Submitted by Jennifer Favalora.
2021-2022 School Year: Interim Superintendent, Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote updated the Board on the detailed plan to open schools safely. She explained that she attends weekly webinars with the State Department of Education, Department of Public Health, state epidemiologists, as well as meetings with both local health districts, and shoreline Superintendents to discuss the latest guidance and recommendations related to students and staff attending schools. Currently, the Governor’s Executive Order regarding wearing masks is in place until September 30th and if that were to expire, both the Commissioner of Public Health and the Commissioner of Education also have the authority to order School Districts to require masks be worn in schools.
Strategic Planning Committee:   Among the District’s top priorities is the development of a strategic plan. This plan will include a common vision for the District and identify the direction for the future of our schools. In September, HYA associates will facilitate eighteen focus groups representing District employees, students, parents, alumni, town leadership, BoE candidates, civic leaders, and community members. In November, everyone in our community will be given the opportunity to provide input into the process through a district-wide survey that will be posted to the RSD17.org website.
Nurses Union Contract Approval: The Board of Education voted to approve a new three-year contract with the Nurses Union. The most notable terms of the agreement include adding LPNs into the Union as well as increasing the insurance cost share by 2% to be consistent with the other bargaining units. A $2.75/hour equity adjustment was given to RNs in the first year followed by 1.5% increases the following two years. LPNs will receive an equity adjustment of $1.00/hour the first year and a 2% increase the following two years.
Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services : The Board received an update on the HKYFS mentoring program happening in the Elementary, Intermediate and Middle Schools. The program aspires to foster healthy and positive relationships between children and adults while instilling confidence, connections, and optimism. As the program grows, they are looking to add mentors for students. Additionally, HKYFS is looking to increase and diversify the members of their Board of Directors. Anyone interested in participating in either program is encouraged to contact HKYFS directly.
Facilities Committee: Over the summer, several maintenance and repairs projects took place including surface paving at the HKHS Bus yard, KES Boiler Pump replacement, as well as the High School Stadium lighting and bleacher repairs.
On our website: All communications concerning pandemic protocols in our schools for the 2021-2022 school year, including the Superintendent’s presentation on the safe return to in-person instruction and a dashboard of the District’s Covid-19 positive cases, can be found on our RSD17.org website under District -> Covid-19 Resources and Communications.
