EAST WINDSOR BOARD OF EDUCATION EAST WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 23, 2020 7:30 p.m. – Via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93340525951?pwd=U3JRVEYrcnlqUHJBTy9IV0YrczhFQT09

Meeting ID: 933 4052 5951 Passcode: 552601 One tap mobile +16465588656,,93340525951# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 933 4052 5951 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acODAVqdqt

I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Chair C. Simonelli called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair C. Simonelli led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ATTENDANCE In attendance: Chair C. Simonelli, Vice Chair R. Reichle, Secretary K. Carey-Trull, W. Raber, F. Neill, D. Swaim, S. Andrews, H. Spencer, Dr. C. DeBarge

Absent: C. Sevarino

Also in attendance: Officer Nikki Devlin, A. Paquette, T. Field, EWEA President, J. Jette, community members

IV. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS None

V. VISITATION EWPS School Resource Officer – Nikki Devlin – Dr. DeBarge introduced Officer Devlin as our new SRO. Dr. DeBarge noted she was appointed late summer and has been on site since 9/3 greeting students. She also noted we are off to a great start with Officer Devlin. Officer Devlin shared she grew up in Central Massachusetts, graduated from Endicott College, attended part-time police academy and was a substitute teacher. While finishing the academy, she obtained an officer position in Chicopee, MA and is now employed here in East Windsor, CT. Her final note was that she is not here to punish students, but to help them all succeed.

VI. MINUTES September 9, 2020 - On a motion by W. Raber, 2nd by F. Neill, the Board voted to accept the meeting minutes as amended. The vote was as follows: W. Raber – yes, R. Reichle – yes, S. Andrews – yes, F. Neill – yes, D. Swaim – no, H. Spencer – yes, K. Carey-Trull – no, C. Simonelli - yes. The vote was 6 yes, 2 no.

VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Kristin Blume, 96 Stoughton Road, parent of an EWHS junior and JV soccer player, thanked the Board for all their work during the pandemic. She asked them to reconsider the decision not to allow spectators at sporting events so parents can cheer on their children. She feels the decision is extreme. We would hate to lose students to other school districts as a result of this decision.

East Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2020 Page 2

Kathy Parakilas, 12 Joseph Farm Road, parent of an EWHS junior, concurred with Ms. Blume and spoke to the importance of spectators at sporting events as students look to their parents on the sidelines for support. She informed the Board and community of her recent email correspondence with Dr. DeBarge relative to the same and the opportunity to obtain specific answers from her. Although the CIAC statement states no spectators at sporting events, they have left the decision at the district level. As adults, she believes parents would adhere to rules and regulations, should spectators be allowed to participate in such events. She is seeking a reasonable compromise for home games.

Alethea Maddox, 146 Main Street, informed the Board and Community of the successful and safe basketball activities that took place over the summer. At these activities, they took precautions and conducted temperature checks, provided masks to those who did not arrive with one, etc. She noted her son runs cross country and plays basketball on the high school teams and also requested reconsideration of the decision not to allow spectators at sporting events.

Kari Betancourt, 19 Wesley Road, noted she has a child that attends Broad Brook Elementary School and one that attends East Windsor Middle School. She shared her concerns with how students are currently learning. They were under the impression it would be mostly virtual, but that is not the case. She stated this current teaching method is not working for her family. She inquired as to why Microsoft Teams were chosen if our network was not able to support it. Fundraising could be conducted to provide our students what they need. There are no livestreams, interactions, etc. She noted the process needs to be simplified with more communication.

Karen Stavolone, 2 Juniper Court, informed the Board her son is a senior at the high school. She concurred with Ms. Blume, Ms. Parakilas, and Ms. Maddox relative to their comments and request to reconsider the decision not to allow spectators at sporting events. She noted that home games, with the exception of Homecoming, do not draw even close to 100 spectators due to early games times, etc. There are approximately 20 parents present at most. She believes parents can socially distance outdoors as a way to support their children at home games. She inquired as to the reason liability was a factor in this decision. Masks would be worn and distance would be kept. She plead with the Board to change the decision and allow her family the opportunity to participate in these outdoor activities.

Stephanie Bartholomew, 70 Winkler Road, shared she has 2 children at Broad Brook Elementary School and she holds a full-time job. She noted one of her daughters cannot manipulate the See-Saw format on her own and does not believe this format for remote learning is working. There has been limited interaction with teachers – Most times it has only been for a half hour. She does not believe her children are getting the right education. It is her hope that the Board is taking all parent concerns seriously as students will only continue to fall behind in their learning.

Debbie Williams, 5 Hayfield Lane, concurred with all speakers. Her son plays soccer at EWHS and believes all adults can socially distance. She noted a parent and former coach offered to “marshal” at home games to reinforce the rules and regulations.

Tim Field, EWMS Principal, informed the Board that an email was shared with him by his staff member, D. Bidwell, from a former Wildcat, Miss Davis, relative to her progress with her current inventions: CPR gloves and Car signaler. Miss Davis was present and shared she has been hooked on STEM/Invention Convention since 7th grade. Her CPR glove invention is currently in the prototype development stage with Preston Products. She is currently communicating with the company to enhance the prototype and has met with the CEO to move this project forward. She is also looking at the option to patent the invention. The Board commended her on her inventions and wished her continued success.

East Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2020 Page 3

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: VOTE 1. FY20 Budget – Dr. DeBarge noted all business has been concluded in the former Phoenix accounting system. A. Paquette has reached out to EW Asst. Treasurer, K. Scavotto, to close out the last few items in the FY20 budget. She also noted we would resume with the scheduled financial updates from A. Paquette (first BOE meeting of the month) in October.

2. FY21 Budget – Dr. DeBarge was happy to share Food Service Director, Greg Powers, and she applied for and received a grant from the National School Lunch Program. There were 54 applicants and we were 1 of 19 school districts selected for the grant. The funds will allow us to replace a 54-year old oven at EWMS.

She also reported we are still working on staff hires. Some staff that have left the district are not being filled with permanent staff due to the lack of applicants.

Her final note was to share an update on the EWHS roof. Replacement of the roof has been included in the CIP request for years. The estimated replacement cost is $3.7 million. When recently inspected, it was noted to have approximately 70 “bubbles” on the roof, which would cost approximately $17,000 in repairs. We are currently working with contractors, before the CIP process, as this time-sensitive matter needs to be addressed before the snow falls.

3. Portrait of the Graduate – On a motion by K. Carey-Trull, 2nd by D. Swaim, the Board voted to approve the Portrait of the Graduate illustration as presented by D. Rouillard. The vote was as follows: W. Raber – yes, R. Reichle – yes, S. Andrews – yes, F. Neill – yes, D. Swaim – yes, H. Spencer – yes, K. Carey-Trull – yes, C. Simonelli - yes. The vote was 8 yes, 0 no.

IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: DISCUSSION 1. Re-Entry Update: Athletics: • Dr. DeBarge provided clarification that the BOE did not vote on any decisions regarding athletics. Those decisions were made by her and the athletic committee. She noted her need to consider liability for the district, which was only 1 piece in the decision-making process. Decisions were based on the level of reasonableness and the standard of care we would be held to. We could encounter a lawsuit in the event a person contracted COVID-19 and had participated at one of our sporting events. The CIAC recommended no spectators at sporting events, but they left the decision at the district level. She noted we participate in weekly webinars with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). Our athletic committee met today relative to CIAC recommendations and NCCC guidelines. We are awaiting further guidance from the DPH regarding athletics. Dr. DeBarge noted her appreciation for the respectful manner parent concerns were conveyed. She believes it is a very emotional topic for all as she, too, is the parent of an athlete. A final decision will be made upon the receipt of additional guidance from the DPH. • Return to School: Dr. DeBarge noted the following: • We will look at matrices and our numbers, along with those of our surrounding towns • DPH suggested using caution when we consider adding bodies in our buildings – We will need to look at our ability to social distance, our cleaning protocols, and consider our cafeteria capacity • She will participate in a webinar with DPH and the CSDE as to ways to increase enrollment - The first layer of students who would return would be our students with special needs

East Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2020 Page 4

• Re-entry will be re-evaluated at the beginning of October - We are looking to strategize mitigation of the virus as we are aware remote learning is not the same as in-person learning - We are fortunate not to have any positive cases, thus far, being there is always the possibility • Technology • We are in the process of hiring IT staff – We had a recent resignation and an emergency matter with another staff member- We are looking to hire 2 additional staff members to address current IT issues • 500 IT work tickets have been submitted to the department by staff/parents since the start of school, along with numerous emails • Dr. DeBarge commended the current 3-person staff for all they have done so far • We have encountered some recent challenges upon migrating to cloud-based email, which also caused issues with Team – Issues are being addressed on a conditional basis • Administrators, teachers, and staff are doing an incredible job under the current circumstances – She commended all for their amazing effort • Miscellaneous: • Food Service Department is feeding all students – Students at home are able to pick-up meals when not in school • Custodians are conducting cleaning that wasn’t required before • Discussion ensued relative to livestreaming lessons – Dr. DeBarge informed the Board it was our intent to livestream with cameras in the classrooms, but we do not have network capabilities • We are doing synchronous learning – Students log in and are able to interact with their teachers – Parents were concerned with lack of face time with teachers • Teachers are learning to maximize the strategy – We are utilizing resources to assist staff with technology – We ordered webcams, but they are back-ordered through November • Discussion ensued relative to the high school schedule – It was recommended to refer to the high school administration • Dr. DeBarge reiterated that many things change frequently, including guidance from the state departments – Decisions are made based on guidelines and discussions with our administration – We are awaiting additional guidance on re-entry in greater numbers, as well as for athletics • Quick changes in protocol were made for staff, as well as for our students • There are no mandates, just recommendations, which are handed down to the local level, which has been most frustrating • Dr. DeBarge recommended parents reach out directly to administration with their concerns – Tech staff can reach out to assist remotely • Discussion ensued relative to bandwidth, etc. Dr. DeBarge noted we are using Microsoft Teams – Teachers organize their instructional time in the same manner – Students can log-in at different times to get instruction – Staff still looking at better ways to support our students – Some students have opted out completely, but still receive remote support • Dr. DeBarge reminded the Board and the community of the process in which to address an issue: The parent would bring the issue to the building administrator – if after discussion with the administrator the parent is not satisfied, the matter can then be brought before the superintendent by the parent • Discussion ensued relative to the option to explore Google Classroom and Google Meet- Dr. DeBarge informed the Board we are not looking at using Google Classroom at this time

East Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2020 Page 5

• Discussion ensued relative to the concern that students do not know when to log in for lessons – Dr. DeBarge noted she was not aware students were not logging in because they did not know when to log on – She also noted that a lot of concerns brought up at tonight’s meeting she is hearing for the first time – Again, she recommended that the building administrator be contacted directly with these concerns

X. NEW BUSINESS: VOTE None

XI. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION 1. CIP Update – Dr. DeBarge informed the Board the CIP requests were submitted to the Town by the requested deadline. Our new Directly of Buildings and Grounds recommended prioritizing our needs differently – The projects include: • EWHS roof • Updates to buildings over the next few years (carpet replacement, etc.) • Window replacements at all 3 schools • Locker rooms at EWMS & EWHS • Air conditioning at EWHS • BBES gym ceiling tile project was left on the list We need to address all issues at EWHS, being it serves as an emergency shelter for the Town.

The request was made by Board members to be provided with a prioritized list of CIP projects.

Discussion ensued as to the process in obtaining quotes for CIP projects.

2. BOE Retreat – Chair C. Simonelli noted it has been a few years since the last BOE retreat and it is time to conduct one, being we have many new members. The retreats are typically held on a Saturday morning. She offered the use of her yard for the meeting, or the barn owned by Vice Chair, R. Reichle, to allow plenty of room to socially distance while conducting the retreat. She noted the need to select a date so she could share it with the retreat facilitator to confirm their availability. She offered the dates of 10/10 or 10/24, but multiple Board members were unavailable on both dates. They will have to determine other dates before the weather changes to be able to conduct the meeting outdoors.

XII. LIAISONS’ REPORTS K. Carey-Trull noted her participation in the recent CREC meeting via Zoom. Districts reported their re-entry plans and CREC shared their drive through back-pack distribution format, which was different from their annual street party/open house option.

XIII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Alethea Maddox, 146 Main Street, noted she appreciates all the Board is doing during these uncertain times. She inquired as to the requirements of the schools relative to illness & COVID-19 symptoms and whether we are asking for proof of positivity.

She also noted that we could have a sign-in sheet at sporting events to assist with contact tracing.

Andrea Dziadul, 137 Tromley Road, thanked all for the amazing job they are doing. She commended the special education department for the work they are doing with one of her children. She voiced concern with how distance learning is affecting her children and family dynamic being they are not able to separate school and home life, which has not been beneficial for them.

East Windsor Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2020 Page 6

XIV. MISCELLANEOUS Dr. DeBarge shared Dr. K. Hellerich, English teacher at EWHS, has been named as 1 of 14 state finalists for Teacher of the Year. The Board offered their congratulations and wished her well in the process.

F. Neill mentioned that the Scouts are doing an annual food drive with the intent for the food to be delivered to homes. They are able to accommodate community service hours for high school volunteers to sort food.

K. Carey-Trull noted the Booster Club is holding their Purse Bingo on Saturday. Limited space is available – It is recommended tickets be purchased ahead of time.

R. Reichle commended M. Thomas of the Business Office for conducting work on weekends for the bill schedule.

XV. CORRESPONDENCE K. Carey-Trull inquired as to why the email from Mrs. Parakilas was not shared with the Board in their packet.

Mrs. Parakilas stated she would be happy to forward the email she sent to the superintendent to the entire Board.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by R. Reichle, 2nd by W. Raber, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 p.m. The vote was as follows: W. Raber – yes, R. Reichle – yes, S. Andrews – yes, F. Neill – yes, D. Swaim – yes, H. Spencer – yes, K. Carey-Trull – yes, C. Simonelli - yes. The vote was 8 yes, 0 no.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Kalesnik Board Recording Secretary

Approved: 10/14/21