November 6, 2024
Present members: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard, Ali Zafar and Sofia Brenson (Student Representative)
Ratification of the Granby Association of School Administrators’ Contract
The board considered the Granby Association of School Administrators’ (GASA) Contract effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Logan said there was a general clean-up in contract language and the GWI (General Wage Increase) will be 1.75 percent in 2025-26, 2.25 percent in 2026-27 and 2027-28 with a total increase of 11.53 percent (including steps and level changes) over the three-year contract.
Employee premiums for health benefits will be 21.25 percent in 2025-26 and 21.50 percent in 2026-27 and 2027-28. Additionally, there was a change in the language for retired administrators hired prior to July 1, 2025 that they may continue to participate in the Granby employee medical, dental and vision insurance plans at no cost to the board. The board unanimously ratified the GASA contract.
December 4, 2024
Members Present: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard, Ali Zafar, and Sofia Brenson and Katie O’Neill (Student Representatives)
School Resource Officer Program
Superintendent Cheri Burke, along with Police Chief Scott Sansom and Police Captain Kurt LaFlamme spoke about a potential School Resource Officer (SRO) Program for Granby Public Schools. Burke described an SRO as being a law enforcer, mentor, educator and emergency manager. She went on to state that an SRO would serve as a liaison between the school and outside agencies to promote safety in or around the school by addressing crime or the fear of crime. An SRO would walk the buildings and interact with students.
Burke said that 113 of 169 districts in Connecticut have SROs in place and those districts that do not, have security guards. She shared that Granby police officers are currently called to the schools an average of two or three times per week with calls ranging from a bear on campus, medical needs, social media concerns, drug use, threats of harm and student aggression. Burke reviewed the duties of an SRO, and Sansom explained the process of how an SRO is selected as well as the training required. The salary of a full-time SRO would be a new addition to the superintendent’s proposed Plus One Budget.
Answering questions from the board members, Burke said an interest survey will be sent to parents especially with regard to the funding of an SRO, and stated she does not see an SRO replacing campus supervisor positions.
December 18, 2024
Present: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard, Ali Zafar and Student Representative Katie O’Neil.
Awards and Recognition
Superintendent Burke recognized two winners of the 2024 Holiday Greeting Card Contest. Artwork of Avery Burgess, Grade 2, and Isabella Hurczyn, Grade 10, was selected for this year’s district holiday cards. There were 50 submissions this year and Burke said it was a very difficult choice.
Finance and Operations Report
Nickie Stevenson, director of operations and finance, presented the November budget expense report and stated analysis of both personnel and program accounts suggest that projected expenditures will be covered within budget.