February 18, 2026
Present members: Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, Heather Lombardo, Liz Barlow, David Peling and Andrew Billig. Absent: Ann Woods. Also present: Superintendent Cheri Burke, Assistant Superintendent Jenn Parsons and Director of Finance and Operations Nickie Stevenson.
Chairperson’s Report
Logan reviewed important context regarding BOE meetings, noting that the board convenes to receive reports from the Superintendent, approve budgets and contracts, and conduct necessary business to ensure Granby Public Schools operate effectively. She emphasized that board meetings are business meetings held in public, not public hearings.
She also briefly reviewed the legal standards surrounding FOIA and the requirement to follow the posted agenda after public comment. Residents may contact and engage with board members via email or other means outside of business meetings and may also provide comments at that time.
Public Comment
Mike Kramarenko, 150 Notch Road, expressed concern about a teacher allegedly promoting a political agenda using Newsweek magazine and assigning a book he described as sexually explicit. He was encouraged to contact the building principal and/or the superintendent to discuss these concerns, as public comment is not the appropriate forum for personnel-related matters due to confidentiality considerations.
Kramarenko also raised concerns regarding student discipline on school buses, stating that bus drivers are being “rage baited” by students, who are not listening and are failing to remain seated. He concluded by questioning why the board is requesting an increase in funding compared to last year if there is approximately $1 million remaining from the prior year’s budget.
Lynn Krauss, 20 W. Granby Road, stated she was in full agreement with Kramarenko’s statements and his comments on the money and spending. She expressed frustration and a lack of support from the board.
March 4, 2026
Present: Board members: Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, Heather Lombardo, Ann Woods, David Peling and Andrew Billig. Absent: Liz Barlow. Also present: Superintendent Cheri Burke, Assistant Superintendent Jenn Parsons, and Director of Finance and Operations Nickie Stevenson.
Chairperson’s Report
Logan, on behalf of herself and Barlow, offered a sincere apology to the community regarding the recent incident and regret for the distraction it has caused. Logan stated that both she and Barlow have always been allies of the LGBTQ+ community and that the questions and comments referenced were not intended to be offensive. She clarified that no board member requested that the raw livestream recording be edited or destroyed.
Following Logan’s comments, board member Nolan said members of the community were offended by the comments that were made and noted that the fact that Josh Elliott stated he was not offended did not negate the concerns of others.
She referenced an email request from a BOE member asking that the video be taken down and edited. Nolan compared the situation to a student expulsion hearing, noting the importance of accountability for one’s actions.
Nolan stated that, in her view, members of the Republican Party want what is best for the town and believe that both individuals involved should step down, as they do not represent what they want on the board.
Public Comment
Following are brief recaps of individual statements. For the full statements, view the full meeting minutes posted on the town website.
Cathy Watso, 11 Evergreen Drive, addressed WFSB’s reporting on the matter and spoke about the importance of determining the accuracy of the information being reported.
Ali Zafar expressed the view that the Democrats do not have ownership of the “hot mic” issue and that the situation had been politicized by the statement released by the DTC.
Beth Carroll, Quail Lane, has not received responses to information she requested over the past six to nine months regarding the budget. She has submitted a FOIA request for her budget-related questions. She also read a sexually explicit excerpt from a 9th-grade English book, and she said she expects better from all.
Lynn Krauss, 20 West Granby Road, stated that she found the book read by Beth Carroll appalling. She emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency from BOE members.
Monte Horst, 15 Tennyson Drive, spoke to the importance of transparency and accountability for BOE members, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and own their mistakes. He noted that students in a comparable situation would be held accountable for their actions.
Rebecca Mikus, 14 Stonewall Dr., commended the excellence of the drama and fine arts programs, as well as the dedication of the teachers and coaches. She asked how the needs of the drama program are being met and stated that, while she supports athletics, the budget does not appear to equitably support fine arts and drama.
Mike Flannigan said he met with an attorney and is requesting copies of emails regarding the GCTV video recording. He has concerns about certain instructional materials, which he described as potential indoctrination of students.
KC Petruzzi, 54 N. Granby Road, addressed the proposed BOE budget, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate staffing for special education needs and supporting the social-emotional learning needs of students.
Jay, a 2012 graduate, stated that, in his experience, staff at GMHS were ridiculous and embarrassing. Staff allowed bullying within the school. Asked why, if the student population is decreasing, is the budget increasing.
Corrine DeGallo, 3 Strawberry Fields, supports Logan and Barlow. She believes context and track record are important, noting that both are strong allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kyle Reyes pledged $1,000 to the drama club for a bus to the Halo Awards. He stated Logan and Barlow need to have consequences, and that it is a double standard. It’s not ok to make discriminatory statements and then refuse to acknowledge the mistake. He would like a formal apology and resignation.
Valerie Eastwood, 10 Haven Drive, supports Logan and Barlow. She agrees accountability is important and expressed the view that both individuals have demonstrated accountability through their apologies.
Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road, supports Logan and Barlow, and that banter on a “hot mic” should not erase their years of service and hard work, and the matter shouldn’t be addressed through all of this hostility.
Ellen Thomson, 250 Salmon Brook St., supports Logan and Barlow. She asked the question, What slur? She stated that by asking and saying gay is not an insult. They are sincere and hardworking individuals, and she appreciates their hard work over the years.
Michael Fitzgerald, 25 Strawberry Fields, addressed the proposed budget and noted that opinions differ on the level of community support the board has received.
Ben Perron spoke about the “hot mic” incident. He noted that having served on the board for 12 years, he is offended by the current situation involving the BOE. He stated that this behavior does not reflect the values of Granby and emphasized that everyone should set a positive example.
Mike Kramerenko stated that Logan and Barlow should step aside, noting that he did not consider Logan’s apology to be genuine. He also expressed concern that the board does not adequately address bullying issues in the schools. He is concerned the schools are no longer accepting cash.
Bill Glueck (Zoom) agreed with the statements of Kramerenko and Carroll. As president of the Taxpayer Alliance, he will be attending the upcoming budget workshop. He emphasized that families of faith should be equally protected alongside the LGBTQ+ community.
John Meyers (Zoom) spoke about the “hot mic” incident, saying that if Logan’s apology is qualified with a “but,” it cannot be considered a genuine apology.
Vince (Zoom) stated that he would like the BOE’s budget to be presented line by line, like the board of selectmen’s budget, to gain credibility and transparency through the budget process.
Tony Flanigan (Zoom) spoke of the “hot mic” incident, saying the language was inappropriate, and the tone suggested it was not an isolated event. He said Granby residents deserve a board with accountability, leadership and integrity.
Mike Fusick (Zoom) stated that none of his children will be attending Granby Public Schools and that this behavior by Logan and Barlow is unacceptable, and the leadership is horrendous. There is a lack of a moral compass. They need to be held accountable.
Elizabeth Bouley (Zoom) was happy to hear support for the Drama Club, and thanked Reyes for his donation for the bus. She encouraged everyone to come out and purchase tickets to see the latest production at GMHS of The Little Mermaid.