Jennifer Bracciale

The meeting included the Waterford Wonders recognition program honoring a student for their character and kindness. A community member raised concerns regarding school bus transportation, including issues with bus driver conduct, segregation by gender, and inconsistencies in service. Another community member presented concerns about elementary teaching positions, the impact of class sizes on student well-being, and the need for adequate staffing to support literacy intervention. The Board heard a presentation from Waterford High School regarding initiatives to elevate student voice, including the school's student-led journalism program and print magazine production.

The subcommittee discussed high school class sizes and departmental curriculum revisions. Topics included the impact of sixth-period assignments on staffing, the necessity of certified special education teachers for self-contained support center courses, and strategies for managing low-enrollment classes through curriculum redesign, including a shift to semester-based offerings. Collaboration efforts with East Lyme High School regarding specific program exchanges were also reviewed, along with updates on graduation requirements and future curriculum development cycles for various subjects.

The Finance Subcommittee discussed the budget for various line items for the upcoming year, including substitute paraprofessionals, custodial substitutes, central office overtime, various contracted services for athletics and special education, and legal services. The committee reviewed historical trends and projected costs, noting that certain expenses had stabilized following contract negotiations or operational changes. New budget lines were established for certain schools to better plan against expenses like field trips and athletic transportation.

The agenda and supporting documentation cover several legislative and administrative items, including reports from the L&A Committee regarding local municipal ordinances, Chapter 3.08, Public Act 22-3, and a proposal to increase the membership of the Police Commission to seven members. Additionally, the documentation includes an Ethics Letter of Interest for board or committee appointment.

The board meeting included the recognition of two Waterford High School students as Waterford Wonders. Additionally, the board received presentations on purposeful play-based learning in elementary grades and an eighth-grade English curriculum program integrated with the O'Neill Theater. Correspondence was acknowledged regarding new board liaisons and a letter of appreciation from a parent.