Cromwell Public Schools

This School Climate Improvement Plan outlines a framework for fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment at Edna C. Stevens School, grounded in Connecticut School Climate Standards and legislative expectations. The plan focuses on two primary goals: establishing consistent, equitable, and predictable responses to student behavior, and strengthening shared ownership, capacity, and data-informed decision-making for continuous improvement. It aims to create a culturally responsive, equitable, and restorative learning environment where all students feel safe, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential, emphasizing strong relationships and inclusive partnerships.

This document outlines the strategic goals for Cromwell Public Schools, grounded in the mission of "Placing Students First." The plan focuses on increasing academic performance, fostering safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments with post-pandemic support, developing equitable and inclusive curricula district-wide, engaging in best practices for leadership and professional development, and preparing for a STEAM-driven curriculum for the new Middle School.

The meeting involved welcoming insurance brokers from Aera Group to discuss insurance renewals. The preliminary renewal from Sigma indicated a 52% increase, primarily driven by a high loss ratio where claims expenditure significantly exceeded premium income. Discussion detailed the high volume of severe claims (73 claimants with $25,000+ in claims in the last 12 months, 24 over $100,000) and the rising costs associated with specialty prescription drugs. The brokers are exploring options including marketing the data to other carriers, a Board-only renewal carve-out, and analyzing the feasibility of moving to a self-insured model. The potential transition to the Partnership Plan was also discussed, noting its different benefit structure (co-pay vs. HSA) and the need to potentially reopen union contracts to consider it, which has historically been resisted.

The meeting commenced with the agenda approval, noting a robust agenda focused heavily on budget matters. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the success of the 'Monster Project,' a collaboration between high school textile students and ECS (Early Childhood Services) students in creating stuffed monsters based on drawings that focused on feelings. High school students interpreted the younger students' drawings, colored the designs, and then constructed the corresponding plush items for use as reading buddies or emotional support stuffies for preschool classes. The project also received coverage from local news media. Further reports covered middle school updates, including ongoing drama club rehearsals for "Alice in Wonderland," cultural celebrations by the World Language Club, jazz band practice, ski club trips, and the publishing of the writing club's first edition. High school student representatives also reported on fundraising efforts, including raising $716 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Additionally, the board received updates regarding committee meetings, specifically concerning a forthcoming vote on a PV system, and acknowledgments were made regarding the dedication of the new Cromwell Middle School auditorium to Mr. Michael Cameri.

The meeting commenced with the election of a new chairperson, Alicia Gadudi, and a new secretary, Katherine Russ. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing and thanking the student support services staff, including school psychologists, counselors, and social workers, for their dedication to the emotional well-being of students and their role in building strong home-school partnerships. The board also reviewed the agenda, which included discussions on financials, recognizing faculty and staff from CMS, and a presentation on the budget approval process. The chairperson also acknowledged the departure and dedicated 10 years of service from former chairwoman Selena Kellaher.