Waterford Regional School District public meetings in 2020
20 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee met remotely on December 10, 2020. They approved the minutes from the November 19 meeting and discussed follow-up information from that meeting. The main discussion focused on the FY22 board budget process, reviewing specific budget sections including temporary pay, overtime, health insurance, contracted services, professional development, curriculum development, legal services, private tuition, and dues and fees. The meeting adjourned at 5:41 PM.
- Approved minutes from November 19, 2020 Finance Subcommittee meeting
- Discussed follow-up information from November 19 meeting
- Reviewed FY22 budget sections: 122 Temporary Pay - Support, 132 Overtime - Support, 212 Health Insurance, 321 Instructional Service-Contracted, 322 Professional Development, 323 Curriculum Development, 330 Other Prof/Technical Services, 331 Legal Services, 563 Tuition - Private, 810 Dues & Fees
Waterford Board of Education Regular & Organizational Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held its regular and organizational meeting, electing Craig Merriam as Chairperson and approving the consent agenda, which included minutes, expenditure, and food service reports. The board also approved the revised 2021-2022 school calendar and ratified the agreement with the Waterford Administrators' and Supervisors' Association for July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. An executive session was held to discuss the administrators' agreement.
- Elected Craig Merriam as Chairperson (approved, with Merriam and Gaughan abstaining)
- Approved consent agenda including November 2020 expenditure report and October 2020 food service report
- Approved revised 2021-2022 school year calendar
- Ratified agreement with Waterford Administrators' and Supervisors' Association for 2021-2022
- Appointed Marcia Benvenuti to Town Retirement Commission for term ending 12/31/2021
Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee met remotely on November 19, 2020. They approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting and discussed the FY22 budget process, reviewing specific budget line items including water, sewer, maintenance, transportation, communications, and utilities. The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.
- Approved minutes from October 29, 2020 Finance Subcommittee meeting
- Discussed FY22 Board Budget Process
- Reviewed budget sections: 410 Water Service, 411 Sewer Service, 430 Maintenance & Repair, 510 Transportation, 530 Communications, 531 Postage, 540 Advertising, 580 Travel & Conferences, 590 Other Purchased Services, 613 Maintenance Supplies, 620 Fuel Oil, 621 Electricity, 622 Natural Gas, 623 Propane, 627 Transportation Supplies
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education approved the Capital Improvement Plan for 2021-2026, the 2021-2022 school year calendar, the 2021 meeting schedule (with a 5:00 PM start time), and a renewal of the School Resource Officer agreement with the Waterford Police Department. The board also adopted new policies on ethics and dress/grooming, and discussed board representation on the District Equity Understanding and Action Committee. The meeting included a public comment period and an executive session for attorney-client privileged discussion.
- Approved Capital Improvement Plan for 2021-2026
- Approved 2021-2022 school year calendar
- Approved 2021 Board of Education meeting schedule with 5:00 PM start time
- Renewed School Resource Officer agreement with Waterford Police Department
- Adopted new Policy #4014/4805 Code of Ethics and Policy #5190 Dress and Grooming
Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee met on October 15, 2020, to discuss and approve the FY22 budget process and assumptions. They approved the minutes from the February 24, 2020 meeting and adopted the recommended budget assumptions and priorities for FY22. The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 PM.
- Approved minutes from February 24, 2020 Finance Subcommittee meeting
- Discussed FY22 Board Budget Process
- Adopted FY22 Budget Assumptions/Priorities
- Meeting adjourned at 5:24 PM
Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee met to review and discuss several new and revised school policies. The committee approved the minutes from the July 28, 2020 meeting. The primary focus was the review of policies regarding the use of face coverings in schools, as well as regulations on sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and staff professional responsibility.
- Review of Policy #1270, 4001, 4801, and 5001 concerning the use of face coverings in school
- Review of Policy #4448 and Regulation #4860 regarding the prohibition of sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace
- Review of new Policy #4014 and #4805 establishing a Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for personnel
- Review of new Policy #5170 addressing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
- Review of Policy #5190 on dress and grooming and Policy #5230 on transportation
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education met on September 24, 2020, to handle routine business and discuss school operations. They approved a consent agenda and a contract with the Visiting Nurse Association, but a motion to approve three policies failed. The board also discussed goals, strategic plan updates, and a COVID-19 budget forecast.
- Approved agreement with Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut for July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021
- Motion to approve policies #5020 (Bullying), #3255 (Procurement), #5100 (Homeless Students) failed (2 yea, 7 nay)
- Consent agenda approved: August 27 minutes, August 2020 expenditure report, food service financial report
- First reading of policies #5010, #5020, #3255, #5100, #3000
- Discussion of 2019-2020 4th quarter GPA added as new business
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss and take action on the fall 2020 school reopening plan. The board approved a hybrid learning model for reopening, with a reassessment scheduled on or about October 5, 2020. They also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Waterford regarding the non-lapsing carry over account, and adopted a series of temporary COVID-19 related policies and revisions.
- Approved hybrid learning model for fall 2020 reopening, reassessment on or about October 5, 2020
- Approved MOU with Town of Waterford on Non-Lapsing Carry Over Account
- Approved temporary COVID-19 policies (e.g., health screenings, attendance, discipline, facility use) effective through June 30, 2021
- Approved Policy #5120 Physical Activity, Undirected Play and Student Discipline
- Discussed financial impact of reopening
Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee Meeting - Remote Access Only
The Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee met remotely on July 28, 2020, to review and approve a series of new and temporary policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee approved multiple policies to move to the full board, covering areas such as health and safety protocols, school volunteers, facility use, student discipline, and technology use. The meeting was largely procedural, with all motions approved unanimously.
- Approved Policy #2036 C-19 (temporary policies), #3255 C-19 (health and safety protocols), and #4736 C-19 (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) to move to full board
- Approved 13 additional C-19 policies including school volunteers, visits to schools, use of school facilities, green cleaning, employment checks, internet use, attendance, health screenings, student discipline, bus conduct, and meeting conduct
- Reviewed new policies on purchasing with federal funds (#3270), physical activity and student discipline (#5120), and Section 504/ADA (#5160)
- Approved minutes from May 28, 2020 meeting
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss and vote on a revised calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. The board approved the revised calendar with 179 student days. The meeting was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approved revised 2020-2021 school year calendar with 179 student days
- Motion by Marcia Benvenuti, seconded by Deb Roselli Kelly
- Unanimous approval by all nine board members
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held a regular meeting remotely, approving a consent agenda with routine items and several new business actions. The board approved four policy updates, adopted instructional materials for the AP Government course, ratified a paraprofessional union agreement, and renewed the superintendent's contract with a 1.5% salary increase for the first year. The meeting also included recognition of retirees and an executive session for contract discussions.
- Approved consent agenda including May 2020 expenditure report and budget transfer requests
- Adopted policies on child nutrition, food allergies, transportation, and online course credit
- Approved instructional resources for WHS AP Government and Politics course
- Ratified agreement with Waterford Local 1303-209 (Paraprofessionals) for July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021
- Renewed superintendent's contract for three years (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023) with 1.5% base salary increase and three additional vacation days
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held a special meeting on June 4, 2020, to approve consent agenda items, discuss the FY20 budget projection, and take action on year-end expenditures, tuition rates for 2020-21, and other administrative items. The board also approved new policies and entered executive session to discuss individually contracted employees.
- Approved consent agenda including April 2020 expenditure and food service reports
- Approved FY20 year-end budget expenditures and authorized line item adjustments
- Adopted non-resident student tuition rates for 2020-21
- Adopted special education tuition rates for non-resident students and K-8 districts for 2020-21
- Approved write-off of $519.49 in receivables for Before Care Program at Quaker Hill
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education is holding a special meeting, accessible remotely, with the main item being a proposed executive session to discuss a confidential attorney-client memorandum on the budget process and communications. The board approved moving into executive session and inviting Attorney Anne Littlefield for this discussion. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
- Proposed executive session for confidential legal advice on budget process and communications
- Motion approved to enter executive session at 6:11 PM with Attorney Anne Littlefield
- Meeting held remotely due to COVID-19, viewable online
- Meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM
Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee Meeting - Remote Access Only
The Waterford Board of Education Policy Committee met remotely and approved five policies to move to the full board. These cover student admission and attendance, bullying prevention, federal procurement conduct, homeless student support, and board budget procedures. The committee also approved the minutes from its April 23 meeting and adjourned.
- Approved Policy #5010 on student admission, attendance, truancy, and withdrawal
- Approved Policy #5020 on bullying and safe school climate plan
- Approved new Policy #3255 on procurement code of conduct for federal awards
- Approved Policy #5100 on homeless students
- Approved Policy #3000 on board budget procedures
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education is holding a special remote meeting to discuss and possibly take action on graduation plans for the Class of 2020. The agenda includes only this one substantive item, along with routine opening and adjournment procedures.
- Discussion and possible action on Class of 2020 Graduation Plans
- Remote access meeting via video link
- Adjournment motion approved at 9:30 am
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting - Remote Access Only
The Waterford Board of Education held a remote meeting to approve the revised 2019-2020 school year calendar, setting the Waterford High School Class of 2020 graduation date for June 18, 2020. The board also voted to approve the March 2020 monthly expenditure and food service financial reports. Additionally, the board decided not to renew the contracts of four long-term substitute teachers at the end of the school year.
- Approved revised 2019-2020 school year calendar
- Approved Waterford High School Class of 2020 graduation date as June 18, 2020
- Approved March 2020 Monthly Expenditure Report
- Approved March 2020 Food Service Financial Report
- Decided not to renew contracts for long-term substitutes Mary Alicea, Abigail Connaughty, Katrina Messerschmidt, and Adreanne Swanson
Waterford Board of Education Special Meeting - Remote Access Only
The Waterford Board of Education held a remote special meeting on April 8, 2020, and approved several actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The board waived the Learning Through Service (LTS) hours requirement for the class of 2020 and granted equivalent credit for 2021-2023 classes. It also approved the Healthy Food Certification for 2020-21, allowed food and beverage exemptions for certain events, and set meal prices for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Waived LTS hours for Waterford High School class of 2020 due to COVID-19
- Granted 7 LTS hours equivalent credit to classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023
- Approved ED-099 Addendum Healthy Food Certification for 2020-21
- Allowed sale of non-compliant food and beverages at after-school events
- Approved meal prices for 2020-2021 school year
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education held a regular meeting on February 27, 2020, where they approved the consent agenda, including minutes and financial reports, and took action on several policy items. They also discussed the FY21 capital requests and the 2020-21 education budget, with the budget amount left blank in the agenda. The board approved policy revisions for Series 5000 and 6000, policy retention/deletion for Series 1000, 3000, and 4000, and first readings of several non-discrimination and workplace policies.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes from Jan 23, Feb 6, and Feb 13 meetings, and January 2020 expenditure and food service reports
- Approved policy sequence revisions for Series 5000 and 6000
- Approved policy retention and deletion for Series 1000, 3000, and 4000
- Approved first readings of policies on non-discrimination (community, personnel, students), smoke-free environment, and alcohol/tobacco/drug-free workplace
- Discussed FY21 capital requests and approved the 2020-21 education budget (amount not specified in agenda)
Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education Finance Subcommittee met on February 24, 2020, to discuss and take possible action on FY21 budget adjustments. The committee also elected Greg Benoit as its chair. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:13 PM.
- Discussion and possible action on FY21 Budget Adjustments for possible recommendation by Finance Subcommittee for Full Board Consideration
- Election of Greg Benoit as Chair of the committee (Motion by Marcia Benvenuti, second by Deb Roselli Kelly; Approved)
Waterford Board of Education Regular Meeting
The Waterford Board of Education met on January 23, 2020, and approved a consent agenda including minutes and financial reports. The board also approved a tuition rate of $12,230 for K-8 partnerships with Bozrah, Franklin, and Norwich for the 2020-2021 school year, up from $12,012. Additionally, the board approved committee and representative assignments for 2020 and moved into executive session to discuss the superintendent's mid-year evaluation.
- Approved K-8 partnership tuition rate of $12,230 for 2020-2021, an increase from $12,012
- Approved consent agenda including December 2019 expenditure report and food service financial reports
- Approved 2020 committee and representative assignments
- Held executive session for mid-year performance evaluation of the superintendent
- Received superintendent's report on commissioner's visit and strategic plan update