Amanda L. Backhaus

The meeting addressed several significant operational and financial matters. Finance discussions focused on the current budget status as of March 3, noting a deficit primarily driven by increased special education tuition payments for 12 outplaced students, although a special reserve balance remains. Capital project budgets were reported as generally performing well, pending one reimbursement. The cafeteria fund is also showing an impact due to rising food costs. Recognition was given to the Director of Finance for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The board must make a motion to approve the audit group, as required annually under their three-year contract. Updates were provided on joint meetings, including a policy review concerning equity protocols and demographic impact, which identified areas needing attention regarding self-advocacy for certain students. Discussions also covered the State of Connecticut's compliance certification regarding federal civil rights laws and the governmental interpretation of DEI practices. The board will monitor pending federal court cases. Furthermore, the Department of Education has reportedly moved to cut $5.4 billion in funding, including $1 billion allocated for mental health programs following legislative action. Updates were shared on student activities, including AP testing, senior events, and preparation for the transition to middle and high school, which includes an upcoming 8th-grade activity night. Follow-up on a required state health survey administration was mentioned. Finally, planning is underway for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week to recognize administrative, maintenance, and all other staff contributions. A letter regarding accommodations following a denial from the Association of Technologist Recommendation was also noted.

The meeting included committee reports covering policy, curriculum, and building committee updates. The Policy Committee reviewed drafts of the freedom to read policy, cell phone policy (currently in a staff pilot phase), and the AI policy. The Curriculum Committee discussed curriculum presentation feedback and received an update on reading interventions. The Building Committee discussed future locations for the Star and Lebo programs, including feasibility studies for a new build, and presented findings on HVAC and indoor air quality issues, noting in-house mitigations completed and the remaining steps requiring budget consideration. Student reports highlighted upcoming class scheduling, SAT preparation, student interviews for an assistant principal role, and a planned pep rally with a Rio de Janeiro theme. The Director of Science provided a special report detailing engagement statistics, objectives for strengthening student support systems like Science Academic Study Halls (SASH), and updates on refining course pathways to emphasize physics and career-related courses like Allied Health and Engineering Manufacturing.

The meeting commenced with a motion to enter into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Following the executive session, the members confirmed that no decisions were made, only a discussion occurred. Subsequently, the board entertained a motion to adjourn, as there was no further business to address.

The meeting began with public comments regarding the consideration of hybrid learning options for parents preferring remote instruction. Discussion points included the policy committee's consent agenda item concerning the school trip policy, and student reports highlighting anxiety among students due to the new variant, but also noting positive community and teacher efforts in supporting absent students. Student representatives are continuing work on club fairs and advocating for students regarding the new grading system in mathematics. The Superintendent's report covered the budget process, upcoming municipal meetings, and updates on the Student Advisory Council's work on self-reflection forms and collaboration. Updates were also provided regarding family meetings and a faculty think tank focused on generating solutions. Furthermore, significant time was dedicated to ongoing issues related to COVID-19 protocols, including the management and distribution of received test kits, monitoring of absenteeism rates (around 10% for both students and staff), and the impact of the current schedule structure on substituting. A major topic involved the mandated transition to a new state-provided Special Education Data System (IEP Direct portal), which, despite being a mandate, is viewed positively as it is free and expected to streamline data collection. Concerns were raised about the stress on teaching and health services staff due to constantly evolving pandemic directives and the added administrative burden, such as managing test kit distribution.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an opportunity for public comment. Committee reports covered personnel (no meeting held, date setting needed) and policy. The finance committee reported on reviewing the financial statements for fiscal year 2425, the auditor's letter, and discussed motions to receive the full audit report and the quarterly financial statements dated 9/30/2025. The committee recommended approval for salary transfers, noting they do not impact the overall budget. The building committee detailed ongoing efforts concerning a long-term site for the STAR program, including discussions with Mansfield town management regarding the property where the interim STAR program location resides. They are conducting due diligence on zoning and utilities for a favorable site. Updates were provided on the 2023 supplemental school security grant, including reimbursement rate adjustments and administrative errors related to mailing and regional rates. The superintendent report focused heavily on budget preparations for the upcoming fiscal year, which involves extensive meetings with directors and department heads. Other discussion points included a music department performance, a municipal budget meeting, and future planning meetings with Mansfield town officials regarding the school's future. Student reports detailed activities from various clubs and councils: Operation Smile held fundraisers and drives, P&H Natural Helpers are creating a recruitment video, the Explorers program is scheduled for February, and the Muslim Student Association is seeking more halal food options, excused absences for religious holidays like Eid, and awareness during Ramadan. Student council updates covered freshman movie night success, sophomore fundraising for prom, and planning for a school-wide pep rally for juniors and seniors.