February 5, 2025
Present: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard and Ali Zafar. Absent: Student Representatives Sofia Brenson and Katie O’Neill
Public Comment
Mike Kramarenko, Notch Road, Granby, shared concerns on student safety and security and thanked the board for its communication on the recent lockdown. He also shared that the Ellington Board of Education wrote letters to Governor Lamont promoting healthier food options for school students and suggested that Granby may want to do the same.
Julie Haefner, West Granby, also commented about healthy foods and informed the board of local Farm-to-School Grants. She thanked the board and police department for presenting the SRO Program for Granby.
FY26 Small Capital Expenditures
Christopher DeGray, Director of Facilities, addressed small capital expenditures in the FY26 Budget, specifically indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC testing and oil tank removal. He explained the state parameters around IAQ and HVAC testing, and its requirement for an HVAC assessment for each school building. The original deadline for January 2024 was not met, and the new deadline for 2025 was also not met. The new deadline is June 30, 2031, and many districts are testing one school per year.
IAQ testing needs to be conducted annually. DeGray has received quotes on this work that fluctuate from $50K to $200K. HVAC testing is more extensive and vendors being contacted have availability over the summer to collect the necessary data. The state is mandating this testing and the funding for it is borne by the district.
Peling asked about additional expenses incurred after the testing and DeGray said that is very possible and the district should allow for amendments. Lombardo inquired about data available from schools that performed testing this year. DeGray said results would be specific to buildings. This process will need to be very transparent and be a learning process for everyone. Barlow inquired if the Department of Administrative Services was offering grants as was noted in the bill. Burke said no concrete information is available yet as to grants but the district will monitor it closely and take advantage of any potential grants.
Removal and replacement of the oil tanks at Kelly Lane and Wells Road: The tank removal cost is approximately $6K. Additional costs include heavy equipment to remove the tanks; soil testing; temporary fencing; asphalt gravel subgrade; as well as installation of an above-ground tank. DeGray emphasized that this project will realize energy savings as propane is much cheaper than oil.
Business Requiring Action
School Resource Officer Program Presentation and Approval
Superintendent Burke, along with Police Chief Scott Sansom and Captain Kurt LaFlamme, provided an update to their original presentation regarding a School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.
Burke reviewed the survey results and several questions raised in it related to the duties of an SRO. The SRO would give educational presentations on law enforcement, safety and other related topics, conduct investigations into any crimes occurring on school property and develop strategies for preventing and managing safety risks. Others question a SRO’s involvement in discipline matters. Burke said an SRO is not responsible for school discipline, enforcing school rules or leading searches of students. A Graduated Response Agreement will be created regarding the position. She mentioned that staff training will occur. Sergeant Todd Kushman from the Simsbury Police Department and former SRO for Simsbury Public Schools shared some of his experiences and shared that he was not involved in discipline. He did, however, encourage students to follow school rules and policies. He was not involved in searches of students, lockers or backpacks or investigating bullying incidents. He said it is unfortunate that results of what an SRO prevents daily cannot be measured, because much of the prevention work is related to relationships and connections built with students and families. An SRO works with administration to investigate potential crimes. Burke inquired about having one SRO dividing time across multiple buildings. Kushman stated it is not easy to cover multiple buildings. He advised drop-ins on lunch waves in the cafeteria as well as recesses. There’s tremendous value in knowing the elementary kids when they move up to the middle and high schools.
Burke said 80 percent of survey takers were in favor of an SRO; 79 percent were in favor of an SRO being funded in the budget, and 81.3 percent believed an SRO would be beneficial. The remainder of the survey was open-ended feedback. Some who were in favor had concerns with the cost and budget impacts, the need for additional mental health supports, fears of racial profiling and having an armed officer in a school setting. Burke reviewed funding for the position. An SRO’s salary would be approximately $98K and benefits (including health care, pension, life insurance, long-term disability and payroll taxes) would be an additional $60K for a total of $158K.
A motion passed with one abstention that the board of education approve a School Resource Officer Program. Burke will now work on the budget impact and how to make this work and make priorities come to fruition.
Granby Education Foundation
Barlow shared that a substantial grant was awarded for a student-led and designed courtyard project at Wells Road.
January 15, 2025
Present members: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, and student representatives Sofia Brenson and Katie O’Neill. Absent member: Karen Richmond-Godard
Finance and Operations Report
Nickie Stevenson, director of operations and finance, said that based on the December expense report, personnel and program account expenditures are consistent and anticipated to be covered within the appropriated budget. Special education expenses continue to be within the spending plan.
The first installment of the Open Choice Grant funding was received as well as additional funds for PreK tuition. Revenue to the town decreased approximately $280K since November. Revenue from the BEAR Transition Academy reduced due to decreased enrollment from 3 to 2 students, but the district anticipates increased special education tuition revenue. The state recently provided preliminary excess cost reimbursement percentages for FY25 and, at this time, Granby’s expected reimbursement is 62.07 percent, decreasing revenue by $383, 338 from the previous report. Per Pupil Expenditures should be available by increased by $764 to $20,725. The board unanimously approved this report.
FY26 Plus-One Budget
Superintendent Cheri Burke said that the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst position would benefit students with behavior issues or emotional and behavioral disorders. A cost analysis of the B.E.A.R. Transition Academy shows a savings of more than $800K in FY26. Burke added that expected reductions for FY26 include 2 classroom teachers (one at Kelly Lane and one at Wells Road) due to grade enrollment reductions and 1.8 full-time employees in world language.
Approval of June 2025 Graduation Date
The board will discuss and consider the approval of the June 2025 graduation date to be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (rain or shine). Superintendent Burke stated the district is legally obligated to have students in school 180 days so the projected last day of school is Tuesday, June 10 after one snow day. She stated if a snow day is called tomorrow, students in grades K-11 would need to make up this snow day. It is best practice to try to honor the 180-day requirement. A motion made by Donna Nolan and seconded by David Peling that the Granby Board of Education approve the June 2025 graduation to be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (rain or shine) as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports Finance/Personnel/Facilities
Donna Nolan reported this subcommittee approved the Budget Expense Report for December 2024. Received an update on CPPAC — preparing a fact sheet on the BOE priorities on the turf, track and field replacement; middle school renovation; and safety upgrades. Received a transportation update — there are two years left on the contract and there is an upcoming meeting with CREC to renegotiate rates. The Plus-One Budget was discussed as well as outstanding meal balances at the high school and the pursuit of reimbursement for these balances.