Pamela Cavanagh

Key discussions during the meeting included a public comment regarding the use of Lifetouch and a review of the Superintendent's annual performance evaluation draft by the board. The Superintendent provided updates on student attendance, noting a reduction in chronically absent students, and discipline data, indicating overall positive trends in the reduction of out-of-school and in-school suspensions. Updates were also provided on professional learning sessions and the upcoming implementation of instructional rounds originating from Harvard principles. A presentation highlighted how C.H. Barrows STEM Academy's Invention Convention and Science Fair exemplified district priorities through authentic problem-solving, including student presentations on their projects. The board entered an Executive Session to discuss a pending workers' compensation claim. Committee reports covered curriculum updates, including legislative updates and policy adoptions; facilities discussions regarding snow removal and capital improvement projects; policy reviews resulting in recommendations to repeal or replace several library and activity guidelines; and finance reports detailing budget transfers and the year-to-date budget status. A significant discussion point involved the Windham Early Childhood Center's transition from a licensed exempt program to a licensed early childhood program. Action items included approving a grant request for C.H. Barrows Student Council, approving healthy food recertifications, repealing and replacing library and non-school sponsored activity policies, authorizing resolution of the workers' compensation claim, and approving budget transfers totaling $64,318.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the regular meeting on January 21st and the special meeting on January 21st, 2026. Public comment featured a resident raising concerns about the district's photography vendor, LifeTouch Photography, due to its alleged affiliation with the 'Epstein files,' requesting an investigation and consideration of alternative vendors. The Superintendent's report focused heavily on updates concerning student attendance, detailing significant reductions in chronic absenteeism across all schools compared to the previous year, while also noting a historical peak concern for February. Discipline data was presented, highlighting a decrease in outside school suspensions while emphasizing the use of restorative practices upon student return, and a preference for in-school suspensions when appropriate. Professional learning for staff that occurred on February 4th was reviewed, focusing on midyear check-ins, goal setting, and collaboration. An overview of 'instructional rounds,' a structured process for observing teaching patterns without evaluating individual teachers, was provided, with the first rounds scheduled for Windham Middle School at the end of February. Finally, a presentation on Barrows Academy's efforts to bring district priorities to life was mentioned.

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to review and discuss two draft documents (Option A and Option B) prepared for the Superintendent's evaluation, which is scheduled for the spring. Following discussion, the Board of Education expressed preference for Option B with suggested modifications. The discussion also covered the assessment process for the Superintendent's performance progress, noting that she will provide supporting data throughout the year. It was agreed that the Superintendent will present evidence of progress at a future Board meeting, with compiled information provided to members. Furthermore, the Board Chair and Superintendent will collaborate to establish a timeline with proposed dates for the evaluation that aligns with the Superintendent's contract terms.

The Board Chair reported on a special meeting held with the Superintendent to discuss feedback on the superintendent evaluation form and goals, planning for a future board retreat. The Superintendent provided highlights, including the success of the Three Kings Day celebration and an update on the school climate professional development day. Recognition was given to Charles H. Barrow STEM Academy for receiving state and national recognition, including being ranked 81st among middle schools in Connecticut and designated a 2025-2026 STEM School of Excellence. The principal of Barrows shared details about their innovative, hands-on STEM activities, such as kindergarteners engineering skate parks. The strategy of peer, non-evaluative classroom visits at North Windham School, titled "Iron Sharpens Iron," was presented as an initiative to strengthen teacher practice. Committee reports included the Policy Committee discussing repealing and replacing several policies related to athletic coaches' evaluations and gifts to the district. The School Planning & Design Committee discussed facilities maintenance challenges due to snow and ice, remediation after a lightning strike at the high school, feasibility of using the turf field in winter, and the need for clearer reporting on capital improvement funds from the town, alongside ongoing discussions about elementary school consolidation. The Finance & Audit Committee reported on a citizen concern regarding capital bonding, recommended budget transfers totaling $589,836.06, and noted a potential future proposal for a football co-op with neighboring high schools. Discussions also covered a presentation from Milliman regarding the pension plan valuation, which showed a positive funded ratio increase to almost 92%, and the need to revise the 2026-27 budget preparation calendar due to scheduling conflicts. Finally, the board reviewed two versions of the 2026-27 school calendar, ultimately recommending Version A which includes three early release days.

Key topics discussed included the Superintendent's report covering attendance, discipline, professional learning, instructional rounds, and an update on the C.H. Barrows Academy initiative. The agenda included an executive session to discuss a pending workers' compensation claim. Committee reports were provided for Curriculum, School Planning & Design, Policy, and Finance & Audit. Action items involved the approval of a grant request from the C.H. Barrows Student Council, approval of Connecticut State Department of Education Healthy Food recertifications, repeal and replacement of library materials and after-school activities policies, possible action on the workers' compensation claim, and budget transfers.