October 16, 2024
Present: Liz Barlow, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard, Ali Zafar, and Student Representative Sofia Brenson
Absent: Monica Logan
Public Comment
Julie Haefner, 236 Simsbury Road, is in favor of having a School Resource Officer, stating they are invaluable at the school and create relationships with students. She noted that surrounding towns such as East Granby, Simsbury and Suffield support SROs. She feels it is important for the town to pay for this resource (rather than the BOE) and she requested that people contact the town manager in this regard.
Sean Wilmington, Granby, shared that he also supports an SRO or some sort of security in the schools, stating it makes sense to protect our children. He asked the board to please bring this topic up for future consideration.
Special Education Programming
Kate Weingartner, Director of Pupil Services, along with Special Education Department Chairs Jennifer Miller and Tracy Smith presented on Special Education Programming in the district and shared that this year a new special education leadership team was created with Miller becoming Chair for Elementary PK-5, and Smith the Chair for Grades 9-12. Weingartner said the department chair role is essential in supporting building administrators with compliance as well as supporting teachers with issues around special education matters. To read more on this report, please see the meeting minutes published on the town website:
granby.k12.ct.us/documents/board-of-education/meetings%3A-dates%2C-agendas%2C-minutes/56689
School Counseling Report
Megan Rheiner, Director of School Counseling, spoke of dual credit opportunities and post-secondary planning and shared that the College Fair was held last week and more than 90 pathways to college/career attended.
First Quarter Budget Expense Report
Nickie Stevenson, Director of Finance and Operations, presented the budget report for the first quarter of this school year (July 2024-September 2024) and stated analysis of both personnel and program accounts suggest that projected expenditures will be covered within the budget.
Finance/Personnel/Facilities
Nolan reported contract negotiations for administrators have come to a tentative agreement and should be ready to be brought to the board at the next meeting.
The athletic fields and tracks were discussed. In some areas water puddles have caused waves in the track. Repairs have been unsuccessful. A request to potentially replace the track and field could come up in the next budget cycle. An issue with buses and the lack of bus drivers was discussed as it is affecting schools and athletic programs.
Granby Education Foundation
Barlow shared that two grants were approved: $800 grant for the Native Peoples of Quinatuck to visit second grade classrooms for a lesson and $120 to support the Children’s Book Festival.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Cheri Burke provided a summary of what occurred in the district on Oct. 15. A telephone threat was called in to the Veterans crisis line. It was referred directly to the Granby Police Department who activated the lockdown and were on site immediately. The Granby PD called for support from other police departments to assist in a sweep of the middle school and high school buildings.
Burke shared that once a lockdown is initiated, buildings must stay in lockdown until released by the police department. Since the high school was put into lockdown, the middle school was also put into lockdown because they share the same campus. A text alert was sent stating that additional information would follow and 20 minutes later a second alert advised that the police were on site. Burke said it took 50 minutes to clear the schools and at 3:15 p.m., the lockdown was lifted.
She shared that other school districts across the state were also victims of the same “swatting” event—a false report intended to disrupt our emergency response system. This is happening in record numbers and more than 80 calls have taken place across the state since school opened this year. Burke stated she is grateful for and proud of central office, teachers, staff and students. Students were respectful and remained calm. It is an opportunity to reflect and receive feedback, which was done this morning. She shared one major disruption to the process is the use of social media while the lockdown is in effect. It is important to have accurate information—false information shared with and by students is not helpful and only elicits more fear. She asked the community to work with the district in this regard to help staff and students remain calm.
Looking for complete meeting information? You can access the entire minutes from any town meeting by visiting granby-ct.gov/AgendaCenter