September 7, 2022
Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Student Representatives Chase Alexander and Tess Bajek, and Dr. Jordan Grossman.
Superintendent’s Announcements
There still is a national shortage of bus drivers and Granby, not unique to this situation, has had to make changes to some of our bus runs. CREC is also doing everything they can to recruit bus drivers and are now providing a $7,500 sign-on bonus for certified drivers and a $3,000 sign-on bonus for non-certified drivers.
At Wells Road a significant change was made to how buses and parents drop off and pick up students. This process was difficult in the past and the change makes it more manageable.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons said the district welcomed 20 new teachers and by hiring early, Granby found a great crew. An orientation for new teachers introduced them to the district goals; they took a bus tour of the town and received an introduction to the TEAM program.
Student Representative Reports
Thrall welcomed back Senior Tess Bajek and introduced Chase Alexander as the new BOE Student Representative. Thrall asked how the construction was going with students being in the building. Tess stated she has gotten used to it, but it seems very strange going to the community gym for lunch; for chorus it is not too different, but students are looking forward to getting a room soon.
Enrollment Consultant Report
Peter Prowda, enrollment consultant, presented a report on current and future enrollment projections, especially kindergarten. He said there is a basic model used by anyone doing enrollment projections in the state and showed a chart explaining how data is used to make his projections. He also identified other factors in projecting kindergarten including births, infant deaths, students moving in or out of town, homeschooling, and students attending non-public/magnet schools. He suggested questions be added to kindergarten registration forms. Thrall inquired if the kindergarten class is projected to grow next year and Prowda stated he doubted that would happen going from kindergarten to Grade 1; he would project Grade 1 to be about 105 next year.
Summer School Report
Katie Busbey, director of summer school, and Jennifer Miller, director of extended school year (ESY) summer school, provided a report on this year’s programming. The ESY program is designed to provide continued education for students with Individual Education Plans. Busbey said the Credit Recovery Program helps students to complete or regain credit toward graduation requirements. Enrichment was brought back this year and there was a different topic each week: STEAM, Science and Strings, Art, PE Games. A total of 76 students participated in the enrichment activities. Busbey said intervention was offered by invitation only. It was a two-week program for Grades 1 and 2 and then another two weeks for Grades 3, 4 and 5. A total of 58 students attended.
Bethany Grupp, family engagement specialist, reported on programming offered to Open Choice students and stated 16 students attended the Salmon Brook Park Camp. A total of 13 students participated in this programming.
Superintendent’s Annual Goals
Grossman presented his goals for the 2022-23 school year and said that his goals specifically align to the Moving Forward Together Strategic Plan: 2021-2025.
First Reading of Revised Policy 6142.101 – Student Nutrition and Physical Activity (Student Wellness)
The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communication Subcommittee recommended the revised Policy 6142.101, for a first reading. Parsons stated this policy covers everything from nutrition to physical activity to mental health and nutrition. Thrall asked that if there is any feedback to please let Parsons or Peling know. This policy will come to the board for a second reading and approval at the next meeting.
Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communication
Peling reported that this subcommittee discussed and finalized the professional development plan for the year; worked on attendance policies, coding and parent communication; adopted a new data platform and updated the summer curriculum (Wellness and World Language); 14 policies will be updated based on legislative action and will be brought to the Board at future meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Nolan, Board Secretary