Submitted by Lisa Connelly, RSD 17 Board of Education Communications Subcommittee Chair
(November 8, 2024) — The following is a summary of the October 2024 meeting of the Regional School District 17 Board of Education:
Cougar Pride
Haddam-Killingworth Intermediate School Principal Eric Larson introduced members of the HKIS Student Council, who provided a presentation on “Building Community in the Woods.” The students spoke about the outdoor opportunities available to them at recess time at HKIS and shared their favorite parts of the outdoor activities.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Jeff Wihbey reported to the Board on the following items:
- Introduction of the new Facilities Manager, John Converse.
- October is National Farm to School month; October 7, 2024 to October 11, 2024 is Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week.
- The data team began on September 27, 2024 at all levels and schools. The teams planned their focus for the year and reviewed initial fall data.
- Haddam-Killingworth High School sent eighteen band and chorus students to participate in the Shoreline Music Festival on October 1, 2024 and October 10, 2024. The festival culminates in a concert on October 10th at 7:00 p.m.
- The character trait of the month at BES is “Responsibility and Effort at KES.”
Master Plan
Michael Ayles and David Ferris from Antinozzi Associates presented the Board with an introduction of the team and provided an overview of the current study process and update. They discussed the proposed schedule of tasks and roles through an expected June 2025 grant application submission.
Student Representative
Emma Giaccone joined the October meeting as our newest HKHS Student Representative. She reported that the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be taking the PSATs on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The environmental club conducted a clean-up on October 10, 2024 around the campus. The environmental club is also working to increase awareness of bats and will be visiting the HK Cubs to inform them about them. The HK Drama Club will be presenting a production of the play “Our Town” on November 15, 2024 and November 16, 2024. The choir will be at the Hartford Wolfpack game on November 6, 2024 to sing the National Anthem.
ADM-Towns of Haddam and Killingworth
As of October 1, 2024, the total number of RSD17 students is 1719, with 1017 (59.16%) from Haddam and 702 (40.84%) from Killingworth. This number will be reported to the State Department of Education. Last year’s numbers were: 1069 (60.33%) from Haddam and 703 (39.67%) from Killingworth, for a total of 1772 students.
Policy Subcommittee
The Board voted to pass the following policy updates:
- 4118.113/4218.113 Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment
- 5145.5 P Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Including Sex-Based Harassment
Communications Subcommittee
Lisa Connelly reported that the committee discussed the 2025 Board calendar and subcommittee calendars that were approved for a first read. They discussed the programs that CABE is offering, such as online workshops and services that would be beneficial to the district. The committee reviewed the annual communications matrix and the Board’s self-evaluation form. Antinozzi Associates met with the committee and discussed the HKHS project communication update.
Personnel and Evaluation Subcommittee
Superintendent Wihbey reported that he presented a certified staff year-over-year turnover rate analysis. The committee discussed the Board’s interest in the relationships with the bargaining units and administration to provide qualitative information to the committee. The Superintendent will be conducting a qualitative study with staff visiting each of the locations, with focus groups and individual interviews to gather information from various employment areas.
Curriculum Subcommittee
Kathy Zandi reported that the committee reviewed the 2025-26 school calendar. The curriculum coordinators presented the completed RSD17 Instructional Vision and provided an update on the HKHS internship program.
Finance and Facilities Subcommittee
Shawna Goldfarb reported that the committee discussed the following areas:
- Master Plan update, including interview dates
- Discussion on naming the district facility plans
- Master Plan: Broad 15-20 year plan that will occur in phases: Phase 1 – HKHS, Phase 2 – Elementary Interim Updates
- Capital Plan: Annual priority facility needs every year: HVAC Systems, Viewboard (some projects funded by operating budget; some projects funded by capital budget)
- Health and Safety Administration Regulations: Yearly maintenance that is planned and completed each year based on facility walk-throughs.
- Emergency Projects: Unplanned emergency projects: Moisture issues at HKHS and a flooded elevator at HKIMS.
- The committee received an update on the budgeted priority list projects.
- The committee reviewed the budget calendar. The dates were included in the first read of the Board calendar.
- Superintendent Wihbey presented his 2025-26 budget priorities to the committee.
- Discussion on the start of the year district transportation
- Follow-up discussion on Fund 35, Accounts 720 and 721
- Review of the monthly financial reports
- Director Pierce presented the 1st Quarter Financial Report
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).
