Courtney Anastasia

The Finance Committee reviewed all budget, grants, and revenue pertaining to the proposed 2026-2027 budget. Questions were addressed and suggestions were noted during this review session.

The meeting commenced with a presentation of gratitude to a Board member for his service as president. During the public session, no members of the public addressed the Board. Action items included the acceptance of minutes from previous organizational, regular, and special meetings, and the approval of a certified appointment for a Grade 3 teacher at Mead School. Informational items covered reports from student representatives regarding December activities and student programs, the Assistant Superintendent's discussion on the School Climate Plans and related survey results, and updates from the Special Education Director on departmental savings. The Technology Director reported on ordered Chromebooks. The Board discussed enrollment numbers and the frequency of receiving the Youth Family Outreach Summary, with differing opinions on whether it should be monthly or annual. The Facilities Director reported on a fire alarm, deep cleaning, and ongoing roofing projects. The Director of Communications & Community Outreach reviewed metrics on Parent Square effectiveness and distributed holiday gifts. A significant portion of the meeting involved the Superintendent's detailed PowerPoint presentation on the proposed 2.4% budget increase, outlining vision statements, core beliefs, high-needs student statistics, administrative restructuring to find savings, and anticipated budgetary pressures such as rising healthcare and special education costs. The Board discussed the budget submission timeline and the need for public input. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session regarding expulsions, followed by action to accept the Superintendent's recommendations on expulsions.

The meeting included several action items such as accepting the 2026 Ansonia Board of Education Meeting Schedule and approving a certified appointment for a Grade 5 teacher at Mead School. The Board also accepted a request to build a GaGa Ball pit at Prendergast School as part of an Eagle Scout Project and accepted the CABE School Governance Position Statement. Informational reports covered updates on student representatives' achievements, the Chinese Bridge Program sending students to China, identification plans for the new talented and gifted program, special education updates including outplaced students and SEED Grant fund stipulations, technology matters like email removal and Chromebook availability, and budget discussions highlighting increased transportation costs due to billing changes. Discussions also addressed high student transition rates impacting the absenteeism rate and proficiency testing, facility needs including litigation surrounding the high school roofing project, and the status of homeless children transportation. The session concluded with an executive session regarding expulsions, resulting in the acceptance of the Superintendent's recommendations.

The meeting included extensive discussion and possible action regarding the 2025-2026 Budget, where details on fund structure, budget transfers, line items including salary costs, administration costs, Special Education, healthcare costs, and transportation were reviewed. Further discussion covered the 2026-2027 Budget, with the Superintendent briefing the Board on goals and cost drivers, noting a 6.1% increase primarily due to decreased Alliance Grant funding, which might necessitate cuts. Accreditation standards from NEASC and spending related to improvements were also discussed. Topics concerning capital improvements, maintenance project labeling, membership dues, and Alliance Grant spending were addressed for the current fiscal year.

The meeting agenda included procedural items such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, recognition of the Teacher of the Year and Para-Professional of the Year, and thanking the outgoing Student Board Member. Action items involved reports and recommendations from the Facilities Committee and the Personnel Committee, discussion on project completion, approval for non-union contracts and grant positions, approval for an Authorized Signature Change Form for the Child Nutrition Program Agreement, and permission for the Superintendent to hire certified staff during the summer. Information items covered reports from the Special Education Director, Technology, School Business Administrator Financials, Youth Family Outreach, and the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents. The session concluded with an executive session regarding the Superintendent Evaluation.