With the new school year underway, I’d like to give our Granby Public School district families and broader community a window into the work the Board of Education is prioritizing, the impactful issues before us and how you can engage in the conversations that matter to you.
Teacher Contract Negotiations
In Connecticut, local teachers’ unions renegotiate contracts with their Boards of Education every three years and negotiations are underway. Over the course of a 50-day negotiation period, wages, insurance and working conditions will be discussed and ultimately agreed upon.
Before negotiations began, the board met with the Granby Board of Finance to understand the town’s fiscal constraints and what it can realistically support.
Academic achievement is the BOE’s north star, and research and district data show a strong connection between staffing consistency and student achievement. At the same time, we have a responsibility to taxpayers. Our goal is to strike the right balance: attracting and retaining excellent teachers while being thoughtful and responsible with public dollars.
Capital Projects Vote
The capital project vote, which takes place Dec. 8, has significant implications for Granby Public Schools.
The football field and running track at Granby Memorial High School have experienced recurring sinkholes for several years. Because of hazardous conditions, portions of the football field sideline are currently taped off. The track is closed for competition, and for the third consecutive season, our track team cannot host meets at home. Stadium Field and Field Two were installed in 2012 with a life expectancy of eight to 10 years. The current baseball field will also be upgraded to a multipurpose turf field to allow for improved use and playing conditions for baseball, softball and soccer.
At Granby Memorial Middle School, the building remains structurally sound, but at 34 years old and with no renovations to date, important updates are needed to meet current codes and the needs of today’s students. The proposed bond would address immediate needs, including HVAC, electrical and plumbing work while also funding the architectural and engineering work needed to pursue state and grant funding for a future renovation.
Voters will be asked to consider these two projects along with additional town capital needs. It is important to understand that bonding these projects is separate from the mill rate and is structured to hold current bond payments flat.
Full details about the bond questions and upcoming vote are available on granby-ct.gov
A New District Strategic Plan
The Board of Education is proud to introduce a new Strategic Plan that establishes a clear vision for Granby Public Schools: empowering every student to become a confident, capable learner and reach their highest potential.
The plan centers on four strategic goals: how we educate, how we build relationships, how we prepare students for life beyond graduation and how we operate effectively and efficiently. Just as importantly, the plan establishes ways to measure our progress and respond to the challenges of an increasingly fast-changing world.
Looking Ahead to the Budget
Following the bond referendum, the board will turn its full attention to the 2027–28 district budget. But community engagement should begin well before the budget is finalized.
Throughout the school year, we will provide multiple opportunities for residents to share their priorities and tell us how they believe taxpayer dollars should be invested. Our first budget workshop will take place Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.
The final 2026–27 budget book is available at granby.k12.ct.us
Stay in the Know
Good schools are a community effort. We welcome questions, ideas and thoughtful conversation from our families, staff and residents. The board’s responsibility is to listen, ask difficult questions, make informed decisions and remain good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Regular BOE meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month during the school year. Meeting dates, agendas and Zoom links are available at granby.k12.ct.us
We look forward to working together with the Granby community in the year ahead.