Killingly Public Schools

The board discussed student leadership achievements, received updates from the Friends of Learning in Killingly, and heard a presentation from the local FFA chapter. Updates were provided for individual school operations, including student activities and facility projects. Financial matters addressed included the monthly financial report showing a budget deficit, the authorization of check payments, and the approval of the SEED grant application. Additionally, the superintendent provided an update on the Killingly Intermediate School roof replacement and functional assessment studies, and the board formally adopted the 2026-27 recommended operating budget.

The agenda for this meeting included several key items. Discussion and possible action were scheduled for the Seed Grant and the 2026-2027 Recommended Operating Budget. The Board was set to review and possibly authorize monthly checks. The Board Chairperson and committee liaisons were scheduled to provide updates from the Curriculum, Facilities, Fiscal, Personnel, and Policy Committees, as well as updates from various liaisons. The Board was also scheduled to receive the Monthly Financial Report and the Superintendent's Update, which included a review of Excess Cost and Education Cost Sharing reimbursement formulas. The Consent Agenda covered approval of previous Board Meeting Minutes and February 2026 Student Enrollment data.

Key discussions during the meeting included board member shout-outs recognizing achievements in wrestling and track and field. A Teaching and Learning Showcase featured an update on English coursework. The Facilities Committee discussed the Capital Improvement Plan, resulting in the acceptance of the plan as presented, but taking no action on the KIS Auditorium Roof. The Fiscal Committee decided against proceeding with the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) due to food quality concerns and fiscal responsibility, subsequently moving forward with 18 decision packages. The Monthly Financial Report indicated a projected deficit of $1.54 million, primarily driven by Special Education outplacement costs, leading to the implementation of a discretionary spending freeze. The Board approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar and authorized monthly checks. Additionally, the Superintendent provided an update on the Excess Cost and Education Cost Sharing reimbursement formulas. Consent agenda items approved included student enrollment data and several field trip requests.

The meeting agenda included several key items, such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, and Board Shout-Outs. Discussions covered the recognition of the Employee of the Month for January 2026, Jonathan Keeley, and an Excellence in Education Showcase. The agenda also featured a presentation on health benefits from a benefit consultant, reports and updates from various Board Committees (Curriculum, Facilities, Fiscal, Personnel, Policy) and Liaisons. Financial matters included the Monthly Financial Report for January 2026, review and possible action on monthly check authorization, discussion and possible action regarding approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar, and the Superintendent's Update, which covered review of Excess Cost and Education Cost Sharing. The Consent Agenda involved approval of the January 14, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes, January 2026 Student Enrollment figures, and several Field Trip Requests.

The meeting commenced with student board members reporting on various activities. KMS highlighted their participation in a Children's Hospital fundraiser and their Holiday Extravaganza, noting the conclusion of the first enrichment club session. KIS reported on its focus on respect, leadership group visibility, partnership with Healthy Heroes, and successful collaboration with KHS for performances during auditorium construction. KHS recognized RED Award recipients, provided updates on Robotics team competitions with aspirations for the World Championship, noted robust interest in the Agricultural Science program interviews, and acknowledged student participation in regional music and Model UN events. The Board took action to adopt two new high school courses: Broadcast Journalism 1 and Illustration 1. Policy reviews led to the adoption of Policy #4152.6 (Family and Medical Leave) and Policy #0521 (Nondiscrimination) on their second reading. The Board re-appointed Steve Marchesseault to the Cable Advisory Council and approved the application for the Perkins Grant FY2026. A budget update was presented detailing proposed expenditures of over $50 million, noting an 82% increase driven by special education costs, alongside exploration of staffing reallocations due to declining overall enrollment but increasing special education enrollment. Finally, the monthly financial report, check authorization, and consent agenda items (excluding the pulled minutes) were approved.