Elizabeth Dillard

This document reviews the period from 2016 to 2025, highlighting transformative growth and resilience in advancing the organization's mission. Key strategic priorities included a sharpened focus on innovation, agile navigation of change, continuity of learning and support, expansion of essential partnerships, and pioneering new student-centered pathways. These initiatives aimed to solidify the organization's role in Connecticut education, carrying this foundation forward into a new era of leadership to achieve collective success.

The Council meeting included a presentation on the University Pathways Program, a partnership between the organization and Central Connecticut State University. The finance and audit committee reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, discussed various budget revisions and transportation funding, and examined third-quarter financials. The Council approved a consent agenda covering revised programs for 2025-2026 and new programs for 2026-2027. Updates were provided on recent meetings, advocacy efforts for magnet school funding, and upcoming events including the 60th-anniversary annual meeting. Legislative discussions highlighted ongoing efforts regarding magnet school funding and pending legislation including teacher termination language and school bus policies.

The council reviewed and approved several budgetary revisions, including programs for the North Central Accreditation Facilitation Project, the Montessori Training Center Northeast, Supplemental Services, and the Special Services Support Team. Additionally, the council evaluated a request to authorize the administration to execute the Healthy Food Certification Statement and discussed the prospective purchase of property for the permanent location of the Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary Magnet School.

The meeting focused on the review of the 2017-2018 first quarter unaudited financials and a council exhibit. The committee also recommended the adoption of the 2017-2018 entitlement grants budget and authorized adjustments to the staffing roster, including the creation of certified administrative and paraprofessional positions and the reduction of certified and support staff positions.

This annual report for CREC covers the 2016-2017 school year, detailing the organization's activities and achievements. It highlights the revision of CREC's mission, vision, and core values during this period, which are foundational to its strategic direction. The report outlines key goals including increasing college and career preparedness, developing innovative educational programs, ensuring organizational efficiency and accountability, facilitating regional educational planning, developing equitable school choice programs, valuing employees, and implementing equitable practices to foster excellence and success for all learners.