Submitted by Jennifer Favalora, Vice Chair, RSD 17 Board of Education
(September 25, 2023) — The following is a summary of the August 2023 meeting of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education:
Superintendent’s Report
Convocation was held on August 29, 2023 at Haddam Killingworth Middle School, welcoming back teachers and staff, and recognizing teachers of the year and accumulated years of service by RSD17 staff. Superintendent Jeff Wihbey also visited all schools to greet teachers and students.
Haddam Neck Transportation
The Superintendent provided an update on transportation and the swing bridge for Haddam Neck busing status. STA completed several test runs over the summer to find the best solution for busing arrangements on the days of the bridge closure. STA will be able to pick up and drop off students at their normal stops on the Monday am/pm, Tuesday am/pm, and Wednesday am routes when the bridge will be closed. The alternative route will be over the Arrigoni Bridge and up Route 9 with a contingency of going on I-95 if there is an issue with crossing the Arrigoni Bridge. In the event of any route changes, a notification will be sent to parents by the automatic notification system.
Expenditures
Superintendent Wihbey advised on updates to the installation of the boiler at Killingworth Elementary School, the new kiln with updated electrical was installed at the High School, and the new reach-in refrigerator for the Cougar Cafe is ready for the school year.
ARPA Funds
Food Services reported that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has allocated funds to the state to help families with school meals. RSD 17 will serve students free breakfast for the 2023-24 school year, and students who qualify for reduced or free meals also will receive a free lunch for the school year.
Human Resources
The Superintendent updated the Board that the District is fully staffed with certified teachers for the start of the school year and also reported that the Human Resources department is in the process of moving all annual evaluations to an online platform system.
The Curriculum Coordinators led several projects over the summer, including launching the district Curriculum Council and professional development connected with the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Master Plan
Tecton has provided the latest update to the Facilities Committee on the Master Plan process, and there will be another Community session on September 13, 2023. We are on schedule to have the process done at or near the end of the current calendar year. There is attention being paid to possible impacts on transportation and the analysis of the financial impact on the Board budget and, in turn, the towns’ budgets.
 ON OUR WEBSITE:
The RSD 17 Master Plan Information is available on the website under the District Facilities menu option RSD 17 Facilities Study and Master Planning Website. Email masterplan@rsd17.org with any questions regarding RSD17’s Master Plan project.
