East Lyme Public Schools

The meeting focused heavily on determining the grading policy for the remainder of the academic term, which was significantly impacted by remote learning circumstances starting March 16th. Discussions centered on adopting a universal pass/fail grading policy for the spring marking period (March 16th to June 19th), ensuring alignment with the State Department of Education and post-secondary institution practices. Key considerations included supporting students facing significant hardship due to external circumstances and defining 'essential learning' primarily through demonstration of knowledge and engagement. For the third quarter, the recommendation involved adding 10% to existing grades and eliminating zeroes for missed assignments, with a deadline for submission set for May 1st. The fourth quarter would adopt the pass/fail structure, where 'fail' status would result in a course withdrawal rather than a failing grade, to avoid penalizing students who do not engage. There was an extensive discussion regarding whether to use 'pass/fail' language or 'credit/no credit' language to motivate student engagement.

The special meeting addressed budget updates for 2025-2026 following deliberations by the Board of Finance, which reduced the initially requested increase. Key discussion points centered on staff reductions required to meet the mandated reduction of $675,000, with clubs being reinstated. Proposed staffing adjustments included eliminating a high school instructional coach position, not filling a departing math position, eliminating a science position with internal reassignment, and adjusting language arts FTE due to a returning employee. Creative reconfiguration was proposed for elementary math coaching by redistributing technology coach duties and adjusting the Flanders math coach FTE to assist the middle school. Proposed cuts also included eliminating two flex floater substitute coverage positions and reconfiguring elementary library roles by moving librarians from Flanders and Niantic Center to support Hannes, which would free up the library secretary position there. Finally, the proposal included moving high school and two elementary school secretaries from 12-month to 10-month contracts. Public comments focused heavily on opposing cuts to library assistant positions, emphasizing their importance for student literacy and support, and urging against cutting after-school clubs at the middle school level.

The meeting included a segment for public comments, followed by the approval of minutes from a previous session. Key discussions centered on donations received: $2,500 from an anonymous donor to the East Side Middle School and $500 from the Eastland High School Football Hall of Fame to the Eastline High School Cheerleading Team. A significant portion of the meeting featured a presentation from Pathways Program students and Dave Fasulo regarding partnerships for experiential learning, specifically a successful automotive class in collaboration with Furman's Garage and a welding class. Students shared positive feedback on the value of these vocational opportunities, noting that they provided career path exploration outside of traditional college routes. There was also a brief discussion regarding future electric vehicle (EV) related programs and interest in increasing female participation in these technical programs. A brief exchange addressed the structure of the Furman's Garage partnership, which involved four-session cycles for small groups of students.

The meeting included public commentary regarding the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, specifically addressing concerns about proposed district-wide layoffs, including four library positions. Speakers voiced opposition to cuts, emphasizing the negative impact on student support, achievement gaps, and staff morale. Specific concerns included inadequate kindergarten class projections at one elementary school, the need for continued investment in programs like technology education, and the impact of increased special education populations versus proposed cuts to special education paraprofessionals. Additionally, there was discussion regarding Capital Grant review, focusing on the multi-phase replacement of failing windows and doors in the A-wing of a building dating back to 1969 for ADA compliance and efficiency improvements. Public speakers also urged the Board to advocate for funding to the Board of Finance, highlighting the importance of educational quality to town desirability.

The special meeting commenced following a public hearing with no public comment. The primary discussion and action item was the proposed adoption of the ELS budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which included a discussion regarding the allocation of $250,000 to the capital budget for future consideration. Board members also discussed the need to strategically plan for long-term educational goals, specifically revisiting the commitment to world language instruction in elementary schools and preschool programs. A motion was made and unanimously passed to adopt the proposed budget, which represented a 5.77% increase over the previous year's budget. The subsequent steps for the budget process, including presentations to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance, were detailed. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Personnel discussion concerning a Teacher Sabbatical request for the 2024-2025 school year. Due to the request being made public, the details of the denial by the committee and the subsequent grievance process were reviewed, noting that the original submission lacked necessary detail regarding the chapter work plan and benefit to the district. There was also discussion about updating the contract language regarding sabbaticals to provide a clearer process.