Submitted by Lisa Connelly, RSD 17 Board of Education
(August 11, 2026) — Superintendent Dr. Patricia Sullivan-Kowalski reflected on the recent HKHS graduation and recognized the role student leaders played in helping determine whether the ceremony should be held outdoors. She noted that their thoughtful participation in the decision-making process demonstrated many of the qualities identified in RSD17’s Vision of a Graduate.
The Superintendent also provided several operational updates:
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The FY2025 audit remains in progress. Although completion has taken longer than anticipated, the District expects the audit to be finalized soon.
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The District and Board have begun preparing for the next budget referendum. Additional meeting dates will be announced as they are finalized.
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Monthly meetings are being held with Student Transportation of America (STA) to identify transportation efficiencies and to discuss any ongoing concerns. The District has already eliminated one bus and reduced the number of vans in use, resulting in additional fuel savings.
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A comprehensive transportation study will further examine opportunities for long-term efficiencies.
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The District will transition from School Messenger to Parent Square for family communications. Parent Square also will host the District’s newly redesigned website, which is expected to launch in August.
Superintendent Sullivan-Kowalski also recognized Director of Finance Karen Asetta for her work supporting the District through the ongoing audit, multiple budget revisions, and transportation-related challenges.
Transportation Efficiency Study Approved
The Board unanimously approved awarding a $47,400 transportation efficiency study to Dynamic Ideas, LLC, doing business as Alpha Route. The study will examine a variety of factors, including bus routes, scheduling, bell times, and other logistical considerations, with the goal of identifying potential efficiencies and opportunities for long-term savings. STA has been informed of the study and has indicated its willingness to work with the District in implementing recommended changes where appropriate.
Health Insurance and Benefits Committee Established
The Board unanimously approved the creation of an ad hoc committee focused on health insurance and benefits. The committee will examine this significant area of District spending and explore potential opportunities and strategies moving forward. Board Chair Heather Pach will work with the Superintendent to select members. The District’s insurance broker will participate, and the Board will also explore including a community member with relevant professional experience.
KES Phone System Replacement
The Board unanimously authorized spending from the capital fund, not to exceed $110,000, to replace the phone system and associated wiring at Killingworth Elementary School. The existing system has become increasingly unreliable, and replacement parts are no longer available. To provide consistency across District systems, the administration recommended using VoDaVi, the company that previously replaced the phone system at Burr Elementary School. The phone replacement is estimated at approximately $77,000. Additional quotes are being sought for the necessary wiring work in an effort to reduce the overall project cost.
Cafeteria Meal Prices
The Board approved an increase in cafeteria meal prices of 50 cents at HKHS and 25 cents at HKIMS. The Board discussed declining student participation in the school lunch program as well as lower-than-anticipated participation in the free lunch program. Without a price adjustment, the food service program was projected to face an approximately $100,000 deficit next year. The approved increase is expected to reduce that projected deficit to approximately $70,000.
Budget Transfers
The Board approved year-end budget transfers recommended by the administration. Director Asetta explained that the transfers are intended to improve the accuracy of financial reporting and future budget planning.
Finance and Facilities
The Finance and Facilities Subcommittee reviewed current financial reports, the status of the District’s health insurance cooperative, and the FY2025 audit. The committee also discuss the White Barn, emergency facilities needs, stormwater collection, cafeteria pricing, and the proposed transportation efficiency study.
Communications
The Board discussed its process for developing and releasing public communications and the role of the Communications Committee. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that Board communications are factual, consistent with information agreed upon by the Board, and transparent to the community. The discussion also focused on maintaining regular communication throughout the year – not only during budget season – and strengthening collaboration with the Boards of Finance and Boards of Selectmen in Haddam and Killingworth. The Communications Committee will continue discussing these issues, including ways to gather community feedback about the information residents would like to receive from the Board.
Planning for the Next Budget Referendum
The Board will begin its discussion of the next budget referendum during its July 25 Strategic Planning Workshop. Board members were asked to consider possible approaches to the budget process, priorities for discussion, and the timeline for upcoming meetings.
Additional Information
The July Board of Education Meeting video may be viewed here.
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
