Thomas Biggs

The meeting agenda included an Executive Session to review the Appointment List for New Hires, followed by the appointment of new personnel and the acceptance of resignations across various positions, including a Climate Specialist, IT Technician, and Elementary Teacher. Key discussions involved collaborations with BHcare/School, updates on RAISE Academy capacity expansion from 20 to 45 students across three programs, and various subcommittee reports. Administrator reports detailed operational statuses at Little Raiders University, Bradley School (including issues with the heating system and oil tank removal bid), Irving School (new STEM UA and staff handbook), and Derby High School (scheduling changes providing daily advisory time and multicultural celebrations). The Special Education Supervisors reported on positive starts, reconfiguration of Learning Centers, and new fitness/music classes. The Board also addressed policy adoptions, including updates on Facilities Use, Purchasing Guidelines, Hiring Athletic Coaches, Attendance/Excuses/Dismissal, Truancy, Promotion/Acceleration/Retention, Gifted and Talented Students Program, and Freedom of Speech policies. Financial reports and the FY24 Board of Education Budget were reviewed, along with proposed positions for a Teacher on Special Assignment and Bathroom Monitors, and Advisor's Stipends.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on transfer requests across various departments, including Parks & Recreation, Police, Budget Working Balance, and Fire Department budgets, often involving adjustments for expenses, overtime, or contract costs. Updates were provided regarding reconciliation efforts with the Board of Education, which might result in a significant transfer back to the general fund upon audit completion. Specific transfer actions were approved for Parks & Rec, Police Wages/Overtime, Fire Department equipment, and funding for Legal Services from the working balance. The meeting concluded with acceptance of Highway Department updates concerning Town Aid and miscellaneous revenue adjustments, followed by adjournment.

This document presents an analysis of data and student achievement, detailing a strategy to close equity gaps by improving chronic absenteeism and instructional performance, particularly in Math and ELA. The strategy, implemented since 2018-19, has led to significant reductions in chronic absenteeism rates across various student subgroups and measurable improvements in math proficiency. The report outlines ongoing efforts in attendance management, targeted math acceleration, and sustained data-driven interventions. The overall vision is to foster an environment where student presence correlates with high achievement.

The committee discussed several personnel and contractual matters. Key topics included negotiating proposed stipend increases for assessment coordinators, curriculum writing, and summer school positions within the Derby Educator Association Contract. The committee also addressed the compensation for the Temporary Business Manager who is mentoring an interim replacement, ultimately approving an increase to the temporary manager's hourly rate. Furthermore, the committee approved the addition of a fifth, grant-funded School Security Officer to serve as a floater to ensure continuous coverage across schools. Other agenda items included the Level II IT Remote Help Desk Position and a request for an Academic Interventionist Position at Bradley School.

The committee meeting primarily focused on the review of the 2027 budget proposal. Key discussion points included the proposed 6.41 percent increase, of which 2.47 percent is attributed to teacher salaries, necessitating detailed clarification regarding salary step increases versus overall budget impact. Other budget components reviewed were special education costs, which fluctuate based on student enrollment changes, transportation expenses, and the inclusion of insurance waiver and longevity payments within the overall ask. The committee also discussed the process for tracking and reflecting changes in staffing and related costs in the budget documentation for future meetings.