Nia Blackwell

The New Haven Board of Education's FY27 Superintendent's Proposed Operating Budget outlines a financial strategy to sustain and advance the district's educational objectives. The proposal emphasizes protecting strategic investments in teaching, learning, and school culture, which have led to significant gains in student achievement, literacy, numeracy, mathematics proficiency, graduation rates, and reduced chronic absenteeism. Key focus areas include maintaining current levels of full-time employees, high-quality core instruction, interventions, and enrichment services, as well as safeguarding integrated instructional models for special education and multilingual learners. The budget also prioritizes support for arts, athletics, and professional learning opportunities, while addressing rising costs associated with personnel, special education, multilingual support, transportation, and facility maintenance. The overall vision is to empower every student to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment by 2029, guided by core values and a commitment to transparency and equity across all schools.

The committee discussed several agreements and contracts, including services with the Justice Education Center and an MOA with Cornell Scott for a school-based health center at Beecher School. There was discussion regarding an increase in the contract amount for Shipment and Goodwin due to high costs from union negotiations, litigation, and arbitration. The committee approved purchase orders for playground safety work at Barnard and HVAC control upgrades across various schools. Additionally, a detailed update was provided regarding snow removal and ice mitigation efforts following severe winter weather, including the complexities of managing school parking lots during city parking bans and the use of emergency contracts for snow removal.

The committee meeting covered a review of the Carl D. Perkins Continuous Improvement Grant and a no-cost memorandum of understanding with the Connecticut Head Start Association. Discussion items included an emergency purchase order for snow removal services, a change order for print shop supplies, an increase in costs for lunch packaging and containers for field trips, and a contract for locksmith services. Additionally, the committee reviewed contract renewals for glass repair, public address system maintenance, and dumpster services. The CFO provided an update on the financial report for the general fund.

The 'Path to Excellence' is a five-year strategic plan for New Haven Public Schools, developed to define what the district aims to provide for its students. It is grounded in core values of equitable opportunities, high expectations for all students, collaboration with families and the community, and continuous improvement. The plan outlines several key goals to be achieved by 2029, including 80% of kindergarteners meeting language, literacy, and numeracy benchmarks, a 94% four-year graduation rate, 9th graders on track for graduation, and a reduction in chronic absenteeism to 20%. Additionally, it aims for 85% of students to achieve their annual growth targets in assessments, 85% of English Language Learners to acquire English, 83% of high school students to take at least two dual credit courses, and 85% of students to feel a strong sense of belonging. Operational efficiencies and equitable resource allocation are emphasized, particularly regarding budget development and federal grants.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by the Seleno 5 through 8 chorus in celebration of Black History Month. Public participation was held, with speakers expressing gratitude for the service of retiring Principal Margaret Gettings of Worthington Hooker, highlighting her child-centered approach, program establishment, and positive impact on students and the community. The board also acknowledged several long-serving employees retiring, including Principal Gettings, a pre-k par educator, two special education par educators, the chief auditor, and a cafeteria manager. Key business involved the approval of the minutes from January 26, 2026, and the superintendent's personnel report, which included approvals for personnel actions. Furthermore, the Finance and Operations Committee presented resolutions for the completion and filing acceptance for several building projects: Jackie Robinson project, Seleno project, Worthington Hooker School project, and Bishop Wood School project. Finally, the board approved the updated 2026-2027 governance calendar dates and addressed main finance motions covering abstracts, an amendment, and a purchase order. The Student Report mentioned discussions planned regarding a state capital trip and an upcoming SCCL day.