Agendas & Minutes
Agendas 2023-2024
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: May 14, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call:
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: May 14, 2024
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 – April 9, 2024
b) Minutes of Special Meeting – April 19, 2024
c) Minutes of Special Meeting - April 23, 2024
d) Minutes of Committee Meeting – April 23, 2024
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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) Update on Boiler at Pearson Review
1. RFP Process and Update on the Timeline
2. Review Requirements for future grant submission and provide BOE with resources
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
Presentations:
a) Solar Presentation – Kevin Siebrecht
Committee Reports:
a) Report of progress of the Superintendent Ad Hoc Search Committee (Sondra Strubhar)
b) Report of the Security Ad Hoc Committee (Salvatore Lovetere)
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hire
b) WEA request for a 1-year contract extension to be negotiated prior to June 30, 2024. Limited to salary and benefits for the 2025-2026 School Year. All other aspects remain as written.
c) Recommend the forwarding of the Bank of America Solar Finance Document be forwarded to the Board of Selectman for consideration.
d) Directing the Superintendent to formally notify the Board of Selectman regarding Pearson Boilers.
e) PDEC Plan
1) Professional Development & Evaluation Committee
2) Teacher Evaluation
3) Document
f) Discussion and vote on whether to hire an interim to begin on July 1, 2024.
g) Discussion on Superintendent Search Consultant Proposals
h) Grant Approval - Family Resource Center - $112,629.00
i) Grant Approval - School Readiness - $304,132.00
j) Grant Approval - Quality Enhancement - $3,881.00
k) Policy from 3000 Series for First Read
1) IDEA Fiscal Compliance
l) Policies 4000 Series for First Read
1) Abuse of Neglect of Disabled Adults
2) Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug-Free Workplace
3) Bloodborne Pathogens w Regulations
4) Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault
5) Code of Ethics
6) Employee Use of the District’s Computer
7) Employment and Student Teacher Check w Regulations
8) FMLA
9) Hiring of Certified Staff
10) Hiring of Non-Certified Staff
11) Increasing Educator Diversity Plan
12) Non-Discrimination (Personnel) w Regulations
13) Psychotropic Drugs
14) Section 504_ADA (Personnel) w Regulations
15) Social Media w Regulations
16) Title IX Sex Discrimination and Harassment
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
Executive Session Anticipated for the Purpose of Discussion on Central Office Administrators’ Compensation for 2026-2027 [Action Anticipated]
Executive Session Anticipated for the Purpose of Discussion on Superintendent’s Contract ending June 30, 2024 [Action Anticipated]
XV. Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: April 9, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call:
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: April 9, 2024
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 – March 12, 2024
b) Minutes of Special Meeting – March 14, 2024
c) Minutes of Committee Meeting – March 27, 2024
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
Presentations:
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action
b) Healthy Food Certification
c) Discussion of Boiler @ Pearson School
d) The National Drone Competition Team Field Trip – Out-of-State
e) Revisions to the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
f) Policies for First Read
1. Non-Discrimination ( Community)
2. Volunteers
3. Sexual Offenders
4. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
5. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
6. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
7. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
8. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
9. Purchasing
10. Student Activities Funds
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.
XV. Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda - Amended
Date: March 12, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order:
II. Pledge of Allegiance:
III. Roll call:
IV. Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: March 12, 2024
V. Comments from the Chairman:
VI. 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.
VII. Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – December 12, 2023
b) Minutes of BOE Meeting – February 13, 2024
c) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 12, 2024
d) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 17, 2024
e) Minutes of Committee Meeting – February 27, 2024
f) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 29, 2024
VIII.Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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) Monthly Budget Summary - FY24
X. Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
XI. Presentations:
XII. New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action
b) Increasing Educator Diversity Plan - anticipated action
c) Reduce the student calendar for 2023-2024 to 180 days. The last student day would be June 12, 2024, pending additional weather days.
d) Replacement of Pearson Boilers
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) Possible Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action on the selection of a candidate to fill the open Winchester seat on The Gilbert School Corporation.
XV. Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: February 13, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron
Call to order:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call:
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: February 13, 2024
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 – December 12, 2023
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – December 19, 2023
c) Minutes of Special Meeting – January 3, 2024
d) Minutes of Committee Meetings – January 23, 2024
e) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 3, 2024
f) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 5, 2024
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
b) CAPSS Public Policy Agenda & Blueprint Update
c) CCM Legislative Agenda
Presentations:
1. Student Acknowledgements for iReady Growth and Achievement
2. Presentation on iReady Mid-Year Benchmark Results
3. Reading Curriculum Selection Presentation
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action
b) Gym Floor - Discussion and Potential Direction from BOE
c) Discussion of the Town’s Website Meeting Schedule and Proposed Budget - Discussion
d) Reading Curriculum Purchase - Amplify CKLA - Grant Funded - $193,031.46
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
e) MOA between CT DCF and Winchester Public Schools
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
f) National Drone Competition - Request not to exceed $3,000
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
g) Reinstatement of Superintendent Increase from July 1, 2023 ($4,990)
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
h) Policy # 3542 - Meal Charging Policy – First Read
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
i) Policies 1000 Series for First Read
1. Automatic External Defibrillators
2. Green Cleaning Programs
3. Pesticide Application on School Property
4. Possession of Deadly Weapons or Firearms
5. Prohibition Against Smoking
6. School Security and Safety
7. Use of School Facilities
8. Visitors and Observations in Schools
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
j) Policies 2000 Series for First Read
1. Holds on the Destruction of Electronic Information and Paper Records Litigation
2. Retention and Disposition of Records and Information
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
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. Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda - CANCELED
Date: January 9, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Shane Deschamps, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron
Call to order:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call:
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: January 9, 2024
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 – December 12, 2023
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – December 19, 2023
c) Minutes of Special Meeting – January 3, 2024
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation
Presentations:
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires
b) Policy # 3542 - Meal Charging Policy – First Read
c) Gym Floor Options
d) Discussion of the Town’s Website Meeting Schedule and Proposed Budget
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:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Agenda
Date: December 12, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
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:
Discussion Possible Action: Motion to rescind election for Officers of the Winchester Board of Education held during the November 14, 2023 Board meeting, which election resulted in the appointment of the following officers:
- Chairperson: Nora Mocarski
- Secretary: Sondra Strubhar
Possible Motion: MOVED that the Board hereby rescind the officer election held during the November 14, 2023 Board meeting, which election resulted in the appointment of Nora Mocarski as Chairperson and Sondra Strubhar as Secretary.
a) Possible Action: Election of Officers of the Winchester Board of Education – Moderated by Melony Brady-Shanley
1. Election of Chairperson
2. Election of Secretary
b) Possible Action: Election of Committee Chairs and Membership
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: December 12, 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 –November 14, 2023
b) Minutes of Special Meeting – December 5, 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
g) Reading Waiver Information and Next Steps
Presentations:
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) After-School Proposal from Ralph Nadar
b) Pearson Drone Competition Team Field Trip Request
c) Fiscal Year 2024 - ARP ESSER - Small Town Right to Read - $ 150,000
d) Fiscal Year 2023 - ARPA Right to Read Grant - $51,000
e) Sole Source - West State Mechanical - $6,270.00
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda - CANCELED
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Pearson School - Media Center
Meeting Facilitator: Jessica Smith, Board of Education Attorney
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, , Salvatore Lovetere, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhart, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order:
II. Roll call:
III. Business:
a) Board of Education Training
IV. Adjournment:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, @ 8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order:
II. Roll call:
III. Business – Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Formal nomination and appointment of specific Board of Education members to the Superintendent Search Committee.
2. Nomination and appointment of a chair of the Superintendent Search Committee.
3. Discussion of the Superintendent Search process.
4. Schedule the next Superintendent Search Committee meeting.
VI. Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: Friday, April 19, 2024, @ 6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order:
Roll call:
Business – Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Discuss the Superintendent's Resignation and Next Steps.
2. Possible Action - Creation of a Personnel Search Committee to Search for a Superintendent for the Winchester Public Schools
Adjourn:
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024, @ 6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
- Call to order
- Roll call
- Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Winchester Board of Education.
- Interview candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
- Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
- Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
- Adjourn
____________________________
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate and identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special BOE Meeting Agenda - Amended
Date: February 29, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order
II. Roll Call
III. Presentation
1. Presentation of the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget
IV. Discussion & Possible Action
1. 2025 Fiscal Year Budget
V. Adjournment
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: February 17, 2024, @ 9:00 AM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09&omn=87930014265
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Beth Whitney, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
IV. Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Election of membership to the Gilbert School Corporation
V. Adjourn
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: February 12, 2024, @ 6:30 pm
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
Call to order
Roll call
Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
- Interviews of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
- Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Adjourn
____________________________
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate an identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special BOE Meeting Agenda
Date: February 5, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hinsdale School – Science Lab
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Business
1) Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
a) Development of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
IV. Adjournment
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda - Amended
Date: February 3, 2024, @ 9:00 a.m.
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
1) Interviews of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
2) Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
IV. Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
V. Adjourn
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate an identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
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 BOE Meeting Agenda
Date: January 3, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hinsdale School – Science Lab
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella, and Shayne Deschamps
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Business
1) Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
a) Development of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
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:
MINUTES 2023-2024
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes
Date: April 9, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order: - 7:05 PM
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call: Elizabeth Whitney, Jonathan Morhardt, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Shane Centrella, and Alison Pierce. Absent: Salvatore Lovetere and Sondra Strubhar.
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: April 9, 2024
Nora Mocarski Motion to remove Policy 4. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers, Policy 9. Purchasing, and Policy 10. Student Activities Funds on the agenda today since they are relative to the budget procedures and to give Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick further chance to review.
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
Comments from the Chairman:
● Would like to welcome Alison Pierce to her first Board Meeting as a Board Member
● Celebrated the solar eclipse as a District
● Reminder: Friday, April 26, Finding Nemo taking place at The Gilbert School
● Attendance: Make sure our little ones are at school
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 – March 12, 2024
Edit e) Minutes of Committee Meeting - February 27, 2024, Shane Centrella’s name is spelled wrong. Change Shayne to Shane
Edit: a) Possible Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action on the selection of a candidate to fill the open Winchester seat on The Gilbert School Corporation.
Theresa Padin to be appointed to the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation
Add: Vote: 7-0-0
Nora Mocarski Motion to approve Minutes of BOE Meeting – March 12, 2024 with edits
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0-2
b) Minutes of Special Meeting – March 14, 2024
Edit on Page 9: Under Question 3, second bullet, commute should be changed to communicate
Edit on Page 9: Under Question 5, 3.3 million should be changed to 33 million
Jonathan Morhardt Motion to approve Minutes of Special Meeting – March 14, 2024 with edits
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
c) Minutes of Committee Meeting – March 27, 2024
Jeannette Brodeur Motion to approve Minutes of Committee Meeting – March 27, 2024
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 6-0-1
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
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
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
● Suzanne Waldron, Paraprofessional
● Cassandra Peterson, Cafeteria
Accept with regret
Presentations:
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action
● Elizabeth Reyes, Music Teacher at Hinsdale
● Brendan Eckert, Library Media Specialist at Pearson
b) Healthy Food Certification
Nora Mocarski Motion to approve Healthy Food Certification. Motion language for healthy food option: Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-215f, the Winchester board of education certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the schools under its jurisdiction, and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education, will comply with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards during the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This certification shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at all times and from all sources, including but limited to school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, culinary programs, and any fundraising activities on school premises sponsored by the school or non-school organizations and groups.
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
Nora Mocarski Motion to approve Healthy Food Certification. Motion language for combined food and beverage exemptions. The Winchester board of education or governing authority will allow the sale to students of food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages not listed in Section 10-221q of the Connecticut General Statutes provided that the following conditions are met:
1) The sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend.
2) The sale is at the location of the event, and
3) The food and beverage items are ot sold from a vending machine or school store.
An “event” is an occurrence that involves more than just a regularly scheduled practice, meeting,
or extracurricular activity. For example, soccer games, school plays, and interscholastic debates are events but soccer practices, play rehearsals, and debate team meetings are not. The “regular school day” is the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day. “Location” means where the event is being held.
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
c) Discussion of Boiler @ Pearson School
d) The National Drone Competition Team Field Trip – Out-of-State
Nora Mocarski Motion to support The National Drone Competition Team Field Trip – Out-of-State
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
e) Revisions to the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget - Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed and read the commentary from the budget meeting held Monday, April 8.
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept the adjusted budget from April 9, pending the result of the Board of Selectmen meeting.
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
f) Policies for First Read
1. Non-Discrimination ( Community) - Melony Brady-Shanley will include Boy Scouts
Elizabeth Whitney Motion to move Non-Discrimination (Community) to final adoption
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
2. Volunteers
Jeannette Brodeur Motion to move Volunteers to final adoption
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
3. Sexual Offenders
Jonathan Morhard Motion to move Sexual Offenders to final adoption
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
4. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
Shane Centrella Motion to move Code of Conduct Federal Procurement to final adoption
2nd - Elizabeth Whitney
Vote: 7-0-0
5. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
Jeannette Brodeur Motion to move Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials to final adoption
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
6. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
Shane Centrella Motion to move Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District to final adoption
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
7. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
Jonathan Morhardt Motion to move IDEA Fiscal Compliance to final adoption
2nd - Elizabeth Whitney
Vote: 7-0-0
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.
XV. Adjourn - Motion Shane Centrella, 2nd Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0 at 8:13 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes
Date: March 12, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order - 7:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call - Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Sondra Strubhar, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Elizabeth Whitney, Salvatore Lovetere, Shayne Centrella. Absent: Jonathan Morhardt.
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: March 12, 2024
Comments from the Chairman:
Nora Mocarski wanted to publicly recognize the efforts and work of Cheryl McGlynn. She resigned because she found it was getting too difficult to manage her businesses and her time with the Board. I wanted to recognize her 6 years of service. She was a strong advocate for education for kids and her background was very helpful and she guided us through discussions.
I would like to recognize Alexa Hinton. She quickly responded to our discussion about the town and BOE website. She has made some changes and has the BOE link right at the top of the town website, and I appreciate her prompt attention to this matter.
I also wanted to thank all of you here. Serving on this Board over the last three months has been time-consuming, and I appreciate your flexibility in scheduling and on-time attendance. I appreciate your time.
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 – December 12, 2023
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to approve Minutes of BOE Meeting – December 12, 2023
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0
b) Minutes of BOE Meeting – February 13, 2024
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to approve Minutes of BOE Meeting – February 13, 2024
2nd - Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 7-0
c) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 12, 2024
Renata Waldron Motion to approve Minutes of Special Meeting – February 12, 2024
2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 7-0
d) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 17, 2024 - Jeanette, Renata, 8, 0
Jeannette Brodeur Motion to approve Minutes of Special Meeting – February 17, 2024
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0
e) Minutes of Committee Meeting – February 27, 2024
Sondra Strubhar Motion to approve Minutes of Committee Meeting – February 27, 2024
2nd - Shayne Centrella
Vote: 7-0
f) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 29, 2024
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to approve Minutes of Special Meeting – February 29, 2024
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative: No report at this time
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
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
The Board accepts both resignations with regret.
Presentations: Not at this time
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action - Melony Brady-Shanley announced new hires
b) Increasing Educator Diversity Plan - anticipated action
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed documents with the Board.
Renata Waldron Motion to Approve Increasing Educator Diversity Plan
2nd - Elizabeth Whitney
Vote: 7-0
c) Reduce the student calendar for 2023-2024 to 180 days. The last student day would be June 12, 2024, pending additional weather days.
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to approve Reduce the student calendar for 2023-2024 to 180 days. The last student day would be June 12, 2024, pending additional weather days.
Nora Mocarski will amend that motion to include that we are moving the 2023-2024 calendar from 181 to 180 days for this year.
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0
d) Replacement of Pearson Boilers - Melony Brady-Shanley presented to the Board. The Board would like to direct Melony Brady-Shanley to move forward with the project.
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.
Theresa Padin, 124 Meadow Street, Winsted. Read the letter she wrote to Nora Mocarski regarding her interest in remaining on the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation.
Dear Ms. Mocarski,
I am writing to express my strong interest in remaining on the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation Board, as a Community Representative appointed by the Winchester Board of Education. Throughout my tenure on the W. L. Gilbert School Corporation Board, I have viewed all School Corp. business and decisions through the lens of what is in the best interest of the children in our community. As a non-partisan, unbiased representative, I feel my contributions to the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation Board have directly benefited the children in our community.
Throughout my six years on the School Corp., I have been an active and engaged participant. I have attended all Regular, Special, and Committee meetings, with minor exceptions. I have served on the Policy, Finance, Personnel, Nominating and Celebration of Education Committees throughout my terms. Some highlights from these committee assignments include:
The hiring of a new Superintendent/Head of Schools
Negotiating the Gilbert Administrators Union Contract (This group became unionized during my time on the School Corp.)
Presenting, developing, and implementing salary scales, steps, and wage caps for Non-Union, Non- Certified staff members of the Gilbert School
I am the first WBOE appointee to serve as an officer of the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation, serving
one term as Vice-Chairman, and currently serving my second consecutive term as Secretary. Advocating for the educational needs of the children of Winsted through fiscal responsibility in budgets and support of expanding services and offerings to students where needed. Tirelessly advocating for the collaboration between the WBOE and the W.L. School Corporation Board Bridging the gap between the two entities by engaging other W.L. Gilbert School Corporation members in WPS activities (Drone Competition, Read Across America, etc.), and by collaborating with Gilbert to bring WPS students to The Gilbert School, (Holiday concerts, Pearson Drama Program, etc.)
It is my firm belief that the children of this town deserve the very best education available to them. Though many metrics can and will be used to measure the success of education, I believe that the commitment and stability of the governing organizations is the first step. By allowing me to continue my role, the WBOE can be assured that they have selected a candidate with a proven history of putting forth time, effort, and energy into the students of our community. Thank you.
XIV. Executive Session:
a) Possible Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action on the selection of a candidate to fill the open Winchester seat on The Gilbert School Corporation.
Sondra Strubhar Motion to Move to Executive Session
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0 at 7:49 PM
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to Come Out of Executive Session
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0 at 7:53 PM
Theresa Padin to be appointed to the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation
Add: Vote: 7-0-0
XV. Adjourn - Motion Salvatore Lovetere, 2nd Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 7-0 at 7:54 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes
Date: February 13, 2024, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Shayne Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order: @ 7:00 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance:
III. Roll call: Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Cheryl McGlynn,
Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Salvatore Lovetere. Absent: Elizabeth Whitney
IV. Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: February 13, 2024
Renata Waldron would like to add the Gilbert School Appointment to possible action under new business k)
MOTION to add the Gilbert School Appointment to possible action under new business k)
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Cheryl McGlynn, U
MOTION to remove student acknowledgment from presentations.
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
V. Comments from the Chairman:
Nora Mocarski wanted to thank everyone for their involvement and patience with the election process for the new board member. We welcome Elizabeth Whitney to the Board. She has three children in the school system, is the Communications Manager at KinderCare Education, serves on the Parks and Recreation Board, and organizes the annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Celebration in Winsted.
The Drone Competition took place on Saturday, February 10, and it was a great example of community involvement. The kids did a great job.
We are also deep in the budget process and will continue discussions tonight.
Elizabeth Whitney arrived at 7:04 pm
VI. 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.
VII. Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting – December 12, 2023
MOTION to table Minutes of BOE Meeting – December 12, 2023, to next Board meeting to be able to view YouTube video and confirm verbiage on Page 4, second paragraph with regards to Sondra Strubhar’s comments.
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, 8, 0, 1
b) Minutes of Committee Meetings – December 19, 2023
MOTION to accept Minutes of Committee Meetings – December 19, 2023, with edits (correct spelling of Jeannette’s name)
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, 6, 0, 2
c) Minutes of Special Meeting – January 3, 2024
MOTION to accept Minutes of Special Meeting – January 3, 2024
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 4, 0, 5
d) Minutes of Committee Meetings – January 23, 2024
MOTION to accept Minutes of Committee Meetings – January 23, 2024
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 6, 0, 3
e) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 3, 2024
MOTION to accept Minutes of Special Meeting – February 3, 2024
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Cheryl McGlynn, 8, 0, 1
f) Minutes of Special Meeting – February 5, 2024
MOTION to accept Minutes of Special Meeting – February 5, 2024
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Shane Centrella, 5, 0, 4
VIII. Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
Renata Waldron reviewed the Gilbert Corp Meeting Summaries and discussed the following:
December 14, 2023
Gilbert Corp voted for Officers: Chair Holly Cassaday, Vice Chair, Astrid Robitaille, Secretary, Theresa Padin, and Treasurer, Ellen Marino
The Finance Board shared that Health Benefits are anticipated to increase
Becky Tyrell, Manager of the Food Service from EdAdvance, stated that Gilbert is in full compliance with the Healthy Food Certification and has been adding more approved food/snack options.
Greg Shugrue met with the Mayor and Chief of Police regarding security at Gilbert.
Field Trips were approved for the wrestling team
Scholastic Reading Inventory
Parent Ambassadors Committee discussed security and admissions.
The Gilbert Trust sponsored a trip for two representatives to attend a conference in Miami to meet with an International agent to help recruit students
January 17, 2024
Admins/teachers presented a reading data presentation, which can be found on the website under meeting minutes
ASO MUO update
Field trip to Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame was approved
Students were recognized for PBIS
On track for roof and solar project
February 7, 2024
A motion was made to authorize the signing of the solar documents.
Greg Shugrue presented the proposed budget
Two staff positions were added: a reading teacher and an Armed Security Officer
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) Monthly Budget Summary - FY24
X. Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letters of Resignation
Courtney Cappabianca - Building Sub at Pearson
Kristina Tummino - Paraprofessional at Pearson
Jennifer Labbe - Music Teacher at Hinsdale
b) CAPSS Public Policy Agenda & Blueprint Update
c) CCM Legislative Agenda
d) Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the CAPSS Public Policy Agenda & Blueprint Update and CCM Legislative Agenda
XI. Presentations:
1. Student Acknowledgements for iReady Growth and Achievement
2. Presentation on iReady Mid-Year Benchmark Results
3. Reading Curriculum Selection Presentation
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Presentation on iReady Mid-Year Benchmark Results and Reading Curriculum Selection Presentation
XII. New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) New Hires - No action
Jennifer Farrell, Grade 2 Teacher at Hinsdale School
Melanie Teardo, Building Substitute at Pearson School
Peter Ostrander, Evening Custodian at Pearson School
b) Gym Floor - Discussion and Potential Direction from BOE
Open discussion for the direction of the scope of work the Board would like to do
Approximately, how much would it be to replace the gym floor? It would be approximately $40,000-$70,000
Suggested to wait until we are serious and we can do it right.
Wait until after the budget passes.
The boiler will also need to be replaced within 2-3 years.
Option to use DAS funds
The replacement of the boiler could be an eligible opportunity for reimbursement.
DAS grant.
Melony Brady-Shanley will investigate other options.
c) Discussion of the Town’s Website Meeting Schedule and Proposed Budget - Discussion
Nora Mocarski suggested the following:
Websites should communicate in a timely manner
Streamline communication
Have a link that will bring the user to the Winchester Board of Education page
Melony Brady-Shanley will contact the Town to discuss options
d) Reading Curriculum Purchase - Amplify CKLA - Grant Funded - $193,031.46
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
MOTION to accept Reading Curriculum Purchase - Amplify CKLA - Grant Funded - $193,031.46
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur 9, 0
e) MOA between CT DCF and Winchester Public Schools
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to accept MOA between CT DCF and Winchester Public Schools with edit on Page 80, Bullet 6, change Winchester Public School to Winchester Public Staff
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
f) National Drone Competition - Request not to exceed $3,000
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to accept National Drone Competition - Request not to exceed $3,000
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Sondra Strubhar, U
g) Reinstatement of Superintendent Increase from July 1, 2023 ($4,990)
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to accept Reinstatement of Superintendent Increase from July 1, 2023 ($4,990)
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
h) Policy # 3542 - Meal Charging Policy – First Read
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to approve Policy # 3542 - Meal Charging Policy – First Read for implementation
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
i) Policies 1000 Series for First Read
1. Automatic External Defibrillators
2. Green Cleaning Programs
3. Pesticide Application on School Property
4. Possession of Deadly Weapons or Firearms
5. Prohibition Against Smoking
6. School Security and Safety
7. Use of School Facilities
8. Visitors and Observations in Schools
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to approve Policies 1000 Series for First Read for implementation
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
j) Policies 2000 Series for First Read
1. Holds on the Destruction of Electronic Information and Paper Records Litigation
2. Retention and Disposition of Records and Information
Vote: Yes_____ No_____ Abstain ______
Motion to approve Policies 2000 Series for First Read for implementation
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
k) Gilbert Appointments of the Winchester Board of Education
Nora Mocarski announced the appointment of Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, Salvatore Lovetere, and Renata Waldron to the Gilbert School Corp. She will notify Holly Cassaday at the next meeting.
We want to thank Theresa Padin for her service and for always going above and beyond for our students.
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.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Salvatore Lovetere, U
XIV. Adjourn: @ 9:25 pm
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes - Amended 3/12/2024
Date: December 12, 2023, @ 7:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Call to order: @ 7:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance:
Roll call: Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Renata Waldron, Sondra Strubhar, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Cheryl McGlynn, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt
Discussion Possible Action: Motion to rescind election for Officers of the Winchester Board of Education held during the November 14, 2023 Board meeting, which election resulted in the appointment of the following officers:
Chairperson: Nora Mocarski
Secretary: Sondra Strubhar
Nora Mocarski read Item 3 on the agenda we heard or read our board's attorney's advice at our public special board of education meeting this past December 5 regarding the best possible path forward for our board regarding our officers' elections for the Board. On December 5, we had the attorney training on how to operate as a Board of Education. As mandated every year in the state of CT. She reminded us of the importance of decorum. We are a symbolic force at our meetings, and our conduct on the board sends a message to the community and our kids. Our behavior should be engaged in production conversation, and we work as a team.
Nora Mocarski opened the floor to discussion:
Salvatore Lovetere started the discussion with an overview of what had happened at the board meeting with elections.
He mentioned that he had the FOIA text messages from the board of education, which he read for the record.
This is why we are here tonight. In my opinion, none of the politicking should happen at the level it does at the Board of Education. That's not why we are here, but it has, and I believe having a sitting Selectman, Chair of the Democratic town committee, and the spouse of the sitting chair texting all different members trying to collude to try to make another vote is pretty regrettable.
Secondly, to his credit, Shayne Deschamps had asked Candy not to pressure him, but he was pressured and changed his vote. I find that to be regrettable as well. Salvatore then reread the texts, and this shows that he was pressured, in my opinion. The vote change shows that he changed his vote, in my opinion, due to that pressure, and I believe that shows a lack of morals and a lack of moral courage. I would like to ask you to resign from our position. That is all I have to say tonight about this topic.
Cheryl McGlynn added to the discussion that the text messages that Candy Perez sent to those on the board she wanted to know what happened and thought it was an open vote. It was a question as to procedure. I checked the procedure, and we had done it incorrectly. I called a Point of Order, and we, as a board, unanimously agreed that we had done it wrong. We re-voted and had a different outcome. Shayne Deschamps ultimately indicated why he changed his vote, which was published in the newspaper. He changed his vote because Sondra's conduct during the 20 minutes that she was chair indicated she was not familiar enough with the procedure to be Chair. It is not an insult to her; that is a fact. She has only been on the Board for two years compared to the eight years that Nora has been on the board, which is why Nora is the appropriate Chair for this board. That is why I voted for her, not because of a party but because the most experienced person should be the Chair. There should be no texting during meetings. We should not ask a member of the Board to resign because he changed his mind. We all can change the votes. We have to operate as a board. Attacking each other personally is not productive. We need to work together on behalf of our students.
Sondra Strubhar added that we are focusing on the wrong things. Outrage is about exposing improper behavior, and I am guilty of it as well. I disagreed on a second vote. I was shocked by the maneuver. “And again with the outrage, the outrage is about, I don’t think there was any attacking, there was an exposing of improper behavior. And I am guilty also, Cheryl, yes, but if you look, what is interesting is if you look at the timeline, I texted Jay almost 40 minutes after the second vote, so there was no trying to influence, and I’m glad that I did because he said to preserve the ballots." I agree that this should not be happening on this board.
Sondra explained why she decided to run for the board of education. The country was still in COVID protocol, mask mandates were still in place, and vaccine mandates for adults had been implemented. Vaccines were being approved for children 5-11, and Governor Lamont indicated he would be open to local school districts imposing vaccine mandates for students. As a parent, I left out all the incredibly important decisions being made for my child. I decided to run for the board of education on the platform of parental choice, honoring the authority of parents to determine what was best for their children.
Fast forward to November 14, our first board meeting with our newly elected members. She discussed how, immediately after the first vote, texting from a person outside the meeting began between two board members—further discussed the actions of what happened during that meeting. The integrity of the vote became an issue.
Shayne Deschamps clarified that he changed his vote based on how the meeting was conducted. Not pressure related to what Candy was texting to me. I want to apologize to the Board and the citizens of Winsted. Because of my conduct, we are currently sitting on this matter, and I would love to move forward as a Board and have the trust of the Board that something like this will not happen again.
Shane Centrella is a new member of the board, and one of the things I would like to see going forward is piggyback on something we were discussing. This is a public board, so the emphasis is on all of us holding each other accountable and being accountable for our actions. I appreciate that we have different backgrounds, opinions, and viewpoints. We do have to work together going forward, but we have to do it in a public forum and a public way.
Possible Motion: MOVED that the Board rescind the officer election held during the November 14, 2023, Board meeting, which resulted in Nora Mocarski's appointment as Chairperson and Sondra Strubhar as Secretary.
a) Possible Action: Election of Officers of the Winchester Board of Education – Moderated by Melony Brady-Shanley
1. Election of Chairperson
2. Election of Secretary
MOTION to rescind second vote
First: Jeannette Brodeur, Second: Shayne Deschamps, 4, 5 motion fails to rescind.
The vote from November 14 stands for Nora Mocarski as Chairperson and Sondra Strubhar as Secretary.
Committee Chairs will remain.
b) Possible Action: Election of Committee Chairs and Membership
● Policy Chair and Membership
● Jeannette Brodeur, Policy Chair
● Cheryl McGlynn
● Renata Waldron
● Shane Centrella
● Shayne Deschamps
● Nora Mocarski
● Jonathan Morhardt
● Curriculum Chair and Membership
● Renata Waldron, Curriculum Chair
● Nora Mocarski
● Jeannette Brodeur
● Salvatore Lovetere
● Shane Centrella
● Shayne Deschamps
● Jonathan Morhardt
● Finance Chair and Membership Nora, all of us.
● Nora Mocarski, Finance Chair
● Cheryl McGlynn
● Renata Waldron
● Jeannette Brodeur
● Salvatore Lovetere
● Sondra Strubhar
● Shane Centrella
● Shayne Deschamps
● Jonathan Morhardt
Agenda Review Discussion Possible Action:
a) Board of Education Agenda: December 12, 2023
Comments from the Chairman:
We have much work to do in the next few months. As a board, we need to recognize our teachers, paras, and support staff, and we know you put in 100%. We have to thank our parents and caregivers. Thank you for supporting your children in our school system.
To the students, you can make a difference in your school and our community. Be the one to make an impact.
Public Comment:
The Board of Education Chairman will read the 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.
Renata Waldron left the meeting at 7:39 pm. Renata Waldron left the meeting at 7:40 pm due to a family emergency.
William Hudock, 292 Grantville Road, Winsted. I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you. You care about our students and our community. I may agree or disagree, but that is not important. I would say that you have rules. Follow the rules. That should not be that hard. Everything that has happened here could have been avoided had you followed the rules. I hope you can get over this, and it will be a learning exercise for all of you and our community. What you do for our community is important, and I do not want it to get lost.
Consent Agenda Items Discussion Possible Actions:
a) Minutes of BOE Meeting –November 14, 2023
Edits are as follows:
Page 3, Nora Mocarski’s name is spelled wrong under Committee Assignments
Page 5, Cheryl McGlynn - change point of order to made a point of order.
Page 7, Shayne Deschamps’ name is spelled wrong
Page 7, Jonathan Morhardt’s name is spelled wrong
Page 9, Jonathan Morhardt’s name is spelled wrong
MOTION to accept Minutes of BOE Meeting –November 14, 2023, with edits
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 8, 0
b) Minutes of Special Meeting – December 5, 2023
MOTION to approve Minutes of Special Meeting – December 5, 2023
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 6, 0, 2
Gilbert Report from Board of Education Representative:
No report
Correspondence to the Board:
a) Letter of Resignation
Kaylie Morris
MOTION to accept with regret
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Cheryl McGlynn, 8, 0
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 - Nancy O’Dea Wyrick reviewed the financials
g) Reading Waiver Information and Next Steps
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Reading Waiver Information and the Next Steps.
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S) 10-14th, as amended by Public Act (P.A.) 23-167, requires that all districts in Connecticut have an approved K-3 reading Curriculum. This Act mandates that all districts have an approved program in place by July 1, 2025. Winchester Public Schools submitted a waiver to the Connecticut State Department of Education in the spring of 2023.
Regardless of the waiver, we recognize that this is an opportunity for us to improve student engagement and move more students toward grade-level proficiency in reading.
On Friday, December 1, 2023, we received the results of our waiver. We could have received one of four results: Limited, Transitional, Partially Approved, or Approved. We received a “Transitional” waiver. This means that only parts of our current curriculum met the expectations. Our current curriculum met the requirements in the area of phonics and did not meet the requirements in phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Next Steps: Over the coming months, Winchester Public Schools’ Literacy Team will investigate comprehensive programs grounded in the Science of Reading and meet all five reading components (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Our team will analyze, pilot, and work with grade-level teams to determine the best comprehensive program that will meet the diverse learning needs of our students while balancing that with teacher-friendly implementation.
Two primary grant-funding sources are available for the district to apply for: the ARP ESSER - Small Town Right to Read Grant and the ARPA - Right to Read Grant.
Melony Brady-Shanley wants to continue this discussion at the next Curriculum Committee meeting.
Presentations: None
New Business Discussion and Possible Action:
a) After-School Proposal from Ralph Nadar
A focus group of six sixth graders will read the entire book, “You Are Your Own Best Teacher: Sparking the Curiosity, Imagination, and Intellect of Tweens!” by Dr. Claire Nadar. They will then choose and discuss ten topics from the book.
MOTION to accept MOU as written
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur
SECONDARY MOTION to move to Curriculum Committee Meeting
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 5, 3, passes
b) Pearson Drone Competition Team Field Trip Request
MOTION to approve Pearson Drone Competition Team Field Trip
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
c) Fiscal Year 2024 - ARP ESSER - Small Town Right to Read - $ 150,000
MOTION to approve Fiscal Year 2024 - ARP ESSER - Small Town Right to Read - $ 150,000
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Shayne Deschamps, U
d) Fiscal Year 2023 - ARPA Right to Read Grant - $51,000
MOTION to approve application for Fiscal Year 2023 - ARPA Right to Read Grant - $51,000
First: Shayne Deschamps, Second: Cheryl McGlynn, U
e) Sole Source - West State Mechanical - $6,270.00
MOTION to approve Sole Source - West State Mechanical - $6,270.00
First: Salvatore Lovetere, Second: Sondra Strubhar U
Public Comment:
The Board of Education Chairman will read the Public Comment Regulations. Three minutes are
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 the meeting
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Salvatore Lovetere, U
Adjourn: @ 8:55 pm
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 ARO. 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: Jonathan Morhardt – U
Quorum 3
Committee Members:
Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, Jonathan 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
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, @ 8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney.
I. Call to order - 8:50 PM
II. Roll call - Alison Pierce, Elizabeth Whitney, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, Salvatore Lovetere, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, and Nora Mocarski. Absent: Jonathan Morhardt
III. Business – Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Formal nomination and appointment of specific Board of
Education members to the Superintendent Search Committee.
2. Nomination and appointment of a chair of the Superintendent Search
Committee.
3. Discussion of the Superintendent Search process.
4. Schedule the next Superintendent Search Committee meeting.
Sondra Strubhar Motion to develop an RFP for the hiring of a Superintendent Search Firm
2nd: Renata Waldron
Vote: 8-0
Nora Mocarski asked Board Members for their appointment to the Superintendent Search Committee:
● Jeannette Brodeur No
● Renata Waldron Yes
● Salvatore Lovetere No
● Sondra Strubhar Yes
● Shane Centrella Yes
● Elizabeth Whitney No
● Alison Pierce No
● Nora Mocarski Yes
Nora Mocarski Motion to nominate Renata Waldron to the the Superintendent Search Committee
2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 8-0
Shane Centrella Motion to nominate Sondra Strubhar to the the Superintendent Search Committee
2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 8-0
Sondra Strubhar Motion to nominate Shane Centrella to the the Superintendent Search Committee
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 8-0
Sondra Strubhar Motion to nominate Nora Mocarski to the the Superintendent Search Committee 2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 8-0
Nora Mocarski asked the Board for their nomination and appointment of a chair of the Superintendent Search
● Sondra Strubhar
● Nora Mocarski
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to nominate Sondra Strubhar appointment of chair of the Superintendent Search
2nd - Elizabeth Whitney
Vote: 5-3
Renata Waldron Motion to nominate Nora Mocarski appointment of chair of the Superintendent Search
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 3-5
Sondra Strubhar will chair the the Superintendent Search Committee
Superintendent Search Committee
● Nora Mocarski
● Sondra Strubhar
● Renata Waldron
● Shane Centrella
VI. Adjourn - Motion Sondra Strubhar, 2nd, Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 8-0 at 9:24 PM
Meeting minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: Friday, April 19, 2024, @ 6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order: Jeannette Brodeur, Alison Pierce, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar
Roll call: 6:06 PM
Business – Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Discuss the Superintendent's Resignation and Next Steps.
a. Nora spoke of the accomplishments of the WPS team.
b. Need to create a Search Committee for the Superintendent position.
c. Spoke about the next steps regarding all of the processes associated with the process of hiring a search consultant/firm.
d. Review of bylaws associated with BOE role with the process of hiring a new superintendent.
i. Special Committees - Established by majority vote.
ii. Chairperson - nominates all members, and each must be voted on (majority).
Possible Action - Creation of a Personnel Search Committee to Search for a Superintendent for the Winchester Public Schools
Motion: Create a Superintendent Search Committee composed of all members of the Winchester Board of Education for the purpose to search for a Superintendent.
2nd: Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 5-0-0
Adjourn 6:22 PM, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar 5-0-0
Minutes Submitted By Melony Brady-Shanley pm 4/19/24 at 8:08 PM
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024, @ 6:00 pm
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
Call to order - 6:04 PM
Roll call: Jeannette Brodeur, Sondra Strubhar, Nora Mocarski, Elizabeth Whitney, Renata Waldron, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt. Salvatore Lovetere is absent.
Salvatore Lovetere joined the meeting at 6:12 PM.
Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Winchester Board of Education.
Interview candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Candidate: Seth Roy
1. In addition to your WBOE obligations, you may be asked to serve on the Gilbert Corp. Is this something you would have an interest in doing, and are you familiar with the relationship between the two entities with regard to educating our students?
● Yes, I am more familiar with the relationship since my interest in becoming a board member and attending meetings.
2. What motivated you to apply for the position of Board of Education member?
● After I went to the board of education meeting.
● There is a very slim relationship with the people in our town who serve on the Board and the Board of Selectmen, and the people who work in the school system and would like them to have a better understanding of their responsibilities/roles.
● I think everyone is doing the best that they can. I am involved with the kids in this town and try to do my best for the kids. I would like to be a part of the decisions for these kids.
3. If you are selected, what do you personally hope to accomplish during your time as a board member?
● Create a good and creative place for our kids to learn.
● Bring our kids more athletic programs.
● I believe we can do better, and I would like to be a part of that change.
4. We often have to make difficult decisions as a board and even as an individual. How have you resolved conflicts in a group you have worked with in the past?
● What was the best decision for our company
● How would it benefit our company
● Decide whether it was ethically right or financially the right decision.
QUESTION: Do you have financial experience?
● I do not have a Finance degree, but both my degrees and my current job involve financials.
5. What is your understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of a member of the Board of Education?
● I would always work for the Board of Education, the town of Winsted, and the school system.
● I would not commit any crimes and would conduct myself ethically.
6. What do you see as the biggest challenges our school district faces?
● The biggest challenge, I believe, is kids coming out of COVID.
7. Do you have any questions for us?
● Wanted to know if the Board is involved with kids.
● Does the Board attend basketball games or school plays?
● Every decision we make affects the kids.
● It is important the kids know the BOE members are here for the kids.
Candidate Tara Sundie
Shane Centrella Motion to move to Executive Session at 6:50 PM for the purpose of the interview with Tara Sundie for the Vacant Winchester Board of Education Position.
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 8, 0
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:21 PM
2nd - Elizabeth Whitney
Vote: 8,0
Shane Centrella left the meeting at 7:22 PM
Shane Centrella returned to the meeting at 7:30 PM.
Candidate Alison Pierce
1. In addition to your WBOE obligations, you may be asked to serve on the Gilbert Corp. Is this
something you would have an interest in doing, and are you familiar with the relationship between the two entities with regard to educating our students?
● Yes, I am extremely familiar with and interested in mending the relationship between the two.
● It is best to make friends and get to the goals together.
● Yes, I would like to serve on the Gilbert Corp.
2. What motivated you to apply for the position as a Board of Education member?
● I have been in town for 10 years and have a child in the school system.
● I do think it is important that people have knowledge on the Board.
● My skills and abilities would be useful to the town and help to provide a better education for the kids.
3. If you are selected, what do you personally hope to accomplish during your time as a board member?
● Making community members feel comfortable
● I can communicate and be transparent about how the system works.
● My goal is to share knowledge with the Board and be a good resource
4. We often have to make difficult decisions as a board and even as an individual. How have you resolved
conflicts in a group you’ve worked with in the past?
● Keep the end goal in mind.
● What is the mission?
● Is the decision going to get us to the goal?
● Work backward and work collaboratively.
5. What is your understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities as a member of the Board of
Education?
● Adequate and safe
● Schools are equally funded
● We hold the superintendent to task
● Authorizing policies
QUESTION: Do you have financial experience?
● Yes, I do. Our general budget is 33 million.
● Budgets
● 57 grants every year
● Oversee 5 staff members in the business office, 15 staff members in facilities, 30 staff members in housekeeping
● We outsource transportation and food service. Sodexo is used for food service.
6. What do you see as the biggest challenges our school district faces?
● We don’t have a tax revenue
● We don't have opportunities to do things.
● We are not a complete school district.
● Our board is limited.
● Since we have Melony Brady-Shanley, we attract better talent and have seen growth and better test scores.
● We need to make a collaborative effort with the town.
● Tough dynamic, and we do the best that we can
7. Do you have any questions for us?
● No questions.
Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to move to Executive Session at 7:42 PM to discuss the possible election to fill the vacancy on the Winchester Board of Education
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 8,0
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:01 PM
2nd - Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 8,0
Election of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Round 1
Ballot for the vacancy position on the Winchester Board of Education to replace Cheryl McGlynn who resigned effective February 27, 2024
Salvatore Lovetere, Alison Pierce
Jeannette Broduer, Alison Pierce
Sondra Strubhar, Alison Pierce
Nora Mocarski, Tara Sundie
Elizabeth Whitney, Alison Pierce
Renata Waldron, Alison Pierce
Shane Centrella, Alison Pierce
Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce
First vote, Alison Pierce
Second vote, Alison Pierce
Third vote, Alison Pierce
Fourth vote, Alison Pierce
Fifth vote, Alison Pierce
Sixth vote, Alison Pierce
Seventh vote, Alison Pierce
1 vote, Tara Sundie
7 to 1
Alison Pierce is the Board Member
Adjourn - Motion Sondra Strubhar, 2nd Renata Waldron
Vote: 8, 0 at 8:09 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
____________________________
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate and identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special BOE Meeting Minutes
Date: February 29, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Town Hall – Hicks Room
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order - 6:00 PM
II. Roll Call - Jonathan Morhardt, Melony Brady-Shanley, Nora Mocarski, Salvatore Lovetere, Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, and Sondra Strubhar. Shane Centrella and Elizabeth Whitney arrived at 6:01 PM.
III. Presentation
1. Presentation of the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget
2024-2025 Proposed Budget February 29, 2024
IV. Discussion & Possible Action
1. 2025 Fiscal Year Budget
i. Renata Waldron Motion to accept the Winchester Board of Education 4.9% budgetary increase equally 1.114555 as specific request to include the Town Support of Education totaling $697,272.00 and Appropriated Education Request of $22,819,465.00 for the total amount requested $23,516,737.00.
ii. 2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
iii. Vote: 7, 0, 0
V. Adjourn - Motion Jonathan Morhardt, 2nd Sondra Strubhar
Adjourn - Vote: 7, 0, 0 at 6:34 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: February 17, 2024, @ 9:00 AM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7966671341?pwd=OGh4c1haZkkvcGJ2UHVtZXo4M0VDdz09&omn=87930014265
Meeting ID: 796 667 1341
Passcode: 12345
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Beth Whitney, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order - 9:03 AM
II. Roll call - Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Beth Whitney, and Shane Centrella
III. Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
IV. Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Election of membership to the Gilbert School Corporation
a. Shane Centrella Motion to self-nominate to serve on The Gilbert School Corporation.
i. 2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
ii. Vote: 8-0-0
b. Jonathan Morhardt Motion to self-nominate to serve on The Gilbert School Corporation.
i. 2nd - Sondra Strubhar
ii. Vote: 8-0-0
c. Community Member Interest
i. Renata Waldron Motion to follow protocols in place and address on the March 12, 2024 meeting.
ii. 2nd - Sondra Strubhar
iii. Vote: 8-0-0
V. Adjourn - Motion Salvatore Lovetere, 2nd Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 8-0-0 at 9:30 AM
Minutes submitted by Melony Brady-Shanley
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: February 12, 2024, @ 6:30 pm
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
Call to order @ 6:31 pm
Roll call: Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Interviews of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
Candidate: Laura Marino
1. What motivates you to want to become a BOE member
● I have concerns and questions, and my energy should be put towards something positive, such as getting involved with the town.
● Be a part of improving any school system so it can generate well-educated children.
● Concerns are around the health and well-being of the children and how they are handled in the school system.
● Want to learn more about the process and programs.
2. In your view, what is the role and responsibility of a BOE? Primary work of BOE?
● Is to make sure the curriculum is right.
● Making sure the children have a safe environment.
● Reviewing budgets, policies, and maintaining a good school system for the children.
3. What attributes are essential for a successful BOE?
● Vision of the future.
● Cannot change the past and have to have a vision and work towards that vision.
● Community relationships.
● Focus on the achievements of the children and not the failures. Work as a team.
4. What is your vision for education in this community?
● Laura wrote a vision for the board of education and read it to the Board.
5. In your view, what is the biggest challenge, and what are we doing right?
● As a board, you have your challenges, and I don’t know what they are. Do you work as a team?
● When you have disagreements, how do you work together?
● Important to bring in different views from different people.
6. We generally meet twice a month, every month except July. Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
● Yes, I have a lot of time and would like to give to the community.
7. We have three standing committees, Finance, Curriculum, and Policy - and an ADHOC committee. Would you be interested in joining?
● I would be willing to go where I am needed and best suited.
7a. In addition, we have The Gilbert Corp. Would you like to join the Gilbert Corp?
● I don’t know enough about the Gilbert Corp, but if my experiences benefit, then of course.
8. Do you have any questions?
How do each of you contribute to the Board?
● What is going to be most beneficial for the kids?
● I am a business owner in town, and I bring my experience on how to problem solve and where we can find the right decisions.
● I have different abilities, and I'm able to look through those eyes. I want the town to develop into the best town it can be.
● I have some fresh views on how the possibility of the system can be improved. I add a new fresh face to the Board.
● I've been a teacher for 30 years in social studies, which gives me an insight on how to teach kids.
● I work in the public school system as a Special Education teacher and like to be a part of the community and get involved. I really care about the students of Winsted.
● I bring different perspectives to the Board. How can we get the children of Winsted the best education?
● I love the town and love the people. I work in Construction. I bring a common everyday sense to the Board and look at things from a different angle.
MOTION to move to Executive Session to discuss the selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board of Education at @6:58pm
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Salvatore Lovetere, U
Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
MOTION to come out of Executive Session at 9:10 pm
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
Election of candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board.
● Nora Mocarski, Elizabeth Whitney
● Jonathan Morhardt, Elizabeth Whitney
● Jeannette Brodeur, Elizabeth Whitney
● Cheryl McGlynn, Lydia Bird
● Shane Centrella, Elizabeth Whitney
● Salvatore Lovetere, Elizabeth Whitney
● Sondra Strubhar, Laura Marino
● Renata Waldron, Elizabeth Whitney
Nora Mocarski announced that Elizabeth Whitney is the new board member.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Salvatore Lovetere, U
Adjourn @ 9:15 pm
____________________________
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate an identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special BOE Meeting Minutes
Date: February 5, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hinsdale School – Science Lab
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order @ 6:04 pm
II. Roll call Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley. Absent Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn.
III. Business
1) Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
a) Development of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the timeline for the FY205 Budget Calendar.
● 2/5/2024 - BOE Budget Workshop 6:00 to 8:00 pm
● 2/27/2024 - Budget Review at Finance Committee
● 2/29/2024 - Superintendent Presents 2025 Budget
● 3/12/2024 - Regular BOE Meeting 7:00 pm
● 2/28-3/15/2024 - Public BOE Budget Presentations (Staff, Community Groups, BOS)
● 3/15 -2024 - Budget Submission Due to Town
● TBD - BOE Budget Public Hearing Scheduled by BOS
● TBD - Town Budget Public Hearing scheduled by BOS
● 5/7/2024 - Annual Town Budget Meeting
● 5/21-5/28/2024 TBD - Budget Referendum Window
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the 2024 -2025 Proposed Summary Appropriated and Town Support Budget Draft.
● Wages
● Employee Benefits
● Professional Technical Services
● Property Services
● Pupil Transportation
● Special Ed Out of District Tuition
● Gilbert School Tuition
● All Other Purchased Services
● Supplies
● Equipment & S/W
● Dues & Fees & Other Objects
● Special Items
● Town Support for Educational & Capital
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Draft 2025 Budget Notes
● Wages
● Benefits
● Professional/Technical Services
● Property Services
● Transportation
● Special Education Out of District Tuition and Services
● Tuition Gilbert
● All other Purchased Services
● Supplies
● Equipment and Software
● Dues and Fees
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Town Support for Education for Hinsdale and Pearson Schools
● Water and Sewer
● Refuse Removal
● Snow Removal
● Repairs and Maintenance
● Vehicle OP/Maintenance Service
● Rental Equipment
● General Liability Insurance
● Communications
● Postage
● Sup-Custodial/Maintenance
● Natural Gas
● Electricity
Melony Brady-Shanley explained the Town Support for Education’s history is to ensure that the minimum budget number is used for education instead of operations.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the 2024-2025 Budget Personnel - All Staff.
● Explained roles and responsibilities for Certified and Non-Certified Staff.
QUESTION: Do you feel that we need to have extra classes in the summer to bring the students who were home during COVID up to speed to where they need to be?
No, we are in a good place at this time. We will continue to use iReady. We will have a new reading program in the fall and have established small-group instruction.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Projected Out of District Student Tuition.
Students/Tuition
● Grade PK-6
● Grade 7-8
● Grade 9-12
● Age 18-22
QUESTION: Where would you make cuts if the budget does not pass the first time?
Unfortunately, it would come from staffing.
To have a better understanding of the budget and where the money is being allocated, it was suggested that board members could tour both Hinsdale and Pearson schools and see students and teachers in their classroom/building settings.
Melony Brady-Shanley is more than happy to take board members into the schools and show them the operational pieces.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed and explained the Budgetary Non-Contractual Obligations
● Salaries
● Benefits
● Professional Technical Services
● Property Services
● Pupil Transportation
● Special Education Out of District Tuition
● The Gilbert School Tuition
● All Other Purchased Services
● Supplies
● Equipment and Hardware
● Dues
Holly Cassaday, Board Chair of the W.L. Gilbert School Corp, informed the Board that on Wednesday, February 7, at 6:00 pm, they will hold their Second Budget Meeting in The Gilbert School Library.
QUESTION: How do we advocate for support of our budget?
● Post on our Facebook Page a one-on-one formal presentation with a breakdown of the budget so parents can have a better understanding of what the budget does and how they can support their children and schools.
● Email blasts to families.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Sondra Strubhar, U
IV. Adjournment @ 7:50 pm
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes
Date: February 3, 2024, @ 9:00 am
Location: Town Hall – Blue Room
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
I. Call to order @ 9:00 am
II. Roll call: Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Shane Centrella
Nora Mocarski explained the interview and ballot process.
This candidate will be in office until the next municipal election in 2025.
Nora Mocarski received Shayne Deschamps’ resignation letter on January 16. The Board has 30 days to fill the position, which will be February 14.
Our goal is to find a candidate that we all agree upon and will be positive for our community.
We will vote on the candidate on Monday, February 12, and then the candidate will be sworn in on Tuesday, February 13, at Town Hall.
Nora Mocarski reviewed the interview questioning process.
III. Possible Executive Session - Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the
Board.
1. Interview candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
First Candidate: Lydia Bird
· The candidate was asked if they wanted their interview in Executive Session or Open. Open
1. What motivates you to want to become a BOE member
● Student at UCONN
● Graduated from The Gilbert School in 2020.
● Contribute my part to make schools better.
2. In your view, what is the role and responsibility of a BOE? Primary work of BOE?
● Improve the schools in general.
● School should be a place where students feel safe and happy.
● Create programs where students can succeed and grow.
3. What attributes are essential for a successful BOE
● Strong leadership is very important.
● I have had many leadership roles in the past, along with public speaking.
● Enabling the community to grow.
4. What is your vision for education in this community?
● Have kids be excited and happy to go to school
● Have kids who want to continue their education.
● Opportunities to grow in this community.
● Learn and grow as an individual.
5. In your view, what is the biggest challenge, and what we are doing right?
● Preparing children to go to college
● Putting a support system into place for kids who don’t take the college route and offer them other opportunities
● Trade School Fairs
● The school system has a great sense of community.
● Great school spirit.
6. We generally meet twice a month, every month except July. Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
● Yes, I have the time and energy to devote to attend meetings
● Interested in being active in community events
7. We have three standing committees, Finance, Curriculum, and Policy - and an ADHOC committee. Would you be interested in joining?
● Would be happy to join all committees
● My special experience would be for the Curriculum Committee since I have a unique perspective being in the school system as a student.
7a. In addition, we have the Gilbert Corp. Would you like to join the Gilbert Corp?
· Yes
QUESTION TO THE BOARD:
What is the process of the board meetings and agenda, and how does a typical meeting go?
Nora Mocarski explained the meeting process and gave examples regarding replacing gym floors, solar panels, and a new reading program.
Nora Mocarski also explained the role of the Board.
QUESTION: Please explain your experience with public speaking and content creator
● I have given speeches at different events.
● I’m a content creator and have a platform on social media
● Ability to work with different brands, one on one with different brands.
● Run a social media page for a medical facility in Avon.
● I see myself staying in Winsted and doing business consulting.
Second Candidate: Elizabeth Whitney
The candidate was asked if they wanted their interview in Executive Session or Open. Open
1. What motivates you to want to become a BOE MEMBER?
● Born in Winsted
● I have 3 kids in the public schools
● Ran BASE
● Very active with the kids in town
2. In your view, what is the role and responsibility of a BOE? Primary work of BOE?
● Support education in town and give the right path for our kids.
● Support the town and ensure kids get the best education possible.
3. What attributes are essential for a successful BOE?
● Members need to care about our youth in town.
● Get involved in our schools.
● If you do not know what is going on, then you really do not have a say.
4. What is your vision for education in this community?
● As of right now, we are on the right path.
● We need more growth
5. In your view, what is the biggest challenge, and what are we doing right?
● The biggest challenge is more and more kids coming into this town, and we need to navigate the growth.
● Schools need to communicate more and navigate the challenges together for growth.
6. We generally meet twice a month, every month except July. Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
● Yes, I like to stay busy
● Enjoy being involved
● Initiated the Trunk or Treat at BASE
7. We have three standing committees, Finance, Curriculum, and Policy - and an ADHOC committee. Would you be interested in joining?
● Yes, the Curriculum committee. I have a strong background.
7a. In addition, we have the Gilbert Corp. Would you like to join the Gilbert Corp?
● Yes
I am very interested in this position. I would love to see changes in the SEL programs.
Third Candidate: Seth Roy
The candidate was asked if they wanted their interview in Executive Session or Open. Open
1. What motivates you to want to become a BOE MEMBER?
● I have four children in the school system.
● I see struggles with funding and fundraising
● My wife is a paraprofessional at the Pearson Middle School
● I want all children to be able to participate in programs.
2. In your view, what is the role and responsibility of a BOE? Primary work of BOE?
● Oversee the funding
● Input on curriculum
● Provide guidance for the kids
3. What attributes are essential for a successful BOE
● Honest, not just loyal to a party
● Key to voting and staying true to the kids.
● Schools should be safe, and kids should be able to grow.
● Personal integrity and what is right for our kids.
4. What is your vision for education in this community?
● Put in place programs that would assist in getting back on track pre-COVID.
● Teachers need to be supported to get students back on track.
● Give teachers the tools to bring back our kids to the national level.
5. In your view, what is the biggest challenge, and what are we doing right?
● Access to extracurricular programs.
● We are such a strong community.
6. We generally meet twice a month, every month except July. Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
● Yes, I have the time
7. We have three standing committees, Finance, Curriculum, and Policy - and an ADHOC committee. Would you be interested in joining?
● Would like to be on the Curriculum committee
● Wouldn’t be opposed to any of the other committees
● Team player
7a. Would you join the Gilbert Corp?
● Unique opportunity to be a part of that committee
Do you have any questions?
QUESTION for the BOARD
How is your relationship with the board, schools, and the town? Board members should be integrated with the community. Have a better understanding of what is going on.
Each board member gave a little of their background experience on the board.
Shane Centrella left the meeting at 10:54 am.
2. Discussion of candidates to fill the vacant position on the Board.
MOTION to adjourn
First Cheryl McGlynn, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
IV. Adjourn @ 11:03 am
____________________________
BYLAWs state:
As soon after this deadline as is practical, the Chairman shall place on the agenda of a posted regular or special session of the Board an item titled “Interview and possible selection of a candidate to fill the vacant position on the Board. For the purposes of this and subsequent meetings, a quorum of the Board shall be a majority of the remaining Board members.
Each candidate will be interviewed using a standard format.
The Board may meet in executive session for some or all of this process, provided, however, that each candidate shall have the right to have his or her portion of the interview process held in open session and may elect to do so by advising the Board of that fact at the time of the interview.
Following the interviews, the Board may discuss the candidates, which may be in executive session. The Chair may call an end to the discussion, and if there is only one candidate, the Board, by voice vote, may elect such candidate. If there is more than one candidate, the Chair shall distribute ballots containing the name of each candidate an identifying the member vacancy to be filled. Each Board Member will sign his or her ballot and will vote for one candidate or may abstain from voting. In the event of a tie, the Board shall discuss the candidates and re-vote by another written ballot. In the event the tie continues for three votes, the Board Chair shall select the candidate to fill the vacancy from among those candidates submitting an application.
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special BOE Meeting Minutes
Date: January 3, 2024, @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hinsdale School – Science Lab
Meeting Facilitator: Melony Brady-Shanley, Superintendent
Nora Mocarski, BOE Chairman
Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Shane Centrella, and Shayne Deschamps
I. Call to order @ 6:12 pm
II. Roll call Jonathan Morhardt, Shayne Deschamps, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley. Absent: Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Sondra Strubhar, and Shane Centrella,
III. Business
1) Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
a) Development of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget.
Melony Brady-Shanley began an open discussion to discuss the direction of how we want to invest funds within our District.
We are entering into a deficit. Federal grants are no longer available. Carryover funds have expired and are no longer available. We have an extremely tight budget and must stick to what is required. We have to understand we have a responsibility to educate the children of our town.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the following:
Projection Assumptions
● PK enrollment for FY2025 most current information
● 80% of children born in Winchester go to Hinsdale Kindergarten
● 99% of 6th graders to Gilbert
● 90% stay for Grade 9
● 95% stay for Grade 10
● 100% stay for Grade 11
● 91% sty for Grade 12
Notes
● Historical Enrollments Source 10/1 SY PSIS
● FY24 Enrollment reflects Year to Date as of 1/3/2024
● Birth Data Source: Town Clerk
● 2023 through August Birth Data Source: Town Clerk ad four-month estimate
DRAFT - Grant Revenue
Revenue to the Town of Winchester for Education
● Education Cost Sharing Grant (ECS)
Revenue to the Board of Education
● Adult Education Grant
● Alliance Grant
● After School Grant (CHAMPS)
● Quality Grant
● Excess cost Grant
● Family Resource Center Grant
● School Readiness Grants
Federal
● ARP ESSER High Dosage Tutoring Grant
● ARP ESSER Right to Read Grants
● ARP MOE Provision
● ARP School Mental Health Specialist
● IDEA 611 - Part B
● IDEA 619 - Part B
● IDEA CT SEDS Stipend
● Medicaid Reimbursement
● Title 1 - Improving Basic Programs
● Title II - Professional Development
● Title III - English Language Acquisition
● Title IV - Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment
Other Sources
● Custodian Fees
● Critical Needs Fund
● Northwest Community Foundation
● NASA CT Space Consortium
MOTION to take a break
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Shayne Deschamps 5, 0
Call to Order @ 6:45 pm
DRAFT - 2025 Budget Notes
000-100 Wages
● Teachers
● Administrators
● Non-Certified Union
● Non-Union
● 046 Unawarded Reserve
● 127 Sub Calling Stipend
● 130 Facility OT
● 141-142 Subs Teach/Para
● 151-152 Extra Duty Certified and Non-Certified
200 - Benefits
● 200 Health
● 202 Life Insurance
● 203 Sick Leave, Other
● 204 Tuition Reimbursement
● 206 Pension/Annuity
● 220 Social Security
● 250 Unemployment
● 260 Workers Comp
300 - Professional/Technical Services
● 319 Legal
● 322 Workshops
● 325 School Doc
● 326 OT/PT
● 328 Outs Evals
● 340 Prof Tech Svcs Sped
● 341 Audit
● 352 Tech Svcs
● 353 Sub Staffing
400 - Property Services
● 430 Maintenance and Repairs
● 439 Vehicle Maintenance
51X - Transportation
● 510 Field Experiences
● 511 Vans Out of District
● 512 Special Education in District
● 512 Out of District Excess Cost
● 512 Regular Education
560 - Special Education Out of District Tuition & Services (Net)
● 560 1228-018 Tuition
● 560 1228-049 Tuition Excess Cost
● 560 1229-018 Services
563 - Tuition Gilbert
5XX - Other Purchased Services
● 520 Gen Liab Insurance
● 532 CEN Network
● 540 Adv
● 561 Vo-Ag Tuition
● 562 Adult Education
● 564 Magnet
● 580 Travel
● 590 Other Services
600 - Supplies
● 611 Instr Supplies
● 612 Inst Software/Licenses
● 613 Cleaning Supplies
● 615 PPS Supplies
● 617 Nurse Supplies
● 621 Natural Gas
● 622 Electric
● 650 Technical Supplies
● 690 Administrative Supplies
700 - Equipment and Software
● 731 Equipment
● 734 IT Hardware
● 735 Administrative Software
800 - Dues and Fees
● Dues
○ CAPSS, CAS, CASBO, ASCD, CASA, EdAdvance
Next level of work:
● Work that we can cost-share
● Work with Administrators and review staffing and salaries
MOTION to adjourn
First: Jeannette Brodeur, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, 5, 0
IV. Adjournment @ 7:57 pm
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Minutes Amended
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023, @ 6:30 p.m.
Location: Pearson School - Media Center
Meeting Facilitator: Jessica Richman Smith, Board of Education Attorney
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Salvatore Lovetere, Cheryl McGlynn, Nora Mocarski, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, and Renata Waldron
Call to order @ 6:31p.m.
Roll call: Renata Waldron, Sondra Strubhar, Jonathan Morhardt, Jeannette Brodeur, Nora Morcarski, and Shayne Deschamps. Absent: Salvatore Lovetere and Cheryl McGlynn. Shane Centrella arrived at 6:32 p.m.
Business:
a) Board of Education Training
Melony Brady-Shanley started the meeting by reviewing the Board of Education Training presentation.
Jessica Richman Smith arrived at 6:37 p.m. and took over the presentation.
● Board Roles and Responsibilities
○ Implement the State’s education interests as agent of the State
○ Employ and act through Superintendent, who serves as “chief executive officer”
○ Employ school staff
○ Establish policies
○ Establish budget and allocate resources
○ Adjudication (“quasi-judicial” function)
○ Negotiations
○ Strategic planning
○ Facilities review
○ Community relations
○ Curriculum review
○ Self-appraisal
Policy Governance
● Establish policies
○ Who drafts?
○ Who approves?
○ What about administrative regulations?
Review and modify policies as needed.
Ensure implementation
Quasi-Judicial Function
● Due Process
○ Expulsion hearings
○ School accommodations (residency, transportation) hearings
○ Teacher tenure hearings
Grievance Hearings
Public Complaint Hearings
Role of Individual Board Members
● Authority at meetings only
● Otherwise same rights as other citizens
● One member of a team
Responsibilities of Individual Board Members
● Participate and prepare
● Follow communication norms
● Act ethically
○ Maintain confidentiality
○ Follow laws and policies
○ Avoid conflicts of interest
○ Act fairly and impartially
○ Do not purport to speak on behalf of the Board
Role of the Chairperson
● Preside over meetings
● Represent the Board
● Organize committees
● Liaise with Superintendent
● Perform other duties so delegated
● Not responsible for managing Superintendent or solving problems
Role of Committees
● Perform responsibilities as delegated
● Maximize efficiency of Board work
● Bring recommendations to the Board for Board action
● Not obligated to seek full Board feedback until Board must take action, but may be so as appropriate (eg., prior to mediation)
● Must comply with FOIA as “public agencies”
Sondra Strubhar exited the meeting at 7:40 pm. Sondra Strubhar returned to the meeting at 7:42 pm.
Role of the Superintendent
● Chief Executive Office
● Enforces laws, regulations, rules, and policies
● Makes recommendations to the Board
● Carries out Board’s mission
● Appoints certain staff
Freedom of Information Act
● State law that applies to the public agencies
● Prescribes rules for meetings
● Provides that records maintained by public agencies are
○ Public unless exempt
○ Subject to prompt inspection upon request
Board Meeting Essentials
● Importance of Meetings
● Board is collective body that only has authority to take action when gathered at a meeting
● Individual members, unless expressly authorized by the Board, do not have the authority to act on behalf of the Board
● The meeting is the most visible aspect of the Board’s communication with the public and its staff, as well as between its members.
Types of Meetings
● Regular
● Special
● Emergency
All meetings must be noticed in advance
Executive Session
● Two-thirds vote is needed to enter executive session
● Motion should be clear as to the reason for the executive session
● Limited reasons to go into executive session
○ Personnel matters
○ Pending claims and litigation
○ Security devices and real estate
○ Confidential documents
○ Collective bargaining strategy (non-meeting)
Conducting a Meeting
● Meeting Procedure: Robert’s Rules of Order
● Board Member Voting
● Board Debate
MOTION to take a 5-minute break @ 8:12 p.m.
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
Returned from Break @ 8:17 p.m.
Communication and Information-Sharing
Records and Electronic Communications
● Emails, Text Messages, Voicemails
● Communication with Superintendent
● Communication with Staff
● Communication with Community
Best Practices
DO
● Do focus on Board and school priorities
● Do come prepared to all meetings
● Do keep in mind those in attendance-staff, students, and public
● Do bear in mind the symbolic force of your meetings and conduct
DON’T
● Don’t spend time at Board meetings on administrative matters
● Don’t single out or criticize individual employees
● Don’t debate with the public
● Don’t tolerate rude or inappropriate behavior
Don’t discuss or spend time on trivia or unessential matters
Don’t make it personal
b) Discussion of Board Officer Elections and Related Procedural Issues
Jessica Richman Smith explained that in the election that took place on November 14, certain things happened, and we need to try to figure out how to move forward. She prepared a memorandum.
Was there anything wrong with the first vote? Second vote? Reinstate the first vote? What should we do?
In summary:
○ The first vote did not the signed ballots.
○ We can’t make a secret vote.
○ The first vote was invalid.
○ Waive the privilege, anything related to this subject matter is fair game.
○ Nothing is secret.
MOTION to waive Attorney Client Privilege to discuss issue related to the November 14, 2023 election.
First: Shane Centrella, Second: Shayne Deschamps 6, 0, 1 abstention.
Sondra Strubhar left the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
● The 1st vote was not valid because they were not signed.
● The second vote was taken and was the appropriate procedure, and ballots were signed.
● Text messaging was going on during the vote.
● There is concern that when board members are texting, it could be a concern to FOIA.
● Not necessarily a violation, but someone could bring a complaint to the Freedom of Information Commissioner.
● Hold a hearing to decide whether the texting did violate FOIA and vote on the decision.
● Third vote: should you conduct another vote?
Jessica Richman Smith was happy to give her opinion.
I realize this issue will be discussed again at the next board meeting, and wanted to answer any questions.
Jessica explained Robert's Rules of Order to make a motion and vote.
● Motion to rescind the second vote.
● We need a majority vote, two-thirds present and voting.
● If all 9 members are present. We need 6 of 9. We go with a majority vote.
● If we don’t get a majority vote, the second vote stands.
● Consideration of rescinding of the second vote, motion to rescind the second vote, and possible election of officers
● Chair secretary committee
MOTION to adjourn
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Shayne Deschamps, 6, 0
Adjournment: @ 8:50 p.m.
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
Standing Committee Agendas 2023-2024
Winchester Board of Education
Type of Meeting: Special Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, @ 8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski, BOE Chair
Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Salvatore Lovetere, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, and Elizabeth Whitney
I. Call to order:
II. Roll call:
III. Business – Discussion and Possible Action:
1. Formal nomination and appointment of specific Board of Education members to the Superintendent Search Committee.
2. Nomination and appointment of a chair of the Superintendent Search Committee.
3. Discussion of the Superintendent Search process.
4. Schedule the next Superintendent Search Committee meeting.
VI. Adjourn:
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Policy and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, and Elizabeth Whitney
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – March 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – February 27, 2024
V. New Business
a) Reflection on the Board of Selectmen Public Budget Hearing
b) HVAC Grant Information
VI. Adjourn
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, and Sondra Strubhar
Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere, Alison Pierce, Elizabeth Whitney, 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 – March 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – February 27, 2024
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Non-Discrimination
2. School Volunteers, Student Interns and Other Non-Employees
3. Sexual Offenders
b) Review Shipman’s Policies 3000 Series
1. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
2. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
3. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
4. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
5. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
6. Purchasing
7. Student Activities Funds
c) Review Canton’s Board of Education Policies
1. 6161 Selection of Educational Materials / Instructional Resources
2. 6161.11 Challenged Instructional Materials
d) General Review of Board Bylaws and Board Member Decorum and Expectations During Board of Education Meetings.
VI. Adjourn
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, and Finance Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Cheryl McGlynn, Elizabeth Whitney, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – January 23, 2023
V. Old Business
VI. New Business
a) Introduction and Review of the Increasing Diversity Plan (IDP)
VII. Adjourn
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, and Elizabeth Whitney
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – January 23, 2024
V. New Business
a) Review Proposed FY25 Financials
VI. Adjourn
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, and Sondra Strubhar
Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere, Elizabeth Whitney, 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 – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – January 23, 2024
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Non-Discrimination
2. School Volunteers, Student Interns and Other Non-Employees
3. Sexual Offenders
b) Review Shipman’s Policies 3000 Series
1. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
2. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
3. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
4. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
5. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
6. Purchasing
7. Student Activities Funds
VI. Adjourn
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, and Finance Meeting
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Cheryl McGlynn, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
V. Old Business
a) The Gilbert School Reading Scores
VI. New Business
a) Winchester Public Schools Preliminary Mid-Year IReady Scores
VII. Adjourn
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. New Business
a) Review January Board of Education Financials
VI. Adjourn
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Nora Mocarski.
Invitees: Sondra Struhbar, Salvatore Lovetere, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2023
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Automatic External Defibrillators
2. Deadly Weapons or Firearms
3. Green Cleaning Programs
4. Pesticide Application on School Property
5. School Security and Safety
6. Sexual Offenders
7. Smoking
8. Use of School Facilities
9. Visitors and Observations in Schools
b) Review of Shipman’s Policies 2000 Series
1. Holds on the Destruction of Electronic Information and Paper Records Litigation
2. Retention and Disposition of Records and Information
VI. Adjourn
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, Finance Meeting Agenda, and Ad Hoc School Security Meeting Agenda Amended
Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Cheryl McGlynn, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Quorum: 4
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
V. New Business
a) Discussion of the MOU from Ralph Nader
b) Literacy Team Update
c) Informational only: Overview of Little Owls program, School Readiness, and Head Start Programs and how they all work together.
d) Informational only: Overview of standardized assessments.
e) Informational only: Discussion of Approved Draft by the CT State Dept. of Education of the Social Studies Standards as of 10/4/2023.
1. SDE Approval Motion, November 1, 2023
f) Discussion regarding Gilbert's Reading Assessment Performance (SRI) and Alignment with WPS Reading Performance (iReady)
VI. Adjourn
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 5
I. Call to order
II. Roll call
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. New Business
a) Budget Review
VI. Adjourn
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt, and Nora Mocarski.
Invitees: Sondra Struhbar, Salvatore Lovetere, 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 – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2023
V. New Business
a) Policy Title IX Personnel from Shipman & Goodwin
b) Policy Title IX Students from Shipman & Goodwin
c) Policy Meal Charging
d) Discussion Regarding Possible Revision of Voting of Officers Board Policy.
VI. Adjourn
AD HOC School Security Meeting Facilitator: Salvatore Lovetere
Committee Members: Sondra Strubhar, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Melony Brady-Shanley, and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Agenda Review
IV. New Business
a) Opening Topics
b) Survey
V. Adjourn
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:
standing committee minutes 2023-2024
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Curriculum, Policy and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron - Canceled
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Elizabeth Whitney, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, and Elizabeth Whitney
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order - 6:33 PM
II. Roll call - Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Melony Brady-Shanley, and Nora Mocarski. Absent: Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, and Elizabeth Whitney. Alison Pierce joined the meeting at 7:09 PM.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – April 23, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – March 27, 2024
Renata Waldron Motion to approve Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – March 27, 2024
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 6-0
V. New Business
a) Update on Solar Projects - Kevin Seibert to present virtually.
Renata Waldron Motion to have Melony Brady-Shanley move forward with Kevin Seibert with the proposed Green Leaf solar project. The Board gives Melony Brady- Shanley permission to bring information to the May 14, board meeting and add to the meeting agenda.
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 6-0-1
b) Update on boiler process - Melony Brady-Shanley gave an update. She will move forward with the process and inform the Town Manager, Paul Harrington.
VI. Adjourn - Motion Salvatore Lovetere, 2nd Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 6-0-1 at 7:28 PM
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, and Sondra Strubhar
Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere, Alison Pierce, Elizabeth Whitney, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley
Quorum: 4
I. Call to Order - 7:37 PM
II. Roll Call - Renata Waldron, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Alison Pierce, Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur. Absent Jonathan Morhardt and Elizabeth Whitney.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – April 23, 2024
Sondra Strubhar Motion to remove the following under 3. Review of Returned Policies from 4/9/2024 BOE meeting
a) Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
b) Purchasing
c) Student Activities Funds
2nd - Salvatore Lovetere
Vote: 5-0
Renata Waldron Motion to add a conversation to New business under 5. proposed change to our by-laws
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – March 27, 2024
Renata Waldron Motion to approve Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – March 27, 2024
2nd - Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 5-0
V. New Business
1. P6161 - Selection of Educational Materials/ Instructional Resources
2. P6161.11 Challenged Instructional Materials - No action
3. Review of Returned Policies from 4/9/2024 BOE meeting:
a) Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
b) Purchasing
c) Student Activities Funds
d) IDEA Fiscal Compliance - No suggested edits
Renata Waldron Motion to accept IDEA Fiscal Compliance to first read
2nd - Sondra Strubhar
Vote: 5-0
4. Review 4000 Series
a) Abuse of Neglect of Disabled Adults
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Abuse of Neglect of Disabled Adults to first read
2nd - Nora Mocarski
Vote: 5-0
b) Alcohol Tobacco and Drug-Free Workplace
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Alcohol Tobacco and Drug-Free Workplace to first read
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 5-0
c) Blood borne Pathogens w Regulations
Sondra Strubhar Motion to accept Blood borne Pathogens w Regulations to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 5-0
d) Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault
Shane Centrella Motion to accept Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault to first read
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 5-0
e) Code of Ethics
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Code of Ethics to first read
2nd - Nora Mocarski
Vote: 5-0
f) Employee Use of the District’s Computer
Sondra Strubhar Motion to accept Employee Use of the District’s Computer to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
g) Employment and Student Teacher Check w Regulations
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Employment and Student Teacher Check w Regulations to first read
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 5-0
h) FMLA - First Read Renata, Jeannette, 5-0
Renata Waldron Motion to accept FMLA to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
i) Hiring of Certified Staff
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Hiring of Certified Staff to first read
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 5-0
j) Hiring of Non-Certified Staff
Sondra Strubhar left the meeting at 8:21pm. Sondra Strubhar returned to the meeting at 8:21pm
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Hiring of Non-Certified Staff to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 5-0
Elizabeth Whitney joined the meeting at 8:22pm
k) Increasing Educator Diversity Plan
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Increasing Educator Diversity Plan to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
l) Non-Discrimination (Personnel) w Regulations
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Non-Discrimination (Personnel) w Regulations to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
m) Psychotropic Drugs
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Psychotropic Drugs to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 5-0
n) Section 504_ADA (Personnel) w Regulations
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Section 504_ADA (Personnel) w Regulations to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 5-0
o) Social Media w Regulations
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Social Media w Regulations to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 5-0
p) Title IX Sex Discrimination and Harassment
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Title IX Sex Discrimination and Harassment to first read
2nd - Nora Mocarski
Vote: 5-0
Renata Waldron Motion for personal privilege
2nd - Nora Mocarski
Vote: 5-0 at 8:34 PM
Back in session at 8:38 PM without Melony Brady-Shanley
5. Proposed change to our by-laws - Nora Mocarski presented
VI. Adjourn - Motion Sondra Strubhar, 2nd, Renata Waldron
Vote: 5-0 at 8:48 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Policy and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, Alison Pierce, and Elizabeth Whitney
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order - 6:35 PM
II. Roll call: Jonathan Morhardt, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Alison Pierce, Nora Mocarski, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Salvatore Lovetere. Elizabeth Whitney is absent.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – March 27, 2024
Salvatore Lovetere Motion to switch b) and a) under Item VI
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – February 27, 2024
Jonathan Morhardt Motion to approve Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – February 27, 2024
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
V. New Business
a) HVAC Grant Information - Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick presented
Board would like to add to the April Board of Education Meeting to approve the initiation of the application process for DAS.
b) Reflection on the Board of Selectmen Public Budget Hearing - Open Discussion
VI. Adjourn - Motion Jonathan Morhardt, 2nd Alison Pierce
Vote: 7-0-0 at 7:32 PM
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, and Sondra Strubhar
Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere, Alison Pierce, Elizabeth Whitney, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley
Quorum: 4
I. Call to Order - 7:39 PM
II. Roll Call - Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Melony Brady-Shanley. Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere and Alison Pierce. Absent: Elizabeth Whitney
III. Agenda Review
a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – March 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – February 27, 2024
Renata Waldron Motion to approve Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – February 27, 2024
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Non-Discrimination
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Non-Discrimination to the first read with regulations
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0-0
2. School Volunteers, Student Interns and Other Non-Employees
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept School Volunteers, Student Interns, and Other Non-Employees to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
3. Sexual Offenders
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Sexual Offenders with edits by Melony Brady-Shanley to first read
2nd - Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 7-0-0
b) Review Shipman’s Policies 3000 Series
1. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
2. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
Shane Centrella Motion to accept Code of Conduct Federal Procurement to first read
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
3. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
Nora Mocarski Motion to accept Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
4. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
Shane Centrella Motion to accept Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District to first read
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
5. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
Shane Centrella Motion to accept IDEA Fiscal Compliance to include regulation to the first read
2nd - Renata Waldron
Vote: 7-0-0
6. Purchasing
Melony Brady-Shanley made an amendment, Definition 1; Winchester should be on the line in Section D
Shane Centrella Motion to accept Purchasing with amendment included in the appendix to the first read
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0
7. Student Activities Funds
Renata Waldron Motion to accept Student Activities Funds to first read
2nd - Shane Centrella
Vote: 7-0-0
c) Review Canton’s Board of Education Policies
1. 6161 Selection of Educational Materials / Instructional Resources
2. 6161.11 Challenged Instructional Materials
d) General Review of Board Bylaws and Board Member Decorum and Expectations
During Board of Education Meetings.
Tabled to April’s Committee Meeting
VI. Adjourn - Motion Renata Waldron, 2nd Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 7-0-0 at 8:48 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, and Finance Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Cheryl McGlynn, Elizabeth Whitney, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order @ 6:30 PM
II. Roll Call - Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Melony Brady-Shanley. Absent Salvatore Lovetere and Shane Centrella.
Nora Mocarski read Cheryl McGlynn's resignation letter, effective as of February 27, 2024.
Shane Centrella arrived at 6:34 PM
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – January 23, 2023
Sondra Strubhar Motion to table Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – January 23, 2023, to next Board Meeting on March 12, 2024.
2nd - Jonathan Morhardt
Vote 6, 0, 0
V. Old Business
VI. New Business
a) Introduction and Review of the Increasing Diversity Plan (IDP)
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Increasing Diversity Plan (IDP)
Cassandra Murphy and Barbara Silverio explained the new paraprofessional onboarding checklist.
Shane Centrella left the meeting at 6:52 pm
Adjourn - Motion Jonathan Morhardt, 2nd Jeannette Brodeur
Vote: 4, 0, 0 at 7:13 pm
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, Jonathan Morhardt, and Elizabeth Whitney
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order @ 7:13 pm
II. Roll call - Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley. Absent: Elizabeth Whitney, Salvatore Lovetere, and Shane Centrella
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Budget & Finance Committee Minutes – January 23, 2024
i. Jonathan Morhardt Motion to approve Review of Budget & Finance Committee
Minutes – January 23, 2024
ii. 2nd - Nora Mocarski
iii. Vote: 5,0,0
V. New Business
a) Review Proposed FY25 Financials
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Proposed FY25 Financials
Sondra Strubhar left the meeting at 7:21 PM.
Sondra Strubhar and Shane Centrella returned to the meeting at 7:22 PM
Adjourn - Motion Jeannette Brodeur, 2nd Jonathan Morhardt
Vote: 6, 0, 0 at 8:26 PM
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski, and Sondra Strubhar
Invitees: Salvatore Lovetere, Elizabeth Whitney, 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 – February 27, 2024
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – January 23, 2024
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Non-Discrimination
2. School Volunteers, Student Interns and Other Non-Employees
3. Sexual Offenders
b) Review Shipman’s Policies 3000 Series
1. Budget Procedures and Line Item Transfers
2. Code of Conduct Federal Procurement
3. Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment or Materials
4. Gifts, Grants, and Bequests to the District
5. IDEA Fiscal Compliance
6. Purchasing
7. Student Activities Funds
i. Jonathan Morhardt Motion to table to next committee meeting on March 26, 2024.
ii. 2nd - Shane Centrella
iii. Vote: 6.0,0
VI. Adjourn - Motion Sondra Strubhar, 2nd Shane Centrella
Vote: 6,0,0 at 8:29 PM
Minutes submitted by Barb Aurell
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, and Finance Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Sondra Strubhar, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Cheryl McGlynn, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order @ 6:31 pm
II. Roll Call: Jeannette Brodeur, Nora Mocarski, Melony Brady-Shanley, Sondra Strubhar, and Salvatore Lovetere. Jonathan Morhardt arrived at 6:33 pm. Absent Shane Centrella.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
First: Salvatore Lovetere, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
V. Old Business
a) The Gilbert School Reading Scores
Sondra Strubhar wanted to have an open discussion regarding The Gilbert School Reading Scores.
The following were discussed:
● Renata Waldron mentioned that The Gilbert School is hiring a reading specialist.
○ Reading Specialist should have a program of progress
○ What does the SRBI program look like?
○ What intervention series are you offering?
○ What type of training does the teacher have?
○ How many steps should/need to be identified?
○ What systems are we putting in place?
Nora Mocarski left the room at 6:46 pm. Nora Mocarski returned to the room at 6:49 pm.
Melony Brady-Shanley is more than happy to sit down and review the information with anyone who is interested.
VI. New Business
a) Winchester Public Schools Preliminary Mid-Year IReady Scores
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the iReady scores
● For Grades 1-12, evaluations improved across the board.
● Students take 15-20 minutes to see where they fall with their reading skills.
● We use SBAC as the state assessment for students.
● We can look at the student assessments and we have the data already.
Barbara Silverio gave a brief summary of the Pearson School.
● Students are on a pathway of their diagnostic scores that will put them on a pathway for lessons that they need to work on.
● Students are making a lot of progress with the English and Math domains.
● Program monitors student’s work and they are flagged when they are rushing.
● Students have different goals to work towards.
● Program is very clear on strengths and clarifies what needs to be done.
Rosanne Field gave a brief summary of Hinsdale School
● Students are up 95% in reading
● Students are up 50% in math.
● Worked with NWEA and did some goal setting.
● We were able to open student pages and work towards their goals
● The program is visual, and the students can see their achievements.
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the overall placement that has taken place in the four short months.
● We had 114 students who were 2 grade levels below, and now we have 69 students.
● We had 263 students who were 1 grade level below, and now we have 210 students.
● In the Fall, we had 59 students at grade level, and in the Winter, we had 116 students.
● We can target each student’s domain and target how we can move them accordingly.
● Will speak with each teacher and drill down to each student's movement, and then we can build and build on that each year.
● For students who do not complete homework, we have scheduled a homework club twice a week. Teachers have those students go onto iReady in the morning, which is embedded in students throughout the day.
Feedback from the students is that they love the program. Students enjoy the program, and we haven’t received any parent complaints.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Salvatore Lovetere, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
VII. Adjourn @ 7:30 pm
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 4
I. Call to order @ 7:30 pm
II. Roll call Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Jonathan Morhardt, Nora Mocarski. Absent Cheryl McGlynn and Shane Centrella.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
V. New Business
a) Review January Board of Education Financials
Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick reviewed the January Board of Education Financials.
● 2Q FY2024 Winchester Public Schools Budget Snapshot by Resource Year to Date December 2023
● FY2024 Appropriated Budget Year to Date December 2023
● Fund 12 Total Non-Lapsing Fund
● FY2024 Town Resources Summary Operating Budget Year to Date December 2023
● FY2024 Grand Budget Year to Date December 2023
MOTION to adjourn
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
VI. Adjourn @ 7:58 pm
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Jonathan Morhardt, and Nora Mocarski.
Invitees: Sondra Strubhar, Salvatore Lovetere, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley
Quorum: 3
I. Call to Order @ 8:00 pm
II. Roll Call Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar, Jeannette Brodeur, Renata Waldron, Nora Mocarski. Absent Cheryl McGlynn and Shane Centrella.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Nora Mocarski, U
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2023
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Renata Waldron, 4, 0, 1
V. New Business
a) Review Shipman’s Policies 1000 Series
1. Automatic External Defibrillators
MOTION to move Automatic External Defibrillators to first read, including regulations along with edits on Page 2
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Renata Waldron, U
2. Deadly Weapons or Firearms
MOTION to move Deadly Weapons or Firearms first to read
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
3. Green Cleaning Programs without regulations
MOTION to move Green Cleaning Programs without regulations to first read
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Renata Waldron, U
4. Pesticide Application on School Property
MOTION to move Pesticide Application on School Property without regulations to first read
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Renata Waldron, U
5. School Security and Safety
MOTION to move School Security and Safety to first read
First: Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, U
6. Sexual Offenders
Sexual Offenders to be tabled to February Meeting.
7. Smoking
MOTION to move Smoking to first read
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
MOTION to add Sondra Strubhar to the Policy & Bylaws Committee
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
8. Use of School Facilities
MOTION to move Use of School Facilities to first read substituting in our facility usage form and going to use their indemnification and release form
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
9. Visitors and Observations in Schools
Note: Failure to comply with procedures may resolve in a denial of access. Do not include regulations.
MOTION to move Visitors and Observations in Schools to first read
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
10. Non-Discrimination
Non-Discrimination to be tabled to February Meeting
Volunteers to be tabled to February Meeting.
b) Review of Shipman’s Policies 2000 Series
1. Holds on the Destruction of Electronic Information and Paper Records Litigation
MOTION to move Holds on the Destruction of Electronic Information and Paper Records Litigation with regulations to first read
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, 4, 0, 1
2. Retention and Disposition of Records and Information
MOTION to move Retention and Disposition of Records and Information without regulations to first read
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Sondra Strubhar, 4, 0, 1
MOTION to adjourn
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Jeannette Brodeur, U
VI. Adjourn @ 8:42 pm
Winchester Board Education
Type of Meeting: Committee Meetings Curriculum, Policy, Finance Meeting, and AD HOC School Security Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023, @ 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Hinsdale School
Curriculum Committee Meeting Facilitator: Renata Waldron
Committee Members: Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Sondra Strubhar, Cheryl McGlynn, Melony Brady-Shanley, Barbara Silverio, Rosanne Field, and Cassandra Murphy.
Sandra Strubhar would like to be added to the curriculum committee.
Quorum: 4
I. Call to Order @ 6:32 pm
II. Roll Call Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt, Melony Brady-Shanley. Absent: Salvatore Lovetere
III. Agenda Review
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of Curriculum Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
First: Jeannette Brodeur, Second: Jonathan Morhardt U
MOTION to move informational only: Overview of standardized assessments to our board meeting in January.
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Shayne Deschamps, U
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
MOTION to approve Review of Curriculum Committee Minutes – October 24, 2023
First: Jeannette Brodeur, Second: Sondra Strubhar, 3, 0, 3. Passes 3 to 0
V. New Business
a) Discussion of the MOU from Ralph Nader
Open Discussion:
● Would it be a contract and funding up front? Yes.
● Would we receive recognition as a District? Yes.
● Does Ralph Nader fund any other programs in the District? No.
● What other programs do we have in our District?
○ TAG
○ Drone
○ In-house writing publishing program
○ Art
○ Band
○ Ceramics
○ AMP with art
● Ralph Nader should create an informational flier and post it throughout town, and if there is interest, people can sign up for the program. Then, this becomes a sign-up opportunity for the community as an after-school program.
● Do we accept money from groups? Yes, we receive donations.
Melony Brady-Shanley will respond to Ralph Nader with the feedback from the BOE.
b) Literacy Team Update
Melony Brady-Shanley met with Benchmark Advance and reviewed the programs for the Winchester Public Schools.
● Aligned with Science of Reading Research, Benchmark Advance is a core language arts program that provides a cohesive structure for developing literacy skills and content knowledge.
● Benchmark Advance encourages students to be active learners and collaborators. Students spiral through comprehension skills and strategies to prepare for testing and lifelong learning.
● Winchester will shadow the Torrington District to see how the program works and then go to the Litchfield District.
● Plan to bring to the Board in February with hopes of approval and recommendations from the Committee in March.
● Teachers will begin the pilot in the spring
● Training will begin at the beginning of the next school year
Informational only: Overview of Little Owls program, School Readiness, and Head Start Programs and how they all work together.
Melony Brady-Shanley gave an overview of the programs.
Head Start Program
Head Start provides an array of comprehensive, quality services, including health, nutrition, parent support, education, and mental health, to children ages three to five and their families. The program’s vision is “each child and family leaves Head Start healthy, eager to learn, and ready for success.” Program staff work closely with families to ensure that each child has the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in kindergarten. The Early Head Start program provides services to infants, toddlers, and pregnant women in Torrington and Winsted through home visiting and socialization.
Little Owls Program
Winchester Public Schools offers an integrated Preschool program for 3 and 4-year-old students. This program blends typical peer models with students requiring special education services due to disabilities and eligibility based on specific criteria established by the district in keeping with federal and state requirements. Peer model students refer to those “typically developing” students who are included in the integrated classroom settings. This is the model that the Pre-K Program utilizes in order to follow best practices for providing preschool special education programming within the public school setting.
Our preschool classroom offers students vast learning experiences and opportunities to build social relationships. The Pre-K Program follows the CT Early Learning and Development Standards and assessments to guide its curriculum, into which other methodologies and strategies are woven in order to provide optimal learning experiences and kindergarten readiness for all students. The program also maintains a developmentally appropriate philosophy that meets students where they are and sets goals to support the individual’s progress across cognitive, social, and motor domains.
Peer models are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Preschoolers can become eligible for this program after applying online during the open application period and completing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a developmental screening tool. Applicants must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1 and attend a preschool screening at the Mary P. Hinsdale School.
School Readiness
A state-funded initiative administered by the Office of Early Childhood, which develops a network of school readiness programs geared to enhance federally funded readiness programs among the state and its various agencies, the communities, and families.
Informational only: Overview of standardized assessments. Moved to January
Informational only: Discussion of Approved Draft by the CT State Dept. of Education of the Social Studies Standards as of 10/4/2023.
Nora Mocarski discussed the Approved Draft by the CT State Dept. of Education of the Social Studies Standards as of 10/4/2023.
1. SDE Approval Motion, November 1, 2023
Discussion regarding Gilbert's Reading Assessment Performance (SRI) and Alignment with WPS Reading Performance (iReady)
Renata Waldron shared with the Board that Grades 7-12 are below grade level.
She has concerns about why this is happening.
Melony Brady-Shanley explained that, unfortunately, we have our students for 7 hours a day and how important it is that our students continue to use the skills they are taught during the day into the rest of their day, but under certain situations, this is not happening.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Shayne Deschamps, U
VI. Adjourn @ 8:02 pm
Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Facilitator: Nora Mocarski
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Salvatore Lovetere, Sondra Strubhar, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Melony Brady-Shanley and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
Quorum: 5
I. Call to order @ 8:03 pm
II. Roll call: Renata Waldron, Jeannette Brodeur, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar. Absent Cheryl McGlynn and Salvatore Lovetere.
III. Agenda Review
a) Review Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. New Business
a) Budget Review
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the Budget calendar.
● 11/6/2023 Budget Assumptions
● 11/14/2023 Review Budget Calendar to set dates with BOE
● 11/28/2023 BOE Finance committee Canceled
● 12/12/2023 Review Internal Staffing and Non Personnel Requests
● 12/19/2023 BOE Budget Update at Finance Committee
● 1/3/2024 BOE Budget Workshop 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
● 1/23/2024 Budget Review at Finance Committee
● 2/5/2024 BOE Budget Workshop 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
● 2/13/2024 Superintendent Presents 2025 Budget
● 2/27/2024 Budget Review at Finance Committee
● 3/6/2024 BOE Budget Workshop 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
● 3/12/2024 Regular BOE Meeting 7:00 pm
● 2/27-3/15/2024 Public BOE Budget Presentations (Staff, Community Groups, BOS)
● 3/15/2024 Budget Submission Due to Town
● TBD BOE Budget Public Hearing scheduled by BOS
Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick passed out hard copies of Enrollment Projections for review.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Shayne Deschamps, U
V. Adjourn @ 8:22 pm
Policy & Bylaws Committee Meeting Facilitator: Jeannette Brodeur
Committee Members: Cheryl McGlynn, Shane Centrella, Renata Waldron, Shayne Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt, and Nora Mocarski.
Invitees: Sondra Strubhar, Salvatore Lovetere, Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick, and Melony Brady-Shanley
Quorum: 4
I. Call to Order @ 8:22 pm
II. Roll Call Renata Waldron, Shane Centrella, Shayne Deschamps, Jonathan Morhardt, Sondra Strubhar. Absent: Cheryl McGlynn
III. Agenda Review
a) Review the Policy/Bylaws Committee Agenda – December 19, 2023
IV. Approval of Minutes
a) Review of the Policy/Bylaws Committee Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2023
Melony Brady-Shanley suggested auditing our 1000 serious with Shipman’s 1000 serious policies and having them ready to present hard copies at the Policy meeting in January.
MOTION to table to January Committee Meetings
Policy Title IX Personnel from Shipman & Goodwin and
Policy Title IX Students from Shipman & Goodwin
First: Jonathan Morhardt, Second: Shayne Deschamps, U
MOTION to direct Melony Brady-Shanley to begin the audit for the 1000 series
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
V. New Business
a) Policy Title IX Personnel from Shipman & Goodwin
b) Policy Title IX Students from Shipman & Goodwin
c) Policy Meal Charging
MOTION to move Policy Meal Charging to first read at the January Board meeting
First: Renata Waldron, Second: Sondra Strubhar, U
Discussion Regarding Possible Revision of Voting of Officers Board Policy.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Nora Mocarski, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
VI. Adjourn @ 8:30 pm
AD HOC School Security Meeting Facilitator: Salvatore Lovetere
Committee Members: Sondra Strubhar, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella, and Jonathan Morhardt
Invitees: Nora Mocarski, Jeannette Brodeur, Cheryl McGlynn, Renata Waldron, Melony Brady-Shanley, and Nancy O’Dea-Wyrick
I. Call to Order @ 8:39 pm
II. Roll Call Sondra Strubhar, Jonathan Morhardt, Shayne Deschamps, Shane Centrella
III. Agenda Review
IV. New Business
a) Opening Topics
b) Survey
Melony Brady-Shanley reviewed the student and adult school security surveys and made the suggested edits.
MOTION to adjourn
First: Sondra Strubhar, Second: Jonathan Morhardt, U
V. Adjourn @ 9:05 pm
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
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