Terra DeCarli

The meeting included a presentation on standards-based curriculum, focusing on teaching grade-level standards and utilizing digital materials and supports. Legislative updates covered policies impacting curriculum, including requirements for Boards of Education to post committee objectives and curriculum scope and sequence on district websites, library policy requirements, concurrent and dual enrollment courses, support for advanced and dual credit course access, and CSDE notification of challenging curriculum and courses that grant postsecondary credit.

The committee discussed the orientation for new employees, new hires in process, employee retirements and resignations, and current vacancies. Milestone years of service were recognized at Convocation. An update was provided on contract negotiations with Teamsters Union representation, and the Windham Federation of Teachers (WFT) new contract. The committee also discussed the status of teachers with visas.

The meeting included discussions on vehicle issues on roads, a fire department merger in the Windham villages, and codifying mutual aid agreements. There was a remark on the lack of on-site advertising at Jillson Square and an inquiry about registering two-wheeled motorized vehicles. The board discussed going into executive session concerning Fire Department Collective Bargaining negotiations and approved the expenditure for a mediator to assist in these negotiations. They also discussed purposes and goals for next year's budget, the Capital Improvement Plan, hiring ahead of retirement for the Police Department, the Parking Enforcement Officer, and parking ticket funds.

The meeting included discussions on correspondence highlights, such as participation in Workforce Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., to discuss federal funding and legislation. The council reviewed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, including achievement of AJC program performance benchmarks, manufacturing and healthcare adult pipeline training, regional sector partnership efforts, and expansion of youth industry pipeline programs. An update on the FY25 budget was provided, noting projected under expenditures due to decisions on hiring and the utilization of supplemental funding for IT improvements. The FY26 revenue outlook was reviewed, with projected revenue availability of approximately $16.2 million. The council ratified the EWIB Board's actions, including approval of the Cost Allocation Plan, selection of EASTCONN's proposal for youth programs, approval of Board Resolutions EWIB-25-01 through EWIB-25-08, and approval of EWIB's goals, objectives, and operating budget for FY26.

The Board convened and entered an Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, following which a motion was made to approve the new contract for the Director of Health. The Director of Health provided updates to the Board. Proposed changes to the Sanitary Code were approved. The language for a food service reinspection fee was modified to include priority or priority foundation violations. The Regular Board Meeting Schedule was changed to every other month, beginning in 2026, with a revised schedule to be presented for approval at the November meeting. Committee updates were provided in written form for discussion, covering Finance, Short and Long-Term Planning, Capital Improvements, and Personnel.