Agendas & Minutes

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda - Amended
Date: November 14, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:      Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent                                       

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt

Call to order:

Pledge of Allegiance:

Roll call:

Election of Officers – Winchester Board of Education Organizational Meeting
a) Election of Chairperson
b) Election of Secretary
c) Committee Assignments
    1)  Policy Chair and Membership
    2)  Curriculum Chair and Membership
    3)  Finance Chair and Membership

Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda:  November 14, 2023

Comments from the Chairman:

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – October 10, 2023
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – October 24, 2023

Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation
b) CABE Liaison Newsletter

Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
a) Superintendent’s Report
b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
c) School Enrollment
d) Chronic Absences
e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
f)  Monthly Budget Summary - FY24
g) 2024-2025 Budget Calendar Review

Presentations:
a) Safe Student, Safe School Presentation from Pearson School

Board Action Items:
a) New Hires 

New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) Additional staffing for the Homework Club
b) ASO/SRO Discussion
c) Gym Floor and Bleacher Considerations
d) MOU between TGS and WBOE
e) Maintenance and Custodial Staff Contract Reopener (year 3 of 3)
f) Kindergarten Transitional Plan
g) Greenleaf Solar Project – Hinsdale
h) Board of Education Meeting Schedule 2024

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are
allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Adjourn:

Link to Electronic BOE November 2023

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: October 10, 2023, @ 7:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:       Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                     Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

Call to order: Pledge of Allegiance:

Roll call:

Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a)  Board of Education Agenda:  October 10, 2023

Comments from the Chairman:

Board of Education Acknowledgement

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – September 12, 2023
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings - September 25, 2023

Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation

Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
a) Superintendent’s Report
b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
c) School Enrollment
d) Chronic Absences
e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
f)  Monthly Budget Summary - FY24

Presentations:
a) Policy Presentation

Board Action Items:
a) New Hires                    

New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) NWCCF Grant – Emily Bernard
b) Year-End Critical Needs 2023 Grant
c) Winchester Public Schools / The Gilbert School Contract
d) 2024-2025 School Calendar
e) Presidential Primary, April 2, 2024 – Adjustment of 23-24 School Calendar

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are
allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Adjourn:

Link to Electronic BOE 10-10-2023 Packet

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda Amended at BOE Meeting 9-12-2023
Date: September 12, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:       Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                      Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

I.     Call to order: Pledge of Allegiance:

II.    Roll call:

III.   Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
         a) Board of Education Agenda:  September 12, 2023
         b) Add to the Agenda at the BOE Meeting on 9-12-2023 under New Business, Possible Action
             Request from Wamogo ASTE to allow a pending student  applicant entrance into their Ag program.
                  Motion to approve adding to agenda:  U  

IV.   Comments from the Chairman:

 V.    Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

VI.    Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
           a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – August 8, 2023     

VII.   Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

VIII.  Correspondence to the Board:
           a) Letters of Resignation
                       
IX.     Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Superintendent’s Report
            b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
            c) School Enrollment
            d) Chronic Absences
            e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
            f) Year-End Budget Summary - FY23
            g)  Monthly Budget Summary - FY24

 X.     Presentations:

XI.     Board Action Items:
            a) New Hires                
            b) WAA Union Contract for approval

XII.   New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
             a) Policies for Second Read
                1)  Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace
                2) Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal
                3) Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion
                4) Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations
                5) Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources
                6) Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety
                7) Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction
                8) Policy #6153 Field Trips
            b) Request from Wamogo ASTE to allow a pending student  applicant entrance into their Ag program.    

XIII.  Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.
 

XIV.     Executive Session:

a)  Personnel matter related to a certified teacher requesting extended leave.

XV.     Adjourn:

Link to Electronic BOE 9-12-23 Packet.

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: August 8, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:       Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                     Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

I.      Call to order: Pledge of Allegiance:

II.     Roll call:

III.    Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Board of Education Agenda:  August 8, 2023

IV.   Comments from the Chairman:

V.    Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

VI.    Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
            a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – June 13, 2023
            b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – June 20, 2023
            c) Minutes of Special Meeting Minutes – July 24, 2023   

VII.   Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

VIII.  Correspondence to the Board:
            a) Letters of Resignations
            b) CABE Liaison Newsletter
            c) CAPPS Alliance Districts
                       
IX.     Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Superintendent’s Report
            b) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
            c) Monthly Budget Summary - FY23
            d) Paraprofessional HSA subsidy coverage - Legislation and impact on our paraprofessionals    

 X.     Presentations:
            a) Greenleaf Solutions - Solar installation for Hinsdale and Pearson Schools

XI.     Board Action Items:
            a) New Hires                

XII.   New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
             a) Policies for a First Read
                1)  Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace
                2) Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal
                 3) Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion
                 4) Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations
                 5) Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources
                 6) Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety
                 7) Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction
                 8) Policy #6153 Field Trips

            b) Policies for Second Read
                1)   Policy #0521 – Non-Discrimination
                 2)   Policy #1330 – Community use of school facilities
                 3)   Policy #3281.1 – Crowdfunding
                 4)   Policy# 3516(a) -  Safety
                 5)   Policy #3541 – Transportation Guideline
                 6)   Policy #3541.22 – Bus Drivers
                 7)   Policy #3542.1  - Food Service
                 8)   Policy #4001 – Personnel/Athletic Coaches
                 9)   Policy #4111 – Affirmative action – Recruitment and Selection
               10)   Policy #4112.5(a) – Security Check – Fingerprinting
               11)   Policy #4113.6(a)/4213.6 – Remote Work/Telecommuting Policy/Telework
               12)   Policy #4118.15 – Workplace Bullying
               13)   Policy #4152.6 – Family & Medical Leave Act
               14)   Policy #4410 – Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
               15)   Policy #5111 – Admission – Placement 

            c) CT SDE High Impact Tutoring Grant - Math 
            d) Family Resource Center Grant
            e) School Readiness Grant
            f) School Readiness-Competitive COLA Grant
            g) School Readiness - Competitive Enrollment-Based Grant
            h) CHAMPS After School Enrichment Program
            i) National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistant Grant

 XIII.  Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

IX.     Adjourn:

Link to Electronic BOE 8-8-23 Packet

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting  Agenda - Amended
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023, @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Pearson School - Media Center  

Meeting Facilitator:     Jessica Smith, Board of Education Attorney                               

Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhart, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron

I.       Call to order:

II.      Roll call:

III.     Business:
          a) Board of Education Training
          b) Discussion of Board Officer Elections and Related Procedural Issues

IV.      Adjournment:

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting – Executive Session - Amended - CANCELLED
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023, @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall, Hicks Room  moved to Blue Room

Meeting Facilitator:     Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent                               

Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhart, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron

I.        Call to order:

II.       Roll call:

III.       Executive Session Anticipated - Discussion of attorney-client privileged memorandum providing legal advice regarding the                             election of the Board chair.

Adjournment:

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting
CANCELLED   Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023, @ 8:00 a.m.
Location: Town Hall, Hicks Room  

Meeting Facilitator:     Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent                                 

Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhart, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron

I.            Call to order:

II.            Roll call:

III.            Business:
 a) Election of Board of Education Chairperson
 b) Election of Board of Education Secretary

IV.        Adjournment:

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting BOE Retreat Agenda
Date: Monday, July 24, 2023, @ 8:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: 178 West Street Winchester, CT

Meeting Facilitator:     Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                    Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

I.      Call to order:

II.     Roll call:

III.    Business:
        a)   Board of Education Annual Working Retreat

Adjournment:

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes Amended
Date: November 14, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:      Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent                                       

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt

I.            Swearing in of New Members by Town Clerk Glenn Albanesius @ 6:30 p.m.
              Nora Mocarski, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella and Jonathan Morhardt

II.            Call to order @ 7:00 p.m.
Melony Brady-Shanley started the meeting by reading the rules of the Election of Officers and handed out the ByLaws of the Board.  Votes will be made by paper ballot.

III.            Pledge of Allegiance:

IV.            Roll call:

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, and Melony Brady-Shanley

V.            Election of Officers – Winchester Board of Education Organizational Meeting
               a)  Election of Chairperson
                        Nine nomination ballots were collected and counted.
                                    MOTION to accept the nomination of Sondra Strubhar as Board of Education Chair 5, 4, 0                      

               b)  Election of Secretary
                        Nine nomination ballots were collected and counted.
                                    MOTION to accept the nomination of Nora Mocarski as Board of Education Secretary 7, 2, 0

Melony turned the meeting to the new Board of Education Chairperson, Sondra Strubhar.

Roll call:

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, and Melony Brady-Shanley

Pledge of Allegiance

c)  Committee Assignments:
                         1) Election of Policy Chair and Membership, 
                                    Policy Chair – Jeannette Brodeur                                  
                                    Membership for Policy: Cheryl McGlynn, Shayne Deschamps, Renata Waldron, Shane Centrella, and Nora                                                Moscarski
                                    Quorum 4                

                         2) Election of Curriculum Chair and Membership
                               Curriculum Chair – Nora Mocarski
                               Membership for Curriculum – Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Shayne                                       Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt
                                   Quorum 4

                         3)  Election of Finance Chair and Membership
                              Finance Chair – Sondra Strubhar
                              Membership for Finance: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Nora Mocarski,                                  Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, and  Jonathan Morhardt
                                    Quorum 5

VI.            Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
 a)  Board of Education Agenda:  November 14, 2023
      MOTION to accept the Agenda with the following changes:

                  Move Presentations before IX
                                        First:  Nora Mocarski, Second: Cheryl McGlynn → U.

                  Add a Phone Call from Kevin Siebert from Greenleaf Energy at 7:45 p.m.
                                         First:  Jeannette Brodeur,  Second: Shayne Deschamps → U.

VII.            Comments from the Chairman:
Sondra Strubhar attended the Veterans Day Celebration at Hinsdale. Seeing all the kids sitting there watching the veterans and grandparents was nice.  Thank you for doing this celebration.

We need to keep putting the kids first. We appreciate Melony and the tone set that Doug left behind.  Thank you.  We do not want to be at the state average but above.  We also need a commitment to work with Gilbert and continue working towards this goal.
Thank you

VIII.            Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public Comment.
        Sondra Struhbar read the Public Comment Regulations.

IX.            Consent Agenda Review discussion Possible Action:
a) Minute of BOE Meeting – October 10, 2023
               MOTION to approve:
                            First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur - 5, 1, 3 abstained

b) Minutes of Committee Meeting – October 24, 2023
                MOTION to Approve:
                           First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur – 5, 0, 4

X.            Presentations:
a) Safe Student, Safe School Presentation from Pearson School – Monica Messenger and Barbara Silverio showed a PowerPoint Presentation.
·         An informational sheet was sent home with the students to let the parents know what the training would look like, and a pizza party            was held after the training with the students.
·         Assertive Skills were taught by Kelly Thurmond; students did role-playing on their new assertive skills.
·         Conflict Resolution was taught by our Behavior Technicians 
·         Mindfulness / Self Regulations was taught by Monica Messenger
·         Cyberbullying was taught by Barbara Silverio and Kelley Thurmond

Kevin Seibert from Greenleaf Energy joined virtually.

Eversouce goes out to bid twice a year, and in our Aug 1 bid, Hinsdale was awarded to receive the benefit. The second bid goes out around February and will potentially be awarded in 30 days.  We are happy to move it forward. The cost of the project is as previously presented at Hinsdale.  The next step is to accept the award.  We have ten days left.

We have a couple of years to install, but it will not take long.

We will schedule the installation in 2024.

Any question:  Can you remind the BOE of its benefit to the District?
·         Eversouce will pay annually, approaching a million dollars over the lifetime.
·         No out of Pocket cost to BOE
·         Tax Credits 
·         Day one system is installed – Green Bank finances the entire project
·         Credit from Eversource in the first year
·         Annual revenue of $28,000.  For 25 years under the program over the lifetime will save about $709,000 dollars
·         Using the roof space to create revenue will benefit about $709,000.
·         Maintenance in years 8, 9, or 10.  BOE might want to hire a company to come out and inspect the system annually. To make sure              bolts are in place, etc., This is optional.
·         System is guaranteed for 25 years.

Need to receive the award to execute.
                          MOTION to Approve
                                       First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Nora Mocarski – U

Cheryl McGlynn stated that the elections were invalid as they were supposed to be by a signed ballot.  Elections for BOE Chair and Secretary were redone.

a)  Election of Chairperson
                        Nine nomination ballots were collected and counted.
                          MOTION to accept the nomination of Nora Mocarski as Board of      
                                       Education Chair 5, 4, 0 by signed ballot                       

             b)  Election of Secretary
                        Nine nomination ballots were collected and counted.
                           MOTION to accept the nomination of Sondra Strubar as Board of 
                                       Education Secretary 5, 4, 0 by signed ballot

c) Curriculum Committee Chair was voted on again.
                        MOTION to accept Verbal vote to accept Renata Waldron as the Curriculum   
                                        Chair.  9, 0 – U

XI.            Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation – Catherine Vigliotti - Accepted with regret

       b) CABE Liaison Newsletter

XII.            Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
a) Superintendent’s Report
        Melony read through the Superintendent’s Report

b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
      1 Para Opening and the Social Worker position was filled as of today
      New Student Registrations – 9
      Students Withdrawals – 4  

c) School Enrollment
608 Students as of 11/1

d) Chronic Absences
      Coming down right around 15%
     
e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
      426 Enrolled as of 11/1

f)  Monthly Budget Summary - FY24

·         Please refer to the stapled packet that was handed out.
·         Placement and Transportation Costs due to Special Education
·         Appropriated budget: we needed to add Paras at Hinsdale for student support due to student need
·         Out-of-district transportation costs are astronomical – due to the lack of transportation and students needing individual                                transportation. This has been an unexpected expense. 
·         Cassandra’s office is constantly trying to decrease the cost of transportation. 
·         Bringing transportation in-house is a huge liability.
·         Nancy explained the Grants and how the worksheet reads.
·         Melony explained the layout of the different accounts and how they are used to new BOE members.

g) 2024-2025 Budget Calendar Review 

            The Budget Calendar sets up the work that needs to be done over the next several months.

            Everyone will be sent calendar invites for these meetings.

XIII.            Board Action Items:
a) New Hires 
Amy Jeannette, Shahinda Ahmed, and Alexcia Jackson were all hired.

XIV.            New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
        a) Additional staffing for the Homework Club
BOE approved in September Homework Club.  We now have one teacher for 30 students, which is a lot. We are looking to hire two more staff members, one for each school.

MOTION: Approve the addition of two staff members for the homework club.
                              First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur – U

       b) ARO/SRO Discussion
Gilbert is in the process of discussing hiring an ASO.  Salvatore Lovetere spoke to the Chief of Police, and in his opinion, we should have some protection in our schools and put this into the budget for next year.

·         SRO School Resource Officer is an officer of the Police Department and Cost more.
·         ARO – Armed Resource Officer is a Retired Officer. They would be trained on all of our policies.

Cheryl suggested having a subcommittee to go over the information. Gilbert is a high school, we have little kids, and having guns in the building is different between the High Schools and Elementary Schools.  

Maybe Gilbert would share the information they have found on ARO/SRO’s. The community should be part of this discussion, including the Police Chief, Principals, Parents, BOE, and Administrators. We need to gather this information from our community. This is not a one-meeting discussion.

MOTION to set up a subcommittee: AD Hoc Subcommittee Pre-K – 6 to gather information and present to the BOE and Chaired by Salvatore Lovetere regarding the ARO/SRO’s.

First:  Shayne Deschamps, Second:  Jonathon Morhardt – U

Quorum 3

Committee Members:

Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, Jonathon Morhardt, Salvatore Lovetere, and Sondra Strubhar

It was suggested that we meet right after the committee meetings.

c) Gym Floor and Bleacher Considerations

Two years ago, the roof leaked, and a 20 x 20’ section of the gym floor bubbled. We took out this 20 x 20’ section of floor and replaced it with Maple. The bleachers are old and are no longer ADA-compliant.  They are difficult to pull out.  In August 23, a former custodian was trying to buff the floor. However, there was a rock in the buffing machine, and it scratched the floor. Now, there are swirls on the floor.  I’m asking the Board to consider using the $660,000 for a one-time expense and not have to go to the taxpayers.  Would the Board like to leave it as is, have it sanded, re-varnished, completely removed, put a poured surface in, and/or replace the bleachers?  What would the BOE like to do?  Look into cost, or don’t do anything at this time.

Is there a ballpark figure?
·         Poured Floor approx. $70,000 - $80,000
·         Resurfaced approx. $30,000 - $40,000
·         Bleachers approx. $70,000 - $80,000

Cheryl stated since the bleachers are not ADA-compliant, we need to look into getting the bleachers replaced for our community. Melony will look at pricing and scenarios to present to the BOE.

       d) MOU between TGS and WBOE

The MOU we are considering is on page 29. Concerns regarding the joint meeting discussing the budget.  It’s been back and forth between WPS/Gilbert.  Renata said we could come to their meeting and listen and take notes but not be a part of it.

MOTION to Approve with one edit.  Under Purpose should read.  This MOU will outline two four basic tenets

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Shayne Deschamps - U

       e) Maintenance and Custodial Staff Contract Reopener (year 3 of 3)

             MOTION to approve the reopener of the Custodian Contract to put a step back in the contract.

                         First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Shayne Deschamps – U

       f) Kindergarten Transitional Plan

Significant change next year:  Currently, the cut-off for Kindergarten entrance is they need to be age five by December 31. Next year students will need to be age five by September 1. We need to identify these kids to figure out who will not be Kindergarten eligible.  This could mean we have a smaller kindergarten class next year.

The letter to parents, Cheryl McGlynn, stated it needs to be updated to include the information regarding the waiver. Melony will make the adjustments.

       g) Board of Education Meeting Schedule 2024

            MOTION to approve BOE Meeting Schedule 2024 with the edit to BOE time to 7:00 p.m.
                        First: Cheryl, Second:  Sondra - U

XV.            Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.
 

XVI.          MOTION to adjourn meeting at 9:30 p.m.

First:  Salvatore Lovetere, Second: Cheryl McGlynn -U

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes
Date: October 10, 2023, @ 7:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:      Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                    Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

Call to order: @ 7:30 pm Pledge of Allegiance:

Roll call: Kristin Peterson, Tara Sundie, Renata Waldron, Nora Mocarski, Doug Pfenninger, Melony Brady-Shanley, Jeannette Brodeur, Sondra Strubhar, Cheryl McGlynn, Salvatore Lovetere

Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a)  Board of Education Agenda:  October 10, 2023

Melony Brady-Shanley asked for a motion to add a field trip request form under New Business Discussion and Possible Action Item f.

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Cheryl McGlynn, U

Comments from the Chairman:

Doug Pfenninger commented that this is his last Board meeting and how lucky he was to work with such wonderful people over the last eight years.  The Board worked with courtesy and respect.  I am pleased that our test scores have gone up, our budget was passed, and we will continue to better communicate with our community.  We need to do so much more for our kids, and many challenges are ahead. I love this town, and we can make it better.  I wish you all the best!

Tara Sundie and Kristin Peterson will not be returning as Board members.  They both thanked the Board for having the opportunity to serve on the Board and what a pleasure it has been. 

Board of Education Acknowledgement

Melony Brady-Shanley presented Doug Pfenninger with a Board acknowledgment on behalf of the Board.   She thanked him for his service, friendship, guidance, and ability to listen.  His service to our town and children will not go unnoticed. On behalf of the staff and students of Winchester Public Schools, Doug, you have been a rock for this board, and we cannot thank you enough.  

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Holly Cassaday, 111 Torringford Street, Winsted.  On behalf of the Gilbert School Corp, I wanted to thank Doug Pfenninger for all his hard work and wish him well.

Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – September 12, 2023
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings - September 25, 2023

MOTION to approve Minutes of BOE Meeting – September 12, 2023 and
Minutes of Committee Meetings - September 25, 2023

First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Nora Mocarski, U

Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

Renata Waldron commented that they continued to talk about the ASO, met new staff members, and it was an overall good meeting.  Thursday, October 12, at 7:00 p.m., is the Board of Education debate at The Gilbert School, and Thursday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m., is the Board of Selectman debate at The Gilbert School. 

Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation

●        Samantha Longhi, Paraprofessional

Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
a) Superintendent’s Report
b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
c) School Enrollment
d) Chronic Absences
e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
f)  Monthly Budget Summary - FY24

REMINDER:    Melony Brady-Shanley will present an update on the i-Ready program to the Board at the next Policy meeting on Tuesday, October 24.

Presentations:
a) Policy Presentation

Melony Brady-Shanley presented the following:

●        WPS Current Policy Provider

●        Other Local Districts

●        Shipman and Goodwin Policy Services

●        Pros and Cons of Current Experience/Provider

●        Pros and Cons of Considering a New Provider

●        Policy Crosswalk Work

MOTION to change the policy provider to Shipman and Goodwin

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Nora Mocarski, U

Board Action Items:
a) New Hires  

●        Frank Liistro, Custodian at Pearson

●        Abigail Passini, Administrative Assistant at Pearson

●        Tawan Holmes, Custodian at Pearson

●        Donte Sherwood, Custodian at Hinsdale

●        Jennifer Davis, Paraprofessional at Hinsdale

New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) NWCCF Grant – Emily Bernard

MOTION to approve the application for the grant

First:  Jeannette Brodeur, Second:  Kristin Peterson, U
b) Year-End Critical Needs 2023 Grant

MOTION to approve the application for the grant

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Tara Sundie, U
c) Winchester Public Schools / The Gilbert School Contract

Melony Brady-Shanley made edits to the language per Cheryl McGlynn.  Melony Brady-Shanley will redraft the Winchester Public Schools / The Gilbert School Contract.

MOTION to approve Winchester Public Schools / The Gilbert School Contract with the following:

●        Removing the current number 3. and 4. 

●        Winchester Board of Education and The Gilbert School Corp will hold one joint Board meeting by the end of January to review and discuss the respective institution's budgets in progress.

●        One-year duration term on the MOU will be an automated renewal annually absent action by either Board and may be modified by mutual consent

First: Cheryl McGlynn Second:  Jeannette Brodeur 7, 1, 1

d) 2024-2025 School Calendar

MOTION to approve 2024-2025 School Calendar

First: Salvatore Lovetere, Second: Cheryl McGlynn 7, 0, 2
e) Presidential Primary, April 2, 2024 – Adjustment of 23-24 School Calendar

MOTION to approve and extend school for one day, June 11, the last day of school

First:  Salvatore Lovetere, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

f)  Field Trip Request

CHAMPS Pearson Drama Club takes an out-of-state field trip to Broadway in NYC each year.  They are scheduled to see Aladdin, they will be going on a bus, and they will have chaperones.  They would be leaving at 8:00 a.m. and returning at 8:00 p.m.  They have two choices of dates: March 13 or March 20.  Adult cost is $50, student cost is $50.  The total cost for the trip, including dinner, 50 tickets, and bussing for DATTCO is $7,710.00.  Grant funding is available, and fundraising to help offset the cost.

MOTION to approve CHAMPS field trip to New York City to see the Broadway show Aladdin

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

MOTION

Public Comment:
Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are
allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

MOTION to adjourn

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, U

Adjourn: @ 9:45p.m.

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes
Date: September 12, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:       Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                      Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron

 I.     Call to order:  @ 7:03 pm Pledge of Allegiance:

 II.    Roll call:  Tara Sundie, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Salvatore Lovetere, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Jeannette Brodeur, Cheryl McGlynn, and Renata Waldron.  Absent:  Doug Pfenninger

 III.   Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Board of Education Agenda:  September 12, 2023

Melony Brady-Shanley would like to add an item under New Business Discussion and Possible Action under b) Wamogo Regional High School application is pending to allow a current Northwestern Regional High School student to transfer to Wamogo Regional High School to participate in the Wamogo Agricultural Program.

MOTION to add an item under New Business Discussion and Possible Action under b) Wamogo Regional High School application is pending to allow a current Northwestern Regional High School student to transfer to Wamogo Regional High School to participate in the Wamogo Agricultural Program.

First: Salvatore Lovetere, Second:  Cheryl McGlynn, U

IV.   Comments from the Chairman:

Nora Mocarski wanted to recognize that yesterday was September 11, the 22-year anniversary.  Students across the country had a moment of pause. 

 V.    Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

 

VI.    Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
            a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – August 8, 2023

MOTION to approve Minutes of BOE Meeting – August 8, 2023, with edits

Melony Brady-Shanley to submit edits

First:   Sondra Strubhar, Second:  Kristin Peterson 7, 0, 1

VII.   Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

The following was discussed:

●        First day of school

●        AROs/Security.  Discussion of moving forward and looking into possibilities

●        Solar Panels

●        New Hires

●        MOU

VIII. Correspondence to the Board:
             a) Letters of Resignation

●        Megan Waters

●        Erica Monroe

●        Madison Sipperly

●        Gigette Ursone

●        Owen Marvin

●        Alexis LaMere

●        Karli Heneghan

MOTION to accept with regret

First:  Salvatore Lovetere, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

IX.     Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Superintendent’s Report

Kristin Peterson mentioned that The Gilbert School is holding their Open House on Thursday, September 14, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Please note:  Live streaming of the Winchester Board of Education meeting ended at 7:25 p.m. due to technical difficulties.

            b) Monthly Registration & Staff Vacancy Report
            c) School Enrollment
            d) Chronic Absences
            e) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
            f) Year-End Budget Summary - FY23
            g) Monthly Budget Summary - FY24

 X.     Presentations:

XI.     Board Action Items:
            a) New Hires 

●        Dorothy Pitchford, Paraprofessional at Hinsdale School

●        Amanda Dias, Interventionist at Pearson School

●        Samantha Longhi, Paraprofessional in Hub at Pearson School

●        O’Shalia Johnson, Interventionist at Pearson School

●        Sally O’Brien, Student Services Administrative Assistant at Hinsdale School

●        Jeffrey Collier, District Substitute and LTS for Eric Neumann at Pearson School

●        Heather Reinoso-Subklew, Paraprofessional at The Gilbert School

●        Christina Gubetta, Special Education Teacher at the Pearson School

●        Luis Grijalva, Custodian at Pearson - Quit after one day

●        Cassandra Peterson, Cafeteria Worker at Pearson School

●        Benita Roy, Paraprofessional in Hub at Pearson School
           
 b) WAA Union Contract for approval

MOTION to approve WAA Union Contract for approval

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Kristin Peterson, U

XII.   New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
             a) Policies for Second Read
                   1) Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace

MOTION to accept Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace with edits

Melony Brady-Shanley to submit edits

First: Kristin Peterson, Second:  Nora Mocarski, U

                2) Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal

MOTION to accept Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, U

                 3) Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion

MOTION to accept Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion with edits

Melony Brady-Shanley to submit edits

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Broduer, U

                 4) Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations

MOTION to accept Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations with edits

Melony Bray-Shanley to submit edits

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Sondra Strubar, U

                 5) Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources

MOTION to accept Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

                 6) Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety

MOTION to accept Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

                 7) Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction

MOTION to accept Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction with edits

Melony Brady-Shanley to submit edits

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur

                 8) Policy #6153 Field Trips

MOTION to accept Policy #6153 Field Trips with edits

Melony Brady-Shanley to submit edits

First:  Renata Waldron, Second:  Nora Mocarski, U

b) Melony Brady-Shanley would like to add a discussion regarding a Wamogo Regional High School application pending to allow a current Northwestern Regional High School student to transfer to Wamogo Regional High School to participate in the Wamogo Agricultural Program.   

Motion to approve Wamogo Regional High School application pending to allow a current Northwestern Regional High School student to transfer to Wamogo Regional High School to participate in the Wamogo Agricultural Program

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, U

XIII.  Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

XIV.     Executive Session:

a)  Personnel matter related to a certified teacher requesting extended leave.

MOTION to adjourn to Executive Session and invited Melony Brady-Shanley

First:  Cheryl McGlynn, Second:  Tara Sundie, U

XV.     Adjourn: @ 8:24 p.m.

Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes - Amended
Date: August 8, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room

Meeting Facilitator:       Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
                                      Doug Pfenninger, BOE Chairman

Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, and Renata Waldron. 

 I.      Call to order: @ 7:00 pm Pledge of Allegiance:

 II.     Roll call:  Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Tara Sundie, Nora Mocarski, Doug Pfenninger, Melony Brady-Shanley, Sondra Strubhar, Salvatore Lovetere, Kristin Peterson.  Absent: Cheryl McGlynn

 III.    Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Board of Education Agenda:  August 8, 2023

Doug Pfenninger would like to request the following:

 Move up the Greenleaf Solutions - Solar installation for Hinsdale and Pearson Schools

MOTION to Move up the Greenleaf presentation and then the discussion and possible approval of the $50,000 from the state for salary reduction.

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, U

We need to approve the disbursement of up to $50,000 from the state payment that we are expecting to receive from the state that we discussed to make hold of the salary reductions that were given from the Unions in anticipation of a budget cut.

Salvatore Lovetere would like to add discussions around contract negotiations with Gilbert to the agenda.

MOTION to add Contract negotiations with Gilbert under Action Items Discussion Possible Action

First:  Salvatore Lovetere, Second:  Sondra Strubhar, U

 IV.   Comments from the Chairman:

Doug Pfenninger would like to welcome Kevin Siebrecht from Greenleaf Solutions

Melony Brady-Shanley wanted to give the Board some background of discussions that were discussed. Since May-June, we have had some shifts in the direction that this opportunity has posed for us, and it will be more financially profitable for us in the long run.  Kevin will present the switch that was made over the summer from Green Bank to Greenleaf Solutions and what it will entail.  The Pearson School will also need a roof in less than five years.  The roof is 44 years old and well past its life expectancy.  This enables us to get a new roof through this new process without us having to front the cost of the roof and the ability to own the solar system panels without having to use the PPA.  It will give us more long-term financial power than the short-term purchase agreement that we saw before.  Kevin will review the projections for the next 20 years.

Kevin reviewed the presentation to the Board.

Melony Brady-Shanley will email the Board the presentation.

 V.     Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are  allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

VI.    Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
             a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – June 13, 2023
             b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – June 20, 2023
             c) Minutes of Special Meeting Minutes – July 24, 2023 

Sondra Strubhar mentioned that the minutes from the Board Retreat did not include the request for a proposal for more physical activity into the day for students, which was discussed. In addition, the adjournment time needs to be edited to PM. 

Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, and Rosanna Rosanne Field have worked on a plan to add on Monday’s a program called Winchester Walks. We are expanding our partnership with 5210, which is a fit program that we have currently going on for about five years now, and they are based out of Torrington and continuing with Dance Party Fridays.

MOTION to approve a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – June 13, 2023
             b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – June 20, 2023
             c) Minutes of Special Meeting Minutes – July 24, 2023, with edits

First:  Kristin Peterson, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

VII.   Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:

Doug Pfenninger had a meeting this afternoon as part of the personnel committee negotiations that have begun with their administrators. We are potentially looking for a 3-year contract with the Gilbert administrators, and we talked about ground rules.  The work on the roof at Gilbert has already started.  Two weeks ago, Melony Brady-Shanley received a call that they needed $200,000, the money the town had approved as a capital project for the Gilbert roof.  Melony Brady-Shanley gave them a 60% down payment that was required per the contract, $160,000.00 $120,000.00.  When the roof is completed, they will get the rest of the payment.  

VIII. Correspondence to the Board:
             a) Letters of Resignations

●        Thomas Bialko

●        Addie Mehl

●        Meghan Hamylak

●        Heather Erha

●        Justina McGuire

●        Devin Pratt

●        Sarah Ward

●        Joanna Petti

            b) CABE Liaison Newsletter
            c) CAPPS Alliance Districts
                       
IX.     Superintendent’s Reports & Action Items Discussion Possible Action:
            a) Superintendent’s Report
            b) Gilbert Enrollment & Grade Level Enrollment
            c) Monthly Budget Summary - FY23

Sondra Strubhar left the room at 8:13 pm.  Sondra Strubhar returned at 8:14 pm.

            d) Paraprofessional HSA subsidy coverage - Legislation and impact on our paraprofessionals   

Melony Brady-Shanley is asking the Board to reinstate the raises of staff members that gave their salaries to ensure the budget would pass and give them the opportunity to have their funds reinstated.  Melony Brady-Shanley will take hers in the spring if funds are available.

First:  Tara Sundie, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

e) Gilbert Contact

Salvatore Lovetere attended his first Gilbert Corp Meeting and was surprised that we have not been able to figure out a contract together. I think the best way going forward, in my opinion, is to start with a small and simple contract that we can move forward with and build on.  I am suggesting three items, to begin with to move forward and build a better partnership and collaboration:

MOTION to approve

1. WPS and the Gilbert School agree to hold one meeting annually together one month before the WPS budget meeting.

2. The superintendent or head of schools must forward to the respective boards the board packet.  WPS Board materials are located online.

3.  WPS and The Gilbert School to explore any contracted services and discuss the possibility of sharing snowplowing services

First:  Salvatore Lovetere, Second:  Sondra Strubhar, 6, 1 abstention

 X.     Presentations:
            a) Greenleaf Solutions - Solar installation for Hinsdale and Pearson Schools

XI.     Board Action Items:
            a) New Hires

●        Theresa Blanchard, Paraprofessional

●        William Blanchard, Paraprofessional

●        Courtney Cappabianca, Long-Term Substitute/Building Substitute

●        Savannah Holland, Paraprofessional

●        Nichole Hughes, Paraprofessional

●        Wayne Hurlbut, Custodian

●        Merci-Grace Jenkins, Special Education Teacher

●        Lydia Johnson, ELL Specialist

●        Stacey LaBree, Paraprofessional

●        Samantha Mailhoit, Paraprofessional

●        Ben Puffer, Head Custodian

●        Zoie Rinaldi, Special Education Teacher

●        Jennifer Titus, Interventionist

●        Joyce Zaldo, Library Media Specialist

Sondra Strubhar wanted to bring to the board's attention what we are trying to do in regard to non-gender policies. My question is, why are we doing this?  Are there other districts doing this?  Hartford, Gilbert, and Torrington are not.  It is a conversation topic, and going through our policies, I can see benefits.  Clarifying languages makes sense to me. I am for inclusivity, not for ideology, either political to influence school culture or policy.

  XII.   New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
             a) Policies for a First Read
                1) Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace

MOTION to move Policy #4118.112(a) – Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Workplace to second read with edits

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Tara Sundie, U

                2) Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal

MOTION to move Policy #5113 (a) – Attendance, Excused, Dismissal to second read

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U

                 3) Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion

MOTION to move Policy #5114 (b) – Suspension and Expulsion to second read with edits

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Tara Sundie, U

                 4) Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations

MOTION to move Policy #5125 (a) – FERPA Regulations to second read with edits

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, 7, 1 abstention

                 5) Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources

MOTION to move Policy #6141.327 (a) Electronic Resources to second read

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

                 6) Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety

MOTION to move Policy #6142.63 Physical Education Aquatic Safety to second read

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U

                 7) Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction

MOTION to move Policy #6144.1 Exemption from Instruction to second read

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U

                 8) Policy #6153 Field Trips

MOTION to move Policy #6153 Field Trips to second read

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

            b) Policies for Second Read
                 1)   Policy #0521 – Non-Discrimination
                 2)   Policy #1330 – Community use of school facilities
                 3)   Policy #3281.1 – Crowdfunding
                 4)   Policy# 3516(a) - Safety
                 5)   Policy #3541 – Transportation Guideline
                 6)   Policy #3541.22 – Bus Drivers
                 7)   Policy #3542.1 - Food Service
                 8)   Policy #4001 – Personnel/Athletic Coaches
                 9)   Policy #4111 – Affirmative action – Recruitment and Selection
               10)   Policy #4112.5(a) – Security Check – Fingerprinting
               11)   Policy #4113.6(a)/4213.6 – Remote Work/Telecommuting Policy/Telework
               12)   Policy #4118.15 – Workplace Bullying
               13)   Policy #4152.6 – Family & Medical Leave Act
               14)   Policy #4410 – Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens
               15)   Policy #5111 – Admission – Placement 

MOTION to move all policies under the second read to implementation

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Jeannette Brodeur, U

c) CT SDE High Impact Tutoring Grant - Math 
            d) Family Resource Center Grant
            e) School Readiness Grant
            f) School Readiness-Competitive COLA Grant
            g) School Readiness - Competitive Enrollment-Based Grant
            h) CHAMPS After School Enrichment Program
            i) National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistant Grant

MOTION to accept all Grants

First:  Sondra Strubhar, Second:  Salvatore Lovetere, U

XIII.  Public Comment:

Board of Education Chairman to read Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are allotted to each speaker per Board Policy #1120. No BOE employee, student, or community member should be defamed within a public comment.

Bryan Sundie, 152 Spencer Hill Road, Winsted.  I wanted to applaud Board Member Lovetere for the spirit of what you are trying to accomplish in bringing the two boards together, to work more collaboratively and have a more positive relationship going forward.

MOTION to adjourn

First: Jeannette Brodeur, Second: Sondra Strubhar, U

IX.     Adjourn: @ 9:13pm

Winchester Board of Education - RETREAT MINUTES - Amended
Date:  JULY 24, 2023
Location: 178 West Street Winchester, CT
Start: 9:00 AM
End time will be 2:00 PM

Members Present (alphabetical order): Jeannette Brodeur, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski (BOE Secretary), Kristin Peterson, Doug Pfenninger (BOE Chair), Sondra Strubhar, Tara Sundie, Renata Waldron

Members Absent: Salvatore Lovetere

●     Gilbert is going to Ed Advance for lunch

●     Asking WBOE members to come out for a meeting at the Gilbert BOE once in a while

●     Judging our instructional program beyond the numbers - Student score reporting

○     Curriculum committee will extract data for, say, itemized issues (Extract ELL data, for example), whereas the full board meeting will not because we don’t want to confuse the public understanding.

■     COVID kids will be tested

■     Bubble group going into 2nd grade

■     Small K group coming in 2024 will have a larger group but then level out again in 2025

○     Transient populations occur

■     More transience in lower grades than upper grades because of stability with social groups

■     Increase in EL population - movement from Torrington to WPS and back.

■     July/Aug because of movement

■     Dec/Jan because end-of-year rental leases are up.

■     There are also evictions because the federal moratoriums are over

■     Melony will be more specific on our demographics in her presentations, but not by grade level.

○     Growth numbers released in August

●     Policy

○     Need district policy for aging kids coming into the district. Parents can petition the superintendent to get younger kids in early even though the law recently changed to the 2024-25 school year.

○     Need a challenge policy for the library. Not the teacher’s library in the classroom for curriculum.

○     FOR September’s Policy Committee Meeting:

■     TO complete all outstanding policies for language changes

■     TO decide which to work with, CABE or Shipman, or use CABE or our Lawyer’s policies? (Our Shipman-Goodman lawyer is Jess).

■     TO DO: We will look into Shipman to see what they offer because we have a concern that CABE doesn’t seem to be up to date.

■     ACTION PLAN: Policy committee: Have a Zoom with Jess on PD for us.

●     BOE Goals

○     Committee meetings - Meeting times will roll into each other, so all will start at 6 pm. The times listed below are internal times…These are currently established committees. Cannot change these names until November. Requires bylaw change if we want to change these names.

■     6:00-7:15 pm Curriculum - Admin present.

■     7:15-8:00 pm Policy - Admin present.

■     8:00-8:30 pm Finance As needed - whole with Nancy as a virtual meeting to allow Nancy to go home.

○     BOE Goals and Review 22/23 Goals

■     INSTRUCTION

●     Josh Town Manager Note - August “Citizens Academy.”

■     OPERATIONS

●     Need to improve our communication with our parents.

●     Move the superintendent’s report to the first part of the agenda so parents/students presenting hear what we are doing.

●     Board members need to meet and greet parents. Get out there.

●     We WBOE members can campaign for the budget vote

○     Per Kevin Neligan - no limits so long as it is not a bond referendum, BOE members CAN campaign.

■     No such thing as a quiet period

●     #3) Discussion MOA from SDE - SDE will give us $660,000 in August. The state made a mistake on our enrollment in 2022, so they owe us money.

○     Our enrollment went up in 2022 unexpectedly, so when the state did their formula for grant monies in 2022, they used a lower enrollment.

○     SO we will get $660,000 in August.

○     BOE will get an MOA soon and must be approved by the WBOE. One-time disbursement of money to the BOE. No strings attached.

■     Suggestion for this use: non-certified staff took 0% freezes this year 2023-24. Melony suggested reinstating the money cut in the budget to the staff that took these hits on salaries.

●     = 50K Building subs, central office, business office, data, IT, admin, behavior techs,

■     Reinstate Melony’s raise next May if we can do it in the budget.

■     And the rest (610K) Lock it away for a rainy day.

●     NOT in the town non-lapsing money.

●     Grant allocation fund. SDE grant no expiration, no conditions.

■     660K in grant

■     Minutes 50K Building subs, central office, business office, data, IT, admin, behavior techs,

●     4 maternity leaves will pay for this increase going forward.

■     Leaves 610K to the savings bank. Market similar to “commissioner’s network funds” to LOCK AWAY as “rainy day fund.”

●     #5 Proactively build a strong community understanding of curriculum, access to education, and understanding of policies to prevent misunderstanding/misinterpretation.

○     Link the town website to our BOE link and get space in Winchester Wire

●     #6 Open forum from BOE members on functionality.

○     Melony working on getting out of the Green Bank plan - current roof deal - in favor of another company - Green Leaf - that will DO our roofs as well as the solar panels. Gilbert is going to use them so they have their roofs paid for and will not charge the town for the roof.

■     Student scores: Looking forward to using iReady. (2nd bubble; 3rd COVID group (were in K when we shut in March 2020).

■     Melony to create an August proposal for BOE meeting on COVID catch-up plan considering using some of the 610K towards COVID catch-up - especially that 3rd grade COVID group.

●     #7 BOE Policy Discussion - 9000 and 9311 - ByLaws

○     TABLED

●     MOTION TO ADJOURN at 1:37am  pm

○     Nora first, Doug second → U

Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Agenda
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, @ 6:30 pm
Location:  Hinsdale School In-Person or Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09
Phone Number:  1-929-205-6099 
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345 

Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator:  Nora Mocarski

Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Sondra Strubhar, and Tara Sundie

Invitees:   Doug Pfenninger, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Kristin Peterson, and Melony Brady-Shanley

Quorum:  4

I.        Call to Order

II.       Roll Call 

III.      Agenda Review
                  a)    Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – October 24, 2023

IV.      Approval of Minutes

          1.      New Business
                  a)    Presentation of i-Ready Program                                                    

V.      Adjourn

Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meeting Policy
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, @ 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location:  Hinsdale School

Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Cheryl McGlynn

Committee Members: Tara Sundie, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, and Salvatore Lovetere

Invitees:  Doug Pfenninger, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley

Quorum: 4

I.        Call to Order

II.       Roll Call 

III.      Agenda Review
          a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – September 26, 2023

IV.      Approval of Minutes        
          a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – June 20, 2023

V.       New Business Discussion and Possible Action:                        

VI.      New Business
          a) Review of Policies
              1) 5145.44(a) Title IX
              2) 5000 Series Title IX Students from Shipman
              3) 5000 Series Title IX Personnel from Shipman
              4) 5145.511 Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education Program
              5) 6145.2 Interscholastic Intramural Athletics New from CABE 
              6) 6145.23 Interscholastic Intramural Athletics DRAFT
              7) 6163.32 - Service Animals and Therapy Animals from CABE 9-7-23
              8) Review of ByLaws
         b) Review the Policy Package from Shipman

VI.       Adjourn

Meeting: Hinsdale School Renovation Committee Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Time: 5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Location:  Virtual via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09
Phone: #: 9292056099
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345

Meeting Facilitator:  Tony Sandonado, Chair ()

Invitees: M. Bird (), M. Shanley-Brady (), D. Denning (), J. Kelly (), M. Hintz (), N. Kelly (), N. O’Dea (), C. Perez (), D. Pfenninger (), B. Stratford (), A. Rheault(), and S. Vaill ()

I.        Call to Order:

II.        Roll Call: See above

III.       Agenda Review:

IV.       Public Comment:

V.        Business:

1. Review of invoices.

Adjourn:

Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Minutes
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, @ 6:30 pm
Location:  Hinsdale School In-Person or Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09
Phone Number:  1-929-205-6099 
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345 

Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator:  Nora Mocarski

Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Sondra Strubhar, and Tara Sundie

Invitees:   Doug Pfenninger, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Kristin Peterson, and Melony Brady-Shanley.  Tara Sundie joined at 7:11 p.m.

Quorum:  4

                I.            Call to Order @ 6:34 p.m.

               II.            Roll Call  Nora Mocarski, Jeanette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Sondra Strubhar, and Melony Brady-Shanley

              III.            Agenda Review
a)    Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – October 24, 2023

              IV.            Approval of Minutes

MOTION to approve minutes

First:  Renata Waldron, Second:  Jeanette Brodeur, U

              V.          New Business
a)    Presentation of the i-Ready Program

Barbara Silverio presented the i-Ready Program

●       Diagnostic Status

●       Diagnostic Results

●       Instruction

●       Standard Mastery

●       Explore Standards/Mastery Results

●       View Progress

●       Resources

●       Tools for Instruction

●       Tools for Instruction for Spanish Reading

●       Tools for Scaffolding Comprehension

●       Program groups students by performance level

●       Pathway Program is available to assist parents and relieve them from instruction

●       Overview of grade level

●       Personalized Instruction Summary

●       Teachers can view results with students regarding improvements/results

●       Standards Mastery Results by Test

●       Standards Mastery Results Year-to-Date

●       Standards Mastery Results by Test Export

Melony Brady-Shanley mentioned that the program supports students through the homework club.  We have 60 students in total on Mondays and Wednesdays.  In November, I will ask the Board to utilize funds to add an extra adult to assist with the homework club.  In time, I hope this new product will help us simplify the difficult teachings our teachers have to do.

MOTION to adjourn

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U  

              VI.            Adjourn @ 7:23 p.m.

Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meeting Policy Minutes
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location:  Hinsdale School

Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Cheryl McGlynn

Committee Members: Tara Sundie, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, and Salvatore Lovetere

Invitees:  Doug Pfenninger, Nora Mocarski, Kristin Peterson, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley

Quorum: 4

I.            Call to Order @ 6:33 pm

II.            Roll Call  Melony Brady-Shanley, Nora Mocarski, Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, and Tara Sundie

III.            Agenda Review
               a)  Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – September 26, 2023

Cheryl McGlynn would like to make an edit under New Business. 3) Change 5000 Series to 4000 Series

IV.          Approval of Minutes        

             a)  Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – June 20, 2023

MOTION to approve Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – June 20, 2023

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second: Renata Waldron, U

V.       New Business Discussion and Possible Action:                           

VI.      New Business
          a) Review of Policies
              1) 5145.44(a) Title IX

MOTION to move 5145.44(a) Title IX to the full board to accept Shipman and Goodman as policy provider

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Tara Sundie, U

             2) 5000 Series Title IX Students from Shipman

             3) 4000 Series Title IX Personnel from Shipman

Melony Brady-Shanley made edits.

MOTION to table 4000 Series Title IX Personnel from Shipman to the next policy meeting after receipt of policy from Shipman and Goodman with clear language

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U

             4) 5145.511 Sexual Abuse Prevention and Education Program

             5) 6145.2 Interscholastic Intramural Athletics New from CABE

             6) 6145.23 Interscholastic Intramural Athletics DRAFT

             7) 6163.32 - Service Animals and Therapy Animals from CABE 9-7-23

No action on Policies 4),5),6), and 7) on the agenda pending the decision on the Board from CABE to Shipman and Goodman.  A crosswalk needs to be done.

Melony Brady-Shanley will conduct a crosswalk.

           8) Review of ByLaws

MOTION for the Policy Committee to recommend to the Board of Education that Shipman and Goodman become the policy provider effective October 10, 2023, for The Winchester Board of Education.

First:  Nora Mocarski, Second:  Renata Waldron, U

            b)   Review the Policy Package from Shipman

MOTION to adjourn the meeting

First: Nora Mocarski, Second:  Tara Sundie, U

VI.       Adjourn @ 7:38 pm

Meeting: Hinsdale School Renovation Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location:  Virtual via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09
Phone: #: 9292056099
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345

Meeting Facilitator:  Tony Sandonado, Chair (x)

Invitees: M. Bird (), M. Shanley-Brady (), D. Denning (x), J. Kelly (), M. Hintz (x), N. Kelly (x), N. O’Dea (), C. Perez (x), D. Pfenninger (), B. Stratford (), A. Rheault (), and S. Vaill (x)

I.        Call to Order: 5:30 pm

II.        Roll Call: See above

III.       Agenda Review: No revisions. The chair, committee, and team members thanked everyone for the group effort and the successful project. The last step will be the state's project audit before the town is reimbursed.

IV.       Public Comment:

V.        Business:

1. Review of invoices.

Silver Petrucelli & Associates - invoice 22-0208 - $780 - Motion to approve Kelly, second Hintz – U

People, Places & Spaces – invoice 30957 - $2,913.96 – Motion to approve Hintz, second Kelly – U

Thomas Testing – invoice 5106 - $2,400 – Motion to approve Kelly, second Vaill – U

FST-HEA (Horizon) – invoice R2021Z-023-21 - $700 – Motion to approve Vaill, second Hintz – U                   -  invoice R2021Z-023-22 - $1,330 – Motion to approve Vaill, second Denning – U -----Committee requests check to be held until the final report is received------

Montagno – invoice 20 - $106,745.04 – Motion to approve Kelly, second Denning - U

Adjourn 6:00 pm