Submitted by Lisa Connelly, RSD 17 Board of Education
(November 11, 2026) — The Regional School District 17 Board of Education held a special meeting on October 13, 2026 to review the FY2025 financial audit, as well as its regular monthly meeting on October 20, 2026 and a special meeting on October 27, 2026 to review the District’s Continuous Improvement Plans. Key updates and discussions included:
FY2025 Financial Audit and Next Steps – October 13, 2026
- Audit Results: Representatives from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), the District’s independent auditing firm, presented the FY2025 audit findings. The District received a clean (unmodified) audit opinion, with no federal or state compliance findings and no overspending of the FY2025 budget. The auditors identified areas for improvement related to financial procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
- Audit Delays: The auditors and District leadership discussed factors that delayed the audit, including the absence of documented accounting procedures, difficulties locating information, and competing staff responsibilities.
- Financial Improvements: The District is strengthening its financial operations through updated procedures, improved oversight, and staffing changes. Priorities include developing an accounting procedures manual, improving financial reporting and recordkeeping, reviewing IT procedures, and strengthening internal controls.
- Staffing and Reorganization: The District is transitioning from outsourced financial services to an internally staffed finance department. A new Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager is scheduled to begin in November. The restructuring of the Facilities position also will separate facilities management from financial operations, allowing for more focused oversight.
- Board Action: The Board directed the Superintendent to develop a written improvement plan with specific actions, timelines and milestones, with the goal of completing the FY2026 audit by June 30, 2027, or earlier, and significantly addressing the identified material weaknesses. Regular progress updates will be provided to the Finance and Facilities Committee and Board of Education.
- Community Communication: The Board also directed District leadership in collaboration with BOE leadership to prepare a communication explaining the audit’s findings and next steps to the community. That article may be found here.
BOE Meeting – October 20, 2026
Student Support and School Climate
- Cougar Pride: Haddam-Killingworth Middle School students and administrators presented The Cougar Way, a school-wide initiative promoting positive behavior, shared expectations and a supportive learning environment.
- Student Counseling Services: The District is planning a pilot partnership with Cornerstone Counseling to provide school-based counseling services for eligible middle and intermediate school students.
- Student Behavior: The Board received a report on challenging student behaviors and the tiered supports provided during the 2025-2026 school year.
District Operations and Staffing
- Hiring and Retention: The District reported stable retention among certified teaching staff while identifying opportunities to improve retention among classified and central office employees.
- Financial Update: The first quarterly financial report indicated that the District is currently in a favorable budget position, although health insurance expenses will continue to be monitored.
- Facilities and Staffing: The Board approved a $37,000 budget transfer to support the new Director of Facilities, Safety, Security and Transportation position.
Enrollment and Curriculum
- Student Enrollment: The District reported an Average Daily Membership of 1,639 students, with approximately 60% from Haddam and 40% from Killingworth.
- Technology Use: The Curriculum Committee reviewed recommendations regarding student screen time and device use, with plans to share updated guidance with families.
- 2027-2028 School Calendar: The Committee continued its review of the proposed calendar, including the addition of a September early-release day for professional development.
Additional Board Business
- The Board approved the Superintendent’s annual goals.
District and School Continuous Improvement Plans – October 27, 2026
At this special meeting, District administrators and school principals presented the 2026-2027 Continuous Improvement Plans. The presentations outlined goals aligned with the District’s four strategic priorities, along with the data and measures used to evaluate progress. Principals from all five schools shared their individual improvement plans, highlighting each school’s priorities and strategies for supporting student learning and continued growth.
View the October 13 presentation slides, meeting minutes, and meeting recording.
View the October 20 meeting minutes and meeting recording.
View the October 27 meeting minutes and meeting recording.
Board of Education information and past updates are available at:
https://www.rsd17.org/board-of-education.
For more information or specific questions, email: boe@rsd17.org.
