Julia Chaffe

The meeting focused on the proposed 2026-27 budget, including a review of major budget drivers such as salary, benefits, transportation, and contracted services. Discussions covered the reduction of seven staff positions, proposed investments in pre-K and special education coordination, and the impact of these changes on student performance and taxpayer burden. The committees also discussed the strategies for potential budget reductions and the status of facility projects, including a facility study and upcoming bonding proposals for school infrastructure.

This School Climate Improvement Plan for Guilford Public Schools outlines a strategic approach to enhance school climate at Guilford High School, based on school climate survey results and Connecticut General Statutes. The plan aims to foster a more inclusive student body by improving mutual respect, reducing social exclusion, and enhancing student sense of belonging through respectful peer interactions and inclusive dialogue. Key goals include utilizing strategic case study problems related to student social inclusion and mutual respect, and gathering student input through focus groups to inform restorative and academic practices. The plan adheres to Connecticut School Climate Standards, promoting a safe, welcoming, supported, and restorative environment for all members of the school community.

The Board held a workshop meeting to discuss various school district needs, gaps, and priorities. Key topics included the potential for full-time Math Interventionists, facility and furniture updates for Adams Middle School, the inclusion of Special Education in Team Leader roles, and budget requirements for high school cafeteria furniture and graduation costs. The meeting also covered language program expansion, the adoption of new communication and video technologies, district-wide special education staffing levels, administrative resource needs for special education, the addition of a district-wide Data Specialist, and the provision of specials support in preschool programs.

The meeting involved the review of monthly expenditures and the Superintendent's report, which addressed elementary enrollment adjustments, the impact of federal grant withholding, and personnel changes within the district. Key actions included the ratification of various personnel appointments, resignations, and retirements. The Board approved the Educator Growth Plan, multiple curriculum updates, and the awarding of bids for custodial supplies and a capital equipment lease. Additionally, the Board adopted a new non-lapsing account policy and approved a contract extension and compensation package for the Superintendent.

The committee held a meeting to receive public input on the 2026-27 budget. Topics discussed included the necessity for additional special education staffing, such as speech and language pathologists, a behavior analyst, and registered behavior technicians, as well as stipends for paraprofessionals. Residents expressed significant concern regarding large class sizes at the elementary level, particularly in grades K-2, and advocated for the employment of certified professionals for music, art, and physical education in pre-school. Other matters raised included requests to simplify the school calendar to reduce early dismissals, recommendations for enhancing school bus safety, the implementation of collaborative problem-solving training, increased student access and input regarding the Guilford Fitness Center, and the use of AI to optimize bus scheduling.