January 3, 2024
Present: Liz Barlow, Heather Lombardo, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Rosemarie Weber, and Student Representatives Chase Alexander and Katie O’Neill.
Public Comment
Debbie Reelitz, Silkey Road, stated she was pleased to see a request in the budget presentation for more mental health staffing and was glad this is getting attention. She said, however, there is very little attention given to how diet has an enormous impact on mental wellness. Reelitz said she would like to see a healthy diet included in strategies for children with mental health challenges and dietary recommendations given out along with other resources for children suffering with mental health conditions.
Mike Kramarenko, Notch Road, said the extended absences of the family and consumer science, and technology teachers at the middle school were causing multiple study halls being held. He stated that parents should have been informed about staffing. He also spoke of concerns around disruptive students during class time at the middle school.
FY25 Plus One Budget
The board approved the Plus One Budget being forwarded on to the Board of Finance. Superintendent Burke reviewed the Plus One Budget increase of 6.43 percent that includes a 4.34 percent contractual increase, 2.43 special education, and 0.34 percent for other factors. Further discussion and details are available on the Town website—click Agendas and Minutes and choose Board of Education.
January 17, 2024
Present: Liz Barlow, Heather Lombardo, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Rosemarie Weber, and Student Representative Katie O’Neill.
Awards and Recognition
Logan recognized Ingrid Budlong, Granby’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year and second grade teacher at Kelly Lane Primary School. Budlong has been a member of the Granby Public Schools since 2017 and is very involved in the school community.
Public Comment
Mike Kramarenko, Notch Road, said students in the family and consumer science class at the middle school are receiving passing grades for a class that was not taught due to teacher absence. He also said that he heard that a cell phone was taken away from a student to view a possible video that was not present on the phone. He stated he heard that a student has been able to take breaks to play Minecraft during class, which is disruptive. He stated that he has instructed his child to do so as well. Lastly, he shared that the traffic at Kelly Lane in the morning and afternoon is very unsafe and asked the board to please address these issues.
Graduation Date
The Board set the 2024 graduation date for Friday, June 7, with a rain date on Monday, June 10, (held indoors if it rains) as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.