Submitted by Jennifer Favalora, RSD 17 Board of Education Vice Chair
(October 21, 2024) — The following is a summary of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education meeting for September, 2024:
Superintendent’s Report
- Superintendent Jeff Wihbey reported that the final clean air test was received from The Environmental Remediation Project regarding a contained area at HKHS. Students can return safely to all the classroom spaces.
- The Student Services department is in the process of training an Orton Gillingham Fellow so that the district can provide comprehensive reading interventions and train staff in Orton Gillingham methodologies.
- CSDE has approved the 2024-2025 HFC (Healthy Food Certification) Application.
- The HKHS Drama Club will produce “Our Town” on November 15, 2024 and November 16, 2024 with a cross-curricular connection to the English Department.
- This summer, for the first time per CIAC, HKHS coaches were allowed to work directly with their student-athletes throughout the summer. The high school had many teams that participated successfully.
- The Middle School has fully implemented the Wit & Wisdom curriculum in grades 6-8.
Cougar Pride-High School Graduation Presentation
HKHS Principal Donna Hayward presented an outcome analysis for the Class of 2024. Trends for this year include a steady percentage of students choosing to continue their formal education after HKHS, and the rate of acceptance overall increased alongside an increase in the number of applications submitted to highly competitive schools. The most popular majors shifted this year to STEM-related fields, business, and humanities, and the percentage of students pursuing a career in education doubled this year.
Master Plan
The Architectural Consultant Selection was presented to the Board, and the committee spokesperson Jennifer Favalora noted the following for the recommendation rationale:
- Referendum Support- understanding the needs of our community and what is needed to make an informed decision
- The need to include all voices in the ED spec development and feasibility study
- An understanding of how the process and new high school will impact the learning environment of students
- Their plan to walk us through the decision to determine a decision between a plan to either “Build as New” or “Renovate as New”
The Board unanimously voted to award RFP #24971 – Educational Specifications, Feasibility Study, and Pre-Referendum Services to Antinozzi Architecture and Interiors in the amount of $98,700
Policy Subcommittee
Lisa Connelly reported that the committee received a presentation from Principal Hayward and Athletic Director Lynne Flint regarding “playback,” which is the practice of sports access and participation by in-district students attending magnet schools. After asking the Administration questions and discussing the issue, the committee did not have a recommendation to create a BOE policy at this time.
Communications Subcommittee
Lisa Connelly reported that the committee discussed the 2025 annual committee calendar and work plan and also reviewed the proposed 2025 BOE calendar. The committee discussed the HKHS plan and worked on the vision statement.
Personnel and Evaluation Subcommittee
Corey Roberts reported that Superintendent Wihbey discussed with the committee ideas to get a pulse on the work climate. The committee reviewed the annual committee calendar and discussed the Superintendent’s goals and development plan.
Finance and Facilities Subcommittee
Shawna Goldfarb reported that the committee met on September 10, 2024. The following items were discussed:
- Committee annual calendar
- HKHS RFP
- Master Plan Timeline update
- Summer Plan Update will be presented in October with budget figures
- Discussion regarding Burr Elementary Air Conditioning Units
- Updated report on the HKHS mitigation status
- Updated on the beginning of the year transportation status
- EV Grant Project status
- Facility Property Insurance Review
- Final FY24 year end report update
- Budget Transfer Information
School Nurse Contract Agreement
The Board unanimously approved the contract agreement between the RSD17 Board of Education and the Region 17 Registered Professional Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses Connecticut Health Care Associates District 1199 covering the period between July 2024 through June 2027. Board Chair Suzanne Sack thanked the nurses for their consideration and collaboration throughout the negotiation process and thanked them for everything they do for our students and hopes that the contract reflects our appreciation.
Superintendent Goals for 2024/25
The Board unanimously approved Superintendent Wihbey’s goals for 2024/25. Board Chair Sack expressed that the Board is grateful for the fruitful conversation with the Superintendent and looks forward to another great year.
ON OUR WEBSITE:
RSD17 Board of Education information and past updates may be found at: https://www.rsd17.org/district/board-of-education.
Information on the Master Plan can be found at Master Plan Project (google.com).
