NOVEMBER 17, 2021
Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives) Absent: David Peling
Election of Officers
Sarah Thrall was unanimously voted to continue as Board Chair. Donna Nolan was nominated and unanimously approved as Board Secretary. All new board members were officially sworn in.
Board Chair Subcommittee Assignments
Rosemarie Weber will chair the Finance Subcommittee with Donna Nolan and Monica Logan will serve as members. David Peling will chair the Curriculum Subcommittee with Whitney Sanzo and Kristina Gilton as members.
Superintendent’s Announcements
The Board received the CABE Level Two Leadership Award and the Bonnie Carney Communications Award for its Stronger Together Plan.
Middle school principal Taylor Wrye was invited to participate in a series of focus groups for the design of Virtual Learning Standards for Connecticut Public Schools.
The high school will participate in “Voice4Change”, a state-wide civic initiative. GMHS is the only Farmington Valley high school participating in this program.
Still in need of bus drivers and substitute teachers. Please contact our business office.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons announced the Screen and Stay program instituted by the Governor, which allows students to remain in school while parents monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. A signoff form needs to be completed and the nurse checks the form as well as the student. Parsons said this does not apply to out-of-school exposures and areas where mask compliance may not be strong (i.e., lunch, chorus, band, PE). She added that communications will shift to the building level and principals will communicate with families going forward. The dashboard will continue to be updated on the website. An average of 6-7 cases per week are being reported, and a vaccination clinic was held at the high school for 350 5- to 11-year-olds. Families are reminded to send their vaccination cards to the school nurse.
She said that there is continued discussion around the math program Grades K-10 as well as Readers and Writers Workshop up to Grade 6. She saw the Illustrative Math consultant at the middle school this week who is working on how to implement lessons. She has wrapped up goal setting and observation meetings and submitted the Perkins Grant that supports college and career programs. Granby has partnered with Canton on this grant.
Business Manager’s Report
Business Manager Anna Robbins presented the October statement of accounts and there is a positive forecast of $161K, better by $43K over last month. Special education expenditures are projected to be unfavorable ($20K) and regular education is projected to be favorable ($181K). The positive forecast is driven by continuing turnover in personnel. The Q and D Fund is projected to be favorable at $106K due to lower magnet school enrollment but also reflects a lower than budgeted enrollment in Open Choice students as well as not running summer school programs. Revenue to the town is better than projected by $21K. Excess cost funding from the state is projected to be lower than budgeted. Projections for rental and pay-for-participation fees are uncertain currently.
Schools in the Spotlight
Jessica Foskitt, Strings Teacher, and some of her 5th Grade students showcased the Strings Program at Wells Road Intermediate School. Katie Allshouse, Andrew Harvey, Britton Mahoney, Alana Maher, and Megan Rice informed the Board of various techniques when playing the violin. The group performed a few songs for the board. Ms. Foskit said that next year the viola and cello will be added to Wells Road and the Middle School with hopes for an orchestra being assembled by the time these students get to high school.
Pupil Services Department Continuous Improvement Plan
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Angela Ehrenwerth presented her Continuous Improvement Plan for the Pupil Services Department and stated she is excited to share the work done so far this year. There are many parallels to the school buildings across the district and presented her goals as follows: Student Learning and Achievement, Community Engagement, Safety and Social Emotional Well-Being, Budget Development and Fiscal Management, Embracing Diversity, and Professional Learning.
Draft 2022-2023 School Calendar
The draft 2022-2023 school calendar was presented to the Board. Dr. Grossman highlighted changes to the calendar as follows: school will start a few days later than last year on Aug. 30.
First Reading of Revised Policy 1110.1 – Communications with the Public
The major change is incorporating a virtual component for parent conferences. This policy will go to the board for a second reading and approval at the next meeting.
Board Standing Committee Reports
A new Board member will be assigned to the CREC Council. Rosemarie Weber and Jenny Emery were honored for 10 years of service to the Board of Education at the CABE/CAPSS Convention this past Friday.
Granby Education Foundation
Whitney Sanzo noted that the GEF is working with the high school on the broadcast studio, the GranBee will be held on April 22, and GEF will be a judge for the high school poetry jam in January. Sarah Thrall stated a new Board member will be appointed to the GEF.
December 1, 2021
Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives).
Chairman’s Corner
Sarah Thrall, thanked board members for volunteering to attend the following meetings: Monica Logan, Granby Equity Team; Whitney Sanzo, Granby Education Foundation; and, Donna Nolan, BOE Representative on the Building Committee.
Superintendent’s Announcements
The high school roof project is slated to begin summer 2023. Awaiting state funding for the high school choral and band rooms, technology areas, commons, and kitchen.
The district still needs bus drivers and substitute teachers. Will bring an idea to the Finance Subcommittee Meeting on Dec. 15 regarding substitutes. Bus driver certification takes time; the district is waiting for State approvals.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons updated the TV Production Studio as well as an equity update. The TV Production Studio sponsored by the GEF will support other classes, clubs, and students as well as the community at large. In 2022-23, a news production will be integrated into an Advanced Communication Technology and Broadcasting course at the high school and continue the Broadcasting Club as a production studio. In 2023-24, the Audio Visual Communications course at the high school will be revised and the Broadcasting Club continued as a production studio. Parsons stated a $100,000 check was received by the GEF in August 2021. Since then, internal planning meetings were conducted, and current space was reviewed. Local architects were selected to support the project and meetings were held to finalize the design and craft a budget proposal. In January, all plans will be finalized, a desk will be built by high school students, and internal demolition will take place to remodel the new studio space. The grant will not cover the cost of the teacher and any professional development needed. About 30 hours of curriculum writing for a new course will also be in the budget.
Parsons also provided an equity update and shared the Equity Statement and Mission for the Granby Equity Team (GET). GET monitors, implements, and suggests revisions to the Anti-Bias Anti-Racism Plan and works with the Partners for Educational Leadership (formerly the Center for School Change) who attend 3 GET meetings to help develop an equity lens and tools for leading equity-focused discussions. Parsons reviewed some highlights for the year including bringing back and expanding Bridges and Any Town student trainings, recruitment and retention efforts for the Open Choice Program, integration with the Vision of a Graduate, and connecting equity work with the work on Learning Environments.
Superintendent’s 2021-2022 Annual Goals
Dr. Jordan Grossman presented his goals for the 2021-2022 school year. He presented a high-level view of the goals as follows:
Student Learning and Achievement: implement new data-driven decision-making processes across the district; continue to assess current and future practices in special education services; continue to focus on learning recovery and learning acceleration for all students; and implement the new Vision of a Graduate.
Community Engagement: Implement the new Granby Public Schools’ Strategic Plan and Vision of a Graduate as well as work with the new Town Manager for continued collaboration with the town.
Safety and Social Emotional Well-Being: Implement Stronger Together: A Working Plan for the Granby Public Schools and implement a new Emergency Operations Plan for the Granby Public Schools.
Budget Development and Fiscal Management: Create an alternative school within the Granby Public Schools; continue to obtain all state and federal grants for which Granby Public Schools qualifies; and, develop a budget that supports the Board’s Strategic Plan.
Embracing Diversity: Continue to implement the Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Plan for the Granby Public Schools and continue to support minority recruitment on the CREC Teacher In-Service Program.
Professional Learning: Mentor and model professional leadership for new administrative team members; Chair the Early Childhood State Committee, and participate in the CAPSS Early Career Advanced Leadership Program.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons presented the monthly report including strings programming, FVHD meetings, and budget for curriculum. Three policies will be brought to the full board at the next meeting. Also reviewed the Graduation Requirements Policy, which will stay in subcommittee. Discussed two of four possible new courses. Advanced Communication Technology and Broadcasting and Black and Latino Studies were approved. Student Representative Jacob Scotto inquired if there will be a course on gender studies and Parsons stated she has not received any; however, if there is potential interest by a student, this could possibly come through the Bridges Program.
Executive Session/Non-Meeting
A motion was made by Rosemarie Weber and seconded by David Peling to enter into Executive Session to discuss a school safety issue. Jennifer Parsons was invited to attend the Executive Session.
December 15, 2021
Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Student Representatives Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto
Superintendent’s Announcements
Granby is still experiencing a shortage of bus drivers and substitute teachers. Some changes were made to recruiting substitute teachers. The district is also recruiting college students home on break.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Parsons provided an update on core academic areas and current work. At the mid-point of the year progress is being monitored. A winter benchmark test is given in ELA and Math, and she is curious how this data will compare to the fall data.
There are positive trends in ELA and math across the grade levels and a renewed commitment with Teachers College with a Staff Developer working with the elementary schools five days per year. Parsons said planning the transition of Grade 6 resources to align with the reading/writing model is ongoing. All K-8 classes are testing a unit in Illustrative Math and Parsons has received positive feedback. Grades 6-8 are in the full implementation of Illustrative Math and students are quickly mastering it. Parsons is working with the Elements of Effective Instruction Framework, which is tied to equity and social/emotional learning and its fit into the learning environment. It creates positive, interactive opportunities where student voices are valued. Working on shared outcomes will be brought forward into the new year.
Schools in the Spotlight
Elisabeth Diemer, Grade 2 Teacher, and Courtney Piotrowski, K-5 Literacy Coach, provided an overview of the new Phonics Units of Study from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Curriculum that have been implemented in Grades K-2 at Kelly Lane, and aligns with the current reading and writing program. Piotrowski reviewed the six foundational principles of the Phonics Units and Diemer reviewed the K-2 Scope and Sequence of the program including concepts about print, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, word knowledge/word solving, phonics, and high-frequency words.
Business Manager’s Report
Anna Robbins presented the November statement of accounts and stated there is a positive forecast of $145K which is $16K lower than last month. Overall, special education expenditures are projected to be in the black this month. The forecast is the best information currently through the end of the year. Out-of-district tuition is over-budget, but there are savings in out-of-district transportation and special education salaries. Regular education is projected to be favorable at $145K and because of personnel turnover. The Q and D Fund is projected to be favorable at $130K due to lower magnet school enrollment and reflects a lower-than-budgeted enrollment of Open Choice students. Revenues to the town are projected to be better than budgeted by $232K. Excess cost funding from the state is projected to be slightly higher than budgeted due to a shift in out-of-district tuition projections. Rental fees reflect no income for the foreseeable future and pay-for-participation fees are on target.
FY23 Budget Timeline
Grossman presented the FY23 Budget Timeline to the board and stated things start rolling with the budget beginning Sept. 30. He stated the timeline presented sets forth steps on creating the budget. On Jan. 5, Grossman will present the Plus One Budget. This is not the final budget; however, it is where the budget lies on Jan. 5 based upon administrative and teacher proposals. The Plus One Budget shows only those items moving forward. The number could be higher than the 2.25 percent BOF guideline. The Plus One Budget is presented in memo form. At the board meeting on Jan. 19 the board will decide if the Plus One Budget is accepted as-is or if changes need to be made. Thereafter, the Plus One Budget is forwarded to the BOF.
The FY23 Administrative Budget is presented to the board on March 2. Grossman said he will not know at that time if the budget percentage will be higher or lower than the Plus One Budget. After a Budget Workshop on March 9, the board will decide whether to accept the budget at its next regular meeting on March 16. If accepted, it becomes the FY23 BOE Budget and is forwarded to the Board of Finance.
First Reading of Revised Policy 3542.43 – Food Service
The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 3542.43, Food Service, to the board for a first reading. This policy reflects changes in suggested state legislation language to allow a student who does not have paperwork on file to qualify for free and reduced lunch. The student will be given the same meal as all students even if there is an outstanding balance.
First Reading of Revised Policy 4118.11/4218.11 – Personnel Nondiscrimination
The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 4118.11/4218.11, Personnel Nondiscrimination, to the board for a first reading. The policy includes a statement of nondiscrimination practices and specifically calls inclusivity of ethnic traits historically associated with race such as, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.
First Reading of Revised Policy 4212.42 – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers
The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 4212.42, Drug and Alcohol Testing for Bus Drivers, to the board for first reading. The policy has been updated to reflect a required legal change to confirm that bus drivers clear all drug and alcohol screenings in addition to emergency training.
Finance/Personnel/Facilities
This subcommittee met this evening and Rosemarie Weber thanked Anna Robbins for educating new board members on reading and understanding the statement of accounts. Substitute teacher incentivization plan as well as fee structures in the district to include pre-k tuition, pay-for-participation, and rental and custodial event fees, were also discussed. The subcommittee decided that all fees remain status quo based on the district’s finances as well as family’s current circumstances. The bus contract is coming up and the administration is considering the best course of action for getting an extension on the upcoming bus contract. A Family Engagement Specialist for community outreach was discussed, which would benefit Open Choice families and the entire community.
Calendar of Events
The Three-Board Meeting is Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center and board members are encouraged to attend.
Executive Session/Non-Meeting
The board entered into Executive Session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Nolan Board Secretary