provide some updates on my 2526 priorities. This is really an opportunity for me to uh be transparent and have accountability for making sure that I am meeting certain benchmarks in terms of implementing those priorities and also ensuring alignment between the administration and the board to highlight progress across the district and to identify areas where additional collaboration or guidance may be helpful. So my first update is on stakeholder engagement and had the first meeting of the superintendent's parent advisory council and at this point the membership is really focused they're members of PTA PTO's um of different schools and it's a going to continue to be a very informal conversation not having much of a strict agenda really just

033wanting to have an opportunity to hear from them what they're hearing in the community, questions they have, and sharing feedback. And there were two points of feedback that I wanted to share. One was that they appreciate the um superintendent weekly updates, especially information what is happening in town and across the schools. So, I've also heard from some school staff. out there like to hear what are the schools doing, what events are um giving them some ideas that maybe they might be able to bring back to their own schools. And in regards to the budget, um the parents there shared with me, we have links to the presentations, we can watch the presentations, there's a lot of jargon, there's a lot of conversation, but bottom line is I want to know how this affects my child.

034And so, um, how can I as a superintendent, how can I, we as a board provide that simple sort of understanding of what this means for my family, what this means for my children. So, they're they're looking for that. Those were two bits of feedback. Another bit of feedback um was they did see um pictures from the Dr. King breakfast and they noticed that there were um a number of students present and they loved that idea. And then we were also talking about how can we make sure there's opportunities for students to attend other events. Um, one event that they mentioned is the annual event at Baines which recognizes the veterans. So, how can we make sure there's opportunities for students to attend those type events as well? So, those were some bits of feedback

035from the advice. wanted to share my appreciation that we've had opportunities to collaborate with the Brer Early Childhood Collaborative and one is actually upcoming soon later this month. Um, and they invited Dr. Amy Martino and myself to attend the meeting and Dr. Martino was gracious enough to um say that she would present an overview of Bristol Public School Services and support a Q&A session afterwards. Um, so that is the flyer. I think the updated flyer actually has the Bristol Public Schools logo um, showing the collaboration with the Bristol Early Childhood Collaborative. So, we hope people will have an opportunity to attend. I'm really looking forward to I know Commissioner Ganton, I've been looking for opportunities to speak with this parent group. So, I'm really looking forward to this event later this month. And these are

036some pictures um from the January 19th Dr. King breakfast. Um it really was a nice opportunity. I know some of you were were present. Um people from across political views, political parties, police were there. It's just everyone really sharing in um the wonderful teachings of of Dr. and how we all serve and how we could all work together to make Bristol a better place. I think that that was probably what the biggest thing that I took from it and I hope the students felt the same way. I think that's what they need. Mental health supports. I want to give a special thank you to Michaela Pesuchi Wallace who is a supervisor in the office of people personnel services. She's been our liaison with prudence pandle. We have a really strong uh partnership that we developed

037with them. And last Wednesday they presented to our school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers. Um staff in attendance learned about real world situations currently affecting some of our students within our community along with look fors and strategies to support our students through these situations. Um there's also um flyers, documentation, um different paperwork that they are going to share with the schools that will be distributed in the schools. So it was just a really great presentation. I've heard a lot of good feedback um from the participants and we hope to have available some follow-up sessions soon. So, one of the key priorities has been to increase communication with the community and we finally have a functioning Facebook page. Um, and we have the link and then I think people have already started posting but

038it's really an opportunity another opportunity to share updates, information, events and also opportunities to hear feedback and engage community and have the community engage with each other. So, we encourage people to follow that Facebook page and um I want to thank um my executive assistant Sydney Molina. She has been teaching me all about the different features in Parent Square. So, you may have noticed now when there are snow days or delays, you not only get the parent square email, but there's also alerts, phone calls, and texts. Um so, I'm learning a lot about Parent Square. So, we have um more ways to make sure that people are getting the smart alerts and notifications. And I want to thank the Bristol edition because they've approached me about doing a monthly segment with the superintendent. We got

039to get a title for that. We're working on that. Um but it will be half an hour, 45 minute segment. Um they're going to allow me time to share important information that I would like to share. There'll be some opportunities for people to call in with questions, type in questions in the chat. Um so look for more information about that in the coming weeks. And um I know that parent square is a wonderful opportunity and we really want to um promote and support community events, but it was getting a little overwhelming because everyone wanted a separate parent notification announcing their event and it can get a lot of work for our office and it's just people are just inundated with a lot of notifications. Um, so what we're going to do is have a community

040event um, flyer um, notification that will come out, eblast that will come out the first and 15th of each month. And we're going to compile all of the requests, the flyers that we've received. And so it's in one eblast rather than trying to do separate ones. Um, and there's a website where community organizations can see what our guidelines are and they can also fill out a form if they'd like to submit. On the consent agenda tonight, we have three grants that I wanted to highlight that sometimes when it's on a consent agenda, we don't always have time to really talk about them. The first one is the Connecticut Early Start Grant for a school readiness. The Edgewood PreK Academy received state funding through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Our program was initially awarded $759,000.

041As a result of an OEC increase award in December 2025, our program is receiving an 8% increase and the total award is the amount of $813,648. We also received a wheelsto active transportation grant and I want to thank Erica Triani um who applied for the grant and we were able to successfully receive it and we were awarded $70,000 for the active transportation micro grant awards by the department of transportation. Wheels to school will give $5,000 to all schools plus an additional 5,000 specifically for our McKini Ventos families and the goal really is focused on improving student attendance by addressing transportation barriers. The program will provide bikes, helmets, safety belts and locks to students who are chronically absent within walking distance and lack reliable transportation. And I know Erica's office is working with the schools to

042identify uh which students should be avoided. And finally, we want to once again thank the Barnes Foundation who have so generous to us over the years, particularly with the Connecticut Storytelling Center. Um we were awarded $20,000 for the Connecticut Center Connecticut storytelling center program. The grant will fund six to 10 professional storyteller visits for students in grades K through one during the school year. These literacy focused workshops build essential skills in listening, speaking, vocabulary, and visualization while also promoting teamwork, self-confidence, and social emotional development. The program reinforces and extends students early experiences with storytelling, supporting foundational literacy, and engagement through an interactive developmentally appropriate approach. And that Thank you. Next, we have the consent agenda. And I have a motion to approve the consent agenda, which will include items 8.1A to 8.1H. So move. Second.

043Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I I >> I motion pass opposed. Motion passes unanimously. The next item on the agenda is the grants. Now we have public comment. No public comment. Next item on the agenda. >> Sorry, through the chair. When you did the consent agenda, did you include 8.2 in the numbering for our vote so that it included the grants? Yes. It said 8.1a to 8.1H. So, no, it did not. So, can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda item 8.2 grants which will include items 8.2 to 8.2C. >> So, move. >> Thank you. Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? >> Good touch. >> Thank you, Kristen. We want to make sure we get them all. >> Yes, we do. >> All in

044favor? >> I motion passes unanimous. Next item on the agenda is deliberated items, district leadership team reports versus pupil personnel services with Jodie Bond. I'm reporting for Amy Martino who could not be Dr. Amy Martino who is unable to attend this evening and then I can field your questions but most likely have to just bring back your answers at a later time. >> Um so this is Amy's special services update. As of January 1st, 2026, 1,778 of the 7,874 enrolled Bristol students are identified as requiring special education programming. This enrollment reflects 22.59% of the Bristol total Bristol public schools population. As of January 1st, 122 students with disabilities required out ofdist placements at private private special education programs. There were 87 students requiring special education programming services at other public outofdist schools, including magnet schools.

045During the month of December 2025, 39% of the newly registered students were identified as students with special education programming needs at the time of registration with no student receiving their programming and services at an outofd district special education school program. During the month of December, there were 3211 calls and nine 911 calls. questions on this, please. Thank you, Jody. Great. I have one more report. Um, this next graph is Dr. Martino's new um the preliminary dashboard, which shows her budget appropriations versus expenditures. So, when you see my financial reports and you see that we're very overbudget, um, I'm reflecting all of the incumbrances. This report here, Amy likes to show um shows where she is with her actual expenditures as of um January 1st. So, as of January 1st, all represented budget lines are trending

046as expected when comparing appropriations to year-to-ate expenditures. Although the general budget overview that I do shows certain special education lines currently over budget due to the entry of all incumbrances. Um that's why you see a little disconnect here. This does not reflect the anticipated excess cost reimbursement Medicaid payments for tuition revenue that we expect to receive at this time. Um, even though we are trending as expected, we do anticipate being overbudget if all incumbrances remain through the end of the year. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> Did she give an approximate amount of overbudget? >> So, right now when I just ran the financials, we're about $3.7 million over budget, but remember that includes all of the incumbrances. So monies always do flow back in by the end of the year, but it's it's too

047early to tell because there's there's still um there's a lot of movement. >> Thank you, Jody. Next item on the agenda is curriculum revision and we will ask question for >> Good evening, commissioners. I'll be presenting two curriculum revisions for you this evening. The first of which is Latin 2. This was presented to the student achievement committee in January and it continues the revisions that we started last year with Latin one. Um so Katie Rick in particular has been working hard and revamping the entire Latin progression. She worked with Latin last year. She was working on Latin this year and has big plans for Latin three and four in the coming years. You see the course description up there but really the course continues. the story line the students start in Latin one can Latin

048course um students explore diverse locations in the world uh including one written in Alexandria um the units are listed there um and I'm really grateful to Katie for all her work in this course and continue so I'm h happy to answer any questions or else I'll ask for it >> how would you like that to be read you say that. Um, motion to approve. >> Motion to approve the curriculum revisions for Latin 2. >> The curriculum revisions for Latin one and two. >> No, just two. >> Oh, just two. Sorry. Oh, Latin two. It's up there. Sorry. >> Second. >> Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? I >> I motion passes unanimously. Next. World language one. Focus. >> I can. >> You want one of ours? We can swap

049out. >> Sure. It doesn't help that we're all staring over there. >> I'm also ahead. I can just start telling you about the revisions a little bit if you want to while we wait. >> Good to go. Sure. So this is actually one curriculum, but it represents revisions to three different courses. So the the world language curriculums were level one now encompasses uh Spanish, French, and the Italian. So they're all working from the same curriculum document, which is a really big shift that we're excited about in terms of making the courses across all three languages more inclusive department a little bit more. Um, the revisions also represent some long-standing efforts in the department to make cultural products and comparisons and practices really the forefront of the course. So, students explore cultural products and practices in

050every unit. They're really the focus of each of the units that you see there. Um, and then at the end of each unit, students are really tasked with communicating around that project practice and an authentic um communicative project in a performance task at the end of the unit. So this is really important and significant work for our department in terms of putting culture and communication together and really putting culture at the forefront of our unit planning. Also to continue our progress and progression getting as many students as possible sealed by literacy. We've had a lot of success over the last couple years. So we're really targeting proficiency levels for each course as we arise to make sure that students are on a pathway to proficiency by the time they graduate. So it's a big goal

051of ours and proud of the work that we've done. You can see that there was a lot of teachers involved because again we're talking about uh three different languages. We're also talking about middle school and high school coordinating ways to show children the curriculum works for for all levels involved. So we're proud of the work that we've done. I'm really grateful to all the teachers that I was there and we hope we don't miss anybody. Um but it was there was a lot of conversation, a lot of collaboration that was great for the department and happy answer questions if you have any or possible motion to read the revisions world language. >> I'll make a motion to approve world language level one curriculum. >> Second motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? >> I just

052wanted to say that I remember thinking that this seemed so engaging. all the new additions, the assessments were tied to real life and social institutions and history and geography. I just remember thinking, I want to take that and go back in time. Um, so I just appreciated that. >> Yeah. >> Any other discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. Next we have Laura Lanza, Yukon ECE individual and family development. Good evening. Um so this curriculum was presented also at the January student achievement committee meeting. Um Carly presented on behalf of myself so I could attend my fourth graders chorus concert. Um so it was moved to the full board for approval. You'll see the description and the units posted here. Um the work was really to

053formalize the curriculum in line with the Yukat expectations. Um it aligns to their HDFS1070 course. Um Ally Silva worked on this revision over the past year and a half. Um it was a lot of work for one person. Um and she really ensured that the full scope of the student experience was documented along with all of the um fieldwork experiences that are embedded and internship opportunities. Um so a big thank you to Ally for that. Um, so I'm happy to answer any questions or ask for a motion to approve this revision. >> We'll take a motion, folks. >> Motion to um approve the Yukon ECE individual and family development curriculum revision. >> Second. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? Is this the class with the baby doll that cries? >> This is not that

054>> cuz my daughter just took that and that baby did cry, right? So, but they're real care babies. >> Yeah, I've heard great things about all of these horses. So, really exciting that they're enhancing them. >> I did um take this class in Yukon a thousand years ago. So, the additions that they've made since it's just so much more engaging too and the additional resources that they add in like even inside out too, stuff like that I think really pulls people in. Um so, again, I definitely elevated from many years ago and it's awesome that high school kids get to take it. for college credit. >> Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes unanimously. >> Thank you. Next item on the agenda is policy revision. And we have three policies that

055will be revised and we have one policy um that we will be rescending if we adopt the three policies. Um I have Mary as the contact but I know Jill is also prepared. So can start with Jill. >> Sure. So, I thought it might be helpful to give a very brief overview of some of the steps through history taken in regards to these policies. Um, what those proposed changes are and the reasons for some of these proposed changes and I welcome anyone on the, you know, that was on in the meeting at the policy committee, please feel free to hop in if I forgot something or if you have something to add. Um so tonight's proposed policy revisions um they were developed in response to some of the feedback that we received uh through that

056cave audit and our consultation with our cave senior policy analyst Jordi Bolan. These items have been discussed so all of these four item well at different times these items have been discussed um at some of our past policy committee meetings. Uh for example, just focusing on the first one, 2151. That was on our November 24th special policy committee meeting agenda. Uh the committee at that point really decided we needed some additional time. We sought some input for considerate before we considered any revisions. Um we saw we felt that that guidance was going to be really important for future discussions. Um so we had sought um some feedback from Kade and then that pol and then policy committee we revisited the policy at our January 28th day. In addition, kind of in between all of this,

057um, and November 14th, I sent an email to the full board really outlining what those proposed policy revisions, suggestions were and inviting any questions and feedback um, in advance of our January 28th policy committee meeting so we can keep that into consideration during our discussions. Um, we didn't receive any at that time. We didn't receive questions or input so none were addressed and the committee moved the four policies. um the four policy changes before us tonight were we moved it to the board for further discussion. Um so the four proposed changes thought it might be helpful to kind of really outline what those are. They include first focusing on policy 2151 on hiring administrators along with the accompanying regulation. Uh so the proposal is uh essentially as a replacement for policy 21000. This policy formalizes

058our administrative hiring practices and ensures alignment with state law CSD guidance, board policy and affirmative action and equal employment opportunity requirements. It establishes consistent expectations for interview committees and selection processes and reinforces our commitment to fairness, transparency, equity, increasing educator diversity. So second, policy 21000, administrative staff organization. If we were to adopt policy 2151, it's recommended that we send policy 2100. Uh so there's no duplication. And policy 2151 is I would say more clear, concise, and specific. Third, policy 411.1 on affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. Um the terminology within this policy has been updated. Um it's been updated from quote unquote minority educators to diverse educators. Um and this aligns with current cave and state guidance. And in our in our committee meetings, our discussion committee agreed that that would be a really good

059change. Uh finally, policy 4111.33, enhancing educator diversity. Um this is a new policy that's recommended by Gabe and it will ensure that we are in compliance with public act 23167 and CS guidance. Um so together with these revisions um we're it's intended uh to really strengthen compliance with state law clarify procedures and reflect the district's values of equity transparency and consistency in our hiring practices. So kind of with that I would love to make a motion to approve these policies so we can discuss seems so moved or so. >> Yeah. uh one at a time. Okay. So, we'll start with we need a motion to approve policy division two company regulation hiring administrators. >> So, move second. Motion's been made and second. Any discussion? Um I do have some feedback for the committee um in

060regards to the regulation on the uh moving the the contents or how the hiring selection committee is. >> Are you speaking of the regulation or the policy? Well, the it the change in the policies to move it out of the policy and into the red because the prior policy had the hiring selection committee shall include etc etc etc intentionally was in the policy in 2100 and then in 2151 it's moved to the regulation. Um, and that's not really my discussion, but >> just want to make sure that we I want to make sure we know which one you're looking at. So, >> 2151 and were you focusing on the regulation or the policy piece of it? >> Okay. So, for simplification matters, I'm going to be talking about the committee membership for the hiring Okay.

061In in 2151 in the fourth paragraph, there is a description of the hiring. So there it's in two places. The regulation goes into more specificity, but it does list all of the participation. >> I see that. >> And representation. So it's in two places. It's in both. >> Right. So my point being is that I have addressed both the board and the committee no less than three times to consider um bipartisan representation on the hiring committee membership. >> Where do you see that it excludes that? Well, it says that the uh it says that the board of ed members are the chair, the vice chair or designate. So, there's no partisanship in that. It's just depending on where we are at at a at a point in time policy. So, this doesn't prohibit partis bipartisanship.

062>> Okay. So, the reason why I bring it up is because the last policy didn't either. However, what has been the practice this year is that those that have asked to be on the hiring committee have been denied attendance. And so if that's going to >> when was Can you give an example of when anyone has asked to be on a hiring committee and was denied attendance? >> I was by >> by my email being ignored. >> I'm sorry if you feel that that like I would have an offline conversation with you about that any time, but I I don't have a recollection of that. that's fine and we don't have to go into those details. But since that has taken place, I have approached the board in all of the ways at both the

063two board meetings and a policy committee meeting to consider that. So that that can't go on that behavior can't go on that. And here's the reason why. Um according to state statute that governs the what our board is tasked with doing, right? We're responsible for policy. We're responsible for approving budgets. We're responsible for hiring a superintendent who also has the vast majority of the ownership of the staff. Um, but we did intentionally put in this policy under a different um board chairmanship so that the board could be more involved in at least the cabinet level positions. And we intentionally put in the 092 093 the 092 the administrator level designations that was done under chair uh duty now. Um and that was meant to try to get more voices from the board in the process.

064What had happened prior to that under the chairmanship before that was that the board was never aware of the candidates really. One candidate was brought to the board. We didn't know who was being, you know, looked at or vetted or were part of the process. There were some concern that parents and the community members weren't involved. So when that initial 2100 policy was drafted in 22 with the changes, that's when we added the piece of the definition of the higher prior to the uh October 22nd uh change. It wasn't it wasn't codified in the policy but because it was on policy there it was on the board when that happened that was the initial motivation for putting it in there so that board could participate in that they don't they're not the final well the

065final vote is our decision but that's after one candidate. This allows for participation from the board to understand both what the superintendent's goals are with filling those positions. the deputy if she's there um what the community is feeling especially when it comes to the building administration and the cabinet office. Building administrators affect our communities, our parents, our families and the staff. And when we have elections to appoint commissioners on boards of ed, it is the families that put nine members here. And so I I strongly felt and that's why I kept coming to the board to say we really should have a voice of both parties so that the board feels a balanced participation in the process. And at this point I am not going to support this policy change because again I don't see

066it and the practice hasn't changed. And so if the practice isn't going to change that's why I'm adamant about seeing it in the policy. >> Thank you. Thank you. I yeah I I would just like to speak to that because I was not the chair of the board when policy two >> 2110 was um voted on. I was actually on policy committee and Commissioner G Antonio was the chair and we can go back to the minutes and I actually advocated for bipartisan support and voted against the policy because I was not recognized or did I feel that my desire for bipartisan support was recognized and I respectfully declined or or did not vote in support of it for that reason. Now, since then, I've been on the board for three or four years and have

067had this journey of becoming the chair and understand now and feel differently now. Not that there shouldn't be bipartisan support. think that the language should allow for there to be bipartisan representation, which this language does do, but I don't think that partisanship is necessarily the only variable when you're deciding who should be on an interview committee. And under my chair, Eric Carlson has served on multiple committees and he that's a bipartisan representation. Um, but there's other things that we need to take into consideration like confidentiality. That's really important when we're hiring. And you wouldn't want people to talk about things that happen in interviews before decisions are made or while decisions are being happen are happening. Um, there's many things that go into choosing who's on a committee, who has experience in that area of

068where who's being hired. I certainly don't think partisanship is mandatory or should be mandatory anymore. I think it should be based on who the best person is to serve on that specific committee based on the school the the the position what's what's you know if somebody has a relationship in that school that would make it a conflict of interest maybe they shouldn't serve on the committee. If you know they have a background that makes them stronger, they should. If they have demonstrated the ability to be confidential, that that's sort of that's something that we really look into, too. So, I believe that bipartisanship can absolutely happen on this board and I think that this policy would never prohibit that from happening. I will not be on this board forever and this policy may live a

069lot longer than I'm on this board and whoever is the chair or vice chair will be able to make those decisions. Will it make everyone happy every time? Probably not. But that's the way that things happen. So with that being said, is there any other discussion? >> Yes. To the chair. Um, with respect to everyone's opinions, including um, Commissioner Jantonio, I just, um, ask her to maybe think about um, the fact that in this policy, it states at least one board of ed member consistent with board policy. Obviously, we do have our chair that runs on the Democratic side. However, in all um in all references to boards of education, we are technically should not be politically affiliated. We should be making decisions based on the um based on what's good for students, families, the

070community. um in an ideal world and then in some towns and some places uh people run without a political affiliation. So I don't see here that it is saying we will exclude somebody from the minority party and I think it would be remiss to we don't have a crystal ball to say that's going to happen. Obviously, I understand um Commissioner Dantonio feels that she would not be picked, but what if you were or somebody else from your party? I think you're putting the cart before the horse. And this is an important um revision that's asking for clarity. And once again, I mean, I understand your point of being as a voted um voted in official being uh clear with the community relationships with them and families. But truthfully, when I or I would expect anybody

071else who is considering an administrator to take a role should not be interested in whether they are approved by Republicans or Democrats. This is how you will lead your school. We don't need more division. This is unifying. >> Well, what would be unifying for me is to see those that asked to participate in things be given consideration considering the committee makeup decisions that have taken place here as well. Um there's very few uh Republicans that have a presence on the committee. So, it does feel political to us even though it's, you know, not codified that way. Uh sadly uh whether you agree with it or not, we do have to run in an election and identify as a party. So there is you know some uh gray area here when it comes to politics. My

072reason for asking for this wasn't so that uh we can codify party until behavior and practice prevented people from participating. So maybe I will say things like it would be nice for the no less than fourth or fifth time if that full board membership be considered on these things because less you think that it's best that certain voices be silenced. And that's what I'm trying to stop from happening, especially when I don't even receive a reply for a request or any reasons. Had there been a reason specifically that related to me, and I'm sure you weren't making any accusations about privacy, because um that goes without saying, we are a board of lay people as well. We have opinions about who we like to see as administrators. We're elected by the public. Half of this

073board is elected by just as many families as the other half of this board. And it's important to have those voices. We also have all different kinds of jobs. Some of us are hiring managers. Some of us have experience with hiring people both union and non-union and executive level. It would be nice to encourage some of those lenses on the hiring. And I'll end my comments there. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Through the chair. I just have a quick question and I see both sides which I appreciate. Um I just have a question for Commissioner Jane Antonio. How like looking at this policy, how would you suggest that it would be revised or honestly my my appreciation would have been if practice would have changed the other three times I came we wouldn't even

074be having this discussion about having to change language and applause. But when that doesn't continue to happen after repeated efforts of addressing the board, what other direction do I have but to request that it belong in the policy now? I mean, what other avenue would I have? That's why that's why it's being requested. I would rather if not I'd rather there be some um some inclusion from, you know, uh board members that have some experience in this area or don't and want to participate for whatever reason. And if there's good cause that they can't, then that's fine. Let there be an explanation. But to, you know, just be uh not even addressed is is a problem. I'm >> Yeah, I'd like to I'd like to respond to that. So, if you had one time requested

075and I did not respond, I can say that I did not receive it. And that had I received it, I would have responded. I think I respond to every email that I get from every commissioner. And if I didn't, you do have my phone number and so you could have called me at any time to have that conversation and I would have been happy to have the conversation. I also would say I wasn't insinuating that there have been breaches of confidentiality. I was actually saying that there have been breaches of confidentiality. It wasn't an insinuation. It was actually a reference to things that have actually happened on this board. And so with that being said, consideration has been given and is always given whenever I am tasked with putting someone on a committee to determine

076something as important as who will be the next administrator of a building running one of the schools in our community. We have made every effort to include families and community members um more so than I think I have ever seen on this board and we will continue to do that and we will continue to make considerations to have bipartisan representation whenever possible. But there are things that are more important than someone's political affiliation and those considerations have to be taken into into account as well. And so, while I apologize that I missed an email for me, Kristen, I welcome you to call me anytime that happens and I'd be happy to have the conversation, I did not not respond to you purposefully and had you reached out or if I had known you did, I

077would have been happy to have a conversation. Um, is there any I'm going to move to commissioners who have not participated in the discussion yet and ask if anyone has any comments. >> I do have a comment to the chair. Um, so I appreciate the discussion and this policy will out survive your term on the board, her term, my term. And so I think considering um membership will change and there's so many policies you can't revisit them all that I think um just to set a good precedence that we should include a bipartisan um language in the committee membership and um and I and I know you had addressed it before where um previously when you were on policy and in the minority you had voted against it because you had wanted bipartisan membership included.

078And so I think you know things have changed. You may have changed your mind but the it this will outlast all of us. So I think in good faith and for good policy we should include a bipartisan chip committee member language and I don't think I can support it without for the same reasons that you cited back in 2022. >> I understand. Thank you. Anyone else? >> I did have one other question separate from that though. Um, in the policy it does state that we are to receive a organizational chart annually. >> Yes. >> That delineates everything. >> It happens um I believe in the October September or October report from human resources from the director of human resources. >> Okay. So we got it. I don't >> I'm not sure. Did we get it

079this year or is that moving forward? >> Moving forward. We just added that language. >> Oh, >> because it's part of uh state statute that or the CA >> 2100. The original 2100. >> No, it's in it was it is recommended by CA was part of the motto policy. >> Uh for the record correction, it is in 2100. It says the superintendent will on an annual basis provide the board with an organizational chart delineating staff positions the direction of authority and staff responsibility based on job descriptions and required credentials and certifications and that language was added in. >> Yeah. So we were not receiving it with the previous administration and so the new administration agreed that it should stay in policy. K recommended it should stay in policy and the director of human resources has

080said that this will be reported out moving forward. >> Can we get that sooner than later then? >> Sure, I'll ask that. Yes, >> chair. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I just wanted to share a couple more comments. uh you know I had given a very brief overview but now that we're in discussion I just wanted to highlight something that was really standing out to me and thank you for all the perspectives and feedback that was received. And what really has stood out to me through this discussion is that some of the proposed or revisions or suggestions are coming from a very good place. Um but they seem very relationship focused and relationship needs and to me that's not a reason to always change policy. We have to change our methods. Um, you know, I

081support these recommendations and the best practice language that has been uh provided to us and recommended that we adopt uh and I think we need to focus on relationships and then the bipartisan piece wouldn't be as challenging. So that was something that really stood out to discussion. Thank you. Any other discussion? >> I just wanted to add that I think with the new regulations list of committee membership um that it doesn't prevent the um bipartisanship and it's has a variety of people with the superintendent, HR, building admins, certified staff, parent, community members, BOE member and additional members as needed to ensure diversity of perspective. So I just trust that with policy um they would select the best candidates. Any further comments? Okay. With no further comments, all in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes.

082Next item is policy 21000 administrative staff organization and I have a motion to resend policy 21000 administrative staff organization due to the approval of policy 2151. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I opposed one or two one. Okay, thank you. Policy 411.1 and I have a motion to approve affirmative action equal employment opportunity. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> So the 411.1 in favor? >> I I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Can I have a motion to approve policy 411.3 increasing educator diversity? >> So move. >> Second. Motion's been moved and seconded. All in favor? >> I opposed. Oh, I'm sorry. Was there discussion? >> Just just for clarity, this is um required. >> Recommended. >>

083It's recommended. Um it ensures compliance with public act 231067 and CSP. >> So, it's recommended that. Okay. I >> All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. >> Motion passes. >> Uh, next item on the agenda, old business. We have Deputy Superintendent Hunk. Thank you so much. One of the core goals shared by Superintendent White and me is simple but essential. It's to listen truly listen to the feedback from our unions and to act on their behalf to address concerns in a meaningful and thoughtful way. Our unions represent the voices of the people doing the work every day. And when they raise questions or concerns, it's our responsibility to engage, reflect, and respond. Today, I'm here to share with you two topics that were brought forward by the unions. The first topic was the discussion

084of when parent teacher conference day should be. We asked uh for the teachers and the administrators and you can see um the top chart the teachers are in blue, administrators are in red. Not because the administrators didn't participate but there just are fewer of them. And then the bottom um chart, the uh idea of having a Wednesday night, a Thursday night, and a Friday day conference is in the blue. And the idea of having a Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday day, and a um no conferences on Friday is in the red. After receiving this um survey, we uh decided to for the spring put up forward a motion to have the conferences go back to the Wednesday, Thursday, uh night and day, Friday. And I have a motion to approve the parent teacher conference schedule

085for March 2026. I'd like to make a motion to approve the parent teacher conference calendar update. >> Look at Barbara so much. >> That's what I would have voted. Second if I was a teacher still teacher staff >> motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion? >> If I may. Um I wanted to share that there was also some additional data and I appreciate Mrs. important for um diving a little bit deeper to to to look at um conference participation, which is really important as we talk about family engagement and ensuring that we support um schedules and opportunities that allow as many parents as possible to participate in conferences. Um so I I wanted to give a little shout out to Mrs. for in for doing some digging and finding some additional data. And I just

086thought I would report out on that data um as we make informed decisions about whether or not to approve this. Um the data went back three years, so spring 2023, spring 2024, spring 2025, and it breaks it down to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday participation. um Wednesday and spring 2023 24 25 um it went from 35% 33% 38% on that Wednesday and um for Thursday participation spring 23 24 25 31% 30 excuse me 34% 33% 33% and then Friday um which appears to be a little bit of that differential um spring 23 24 25 31% 34% and 29%. So just to give a little bit of context um in comparison those three sequential years the lowest participation was Friday spring 2025 was 29%. Um and actually the highest Friday participation was spring 2024 which was 34%. And

087um when compared to Thursday and Wednesday in that same year it was actually the highest participation interestingly 34% on Friday 33% on Thursday 33% on Wednesday and um when looking at spring 2023 the highest percent of participation was on Wednesday. hard to, you know, there wasn't an actual we don't know the variables. Um there's still a lot of questions that could come from this data, but I thought it would only be fair to share the data um and to allow commissioners to then draw their own conclusions. I did just recently receive this, so I'm so sorry that I I'm happy to share this information with commissioners, and I'm sorry that I wasn't able to share it in advance of the meeting, which is why I wanted to um share verbally. Um but sort of in

088conclusion there's this one day the Wednesday spring 2025 was 38% um that was the highest participation of all three years. So I just wanted to share that if any anyone has questions about this data I'm happy to give um and this was I'm sorry I should specify this was for elementary schools um the high school the data just looked a little a little bit different. I have um is that true Mrs. for in and >> okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. And through the chair, I just wanted to um give a little feedback too. I think some of that data may be necessarily skewed, but I think one variable will be there were a lot of us I know when I was teaching that would frontload our conferences. We wanted to get as many over

089with as possible and would have a full Wednesday of conferences. So that might mean eight or nine conferences and we would prefer to have them in the evening and then that third day that we get out at 3:30 after conferences was kind of uh limited. Not true for every teacher, but I think it really depends on what sometimes what their preferences were on what was available. And Friday, Friday did have evening opportunity. It was um daytime and Wednesday and Thursday had evening opportunities. Um and and there are also to the credit of our educators in the district, there are multiple opportunities for parents to participate. There's phone calls, there's in-person, there are alternate dates if these don't work. I know how flexible educators have been with um allowing additional opportunities to participate. So, this was

090just like a a little snapshot of the data that was available to us >> and pretty consistent within like 5%. >> Right. >> Really consistent. >> So, those percentages included the inerson phone call and virtual options. They're not >> This is just like on the actual dates the data was. So she's saying for people who couldn't come there's options. Okay. So oh hey question. So is there like for individual teachers is there um flexibility like if I know sometimes coming in maybe a little different. I'm a K8 so my kids see multiple teachers at once or I see multiple teachers at once. Um sometimes the teacher's not there on Friday, right? And so they do all of their um conferences on Monday, whatever the other two days, and they're not there. Um is there flexibility

091allowed for when someone can't be available? meaning like can you call the teach can you >> no like if a teacher can't make that conference time work um do they have flexibility to frontload into their other days and not >> I think what you're referring to um for example we share an art teacher this art teacher goes between two schools so when parent teacher conferences come we put a note on the door with usually her email address just saying you know I'm sorry. I'm at, you know, Ivy Drive this evening. If you would like uh for me to reach out to you, here's my email address. Please just get in touch with me. Um and that way parents feel as though that they can, you know, talk to anybody. Um and they're also times when

092we're sick and we also put that note on the door and then we can reschedu it. But a lot of people do um like to do back-toback conferences. So, when you think about it, there's 120 minutes each night. So, if a teacher uses those 10-minute conferences, then they've gone through 24 families. Um, and our case loads for K through two are capped at 22 and our case loads for 3 through 5 is 27. So the beautiful thing about the daytime conference is we do have a good amount of parents who work at night and you know to take off to drive back to Bristol wherever they work, go to a 10-minute conference and then drive all the way back to their work um can can be really challenging for um some people. So that's why

093they like the day conference. Um, that answer. >> Sure. Um, can I add to that? I don't wonder if >> if we can just get a motion and then we can go into discussion because we skipped the motion. I just want to get back into that. So, if I can just have a motion to appro approve the calendar updates to the parent teacher conference schedule in March of 2026. >> So, move. >> I thought Barbara made the motion. She was smiling ear to ear. >> You're right. I thought you did. Yes. >> Again, I was wrong. I'm exhausted. Sorry. >> Okay. I thought we did it wrong. All right. We're good. So, we're in discussion. And one more comment. >> Yeah. I was just >> Yes. >> Sorry. Not to hijack the meeting, but we

094need a motion for the calendar for next year as well. The board passed two years worth of calendars at a time. So, we're going to make a revision now. Sorry, my voice. The advice would be to revise next year's calendar as well because that would impact the fall and spring dates. >> On this agenda that was posted, it says March 2026. So, if we want to add 2027, we have to put it in new business, which is fine, but we just would have to have a motion to add it to the agenda on the next agenda item and then we'd vote for that one as well. >> Perfect. And then just one last thing I want to remind uh when we met last month, the recommendation was to also vote on the bell schedule time

095this month as well. So just wanted to make sure that was included in the package as well. >> I thought we were going to do them separately. So I do have the bell schedule up so I can explain it. >> Right. >> So that is not that would have to be added in in new business too if we wanted to vote tonight. Otherwise, we'd have to do it next month. So we can see how the board feels about the bell schedule. Well, the bell schedule is for parent teacher conference days. >> Oh, okay. I started explain it last time, but there wasn't a visual and I felt like we needed a visual for it. >> Okay. So, do you want me to lump them together? >> Well, if it's if it impacts if the bell

096impacts parent teacher conference calendar, then I think it could be considered the same vote, but we can talk about that. For the record, the agenda just says parent teacher conference calendar update. Doesn't say just say. So if you need to No, it says it. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. You're right. It's my sheet that has different things than yours for when I call the motion. And it says 2026 on mine. >> So I will make an amended motion to pass the parent teacher conference calendar update for both the 26th and 2017. that motion. Okay. >> Can I finish my follow through before Miss Hawk goes? Just cuz >> one one just one clarification. >> Would we need to also include any language about the bell schedule or does that just go along with it? >>

097We can do it either way. It goes along with it. It was the same union conversation that we had. We discussed days and times of dismissal. >> Just for clarity, we've never voted on a bill schedule before that's operational in my eyes. So, if it goes with what you have to do on >> We wouldn't have to vote on it. >> I don't think so. >> I don't either. >> Okay. >> All right. Separate motion's been made and seconded to the amended calendar update for 2026 2027 school year. And we are now in discussion. And Barbara wanted to say something >> just briefly. I wanted to say that when um Commissioner Van Gorder was speaking kind of reminded me I was wondering if her question had more to do with teachers tailoring their schedule for

098conferences because I know that um just in past practice there have been times when teachers would prefer to do 26 copes on one day. But we had the issue where I had to bring up to the union that becomes kind of an unfair practice for other teachers. We'd all love to have one day and then just go home. So it became where we we were told to adhere to conference times. Whether you had conferences or not at those times, you still had to be there. If a parent asked for a conference in the morning and you wanted to accommodate that by. The issue would be that uh I would never tell a parent that they couldn't have a Friday afternoon conference because I mean unless something happened that I was not having conferences on that

099day. So I can I can see there some parents who have been frustrated with teachers that made that decision. So I think in in all fairness with parent communication and all that that hopefully would not be a continued practice. Totally agree. One additional item please. If the uh data is not available book, it could be added to tonight's workbook so that people can reference back to it. Any other discussion? Oh, I guess if are we talking bel time too just on if that's >> okay that's going to fix the bus is >> okay hearing none. All in favor >> I >> opposed. Motion passes unanimously. Any new business? It looks like >> Do you want me to talk about the bell schedule? >> If you want Does anybody want to learn about the bell schedule?

100No. No. Okay. They're all tagged. All right. We all had questions last month. >> I I guess I guess the only thing would be if it if there's a different dismissal time. >> Okay. >> So then in new business we have Joe Kavowski January 1 enrollment count for the 2025 26 school year. >> And chair we need a motion to add new business. >> It's on the agenda. >> Oh you Oh it was published. It was on the agenda. >> Good evening, commissioners. Uh today's um enrollment report that you'll see is our January 1st snapshot uh which is meant to show the progression of our student enrollment from our October 1st um enrollment report that you received to um right now. And the goal is for you all to be able to see just the

101general fluctuation that's occurring throughout the school district. So what I will do is just go through and just briefly summarize some trends amongst our schools and where we are as a district. What you will notice is that our enrollment is pretty steady from October to uh January 1st. So Edin PreK is up five students um from 263 students to 268. Hubble Elementary School is down six students um from 361 to 355. Green Hills, the K through5 component is up four students from 622 to 623. Ivy Drive is down 11 students to 504. Mountain View is down one student to 347. Southside is down one student to 484. Stafford is down two students to 386. West Bristol, the K through five component is up 16 students to 604. So overall, there are 12 students uh let's

102say increase in enrollment since October 1st. One thing I want to note is you'll see in your blue heading where it says total K through 5, there was a formula typo um in that spreadsheet which has been updated but was already posted to you all. um that number should read 3,191 in your copy. It's written as 2570. So that's a good jump right there. Just want to make sure that that was clear um for you all. For our middle school enrollment, Bames is down one student for a total enrollment of 260 students. Chippens Hill is down five students to 619. Green Hills, the 6 through8 component is up three students to 290. Northeast is up one student to 341. West Bristol 6 through8 is up one uh to 259. So overall between our middle schools,

103um we are down one student since October. Looking at high school enrollment, uh Bristol Central High School is down five students for a total enrollment of 1,153 students. Bristol Eastern High School is down three students to 1,045. BPA enrollment is up two students to a total of 44. So overall, the high school enrollment is down six students. Once you factor in our special programs in some, the district is up about 18 students from where we were October 1st. Any questions? I just want to add, can you put the updated spreadsheet in board book for this meeting date because we do refer back when people ask us enrollment questions and we want to give them the right information. So if this one isn't the accurate one, we put the accurate of course. Thank you so much.

104>> Thank you. games me to ask has leazison on report >> just a three-page narrative summary of No, I don't tonight. Thank you. >> Does anyone else have leaison reports? with the new board and a new commissioner uh to be appointed shortly. Um next month, I will send out an email asking for commissioners to give their preferred schools for liaison. We're going to reassign uh based on the turnover and make sure that um all schools have representation. Also, we may ask Barbara to take on a different venue for reporting out in school family community partnership on liaison reports because seems like it might fit well there. So, okay. Uh, with no other agenda items, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you. No, we didn't.