Submitted by Lisa Connelly, RSD 17 Board of Education
(May 12, 2026) — The following is a summary of the April 2026 meeting of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education:
Cougar Pride
Principal Whidden introduced BES students Gavin Sierpinski, Owen Lavallee, Claire Gallagher, and Piper Courchesne, who showcased their learning from specials classes, including Pop-Tart design (art), animal research (library), and cardio drumming (gym/music). They concluded with a live drumming performance.
Student Representatives
Evan Berardino shared updates on several upcoming events. Junior Prom, organized by class advisors and student leaders, will take place on May 15 and feature a Masquerade theme. A senior class art show was held at Brainard Library from April 28 through May 4, followed by the High School art show on May 7. The National Art Honor Society will induct twelve new members. Mr. Berardino also announced that art teachers Jason Cannan and Megan Martin received the Judy Streeter Outstanding School Award from the Shoreline Arts Alliance. Performances of the spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, began May 1. The band and chorus concert will take place on May 14, 2026 and will feature music from around the world. On May 18, 2026 the jazz band will perform at nursing homes and other locations throughout the community.
Emma Giaccone reported that French exchange students recently visited the High School and enjoyed their experience. She also noted that 8th-grade students toured the High School that day. May 1 was Senior Decision Day, AP exams began May 4, and High School Awards Night will be held on May 18. She added that the spring sports season is underway and progressing well across baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and track.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Sullivan-Kowalski provided an update on the White Barn, noting that winter weather has further deteriorated the structure and increased safety concerns. The 120-day demolition waiting period is currently in effect and will conclude on June 5, 2026. If a building inspector determines the barn poses a public safety risk, demolition could occur sooner.
The District will begin a formal bidding process for both demolition and deconstruction services, and once bids are reviewed, a recommendation for contract award will be presented to the Board of Education at a future regular or special meeting for consideration and vote.
Superintendent Sullivan-Kowalski also shared that she has been conducting walkthroughs in the schools and has enjoyed meeting with teachers and students.
Finance and Facilities Subcommittee
Shawna Goldfarb confirmed a legislative request for the HKHS project is pending state update. Discussions on a Health Insurance Consortium ad hoc committee are also moving forward.
A prioritized capital plan based on the Tecton report is being finalized. Summer projects and the field house floor reimbursement will be reviewed in May.
Director Asetta reported that she expects to complete the audit in May and present it to the full Board in June. She also noted that a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a transportation study has been drafted and will be posted soon.
Curriculum Subcommittee
Jennifer Voegtli shared Youth Voices Count survey results, noting decreased substance use but increased social media use. Revisions to the 2026–2027 school calendar were also discussed.
Policy Subcommittee
Tara Amatrudo reviewed the policies and bylaws scheduled for discussion at the next Policy Committee meeting on May 28. She noted that supporting materials are now available for Board members to review.
Quarterly Financial Reporting – Q3
Director Asetta stated that completing the audit remains the department’s primary focus this month. Following the audit, she plans to begin documenting high-level accounting procedures to strengthen internal practices and consistency within the team.
She also reported that she remains confident the District will be able to contribute 2% to the reserve fund this year, though a more detailed financial outlook will be presented at the May Board of Education meeting.
High School Graduation Date
The Board unanimously approved June 18, 2026, as the graduation date for the HKHS Class of 2026. Superintendent Sullivan-Kowalski noted that, beginning next year, she plans to bring the graduation date vote to the Board in March so families have additional time to plan.
Establishment of an Ad Hoc Naming Committee
The Board unanimously approved the creation of an ad hoc naming committee to oversee the naming of the High School baseball field.
Reserve Fund for Educational Expenditures
The Board discussed allocating $200,000 from the reserve fund for the second year of elementary school furniture (FF&E) improvements, aiming for 50% coverage.
Annual Budget
The May 5, 2026 budget referendum did not pass. A new referendum date will be scheduled for June.
Additional Information
Board of Education information and past updates are available at:
https://www.rsd17.org/board-of-education
Information about the 2026-27 Annual Budget is available at:
https://www.rsd17.org/board-of-education/boe-budget-and-updates
Information about the HKHS Project is available at:
https://sites.google.com/view/hkhsproject
