Sarah Mallory

The meeting commenced with a presentation from the Principal of ACT Magnet School regarding upcoming events. Key discussion points included first reads of several policies pertaining to employment checks, FAFSA completion rates, and the Code of Conduct for Board Members. The Facilities Committee provided updates on the purchase of Westcott Road, with the CIF funds discussion deferred. The Finance Committee reported on budget reviews, including QMC and ACT budgets, a soft freeze on the budget, review of revenue and expenses, and forward-looking discussions on salary increases and healthcare costs. Head Start reported steady enrollment. New business covered an enrollment report and a proposal to change the agency By-Laws regarding the quorum count, which will be further distributed. The Nominating Committee began organizing, with members volunteering. The Board approved the 2026-2027 Regional Calendar and approved the full Consent Agenda, which included adopting several policies and authorizing an application for the Westcott Road Acquisition and Renovation Project grant up to $5,000,000. An Executive Session was held to review real estate transactions and discuss the Union contract.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation on the Drop-In Protocol. Committee reports covered the first read of several policies (Meal Charging, Pledge of Allegiance, School Wellness) and updates on facilities matters, including the ongoing Westcott Road purchase approach and a pause on a 1303 application due to a government shutdown. The Finance Committee reviewed the budget, noting revenue collection and scheduled division budget meetings for the next month. Head Start updates covered enrollment, a grant submission due November 1st, and renovation updates. New business featured a new consolidated Enrollment Report, the review of a new "summary" report for districts, discussion on the impact of potential SNAP benefit loss, and planning for an "open pantry." Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a proposed change to the agency By-Laws to lower the quorum requirement from seven to five members, to be voted upon in November 2025. An action item was passed to accept the HVAC project at the Arts and The Capital Theatre Magnet School (ACT) as complete and authorize the final payment request. The Consent Agenda approved policy revisions and the continued refunding of Federal Head Start and Early Head Start Grants.

The meeting included a presentation on Professional Development and Evaluation Committee (PDEC) subcommittees and their goals for the year, focusing on professional learning opportunities, student support specialist evaluation models, and updates to professional rubrics. There were committee reports from Policy, Facilities, and Finance. The Finance committee discussed ending FY25 with a positive balance, budget increases for special student programs, RESC fees in management services, maintenance costs for Path Academy, Community Investment Fund applications, cuts to Magnet School funding, the sale of buses, potential revenue streams from ACT, and the sale of the Bridges building. Updates from Head Start included enrollment drops, fiscal year and budget modifications, and program design management. The Education overview covered TPOT and BOQ scores, MTSS support, and updates from the Hiring Committee. New business included an enrollment report and division directors' reports on the Northeast childcare project and the PDEC platform. The Executive Director provided updates on Magnet School funding, district affiliation rates, leadership structure revamping, leasing of ACT, and negotiations. The Human Resources report noted a flux in numbers due to program moves and restructuring. The board approved the Consent Agenda, including a signature change form for CACFP, the Corporate Resolution, and the submission of EASTCONN's application for nutrition funds for Head Start.

The meeting covered committee reports including policy updates on abuse/neglect of disabled adults and social media, facilities updates on the new CDT location and discussions around property purchase/lease, and finance updates on FY25/FY26 budgets, magnet school funding, the status of the audit, and internal service funds. A fund balance transfer from the Unemployment Internal Service Fund to the Educational Grants and General funds was approved. Updates from Head Start were presented, including budget status, training budgets, enrollment numbers, and applying for supplemental funds. The Executive Director highlighted areas such as ETA interns, CDT classrooms, Bridges' classroom practices, QMC's mastery grading, marketing's annual report, teacher evaluation program updates, and grant facilitator updates. Strategic Priorities for 2025-2026 were discussed, focusing on EASTCONN's mission, vision, core beliefs, and priority goals including restructuring leadership, defining the business decision matrix, developing the Story of EASTCONN, strengthening cross-departmental connections, and strengthening customer relationships. The Human Resources report was highlighted as stellar. Policies were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

The EASTCONN Board of Directors held a special meeting to review a solar project. The board examined solar projects at EVC (Columbia) and Central Office (Hampton), reviewed quotes from multiple companies, and looked at Magnet school CIP funds. The combined Columbia and Hampton projects include 430.9kWh of panels and are estimated to offset 534,000kWh in year 1 and 14M kWh over 30 years, avoiding 6,308 metric tons of CO2. The total project cost is $1.16M, with financial benefits including $1.42M in budget savings, $178K of renewable energy credits, and $349K of tax incentives. The board approved the solar project and authorized the Executive Director to sign the contract. The board then went into executive session.