Norwalk Public Schools

The meeting included adherence to procedural formalities such as the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments, which predominantly focused on the Silvermine Dual Language Program. Concerns were raised regarding non-compliance with the promised 50/50 model in fourth and fifth grades, lack of Spanish staffing, and insufficient exposure for biliteracy. Speakers requested full funding and protection for the program, transparency regarding position salaries and benefits, and a comparative analysis of outsourced custodial worker salaries versus internal employees. Allegations of a toxic climate, retaliation against parents providing feedback, and poor maintenance due to outsourced workers were also discussed. Speakers emphasized the program's importance for future workforce development and cultural awareness.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions of board members. Key discussion points included celebrating Steve McColly, the 2021 Teacher of the Year, who shared reflections on his career and commitment to inspiring students. The Superintendent reported on an excellent school opening, noting the return to large student numbers and the restoration of social interaction without mandatory masking. The report also highlighted efforts to ensure equitable opportunities, facilities, and outcomes for all students. Recognition was given to the Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15, 2022), emphasizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals and the district's commitment to multicultural understanding. Public comments featured support for youth survey data collection concerning mental health issues, and updates on educational program continuity, including bilingual teaching and inclusion classes.

The workshop meeting focused primarily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives within the district, structured in triads for in-depth conversation. Key topics included providing legislative updates from the past summer, initiating discussions regarding the FY27 budget development process, and presenting updates on the innovative work related to AI being conducted by staff and digital coaches. A significant portion involved showcasing new AI resources designed to make the extensive AI guidebook digestible for the general public, families, and students, emphasizing responsible and ethical use, student privacy (adhering to FERPA and COPPA), and introducing resources like a teacher hub and family hub. Discussions covered plans for future parent engagement, including workshops and airing content regarding screen time and AI changes starting in January. The ongoing development of one-pagers for teachers detailing AI usage guidelines and approved platforms was also mentioned.

The meeting served as the annual organization meeting, during which new members were sworn into office, taking the oath administered by Rick McQuade. Key agenda items included nominations and elections for board officers. Howard White was nominated and subsequently elected as the new Chair of the Board of Education, succeeding the outgoing chair. A nomination for Vice Chair was declined. Ashley Gulas was nominated and unanimously elected as the Secretary. Several members expressed thanks to the outgoing officers for their service and commitment, emphasizing the need for improved communication and rebuilding public trust. The new Chair acknowledged past successes, such as increased K-12 scores in reading, math, and science, alongside acknowledged failures in budget communication, stressing the importance of moving forward in unity to better the community and students.

The committee meeting focused on updates related to equity initiatives. Discussions centered on tracking and addressing chronic absenteeism, noting a 33% decrease at the post-pandemic peak, and emphasizing disparities impacting Black and Hispanic students. The committee also reviewed discipline data, specifically focusing on the overrepresentation of Black boys in suspension and expulsion rates, highlighting efforts to reduce out-of-school placements by centralizing suspension requests. Furthermore, the meeting covered positive trends in four-year graduation rates for Black and Hispanic students, both showing steady increases since 2020, and a significant 28% overall improvement in Multilingual Learner (MLL) graduation rates since the 2020 low. The overarching equity framework for the current school year is centered on 'belonging,' supported by goals for student engagement, professional learning in areas like implicit bias, and actively shaping inclusive school environments.