Submitted by Lisa Connelly, RSD 17 Board of Education
(December 9, 2025) — The following is a summary of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education meeting held in November, 2025.
Cougar Pride
Officers from the HKMS National Junior Honor Society presented their traditions, principles, and upcoming service projects, including a used-crayon collection and a food drive. Students will form a communications committee to share updates with the community and will attend two leadership conferences this year.
Student Representative Report
Student Representative Evan Berardino highlighted recent student activities and achievements:
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Boys and Girls cross-country teams won both Shoreline and Class SS titles; the Girls team qualified for New Englands.
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Boys soccer made a historic run to the finals.
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Football will host its Principals Cup in November.
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HKHS participated in a seven-school volleyball tournament with a co-op match and pizza social.
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Band Day will be held December 2, 2025 with middle school students visiting HKHS.
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Chorus concert: December 4, 2025; Band concert: December 11, 2025 (both in the auditorium).
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On December 12, 2025 grades 2–5 will visit the high school for jazz band and chorus performances.
Superintendent’s Report
Board Chair Suzanne Sack recognized outgoing Board members Kathy Zandi, Corey Roberts, and Joe Centofanti for their service, as well as outgoing Assistant Superintendent Jen Miller and Interim Superintendent Paul Smith.
Interim Superintendent Smith reported:
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The General Assembly increased town reimbursements by 5%.
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Congratulations to the cross-country and soccer teams.
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Diving blocks are being replaced.
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Twenty-one principals from China toured HKMS and were highly impressed with the school and facilities.
HKHS Project
The Feasibility Study Team is working with QA&M Architects, which is reviewing and updating the Ed Specs, with a finalized version expected at the December Board meeting. The team met for the first time to discuss project priorities, including establishing a clear identity for the high school.
A community-participation process will be shared soon.
Board members reviewed data on HKHS building use, showing high demand from athletics, the Recreation Department, and community groups—supporting the space waiver justification and reinforcing the value of reinvestment.
Sonja Charpentier is compiling community questions from the previous project phase. Major themes include: tax impact, grant processes, space waiver details, timeline, environmental/energy considerations, program impacts, and communication expectations for the Feasibility Team. She also will review additional public question cards and emails.
PAC recruitment is underway; the first meeting is anticipated in January, 2026. The HKHS Facility/Feasibility Study website is live and will be updated regularly.
Feasibility Study Team
The Board discussed the appointed Feasibility Study Team members:
District and School Leadership:
- Dr. Patti Sullivan-Kowalski (Superintendent)
- Donna Hayward (HKHS Principal)
- Ryan Kish (HKHS Tech Ed Teacher/Dept. Head)
Municipal Leaders:
- Kate Anderson (Haddam BOS)
- Eric Couture (Killingworth First Selectman)
- Joe Centofanti (Haddam BOF)
- Todd Hajek (Clinton Director of Public Works)
Board of Education:
- Jennifer Favalora
- Suzanne Sack
- Jen Voegtli
Community & Industry Experts:
- Tim Lucas (VP of Construction, Bob’s Discount Furniture)
- Lauren Braren (Architect Planner, Yale University)
- Lisa D’Angelo (Associate Provost for Research, Yale University)
- Mike Distefano (Former RSD17 Facilities Director)
On Our Website
Board of Education information and past updates are available at:
https://www.rsd17.org/district/board-of-education
Information about the HKHS Project and Facility/Study Team are available at:
