Granby Board of Education Highlights

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May 6, 2026

Members present: Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, Ann Woods, David Peling, Andrew Billig and John Limeburner. Also present: Superintendent Cheri Burke, Assistant Superintendent Jenn Parsons, Director of Finance and Operations Nickie Stevenson.

Chairperson’s Report

The BOE has received Chair Monica Logan’s resignation. Vice Chair Lombardo thanked her for her five years of service, wished her well, and said she will be greatly missed.

The board welcomed new member Limeburner, appointed to a vacated seat. He is a Granby resident, has a second-grader at Kelly Lane, and is a certified educator at the Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Middle Magnet School.

Awards and Recognition

Stevenson was nominated for the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials 2026 Rising Star Award. She is appreciated for everything she does for our school district and is a valued member of the CASBO organization.

The CABE Leadership Awards recognizes students for their distinguished school leadership. Congratulations to the following students: Granby Memorial Middle School recognized Connor Morad and Xyanne Wilson. Granby Memorial High School recognized Catherine Shine and Madison Schantz.

Public Comment

Mike Kramarenko, Granby resident, expressed concerns about the following: GMMS and a lack of communication, School Resource Officer having a conflict of interest, discrepancy of $19,000 funds, would have liked an additional $500,000 cut from the budget, wants clarification of an expelled student’s return.

Superintendent’s Report

Burke stated that she cannot discuss individual student behaviors or discipline matters. She also clarified that the School Resource Officer reports directly to Police Chief Sansom, as the SRO is a Granby Police Officer.

Executive Session

The board convened into Executive Session for discussion and possible action concerning the superintendent’s contract. Attorney Tom Mooney was invited to attend the session.

May 20, 2026

Members present: Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, Ann Woods, David Peling, Andrew Billig, John Limeburner. Also present: Assistant Superintendent Jenn Parsons, Director of Finance and Operations Nickie Stevenson.

FY 27 Budget Update

Following the third referendum, the budget was passed. The BOE must now reduce its budget by an additional $300,000. Areas discussed for possible reductions included positions such as the dean of students at GMHS, an administrative assistant at Central Office and an administrative assistant at the building level. There was also discussion regarding sharing expenses with the Town for the School Resource Officer position.

United Public Service Employees Union Contract

The UPSEU, Local 424, Unit 61 Custodial and Maintenance Employees contract for 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29 and 2029-30 was approved.

Public Comment

Mike Kramerenko, Granby resident, voiced concerns, such as: the shortage of teachers and bus drivers, verbal assaults on bus drivers and teachers, inappropriate music and language used after school at practices and on buses, lack of consequences for students, concerns about the delay of budget cut proposals and the superintendent’s contract.

John Spatcher, 22 Roundhill Road, discussed reviewing line items that were not fully expended in the 2025–26 budget to identify possible reductions for next year. He suggested accelerating the process of implementing shared positions with the Town, and spoke about whether non-lapsing funds could be used to help offset budget cuts for next year.

Maureen Eberly, Silkey Road, voiced concerns, such as: EastConn and the Three Boards, and the money being spent on this venture. Would East Granby and Granby students be able to attend either schools to share in different classes not offered at one school or the other? She expressed concerns over the superintendent’s evaluation.

Beth Carroll, Quail Lane, stated that she felt the meeting was run more like a teachers’ union meeting than a Board of Education meeting. She said the board needs to represent the taxpayers and recognize the mandate put forth by the Town and taxpayers. She also stated that she submitted a FOIA request regarding Superintendent Burke’s contract on April 30, 2026, and that she would be following up after Memorial Day.

Jessica, no last name or address given, stated she is a bus driver and that the buses are not empty, and that she agrees that Granby Public Schools is lean on its buses. She also expressed appreciation for the early release due to the heat. In addition, she shared concerns about her child being bullied and stated that there has been no response from the school administration.

Corrine DelGallo, 315 N. Granby Road, thanked the board for it’s discussion regarding the budget cuts and acknowledged that it is a complicated process. She expressed concern about class sizes and stated that she believes classes should be smaller, especially at the elementary level. She also stated that she does not want strings to be cut from her child’s learning experience at school.

Executive Session

The board convened into Executive Session for discussion concerning the superintendent’s evaluation.