Nathan Johnston

This document outlines the Board's vision, mission, and strategic goals for Ashford School. The vision emphasizes providing high-quality educational opportunities that foster creativity, critical thinking, cultural competency, and innovative problem-solving. The mission is to create a safe and positive environment that encourages lifelong learning and empowers students to succeed. Key goals include supporting an exceptional K-8 curriculum, maintaining fiscal responsibility, fostering a culture of health and wellness, providing enriching community engagement, and enhancing facilities for energy efficiency and sustainability.

The committee held an executive session to open and review seven applications for the Bicknell Trust Scholarship. The committee selected five recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year to receive $1,000 scholarships each. Additionally, the committee established the notification timeline for all applicants, with letters to be sent out on or before the designated deadline in June.

The board discussed staffing changes, including the appointment of a new custodian and the acceptance of resignations for a paraeducator and a custodial maintenance staff member. Members were appointed to the 2026 Bicknell Scholarship Committee. Additionally, the board reviewed the FY 27 budget, noting a lower-than-anticipated health insurance rate increase that reduced the overall budget percentage increase request to 3.01%.

The Ashford Board of Education held its Annual Strategic Planning work session. The agenda included discussions on administrator goals and improvement plans for 2025-2026, current and future programming for Ashford School, and board priorities for FY 26. Members of the public advocated for hiring a Library Media Specialist and discussed policy requirements associated with the Connecticut Right to Read law. There was also discussion about encouraging more community participation within the school and recognizing opportunities to learn new skills. The board also reviewed its policy review plan.

The Ashford Board of Education held a meeting that included a board reorganization, during which officers were elected. Chonte Fields was elected as Chair, Jennifer Leszczynski as Vice-Chair, and Kurt Love as Secretary. Al Maccarone submitted a letter of resignation from the Board of Education. Committee assignments were made for Facilities, Finance and Operations, Curriculum and Educational Optimization, and Policy. The board discussed and accepted the retirement letter from Michael Mellady. The 2026 Board of Education Meeting Schedule was approved. There was a discussion regarding the 1st Quarter Financial Report.