Nancy T. Cole

The board discussed the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget of $23,734,750, which includes a 7.23% increase to account for rising costs in health insurance, special education tuition, and transportation. The board also reviewed strategies for advocacy, public communication of the budget, and increasing parent engagement, ultimately voting to approve the proposed budget.

The meeting focused on the review and possible approval of Change Order Proposal #1 submitted by Young Developers for the EPDM Roof Area Replacements at PES.

The board meeting included reports from student representatives and committees covering policy, facilities, curriculum, community engagement, and liaison updates. The board discussed financial matters, including the year-end expenditure report and grants. The superintendent provided updates on district events, school reports, health insurance, enrollment, and personnel. The board considered and adopted new and replacement policies, rescinded a current policy, and approved lease payments for a truck and two vans. Additionally, the board approved baseball and softball co-op partnerships with Thompson Public Schools, including the adoption of a new team name, "Quinebaug Valley".

The Putnam Board of Education convened to discuss various topics, including student representatives' reports on school events. The board presented the Pride of Putnam Award to a high school teacher for her work on the Career Fair and recognized a retiring staff member for his contributions to district infrastructure. Committee reports included updates on policy changes, the PES Roof Project, exploration of a parent panel, Wall of Honor preparations, EASTCONN funding options, and PTO engagement. The board also reviewed the year-end expenditure report, health insurance costs, enrollment, and personnel. Policies from Shipman & Goodwin were warned for adoption, while others were warned to be rescinded. A discussion regarding the Putnam Education Association contract and board evaluation was tabled.

The committee reviewed the Clerk of the Works Report Summary for the Putnam Elementary School Roof Replacement Project and expressed concern regarding contractor execution and documentation delays. They also reviewed correspondence from DAS Grants Administration regarding Clerk of the Works reimbursement eligibility. The committee approved payments to Prime Consulting Inc. and considered authorizing an increase to the compensation and payment to Prime Consulting Inc, Clerk of the Works.