February 2, 2022
Present Board Members: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Reps).
Sarah Thrall called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and thanked the administrative team for attending this evening for a review of the testing data.
Superintendent’s Announcements
A question was raised at the last Board Meeting regarding Open Choice student participation in winter athletics and the answer is 14 of 27 students are participating in winter athletics.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons updated on mid-year assessments and as a reminder said when principals created School Improvement Plans in the fall, under the first goal they were designed to get back to pre-pandemic levels. Most of the data presented will be in percentages of reaching the proficiency levels or higher. All tests are universal screeners and progress monitors as we work toward summative assessments this year.
The district is assessing if students are reaching the 50th percentile and making sure these results align as students transition between test assessments. Parsons said quarantines continue to be a factor as well as a disruption. Principal Colleen Bava presented Kelly Lane Primary School data, stating students have grown across the board from 9 up to 20 percentage points and she is seeing consistent growth across grade levels and hoping to hit 100 percent at the end of the year. Kelly Lane is working with TAs to target skills students need to progress throughout the year. Bava reviewed areas for additional growth in 1st and 2nd grade math as well as individualized goal setting and next steps with students. Rosemarie Weber inquired if the STAR test is much different than DIBELS and why there is greater growth in STAR. Bava said student growth is similar and the tests are aligning. Whitney Sanzo inquired what indicates the predictor. Parsons stated that STAR is a universal screening tool, and it correlates students’ scores to national percentiles. STAR is also used as a predictor for how students will do on SBAC.
Parsons presented student achievement data for Wells Road Intermediate School stating 3rd graders do not have a previous spring SBAC score as they did not take it the prior year. However, 3rd grade grew from 57 percent to 63 percent proficiency and are on track for spring. In 4th and 5th grades, literacy proficiency was maintained over the summer to where they ended in the spring and continued to grow. Principal Pauline Greer stated 3rd grade has come in very strong and are excited to learn. In 5th grade, to help improve literacy proficiency, longer, stronger books being offered are more complex for readers and the level of comprehension is a challenge. The good news is that students are reaching these levels. Greer reviewed areas for growth such as working with math coaches and the new Illustrative Math Program. It is hoped by the end of the year growth will be seen. Thrall inquired about teacher feedback on Illustrative Math. Greer said teachers are very excited about it and conversations about math are very strong. Parsons added that teachers were meant to pilot for the first half of the year and asked if they can continue to use the resource.
Peling inquired if scores are broken out by subgroups. Parsons replied that scores are broken down to individual students, not necessarily by subgroup. Monica Logan inquired if scores are communicated to parents. This is done during conferences for parents but shared with students as quickly as possible. Sarah Thrall inquired what is being done about the slip in numeracy scores over the summer and Donna Nolan echoed that perhaps an enrichment packet can be given over the summer so as not to see a slide in the fall.
Addressing middle school student achievement, Parsons said that although there are achievement gaps from previous years, students are grasping what is currently being taught. Eigth grade scored 71 percent proficiency for the winter; 6th grade literacy has a minor decline; 7th/8th grades maintained in spring and fall and will see continued growth in the winter; and 6th grade exhibits trends seen in 4th and 5th graders. Principal Taylor Wrye shared students are doing a great job transitioning with the new schedule. Overall 7th and 8th grades have improved, and teachers are working collaboratively on subjects to ensure consistency across all grade levels. He reviewed areas for growth including the 6th grade was hit hard by COVID as there were students out 10+ days for quarantines in addition to the transition from one school to another. He also informed the board the middle school is shifting to Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop this year for 6th grade, which hopefully will make students more active in reading. Even though there is an improvement in math, there is a long way to go. Gilton inquiring about math, asked if there is a more realistic goal the middle school is hoping to reach. Parsons stated the middle school is moving in the right direction and will keep striving for 80-90 percent proficiency. Weber inquired if there is any vertical alignment in 9th grade to identify 8th grade learning gaps. Parsons said there will be on-the-spot remediation. Thrall inquired if there is a math learning center at the middle school as in the high school and Parsons stated there is a math tutor at the middle school to assist students, plus 25 minutes per day where students can see their teachers for support.
Parsons pointed out that the high school chart looks a little different for student achievement due to the transition into the PSAT/SAT assessments. There is a good alignment with 9th graders comparing previous years’ SBAC scores, in that students maintained and grew on the fall PSAT. Tenth grade scores are not quite maintaining, and the district is diving into the reasons why. The data can be questioned due to shifts from the remote environment. Success in 11th grade grew 7 percent in literacy and 13 percent in numeracy. Principal Mike Dunn stated PSAT testing is taken seriously and there is an alignment with 8th and 9th grades for an opportunity to look at PSAT scores. He stated he’s pleased with the growth from SBAC into PSAT. This year there is a lot more work with students, as well as individualized students linking to college resources. Dunn stated each department has set a goal for working with students. There are still areas of growth. Several students in 10th grade made significant growth but still did not reach the benchmark. David Peling inquired if there is anything the board can do to achieve these goals. Dunn said the board’s attention to student achievement is important. There are many challenges being faced, so keeping the goal in mind that all students should succeed as well as be active, supports such items as technology and coaches.
Jacob Scotto said the College Board has released a statement that in 2024 the SAT will have a different format and shorter sections. He inquired how this will change the scores for current 9th and 10th graders and are there any curriculum changes to allow for this adjustment. Dr. Jordan Grossman said this just came out a few weeks ago regarding preparing for online testing this spring and the district will adjust. Concepts and skills will be the same; however, the tools and what students are being asked to do will be the same.
Grossman thanked the administrative team commenting that this team is not only leading through a student achievement lens but also leading during and in the middle of a pandemic lens. The district is doing its best and the eye is always on the prize, which is children. He commended teachers and administrators for the fact that there has been growth in our students.
Parsons also gave the board an Equity Team update. She shared that the team met last Wednesday and co-facilitated with Partners for Educational Leadership on developing knowledge of equity work and experience that can be brought back and shared. Also discussed was perspectives on Black History Month and how heritage is honored throughout the year. All schools will acknowledge Black History Month.
New Business
FY23 Quality and Diversity Fund Budget
Grossman presented the FY23 Quality and Diversity (Q&D) Budget to the board. He explained what it is and what it is used for—Open Choice students, magnet school tuition and support for various other enrichment activities for GPS students. He also reviewed the BOE Goal for the Q&D Fund as well as the guiding principles. Some of the expenses in the Q&D Fund were reviewed, such as magnet and vocational school tuition. Magnet school and out-of-district student enrollment was reviewed. In FY23, 33 students are projected to attend magnet schools and 33 students are projected to attend technical, vocational and agriscience schools. Grossman stated we are on budget based on our projection; however, we may need to work hard to get our targeted amount of kindergarten students.
Board Standing Committee Reports
Curriculum/Policy/Technology/
Communication
Peling stated this subcommittee met this evening to discuss the Assistant Superintendent’s Report including graduation requirements; mid-year assessments; math progression, Granby Equity Team; SEL partnership with FVHD; QPR training with high school staff; review of software budget; summer school planning; and professional development. He also had a curriculum update and rolling out next steps.
The lengthy discussion on graduation requirements and shift to humanities/math/stem was abled. Policies also had to be tabled until the next meeting.
Executive Session/Non-Meeting
A motion was made to enter into an Executive Session to discuss a student safety issue. Thrall invited Grossman and Parsons into the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Nolan Board Secretary
February 16, 2022
Board Members Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall (via Zoom), Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Reps).
Dr. Jordan Grossman welcomed State Senators John Kissel and Kevin Witkos and State Representative Mark Anderson who will discuss legislative issues with the Board.
Congratulations to Senior Class President Maeve Dingley, for receiving a Congressional Citation from the office of United States Representative John Larson for her service and dedication.
Town of Granby Strategic Plan Discussion
Town Manager Erica Robertson and First Selectman Mark Fiorentino discussed the town’s strategic plan process with the board. Fiorentino said he is aware that the BOE has developed a strategic plan of its own and would like the BOE to participate in the town’s strategic plan/strategic goals. He would like to develop a set of goals for all stakeholder groups and asked for one or two goals from the BOE. This document would help to guide the town’s decisions, especially on budgeting, on how resources are allocated. Fiorentino added that it is valuable to have regular discussions on how boards can work together to coordinate efforts. The process is not perfect; however, he expects there will be much learning along the way. The BOE should focus on how the BOS can assist the BOE. Once proposals are gathered, workshops will be held with Q &A and discussions. Draft goals (between 10-15 goals) will be adopted and circulated to all boards and commissions. Once fully adopted, the plan will be distributed town wide. Proposed goals should be submitted to Fiorentino and Robertson by May 1. Robertson stated she has been in Granby five months and is happy with the relationship she has formed with the Board of Education. She asked the board, when writing its goals, to consider what the BOE can do to assist with goals relating to students and learning. These goals can extend to town departments such as Parks and Recreation and Youth Services.
Guest Legislators
Kissel, Witkos and Anderson discussed legislative issues. Kissel stated it is so nice to hear from young people as it reaffirms optimism for the future. He said he spoke to Thrall last week and knows Granby is prepared for this transition.
Kissel commented that it is an election year so it will be a good year for funding and tax cuts. He sees good policies in place with a spending cap and bonding cap and sees no cuts coming to towns. Additionally, he mentioned the Universal PreK program which may be fully funded by the state.
Witkos shared the deadline for bill submission has passed and most committees are figuring out what to pass. Last year’s bill to provide education grants, it is before the Education Committee. It would provide education grants, and there could be a public hearing and a change to the first student grant (magnet, voag, tech) into one pot, which may change formulas if the legislature takes it up.
Anderson shared that he supports discretionary unmasking and he voted for parental choice. He noticed there were only nine construction grants approved in the state this year and Granby is one of them. He stated he looked at pending legislation and Senate Bill 47 looks interesting with a possible increase in special education funding, which can have a big effect on Granby’s budget if it passes. Witkos added that HVAC systems can now be stand-alone projects for school districts.
Grossman is concerned that Granby is struggling because teachers are leaving for towns that pay more money. He said it isn’t easy being a teacher right now; however, mitigation strategies are starting to go away making it easier for teachers and students. Grossman thanked Anderson for the news about Granby’s construction grant, saying this is something the BOE and town worked on together. Regarding the special education Excess Cost Grant, Granby budgets 72 percent but he would be remiss if he didn’t ask for 100 percent. Grossman also said he will follow the funding on HVAC systems.
Peling inquired if virtual learning will occur in the fall of 2022. Kissel replied that in-person learning is better for teachers and students. The mask policy is very hindering for younger students for learning as well as socially. He feels we should strive to maintain classrooms and he hopes we have turned a corner and are on our way out of this pandemic.
Logan inquired about Senate Bill 47 related to special education funding, specifically, if any the legislators support funding for social/emotional support for students who may have been impacted by the pandemic. Witkos stated this is one focus of the legislature at this time and that many bills have to do with mental health for students not only K-12 but also for higher level learning. Kissel shared that Senate Bill #1 has many provisions regarding mental health; however, it is difficult to find highly trained and qualified personnel. The pandemic put a lot of pressure on school children for a variety of reasons so putting more resources into the system would be great, and funding should be adequate for these resources. Anderson agrees with the senators that the pandemic has put a strain on mental health and a counselor available for students would be very valuable.
Grossman requested that legislators stay for the next discussion regarding Granby’s Stronger Together Plan.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons provided an update on the Stronger Together Plan. A Reopening Taskforce began work on the plan in May 2020 when members came together and created the plan. After last year’s success with a total of 106 cases, the Taskforce reconvened last summer and reposted a plan in June. The plan evolved around mitigation strategies and one of the key strategies has been masking. Granby will be required to follow the Executive Order and follow the DPH and FVHD for recommendations if the Executive Order expires and acknowledges going to a mask-optional scenario. With masks not being recommended or mandated, Granby will go to a mask optional setting. The district will continue to encourage handwashing, sanitizing and attention to ventilation systems. Additionally, new options are screening and testing with at home COVID tests available on an as-needed basis. Parsons also mentioned the partnership with FVHD to facilitate vaccination clinics to achieve the best possible vaccination rate for staff and students.
Grossman shared that the Governor held a press conference and recommended that legislators end the mask mandate on Feb. 28, and with no Executive Order and support from the DPH and FVHD, Granby public schools will go mask-optional on Feb. 28, recognizing some people will wear masks and others will not.
Public Comment
Michelle Courser, West Granby, inquired about the retention of teachers and if there is consideration around a retention bonus. Grossman stated there is nothing in the contract, but he will contact her to discuss this. She also inquired if consideration will be given to whether students are vaccinated or not regarding mask wearing. Grossman stated masks are optional regardless of vaccination status.
Nicholas D’Amato, 3 Rickwood Lane, said he is happy to hear masks will be optional on the 28th but is sorry it took so long. He shared a Cease-and-Desist Notice he had for the board regarding mask wearing and potential mandates for vaccines in the future. He stated mitigation for COVID should not violate constitutional rights. He also shared his submission of a FOIA request for the district’s limited liability policy and also how the two ESSER grant installments were spent.
Tim Ruwet of North Granby stated one of the major reasons he moved here was for the school system and is looking forward to his three children attending Granby schools. He is hopeful that masks are gone on March 1 and told the board they are not making a blind decision; there is a very logical reason to avoid masks from here on out. He asked the board to give the power back to the parents for their children.
Mike Guglielmone of North Granby stated he has noticed a change in his student’s appetite for attending school due to having to always wear masks. He also shared his 5-year-old has never known a “normal day of school”. He appreciates the efforts taken to have in-person learning and that it was very hard for his family during remote learning.
Dana Lowes Hobson, Round Hill Road, commented she is concerned about the special activities that take away from core education in town especially with math scores for 5th grade at Wells Road being very low. She expressed concern about what Granby is doing to address core learning issues for reading, writing and mathematics and said she is not seeing the extra time to support mathematics. She would appreciate elementary levels spending more time on core education subjects.
Jennifer Anderson, Greenwoods Road, applauds the mask option as it has been a hard two years. Going forward, she inquired that if the vaccine becomes an issue, if natural immunity can also be addressed in the future.
Oleg Ivanov, North Granby Road, said he has a very strong opinion against masking. At the last graduation students wore masks outside which was silly. He felt masks should have been optional since September. He appreciates the time given to him by Grossman and to be heard and he looks forward to students removing their masks soon.
Business Manager’s Report
Anna Robbins presented the January statement of accounts stating five months of school are complete and things are starting to wind down. This month’s forecast is $104K positive, which is $49K lower than last month. Overall special education expenditures are projected to be over-budget from last month by $134K. The special education forecast is negatively affected by the elimination of the Rideshare Program run by CREC due to driver shortages and fuel prices. This has contributed to increased loss; however, the district is looking for collaborative transportation efforts where available and CREC has been cooperative in pulling this together. Regular education at $210K is better by $86K. The positive forecast has been driven by savings in regular education through consolidating bus routes. The Q & D Fund balance is favorable due to carryover of a favorable fund balance from previous years. Revenue to the town is better than budgeted.
FY23 Budget Update
Grossman provided an update to the board on the FY23 Budget saying the BOF met and established budget guidelines. The BOE guideline is 3.78 percent. The Plus One Budget was 4.26 percent. He will work with the administrative team and present the budget at the March 2 BOE meeting.
Graduation Date
The Granby Board of Education approved Thursday, June 9, as the high school graduation ceremony date, with a rain date of Friday, June 10 (held indoors if it rains).
Finance/Personnel/Facilities
Weber: the subcommittee met to discuss the January Statement of Accounts; Indoor Air Quality Report for each of the schools with favorable feedback and some areas to be looked into; bus contract that will be presented to the board on March 2; fuel bid update; and a building committee update including upcoming meetings with the State Department prior to bid.
Donna Nolan, Board Secretary