NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 125 East Avenue Norwalk, Connecticut
BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Online videoconference 7:00 PM AGENDA
I. Call to Order: 7:00PM
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Spotlight Tracey Cubs Participate in Service Learning Projects
IV. Public Comments
V. Superintendent’s Report A. Twilight Academy
VI. Actions 1. Consent Calendar VI. (2.A); (2.B) 2. A. Approval of Personnel B. Approval of Budget Transfers
3. Approval of Revised Calendar for the 2021-22 School Year
4. Approval of Calendar for the 2022-23 School year
5. Approval of Final Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimate for the Silvermine Elementary School Asbestos Removal and Flooring Replacement Project – State Project #103-262CV
6. Approval of NAEYC Accreditation Support for Norwalk Early Childhood Center
7. Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with NFEP for the period of 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2023
8. Approval to Revise the Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs
9. Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract Amendment to Extend the Food Services Management Company Contract with Chartwells for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
10. Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract with Evergreen Solutions, LLC to Conduct a Joint City/NPS Operations and Efficiency Study
11. Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract up to $2.4M with [Vendor(s) TBD] to Purchase Curriculum Instructional Materials for Student Success in Reading and Social Studies
12. Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Lease Agreement with Human Services Council, Inc. to Lease Property Located at 1 Park Street, Norwalk, CT for Purposes of Establishing a NPS Family Center
13. Authorize the Superintendent to Approve FY 2020-21 Year-end Budget Transfers in Excess of $10,000, Subject to Providing the Board with Notification of all such Transfers
14. Approval of FY 2021-22 Operating Budget Reconciliation
VII. Information and Reports A. Recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month – June 2021 B. May 2021 Financial Reports C. Committee/Representative Reports D. Board Member Announcements
VIII. Approval of Minutes 1. May 4, 2021 2. May 18, 2021
IX. Adjournment TO WATCH LIVE OR TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC COMMENTS: https://zoom.us/j/91622987460?pwd=c2MxcmYwS0xScVJId0NPOTJxL29pdz09
PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE ALSO ACCEPTED VIA E-MAIL (until 4pm the day of meeting): [email protected]
SPOTLIGHT
Tracey Cubs Participate in Service Learning Projects
The Norwalk Board of Education is proud to recognize Tracey students for leaving their PRINT on the environment and exploring cultures from around the globe. Throughout the year, Tracey service learning projects at every grade level are brought to life through community partnerships. Service learning connects academic learning in the classroom, to the school’s core values of PRINT. PRINT stands for: Problem solving/Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Being Neighborly and Taking Responsibility. This year, Tracey’s 5th grade students, partnered with the Maritime Aquarium to enhance learning of animal adaptations and habitats, a connection to the Next Generation Science Standards. After virtual sessions with the aquarium staff, students created a full-size diorama of Calf Pasture Beach on the school’s back field in a pod. Student representatives from Grade 5 led their fellow Cubs through the beach display and taught peers how to be respectful and responsible at the beach. To remind the community to help keep marine life safe and the oceans clean, the entire school collected over 100,000 bottle caps since January of 2020. Bottle caps were displayed within the diorama. Tracey 3rd graders also learned about healthy oceans through a partnership with Sound Waters. Students created a display at Calf Pasture Beach with information about ocean clean up systems. Third graders also invented their own mini systems that ranged from underwater magnet cars, seaplanes, robots and various types of machines that would pick up non-plastic garbage out of oceans. In the fall, Tracey’s 4th grade students participated in a service learning project via a virtual partnership with Lockwood Mathews Mansion. Students learned about various holidays and traditions from around the world and discussed cultural similarities. They also created dolls from various cultures such as Ghana wish dolls, Russian nesting dolls, Mayan and Guatemalan worry dolls and African village dolls, which became part of a Lockwood Mathews Mansion holiday exhibit. Second graders also partnered with the Mansion to create a story walk. The Board of Education honors these students for their hard work and success in connecting their learning with that of our greater community. We know that our Tracey cubs will share these valuable lessons and incorporate them into their daily lives to help make the world a better place.
ACTIONS NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR BOARD APPROVAL June 2021
APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Name: Faioes, Sandra Posting: 6188 – Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Salary: $218,000.00 Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Education: Masters of Arts in Education, Boston College Bachelors of Arts in English & Black Studies, Boston College
Name: Sheppard, Mary-Anne Posting: 6186 – Executive Director of Leadership Development Salary: $208,000.00 Effective Date: July 1, 2021 Education: Masters of Science in Education, Hunter College Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Women’s Studies, George Washington University
Name: Brower, Mackenzie Posting: 5973 – Teacher, Science-Biology, Center for Global Studies Salary: M.A. Step 3 $60,317 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.S. Secondary Education, Eastern Connecticut State University B.A. Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University Experience: 3 Years
Name: Brown, Lauren Posting: 6065 – Teacher, English Language Arts, Ponus Ridge Middle School Salary: M.A. Step 1 $56,529 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.S. Curriculum & Instruction, University of Connecticut B.A. English & History, University of Connecticut Experience: 1 Year
Name: DiGiulio, Angela Posting: 5109 – Bilingual Special Education Teacher, District Wide Salary: M.A. Step 7 $69,908 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.A. Elementary & Special Education, Teachers College, NY B.A. Anthropology, University of Vermont Experience: 7 Year
Name: Grimm, Devon Posting: 5764 – Speech and Language Pathologist, District Wide Salary: M.A. Step 1 $56,529 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.A. Speech Language Pathology, Iona College, NY B.A. Speech Language Pathology/Audiology, Iona College, NY Experience: 0 Years
Name: LaRusso, Michael Posting: 6011 – Teacher, Social Studies, Norwalk High School Salary: M.A. Step 8 $72,684 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.S. Secondary Education, University of Bridgeport B.A. Arts, University of Connecticut Experience: 9 Years
Name: Oppedisano, Michelle Posting: 6089 – Speech and Language Pathologist, District Wide Salary: M.A. Step 1 $56,529 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: M.A. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Iona College B.A. Communication Sciences and Disorders, Queens College of the City University of New York Experience: 1 Year
Name: Quiles, Ivan Posting: 6023 – Teacher, Dual Language Social Studies, West Rocks Middle School Salary: B.A. Step 4 $55,970 Effective Date: August 24, 2021 Education: B.A. History, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico Experience: 4 Years
CHILD REARING LEAVE REQUEST Effective Jerrild, Valerie Teacher, Silvermine Elementary School 7/1/2021 – 1/30/2022 Opel, Jacqueline Special Education Teacher, Marvin Elementary 6/15/2021 – 6/30/2021
RETIREMENTS Effective Bell-Johnson, Debra CISD, Columbus School 6/30/2021 Becker, Helene Director, Multi-Lingual Education 5/30/2021 Fusaro, Pamela PE/Health Teacher, West Rocks Middle School 2/1/2022 Gilman, Sharlia Kindergarten Teacher, Marvin Elementary School 7/1/2021 Kelley, Margaret Music Teacher, Fox Run Elementary School 6/18/2021 Martenson, Christine Math Teacher, West Rocks Middle School 5/1/2021 Navone, Sandra Special Education Teacher, Marvin Elementary School 6/30/2021 Sutton, Tracey Teacher, Brookside Elementary School 6/30/2021
RESIGNATIONS Effective Bois, Vanessa Special Education Teacher, Wolfpit Elementary 5/28/2021 Boone Boule, Taylor Special Education Teacher, Brien McMahon 6/30/2021 Caron, Nancy CISD, Rowayton Elementary School 6/30/2021 Cimino, Jillian Speech & Language Pathologist, Columbus Elem. 6/18/2021 Devine, Kevin Math Teacher, Norwalk High School 6/30/2021 DiPasquale, Frank Elementary Education, Silvermine Elementary 6/18/2021 Gaidosz, Lisa Special Education Teacher, Ponus Ridge Middle 6/18/2021 Heiligenthaler, Stacey Director of Pupil Personnel Services 6/25/2021 Hill, Crystle Math Teacher, Norwalk High School 6/30/2021 Knapp, Ellen Dean of Students, Ponus Ridge Middle School 6/30/2021 LaPrad, Kelsey Special Education Teacher, Brien McMahon High 6/18/2021 Manaster, Lisa Special Education Teacher, Columbus Elementary 6/30/2021 Mourao, Kristen Occupational Therapist/Fox Run School 6/18/2021 Mullen, Andrew Art Teacher, Brien McMahon High School 6/18/2021 Radecki, Jessica ELA Teacher, Roton Middle School 6/18/2021 Rinaldi, Angela Assistive Technology Specialist, District Wide 6/30/2021 Sah, Jason Strings Teacher, Columbus & Rowayton Schools 6/18/2021 Sah (Brown), Larissa Strings Teacher, Naramake Elementary 6/18/2021 Sanders, Dr. Sylvia Principal, Fox Run Elementary School 5/7/2021 Verma, Rishi Math Teacher, Norwalk High School 6/18/2021 Williams, Danyelle Special Education Teacher, Columbus Elementary 6/18/2021
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.2.B
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Budget Transfers
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the attached Budget Transfers.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______BUDGET TRANSFERS >$10,000 2020-21 Finance Committee: 06/09/2021 BOE Meeting: 06/15/2021
FROM TO
DATE ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT REASON
5/3/2021 16127005 510 56 STUDENT TRANS SERV -PUBL $ 60,000 15310020 330 53 INTERNS $ 60,000 Shift funds from Transportation to Human Resources to cover intern services from Sacred Heart, University of Bridgeport and Fairfield University. Surplus in transportation due to savings from less busses running due to covid.
5/6/2021 1392220 117 39 TEACHER $ 91,264 13924100 730 39 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT $ 91,264 Shifts funds from a teacher salary line that is not being used due to vacancy (covered by a substitute) to an instructional equipment line to fund a collaborative seating for indoor/outdoor learning spaces at Naramake School
5/4/2021 16026200 330 60 OTHER PROF. TECH SERVICES $ 25,000 16026200 580 60 TRAVEL $ 25,000 Shifts funds from Other Prof. Tech services to cover the cost of contractually required car allowance for the Facilties Department.
5/4/2021 16026200 330 60 OTHER PROF. TECH SERVICES $ 15,000 16026200 610 60 GENERAL SUPPLIES $ 15,000 Shift funds from Other prof. tech services to cover General Supply invoices for Facilities
5/4/2021 16026200 625 14 GAS-NATHAN HALE MS $ 15,000 16026200 625 19 GAS- WEST ROCKS $ 15,000 Shift funds to cover West rocks Natural Gas Eversource invoices
5/5/2021 16026400 622 03 ELECTRICITY -BMHS $ 105,000 16026200 622 16 ELECTRICITY -PONUS $ 105,000 Shift funds to cover Eversource Electric Invoices for PONUS
5/5/2021 16026400 622 03 ELECTRICITY -BROOKSIDE $ 20,000 16026200 624 39 OIL -NARAMAKE $ 44,000 Shift funds to cover OIL Invoices for Naramake
16026400 622 43 ELECTRICITY -ROWAYTON $ 15,000 16026400 622 43 ELECTRICITY -CENTRAL KITCHEN $ 9,000
5/5/2021 16026400 433 60 ELECTRIC MOTORS $ 10,000 16026200 625 04 GAS- BRIGGS $ 79,000 Shift funds to cover BRIGGS/MAINTENANCE/FOOD SERVICE Natural Gas Eversource invoices due to covid needs 16026200 410 60 SEWER & WATER $ 12,000 16026600 490 60 SECURITY SERVICES $ 15,000 16026000 130 60 OT SALARIES $ 20,000 16026400 431 60 ELEVATOR SERVICE $ 15,000 16026400 414 60 BURNER SERVICE $ 7,000
5/5/2021 16026200 130 60 OT SALARIES $ 30,000 16026200 625 03 GAS- BMHS $ 78,000 Shift funds to cover BMHS Natural Gas Eversource invoices
16026400 412 60 BOILER REPAIRS $ 15,000 16026200 610 60 GENERAL SUPPLIES $ 20,000 16026400 416 60 PNEUMATIC CONTROLS $ 10,000 16026400 414 60 BURNER SERVICE $ 3,000
5/5/2021 16026200 400 60 PURCHASED PROPERTY $ 100,000 16026200 625 05 GAS- NORWALK HS $ 209,000 Shift funds to cover Natural Gas Eversource invoices at NHS
16026200 330 60 OTHER PROF. TECH SERVICES $ 60,000 16026200 450 60 CONSTRUCTION SERVICE $ 40,000 16026200 434 60 FOLDING PARTITIONS $ 9,000
5/6/2021 10522220 119 05 OTHER CERT. STAFF $ 85,953 10524100 730 05 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIP. $ 105,000 Shift funding to cover instructional equipment needs (view sonics, document equipment and other upgrades)
10511080 122 05 AIDE $ 13,268 10524100 611 05 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES $ 20,000 Transfer funds into instructional supplies at Norwalk HS 10524901 127 12 OTHER NON CERTIFIED STAFF $ 20,000 10532001 529 05 INTERACTIVE INSURANCE $ 5,779
5/6/2021 15412600 102 54 instruction ell-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT $ 100,000 15410000 611 54 instruction-INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES $ 115,000 Shift funds from Curriculum professional development accounts to Curriculum instructional supplies to support the Lit Camp curriculum
15410000 102 54 instruction-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT $ 15,000
5/6/2021 16026200 124 37 CUSTODIANS- MARVIN $ 110,992 16026400 400 60 PURCHASED PROPERTY $ 110,992 Shift funds from a 124 to a 400 object code due to custodial staff at Marvin being outsourced BUDGET TRANSFERS >$10,000 2020-21 Finance Committee: 06/09/2021 BOE Meeting: 06/15/2021
FROM TO
DATE ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT REASON
05/06/21 15311010 101 53 LONG TERM SUBSTITUTES-Secondary $ 25,000 15328310 250 53 Talent-UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION $ 132,000 Shift funds from multiple HR accounts to cover increased unemployment costs related to Covid. 15311010 118 53 SUBSTITUTES-Secondary (teachers covering teachers) $ 23,000 15328310 126 53 Talent-NON-AFFILIATED $ 44,000 15310000 128 53 RELAY-SUBSTITUTES Non-Cert LT $ 13,000 15311000 128 53 SUBSTITUTES-Elementary $ 15,000 15328310 117 53 Talent-TEACHERS (RATIO) $ 12,000
5/14/2021 15621130 119 22 Social Work-Other Cert-Brookside $ 66,627 15621400 119 22 Psych-Other Cert-Brookside $ 66,627 Shift funds from Sped Brookside social worker to Sped Brookside psychologist due to error in job code
5/7/2021 11911150 117 19 TEACHER $ 63,000 11924100 739 19 NON-INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT $ 63,000 Shift fund from a WRMS teacher vacany to purchase 21st Century furniture for classrooms
5/11/2021 13210001 330 32 OTHER PROF TECH SERVICES $ 23,458 13224100 690 32 OTHER PROF. SUPPLIES $ 51,836 To consolidate funding and shift into a supplies account for end of year supply needs 13211050 641 32 TEXTBOOKS $ 7,207 13211050 642 32 LIBRARY BOOKS $ 14,622 13211110 641 32 TEXTBOOKS $ 6,549
5/12/2021 12424100 150 24 1 % HOLDBACK $ 27,991 12424100 730 24 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT $ 29,891 Shift funds to purchase equipment for a New media lab @ Columbus
12411050 641 24 TEXTBOOKS $ 1,900
5/14/2021 12511020 117 25 TEACHERS $ 50,000 12511020 611 25 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES $ 50,000 Shift funding from a teacher line that had a long term sub in all year to an Instructional supplies account to purchase the guided reading materials for Cranbury.
5/17/2021 10524100 730 5 Inst equipment $ 18,743 10524100 739 5 Non inst equipment $ 18,743 Shift funds into appropriate account to purchase a tractor for custodians to transport heavy equipment or items
6/2/2021 122211000 122 22 AIDE $ 102,022 12224100 430 22 REPAIRS $ MAINT $ 25,912 Shift funding from a para line ( Paras were charged to PSD) to a Repairs and Maint account to cover the cost of installing Flooring in the "New Makerspace" at Brookside School. 12224100 730 22 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMNET $ 76,110 Shift funding from a para line ( Paras were charged to PSD) to Instructional equipment l account to cover the cost of technology for the "New Makerspace" at Brookside School
Total Transfers From $ 1,586,375 Total Transfers To $ 1,586,375 BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.3
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Revised Calendar for the 2021-22 School Year
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the Revised Calendar for the 2021-22 School Year.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______Norwalk Public Schools 2021-22 School Calendar 6/9/2021 draft
Aug 2021 (2 days) Sept 2021 (19 days) Oct 2021 (20 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1
9 10 11 12 13 6 7 8 9 10 4PD 5 6 7 8
16 17 18 19 20 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 23 24NT 25NT 26CV 27PD 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22
30KSE 31KSE 27ED 28 29 30 ED 25 26 27 28 29
Nov 2021 (18 days) Dec 2021 (17 days) Jan 2022 (20 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 1 2PD 3 4 5 1 2 3C 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7C 8C 9CE 10C 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14C 15C 16CN 17C 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24ED 25 26 20 21C 22 23ED 24 24ED 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 31
Feb 2022 (17 days) Mar 2022 (23 days) April 2022 (15 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17PD 18 14 15C 16C 17CE 18C 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 21 22C 23C 24CN 25C 18 19 20 21 22 28* 28ED 29C 30C 31 25ED 26 27 28 29
May 2022 (21 days) June 2022 (11 days) July 2022 M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 9 10 11 12 13 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8
16ED 17 18 19 20 13 14 15ED 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 30 31 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29
KEY: KSE Kindergarten Staggered Entry C K-5 Conferences First Day of School NT New Teachers Report CN/CE K-5 Conferences, 90 Min. Early Dismissal Holidays. No School Early Dismissal CV Convocation/All Teachers Report ED 2-Hour Early Dismissal PD/Staff Days. No School PD Professional Development Day *Kindergarten Registration Opens IMPORTANT DATES Aug 24 & 25: New Teachers Report Dec 23: 2 Hr Early Dismissal MAJOR RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL HOLIDAYS Aug 26: Convocation/All Teachers Report Dec 24-Dec 31: Winter Recess No School Jul 19 Eid al-Adha Apr 2 Ramadan begins Aug 27: Professional Development for Staff Jan 17: Dr. MLK Jr. Day No School Sept 7 Rosh Hashanah Apr 15-Apr 22 Passover Aug 30: First Day of School Jan 24: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Sept 16 Yom Kippur Apr 15 Good Friday Sept 6: Labor Day No School Feb 17: Professional Development for Staff Nov 4 Diwali Apr 17 Easter Sept 7: Rosh Hashanah No School Feb 18-21: Presidents’ Day Recess No School Nov 25 Thanksgiving Apr 22 Earth Day Sept 16: Yom Kippur No School Feb 28: Kindergarten Registration Opens Nov 28-Dec 6 Hanukkah Apr 24 Orthodox Easter Seot 27: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Mar 17 & 24: K-5 Conferences, 90 Min Early Dismissal Dec 25 Christmas May 2 Eid al-Fitr Oct 4: Professional Development for Staff Mar 14-18: Spring Recess Dec 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa May 8 Mother’s Day Oct 25: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Mar 28: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Jan 1 New Year’s Day June 19 Juneteenth Nov 2: Professional Development for Staff Apr 15: Good Friday Jan 6 Three Kings Day June 19 Father’s Day Nov 11: Veteran’s Day Apr 25: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Feb 1 Lunar New Year June 27 LGBTQ Pride Day Nov 24: 2 Hr Early Dismissal May 16: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Mar 2 Ash Wednesday July 4 Independence Day
Nov 25-26: Thanksgiving Recess No School May 30: Memorial Day Dec 9 & 16: K-5 Conferences, 90 Min Early Dismissal Jun 15: Tentative Last Day of School, 2 Hr Early Dismissal
Total Days ** Inclement weather days are added to Kindergarten: 182 days, Grades 1-12: 183 days the end of the school year.
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.4
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Calendar for the 2022-23 School year
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the Calendar for the 2022-23 School year.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______Norwalk Public Schools 2022-23 School Calendar DRAFT 6/9/2021
Aug 2022 (1 day) Sept 2022 (20 days) Oct 2022 (19 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F
1 2 3 4 5 1KSE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17PD 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25NT 26NT 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29CV 30PD 31KSE 26 27 28 29 30 31ED
Nov 2022 (18 days) Dec 2022 (17 days) Jan 2023 (21 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 4 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8PD 9 10 11 5 6C 7C 8CE 9C 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13C 14C 15CN 16C 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23ED 24 25 19 20C 21C 22 23ED 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 30ED 31
Feb 2023 (17 days) Mar 2023 (23 days) April 2023 (14 days) M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 15 16PD 17 13 14C 15C 16CE 17C 10 11 12 13 14 20 21 22 23 24 20 21C 22C 23CN 24C 17 18 19 20 21 27 28 27ED 28C 29C 30 31 24ED 25 26 27 28
May 2023 (22 days) June 2023 (11 days) July 2023 M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15ED 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15ED 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31
KEY: KSE Kindergarten Staggered Entry C K-5 Conferences First Day of School NT New Teachers Report CN/CE K-5 Conferences, 90 Min. Early Dismissal Holidays. No School Early Dismissal CV Convocation/All Teachers Report ED 2-Hour Early Dismissal PD/Staff Days. No School PD Professional Development Day *Kindergarten Registration Opens
IMPORTANT DATES MAJOR RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL HOLIDAYS Aug 25 & 26: New Teachers Report Dec 26-30: Winter Recess No School Jul 10 Eid al-Adha Mar 22 Ramadan begins Aug 29: Convocation/All Teachers Report Jan 16: Dr. MLK Jr. Day No School Sept 26 Rosh Hashanah Apr 5-Apr 12 Passover Aug 30: Professional Development for Staff Jan 30: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Oct 5 Yom Kippur Apr 7 Good Friday Aug 31: First Day of School Feb 16: Professional Development for Staff Oct 24 Diwali Apr 9 Easter Sept 5: Labor Day No School Feb 17-20: Presidents’ Day Recess No School Nov 24 Thanksgiving Apr 16 Orthodox Easter Sept 29: Rosh Hashanah No School Feb 27: Kindergarten Registration Opens Dec 18-Dec 26 Hanukkah Apr 22 Earth Day Oct 5: Yom Kippur No School Mar 16 & 23: K-5 Conferences, 90 Min Early Dismissal Dec 25 Christmas Apr 22 Eid al-Fitr Oct 17: Professional Development for Staff Mar 27: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Dec 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa May 14 Mother’s Day Oct 31: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Apr 7: Good Friday Jan 1 New Year’s Day Jun 18 Father’s Day Nov 8: Professional Development for Staff Apr 10-14: Spring Recess Jan 6 Three Kings Day Jun 19 Juneteenth Nov 11 Veteran’s Day Apr 24: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Jan 22 Lunar New Year June 26 LGBTQ Pride Day Nov 23: 2 Hr Early Dismissal May 15: 2 Hr Early Dismissal (PD for Staff) Feb 22 Ash Wednesday July 4 Independence Day
Nov 24-25: Thanksgiving Recess No School May 29: Memorial Day Dec 8 & 15: K-5 Conferences, 90 Min Early Dismissal Jun 15: Tentative Last Day of School, 2 Hr Early Dismissal Dec 23: 2 Hr Early Dismissal
Total Days ** Inclement weather days are added to Kindergarten: 182 days, Grades 1-12: 183 days the end of the school year.
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.5
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Final Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimate for the Silvermine Elementary School Asbestos Removal and Flooring Replacement Project – State Project #103-262CV
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the Final Plans, Specifications and Cost Estimate for the Silvermine Elementary School Asbestos Removal and Flooring Replacement Project – State Project #103-262CV.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
ORIGINATING OFFICE DATE SUBMITTED STATE PROJECT #103-0262 CV
HYGENIX INC. May 11, 2021 COST ESTIMATE WORKSHEET PROJECT AND CITY PURPOSE: Asbestos Flooring Removal and Replacement at Silvermine Elem. School 1 Starlight Drive Bid Submission Cost Estimate Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
DIVISION AND DESCRIPTION OF WORK NO. UNIT MATERIAL LABOR SUBTOTALS UNITS MEAS. DIVISION 1 General Conditions (incl. Mobilization & Demobilization) 1 LS $10,000.00
DIVISION 2 Asbestos Abatement 1 LS $274,590.00
DIVISION 9 VCT Flooring 1 LS $80,400.00 LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) 1 LS $4,459.00 Rubber Stair Treads 1 LS $3,570.00 Vinyl Wall Base 1 LS $10,938.00 Sub Total $383,957.00
Environmental Consultant Cost 1 LS $10,700.00 Advertising Costs 1 LS $500.00 Sub Total $12,200.00 00.00 INELIGIBLE COSTS Owner Contingency 8% 1 LS $34,448.00 Sub Total $34,448.00 Total $429,605.00
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.6
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of NAEYC Accreditation Support for Norwalk Early Childhood Center
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves NAEYC Accreditation Support for Norwalk Early Childhood Center.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.7
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with NFEP for the period of 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2023
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the Collective Bargaining Agreement between NPS and NFEP for the period of 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2023
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
COMPREHENSIVE GROUP CONTRACT
between
NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION
and
NORWALK FEDERATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL
Local 3793
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
AFL-CIO
JULY 1, 20172020 through JUNE 30, 20202023
COMPARISON DOCUMENT 9806585v1
9797139v2
Table of Contents Page Preamble ...... 1 Article I General ...... 2 Article II Definitions...... 2 Article III Recognition ...... 3 Article IV Non-discrimination ...... 3 Article V Union Rights ...... 34 Article VI Management Rights ...... 5 Article VII Grievance Procedure ...... 56 Article VIII Salaries for Non-Exempt Employees ...... 8 Article VIII(A) Salaries for Exempt Employees ...... 9 Article IX Protection ...... 910 Article X Seniority ...... 10 Article XI Health and Life Insurance ...... 12 Article XII Work Day and Work Year ...... 16 Article XIII Leaves of Absence ...... 18 Article XIV Vacations...... 22 Article XV Vacancies ...... 23 Article XVI Emergency Conditions ...... 24 Article XVII Special Duty Stipends ...... 2524 Article XVIII Evaluations and Personnel Files ...... 25 Article XIX Disciplinary Action ...... 2625 Article XX Longevity ...... 26 Article XXI Deductions ...... 27 Article XXII Payment for Training ...... 27 Article XXIII Travel Reimbursement ...... 28 Article XXIV Other Provisions...... 2928 Article XXV Pension ...... 30 Article XXVI No-Strike Clause ...... 30 Article XXVII Duration ...... 30
APPENDICES
A - 1 - Job Classification within Employee Job Groups (Effective 7/1/16) ...... 32 A - 2 - Hourly Wage Schedules 2017-2020-2023 ...... 33 A - 3 - Health Insurance ...... 34 A - 4 - Blue Cross Vision Care Plan ...... 3936 A - 5 - Delta Dental Care Plan ...... 4037 A - 6 - Memorandum of Agreement ...... 4239 A - 7 - Memorandum of Agreement ...... 45
PREAMBLE
The Board of Education of the City of Norwalk and the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel, Local 3793, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, hereby agree that the welfare of the children of Norwalk is paramount in the operation of the school system and will be diligently promoted by both parties and that the good morale of the staff is necessary to the greatest welfare of the children.
To promote these objectives, the parties do hereby agree as follows:
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ARTICLE I GENERAL
This Agreement is made and entered into between the Norwalk Board of Education (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) and the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel, Local 3793, American Federation of Teachers, AFT CT, AFL-CIO (hereinafter referred to as the “Union”).
ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS
In the construction of the following individual Articles of Agreement, words and phrases shall be construed according to the commonly approved usage of the language, and technical words and phrases that have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning in education shall be construed and understood accordingly.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
1. “Board” - The Board of Education of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut or a designated committee thereof.
2. “Superintendent” - The Superintendent of Schools for the City of Norwalk, Connecticut.
3. “Union” - The Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel, Local 3793, American Federation of Teachers AFT CT, AFL-CIO.
4. “Members of the Bargaining Unit” - Those people employed in the positions listed in Appendix A-1, Job Classification within Employee Job Groups. If these titles change reflecting different responsibilities, the impact of such changes, if any, shall be subject to negotiations between the parties.
5. “NFEP Worksite Leaders” - The duly designated representatives of the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel in each school building and the administrative offices of the Board.
6. “Transfer” - Transfers shall mean the moving of a member of the bargaining unit from one building to another.
7. “Seniority” - Seniority shall mean an employee’s length of continuous service commencing with his/her most recent date of hire.
8. “Days” shall mean calendar days, except weekends and school holidays.
9. “Paraeducators” - shall be the exclusive term used for all educational assistants previously known as “paraprofessional,” “teaching assistant,” or “aide.”
10. “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” or “BCBAs” - shall be the exclusive term used for all BCBAs who are assigned bargaining unit work.
11. “Clinical supervision” - shall mean at least 5% of the work per week will include of personal (including remote) observation and consultation by a BCBA of an RBT to confirm fidelity of implementation of intervention plan, review and analysis of data and 2
to assure feedback, modeling, and adherence to the ethical code for BCBAs and RBTs.
12. “RBT” - shall be the exclusive term used for all Registered Behavior Technicians who are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
ARTICLE III RECOGNITION
1. The Board recognizes the Union as the sole and exclusive representative for the purposes of collective bargaining in respect to salaries, fringe benefits, hours, and other conditions of employment for all members of the bargaining unit.
2. Excluded are the secretaries employed in a confidential relationship to the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education, the administrative assistants, and all employees working less than twenty (20) hours per week. During the period of this Agreement, no other employees shall be excluded from the bargaining unit.
3. It is the intent and purpose of the parties hereto that their agreements continue to promote the quality of education in the City of Norwalk by providing for orderly, professional negotiations between the Board and Union.
4. In all matters dealing with salaries, fringe benefits, hours, and conditions of employment other than those already contained in the present Agreement, the Board will negotiate with the Union.
ARTICLE IV NON-DISCRIMINATION
1. No member of this bargaining unit shall be discriminated against due to race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs or activities, national origin, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information or physical handicaps any other protected status as provided by law. Given that such claims are subject to administrative and/or judicial proceedings, any grievance concerning this provision shall terminate at the Board level.
2. There shall be no Board reprisals of any kind taken against any person covered by this Agreement by reason of membership or non-membership in the Union or participation or non-participation in its activities.
ARTICLE V UNION RIGHTS
1. Union President
a. The Union President or designee shall be granted a maximum of seven (7) days each year, with pay, for the purpose of representing the Union at meetings, conferences, or educational programs.
b. The Union President shall be granted three (3) days each school year with no loss of pay to attend state or national conventions and/or conferences. An additional
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representative will be granted two (2) days each school year with no loss of pay to attend such conventions or conferences.
2. Bargaining unit work shall be performed by bargaining unit personnel only. This Article shall not prohibit the Board from utilizing volunteers.
3. The Board agrees to pay for the printing and binding of this Agreement in sufficient quantities, and within a reasonable length of time after its signing, so that each employee shall have one copy and the Union shall have fifty (50) for its own use. The Union agrees to distribute the Agreement to all bargaining unit employees. The Board agrees to provide to the Union the work location of each employee for distribution purposespost a copy of this Agreement on the District website.
4. In general, union business shall be conducted during non-working hours. Notwithstanding the above, union business of an urgent nature may be conducted by Union officials during the course of the working day, with no loss of pay subject to the permission of the official’s supervisor. The Union shall inform the Superintendent and/or his/her designee in such cases. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “urgent nature” shall mean matters that require immediate action or attention and that may not be completed during non-working hours.
5. The Union President shall be given a complete and current set of all job descriptions. A complete set of current job descriptions for all bargaining unit members covered by this Agreement, shall be added toposted on the NPS Employee Intranet when it is implemented. Moreover, hard copies will be kept on file in the offices of all supervisors/principals, for the perusal of the employees. These job descriptions will be completed in consultation with NFEP officers or their designees by June 30, 2018..
6. Consultation by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee with representatives of the Union shall be scheduled once a month on any matters of policy and development that are not covered by the Agreement and on administration of the Agreement. By mutual agreement, the parties may not meet during a given month. The parties shall exchange agenda indicating the matters they wish to discuss no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
It is understood that the purpose of these meetings is a give and take for better communications.
7. Union Security and Dues
a. All employees shall, as a condition of continued employment, join the Union or pay to the Union an amount equal to the regular dues and fees that a member is charged or would be charged for expenses incurred or to be incurred for collective bargaining and contract administrationhave the option to, join the Union or not, as specified by the United States Supreme Court. Upon the written authorization of an employee, the Board will deduct Union dues from the pay of such employees. The Union shall inform the Board of the amount of dues by August 1 each year, and the Board shall remit such dues to the Union electronically on a monthly basis.
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b. The Union shall indemnify and hold the City and Board of Education harmless from any liability resulting from any and all claims, suits, or any actions, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from compliance with this Article, or in reliance on any list, notice, certification, or authorization furnished under this Article.
c. Each school building-based safety committee, if any, will include a NFEP Worksite Leader.
8. The President of the Union shall receive from the Human Resources Office on October 1st of each year a list of employees covered by this Agreement. This list shall state names, date of hire, classifications, hours of work, step levels, and location assignments. This list shall be updated on the first of each month, showing any changes that occurred.
9. The Union President shall be released for up to a maximum of two (2) hours per work week to perform his/her responsibilities as President. Union officials who conduct union business during the course of the working day shall document such time by signing in and out using the designated code on the timekeeping software, i.e., NOVAtime.
ARTICLE VI MANAGEMENT RIGHTS All rights, powers, authority and functions of the Board formerly exercised or exercisable by the Board shall remain vested exclusively in the Board except insofar as specifically surrendered or abridged by the express written provisions of this Agreement. It is recognized that such rights, powers, authority and functions include, but are not limited to: the full and exclusive control, management, and operation of the departmental operations; the determination of the scope of the Department’s activities, method of delivering services, including the right to determine processes, products, equipment and tools to be utilized; the establishment of job classifications and job descriptions; determination of reasonable standards of work; the establishment and enforcement of such reasonable rules and regulations as it may from time to time deem necessary; the determination of the number of hours to be worked; the direction of the work force, including but not limited to, the right to hire, assign, layoff, recall, promote, transfer and discipline for just cause any of its employees; and the right to maintain order and efficiency.
ARTICLE VII GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
1. Purpose: To secure, at the lowest possible level, solutions to grievances as defined below. To this end, the parties agree that they will attempt to resolve all grievances at the lowest possible level.
2. Definitions
a. “Grievance” shall mean a claim based upon an event or condition that affects the welfare or conditions of an employee, or group of employees, or a dispute arising over the interpretation or application of a provision of this Agreement or an alleged violation thereof.
b. The term “grievant” shall mean (1) an individual employee, (2) a group of
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employees having the same grievance or (3) the Union.
c. “Party in interest” shall mean a grievant, including the grievant’s designated representatives as provided for herein, and any person or persons who might be required to take action or against whom action might be taken in order to resolve a grievance. d. “Days” shall mean calendar days, except weekends and school holidays. It is understood that during the summer months any change in grievance procedure shall be by mutual agreement of the parties in interest. 3. TABLE I PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING GRIEVANCES AGAINST THE BOARD, ITS MEMBERS, OR AGENTS
DEADLINE FOR DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING DEADLINE FOR REACHING DECISION LEVEL GRIEVANCE MEETING (after meeting) 1. Approp. Admin. 30 Days 5 Days 5 Days 2. Superintendent 7 Days after decision 7 Days 5 Days 3. Board or Committee of The Board 7 Days after decision 10 Days 7 Days 4. If taken to 15 Days after arbitration* decision
*Only the Union may file for arbitration.
4. Time Limits
a. The number of days indicated at each step shall be considered as maximum. In specific instances, steps in the grievance procedure may be merged by the mutual consent of both parties. The time limits specified may, however, be extended by written agreement of the parties in interest. b. If the grievant does not file a grievance in writing within the thirty (30) days after he/she knew of the act or conditions on which the grievance is based, then the grievance shall be considered waived. c. Grievances shall be in writing and shall state the nature and particulars of the grievance and shall state relief sought. The failure to state correctly the relief sought shall not be prejudicial. d. Failure by the grievant at any level to appeal a grievance to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that level. Failure of any party to answer within the specified time limits shall be deemed a denial of the grievance, so that the grievant may process such grievance to the next step.
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e. Before using the formal grievance procedure, the parties shall attempt to resolve the dispute through at least one informal meeting, to occur at a mutually convenient time and place.
f. If the grievance arises out of an action above the level of an appropriate administrator, the grievance shall be submitted directly to the Superintendent and processed at level two.
5. Representation
a. No reprisals of any kind shall be taken by either party against any participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.
b. Any party in interest may be represented on all levels of the grievance procedure by a person of his/her own choosing. When an employee is not represented by the Union, the Union shall have the right to be present and state its views at all stages of the procedure.
c. Subject to paragraph b above, any party in interest may call upon the professional services of outside consultants at any stage of the procedure.
d. All grievance decisions rendered shall be in writing and shall include the reason(s) for such a decision.
e. Both parties agree that proceedings shall be kept confidential as appropriate.
f. The Board shall permit the President of the Union and/or its Grievance Chairperson to visit the schools for purposes related to the terms and conditions of this Agreement at no loss of pay with the approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Such approval shall not be unduly withheld.
g. Grievance documents, communications, and records shall be filed separately from the personnel files of the participants.
6. Arbitration Level
a. When a grievance remains unsettled after having been fully processed through the appropriate level designated, such grievance may be submitted to arbitration, only if the grievance involves the interpretation and/or application of this Agreement or an alleged violation thereof and if such grievance does not involve rights and responsibilities conferred upon the Board by Statute.
b. Upon written request of the Union, grievances may be submitted to the American Arbitration Association for arbitration in accordance with its rules, provided such request is made within fifteen (15) days after the decision is rendered at Step 3 in Table I.
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c. The arbitrator shall hear only one grievance at a time. His/her decision shall be in writing and shall set forth his/her findings of fact, reasoning, and conclusions concerning the issues before him/her. The arbitrator shall not add to, subtract from, or modify the language of this Agreement; he/she shall have no power or authority to make any decision that requires the commission of an act prohibited by law or that violates the terms of this Agreement. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties in interest.
d. The cost of arbitration shall be borne equally by the Board and the Union.
ARTICLE VIII SALARIES FOR NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES
1. Salaries
a. The salaries of all persons covered by this Agreement are set forth in Appendix A-2 which is attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.
b. Salaries to be paid from year to year shall be that paid by the Board to employees of similar training and experience.
c. Employees filling positions in the summer school equivalent to positions established during the regular work year shall be paid at the rates set forth in Appendix A-2. To the extent practicable, qualified members of the bargaining unit will be given priority in the filling of summer school positions.
2. An employee who is promoted into a job classification in a wage group higher than the employee’s current wage group shall be placed on the same step in the higher wage group.
3. New employees with no credit experience shall be placed on Step 1 during the first contract year of employment.
4. An employee hired by the Board shall be given step credit based on the following criteria:
a. Credited work experience must be earned within eight years prior to the date of hire. b. Credited experience shall have a direct relationship to the position for which the person is hired. c. Credited course work shall have a direct relationship to the position for which the person is hired and in each case, the amount of credit awarded for course work shall be reviewed by the Union.
5. Notwithstanding any provision above to the contrary, new employees shall not be placed above Step 3.
6. Exceptions to any of the above requirements shall be negotiated by the Board and the Union.
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7. Overtime
a. All time worked beyond thirty-seven and one half (37½) hours per week shall be paid at one and one-half (1½) times an employee’s hourly rate.
b. Employees required to attend meetings or called back to work after 5:00 P.M., shall receive a minimum of two (2) hours pay at one and one-half (1½) times the employee’s hourly rate.
8. Compensatory TimeNon-exempt unit members shall be paid for all hours worked.
a. Compensatory time may be taken in lieu of overtime by an employee who so elects.
b. There shall be no pressure exerted on the employee in making this choice. Accrual shall commence immediately upon the completion of the employee’s regular working hours.
c. The employee shall request the use of compensatory time at least 72 hours in advance. Prior approval for compensatory time must be received from the employee’s supervisor.
d. Accrued compensatory time shall be taken off at a time and one-half rate.
e. Compensatory time must be taken within two pay periods following the earned overtime. If, however, said compensatory time cannot be scheduled within two pay periods, the employee shall be paid overtime in lieu of said compensatory time.
f. Compensatory time also may be granted by the Superintendent or his/her designee after consultation with the Union.
9. Any member of the bargaining unit whose regularly scheduled shift begins after 3:00 P.M., shall receive six dollars ($6.00) per day for each actual day worked.
10. Effective January 1, 2015, allAll unit members shall be paid salary by direct deposit and electronic pay information. Unit members shall provide the name of a bank to which deposits shall be remitted.
ARTICLE VIII(A) SALARIES FOR EXEMPT EMPLOYEES
1. Salaries The salaries of all persons covered by this Agreement are set forth in Appendix A-2 which is attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.
2. The Board shall have sole discretion based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the type of degree held, prior work experience, and type of work performed, of a candidate in deciding initial placement level of BCBAs on Appendix A-2 for purposes of establishing their salary.
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3. BCBAs providing training outside the established work day as directed by their supervisor shall be paid $40.00 per hour for such additional work.
ARTICLE IX PROTECTION
1. It is recognized that inquiries or investigations need to be made when allegations or complaints are made regarding members of the bargaining unit. The individual concerned shall be given full information, including the identity of the complainant, in sufficient time to prepare his/her defense. No conclusion shall be reached or decisions made, however, until after the employee has had a full opportunity to defend himself/herself.
2. The Board shall reimburse employees covered by this Agreement for vandalism done to their cars by students while on school business. The primary insurance coverage is to be provided by the employee’s own automobile or homeowner’s insurance plan. The Board will cover only the excess over any valid or collectible insurance paid to the employee.
3. The Board shall see that every employee has a safe and lockable place where coats, pocketbooks, and other personal items can be stored during the working day.
ARTICLE X SENIORITY
1. Seniority shall be calculated from the most recent date of hire in the bargaining unit.
2. Seniority shall continue to accrue during all authorized leaves of absence and sick leave.
3. Seniority shall govern with respect to vacations.
4. No employee shall suffer any reduction in his/her number of hours of work during the school year except if there is a material change in district needs (e.g., student no longer requires same support because of a change in the student’s IEP). Any reduction in hours shall otherwise be communicated to the affected employee(s) before the beginning of the new school year. This provision is not applicable to a necessary layoff of employees by the Board of Education.
5. Seniority shall govern transfers, job openings, and promotions if the senior applicant is more qualified than other candidates (internal and external) and has satisfactory performance evaluations. When requested by the Union President, the administrator responsible will disclose the reasons for the selection of a particular employee in writing within 10 days. If a bargaining unit employee is selected, in consultation with the President of the NFEP, the Superintendent or his/her designee may defer reassignment until no later than the beginning of the next school year.
6. A reassigned administrator shall not be allowed to transfer his/her present secretary with him/her unless the secretary has greater seniority than the secretary currently occupying the position. Involuntary transfers of secretaries shall not occur because of administrative transfers.
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7. Seniority shall govern with respect to layoffs and recall within the job group; however, an employee whose position is eliminated may bump out of his/her job group under the following circumstances:
a. There are no employees with less seniority retained within the affected employee’s job group, and
b. There is a less senior employee retained in the same or lower job grouping,
c. An employee bumping out of a job group pursuant to this provision shall bump the least senior appropriate employee within the same job group first. The employee shall bump the least senior appropriate employee in a lower job group, only when no less senior appropriate employee remains within the affected employee’s own job group,
d. The position held by a less senior employee (b above) in the same or lower job group can be filled by the affected employee with no more required on-the-job training than would be provided to a person newly hired for that position,
e. In case of layoff or recall, the unique positions of library media assistants, bilingual paraeducators, and paraeducators (special education), and BCBAs may be identified by the Board to the Union and these positions will be exempt from the strict seniority provisions except as follows. In the case of paraeducators (special education), the Board may identify such positions as exempt only if the affected individuals have received specialized training for their position. In the case of bilingual paraeducators, a more senior paraeducator may displace a less senior bilingual paraeducator if he or she holds the requisite language fluency. This notification to the Union would be in advance of the notice to the individual employee. Classifications for the purpose of seniority shall be as follows: Library Media Assistants, Bilingual Paraeducators, Paraeducators (Special Education), and BCBAs, and Secretaries. (See Appendix A-1.)
8. In the event that two (2) or more employees have equal seniority, the following procedure will be utilized to determine which employee is more senior.
a. Actual starting date from most recent date of hire. In the event of a tie,
b. Date of letters in the Personnel file that indicate intention to hire. In the event there is still a tie,
c. Past service with the Board. In the event there is still a tie,
d. Decision will be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
9. Seniority shall be frozen during the period of the employee’s layoff.
10. Laid-off employees shall retain recall rights for twenty-four (24) months. No person shall be newly hired in a job group that includes an individual on the recall list until all qualified persons on the recall list in that job group have been notified by email sent to the individual’s last known email address and such individual is either offered
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employment or declines such reemployment offer. It shall be the laid off individual’s responsibility to notify the Superintendent of Schools of his/her current email address. Employees who do not have an email address shall notify the Federation, which shall be the agent for said employee in receiving any such notification. An individual who declines an offer of reemployment in the same job group with the same number of hours as previously employed shall forfeit recall rights. Failure to respond in writing or by email to a notice of an opening within five (5) calendar days after the sending of the notification email thereof shall be deemed a refusal to accept reemployment. Individuals must return to work within twenty-four (24) days from the date of the mailing of the notification or at such time when the position becomes available, whichever occurs later.
11. An employee hired on or before January 1, 2014 who workswho has worked in a permanent assignment of thirty (30) hours or more per week for at least one year and has his/her hours reduced and/or is reassigned to a position less than thirty (30) hours but more than twenty (20) hours, that employee and his/her covered dependents shall continue to receive the health and insurance benefit plans in effect for thirty (30) hour employees for a period of one (1) year. Such an employee will pay premium cost sharing in the same percentage as a thirty (30) hour employee.
This provision shall apply only to those employees whose hours have been reduced or who have been assigned to a position less than thirty (30) hours on or after the execution of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE
1. The Board of Education shall provide health coverage for all thirty (30) hour and over employees covered by this Agreement, as follows:
a. The Board shall provide employee and family coverage for an insured Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield high deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) as described more fully in Appendix A-3.
b. Effective July 1, 2013, the Board’s contribution toward the HSA premium shall be 89% and the employee contribution shall be eleven percent (11%). Effective July 1, 2014, the Board’s contribution toward the HSA premium shall be 88.5% and the employee contribution shall be eleven and one-half percent (11.5%). Effective July 1, 2015, the Board’s contribution toward the HSA premium shall be 88% and the employee contribution shall be twelve percent (12%). Effective July 1, 2016, the Board’s contribution toward the HSA premium shall be 87% and the employee contribution shall be thirteen percent (13%).c. Vision Care - The Board shall provide 100% premium for employee and family coverage for an Anthem Vision Care Plan which is incorporated for reference purposes in this collective bargaining agreement as Appendix A-4.
dc. Dental Care - The Board shall provide for employee and family coverage for a Delta Dental Premier Preferred Provider Plan, which is incorporated for reference purposes in this collective bargaining agreement as Appendix A-5.
2. 12 a. Promptly upon execution of this Agreement, the Board shall make application to the State to admit this bargaining unit to the Connecticut State Partnership Plan 2.0 (SPP). Should the Board’s application be rejected and reconsideration be denied, the parties shall commence negotiations over a successor insurance plan in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 7- 473c(b) and Paragraph 2(d) below shall govern such negotiations. Commencing at the beginning of the month as soon as practicable after acceptance of the bargaining unit into the SPP, onOn an annual basis the Board shall offer each bargaining unit member the opportunity to participate in the SPP for health benefits or to waive medical insurance. Dental and vision benefits shall be separately provided. The plan benefits shall be as set forth in the SPP, including any subsequent amendments or modifications made to the SPP by the State and its employee representatives. The administration of the SPP, including open enrollment, beneficiary eligibility and changes, and other administration provisions shall be as established by the SPP.
The premium rates shall be set by the SPP. Participating unit members shall pay the premium cost through payroll deduction. b. The premium rates shall be set by the SPP. a. The percentage share of such premium cost for non-exempt employees shall be as follows: 2017 - 2018: 13% 2018 - 2019: 14% 2019 - 2020 - 2021: 15%.
2021 - 2022: 16% 2022 - 2023: 16.5% b. The percentage share of such premium cost for exempt employees (e.g., BCBAs) shall be as follows: 2020 - 2021: 18% 2021 - 2022: 19% 2022 - 2023: 19.5%
Participating unit members shall pay the premium cost through payroll deduction. c. The SPP contains a Health Enhancement Plan (HEP) component. All employees participating in the SPP are subject to the terms and provisions of the HEP. In the event SPP administrators impose the HEP non-participation or noncompliance $100 per month premium cost increase or the $350 per participant to a maximum of $1400 family annual deductible, those sums shall be paid 100% in their entirety by the non-participating or non-compliant employee. No portion or percentage shall be paid by the Board. The $100 per month premium cost increase shall be implemented through payroll deduction, and the $350/$1400 annual deductible shall be implemented through claims administration. d. In the event any of the following occur, the Board or the Union may reopen negotiations in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 7-473c(b) as to the sole
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issue of health insurance, including plan design and plan funding, premium cost share and/or introduction of replacement medical insurance in whole or in part. i) If the SPP in its current form is no longer available; or if the benefit plan design of the SPP is modified as a result of a change in the State’s collective bargaining agreement with SEBAC, if such modifications would substantially increase the cost of the medical insurance plan offered herein. Reopener negotiations shall be limited to health insurance plan design and funding, premium cost share and/or introduction of an additional optional health insurance plan; and/or
ii) If Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 3-123rrr et seq. is amended, or if there are any changes to the administration of the SPP, or if additional fees and/or charges for the SPP are imposed so as to affect the Board, any of which amendments, changes, fees or charges (individually or collectively) would substantially increase the cost of the medical insurance plan offered herein. Reopener negotiations shall be limited to health insurance plan design and funding, premium cost share and/or introduction of an additional optional health insurance plan; and/or
iii) If the cost of medical insurance plan offered herein is expected to result in the triggering of an excise tax under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ([ACA; P.L. 111-148], as amended, inter alia, by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 [P.L. 114-113]) and/or if there is any material amendment to the ACA that would substantially increase the cost of the medical insurance plan offered herein. Reopener negotiations shall be limited to health insurance plan design and funding, premium cost share and/or introduction of an additional optional health insurance plan. e. In any negotiations triggered under Paragraph 2(d) above as well as negotiations for a successor to this collective bargaining agreement, the parties shall consider the plan set forth in Paragraph 1 of this AgreementArticle to be the baseline for such negotiations, and the parties shall consider the following additional factors:
• Trends in health insurance plan design outside of the SPP; • The costs of different plan designs, including a high deductible health plan structure and a PPO plan structure.
Should such negotiations be submitted to arbitration for resolution, the arbitration panel shall consider the foregoing in applying the statutory criteria in making its ruling.
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3. Life Insurance
a. The Board shall provide one hundred percent (100%) of the premium for Seventy- five Thousand ($75,000) Dollars term life insurance for each non-exempt employee working thirty or more hours.
The Board shall provide BCBAs one hundred percent (100%) of the premium for term life insurance in an amount equal to the BCBAs annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000.
b. Employees shall have the option of converting said term life insurance referenced in sub Paragraph a. above to whole life insurance provided no additional premium cost is assumed by the Board.
c. Employees may elect to increase their own term life insurance coverage provided in 2 a.sub Paragraph a above to an amount equal to double their annual salary at no cost to the Board.
d. The Board shall provide one hundred percent (100%) of the premium for Forty- two Thousand Five Hundred ($42,500) Dollars term life insurance for those employees who work twenty (20) hours per week but less than thirty (30) hours per week.
e. Employees, age 50 or over, may elect to decrease their term life insurance coverage to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or the indexed amount IRS standard for tax-advantaged coverage.
4. The Board shall pay fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the premium for health and medical insurance benefits for individual employees (but not their dependents) who are regularly assigned to work at least twenty (20) hours per week but less than thirty (30) hours per week. To be eligible to receive insurance benefits, each employee shall submit a written wage deduction authorization permitting the Board to deduct the employee’s share of the premium and any increase in the premium. Subject to the terms of the applicable insurance policies, an employee may forego or withdraw from part or all of the insurance coverage rather than pay his/her share of the premium. The availability of this benefit and the reinstatement of any benefit is subject to the terms of the Board’s insurance policies prevailing at the time the employee seeks enrollment or reinstatement and is contingent upon no additional cost being assessed against the Board above the normal group rate prorated on an individual basis for the employee’s enrollment or reinstatement. Deductions for the coverage of 10-month employees during the months of July and August shall be distributed over and taken from paychecks received during the prior months of May and June. Employees who elect to purchase health and medical insurance benefits pursuant to this paragraph 3 shall be allowed to purchase family benefits for other members of their family at their own expense at the group rates.
5. If an employee is absent with a contagious childhood disease directly traceable to contact made in school, the absence will not be charged against his/her sick leave. Satisfactory evidence must be provided by the employee to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The Board shall pay for the annual deductible, if applicable, and twenty percent (20%) of
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the first one thousand dollars ($1,000) not covered by medical insurance.
6. Health Insurance upon Retirement
a. TheFor employees employed prior to July 1, 2022, the Board agrees to pay the full yearly health insurance premium for the employee who retires at age sixty (60) until they reach age sixty-five (65), or are covered under Medicare Medicaid. While eligible for this benefit, said employee may elect to insure his/her spouse, and the Board agrees to pay fifty percent (50%) of the premium for said spouse.
b. Any other employee who retires at age fifty-five (55) or later can, at his/her option, continue the health insurance at the group rate if he/she pays the full yearly premium and can elect to insure his/her spouse and eligible dependents at the group rate if he/she pays the full yearly premium until they reach age sixty- five or are covered under Medicare.
c. EmployeesThe parties note that employees retiring under the terms of the Norwalk Municipal Employees Pension Plan, and receiving benefits in accordance therein, and their dependents shallmay be covered in accordance with the existing medical insurance plan, as set forth under the terms of the Norwalk Municipal Employees Pension Plan. This provision is for informational purposes only and is not subject to the grievance procedure.
ARTICLE XII WORK DAY AND WORK YEAR
Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any alleged breach of the provisions of this Article shall be grievable up to the Board of Education and not to binding arbitration. This language does not limit the authority of the Board to establish the work day and the work year as set forth in ARTICLE VI.
1. The normal work week and work year for all employees in the bargaining unit are: a. Work Week The normal work week consists of five (5) seven and one-half (7½) hour days, for a total of thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week. (Time of work is eight (8) hours per day, with one-half (½) hour for lunch, or eight and one-half (8½) hours per day, with one (1) hour for lunch.)
b. Employment Status (1) FULL TIME Twelve (12) month position 30 - 37½ hours per week or Ten (10) month position 30 - 37½ hours per week
(2) PART TIME Fewer than thirty (30) hours per week, or fewer than forty (40) weeks.
(3) TEMPORARY Thirty (30) to thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week for a specified time but not to exceed forty-five (45) days.
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Paraeducators work forty (40) weeks per year.
Library Media Assistants (High School Middle) work forty-three (43) weeks per year and thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week.
Library Media Assistants (Elementary) work forty (40) weeks per year and twenty-seven and one-half (27½) hours per week.
Paraeducators (Special Education) (Group 1) work forty (40) weeks per year and thirty-twotwenty-seven and one-half (3227½) hours per week.
Paraeducators (Special Education) required to ride the school bus (Group 1B) work forty (40) weeks per year and between thirty-two and one-half (32½) to thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts work twelve months per year and thirty-seven and one-half hours per week. BCBAs employed prior to March 30, 2021 who work ten months per year may continue to work ten months per year.
Paraeducators (RBTs) (Group 2) work forty (40) weeks per year and thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week.
Clerical staff work either forty-three (43) weeks and between thirty (30) and thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week or forty (40) weeks and twenty- seven and one-half (27½) hours per week.
(3) TEMPORARY Thirty (30) to thirty-seven and one-half (37½) hours per week for a specified time but not to exceed forty-five (45) days.
2. Ten (10) month employees shall be required to make up snow days when school is cancelled and the school day is rescheduled. 3. The Board of Education may require ten (10) month employees to participate in Professional Development days and, in such cases, shall provide to employees who participate, compensation calculated at their hourly rate of pay. 4. No employee shall be required to work out of his/her classification on a regular basis except in an emergency. For the purpose of this Article, classification shall be defined broadly, e.g., secretary, paraeducators, and library media assistant, and BCBAs. When applicable these general titles will be changed to reflect new job titles and negotiated by the parties prior to execution of the Agreement. 5. When an employee is assigned in writing to work above his/her classification and is actually performing the duties which would change his/her position into a higher classification after the fourth (4th) consecutive day, that employee shall be paid at the higher salary. Under this provision, no employee shall be required to work outside of his/her job classification without a written assignment. 6. All employees shall have an unpaid uninterrupted lunch period of at least thirty (30) minutes per day. 7. All employees shall be entitled, consistent with past practice, to one coffee break per day 17
without loss of pay.
ARTICLE XIII LEAVES OF ABSENCE
1. Sick Leave
a. Each employee shall be entitled to sick leave, with pay, computed on the basis of one and one-quarter (1.25) days per month, credited at the beginning of the month. Twelve (12) month employees earn fifteen (15) days per year, and ten (10) month employees earn twelve and one-half (12.5) days per year.
b. When an employee is absent from work for reasons of personal health for more than five (5) consecutive days or with prior written warning of suspected sick leave abuse, the Superintendent or his designee may require the employee to submit a written statement from a physician stating the reason for absence and the length of time he/she anticipates the employee to be unable to return to work. Such requirement for the written statement shall expire one year after the date of the written warning, provided that no additional attendance discipline has occurred. The Superintendent, or his/her designee, is authorized, with the employee’s consent, to communicate with the physician to seek, at the Board’s expense, his/her opinion of the probable duration of the employee’s disability. Such information received shall be treated as confidential in nature. The Board reserves the right to require, after five (5) consecutive school days of absence, that the employee be examined, at the Board’s expense, by a physician of the Board’s choice in order to determine eligibility of the employee to continue to receive sick benefits. In cases where the Board does not designate an examining physician, the Board shall reimburse the employee for reasonable and customary cost for the physical examination.
In addition, the Superintendent or the Human Resources Officer may require a signed statement from a licensed physician to verify the nature of absences when he/she has reasonable suspicion of a pattern of abuse of sick leave. In all such cases, the Federation shall be notified of such verification requirement.
c. Unused sick days shall accumulate from year to year, and said accumulation shall be capped at one hundred and eighty days (180) for ten (10) month employees and two hundred and twenty days (220) for twelve (12) month employees provided, however, that current employees who have accumulated more than the cap shall maintain their days but shall accumulate no further days unless or until the accumulated days fall below the relevant cap.
d. Whenever a person is absent as a result of personal injury caused by an accident arising out of and in the course of his/her employment, such absence shall not be charged to sick leave.
e. Retiring employees and survivors of employees who die before retirement are entitled to receive full pay, in a lump sum payment, for a maximum of sixty (60) accumulated sick days. Accumulated sick days in excess of sixty (60) days shall be paid to the retiring employee or survivors in a lump sum payment of one 18
additional day’s pay for each additional thirty sick days accumulated or fraction thereof.
f. Should the absence due to illness continue beyond the time for which compensation is provided by this Agreement, the individual may make a request to the Superintendent for an extension of sick leave benefits. Length and quality of service in Norwalk and record of attendance will be of prime consideration.
g. Sick leave may be taken in the event of serious illness of a member of the immediate family who requires care by the employee, provided, however, that employees electing to use sick leave for this purpose must exhaust personal days to the extent available prior to utilizing sick leave, and then up to five days shall be deducted from the employee’s sick leave, and shall thereafter be unpaid.
h. Sick days shall be available for all temporary disabilities caused by pregnancy, which include miscarriage, childbirth, and recovery therefrom up to the amount accumulated. A doctor’s certificate shall be submitted if requested.
1. Pregnant employees shall be allowed to continue to work until such time as their physicians determine they are no longer able to work.
2. Use of sick days is not allowable for purposes of child care following recovery of the mother.
3. If the employee exhausts her accumulated sick leave while on maternity sick leave, she shall receive, upon her request, an unpaid medical leave. Such unpaid leave shall be granted, contingent upon a statement from the employee’s physician that she continues to be physically disabled. Child care shall not constitute an appropriate reason for such unpaid leave.
4. The employee shall be entitled to return to work in her assignment as soon as she is physically able.
2. Personal Days
a. All employees shall be granted two (2) days per year, without loss of pay and not deducted from sick leave, for important personal or family business that only can be transacted during the school day. The employee shall give adequate notice, except in the case of an emergency, to his/her immediate supervisor in advance of taking personal days. The employee shall not be required to explain the reason for the personal day, except to state it is being taken under this Article.
b. The work day immediately preceding or following a holiday may be taken as a personal day only with the supervisor’s permission. Such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld.
c. Personal leave days may not be taken in conjunction with vacations.
d. Employees hired from January 1 to June 30 shall have only one (1) personal day for that current school year.
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e. Employees shall be allowed to accumulate one (1) day per year of unused personal days up to a maximum of five (5) days. No more than two (2) of these days can be taken consecutively without their supervisor’s permission.
3. Paid Holidays
a. All employees shall receive paid holidays. The holidays following the school calendar will continue for the duration of this Agreement.
b. In the event an employee agrees to work on any of the above holidays, he/she shall work at the rate of two and one-half (2½) times his/her hourly rate.
c. Should an employee be scheduled to work the night shift on a Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, he/she shall have the option to work his/her shift during the day instead.
d. Should Christmas Eve fall on a regular work day, all employees scheduled to work shall be dismissed no later than 1:00 P.M., at no loss of pay.
4. Bereavement Leave
a. All employees are entitled to five (5) work days leave, without the loss of pay, in the event of death in the immediate family. The immediate family shall be defined as husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, child, grandfather, grandmother, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in- law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law. Employees shall be entitled to one (1) working day’s leave without loss of pay in the event of the death of an uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or first cousin. Should travel out of state for attendance at a funeral be a factor, the employee shall be granted additional unpaid leave.
5. Jury Duty
a. Any employee covered by this Agreement who is called for jury duty shall receive the necessary leave to fulfill this legal obligation.
b. The employee called for jury duty shall notify the Superintendent or his designee in writing as soon as the employee has received either a notice from the court indicating that he/she has been selected for service on the jury panel or a notice to appear in court for service on the jury panel.
c. Any employee who is temporarily excused from jury duty during his/her normal work hours must report to work for the balance of the work day.
6. Child Rearing Leave
Child rearing leaves are granted by the Board under the following provisions and conditions:
a. Such leaves are for up to a maximum of two (2) calendar years.
b. Such leaves are without pay or benefits. Benefits may be purchased at the group 20
rates if so desired. c. Experience step level does not continue during the period of leave, but the step at the time leave begins is used in determining salary schedule placement upon return to work. d. Notification of return from leave in September must be made in writing to the Human Resources Office no later than June 30th. e. Employees will be returned according to seniority to their original position, if vacant, or to an analogous position at the beginning of the academic year or during the school year. f. Failure on the part of the employee to request return to duty or extension of leave by the expiration of leave shall be construed to mean termination of employment. g. Upon expiration of leave, if no position is available for which the person is certificated and qualified, the leave shall be extended until such time as a position is available, or for a period of two (2) years, whichever comes first. h. Child rearing leave shall apply to adoption. i. An employee granted leave benefits under this section, shall have such leave benefits credited against his/her Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits. j. An employee shall provide the Board with thirty (30) days advance notice of intention to take a child rearing leave, if the leave is reasonably foreseeable. a. Leave without pay for a period not to extend beyond two (2) complete school years shall be granted to bargaining unit members requesting child-rearing leave, which shall include adoption. The date established for the beginning of such leave shall be determined by the bargaining unit member. The request shall be submitted at least thirty days prior to the date on which the leave would be scheduled to being or as soon as the employee becomes aware of the leave, whichever is later. b. A bargaining unit member is eligible for two (2) years of child-rearing leave after the birth of each child, not to exceed four (4) consecutive school years. To be eligible for a subsequent child-rearing leave, a bargaining unit member must return to active employment and perform in a full-time assignment for at least one (1) school year before the start of subsequent leave. c. The Board may require that the termination of such leave coincide with the end of a school year, the end of a semester, the end of a quarter, or some other point in time at which the bargaining unit member’s return coincides with the needs of the Board to avoid disruption of the students of pupils and work schedules of other employees. This provision shall not be construed to require return while illness or disability precludes their return.
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d. A bargaining unit member returning from child-rearing leave in the first year shall return to the position held prior to the onset of the leave. If that position no longer exists, the bargaining unit member shall be appointed to an analogous position.
e. A bargaining unit member who extends a child-rearing leave into subsequent years shall be entitled to return to a position within the bargaining unit member’s job group.
f. All child-rearing leave must be taken after all available FMLA leave has been exhausted.
g. A bargaining unit member who fathers a child and who has responsibilities for the care of the child or mother of the child shall be entitled to two (2) weeks of paid sick leave without medical documentation. 7. Medical and Life Insurance Benefits during Leaves
Employees on leave shall be allowed to purchase medical and life insurance benefits at the group rate if desired. The payments are due on or before the 10th of each month.
Benefits continuation will be restricted to one of the following options:
a. Full Coverage The same medical and life insurance coverage the employee has at the time the leave is granted.
b. Basic Coverage Includes Blue Cross Non-Standard Century Preferred Provider Planmedical coverage only and excludes vision, dental and life insurance.
c. No Coverage No change in options will be permitted during the leave of absence unless there is a substantial change in the employee’s family status.
When an employee returns to active employment on or before the 15th of the month, the Board of Education will pay the full premium, minus the employee premium cost share currently in effect, for the month. If the employee returns after the 15th of the month, he/she will pay the full premium for the month.
ARTICLE XIV VACATIONS
1. Each twelve (12) month, full-time, permanent employee shall earn:
a. Two (2) weeks vacation after one (1) year of service.
b. Three (3) weeks vacation after five (5) years of service.
c. Four (4) weeks vacation after twelve (12) years of service.
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d. Each twelve (12) month employee, after fifteen (15) years of service shall receive one (1) additional vacation day for each year thereafter, to a maximum of twenty- five (25) days.
2. Any employee whose anniversary of employment falls within that fiscal year shall receive the added vacation due, i.e., any employee whose fifth (5th) anniversary of employment falls within that same fiscal year shall receive three (3) weeks vacation.
3. Vacation leave shall be cumulative to a maximum of five (5) days. Cumulative roll-over vacation time shall be taken during the month of July and up to August 21st immediately following the year of accumulation.
4. When a ten (10) month employee, working thirty (30) hours or more per week, changes to a twelve (12) month position, the employee will receive two (2) weeks vacation for the first year. For the following year, he/she will be given credit for the years worked in a ten (10) month capacity, and the amount of vacation due will be based on the total number of years worked as a ten (10) month and twelve (12) month employee combined.
5. New twelve (12) month full-time, permanent employees who begin work after February 1st, will receive no summer vacation. Those who begin work after November 1st but before February 1st, will receive one (1) week paid vacation.
6. In the event of a conflict among employees with regard to choice of vacation periods, seniority shall govern.
7. In the event an employee requests a change in a previously scheduled vacation, said employee shall provide seven (7) days’ notice of such change provided, however, less than seven (7) days’ notice of change may be granted in an emergency situation and in such emergency situation, said request to change shall not unreasonably be denied.
ARTICLE XV VACANCIES
1. All vacancies shall be posted on the NPS website and list qualifications, title, group, and responsibilities, as well as salary range, benefits, etc.
2. Should the administration plan to upgrade, downgrade, or eliminate a position that is vacant, the administration shall notify the Union, in writing, and will consult with the Union at least five (5) working days prior to the implementation of such changes.
3. Notices for job vacancies within the bargaining unit shall be on the district’s website for at least five (5) days before the position is permanently filled. However, notices for vacancies occurring between August 15th and October 1st, inclusive, shall be posted for at least three (3) days before such vacancies are filled permanently.
4. A copy of the appropriate job description shall be given to each applicant who makes a request for such job description at the administrative offices of the Board, prior to the job interview. Notices of vacancies shall include a statement that job descriptions are available at the administrative offices of the Board.
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5. Should a position be filled by someone from outside the bargaining unit, unsuccessful candidates from within the bargaining unit shall be notified in writing, within a reasonable time.
ARTICLE XVI EMERGENCY CONDITIONS 1. The Board reserves the right to call remote work days on inclement weather days, and unit members will work remotely and be paid for the day. When schools are not in session for students, the following procedures shall be followed: a. Ten (10) month employees in Schools and Board of Education Administrative Offices shall not report to work and shall not suffer any immediate loss of pay. When days are made upmake up and be paid for the days at the end of the school year, these days shall be worked with no additional compensation. Any employee unable to work the additional days shall give advance notification to his/her immediate supervisor and the employee’s final paycheck shall have the appropriate monies deducted which were paid when the emergency closing(s) occurred. Employees who terminate work with the Board prior to the end of the school year and who were paid for emergency closing(s) shall have those monies deducted from his/her final paycheck. b. Twelve (12) month employees in Schools and Board of Education administrative offices. 1. Such employees are expected to report for work. 2. A grace period of a maximum of two (2) hours from regular starting times shall go into effect. During that time period, should conditions deteriorate to a point where the Superintendent or his/her designee decides all Board of Education buildings are to be closed, a phone chain (or alternative means of communication) will be initiated, per the Superintendent’s directive. This shall be treated as an excused absence and shall override prior projections for absences. Should employees have already reported to work prior to the decision to close the buildings the time worked shall be used as compensatorywork time. 3. If Board of Education buildings are not closed and an employee chooses not to report for work, the employee shall notify the immediate supervisor, at the earliest possible time. Employees who so choose may use compensatory time or personal/vacation days, if they wish to be paid. In lieu of the foregoing, the period of the regular work day may be made up, with administrative knowledge, in increments of at least one-half hour, within sixty (60) days. Employees shall not work through lunch periods. 4. Employees in schools without an administrator reporting for work shall leave the building at the same time the custodians leave for the day. 5. Should extraordinary circumstances occur, they shall be subject to consultation with the Superintendent. 6. In the event of an early dismissal, recognizing the need for office coverage and
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student safety concerns, the administration shall release all employees covered by this agreement with no loss of pay as soon as practicable after said early dismissal. ARTICLE XVII SPECIAL DUTY STIPENDS
1. First Aid
a. All school secretaries involved in dispensing First Aid Services at schools with nurses less than half time shall receive a six-hundred ($600) annual stipend.
b. All school secretaries involved in dispensing First Aid Services at schools with nurses half time or more shall receive a four-hundred ($400) annual stipend.
c. Stipends under this section shall be paid with the last check of each month for the months September through June.
d. All elementary and middle school secretaries involved in dispensing First Aid Services will be required to attend appropriate and periodic training as part of the inservice program.
2. Paraeducatorsa. Paraeducators may be left alone on the secondary level for a time not to exceed forty-five (45) minutes and on the elementary level for a time not to exceed sixty (60) minutes without a classroom visitation of sufficient quality by a certified person, who shall assess whether the Paraeducator is experiencing any difficulties in managing the class. b.2. Paraeducators shall be provided with additional training as part of the inservice program. c.3. When the certified teacher is absent from the classroom for more than one hour in any school day and no substitute or other adult volunteer is provided, an Paraeducator covering the classroom shall be paid an additional four dollars ($4.00) for each fifteen minute period of coverage beginning after the first full hour of coverage on that day.
ARTICLE XVIII EVALUATIONS AND PERSONNEL FILES
1. Each employee covered by this Agreement shall be evaluated annually by his/her immediate supervisor. This evaluation shall be in writing and shall be discussed at an individual conference and not while the employee is involved in the performance of his/her job. A copy of the written evaluation shall be given to each employee at the end of the conference and shall be made part of the employee’s personnel file.
2. A personnel file for each member of this bargaining unit shall be developed and maintained in the Human Resources Department.
3. Given reasonable notice, each employee shall have the right to inspect his/her own personnel file, to question or to comment in writing, to inventory or to reproduce any material therein, providing such reproduction occurs in the place designated by the Human Resources Department.
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4. Before any derogatory material has been made a part of an employee’s personnel file, the employee shall be given the opportunity to read and sign such material. Such signature does not constitute concurrence with the content of the material. Any response by the employee shall be attached to the material in question.
5. For purposes of suspension or dismissal, only material in the employee’s personnel file can be used.
ARTICLE XIX DISCIPLINARY ACTION
1. All written warnings, suspensions, and discharges shall be for just and sufficient cause. Both the employee and the Union shall be informed immediately of all written warnings, suspensions, and discharges, but no later than the conclusion of the same working day.
2. All written warnings, suspensions, and discharges and the specific reasons for them shall be stated, in writing, and a copy forwarded to the employee and the Union no later than two working days after such occurrence.
3. In the event of any scheduled meeting involving an employee and his/her supervisor intended to deal with a written warning, suspension, or discharge, the employee shall have the right to have a Union representative present.
ARTICLE XX LONGEVITY
1. Employees shall receive longevity payments during the first week of October.
2. Longevity payments will be included in the same paychecks as the regular pay, but for tax purposes will be calculated as if it were in a separate check. Longevity payment shall be due employees covered by this bargaining unit hired prior to September 1, 2014 according to the following schedule:
In accordance with the above section, each employee shall receive Seven Hundred ($700) Dollars upon completion of ten (10) years of service and Twenty-Five ($25) Dollars additional for each year of service thereafter, through the fifteenth (15th) year of service. Each employee who completed fifteen (15) years of service, shall receive Nine Hundred and Fifty ($950) Dollars. Said employee shall receive Nine Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($950) each year thereafter, through their twentieth (20th) year of service. Each employee shall receive One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200) Dollars upon completion of twenty (20) years of service and shall continue to receive One Thousand Two Hundred ($1,200) Dollars each year through the completion of their twenty-fifth (25th) year. Each employee shall receive One Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty ($1,450) Dollars each year, thereafter, through their thirtieth (30th) year of service. Upon completion of thirty (30) years of service, each employee shall receive shall receive One Thousand Seven Hundred ($1,700) Dollars each year thereafter, as follows:
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ANNUAL LONGEVITY PAYMENTS (DOLLARS) # of Years Completed # of Years Completed 10 $700 25 $1,450 11 725 26 1,450 12 750 27 1,450 13 775 28 1,450 14 800 29 1,450 15 950 30 1,700 16 950 31 1,700 17 950 32 1,700 18 950 33 1,700 19 950 34 1,700 20 1,200 35 1,700 21 1,200 etc. 22 1,200 23 1,200 24 1,200
ARTICLE XXI DEDUCTIONS
1. The Board will continue to deduct an authorized deduction for the Tax Shelter Annuity Program and will make entry into this program available to all bargaining unit employees.
ARTICLE XXII PAYMENT FOR TRAINING 1. Subject to supervisor approval, the Board will cover reasonable expenses and travel costs for attendance of BCBAs at specified workshops. Subject to the limits described below, each employee other than BCBAs shall be reimbursed for the tuition for participation in courses and other educational experiences having significant value in improving the participant’s competence as an employee of the Norwalk Public Schools. 2. Only those post secondary courses and other educational experiences, such as, workshops and seminars that improve the skills and technical competence necessary or desirable for performance of work considered relevant to the Norwalk Public Schools will be considered for payment. 3. To be eligible for reimbursement, employees must obtain thirty-days’ (or as soon as practicable after the course is announced) prior written approval of his or her administrator or designee. Forms to request payment for training approval are available in the Human Resources Office. Two copies must be submitted, with one being returned to the applicant indicating action taken. The burden of proof rests with the applicant, but the final decision as to which programs are eligible will rest with the Superintendent. 4. Reimbursement of tuition for approved courses is contingent upon receipt of evidence of satisfactory completion of the course, a grade of “C” or above in graded courses and “pass” in a pass/fail course. 5. Payment shall be limited to funds in a contract year pool of twelve thousand dollars
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($12,000) with up to three thousand dollars ($3,000) added for the following year if the full amount is not expended to create a pool not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). No employee shall receive more than a total of seven hundred dollars ($700) per contract year and shall be paid from the pool in the contract year the course is completed. To this end, employees completing courses in a contract year must submit information required in paragraph 3 above to the Human Resources Office by July 1st of the next immediate contract year. Reimbursement for course work shall be made by July 15th in accordance with the limits established in paragraph 5, which reimbursement shall be on a pro rata or proportionate basis in the event claims exceed the amount in the pool. To this end an employee submitting a claim shall receive, subject to the limitations of this article, an amount equal to the amount of his or her claim divided by the amount in the pool and divided by the total claims made by employees. Employees required to take the ParaPro Test shall be compensated for the costs of said test out of this pool. 6. Employees shall not receive payment for other costs associated with that training. 7. Employees other than BCBAs who hold an Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution shall have three hundred dollars ($300.00) added to their base pay annually. Employees other than BCBAs who hold a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution shall have six hundred dollars ($600.00) added to their base pay annually. This provision is not retroactive but applies to all employees other than BCBAs who currently hold Associates and/or Bachelor Degrees. ARTICLE XXIII TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
All employees authorized to use their personal car during the work day while in performance of their job shall be remunerated at the I.R.S. per mile rate. Any inequities shall be subject to consultation.
ARTICLE XXIV OTHER PROVISIONS
1. Prior benefits and practices, which are not superseded by the provisions of this Agreement, shall continue in effect and shall become part of this Agreement.
2. If any provision(s) of this Agreement shall be held or declared to be illegal, such provision(s) shall be deemed null and void without affecting the obligations of the balance of the Agreement.
3. A handbook (electronic or otherwise), containing policies, regulations, and other important material governing office and clerical services will be revised annually, as necessary. Clarification of specific policies, requested by the Union, will be in this Handbook. Dialogue will be continued concerning clarification of policies as set forth in the Handbook.
4. The present policy for securing substitute teachers outside of school hours will continue. It will not be the responsibility of the school secretary.
5. Employees who live outside the district will be permitted to have their children attend
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Norwalk Public Schools tuition free. Such tuition free education does not include special education or related services above the cost per pupil for the appropriate level. The child or children of an employee shall be assigned to whatever school or class the Board deems appropriate. In the event of a dispute concerning the child’s education, the written decision of the Board shall be final, and any attempt to challenge or overrule such a final decision shall result in loss of tuition free privileges. In the event a student causes serious discipline problems, the tuition free privilege may be revoked by the Board.
6. The parties agree that the Administration, after consultation with the NFEP, will no later than October 1st, each year review a report delineating student enrollment and number of full time equivalent clerical employees assigned to each elementary school. In the event that the report identifies specific elementary schools with enrollment greater than five hundred (500) students, the NFEP and administration shall meet by October 15th and make a recommendation to the Board to alleviate the staffing problem. The Board shall accept, reject, or modify the proposal at its session on the Third Tuesday of October.
7. If a school building or part of a school building is not in operation due to lack of heat, water, etc., no employees covered by this Agreement who work in that building or part of that building affected shall work or suffer any loss of pay. Provided, however, the Board may temporarily reassign the employee to a different area of the building, not so affected, within sixty (60) minutes of the onset of the condition. If not reassigned within these sixty (60) minutes, the employee may go home and shall not suffer loss of pay. 8. The Norwalk Board of Education shall periodically commission and fund a review of bargaining unit positions for the purpose of updating and reevaluating current bargaining unit positions. The choice of whether to perform such a review internally or externally shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. Said review shall be coordinated by a joint committee consisting of an equal number of the bargaining unit and of the administration who shall identify job classifications and/or job groups in need of reevaluation. Notwithstanding the choices of this committee, if the Board desires to review other bargaining unit classifications or groups, it may engage in such review at its discretion. Any review shall commence at least ten (10) months prior to the expiration of this contract and shall be completed at least six (6) months thereafter. The Union shall be informed in writing of the results of such review within ten (10) business days of its completion. 9. The Board and the Union shall meet to discuss professional development opportunities for unit members with the goals of starting such discussions by April 1, 2021, concluding such discussions by June 1, 2021, giving priority consideration to professional development opportunities to paraeducators who are employed for 27.5 hours weekly, and establishing a professional development program commencing with the 2021-2022 school year. 10. Each bargaining unit employee shall be notified by email or United States mail of continued employment for the coming year by June 30 each year, including the starting date of employment for the new school year. Bargaining unit employees who do are not assured of continued employment for the coming year shall be so notified by June 30 as well. 11. The Board will provide BCBAs with a cellphone and a laptop or other device. The
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Board will provide unit members in RBT assignments with a laptop or other device. The Board will consider other requests for technological support on a case-by-case basis. 12. Each BCBA will be provided with a desk, access to printers, lockable space (for files), and a desk phone with voicemail to make calls to parents. 13. BCBAs will meet as a group with the supervisor once monthly after school to review issues of professional concern, including caseload parity. 14. BCBAs shall provide thirty (30) prior written notice of a resignation of employment. 15. In accordance with the City of Norwalk Code of Ethics and the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, BCBAs shall not accept employment with families they have served while employed by the Board or for a period of one year following the termination of their employment with the Board.
ARTICLE XXV PENSION The terms and conditions of the existing pension plan for employees covered under this contract, asare spelled out in detail in the City of Norwalk, Norwalk City Employees’ Pension Plan, July 1, 2013 - December 31, 2018, or as subsequently amended, are incorporated herein by reference and remain in effect for the life of. This provision is included for informational purposes. The Pension Plan is administered by the City of Norwalk, and is not subject to review under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XXVI NO-STRIKE CLAUSE During the term of this Agreement, the Union shall not cause, counsel, sponsor, or participate in any strike or work stoppage in the Norwalk Public School System. During the term of this Agreement, no employee shall participate in any strike or work stoppage in the Norwalk Public School System. ARTICLE XXVII DURATION This Agreement shall take effect on July 1, 20172020 through June 30, 20202023 provided, however, no provision in this Agreement except provisions pertaining to wages shall be retroactive unless it is so stated in the language of the provision. Either party may initiate negotiations for a successor Agreement by sending a written notice by registered mail prior to March 1, 2020.2023. Should either party not send notice of its intent to initiate negotiations for a successor Agreement by March 1, 2020,2023, this Agreement automatically renews itself for another fiscal year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Article XI shall be subject to reopener negotiations if triggered under Article XI, Paragraph 2(d).
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NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK FEDERATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL, LOCAL 3793, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFL-CIO
BY ______BY ______
DATE ______DATE ______
9797139v1
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APPENDIX A – 1
JOB CLASSIFICATION WITHIN EMPLOYEE JOB GROUPS EFFECTIVE July 1, 2016
Group I
Library Media Assistant Health Services Assistant Paraeducators Office Assistant Tutor
Group II
Library Media Assistant* Secretary I Teacher Assistant (Parent Coordinator) Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Group III
Human Resources Technician Secretary II Student Information Systems Assistant
Group IV
Accounts Payable Assistant Administrative Secretary
Group V
Account Specialist Executive Secretary Extended Learning Program Coordinator Human Resources Benefits Specialist Student Information Systems Specialist Transportation Coordinator
Group VI
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
* Library Media Assistants in Group V on June 30, 2016 will move to Group II effective July 1, 2016. Library Media Assistants hired on/after July 1, 2016 will be placed in Group I.
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APPENDIX A – 2
WAGE SCHEDULES 2017-2020-2023 2017-18 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 21.43 24.53 26.26 28.11 30.06 2 22.38 25.63 27.4 29.36 31.44 3 23.33 26.81 28.64 30.72 32.86 4 24.46 28.01 29.94 32.07 34.29 5 25.53 29.28 31.22 33.51 35.88 2018-19 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 21.82 24.97 26.73 28.62 30.60 2 22.78 26.09 27.89 29.89 32.01 3 23.75 27.29 29.16 31.27 33.45 4 24.90 28.51 30.48 32.65 34.91 5 25.99 29.81 31.78 34.11 36.53 2019-20 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 22.21 25.42 27.21 29.14 31.15 2 23.19 26.56 28.39 30.43 32.59 3 24.18 27.78 29.68 31.83 34.05 4 25.35 29.02 31.03 33.24 35.54 5 26.46 30.35 32.35 34.72 37.19
2020-21 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 22.65 25.93 27.75 29.72 31.77 2 23.65 27.09 28.96 31.04 33.24 3 24.66 28.34 30.27 32.47 34.73 4 25.86 29.60 31.65 33.90 36.25 5 26.99 30.96 33.00 35.41 37.93 2021-22 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 23.10 26.45 28.31 30.31 32.41 2 24.12 27.63 29.54 31.66 33.90 3 25.15 28.91 30.88 33.12 35.42 4 26.38 30.19 32.28 34.58 36.98 5 27.53 31.58 33.66 36.12 38.69
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2022-23 Group Step 1 2 3 4 5 1 23.56 26.98 28.88 30.92 33.06 2 24.60 28.18 30.13 32.29 34.58 3 25.65 29.49 31.50 33.78 36.13 4 26.91 30.79 32.93 35.27 37.72 5 28.08 32.21 34.33 36.84 39.46
Unit members, in Groups 1-5, not at the maximum step shall advance one step each year.
Group 6 (annual salary ranges)
The Board shall have sole discretion based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the type of degree held, prior work experience, and type of work performed, of a candidate in deciding initial placement level of BCBAs on Appendix A-2A for purposes of establishing their salary.
Years 1 through 5: $76,000 - $91,000 Years 6 and more: $91,000 - $125,000* 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 Years 1 through 5: $77,520 - $92,820 $79,070 - $94,676 $80,651 - $96,570 Years 6 and more: $92,820 - $127,500* $94,676 - $130,050* $96,570 - $132,651*
* Only BCBAs who have earned a BCBA-D shall be eligible for the top salary in the range.
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APPENDIX A - 3 HEALTH INSURANCE
The Board shall provide each bargaining unit member and his/her enrolled dependents with an insured Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield high deductible Health Savings Account which replicates the PPO Plan coverage provisions in effect December 31, 2010 except as indicated herein.
The HSA Plan will have the following provisions:
Deductible - combined in and out of network 2013-2016 $1,500/3,000 for single and family respectively 2016-2017 $2,000/$4,000 for single and family respectively
In network coinsurance: 0% Out of network coinsurance: 80/20% plan/member Out Of Pocket Maximum: 2013-2015 $900/1800 2015-2016 $1,500/3,000 2016-2017 $2,000/$4,000
Prescription drugs: Retail $10/$25/$40 Mail order $20/$50/$80 Prescription Duration: 30/90 days Managed Public Sector Formulary and Edits Co-pays apply after Deductible has been reached
The percentile reimbursement is 80th percentile out of network.
The Board of Education will make a deposit each plan year to the participant’s HSA Account in the amount of 7550% of the applicable deductible value, effective in 2014-15, 65%, effective 2015-16, 60% and effective 2016-17, 50%. The Board will make its deductible deposit as follows: one-half the value on the first day of the plan year with the balance to be transferred in monthly installments.
The Board shall maintain the present PPO for the limited purpose of providing benefits to exempt Bargaining Unit members. The following bargaining unit members would be exempt from the HSA: - Medicare participants who are active employees of the Board of Education - Cross covered employees - Off cycle hires or newly eligible active participants
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NOTE - 2013-16 Summary pages were removed Effective July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
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APPENDIX A - 4
Vision Benefits remain unchanged and are not subject to a deductible. Effective January 1, 2015 you will have a separate vision identification number. Upon receipt of your new Vision ID number, please be sure to update your records as well as your provider offices.
Employer/Group: NORWALK BOARD OF
EDUCATION Firm Division: 002763-XXX - NORWALK BOE Century Preferred Vision Care Plan
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Vision Care Rider Offers: • Yearly eye examinations for vision corrections. • Coverage for prescription lenses (single-vision, bifocals, trifocals), frames and contact lenses with fitting, adjustment and aftercare for maintenance of comfort and efficiency. • In-plan and out-of-plan coverage.
Vision Exam Coverage: Exam with dilation of pupils (cycloplegia) and Up to $100 per calendar year post cycloplegic visit if required Optical Services: Frames for prescription lenses Up to $60 per calendar year Single vision lenses Up to $120. per calendar year Bifocal lenses Up to $140 per calendar year Trifocal lenses Up to $200 per calendar year
Leticular Lenses Up to $280 per calendar year Contact lenses Up to $220 per eye per calendar year
Principle Limits & Exclusions: Services, frames and lenses required by the employer as a condition of employment. Sunglasses, tinted glasses or industrial glasses unless they are prescription lenses. Contact lenses for cosmetic, convenience or any purpose other than correction of visual acuity or medical necessity as determined by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, will be covered in an amount up to the single prescription lenses indemnity amount subject to the annual maximum.
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APPENDIX A - 5 Norwalk Public Schools Group – Group #4554 Delta Dental PPOSM plus Premier 0016 NFEP Active, 0017 NFEP Retired
Calendar Year Deductible • Per Person NONE
Plan Pays: Preventive & Diagnostic 100% • Exams, Cleanings, Bitewing X-Rays (2 per calendar year per person) • Fluoride Treatment (2 per calendar year for children to age 19) • Space Maintainers (To age 19) • Sealants (To age 19)
Remaining Basic 80% • Fillings, Simple Extractions, Root Canals (Endodontics) • Major Oral Surgery • Periodontics (Surgical and Non-Surgical) • Repair of Dentures
Crowns & Prosthodontics 80% • Crowns, Gold Restorations • Bridgework, Full & Partial Dentures
Dental Implants 80% • Lifetime Maximum $3,000
Calendar Year Maximum (Per Person) $5,000
Orthodontia (Adults & Dependent Children) • Coinsurance 50% • Lifetime Maximum $4,000 Dependent children are covered to age 26.
Delta Dental has two networks available under this plan. The Delta Dental Premier® network is the largest of the Delta Dental networks with over 314,000 participating dentist offices nationally (80%+). Delta Dental PPOSM is a smaller, but more discounted network with over 228,000 participating dentist offices nationwide. Delta Dental PPOSM fees are on average 20% less than Delta Dental Premier®. You may use any fully licensed dentist under this plan, but it is to your advantage to use a network dentist, especially PPO, since they accept the Delta Dental allowance as their maximum charge and cannot bill Delta Dental patients for amounts above this level. Participating dentists will be paid directly by Delta Dental for covered services. Non-participating dentists will bill you directly, and Delta Dental will make claim payment directly to you. You will maximize benefits and reduce paperwork by using a Delta Dental participating dentist.
If you do not have a dentist, you may obtain a current listing of participating dentists in any area, by calling 1-800 DELTA OK (1-800-335-8265). Provide your zip code to the representative and a directory for that area will be mailed to your home. If you have Internet access, you may also visit our website at deltadentalnj.com to locate participating dentists.
At the time of your first appointment, tell the dentist that you are covered under this program and provide your group number and ID number. Your dependents, if covered, should provide the employee’s ID number.
Claim questions and other information needs should be directed to Delta Dental’s customer service department at 1-800-452-9310.
This overview contains a general description of your dental care program for your use as a convenient reference. Complete details of your program appear in the group contract between your plan sponsor and Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. which governs the benefits and operation of your program. In CT, Delta Dental Insurance Company writes dental coverage on an insured basis and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. The group contract would control if there should be any inconsistency or difference between its provisions and the information in this overview.
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Delta Dental PPOSM plus Premier Networks
In Network
Dentist • Agrees to accept Delta Dental’s approved fees • Agrees to file claim directly with Delta Dental • Receives claim payment directly from Delta Dental
Employee • Cannot be balance billed (billed for charges above approved Delta Dental fees) • Does not file claim • No payment to dentist other than deductible/coinsurance
Out of Network
Dentist • Does not agree to Delta Dental fee levels • Can charge any amount • Is not required to file claim for patient • Does not receive payment directly from Delta Dental
Employee • Must pay difference between Dentist charge and Delta Dental’s allowed fees • May be required to submit claim • Is responsible for payment to dentist
Summary: Any dentist may be used, however, benefits are maximized and paperwork is reduced if in network providers are utilized. Delta Dental PPOSM dentists have agreed to Delta Dental’s lowest possible fees.
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APPENDIX A-6
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
In the recently-concluded negotiations between the Norwalk Board of Education and the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, Local 1723, AFT, AFL-CIO, the parties reached the following additional agreements in their discussions over contract enhancements:
A. The following changes will be implemented as described: The parties agree to undertake the reviews described in Paragraphs 6 and 10 of Appendix A-6 of the 2017-2020 Agreement, with the understandings that (1) any changes during the new contract term will be implemented only by mutual agreement, and (2) the results of such reviews will be available to the parties and will be considered relevant information in successor contract negotiations that will commence in March, 2023.
1. The work hours of the twenty (20) secretaries whose hours were reduced in fiscal year 2012-2013 will be restored to 37.5 hours per week, retroactively to September 1, 2014.
2. The Transportation Secretary (Transportation Coordinator effective July 1, 2016) shall be moved from salary group 7 to salary group 8.*
3. The Secretary to the Director of Finance shall be removed from the bargaining unit and be placed in the Executive Support Group bargaining unit as Finance Assistant.*
4. The After-the-Bell Coordinator (Extended Learning Program Coordinator) position shall be included in the NFEP bargaining unit, retroactively to September 1, 2014.*
5. The Student Record Secretary (Student Information Systems Specialist title effective July 1, 2016) shall be moved from salary group 3 to salary group 5, retroactively to September 1, 2014.* 6. During the 2014-2015 school year, the The parties shall review the roles and responsibilities of the current Attendance Clerk positions at Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon High School for possible reclassification and change in hours.
7. The hours of Attendance Clerks shall be restored and the hours of Middle School Library Aides shall be increased to 37.5 hours per week retroactive to September 1, 2014. Under the revised job description, Middle School Library Aides shall have greater responsibility for increasing literacy.
8. School secretaries to the principal shall be trained and/or accredited to be Microsoft Office certified and shall be reclassified to Administrative Secretary in salary group 7, effective July 1, 2015.
9. Effective July 1, 2016, the following salary group changes and step changes shall
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be made:
a. Salary group 4 shall be eliminated, and employees in that group will be placed in current group 5.*
b. Salary groups 1 and 2 shall be eliminated, and employees in those groups will be placed in group 3.*
c. Steps 1, 2 and 3 shall be eliminated, and employees on those steps will be placed on current step 4.*
10. Effective July 1, 2016, the2. The parties will review and analyze the current structure, data, roles, responsibilities and utilization for substitutes and teacher coverage District-wide.
11. The parties will negotiate a structure for a comprehensive long-term professional development plan with the specific funds set aside through these negotiations, such plan to be based on the roles and responsibilities of the revised job descriptions agreed upon between the parties, with a target implementation date of July 1, 2015. See also item 14.
12. All NFEP unit members shall be on direct deposit by January 1, 2015.*
13. The family illness leave provision in the collective bargaining agreement will be amended to mirror that of the current collective bargaining agreement between the Board and the Norwalk Federation of Teachers.*
14. The longevity payments for unit members hired before September 1, 2014 shall be grandfathered based on the 2012-2013 rates.*
15. Tutors at the elementary level who work over twenty (20) hours per week shall be included in the NFEP bargaining unit, effective retroactively to September 1, 2014.
16. NFEP unit members shall have the right voluntarily to reduce the amount of life insurance coverage provided through the collective bargaining agreement to $50,000 to avoid imputed federal income tax, effective as soon as possible.*
17. The parties agree to reorganize the NFEP collective bargaining agreement for ease of utilization, effective upon final printing.*
* The collective bargaining agreement has been amended accordingly.
B. The parties have reviewed and concur upon the following job descriptions: • School secretaries (Office Assistant effective July 1, 2016); • Transportation secretary (Transportation Coordinator); • Extended Learning Program Coordinator (previously after-the-bell coordinator);
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• Student Information Systems Specialist (previously student records secretary); • Attendance clerks; • Middle school library aides (Library Media Assistant); • Administrative Secretary (currently principal secretaries).
C. The grievance over reduction in work hours of unit members currently pending in arbitration is hereby resolved and withdrawn.
Norwalk Board of Education Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, Local 1723, AFT, AFL-CIO,
By ______By ______Date Date
APPENDIX A-7
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
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A. Effective upon the ratification by both parties of the 2017 - 2020 collective bargaining agreement, the provision for the mini child-rearing leave (i.e., Article XIII, Paragraph 6) shall be eliminated and all bargaining unit members who are currently on a mini child- rearing leave shall be converted to a child-rearing leave as outlined in this MOU.
B. Child-Rearing Leave
1. Leave without pay for a period not to extend beyond two (2) complete school years shall be granted to bargaining unit members requesting child-rearing leave, which shall include adoption. The date established for the beginning of such leave shall be determined by the bargaining unit member. The request shall be submitted at least thirty days prior to the date on which the leave would be scheduled to being or as soon as the employee becomes aware of the leave, whichever is later.
2. A bargaining unit member is eligible for two (2) years of child-rearing leave after the birth of each child, not to exceed four (4) consecutive school years. To be eligible for a subsequent child-rearing leave, a bargaining unit member must return to active employment and perform in a full-time assignment for at least one (1) school year before the start of subsequent leave.
3. The Board may require that the termination of such leave coincide with the end of a school year, the end of a semester, the end of a quarter, or some other point in time at which the bargaining unit member’s return coincides with the needs of the Board to avoid disruption of the students of pupils and work schedules of other employees. This provision shall not be construed to require return while illness or disability precludes their return.
4. A bargaining unit member returning from child-rearing leave in the first year shall return to the position held prior to the onset of the leave. If that position no longer exists, the bargaining unit member shall be appointed to an analogous position.
5. A bargaining unit member who extends a child-rearing leave into subsequent years shall be entitled to return to a position within the bargaining unit member’s job group.
6. All child-rearing leave must be taken after all available FMLA leave has been exhausted.
7. A bargaining unit member who fathers a child and who has responsibilities for the care of the child or mother of the child shall be entitled to two (2) weeks of paid sick leave without medical documentation.
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All provision of the CBA shall be in full force and effect except those mutually agreed to be modified as described above.
NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK FEDERATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL, LOCAL 3793, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFL-CIO
BY ______BY ______
DATE ______DATE ______
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Index PAGE NUMBERS WILL BE UPDATED WHEN LANGUAGE IS FINALIZED Page A Agency Fee/Union Dues 4 Assistants Without Certified Personnel 25 Appendices: A - 1 Job Classification Within Employee Job Groups (Effective 7/1/16) 32 A - 2 Wage Schedules 2017 - 2020 - 2023 33 A - 3 Health Insurance 34 A - 4 Blue Cross Vision Care Plan 39 A - 5 Dental Care Plan 40 A - 6 Memorandum of Agreement 42 A - 7 Memorandum of Agreement 45 B Bargaining Unit Work 4 Bereavement 20 Building Closing 24 Bumping Procedure 10 C Compensatory Time 9 Coffee Break 17 Consultation 4 Contagious Childhood Disease Reimbursement 15 D Deductions 27 Tax Sheltered Annuity 27 Cope Deduction 27 Definitions 2 Board 2 Members of the Bargaining Unit 2 NFEP Worksite Leaders 2 Seniority 2; 10 Superintendent 2 Transfer 2 Union 2 Dental Care 13 Disciplinary Action 26 Discrimination 3 Dues Deduction 4 Duration 30 Duty Free Lunch 19 E Emergency Weather Conditions 24 Employees Who Live Outside the District 29 Evaluations and Personnel 25
F Files 25 First Aid 25 G General Statement 2 Grievance Procedure 5 Purpose 5 Definition 5 Time Limits 6 Representation 7 Arbitration Level 7 Table of Procedures 6 Groups - Job Groups 32 H Handbook 29 Health and Life Insurance 12 Dental Care 13 Health & Life Insurance Coverage -Part-time Hours 13 Life Insurance 15 Luminous 38 Vision Care 12 Health and Life Insurance Upon Retirement 16 Heat Emergency 29 Holiday Eves 19 I Insurance 12 Involuntary Transfer of Secretaries 10 J Job Classifications 32 Job Postings 23 Jury Duty 20 L Leaves of Absence 18 Sick Leave 18 Personal Days 19 Paid Holidays 20 Bereavement Leave 20 Jury Duty 20 Childrearing Leave 21 Medical/Life Insurance Benefits During Leaves 21 a. Full coverage 21 b. Basic coverage 21 c. No Coverage 21 Life Insurance Coverage 15 Maternity Leave 21 Longevity 26 Annual 26 Lumenos Plan 35 Lunch Period 17 M Management Rights 5 Maternity 21 Memorandum of Agreement 42
N Non-Discrimination 3 No-Strike Clause 30 O Overtime 9 Other Provisions 29 P Paid Holidays 20 Paraeducators 25 Payment for Training 27 Pension 30 Personal Days 19 Personnel Files 25 Preamble 1 Printing/Distribution of Agreement 4 Prior Benefits and Practices 29 Protection 9 R Recall 11 Recognition 3 Reduction in Force 10 Released Time for President 3 Reprisals 3 S Salaries 8 Salary Schedules (Hourly Wage Schedules) 33 2017-2020-2023 33 Securing Substitutes 29 Seniority 10 Shift Differential 9 Sick Leave 18 Special Duty Stipends 24 First Aid 24 Paraeducators 24 Stipends 25 First Aid 25 Overtime 9 Compensatory Time 9 Summer School 8 T Tax Shelter Annuity Deduction 27 Temporary Employment 17 Transfers 10 Travel Reimbursement 28 Tuition Free Education 29 U Union Rights 3 Consultation 4 Employee Lists 4 Job Descriptions 4 Released Time 5 Union Business 4 Union Security and Dues/Agency Fee 4
V Vacancies 23 Vacations 22 Vandalism 10 Vision Care 12 W Water Emergency 29 Work Day and Work Year 16
Document comparison by Workshare 9 on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:16:51 PM Input: Document 1 ID interwovenSite://SGDMS.SHIPMAN.COM/SG/9797139/1 #9797139v1
Legend: Insertion Deletion Moved from Moved to Style change Format change Moved deletion Inserted cell Deleted cell Moved cell Split/Merged cell Padding cell
Statistics: Count Insertions 210 Deletions 229 Moved from 13 Moved to 13 Style change 0 Format changed 0 Total changes 465
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.8
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval to Revise the Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves to revise the Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.9
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract Amendment to Extend the Food Services Management Company Contract with Chartwells for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year.
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education approves the Superintendent to Execute a Contract Amendment to Extend the Food Services Management Company Contract with Chartwells for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
125 East Avenue ∙ PO Box 6001
Norwalk, CT 06852-6001 Office: (203) 854-4081
Email: [email protected]
Frank Costanzo, Ed.D. Chief of School Operations
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 09, 2021
TO: Finance Committee of the Board of Education
FROM: Dr. Frank Costanzo, Chief of School Operations
RE: Contract Extension Chartwells – Food Services for FY 2021-22
As you know, Goal #5 of the District’s Strategic Operating Plan identifies improving the nutritional quality of school lunches and improving the dining environment as top District priorities. Accordingly, the District has embarked on an effort to transform school food and the student dining experience in entering a contract with Chartwells last year.
Chartwells is a top-tier Food Services Management Company of choice in Connecticut, serving many other Connecticut school districts, including Stamford, Ridgefield, and Weston in our immediate area, and other school districts throughout the State. They have a deep bench of culinary and management talent that are fully capable of managing and operating the District Food Services operation. They have stepped up during the pandemic in managing the continuation of the District’s food service operation, and will continue with the Summer Feeding program that begins in early July. Their manager attends our food services taskforce meetings and contributed to the design of our shared vision and a set of priorities that are outcome driven.
We are requesting that the Board authorize the District to extend our contract with Chartwells. Per State requirements, this contract will be for a one-year period (FY 2021-22), with the option (at the district’s discretion) to extend the contract for up to a remainder of three additional years.
ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract Amendment to Extend the Food Services Management Company Contract with Chartwells for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year
cc: Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Tom Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer 2021-22 SFA – FSMC Contract Renewal Amendment (Fixed Fees)
This renewal amendment is between Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education (SFA) and the Compass Group USA, Inc. by and through its Chartwells Division (FSMC) and constitutes Amendment No.2.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the parties entered into a certain Food Service Management Agreement, dated July 1, 2019 as amended by Addendum No. 1 dated July 1, 2020 and Amendment No. 2 dated N/A and Amendment No. 3 dated N/A (collectively, the “Agreement”) whereby, the FSMC manages and operates the SFA’s USDA Child Nutrition food service program in Norwalk, CT; and
WHEREAS, the parties now desire to amend the aforesaid agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Both parties mutually agree to extend the Agreement beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, unless terminated by either party as hereinafter provided. (Section 16.1)
2. This agreement may be further amended for up to two (2) one-year renewal(s) with mutual agreement. (Section 16.1 B)
3. Any and all references to the “2020-21” school year shall be amended to read “2021-22”
4. Section 12.11 (C) shall be amended to read “The FSMC’s Management Fee (FSMC’s profit) for August/September – June is: $7,995.42 per month for ten (10) months. Fee Total: $79,954.20 (Per calculation below based on the agreed upon percentage not to exceed the March 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Food Away From Home, Northeast Urban 4.5%)”. Management Fee 2020-21 Fee CPI% Fee Increase 2021-22 Fee Fee Per Month for 10 Months 77,400.00 3.3 2,554.20 79,954.20 7,995.42
5. Section 12.11 (D) shall be amended to read “The FSMC’s Administrative Fee (FSMC’s profit) for August/September – June is: $11,323.62 per month for ten (10) months. Fee Total: $113,236.20 (Per calculation below based on the agreed upon percentage not to exceed the March 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Food Away From Home, Northeast Urban 4.5%)”. Administrative Fee 2020-21 Fee CPI% Fee Increase 2021-22 Fee Fee Per Month for 10 Months 108,360.00 3.3 3,575.88 111,935.88 11,193.59
The following functions are the FSMC’s responsibility and will be included in such fees: • Corporate supervision; • Financial reporting and analysis; • Field auditing; • Marketing assistance; and • Purchasing administration. 6. Additional changes (must be reviewed for material changes to the contract)
Guaranteed Subsidy. The FSMC guarantees that the bottom line of the operational financial report (exclusive of the cost of equipment repairs, maintenance, replacements, and smallwares) for the 2021-2022 school year will reflect a loss no greater than $17,488.28. If the actual bottom line (exclusive of the cost of equipment repairs, maintenance, replacements, and smallwares) results in a loss of more than this amount, the FSMC will reduce its fee by the difference between the actual and the guaranteed amount, but in no event shall the reimbursement obligation exceed the FSMC's total fees for 2021-2022. The Guaranteed Subsidy and the FSMC’s reimbursement obligation are based on the following conditions and assumptions. The Guaranteed Subsidy to the SFA shall be reduced to account for increased cost or loss of revenue by FSMC if the following conditions are not met during the school year
a) The continuing accuracy of information provided by the SFA in the RFP, including value of USDA foods; cash and/or reimbursement levels from State and Federal sponsors; the number of students eligible for free and reduced price meals; and selling price of menu pattern meals and a la carte prices.
b) Summer serving days of at least 28 days.
c) No changes in legislation or regulation (e.g., minimum wages, fringe and benefits, taxes, unionization, etc.) that would impact cost of FSMC to provide the services.
d) No strikes, work stoppages or school closings, and all make-up days due to inclement weather shall ensure at least 182 serving days for each breakfast and lunch, as set forth in subsection c.
e) Service hours, service requirements, type and number of facilities selling food and/or beverages on SFA premises remain constant throughout the school year. SFA shall limit the expansion of competitive food sales.
f) SFA labor costs will not exceed $1,808,320, armored car service will not exceed $9,000, and annual POS system service and maintenance fees will not exceed $7,500.
g) Any capital commitments are utilized as proposed.
h) There will be no bad debts, including losses from uncollectible accounts.
This renewal amendment is effective July 1, 2021, provided both parties execute this renewal by June 30, 2021. If this renewal amendment is executed after June 30, 2021, the effective date will be the date this document is fully executed.
Signature of Food Service Management Company’s Authorized Title Date Representative
Printed Name of Food Service Management Company’s Authorized Representative
Signature of School Food Authority’s Authorized Representative Title Date
Printed Name of School Food Authority’s Authorized Representative
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.10
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract with Evergreen Solutions, LLC to Conduct a Joint City/NPS Operations and Efficiency Study.
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to Execute a Contract with Evergreen Solutions, LLC to Conduct a Joint City/NPS Operations and Efficiency Study.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
125 East Avenue ∙ PO Box 6001
Norwalk, CT 06852-6001
Office: (203) 854-4063
Email: [email protected]
Thomas Hamilton Chief Financial Officer
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 3, 2021
TO: Colin Hosten, Finance Committee Chair
FROM: Thomas Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer
RE: Operations & Efficiency Audit
As you know, the City Purchasing office released an RFP earlier this fiscal year seeking consultants to perform a joint operations and efficiency study of City and Board of Education operations. The purpose of this study is to identify recommendations on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our respective organizations. The concept of conducting such a joint study was raised during last year’s budget deliberations.
A selection panel consisting of Common Council Finance Chair Greg Burnett, Board of Estimate and Taxation Chair Ed Camacho, Mayor’s Chief of Staff Laoise King, City CFO Henry Dachowitz, you, and I reviewed proposals and selected a short-list of firms to interview. The panel interviewed several firms, and two finalists were called back for subsequent interviews in which Mayor Rilling and Superintendent Estrella participated. Following this second round of interviews, the original selection panel then selected Evergreen Solutions, LLC to perform this operations and efficiency review.
The total cost of this engagement as proposed by Evergreen Solutions is $275,500. Of this amount, $118,000 is for work on the Board of Education side of the engagement, and $157,500 is for work on the City side. The contract with the vendor will be a joint City/NPS contract, so it will need to be executed by both Mayor Rilling and Superintendent Estrella.
ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the Superintendent to execute a contact with Evergreen Solutions, LLC to conduct a joint City/NPS operations and efficiency study
Cc: Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Schools BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.11
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Contract up to $2.4M with [Vendor(s) TBD] to Purchase Curriculum Instructional Materials for Student Success in Reading and Social Studies.
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education Authorizes the Superintendent to Execute a Contract up to $2.4M with [Vendor(s) TBD] to Purchase Curriculum Instructional Materials for Student Success in Reading and Social Studies.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.12
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Authorize the Superintendent to Execute a Lease Agreement with Human Services Council, Inc. to Lease Property Located at 1 Park Street, Norwalk, CT for Purposes of Establishing a NPS Family Center.
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education Authorizes the Superintendent to Execute a Lease Agreement with Human Services Council, Inc. to Lease Property Located at 1 Park Street, Norwalk, CT for Purposes of Establishing a NPS Family Center.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
125 East Avenue ∙ PO Box 6001
Norwalk, CT 06852-6001
Office: (203) 854-4063
Email: [email protected]
Thomas Hamilton Chief Financial Officer
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 3, 2021
TO: Colin Hosten, Finance Committee Chair
FROM: Thomas Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer
RE: Lease of Property at One Park Street, Norwalk, CT
As you know, the District is interested in developing a NPS Family Center that will serve as a one-stop shop for District services that our families need as they navigate both first-time entry into the school system and for on-going needs that our families have as they interact with the District. The NPS Family Center would provide easy access to register students, get information, voice concerns, resolve issues, and secure needed educational and social/emotional services for their children. The current decentralized system makes it a challenge to efficiently link customers with accurate information, available resources, and quality assistance.
By consolidating existing roles and responsibilities into a single, accessible location, NPS can create a friendly, welcoming and professional environment for families and the community. Services that could be available at the Family Center include:
Function Services
Central Registration • Kindergarten registration • New student (Gr 1-12) registration • Residency checks • School choice options, including magnet school information, applications and lotteries • “Step into Kindergarten” services and information for PreK parents
Multi-lingual Learners • Functions currently operated by the ELL Welcome Center, including enrollment, testing and placement
Specialized Learning • Bilingual social worker/special education ombudsperson Transportation • Scheduling and route planning • Eligibility, bus passes and waivers • Bus stop inquiries
Food Services • Free & reduced lunch enrollment • Billing and payments • School lunch and breakfast menu info Student Health Services • Enrollment requirements, including State-mandated student health forms • Information and education on vaccinations and other health services • Central resources for school health supplies
Technology Depot • Deployment of student and staff devices • Replacement or servicing of laptops and Chromebooks
Student Records • Transcripts • Requests for current student records
Volunteers • Parent and community volunteer recruitment and applications, background checks
Family Support Programming • Conference and meeting space for parent and guardian workshops and training • Parent University classes to help support learning at home • Connections to programs that assist families with health, nutrition and other services
We have been in discussions with the Human Services Council, Inc., a well-known local non- profit partner with NPS, about whether their existing property located at One Park Street in Norwalk could serve as a location for the Family Center. After reviewing the property, we believe that this building could serve as a wonderful location for this important asset. The building is conveniently located just down the street from City Hall, and the set-up of the space is conducive to the welcoming environment that we are seeking to create. The building is located on a bus line and within walking distance of the Norwalk Transit District Pulse Point.
The District has identified grant funding that is available to pay for the expense of leasing the property, and a lease will provide the District with the opportunity to get the Family Center operational quickly and to test its effectiveness. We are in the final stages of settling the lease terms, and are requesting authorization now for the Superintendent to move forward with this exciting initiative.
ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the Superintendent to execute a lease agreement with Human Services Council, Inc., to lease property located at One Park Street, Norwalk, CT for purposes of establishing the NPS Family Center.
Cc: Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Schools BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.13
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Authorize the Superintendent to Approve FY 2020-21 Year-end Budget Transfers in Excess of $10,000, Subject to Providing the Board with Notification of all such Transfers.
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education Authorizes the Superintendent to Approve FY 2020-21 Year-end Budget Transfers in Excess of $10,000, Subject to Providing the Board with Notification of all such Transfers.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
125 East Avenue ∙ PO Box 6001
Norwalk, CT 06852-6001 Office: (203) 854-4063
Email: [email protected]
Thomas Hamilton Chief Financial Officer
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 3, 2021
TO: Colin Hosten, Finance Committee Chair
FROM: Thomas Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer
RE: Year-End Transfers
As we have done in prior years, we are requesting authorization for the Superintendent to approve transfers in excess of $10,000 for a limited period of time, related only to close out transfers for FY 2020-21. In order to close the books and file the EFS with the State of Connecticut Department of Education by September 1, 2021, it is essential that we close the District’s books at the end of the fiscal year on a timely basis. One of the steps necessary to close the books is to pay all outstanding bills and to ensure that no District accounts reflect a deficit.
Therefore, as the Board approved last year, we are requesting that the Board authorize the Superintendent to approve year-end transfers in excess of $10,000 related to the close out of the FY 2020-21 budget. As we have done in the past, we will notify the Board of such transfers in August and review these transfers with the Finance Committee at your convenience.
ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the Superintendent to approve FY 2020-21 year-end budget transfers in excess of $10,000 with notification of such transfers provided to the Board in August.
Cc: Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 6/15/2021
Action Required By (date): 6/15/2021
Number on Agenda: VI.14
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of FY 2021-22 Operating Budget Reconciliation
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education Approves the FY 2021-22 Operating Budget Reconciliation.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
Approved:______FY 2021-22 OPERATING BUDGET RECONCILIATION PRESENTATION
June 9, 2021 2021-22 Budget Overview
1. 0% Budget increase approved by the City of Norwalk translates into shifting of expenditures of $6.9MM into the ESSER III grant
2. Underlying budget increase over last year of 3.8% or $7.9MM driven by:
• 2.7% increase for contractual obligations to teachers, paraeducators, administrators, custodians, nurses and other critical staff
• 17.9% rise in health insurance costs or $4.6MM increase over last year
3. The compelling need to mitigate learning loss resulting from the Covid-19 global public health crisis • Reading/Writing and Math Improvement Teachers (MS & ES) funded by ESSER II grant
• Literacy and Math Coaches (at all school levels) funded by local and ESSER III grant
4. “Cliff” after relief period has ended results in insufficient funding in the local budget for continuance of necessary ongoing items
2 2021-22 Budget Reconciliation
Revised BOE Approved 2021-22 budget $ 218,070,542 $ Increase YOY $ 9,654,614 % Increase YOY 4.6%
Less: Shifts to Existing Ongoing Grants and Budget revisions $ (200,501) Less: Shifts to Existing Ongoing Grants (Details TBD) $ (1,595,000)
BOE Approved 2021-22 Budget $ 216,275,041 Effective $ Increase over LY Original Budget $ 7,859,113 Effective % Increase over LY Original Budget 3.8%
Less: Shifts to ESSER II Grant $ (885,253) Less: Shifts to ESSER III Grant (Details TBD) $ (6,921,403)
City Approved 2021-22 Budget $ 208,468,385 % Increase over LY Original Budget 0.0%
3 2021-22 Budget Shift Details
Details included in the reconciliation of 3.8% Budget
Adult Education contractual budget revision $ (100,000) Shift Technology position to IDEA $ (75,446) Shift Technology Benefits to IDEA $ (25,055) Shifts to Existing Ongoing Grants and Budget revisions $ (200,501)
Shifts to Existing Ongoing Grants (Details TBD) $ (1,595,000)
Details included in the reconciliation of 0% Budget
Math Improvement Teachers from Local to ESSER II $ (542,509) Benefits (7) shifted to ESSER II $ (168,973) ANALYTICS DEVELOPER (SPECIALIST) Shift to ESSER II $ (74,770) ANALYTICS DEVELOPER (SPECIALIST) BENEFITS Shift to ESSER II $ (24,139) HELP DESK VACANCY Shift to ESSER II $ (50,723) HELP DESK VACANCY Benefits Shift to ESSER II $ (24,139) Less: Shifts to ESSER II Grant $ (885,253)
Less: Shifts to ESSER III Grant (Details TBD) $ (6,921,403)
4 ESSER Funds Comparison
Description: This table provides a high-level crosswalk of requirements and their meaning across each ESSER fund. These terms are organized based on guidance from ESSER Funds Comparison ED.gov published as of April 2021. Further guidance is pending and expected in the coming months. Under these acts, each state will provide its own process and reporting requirements, please be sure to check your state's requirements
5 ESSER Funds Comparison
ESSER Fund (CARES Act) ESSER II Fund (CRRSA Act) ESSER III (ARP Act) Norwalk Public Schools Allocation $2,084,380 $11,047,744 $24,811,666 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental The American Rescue Plan Act, passed on March 11, (CARES) Act, passed on March 27, 2020, provided $13.5 Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA), passed on Dec. 27, 2021, provided $122.7 billion in supplemental ESSER Summary of Fund billion to the ESSER Fund. 2020, provided $54.3 billion in supplemental ESSER funding, known as the ESSER III fund. funding, known as the ESSER II Fund.
Intended to provide districts with emergency relief Intended to help school districts safely reopen schools, Intended to reopen schools and accelerate learning funds to address the impact COVID-19 has had on and with a focus on acceleration rather than and mitigate learning loss, allows LEAs broad discretion Intended Use safety and barriers to providing educational services. remediation. Funds may be used for a wide variety of in determining those needs and encourages building purposes. long-term systems of support to modernize and sustain improvements. 20% Reservation for COVID Related NO NO YES Learning Loss Action Required
Period of Performance September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024
SEA Deadline for Awarding Funds Within one year Within one year Within one year
Maintenance of Equity NO NO YES
Supplement not Supplant rule in effect NO NO NO
Publicly Available Reopening Plan NO NO YES
6 ESSER Allowable Uses Categories from Legislation Allowable Use ESSER I, II, III/ARP Addressing learning loss or accelerating progress to Educational Services close learning gaps
Activities to address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth Professional Development Technology Services/Programming All ESEA Authorized programs IDEA Adult Ed Perkins V Coordination Coordination of preparedness and response efforts Community Engagement Comprehensive planning and redesign Activities to address underserved population Procedures Systems to improve response Planning and development Data systems Strategies for public health Continuity of Services (broad flexibility) Procurement Sanitization Long-term closure care, e.g., meals, tech Tech/learning & enrichment Learning loss/tutorial (funding for assessments, CNA itself, family support) Facility repairs A/C inspection and upgrades 7 N/A ESSER II & III NPS Focus Areas • Social Emotional Learning • Social Workers • School Counselors • Special Education (must still maintain MOE) • Enhanced Summer School Programs • Technology to address the digital divide • Tier II Interventions (20% of Grant spent to address learning loss) • Reading/Writing Improvement Teachers • Math Improvement Teachers • Staff Professional Learning • Literacy Coaches • Math Coaches • Family Engagement • Attendance Facilitators • NPS Family Center 8 Grant Relief Funding Expenditures
• CRF (Re-opening/Reimbursement Grant) ~$5MM: • Summer school, paraeducators, learning pods, teachers, nursing, bus monitors, transportation, communications, special education evaluations, social workers, OT/PT, technology staffing, substitutes, food service, PPE, air filtration, cleaning, security/safety and other facilities expenditures
• ESSER I (Academic support for Title I schools) $2.1MM: • Reimbursement for Chromebooks (to the City) $744k • Summer school $400k • Annex salaries & benefits $200k • Annex Outsourced security & cleaning $34k • Annex Utilities $318k • PPE $142k • Other Technology $246k
9 Grant Relief Funding Expenditures
• ESSER II $11MM: • State priorities: academic supports, Family and community connections, SEL, school safety, PPE, cleaning, supplies, upgrade projects to improve air quality in school buildings, facilities repairs to mitigate transmission and technology, connectivity, PD for staff and families • 16 Math & 16 Reading/ Writing Improvement Teachers $7.1MM • 10 Attendance Facilitators (Chronic Absenteeism) $1.5MM • Technology staffing $400k • Family engagement & mitigation of learning loss $1.4MM • Security $10k • Technology devices & software $350k • Air filter replacement & PPE $300k
10 2021-22 Recommended Budget
2020-21 Original 2020-21 Revised 2021-2022 2021-2022 Variance (vs. 2019-2020 Approved Approved Superintendent Approved Original FY BUDGET SUMMARY Actual Budget Budget Recommended Budget 2020-21 Budget)
EXPENDITURES BY OBJECT CODE
Salaries (100) 125,372,323 131,596,309 131,932,202 134,312,281 136,125,058 4,528,749 Transfer to ESSER & Other Grants (150) 147 -505,768 -524,768 1,765,059 -7,840,113 -7,334,345 Employee Benefits (200) 30,652,667 31,533,541 31,773,201 39,115,276 37,128,076 5,594,535 Professional & Technical Services (300) 6,818,249 9,049,423 8,621,144 7,655,006 7,117,917 -1,931,506 Property Services (400) 6,039,921 5,997,034 6,020,549 7,236,504 6,998,091 1,001,058 Other Services (500) 17,750,251 19,775,569 19,567,990 18,548,193 18,536,786 -1,238,783 Supplies and Materials (600) 8,073,568 8,192,741 8,064,279 7,994,321 7,831,679 -361,062 Equipment (700) 3,179,769 2,560,891 2,685,683 2,650,966 2,324,710 -236,181 Other Objects (800) & (900) 199,302 216,188 210,976 846,761 246,181 29,993
GRAND TOTAL 198,086,196 208,415,928 208,351,257 220,124,367 208,468,385 52,457
11 How the Funds are Spent 2021-2022 BOE Approved Budget by Major Object of Expenditure
Supplies & Materials, Equipment, 1.0% Salaries Other Services, 8.3% 3.5%
Other Objects, 0.1% Shifts to Grants Property Services, 3.1%
Employee Benefits Professional & Technical Services, 3.2% Professional & Technical Services
Property Services
Salaries, 60.7% Other Services
Employee Benefits, Supplies & 16.6% Materials
Equipment
Other Objects Shifts to Grants, -3.5%
As a people intensive business that provides service to students, our greatest expenditures are in the areas of salaries and fringe benefits
12 Health Insurance
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST BOARD OF EDUCATION HEALTH INSURANCE BUDGET - GENERAL FUND Percent FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 Variance vs. LY Change Projected Claim Costs - Per consultant $ 31,392,686 $ 35,566,236 $ 38,355,174 $ 2,788,938 7.8% Margin for fluctuation in employee count $ 113,500 $ 118,000 $ 119,100 $ 1,100 0.9% Consulting fees, EAP program $ 63,100 $ 63,100 $ 63,100 $ - 0.0% Retiree - Medicare Advantage Plan $ 465,900 $ 474,300 $ 492,000 $ 17,700 3.7% Life Insurance $ 225,000 $ 193,400 $ 190,700 $ (2,700) -1.4% Curriculum Benefits $ 34,232 $ - $ - $ - 0.0% SUBTOTAL - GROSS COSTS $ 32,294,418 $ 36,415,036 $ 39,220,074 $ 2,805,038 7.7%
Planned Drawdown from Insurance Fund $ (600,000) $ (2,750,000) $ - $ 2,750,000 -100.0%
Employee Premium Cost Share $ (4,408,905) $ (5,002,298) $ (5,806,944) $ (804,646) 16.1%
Grant Reimbursement $ (2,028,775) $ (2,183,549) $ (2,485,742) $ (302,193) 13.8%
Food Services Reimbursement $ (250,000) $ (200,000) $ (210,000) $ (10,000) 5.0%
Retiree Reimbursement $ (573,000) $ (573,000) $ (573,000) $ - 0.0%
COBRA Reimbursement $ (38,000) $ (38,000) $ (38,000) $ - 0.0% TRB Reimbursement $ (277,000) $ (277,000) $ (277,000) $ - 0.0%
Savings from Budget Changes/Reductions $ - $ (61,885) $ - $ 61,885 -100.0% New Hires/Eliminations - Fringe Benefits $ 388,873 $ 500,000 $ 623,047 $ 123,047 24.6%
SUBTOTAL - REVENUES & ADJUSTMENTS $ (7,786,807) $ (10,585,732) $ (8,767,640) $ 1,818,092 -17.2% GENERAL FUND BUDGET CONTRIBUTION $ 24,507,611 $ 25,829,304 $ 30,452,434 $ 4,623,130 17.9% Budgeted in departmental budgets $ 1,197,393 $ 2,180,743 $ 2,978,249 $ 797,506 36.6% CENTRAL DEPT 57 - ACCOUNT 212 $ 23,310,218 $ 23,648,561 $ 27,474,185 $ 3,825,624 16.2% 13 2021-22 SBB Process & Assumptions • SBB meetings included: • Principal & other school based staff as needed • Finance • Human Resources • Supervisor/ Chief • School improvement & grant support • Specialized education • SGC approval reviewed and received from most schools
• SBB process: • Reviewed roster and recommended appropriate changes with Curriculum & Talent guidance (salaries & benefits based on school average by level and positions) • Accounted for all stipends (in contract) • Reviewed non-wage expenditure needs & requirements vs. trends and future plans for school • Allocated magnet funds appropriately in line committee’s allocation • Held 0.5% for enrollment influxes (based on funding less magnet allocation) • Reviewed other staff rosters (Central Office, SPED, Grants) in to confirm correct allocation to building based on formulas • Vacancies have been posted 14 2021-2022 SBB Recap by Level
Elementary School Level: – Montessori slots funded at Brookside, including new Montessori classroom – All Schools have maintained % of the CISD FTE within the local budget with the remainder of the FTE funded in the Alliance grant, including adjustment to a 12 month position – Adhered to # of sections required to stay within class size guidelines per the contract – All Schools have added a Math and Reading/Writing Improvement Teacher
Middle School Level: – All Schools have added a Math and Reading/Writing Improvement Teacher – Follow house model: 2 houses at Nathan Hale & Roton and 3 houses at West Rocks & Ponus – Restore MS sports allocation to previous levels of $40k per school
15 2021-2022 SBB Recap by Level
High School Level: – PTECH & CGS continue the buildout of teachers at individual schools – Allocation of department expenditures & staff at PTECH & CGS – Classes aligned with the Program of Study and require a 15 student minimum All Levels: – Reserve 0.5% of budget (excluding magnet) in order to address enrollment fluctuations vs. projections – All Schools have added Attendance Facilitators to address chronic absenteeism – All Schools have added a Math Coach with exception of: • CGS & BMHS share a Math Coach • West Rocks: elected to hire 3 Math Improvement teachers (1 per grade) instead who will split their duties to include a portion of the role coaching teachers – All Schools have added a Literacy Coach with exception of: • CGS • West Rocks: elected to hire 3 Reading/Writing Improvement teachers (1 per grade) instead who will split their duties to include a portion of the role coaching teachers
16 Tier II interventions to deliver focused/targeted interventions through new Reading & Math Positions Literacy & Math Positions 2021-22
Local Grant Total Position Position Position Tier II Position Amount FTEs Amount FTEs Amount FTEs LITERACY COACH $815,680 9.00 $738,900 9.00 $1,554,580 18.00 ES $571,597 6.00 $494,817 6.00 $1,066,414 12.00 MS $92,455 1.00 $168,269 2.00 $260,724 3.00 HS (1) $151,628 2.00 $75,814 1.00 $227,442 3.00 MATH COACH $901,388 10.00 $618,500 8.00 $1,519,888 18.00 ES $636,184 7.00 $391,058 5.00 $1,027,242 12.00 MS (2) $189,390 2.00 $75,814 1.00 $265,204 3.00 HS $75,814 1.00 $151,628 2.00 $227,442 3.00 READ/WRITE IMPROVEMENT TEACHER $108,598 1.00 $1,508,687 17.00 $1,617,285 18.00 ES $0 0.00 $1,037,781 12.00 $1,037,781 12.00 MS (3) $108,598 1.00 $470,906 5.00 $579,504 6.00 MATH IMPROVEMENT TEACHER $87,221 1.00 $1,347,745 17.00 $1,434,966 18.00 ES $941,746 12.00 $941,746 12.00 MS (3) $87,221 1.00 $405,999 5.00 $493,220 6.00 Grand Total $1,912,887 21.00 $4,213,832 51.00 $6,126,719 72.00
(1) Literacy Coach not needed at CGS due to test scores (2) Math Coach shared between BMHS (85%) & CGS (15%) (3) 3 Math & Reading Improvement Teachers at West Rocks in lieu of traditional Coach positions. Each job description includes 70% interventionist, 30% coach. With three in each subject area, that is about the equivalent of two coaches (one math, one literacy). This also allows for the focus of each person on one grade level and one group of teachers. This will not allow only for targeted coaching, but a more robust SRBI model.
18 Magnet Programs 2021-22 • Previous allocation methodology presents serious equity concerns • Redesign Magnet Program funding allocation structure: • Eliminate automatic per student allocations • Define magnet schools • Base funding decisions on actual program needs • Require schools to apply for funding and demonstrate need • Funding decreased from $2.55MM to $1.05MM in order to fund literacy & math specialists District-wide • Set accountability metrics that are clear, achievable and measurable • Conduct year-end reviews to document student achievement in connection with magnet allocations • Magnet review committee was formed to evaluate and score magnet applications submitted based on a rating rubric that was based directly on the questions in the application
19 Magnet Program Allocations 2021-22
Program FY 2020-21 Approved FY 2021-22 Request FY 2021-22 Final Approved BMHS - Marine Science Academy $ 50,000 $ 50,174 $ 25,000 BMHS - Healthcare Academy $ 175,000 $ 109,874 $ 60,000 IB - Career Related Program $ 45,000 $ 43,500 $ 15,000 IB- Middle Years Program $ - $ 70,800 $ - IB - Diploma Programme $ 185,000 $ 128,100 $ 95,000 NHS - Digital Media Communications Academy $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 70,000 PTECH $ 400,000 $ 325,000 $ 275,000 Brookside Montessori $ 36,000 $ - $ - Columbus Bank Street Program $ 375,000 $ 221,329 $ 147,000 Kendall College & Career Academy $ 310,000 $ 310,000 $ 100,000 Silvermine Dual Language Magnet $ 420,000 $ 223,552 $ 190,000 Tracey Character Ed Magnet $ 459,000 $ 291,893 $ 73,000 Wolfpit Arts Magnet $ - $ 211,129 $ -
TOTAL $ 2,555,000 $ 2,085,351 $ 1,050,000
20 21 FY 2021-22 APPENDIX 2021-22 Per Pupil Spending By High School
Enrollment Revised 2020- Base per Magnet Total Per Revised Adjustments 21 SBB School pupil Enrollment Base SBB $ Funding Total SBB $ Pupil Enrollment in Funding Funding BMHS - 03 $ 8,515 1,797 $ 15,300,635 $ 195,000 $ 15,495,635 $ 8,623 1,797 $ - $ 15,495,635 CGS - 08 $ 8,515 283 $ 2,409,616 $ - $ 2,409,616 $ 8,515 283 $ - $ 2,409,616 NHS - 05 $ 8,515 1,550 $ 13,197,543 $ 70,000 $ 13,267,543 $ 8,560 1,550 $ - $ 13,267,543 PTECH - 12 $ 8,515 393 $ 3,346,216 $ 275,000 $ 3,621,216 $ 9,214 413 $ 170,291 $ 3,791,507 TOTAL HS $ 8,515 4,023 $ 34,254,009 $ 540,000 $ 34,794,009 $ 8,649 4,043 $ 170,291 $34,964,300
Base per Magnet Total Per School pupil Enrollment Base SBB $ Funding Total SBB $ Pupil GRANT TOTAL CGS - 08 $ 8,515 283 $ 2,409,616 $ - $ 2,409,616 $ 8,515 $ 1,341,880 $ 3,751,496
23 2021-22 Per Pupil Spending By Middle School
MS Total SBB $ Base per Magnet Total Per Afterschool (w/ MS School pupil Enrollment Base SBB $ Funding Total SBB $ Pupil Sports Sports) Nathan Hale - 14 $ 8,784 596 $ 5,235,259 $ - $ 5,235,259 $ 8,784 $ 40,000 $ 5,275,259 Ponus - 16 $ 8,784 656 $ 5,762,299 $ - $ 5,762,299 $ 8,784 $ 40,000 $ 5,802,299 Roton - 18 $ 8,784 626 $ 5,498,779 $ - $ 5,498,779 $ 8,784 $ 40,000 $ 5,538,779 West Rocks - 19 $ 8,784 698 $ 6,131,227 $ - $ 6,131,227 $ 8,784 $ 40,000 $ 6,171,227 Columbus - 24 $ 8,784 49 $ 430,416 $ - $ 430,416 $ 8,784 $ 430,416 Middle School Total $ 8,784 2,625 $ 23,057,980 $ - $ 23,057,980 $ 8,784 $ 160,000 $ 23,217,980
24 2021-22 Per Pupil Spending By Elementary School
Base per Magnet Total Per School pupil Enrollment Base SBB $ Funding Total SBB $ Pupil Brookside - 22 $ 8,539 426 $ 3,637,783 $ - $ 3,637,783 $ 8,539 Columbus - 24 $ 8,539 261 $ 2,228,783 $ 147,000 $ 2,375,783 $ 9,103 Cranbury - 25 $ 8,539 448 $ 3,825,650 $ - $ 3,825,650 $ 8,539 Fox Run - 28 $ 8,539 387 $ 3,304,747 $ - $ 3,304,747 $ 8,539 Jefferson - 32 $ 8,539 422 $ 3,603,626 $ - $ 3,603,626 $ 8,539 Kendall - 34 $ 8,539 446 $ 3,808,571 $ 100,000 $ 3,908,571 $ 8,764 Marvin - 37 $ 8,539 421 $ 3,595,086 $ - $ 3,595,086 $ 8,539 Naramake - 39 $ 8,539 346 $ 2,954,632 $ - $ 2,954,632 $ 8,539 Rowayton - 43 $ 8,539 505 $ 4,312,396 $ - $ 4,312,396 $ 8,539 Silvermine - 44 $ 8,539 467 $ 3,987,899 $ 190,000 $ 4,177,899 $ 8,946 Tracey - 45 $ 8,539 461 $ 3,936,662 $ 73,000 $ 4,009,662 $ 8,698 Wolfpit - 49 $ 8,539 333 $ 2,843,619 $ - $ 2,843,619 $ 8,539 Elementary School Total $ 8,539 4,923 $ 42,039,454 $ 510,000 $ 42,549,454 $ 8,643
25 2021-22 Per Pupil Spending Columbus Total (K-8)
Base per Magnet Total Per School pupil Enrollment Base SBB $ Funding Total SBB $ Pupil Columbus - 24 ES $ 8,539 261 $ 2,228,783 $ 147,000 $ 2,375,783 $ 9,103 Columbus - 24 MS $ 8,784 49 $ 430,416 $ - $ 430,416 $ 8,784 Columbus Total (K-8) $ 8,578 310 $ 2,659,198 $ 147,000 $ 2,806,198 $ 9,052
26
INFORMATION and REPORTS
LGBTQ Pride Month
The Norwalk Board of Education and Norwalk Public Schools are pleased to recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month. By proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month, the Board of Education welcomes and supports all students, staff and families, no matter their gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. The Board of Education and Norwalk Public Schools administrators, educators and staff are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for all. We believe that encouraging greater acceptance and support for all youth, including those who are or are perceived to be LGBTQ, will make communities, schools, and other settings safer, better places for all students. Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to coincide with events of June 1969, when patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted the persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This moment in history is regarded as the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans. Today, LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, attracting millions of participants around the world. In classrooms this month and throughout the year, students discuss LGBTQ people and their struggles to achieve equity and justice in all aspects of their lives. They are learning about important LGBTQ people in history and reading literature that features LGBTQ people. By recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month, the Board of Education encourages all students, staff and families to learn more about the challenges that the LGBTQ community have faced throughout history, as well as the LGBTQ Americans who have contributed to and shaped culture, business, government and other aspects of society. We encourage all to join us in creating a culture of awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all.
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING SUMMARY REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH
Salaries (100) 131,090,541 129,973,399 62.36% -1,117,142 -0.85% 10,080,802 105,370,561 81.07% 10,228,778 102,950,516 2.35%
Benefits (200) 31,533,541 31,956,519 15.33% 422,978 1.34% 219,760 22,841,359 71.48% 380,528 21,960,316 4.01%
Professional & Technical Services (300) 9,049,423 8,814,273 4.23% -235,150 -2.60% 534,207 5,931,904 67.30% 349,370 4,824,172 22.96%
Property Services (400) 5,997,034 6,247,720 3.00% 250,686 4.18% 575,797 5,205,876 83.32% 273,214 4,817,311 8.07%
Other Services (500) 19,775,569 18,074,088 8.67% -1,701,481 -8.60% 1,747,182 14,454,409 79.97% 609,292 14,752,457 -2.02%
Supplies and Materials (600) 8,192,741 8,721,181 4.18% 528,439 6.45% 298,667 5,675,966 65.08% 324,498 5,654,748 0.38%
Equipment (700) 2,560,891 4,434,471 2.13% 1,873,580 73.16% 214,514 2,007,357 45.27% 112,479 1,974,458 1.67%
Other Objects (800) 216,188 194,278 0.09% -21,910 -10.13% 5,793 139,956 72.04% -4,031 172,943 -19.07%
Others 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% -33,043 0 0.00% 74,693 311,911 -100.00%
TOTAL 208,415,928 208,415,928 100.00% 0 0.00% 13,643,678 161,627,388 77.55% 12,348,821 157,418,831 2.67%
1 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH Salaries (100)
100 DEGREE LEVEL CHANGES 162,252 15,994 0.01% -146,258 -90.14% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
101 LONG TERM SUBSTITUTES 185,346 414,365 0.20% 229,019 123.56% 31,782 342,283 82.60% 30,141 413,309 -17.18% Cert 102 PROFESSIONAL 469,203 263,271 0.13% -205,932 -43.89% 376 66,331 25.20% -665 24,379 172.09% DEVELOPMENT 103 SUBSTITUTE INTERNS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
111 SUPERINTENDENT 291,057 309,540 0.15% 18,483 6.35% 22,308 287,189 92.78% 22,824 281,222 2.12%
112 CENTRAL ADMIN SUP TEAM 1,310,149 1,262,068 0.61% -48,081 -3.67% 89,788 1,125,020 89.14% 101,096 1,214,474 -7.37%
113 PRINCIPALS 6,881,054 6,883,000 3.30% 1,946 0.03% 476,486 6,036,110 87.70% 466,719 5,516,117 9.43%
114 SUPERVISORS 982,174 1,043,952 0.50% 61,778 6.29% 75,666 908,107 86.99% 87,206 1,043,027 -12.94%
115 ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS 838,531 855,831 0.41% 17,300 2.06% 65,555 789,937 92.30% 37,711 463,633 70.38%
116 DLC-TEACHERS AFTER 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% BUDGET ROLL 117 TEACHERS 81,984,105 81,895,492 39.29% -88,613 -0.11% 6,565,070 64,567,534 78.84% 6,322,175 62,245,357 3.73%
118 SUBSTITUTES Cert Daily 283,599 272,027 0.13% -11,572 -4.08% 34,294 252,440 92.80% -56,472 600,772 -57.98%
119 OTHER CERTIFIED 8,667,258 8,612,454 4.13% -54,804 -0.63% 662,202 6,623,432 76.91% 680,006 6,831,475 -3.05%
121 SECRETARY 2,707,694 2,722,510 1.31% 14,816 0.55% 195,582 2,272,455 83.47% 246,563 2,344,473 -3.07%
122 AIDE 10,953,565 11,116,077 5.33% 162,512 1.48% 927,427 9,421,283 84.75% 1,126,440 9,282,317 1.50%
123 CLERKS 1,095,188 996,532 0.48% -98,656 -9.01% 78,832 911,331 91.45% 124,075 1,153,145 -20.97%
124 CUSTODIANS 3,421,547 3,113,805 1.49% -307,742 -8.99% 227,427 2,661,769 85.48% 308,270 3,125,392 -14.83%
125 MAINTENANCE 558,678 558,678 0.27% 0 0.00% 42,323 485,252 86.86% 52,430 485,080 0.04%
126 NON-AFFILIATED 4,792,196 4,765,614 2.29% -26,582 -0.55% 349,375 4,188,206 87.88% 390,710 3,730,468 12.27%
127 OTHER NON-CERTIFIED 757,265 732,790 0.35% -24,475 -3.23% 61,314 596,713 81.43% 80,030 658,697 -9.41%
1 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 128 SUBSTITUTES Non-Cert LT 239,357 233,514 0.11% -5,843 -2.44% 39,554 183,521 78.59% 1,573 128,011 43.36%
129 FOOD SVC-SUMMER 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% PAYROLL 130 OVERTIME SALARIES 569,222 664,176 0.32% 94,954 16.68% 12,238 487,152 73.35% 279 530,560 -8.18%
131 CERTIFIED OVERTIME 35,000 10,984 0.01% -24,016 -68.62% 0 4,165 37.92% 0 2,622 58.88% SALAR 133 SALARIES-WORKSHOPS 84,100 109,110 0.05% 25,010 29.74% 0 16,449 15.08% 150 23,785 -30.84%
134 SALARIES-EXTRA 136,802 194,302 0.09% 57,500 42.03% 34,602 140,248 72.18% 2,560 208,899 -32.86% CURRICULA 135 SECURITY 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
137 CERTIFIED HOURLY 704,417 772,917 0.37% 68,500 9.72% -130,573 305,733 39.56% 17,023 360,382 -15.16%
138 NON-CERTIFIED HOURLY 152,500 120,694 0.06% -31,806 -20.86% 5,344 56,312 46.66% -652 47,804 17.80%
139 EXTRA-CURRICULAR 1,294,509 1,293,599 0.62% -910 -0.07% 46,226 901,487 69.69% 51,762 862,093 4.57% STIPENDS 143 NURSES 1,715,625 1,726,559 0.83% 10,934 0.64% 129,459 1,369,179 79.30% 117,374 1,216,503 12.55%
145 PHYSICAL THERAPIST 323,916 473,666 0.23% 149,750 46.23% 38,144 370,923 78.31% 19,452 156,372 137.21%
150 REDESIGN FUNDS -505,768 -1,460,121 -0.70% -954,353 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 147 -100.00%
Salaries (100) 131,090,541 129,973,399 62.36% -1,117,142 -0.85% 10,080,802 105,370,561 81.07% 10,228,778 102,950,516 2.35%
Benefits (200)
200 PERSONAL 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% SERVICES-EMPL B 212 FRINGE BENEFITS 25,829,303 26,068,963 12.51% 239,660 0.93% 0 17,736,421 68.04% 0 17,482,664 1.45%
213 WELLNESS PROGRAM 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
220 SOCIAL SECURITY 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% CONTRIBU 230 RETIREMENT BENEFITS 1,591,000 1,591,000 0.76% 0 0.00% 72,154 1,144,207 71.92% 33,394 501,588 128.12%
2 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 235 LONGEVITY 238,976 296,476 0.14% 57,500 24.06% 96 296,157 99.89% 120 314,610 -5.87%
240 SOCIAL SECURITY 3,669,814 3,669,814 1.76% 0 0.00% 125,932 3,297,512 89.86% 347,014 3,643,012 -9.48%
250 UNEMPLOYMENT 204,448 330,266 0.16% 125,818 61.54% 21,578 367,063 111.14% 18,443 1,890.26% COMPENSATIO 290 OTHER EMPLOYEE 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% BENEFITS Benefits (200) 31,533,541 31,956,519 15.33% 422,978 1.34% 219,760 22,841,359 71.48% 380,528 21,960,316 4.01%
Professional & Technical Services (300)
300 PURCHASED PROF AND 225,273 227,973 0.11% 2,700 1.20% 21,529 170,388 74.74% 175,730 -3.04% TECH 301 ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS 183,855 135,855 0.07% -48,000 -26.11% 4,582 46,076 33.92% 512 89,994 -48.80%
311 RECRUITMENT 99,000 36,613 0.02% -62,387 -63.02% 0 30,904 84.41% 1,675 76,360 -59.53%
312 IN SERVICE 0 5,007 0.00% 5,007 0.00% 0 5,007 100.00% 0 0.00%
321 INSTRUCTION-NON-PAYRO 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% LL 322 INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 360 -100.00% IM 323 PUPIL SERV-NON-PAYROLL 80,500 80,500 0.04% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 46,750 -100.00% S 324 FIELD TRIPS 42,600 17,238 0.01% -25,362 -59.53% 0 930 5.39% 0 77,513 -98.80%
325 PARENT ACTIVITY 4,000 4,000 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 2,642 -100.00%
329 MEDICAID 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% REIMBURSEMENT CREDIT 330 OTHER PROF TECH 7,797,205 7,688,566 3.69% -108,639 -1.39% 459,300 5,178,497 67.35% 318,228 4,025,195 28.65% SERVICES 331 LEGAL FEES 616,990 618,521 0.30% 1,531 0.25% 48,796 500,102 80.85% 28,955 329,627 51.72%
Professional & Technical Services (300) 9,049,423 8,814,273 4.23% -235,150 -2.60% 534,207 5,931,904 67.30% 349,370 4,824,172 22.96%
3 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH Property Services (400)
400 PURCHASED PROPERTY 3,053,467 3,217,559 1.54% 164,092 5.37% 436,494 2,868,927 89.16% 264,472 2,438,550 17.65% SERVI 410 UTILITY SERV (WAT & SEW) 226,743 256,543 0.12% 29,800 13.14% 0 169,937 66.24% 0 169,788 0.09%
412 BOILER REPAIRS 200,850 245,050 0.12% 44,200 22.01% 8,228 216,880 88.50% 1,200 179,864 20.58%
413 TUBES & REFRACTORY 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
414 BURNER SERVICE 25,750 10,750 0.01% -15,000 -58.25% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
415 OTHER REPAIRS 11,000 11,000 0.01% 0 0.00% 0 8,021 72.92% 6,003 33.62%
416 PNEUMATIC CONTROLS 25,838 25,838 0.01% 0 0.00% 0 14,557 56.34% 21,297 -31.65%
417 CLOCKS & INTERCOMS 10,000 5,000 0.00% -5,000 -50.00% 0 2,519 50.37% 2,373 6.15%
420 CLEANING SERVICES 26,050 14,320 0.01% -11,730 -45.03% 0 1,337 9.34% 13,299 15,776 -91.53%
421 DISPOSAL SERVICES 138,817 138,817 0.07% 0 0.00% 12,030 109,591 78.95% 92,674 18.25%
425 GLASS 12,000 12,000 0.01% 0 0.00% 0 6,912 57.60% 663 6,496 6.41%
430 REPAIRS AND MAINT SERV 1,670,322 1,776,290 0.85% 105,968 6.34% 80,285 1,422,599 80.09% -12,428 1,397,980 1.76%
431 ELEVATOR SERVICE 49,613 49,613 0.02% 0 0.00% -2,289 29,098 58.65% 2,176 32,906 -11.57%
432 ELECTRIC SERVICE 21,525 21,525 0.01% 0 0.00% 894 24,266 112.73% 10,331 134.89%
433 ELECTRIC MOTORS 30,240 20,240 0.01% -10,000 -33.07% 1,031 3,750 18.53% 9,290 -59.63%
434 FOLDING PARTITIONS 10,927 10,927 0.01% 0 0.00% 0 950 8.69% 0 0.00%
439 REPAIRS - MISC 600 600 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%
440 RENTALS 30,117 30,117 0.01% 0 0.00% 45,342 125,739 417.50% 175 19,250 553.19%
441 RENTAL OF LAND AND 29,925 22,381 0.01% -7,544 -25.21% 0 17,890 79.93% 26,300 -31.98% BUILD 450 CONSTRUCTION SERVICES 297,000 252,900 0.12% -44,100 -14.85% -7,580 102,592 40.57% 1,000 270,975 -62.14%
4 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 455 CONSTRUCTION 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% PROJ-REIMB 490 SECURITY SERVICES 26,250 26,250 0.01% 0 0.00% 727 7,425 28.28% 483 25,079 -70.39%
492 LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS 100,000 100,000 0.05% 0 0.00% 636 72,887 72.89% 2,175 92,379 -21.10%
494 PURCH SERVICE SWIM 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% POOL Property Services (400) 5,997,034 6,247,720 3.00% 250,686 4.18% 575,797 5,205,876 83.32% 273,214 4,817,311 8.07%
Other Services (500)
500 OTHER PURCHASED 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 -1,003 0.00% -8,072 0.00% SERVICES 510 STUDENT TRANS SERV 9,108,306 8,932,452 4.29% -175,854 -1.93% 114,187 7,273,312 81.43% 23,255 8,222,224 -11.54% -PUBL 511 STUDENT TRANS 323,235 401,235 0.19% 78,000 24.13% 0 301,296 75.09% 185,021 62.84% SERV-NON-P 514 STATE TRANSP 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% REIMBURSEMENT 519 STUDENT TRANS IND ARTS 17,280 17,280 0.01% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 8,750 -100.00%
520 WORKMENS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% COMPENSATION 521 GEN LIAB/PROPERTY INS 5,000 5,000 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
529 INTER ACTI INSUR PREM PA 74,800 71,400 0.03% -3,400 -4.55% 0 34,192 47.89% 39,192 -12.76%
530 COMMUNICATIONS 367,812 373,097 0.18% 5,285 1.44% 71,628 273,025 73.18% 26,300 305,818 -10.72%
540 ADVERTISING 27,455 18,665 0.01% -8,790 -32.02% 250 22,154 118.69% 275 997 2,123.05%
550 PRINTING AND BINDING 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
562 SPEC ED TUITION - OTHER 1,774,619 1,538,500 0.74% -236,119 -13.31% 410,578 1,207,957 78.52% 65,464 961,194 25.67% LEA's 563 SPEC ED - OOD 7,595,357 6,388,203 3.07% -1,207,154 -15.89% 1,128,659 5,189,051 81.23% 481,938 4,786,924 8.40% TUITION/EC/SAP
5 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 564 OOD TUITION-EXCESS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% COST/SAP 565 Regular Ed. OOD 100,000 112,622 0.05% 12,622 12.62% 0 17,100 15.18% 16,900 1.18% Tuition-LEA's 566 REGULAR ED OOD TUITION 77,250 41,730 0.02% -35,520 -45.98% 8,295 18,231 43.69% 23,223 -21.50%
580 TRAVEL 266,240 148,488 0.07% -117,752 -44.23% 12,292 117,353 79.03% 12,061 200,945 -41.60%
590 MISCELL PURCH SERV 38,215 25,416 0.01% -12,799 -33.49% 1,292 1,742 6.85% 0 9,342 -81.35%
Other Services (500) 19,775,569 18,074,088 8.67% -1,701,481 -8.60% 1,747,182 14,454,409 79.97% 609,292 14,752,457 -2.02%
Supplies and Materials (600)
600 SUPPLIES 404,241 349,288 0.17% -54,953 -13.59% 187 286,698 82.08% 15,608 239,137 19.89%
610 GENERAL SUPPLIES 438,232 422,628 0.20% -15,604 -3.56% 47,069 328,433 77.71% 27,433 337,118 -2.58%
611 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES 1,268,168 1,577,696 0.76% 309,528 24.41% 106,674 728,253 46.16% 85,674 933,979 -22.03%
612 ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLIES 6,000 5,000 0.00% -1,000 -16.67% 0 2,260 45.20% 0 0.00%
613 MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 211,050 280,700 0.13% 69,650 33.00% -3,331 234,092 83.40% 23,625 198,650 17.84%
614 POSTAGE 82,503 79,413 0.04% -3,090 -3.74% 628 29,195 36.76% 40,088 83,322 -64.96%
615 PAPER/CLEANING 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% SUPPLIES 616 TESTING 18,000 114,377 0.05% 96,377 535.43% 0 13,747 12.02% 5,072 108,351 -87.31%
618 MISC - SUMMER FEEDING 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% PROGRAM 622 ELECTRICITY 2,390,946 2,405,846 1.15% 14,900 0.62% -35,509 1,813,151 75.36% 0 1,491,665 21.55%
623 PROPANE GAS 9,270 9,270 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 3,917 42.25% 419 5,645 -30.61%
624 OIL 551,340 551,340 0.26% 0 0.00% 0 466,848 84.68% 444,828 4.95%
625 NATURAL GAS 879,953 879,953 0.42% 0 0.00% 121,630 903,138 102.63% 79,360 713,448 26.59%
626 GASOLINE 223,029 223,029 0.11% 0 0.00% 0 151,227 67.81% 1,162 164,502 -8.07%
6 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 640 BOOKS AND PERIODICALS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%
641 TEXTBOOKS (HARD 665,821 517,585 0.25% -148,236 -22.26% 32,268 193,221 37.33% 8,496 484,197 -60.09% COVER/REPL) 642 LIBRARY BOOKS AND 63,122 60,894 0.03% -2,228 -3.53% 99 11,148 18.31% 0 16,287 -31.55% PERIOD 643 TECH SUPPLIES 70,091 112,449 0.05% 42,358 60.43% 985 37,234 33.11% 5,017 31,037 19.97%
644 CONSUMABLES/WORKBOO 382,787 271,497 0.13% -111,290 -29.07% 0 133,706 49.25% 30 145,242 -7.94% KS 645 TEXTBOOKS (SOFT COVER) 52,000 133,467 0.06% 81,467 156.67% 713 28,539 21.38% 2,456 14,407 98.09%
646 BOOK BINDING 500 0 0.00% -500 -100.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
689 Retention & Engagement 55,000 25,000 0.01% -30,000 -54.55% 0 1,693 6.77% 10,714 -84.20%
690 OTHER SUPPLIES AND 375,289 643,614 0.31% 268,325 71.50% 17,025 295,583 45.93% 20,993 216,413 36.58% MATER 692 GRADUATION EXPENSES 45,400 58,135 0.03% 12,735 28.05% 10,231 13,883 23.88% 9,063 15,807 -12.17%
693 ACCREDITATION 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Supplies and Materials (600) 8,192,741 8,721,181 4.18% 528,439 6.45% 298,667 5,675,966 65.08% 324,498 5,654,748 0.38%
Equipment (700)
700 PROPERTY 114,357 122,653 0.06% 8,296 7.25% 9,284 44,971 36.67% 9,158 391.03%
730 INSTRUCTIONAL 852,491 2,330,803 1.12% 1,478,312 173.41% 166,191 689,876 29.60% 38,101 664,411 3.83% EQUIPMENT 731 MACHINERY 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
732 VEHICLES 0 25,000 0.01% 25,000 0.00% 0 27,141 108.57% 39 13,333 103.57%
733 INSTRUCTIONAL 732,108 999,218 0.48% 267,110 36.49% 7,658 748,748 74.93% 59,727 477,293 56.87% SOFTWARE 734 OTHER EQUIPMENT 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
735 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
7 NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, June 3, 2021 MONTHLY TRACKING DETAIL REPORT MAY 2021
OBJECT ORIGINAL ADJUSTED % OF VARIANCE VARIANCE MONTHLY YTD % OF LAST LAST YEAR YR OVER BUDGET BUDGET OPERATI $ % ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET YEAR YTD YR NG SPENT MTD GROWTH 737 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
739 NON-INSTRUCTIONAL 504,521 598,182 0.29% 93,661 18.56% 1,029 168,403 28.15% 14,613 486,259 -65.37% EQUIPMENT 749 LEASE PAYMENTS 357,414 358,614 0.17% 1,200 0.34% 30,351 328,217 91.52% 324,004 1.30%
Equipment (700) 2,560,891 4,434,471 2.13% 1,873,580 73.16% 214,514 2,007,357 45.27% 112,479 1,974,458 1.67%
Other Objects (800)
800 OTHER OBJECTS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
810 DUES,FEES AND 216,188 194,278 0.09% -21,910 -10.13% 5,793 139,956 72.04% -4,031 172,943 -19.07% MEMBERSHIP 813 PUBLIC RELATIONS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
822 INST PROGRAM 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% IMPROVEMENT 890 REDESIGN FUNDS 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
891 CLOTHING 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Other Objects (800) 216,188 194,278 0.09% -21,910 -10.13% 5,793 139,956 72.04% -4,031 172,943 -19.07%
Others
910 Fund Transfers Out. 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0 0.00%
912 COVID 19 EXPENSE 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% -33,043 0 0.00% 74,693 311,911 -100.00%
Others 0 0 0.00% 0 0.00% -33,043 0 0.00% 74,693 311,911 -100.00%
TOTAL 208,415,928 208,415,928 100.00% 0 0.00% 13,643,678 161,627,388 77.55% 12,348,821 157,418,831 2.67%
8
MINUTES NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION May 4, 2021
ATTENDANCE: Mayor Rilling, Colin Hosten, Chair; Godfrey Azima; Michael Barbis, Diana Carpio, Erica DePalma, Sherelle Harris, Heidi Keyes, Suzanne Koroshetz, Sarah LeMieux
STAFF: Dr. Alexandra Estrella, Superintendent of Schools; Frank Costanzo, Chief of School Operations; Donalda Chumney, Chief Academic Officer; Sandra Kase, Acting Chief Academic Officer; Yvette Goorevitch, Chief of Specialized Learning and Student Services; Tom Hamilton Chief Financial Officer; Ralph Valenzisi, Chief of Digital Learning and Development; JoAnn Malinowski, Alissa Erotopoulos
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Hosten called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Students from Wolfpit Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. SPOTLIGHT
NPS Students Celebrate National Social Emotional Learning Day Through the Arts
Throughout the school year and the many challenges that staff and students have faced during the public health crisis, developing Social Emotional Learning skills has been critical to help students feel safe and supported.
The Board of Education is proud to recognize the staff and students who engaged and participated in National Social Emotional Learning Day Through the Arts, which took place across the district in late March.
Realizing the national shift to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, we know that Social Emotional Learning also enhances students’ capacity to deal with everyday issues. When combined with the arts, students can learn, practice and develop their social-emotional skills, while building self-awareness, empathy, and patience.
From “Emotions Hokey Pokey” to whole-school meditation and belly breathing, NPS teachers developed creative ways to infuse the arts in their classrooms to celebrate National Social-Emotional Learning Day. Students expressed feelings through word clouds, drawing, poetry, songwriting, dance, role-playing, mindfulness activities, deep breathing and stretching activities.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 1
Students at each level focused on a specific goal for the day. Elementary students worked on how to identify and name feelings. Middle school students focused on how to put feelings into words, and high school students discussed who to share feelings with.
National Social Emotional Day is an initiative celebrated throughout the country through The Action Network a national alliance for Social and Emotional Learning. We are very proud of our students and staff for doing such a great job fusing Social Emotional Learning and the Arts. Please enjoy this compilation video highlighting student work from this very special day.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Hosten read excerpts of public comments emailed to the Board, the full copy is below:
Michele Casey 26 Possum Lane
I'm writing to you out of concern regarding the presentation being made at the Board of Education meeting tomorrow night, May 4th. No Impact on Numbers My concerns are with the planning/redistricting scenarios being presented. The scenarios being presented are adversely affecting the portion of the 6th and 4th taxing districts that lie north of the train tracks and are currently zoned to attend Rowayton Elementary School. In every one of the scenarios this north section of Rowayton is slated to be moved to either Brookside or Fox Run Elementary School. The main objective of the planning scenarios is to "enhance equity for South Norwalk students", I believe moving the small section of Rowayton school families does not affect this goal or have anything to do with achieving this goal. I agree with enhancing the education of not only the south Norwalk students, but for all of the students in the district. This neighborhood being redistricted does nothing to help “equity.” Rather, it removes a very active and involved group of residents from schools we’ve invested in. No Community Input I have questions regarding the guidelines given to the firm that came up with these scenarios, which are not included in the packet. I would like to see the current map for the entire school district, not just the south Norwalk area. I would also like to know if the company talked to school staff, parents or property owners that would be affected. Were there any community discussions that took place? I don’t recall getting a notice of a possible re-districting of the schools. For a large decision such as this that affects so many people I would expect there to be input from the community. The negative impacts on families who have children that currently attend the school are widespread and complicated. The documents state current students can continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings? Fracturing a Strong Community Making this change would negatively impact our children in not being part of the Rowayton community. Many families who bought a house in this area are families who recognize the value of Rowayton School and have invested in affordable properties that allow them to get the best education for their children and be a part of a small-town community. Many people who live in this area are active within the school - I can name three PTA presidents within the last 6 years that live in the affected redistricted area and countless more PTA members, families that are invested in their current school community in everything from school events to soccer leagues. Property Values and Taxes What happens to our property values and property taxes? People who live in this area should be concerned with how this affects their property value, regardless of whether or not they have children or have children that are older. Part of the value equation for a property is what schools you attend when
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 2 you live there. We all bought houses based on the value of our children attending Rowayton Elementary School. These planning scenarios negatively impact the value of our property and the property tax income of the city. I counted 198 houses on 14 streets being affected by this proposed scenario. I quickly calculated a lost revenue of property tax income for the city of roughly $800,000 with a drop in property value of 20%. If this proposal is adopted we will immediately file suit against the town requesting a significantly reduced tax appraisal on the Norwalk Grand List. We imagine all our neighbors will file suit as well. Conclusion We are one hundred percent against the proposed redistricting scenarios put forth that would send kids in this affected neighborhood to Brookside and Ponus. The proposal has no impact on the diversity numbers, it will fracture a community and will result in a dramatic decrease in homeowners property values.
Jerome Edwards- 7 Possum Lane
It has been brought to our attention re: the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods. • We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over-improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings?
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 3
Jennifer Pagano, 23 Briar Street
I just found out that the BOE is considering redistricting Rowayton Elementary and the Roton Middle School districts, which would potentially affect our neighborhood. My daughter went to Rowayton Elementary School for K-5th grade and currently attends Roton Middle School.
One of the advantages of purchasing a home in Rowayton is the elementary and middle school. We purchased our property specifically for the schools. The cost of the homes in this district is higher because of the schools and we spent more money to get into these schools. Not sure why we are being targeted away from Rowayton when the district is already sending kids from other neighborhoods to our schools.
Please reconsider the proposal to redistrict children away from the school and peers that they have attended school with since Kindergarten.
Garrett Friedrichsen
I was surprised to hear and read about the potential redistricting of the 6th district children.
I'm going to be blunt here. Bad idea. Horrible idea. Residents of the 6th district with children invest in their local schools at significant levels. People buy into this community because their children will attend the local schools.
I'm really surprised this would even be an option discussed. Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School already admit much of their students from outside of the district and those students benefit from the advocacy, volunteerism and presence of the local parents. If local kids cannot attend Rowayton schools, do you think the community will continue to support and fund these schools?
I saw somewhere that the BOE's intent is to drive equity. Tell me, where is the equity in removing children from their neighborhood in district schools which will only turn off the spigot of resources from the in district parents??
Again, BAD IDEA. Please remove redistricting the 6th district from consideration.
Heather Schneider
I am writing in response to the May 4th Board of Education materials that was shown on one of the social media pages. I am concerned by the redistricting scenarios presented in the materials. I have lived on Arnold Lane for the last twenty years. I have four children who have attended (one still in attendance) Rowayton Elementary since 2010. Rowayton Elementary is the heart of our Rowayton Community. My sons rode their bikes to and from school, together, for years. The “Leaving Rowayton” sign located beyond us by Devils Garden has always been a sign that my family races to shout out. Rowayton is our home, and we all take great pride in their school. Rowayton Elementary will lose the middle socio- economic demographic if this redistricting scenario is approved. This proposed section of Rowayton families have been effective advocates for all students at Rowayton Elementary. Between PTA Presidents, PTA members, and SGC leaders, many of us have been the grinders who cannot afford to write the largest checks but have put their hearts and souls into Rowayton School through volunteer work. Rowayton School is part of each of us. If you eliminate these proposed neighborhoods from attending Rowayton Elementary, the school will only have two classes - the affluent, (many of these districted
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 4 families attend private schools) and the less fortunate. Rowayton Elementary needs these middle class families to remain in this district to help round out these extreme socio economic differences. Norwalk currently enjoys school choice. Why not redistrict by choice? Many have purchased homes based on the value of our children attending Rowayton Elementary School. These planning scenarios negatively impact the value of our property resulting in the city having to lower the value of our property which would also negatively affect the taxes collected by the city. We must stay districted to Rowayton Elementary School/Roton Middle School.
Florian Hill 26 Meeker Court
I just heard about the possible redistricting of Rowayton kids who live north of the train station of Rowayton. This is unacceptable. One of reasons we decided to move to this town is because of Rowayton Elementary and later, living on Meeker Ct, for my son to easily be able to walk over to Roton Middle School. We are paying significantly higher taxes specifically because we wanted to be in the Rowayton School district. How can you after all these years just decide to zone us to a different school? We live in Rowayton, so keep it zoned for Rowayton, PLEASE! This will also have a significant impact on our property values.
I am asking you to please reconsider this proposal.
Elaine Pagano 23 Briar Street
I would like to go on record as opposing the proposed redistricting of the section of the Rowayton/Roton school district North of the Rowayton railroad station on the grounds that it would be discriminatory. This homes in this neighborhood are some of the most affordable parts of the district and changing them would be prejudicial to our community.
Scott Peterson 9 Acorn Lane
I am very disturbed to hear that there is discussion in the Norwalk Public Schools to redistrict Norwalk and the schools that my children and others in our neighborhood attend. From what I understand, the negative impact on our neighborhood applies in ALL scenarios that have been tabled for discussion, which I find unacceptable. I STRONGLY OPPOSE ANY PLAN TO REDISTRICT THE NORWALK SCHOOLS!! How was such redistricting derived? What research has been done and can be shown as evidence to support how this will enhance the equity for students? What outreach has there been within the community for their involvement in arriving to this point of its proposal? It all seems completely arbitrary without taking any of the negative consequences into consideration other than just drawing random lines on a map. Having been a Norwalk resident since 1996, we started a family and moved onto Acorn Lane in the Spring of 2005. The first question any growing family asks is “How are the schools?” That is usually one of the, if not THE most important factor for homebuyers, and our interest to buy in Norwalk focused only on Rowayton as a result. With the housing market was at its peak, and bidding wars being par for the course at the time, we paid a significant premium for our home to ensure that our kids (of which we have had 3 in the school system) would attend Rowayton Elementary / Roton Middle Schools. Even now, I believe we would struggle to
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 5 sell our house for what we paid for it, let alone recoup the investment in improvements we’ve made to our home. We have sacrificed to be a part of the Rowayton community as there are other towns in Fairfield County with more reasonable cost of living and taxes. Speaking of which, we have also borne the high tax burden of the 6th taxing district associated with living in Rowayton in order to have access to the schools here. Aside from the financial aspect, we have invested a lot of our own time into the schools as parents, to coaching little league etc. to ensure our kids are raised in an environment conducive to a family oriented community. The schools are the center of any community and parental involvement is reflected in the result of good schools. To have our family arbitrarily “redistricted” would suddenly exclude us from that community that we have invested ourselves into for the last 16 years.
Raphael Rezende, 38 Arnold Lane
It has been brought to our attention re: the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods. • We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over- improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings? Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Kim Davies, 15 Possum Lane
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 6
My name is Kimberly Davies, and I live at 15 Possum Lane with my husband Sanders and two daughters Ellie and Taylor. We moved into this great neighborhood 14 years ago. We purchased this house precisely so that our children would be able to attend Rowayton Elementary. The school has an outstanding reputation, so we spent more money on our home in this section of town to attend Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School. Redistricting, we would lose value to our house that we have spent time and money on updates over the years. I kindly ask you to consider the folks that have invested in their community and spent the money to attend their preferred school district. Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Peggy Peterson, 9 Acorn Lane
It has been brought to my attention the possibility of redistricting our neighborhood out of the Rowayton/Roton school zone to Brookside/Ponus school zone. I am very disappointed (borderline disgusted) that this huge issue was not brought to our attention earlier with those who it would affect the most. If you had time to bring in a consultant there should have been input from the homeowners prior to it being brought to the table.
I am writing today to let you know that we are 100% opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
We have owned our house on Acorn Lane for 15 years. When we looked at out this house the FIRST question I asked our realtor “is this house districted to Rowayton Elementary School?” If the answer had been no, there may have been a very good chance we would not have bought this house and moved on to other more desirable school neighborhood locations.
We have raised three sons here and they have attended/attending Rowayton/Roton/BMHS. We have become very involved not only in the schools but in the Rowayton community. Being part of Rowayton Elementary school has allowed us to become part of this lovely small town feel that is Rowayton. This will always be the home that my children will remember. We are lucky to have this wonderful Rowayton community within the larger city of Norwalk.
As my children grow up and move on, we are looking to the next part of our lives. The past 15 years we have invested quite a lot in our home; Someday with the idea to be able to sell to another young Rowayton Family who will enjoy living in this special part of town. I am very concerned now that the cost of living here will never be returned to us if the redistricting goes through. As discussed with the almost 200 neighbors this redistricting would affect we all have the same issues that will need to be addressed. Our concerns are listed below:
• We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE, which we are) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board?
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 7
• We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over- improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall objective of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings? • This proposal would remove the value of a true neighborhood where kids can ride their bikes to town, to the beach, to the schools for sports activities, to their local library--to meet with their friends. • The fact that this information is already out there online/social media has me very worried for future resale. A family looking to move into this neighborhood may think twice if there is any future possibility of not being part of Rowayton.
I fully expect you to retract the proposal where it states our neighborhood will be redistricted. Do not allow for any more families to move out of Norwalk to neighboring towns. As I am sure you are aware, it has been happening for years. This is one way to make sure it does not happen within OUR neighborhood!
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton school zone.
Daisy Sebastian
Last month I spoke at the BOE meeting, pleading for attention and changes to be made in the food being served at our schools, in particular at the elementary level. Even though there were some positive changes made, there is still work to be done. There are even better food choices being offered by Chartwells to districts like Westport and Scarsdale, why not for our kids too? Please reinstate the Wellness Committee so that Chartwells is directly accountable to this board and our community. It should be absolutely unacceptable for Chartwells to send our schools high sugar and processed foods.
The second item I would like to bring up tonight is the results from the spring break survey. What percentage of parents completed the survey? Were teachers given the opportunity to participate? Will parents have the opportunity to speak to the BOE for this change to be implemented to the 21-22 calendar?
Tricia Bailey, 2018 Rowayton Ave am writing in response to the concern of the presentation being made at the Board of Education meeting tonight in regard to the redistricting scenarios, which I am 100% opposed to.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 8
My husband and I purchased our first home in Sept of 2018 on Rowayton Ave, north of the train station. We purchased this home in particular because we intended to grow a family and raise our children in the Rowayton community. We now have a 9 month old and hope to have a couple more children in the coming years. What brought us to this community the most was the school district and how involved the community is in building such an ideal place to raise a family.
On average, people pay more per square foot for homes in top-ranked schools zones compared to homes with just average rankings. If we were zoned to schools other than Rowayton and Roton, we would have paid significantly less for our home. Our home price (and 6th tax district taxes paid) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above average test scores.
In addition, our neighborhood has also made improvements to our homes to invest back into the community using comparable homes that are districted to Rowayton and Roton schools. Redistricting us would cause us all to lose value in our homes beyond any return we would ever see. Will we be compensated for the loss in property values?
The city of Norwalk is now over 75% minority. Once that point is reached there is no longer a need to racially rebalance, so redistricting becomes null and void. Isn't this a federal law? Redistricting serves no purpose and does not achieve the goal of "enhancing equity for South Norwalk students".
Who was this decision made by? Did anyone speak with any other parents or families that actually know the area? Was it ever considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden Road rather than the train station?
Our fellow neighbors have taken a strong stance on this and we are all prepared to fight our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton Schools.
Caren Rossi,
As a newer resident in this area, I was recently made aware of the discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below in this note.
Based on the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we would be materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
- I purchased my homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle
-One of the significant data points used in my decision to purchase my home was an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. The price of my home reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 9 plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board?
- I have made improvements to my home using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had all of us over-improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future?
- How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? - Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger sibling?
I join my fellow neighbors who have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Drew Wischer
My name is Drew Wischer and I am the father of a current first grader at CMS. My son who is nearly 2 would also be attending CMS in the future.
Reviewing the Board Packet dated 05-04-2021 regarding the CMS/South Norwalk School Scenarios 4-6, would you please address the following question and provide an answer during the meeting.
1) Scenarios 4-6 each speak about "neighborhood preference" which would feed Columbus at varying rates. Would you please define/clarify the phrase, "neighborhood preference" as it relates to these Scenarios.
John-Paul Morrell
It has been brought to our attention through the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 10
• We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • I have improved my house using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us over-improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings? What about the children slated to enter Rowayton elementary with the other children they have made friendships with over the past 5 years, under the assumption we would all be sending our children to the same school. • Brookside elementary has an already 100% capacity and adding these new residents’ children would put it over capacity and push Rowayton elementary school under capacity, how does that help equity? Seems to just put our children at a disadvantage that we didn’t sign up for when we bought our home.
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Jaimie Rafferty
It has been brought to our attention re: the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 11
• We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over- improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings?
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Christopher Calby,
It has been brought to our attention that the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools would likely include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons including those listed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that our neighborhood is materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios presented in tonight's agenda. There is no discernable goal for shifting this young, family oriented neighborhood to a new set of school districts and the ramifications negatively impact not only us but the surrounding area and Norwalk. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. • Many of the families who have moved into the neighborhood in the last three years are new parents, with new families who moved to Norwalk with the expectation of being able to attend the Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle Schools. • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. In addition, those who have pre-school children or are planning families may find it less desirable or attractive to live in these impacted neighborhoods as many of us were drawn to the area by the academic opportunities for our children.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 12
• We purchased our homes, many of us recently, based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We have improved our houses using comparable properties using the districts of Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. • Personally, we have devoted 5%+ of our home value to reinvestment in our property with the expectation that we would be able to recoup this investment. • How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • Our home prices have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. • If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood and none include what we would consider an acceptable solution for our children. • The proposals do not seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. In fact, the opposite is true by reducing the opportunities for families and children in the area. • Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals, students or other impacted parties in the area? • Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was there engagement done by Board or by the consultants to understand the. material impacts not only to the neighborhood but the families who live here. • Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station?
We appreciate you listening to our concerns and hope that you can strongly consider not redistricting this small area of Norwalk to best serve the families, children, homeowners and residents of the area.
Kathy Malone
Hi - I would like to understand the timeline and proposed new districts for elementary school in ROWAYTON as well as the rationale behind this redistrict. Having a current student, I would like to know if we should expect to have him move schools in the middle of his time in elementary school.
Jill Slachta, 33 Vanderbilt Ave
I have just been made aware of the potential redistricting of schools which would directly impact my property. Besides the fact that people in our neighborhood weren't even directly informed that this was a possibility, that is being considered is completely unacceptable. We purchased our property in 2016 specifically for the schools the location was districted to. With this in mind, we paid a premium relative to other parts of Norwalk to get into Rowayton and Roton schools. Would have spent less purchasing the same size house in any of the other schools in the proposed plans. We’ve made investments and improvements in our home using comparable districted to Rowayton School and Roton Middle School as a measuring tool. Redistricting means it would be unlikely to recover those investment due to the immediate and significant drop in property value. On top of this, redistricting would mean moving us from elementary and middle schools that tests out at average scores to ones that tests below average. It
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 13 would also mean a much longer travel time to and from school for our neighborhood's children. As an impacted resident I must insist that this redistricting proposal be removed from consideration.
Amy Turiel, 32 Vanderbilt Ave
My husband and I bought our home on Vanderbilt Avenue more than 16 years ago, when we were expecting our first child, now a junior at Brien McMahon HS, and a graduate of Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School. We specifically chose to buy a home in the 6th Taxing District because, among other reasons, Rowayton Elementary School had such a strong reputation.
We’ve since had two more sons, each of whom also spent 6 special years at Rowayton and are currently Roton students. I have personally donated a significant amount of time and money to these schools and been an active volunteer and room mother for all 3 kids. Many of our neighbors have done the same. We’ve watched the schools steadily improve largely because of the members of the community who care so deeply about them. Our family feels very connected to our community because of our connection to Rowayton and Roton schools.
In addition, we’ve made significant improvements to our home, another way in which we’ve invested in the community we chose to live in.
We are one hundred percent against the proposed redistricting scenarios put forth that would send kids in this neighborhood to Brookside and Ponus.
Our home values and the high taxes we pay are tied not only to our school district’s reputation, but to test scores, which are higher at Rowayton than at Brookside.
Our kids will soon no longer be personally affected by this proposed change. But the value of our home certainly will be. Our retirement is connected to the resale value of this home. And I know that many of the families with babies and young children who’ve recently become our neighbors would move out of the neighborhood if this change were to happen as they have also shared that Rowayton School was a draw for them. This would also have a negative effect on property values.
Please do not move ahead with these proposed changes. This neighborhood being redistricted does nothing to help “equity.” Rather, it removes a very active and involved group of residents from schools we’ve invested in and puts our home values in jeopardy.
Kim Krieger,
The Board of Education's work to bring a neighborhood school to families in the unassigned parts of South Norwalk is admirable, and I know it is not easy. It's a wonderful boon to a community to have a local school. A neighborhood school serves not just as a place to educate children, but also where families develop local connections, learn about the community, and practice public service. A school with a strong local community can achieve things you wouldn't think it could, to judge just on demographics alone. Rising student achievement, wonderful school drama and gardening and art clubs, a strong Parent Teacher Organization that can do almost anything--not with money but with volunteer people power. All these things can happen in a strong, local school.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 14
Brookside is that kind of strong, local school. And the current Redistricting Planning Scenarios under consideration would eviscerate it.
The Board of Education's stated goal through this redistricting process is to "improve community access to neighborhood schools", but the three scenarios discussed in detail in today's BoE meeting (Scenarios 4, 5 and 6) would do the opposite. All three plans would cut off families who live north of Flax Hill from their local, walkable school--Brookside--forcing them to drive and attend Fox Run, which is several miles away across Route 1. One of the scenarios would actually bus students who live across the street from Brookside all the way to Fox Run! Currently most of these families walk their kids to school. Parents and children socialize on the playground at Brookside after school. These plans would strip them of their local community and take that away.
It would also steal the children's ability to study Chinese and Japanese in middle school. Brookside feeds into Roton, which offers those languages. Fox Run feeds into Ponus Ridge, which does not. (Honestly, Ponus Ridge should start offering those languages again--it used to, and then they were discontinued without notice, stranding some children who had already begun studying them.)
The recent turnover in superintendents and staff at the central office may mean a certain amount of institutional memory has been lost. Norwalk has spent a great deal of time and effort to rehabilitate and build up Brookside. Fifteen years ago the school had terrible morale and equally terrible test scores. Norwalk brought in a carefully chosen principal and specific policies to raise the morale of the teachers, and extra programming and funding to improve the children's education. The Parent-Teacher Organization was slowly strengthened through the efforts of the city and the parents. Things changed. The teachers are happy now. The school has cultural events and a drama club and afterschool activities and even a sign language club because there were two deaf students and their friends wanted to learn--and the translators volunteered to teach American Sign Language after school once a week!
Ripping apart that community would be a great disservice to the school, the families and the city. Please do give students in unassigned areas of South Norwalk their own community school. But please don't destroy a working, healthy school in South Norwalk to do it.
Thank you for all the good work you do on behalf of the citizens of Norwalk; please take into consideration what these scenarios would do to the Brookside community when you discuss the options with the Board of Ed, and when you vote on a final plan.
Meagan Sibbald
I am writing in response to the May 4th Board of Education materials that were made available yesterday evening. We are one hundred percent against the proposed redistricting scenarios put forth that would send our children to Brookside and Ponus. My husband and I purchased our home in March 2018. Our home is on Arnold Ln, north of the train station. We’re expecting twins later this year and are we are extremely disheartened to learn that our neighborhood may be taken out of the attendance zone for Rowayton Elementary School and Roton Middle School. We chose our home for the schools (Rowayton Elementary and Roton) with the prospect of raising our family here. Our home value and high taxes we pay are tied not only to the school district’s reputation, but to test scores which are higher at Rowayton than at Brookside. The Board materials that were made available speak repeatedly as to “equity” for students, and we could not agree more than all students in Norwalk deserve safe, well-funded, high- quality schools in which to learn and grow. However, that is not what is being proposed. Under at least
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 15 one of the scenarios, the school attendance zone into which our neighborhood would be re-allocated (Brookside) would immediately be at a utilization rate above 100% (see slide 21). Meanwhile, Rowayton Elementary’s enrollment would have dozens of empty slots beneath its “target” capacity. We and many other families in our neighborhood who have moved here in recent years purchased our home with the express expectation that we would send our children to Rowayton Elementary, since it is by all accounts the best elementary school in the district. The price we paid for our home, and the taxes we have paid since, reflected that expectation. With that in mind, it is difficult to take the language about “equity” seriously without a guarantee that all Norwalk Public Schools, including Brookside and the proposed new schools, will be fairly funded and properly resourced. In fact, I find it hard to believe anyone could support such a drastic overhaul of the system without immediate action targeted at fixing the existing flaws in the system
Laura Sheehy,
I was notified of the potential plans to redistrict the schools in Norwalk, specifically for residents of Rowayton, and would like to express my strong opposition to this plan.
We bought our house in Rowayton three years ago and specifically chose to live in Rowayton to be within the Rowayton elementary school zone. This was a specific requirement for our family, and we were ok paying the higher home price and higher taxes associated with the 6th taxing district compared to similar homes in Norwalk in order to be in this school district. We have also made improvements to our home over the last three years. How will my family be compensated for the taxes already paid to the 6th taxing district, for the home improvements made and for the decrease in resale value of our home in the future?
We have three children and the oldest is approaching kindergarten age very soon. We live just north of the train track (a few houses from the train within Rowayton on Rowayton Avenue) and feel that cutting off part of the Rowayton town from attending the Rowayton elementary and Roton middle school is an unfair and irrational decision. How were the proposed scenarios of breaking up the Rowayton community derived? Were local parents interviewed in community breakout sessions? I would like more detail on how these proposals were derived.
The redistricting proposals do not outline how the stated goal of “enhancing equity” is achieved by redistricting the Rowayton neighborhood. I would like more information on how isolating my children from the Rowayton community (where they live) by sending them to another school outside of the community achieves the stated goals.
We plan to fight this change and will be reaching out for legal guidance. We hope that this plan is reconsidered based on how much this will negatively impact our family and the families that live in Rowayton just north of the train tracks.
Christina Vahle, 20 Possum Circle
I am writing to address the recent proposed redistricting plans for Norwalk Public Schools. In the proposal, many neighborhoods, including ours, would be redistricted from Rowayton Elementary to Brookside. We are completely against this plan. We bought our house on Possum Circle over 14 years ago and are raising 3 children here. The chief reason we selected this neighborhood was for the schools – namely, Rowayton Elementary. Since that
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 16 time, Rowayton has become our community. Changing the school changes this as well. Our children play sports in Rowayton, do all of their activities in Rowayton and our family friends are all in Rowayton. We moved into a community – not just a school – and we paid a premium for it. The value of our home and the improvements we have made to it would decrease significantly if our school was changed. Who will compensate us for that? Did the firm that was hired to do this study have local knowledge? Did they interview current residents or make themselves familiar with Rowayton at all? Why was the proposed line drawn where it was? If families are redistricted out of the Rowayton school district, it is likely they would either move or send their children to private schools. This would also change the enrollment for Roton and McMahon where my two older children currently go. How exactly is this achieving equity for South Norwalk students?
Torey Saager, 36 Vanderbilt Ave
I am writing in response to the May 4th Board of Education materials.
My husband and I purchased our home on Vanderbilt Ave. in the 6TD in June 2014, when our oldest son was 6 months old. We were young adults debating between two homes in Norwalk. Ultimately, we stretched further than we hoped and anticipated to buy this home on Vanderbilt Ave because of the wonderful things we had heard about Rowayton, Rowayton Elementary and Roton. Our son is now in first grade and has a younger brother who is in preschool. I have been an active volunteer and room mom, and have loved connecting with our community through the school.
We are strongly against the proposed redistricting scenarios put forth in the Board of Education materials. We see in the materials you mention a primary objective is to "Improve community/family access to neighborhood schools." For everyone in our neighborhood, this proposal does NOT meet this objective.
We would like the following questions addressed:
- Similar to others in our neighborhood, in addition to the significant funds we've paid in taxes each year to the 6TD, we've budgeted additional expenses to home improvements with the expectation that there would be a return on those investments, which not only improved our home, but our community. This proposal would result in a serious decline to our home value - who is going to compensate us for this? - What is the plan for splitting up siblings? If this were to happen, would my older son who is currently a student will be in Rowayton school and my younger son who has yet to enter be at Brookside? - Will you allow us to still utilize and participate in the other community areas/activities such as Bayley Beach, Rowayton Tennis, Rowayton Parents Exchange, Rowayton Paddle, but not allow our children to attend Rowayton school? Seems extremely unfair from their perspective. - Did anyone interview with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? How were these "lines" chosen? - We are already operating under a "choice" program - why is that not the way to redistrict? - The #1 reason school boards propose this type of move is to change the minority population/makeup of schools. However, Norwalk is already 75% minority, and thus a) this is no longer an issue and b) the proposed solution does not address this. - If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? - Why are we just hearing about this?
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 17
We have taken a strong stance on this and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools. We plan on attending the Zoom meeting tonight to express our stance. Please reach out with any questions.
Kai Underwood
Naturally, like all homeowners on the north side of the tracks in the 6th taxing district, Bonnie and I are seriously concerned by how this change would affect our home’s value...and just as both of us are retiring. As professional educators all of our lives on most levels from K through 12, we are equally concerned about the disjointed effect this would have, especially for students through junior high but also beyond. Presently, students bring too school and share with each other an incredible array of experiences outside of academia: the beach, numerous sports, holiday events and parades, scouting, worship, boating...the list goes on. We struggled to buy our home here after renting for a period. We moved ahead knowing that Rowayton would provide the kind of social and academic maturation we wanted for our son and our family. Please, leave this district intact!
Pablo Castellanos
It has been brought to our attention re: the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
• We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. This was one of our primary reasons we bought and invested well over $1mm into the area. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND IF YOU’RE IN 6TD THE TAXES YOU HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over- improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station?
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 18
• Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings?
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Matthew Scott, 38 Vanderbilt Ave
I am writing on behalf of myself and my family, which resides at 38 Vanderbilt Avenue in Rowayton, to express our strong objection to the proposed redistricting of Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
My wife and I purchased our home at the above address nearly 4 years ago, shortly after the birth of our first child. We now have 3 children, ages 8 months, 2.5 years old and 4 years old. We specifically purchased our home for access to the school districting of Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle for our children, a provision that was reflected in the price we paid for our home. Since moving to Rowayton, we have engaged heavily in the community, including having our children attend nursery school at United Church Nursery School in Rowayton, with the goal of fostering relationships within the community that would endure throughout our children's tenure at Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
To hear that the BOE is contemplating redistricting our neighborhood such that our children will not have access to the quality of education (as reflected in the above average test scores) we ostensibly paid for via the purchase price of our home (as reflected in real estate comps vs non Rowayton Elementary / Roton districted homes in Norwalk) is troubling and unjust to say the least. Further, for our children to essentially be exiled from the community we have invested in socially, economically and emotionally feels like an action counter to the guiding principles of the BOE. It’s just wrong and will be damaging to our children’s emotional development and socialization.
Some further considerations and questions: • We are in the 6th taxing district and have paid the 6TD Mill rate for years. What are we paying these taxes for if not for access to the same educational opportunities for our children as all residents of the 6TD? • If this proposal were to go through, what is the BOE’s plan to compensate affected 6TD residents historically for the future loss of opportunity to utilize town resources we have paid for over years? • Redistricting will negatively affect the market value of our home dramatically. I have commissioned a real estate professional to complete an assessment of the scope of the negative impact, but their initial estimates are in the 30% - 40% range of the price we paid for our home. • If this proposal were to go through, what is the BOE’s plan to compensate homeowners for the material loss in equity value of their homes? • Lastly and most troublingly is the lack of public dialogue on this topic. We happened to hear about this proposal via a neighbor last night at 11pm. Is the BOE deliberately obfuscating their consideration of this proposal to impede the general public’s (and more specifically the affected residents) ability to engage in a dialogue on this topic? Further, how have affected residents been engaged in the proposal development
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 19 process? Why are we just hearing about this via a text message the night before public comments are due? The lack of transparency in this process is quite troubling.
Eric Magleby, Possum Lane
I reside on Possum Lane and the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School has been brought to my attention. I purchased my home in July 2020 in this specific neighborhood for the community and school district. I made an investment in this community for my growing young family and have continued to add value to my investment and my community. I am writing today to let you know that I am strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which I have detailed below. Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods. - We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. - We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price has reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? - We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over-improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? - How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community break out sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? - Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings? Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Caitlyn Hannum
I am writing today to inform you of my strong opposition to the proposal of redistricting the Norwalk Public School particularly shifting our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
We moved to this area particularly for the school districts knowing that when starting a family our children will have the chance to attend a top tier district. Our home value and 6TD taxes pay for that level of education. The board surreptitiously designed these scenarios that disproportionately affected our neighborhood in all scenarios. There is no clear overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 20
Below is a detailed list of reasons why we are opposing these changes including a number of questions the board needs to answer.
• We purchased our homes based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. • We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price (AND BEING IN 6TD THE TAXES WE HAVE PAID SINCE PURCHASE) have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board? • We have improved our houses using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over- improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future? • How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect on our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant conduct interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station? • Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings?
Our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Jen Farris, 16 Timberline Road
It has been brought to our attention re: the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
We are writing today to let you know that we are strongly opposed to this proposal for many reasons, most of which are detailed below.
Based off of the current proposed scenarios by the Board, it appears that we are materially, adversely and disproportionately affected in all scenarios and it doesn't seem to achieve any overall goal by just affecting our neighborhoods.
· We purchased our home in 1997 based on an intrinsic value associated with this school district and proximity, which includes Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle. We point out that since 1997, we have continued to invest in improvements to our home in order to increase the value knowing that our investments would pay off in the form of a resale upon retirement – after all of our efforts and planning, a redistricting of the schools will adversely impact our resale value and therefore, our retirement.
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 21
· We purchased our home based on an expressed expectation of the school district and proximity to those schools. Our home price and increasing taxes have reflected this choice to purchase a home in a strong district with strong resources and above-average test scores. If the plan is for equal distribution of resources, what is the plan to update funding and resources for the school system across the board?
· We have improved our home using comparable properties districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. Redistricting would have had us all over-improve way beyond any returns we would ever see. How would the town compensate us for this drop in value, both on a tax basis currently and on a resale value in the future?
· How were these proposed scenarios derived? Every scenario has a material adverse effect to our neighborhood, disproportionally. The proposals don’t seem to achieve their overall goal of “enhancing equity for South Norwalk students” simply by redistricting our neighborhood. Did the consultant used have interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place? Was it considered to have the district line drawn at Devils Garden as opposed to the Rowayton Train Station?
· Negative impacts on families who have children currently attending the school are widespread and complicated. They say current students will continue to attend the school, but what happens to younger siblings?
We and our fellow neighbors have taken this strong stance and are prepared to fight for our right to remain in the Rowayton and Roton schools.
Trevor Bechervaise, 363 Rowayton Ave
I’m writing in advance of the BOE meeting of today May 4th, at which one of the agenda items is to review the demographics and redistricting scenarios.
I am a resident of 363 Rowayton Avenue, 06853 for just over 3 years now, and prior to that we rented a house for 3 years not far away, also in Rowayton. My wife and 2 young daughters have been VERY active in the Rowayton and Roton school communities. My wife has been on the Rowayton school PTA for several years and is now on the Roton PTA as we have a child in each school. She also runs 2 girl scout troops for girls in both schools and has recently joined the local board for the National Charity League. We are extremely active in building the Rowayton community for all of its residents AND students.
In all of your 6 scenarios, your redistricting would have us and our neighbors assigned to Brookside or Fox Run for Elementary, and one of them even has us assigned to Ponus for Middle School. None of the scenarios retain our Rowayton/Roton combination that we have so heavily invested in. While I do suspect that there may some runway provided so that my children don’t need to immediately change schools (at least I hope there would be), the problem is bigger than just that.
When we bought our home 3 years ago, we specifically bought it because it was in the Rowayton elementary school district. We fully understood that this came at a premium for both property value, and taxes. We looked at properties not more than 250 yards up the street, which had bigger lots but were significantly lower in price, with significantly lower resulting property taxes, but they were assigned to Brookside. We wanted to be in Rowayton and paid the price to do so and have been paying elevated taxes
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 22 since then. I should note, our home is a modest middle income family home and not a mega-mansion by any stretch of the imagination. All of your scenarios, if implemented as they stand, would carve out my community from the Rowayton school assignment and even Roton in one case. Any of these scenarios would significantly affect my property value, to a very high degree, disrupt the community we are in and have built with other families in the area, and generally be a significant impact to my family far beyond going to another school.
You must reconsider the scenarios drawn up and look specifically at the section of Rowayton near the train station that you currently have shown moving from Rowayton to other schools. I fear that even the fact that this proposal has made its way into the public domain without prior consultation or awareness will already impact home values for anyone looking to buy in these areas with even the POSSIBILITY of redistricting on the cards. This current report needs to be immediately rescinded for fear of its mere existence impacting our community and property values. It is vitally important that this small community you have carved out remain districted to Rowayton/Roton schools, without question. I will be attending tonight’s call and am prepared to voice my concerns.
Richard Burt, 26 Possum Circle
I am writing to share my concern regarding recent school redistricting proposals for Norwalk Public School. These proposals would include removing my neighborhood from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School access.
When my wife and I purchased our home at 26 Possum Circle back in 2018, a large part behind deciding on this location was due to the access to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School. In fact, our neighborhood was very much up-and-coming (even before COVID) due to the school access (among other things, home improvements, etc.). My wife and I were lucky enough to win a bidding war to close on our property, as many of our neighbors had to do as well.
Therefore, if the proposal goes through: • We feel as if we were duped into overpaying for our home with the promise of certain school access • The home improvements we have made over the past two years were investments that we will get zero return • Our property value, along with the values within our neighborhood will be negatively adjusted
I can imagine that this isn’t the only note that you have received regarding this issue, and I look forward to hearing the reasoning behind these proposals at tonight’s hearing. My wife and I reviewed the Board Packet and did not see a compelling argument as to why our neighborhood should be involved at all.
As you can imagine, me, my wife, and our neighbors are prepared to take action, if needed, to protect the property values of our neighborhood and community.
Gillian Jayson
I am writing this letter in strong opposition to the proposed rezoning of Rowayton Elementary School. I have been a resident of Rowayton and the 6TD for 44 years. While this proposal will not directly affect myself and my children based on our own address, this will certainly affect the community as a whole.
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People have already purchased their homes and paid taxes based on the school districts they were zoned for. Their return on investment will be significantly impacted, not to mention the money already spent in tax dollars. Children zoned to Rowayton have already been integrated into the school system. The displacement will not only disrupt them socially but will unfairly affect them academically. We are fortunate to have a diverse and amazing Blue Ribbon school. Many planned and worked hard to give their children the benefits of Rowayton Elementary. How do you justify taking that away? How do you plan to compensate them if you do? Please reconsider this discussion and rather than disruption and unfairness, think about how you can reallocate resources to support the current zoning. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jess DePanfilis
We have viewed the recent discussions around redistricting Norwalk Public Schools that would include a shift of our zoned neighborhood away from Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
We are writing today in strong opposition to this proposal for a multitude of reasons as noted below.
We purchased our home in 2016, prior to our daughter entering Kindergarten, based on the value associated with this school district which includes both Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle School.
Our home price, which includes taxes paid yearly to the 6TD, reflects this choice to purchase a home in a very strong district with an amazing school community and above-average test scores.
We have made major improvements to our home using properties comparable to ours which are districted to Rowayton Elementary and Roton Middle as a measuring tool. If the redistricting were to occur, our home value would be severely overinflated for our neighborhood. How is the town going to compensate us for this drop in value? Both on a tax basis but more importantly on resale value in the future?
When using the goal of “equity” as the basis for redistricting by shifting our neighborhood, how is that accomplished? Did the consultant used conduct interviews with parents, principals? Were there community breakout sessions that took place
Mr. Hosten said the suggestion that the BOE was considering redistricting was not based on anything that he has the chair of the Board was aware of. He invited people in attendance to make public comment.
Siobhan Kerens
Ms. Kerens thanked the Board for reading the notes and said that as long as they kept redistricting on the table it would be hanging over their heads, she said it was a huge detriment to their neighborhood and home values. She said the Board needed to say right now that they wouldn’t consider redistricting. She said they would like to hear that the Board would never consider it.
Jordan Sachs
Mr. Sachs asked them to put the detail of the study in the chat.
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Tricia McCloud
Ms. McCloud said that she and her wife added their voices to the note with all of their neighbors. She said they chose Rowayton because of the schools. She asked they not redistrict to eliminate them from the Rowayton schools.
Jamie Rafferty
Ms. Rafferty said there was a lot of support to not consider redistricting, noting that she had chosen Rowayton because of the public schools. She said they needed to hear that it was not ever going to happen.
Laura Sheehy
Ms. Sheehy said that she wanted a better understanding of the demographic study and asked if it was a typical agenda item. She said they wanted to make sure they wouldn’t revisit this again in three or four years. She said it didn’t seem that the facts supported the goals of the study.
Matt Scott
Mr. Scott said that as a father of three small children his perspective was aligned with the letters and speakers. He said that he’d heard about the topic of discussion via a text from his neighbor and thought that there should be more visibility and possibility for discourse before such a topic. He said that it was helpful to think about the home value aggregate, he said a decision like this would be about $50,000,000 worth of liabilities in home values.
Amy and Raoul
Mr. Raoul said that a study was commissioned with a resulting action. He said he asked that they change the assumptions for future consideration. He said they should take the Rowayton community out of future discussion.
Iliana Zuniga
Ms. Zuniga said that she heard a lot of fear from the Rowayton parents. She said that her kids went to Silvermine Elementary, and it had been an amazing enrichment opportunity to attend the magnet school and meet kids from all over the district. She encouraged families to be open minded.
Connor Soden
Mr. Soden said that home value was a concern, but that it could seriously impact the development and well-being of their kids. He said they chose Rowayton because the schools were great, and the parents were involved.
Mr. Hosten thanked everyone for their comments and invited them to stay to hear the demographer’s report. He said they generally did not respond to public comments.
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Ms. LeMieux said that all of the elementary schools in the district were amazing learning environments with great teachers and engaged parents.
V. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Estrella called for a moment of silence for the passing of Mary Ellen Ceron, a student who’d attended Rowayton and Ponus.
She said that before they got into the full report, they would have an update on COVID safety protocols she said they were transitioning from a red to an orange zone, partially because they had been diligent in looking out for students. She said that she knew people were worried about prom and graduation and assured the public that a team of professionals were working together to keep them safe and provide them with great memories of NPS. She introduced JoAnn Malinowski.
Ms. Malinowski said that they were on a downturn. She said that she and Alissa Erotopoulos and the other nurses had done all the contact tracing, but they didn’t unilaterally make decisions. She said all decisions came from CDC, the Department of Health and the State Department of Education.
She said that she’d talked to an epidemiologist at the state about the potential for events at the high schools and he’d said that the guidance was still six foot distancing and masks should be worn at all times. She said that the state advice was to not fundamentally change operating procedures through the end of the school year. She said decisions were informed by science. She said that they didn’t want to have a covid outbreak after prom that kept students from graduation.
Dr. Estrella said if the data continued to be positive, they could make decisions that would allow more students to be together.
A. Demographics Study – Mr. Michael Zuba
Dr. Estrella said that as part of creating the strategic plan they wanted to have a closer look at enrollment numbers. She said they originally wanted to make it part of the facilities study presentation, but they decided to split the two presentations.
She said the goal was to initiate a dialogue and to talk about schools for South Norwalk. She said they would also look at scenarios designed for the board to look at the what-ifs in the district based on enrollment numbers and how they would shift with a new South Norwalk school. She said it was important to understand the impact of creating a school on the whole district.
She said that the PowerPoint alone didn’t include the dialogue and apologized for the confusion. She said that she hoped getting the details from the presentation would elicit conversation.
Mr. Zuba said he was pleased to share context around the demographics study. He started with overall enrollment projections, he said they were seeing a disconnect between projections and actual in the younger grades because of COVID. He said this was a blip on the projection trend that was heading up.
He said that across the state, kindergarten enrollment had fallen by nearly 12% and pre-K by 20%. He said comparing Norwalk to other parts of the state, Norwalk was more resilient than other communities, Norwalk kindergarten enrollment had only fallen 10%.
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He said the historic minority percentage showed they were officially 74% minority. He said an official number would come from the state. He said it had an impact on state racial balance. He said that this year had had a big drop off in new to district students. He showed a ‘hot spot’ map, noting that many of them were in South Norwalk and the Route 7 corridor.
He said they’d been tracking MLL trends, noting that it was down in 20-21 which he said was because some students reached proficiency and tested out. He said that MLL required classroom space, which is why they looked at the hotspot map to help the schools accommodate. He reiterated the greatest need was in south Norwalk.
He said they were required to use a cohort survival method which relied on observed data from the recent past in order to predict the near future. He said they looked at the housing market and other factors. He said that they looked at three models, high medium and low each driven by different assumptions. He said after five years they had to do some modeling. He said for facility planning they went with the middle model.
He said that the districtwide projection chart tracked from 2010. He said there was a dip, but they predicted it continue to rise. He said they predicted a lot of stability in K-5. He said grades 6-8 would also be fairly stable with a little dip in 2026-27. He said high school enrollments would increase from 3851 to 4233.
Mr. Zuba moved to the planning scenarios and noted that the objectives included enhancing equity for South Norwalk Students, improving community/family access to neighborhood schools and enhancing opportunities and access to PreK.
He said that strategies included eliminating unassigned attendance areas and satellite attendance areas in South Norwalk. He said the strategy also included enrollment balance, educational options and pre-k opportunities at every school.
Mr. Azima asked about the number of unassigned attendance students, Mr. Zuba said he’d get back to him. Mr. Hosten asked if districts like Stamford would have a higher rebound because they had a bigger dip. Mr. Zuba said he couldn’t address what would happen there, though they did see a lot of people opting for private kindergarten. He said they were seeing housing developments toward having lower bedroom counts, so not a lot of school aged children. He said that was a construction trend across a lot of districts. Mr. Barbis said they were still getting kids even from those smaller places. Mr. Zuba said they were seeing large developments with very few students.
Mr. Zuba said they made certain assumptions in scenario planning. He said they’d looked at the existing school district attendance zones, the 2019-20 Geocoded student enrollment, the target capacity for each elementary school and looked at students attending schools outside the attendance zone they lived in who would remain in their current school, which he said did not include South Norwalk. He said that over the last several months they’d gone through scenarios to achieve NPS objectives. He said this wasn’t a redistricting process, this was a planning process. He said they came out with three scenarios for the Board to consider.
He reviewed Scenario 6 which looked at two K-5 schools, the smallest infusion of seats, 726 in South Norwalk. He said they modeled with Lower Ponus coming online. He showed the conceptual zones, he
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 27 noted that the less they relied on neighborhood and the more they focused on choice and magnet, the easier it was to fill the classes.
He showed the South Norwalk neighborhood map and said the districts in that neighborhood included the unassigned area, and the school placement currently didn’t have a lot of continuity. He said that within the small area there were many pathways for students to be placed for elementary. He said they’d tried to eliminate unassigned and satellite pathways, while providing seat count to serve all the K-5 children. He said they’d used the 2019-20 data to project that they needed the 725 seats.
He said that with the infusion of 726 seats, the district was at 88% utilization, but there was some discrepancy with driving students to schools where enrollment had declined. He said this scenario allowed for growth at CMS.
He showed the map of middle school boundaries in South Norwalk and said that with this scenario it put the district at 99% utilization at the middle schools. He said one way to get that would be to create choice programming for existing space at middle schools. He said that scenario 6 didn’t provide middle school seats going forward, reiterating that they’d projected those numbers to stay relatively stable.
He moved to scenario 4 which had many of the same assumptions as Scenario 6 only with added 6-8 seats. He said this option involved greater movement of students and relied on neighborhood zoning. He said based on the attendance zones there was an overall reduction in seat count so they could provide continuity and access, it looked at bringing Brookside into South Norwalk. He said this one involved extensive movement with a smaller infusion of seats a in South Norwalk. He showed the enrollment snapshot, he said that this showed a91% utilization.
He said that when they went through further analysis of 6-8, there were only 168 seats at CMS so utilization would be higher. He said that if there were more robust middle school magnet opportunities the issue could go away.
He moved to scenario 5. Which was adding 940 seats, a new south Norwalk school and new CMS that had 414 and 528 students respectively. He said that this was similar to scenario 6 on the map. He said the main difference was the middle school seat count and utilization. He said that for K-5 this scenario led to 90% utilization. He said the 6-8 component was 91% utilized and accommodated all South Norwalk middle school students at CMS with room.
Mr. Hosten said they’d already done a lot of work to make Norwalk a district of choice and asked if scenarios 4 and 5 would assume neighborhood preference if there were more magnet programs. Mr. Zuba said yes that they had to leave seats for the neighborhoods. He said that magnet programs worked well. He said creating space was a good starting point, and then looking at underlying demographics and busing. He said it was about opportunity, staff and culture.
Ms. DePalma said the board had reviewed the presentation and asked questions in advance the answers to which were answered in the presentation. Ms. LeMieux said that this was not a process leading to any outcome and there would be ample opportunity for input and revision.
Mr. Hosten asked about what the demographic studies meant, and what happened next with the data. Mr. Zuba said that many times when someone is going through a master plan or a building plan, they wanted to understand the geographic component. He said that sometimes the work leads to building, sometimes
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 28 it informed districts that they didn’t need to build. He said the process gave people good ideas; he said the continuum of planning never stopped. He said the process allowed things to play out. He said he felt bad that people were upset that redistricting was imminent, but that it wasn’t, and they had to look at this. He said the state asked, for grants, what a new building would do for utilization.
Ms. Carpio asked how many years of enrollment the projected. Mr. Zuba said they typically projected out eight years, with caveats.
Ms. LeMieux said that the state required they go through scenarios to build a school that they need to serve children. Mr. Zuba said they also wanted to make sure that a school they built to serve the children of South Norwalk needed to be the right size. He said to get state reimbursement they had to prove they’d chosen the right size.
Mr. Azima said there was a community of students without a community school, who traveled far for school. Dr. Estrella said they had students who traveled 45 minutes to an hour to get to their locations. She said that a neighborhood school also helped parents get fully involved in the school life. She said the scenarios would elicit conversation as the continued to think through a new school for South Norwalk, ensuring that enrollment was balanced across the district.
Mr. Barbis said it had been six years and they still hadn’t broken ground. He said the city questioned demographics, but these studies showed the need. He asked what happened next. Dr. Estrella said this study demonstrated the need, she said they had a meeting with the state on May 20 to review enrollment numbers. She said that this was one of many conversations they needed to have to come up with the best design for students who were unassigned and ensuring it didn’t adversely affect the other schools in the district. Mr. Barbis said that they wouldn’t be filing by June 30, and they would be working on it for the next year. Dr. Estrella said that that was the plan, and that they also had a South Norwalk community meeting to hear what parents wanted. She said the mayor and his team had made a commitment to acquire land. She said the goal was to move forward with an application by June 2022.
Mr. Barbis said there was talk that the city didn’t have capacity to fund all of the projects, he asked how they prioritized all the work—Jefferson, Cranbury, Norwalk High and South Norwalk. Dr. Estrella said that the funding had been allocated for building the two schools in South Norwalk. She said the funding for the campus was there. She said the mayor was committed to ensuring that South Norwalk had a school. She said that Cranbury was ongoing, that the architects had completed designs with input from the community. She said all approvals for the NHS so far had been taking place.
Mayor Rilling said that they were under the bonding limit, he said the money had been authorized for all of the projects and they were below their AAA bond rating threshold. He said they were in good shape. He said they had money for the new school and for purchasing property to build on. He said the next step was talking to the state. He said the priority was South Norwalk, Jefferson and Cranbury. He said that if they had two new schools on one property in South Norwalk, they would have to determine what to do with the existing CMS.
Ms. Harris asked about the land acquisition timeline. Mayor Rilling said that when they started to look at a new school, they had to determine design, programmatics, and number of students. He said they moved forward with land acquisition after that. Dr. Estrella said one of the next steps for the board was the Ed Specs for the new campus in June, that that had to be approved before the city could acquire land.
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Ms. LeMieux said that there were questions in the chat and that the May 20 meeting was about using the data gathered to talk about new school construction. Mr. Hosten said that they were not bonding the whole thing at once, they bonded as they went through the process. He said that it was a rolling capacity. Mr. Barbis noted that they didn’t get reimbursed by the state until the project was complete.
Ms. Keyes noted that there were questions in the chat and Mr. Hosten said that they typically didn’t take audience questions at business meetings, but if she wanted to ask one, she should. Mr. Barbis said that one asked if redistricting was not being considered why was the report commissioned, he said that this was to get the demographics to build the school in South Norwalk. He said that redistricting hadn’t been on the table, and that there would be a community meeting in South Norwalk on May 25, but not on redistricting.
B. South Norwalk School Update
There was no action on this item
C. Review of Budget Transfers
Mr. Hamilton said that because the meetings were switched and the business meeting was before the Finance Committee meeting, these had not been reviewed by the committee.
He reviewed the transfers, noting there was a series of special education transfers in the amount of $442,300. He said that was to renew software licenses, and for translation and interpretations for PPTs and IEP documents. He said the funds came from the out of district tuitions accounts.
He said the next two chapters were from the MLL part of the curriculum division, it was caseload adjustment. He said there was a series of four SPED transfers, that was also based on caseload adjustment based on student need.
He said the next was unemployment, a transfer of $105,000, noting that there had been additional unemployment expenses due to COVID. He said there were three additional transfers to cover shortfalls in the substitute account. He said there were two small transfers into the wage accounts for central office.
He said there was $150,000 transfer into supplies from Curriculum and that it came from the wage accounts. He said there were transfers in facilities for utilities.
He said there were two transfers at Fox Run for the purchase of ViewSonic boards.
He said, finally, there was a transfer to cover a teacher at Marvin. He said it had originally been in a grant account but had been moved to local. Mr. Hosten asked about transferring money out of the out of district tuition accounts. Mr. Hamilton said the number of students outplaced had declined so there would be savings there.
VI. ACTIONS
1. Approval of Personnel
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**MS. DEPALMA MOTIONED TO APPROVE PERSONNEL **MS. CARPIO SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Approval of Budget Transfers
**MS. HARRIS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE BUDGET TRANSFERS **MS. CARPIO SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Appointment of Jacquelyn Aarons, Principal of Wolfpit Elementary School
Ms. Aarons said she was excited to be part of the Wolfpit community and thanked the SGC and PTA for their endorsement. She said she was humbled by the show of support of the welcoming supportive community. She said that the faculty and staff had been amazing through this difficult year. She said she was inspired by their patients. She said the students encouraged her to do her best work to give them every opportunity they could have.
**MS. KOROSHETZ MOTIONED TO APPROVAL THE APPOINTMENT OF JACQUELYN AARONS, PRINCIPAL OF WOLFPIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL **MR. AZIMA SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Approval of Final Plans, Specifications & Cost Estimate for District Oil Tanks
**MS. CARPIO MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS & COST ESTIMATE FOR DISTRICT OIL TANKS **MS. DEPALMA SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Approval of Final Plans, Specifications & Cost Estimate FF&E and Technology for Jefferson Elementary School
**MS. DEPALMA MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS & COST ESTIMATE FF&E AND TECHNOLOGY FOR JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL **MS. KOROSHETZ SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 3 – May 7, 2021
The Norwalk Board of Education is proud to recognize the week of May 3rd as Teacher Appreciation Week in Norwalk.
During what has been an incredibly challenging year, our teachers have continued to face obstacles with pride, commitment and strength. Throughout the national health crisis teachers have truly gone above and beyond the call of duty. They have remained positive, Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 31 creative, flexible, and supportive, adapting to scenarios that we never before thought possible. Whether our students are in-person, remote or hybrid, NPS teachers have made it their goal to ensure that each student has the tools they need to succeed academically, and from a social emotional perspective.
NPS teachers have learned and implemented a variety of new skills in a short amount of time. They have risen to meet many challenges, including honing new technology skills to apply to daily lessons and utilizing apps and programs to aid in student learning. Teachers have moved classrooms, taught in cafeterias and gymnasiums, and ensured safety measures such as social distancing and face masks. Teachers have engaged learners in the classroom, while ensuring a fully interactive experience for those at home. On the drop of a dime, they have transitioned from in-person to virtual without missing a step. Teachers have done all of this and more, all while prioritizing our students.
In addition to adapting to being an educator during a pandemic, teachers continue to work with students on facing day-to-day challenges and opportunities. Our teachers impart life lessons on the importance of accountability, encourage students to think critically, and drive them to excel in a variety of situations. Even during a pandemic, NPS teachers encourage students to be creative and develop skills, and a love for learning that extends a lifetime. By recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week, the Norwalk Board of Education joins with students, families, and members of the community in recognizing our talented, dedicated, and determined teachers. We are grateful and inspired by the work they continue to do each day.
7. Recognition of Nurse Appreciation Day – May 12, 2021
The Norwalk Board of Education is pleased to recognize May 12 as School Nurse Appreciation Day in Norwalk.
Throughout what has been an enormously challenging year, NPS nurses have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep our students safe and healthy. As we continue to navigate through the national health crisis, Norwalk parents can feel confident that their children are in great hands with our school nurses.
NPS nurses are the frontline for staff and students, reinforcing Covid protocols and mitigating measures, working with students to maintain a healthy environment, utilizing isolation rooms when necessary and distributing PPE. They also provide education and training on Covid to employees throughout the district.
Every NPS nurse is a critical part of the contact tracing team, working to get the job done to keep everyone safe and our students learning. Their dedication also goes beyond our schools, having volunteered at vaccine clinics for Norwalk employees and the community.
In addition to pandemic health and safety, school nurses work through a variety of challenges each day, whether screening for health issues; dealing with injuries; responding to allergic reactions; administering medication; managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma and addressing the impact of behavioral health and social issues.
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In addition to working with students, school nurses interact with other professionals, including teachers, administrators, doctors, counselors, coaches, parents, social workers, and more to improve the safety, health, and academic achievement of all students in the school community.
It is due to these interventions and actions performed throughout the day that Norwalk’s students are able to focus on academics and be successful at school.
The school nurses of Norwalk Public Schools are caring and committed to our students. By recognizing May 12 as School Nurse Appreciation Day, the Board of Education joins with our schools, families and the community in distinguishing these dedicated professionals
8. Approval of Elimination of 10-Month CISD Positions and Creating 12-Month CISD Positions
**MS. KEYES MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE ELIMINATION OF 10-MONTH CISD POSITIONS AND CREATING 12-MONTH CISD POSITIONS **MS. DEPALMA SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
9. Approval of Summer School Credit Process
**MS. KOROSHETZ MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE SUMMER SCHOOL CREDIT PROCESS **MS. HARRIS SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
A. April 2021 Monthly Financial Report
There was no action on this item
**MS. DEPALMA MOTIONED TO TABLE THE MARCH FINANCIAL REPORT **MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Committee/Representative Reports
Ms Harris said that PTECH and Karen Amaker should be included in the thanks for the Summer School Credit process
Ms. Keyes said that Policy had heard a presentation on NAYEC, on the requirements for the NECC accreditation. She said they’d also reviewed Policy 1211 on the School Governance Councils as it related to statutes.
Mr. Hosten said the Finance Committee would have a joint meeting with the Common Council Finance Committee in June. He said they wanted to engage them early. Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 33
C. Board Member Announcements
There was no action on this item.
VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 6, 2021 April 12, 2021
**MS. KEYES MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 6 AND 12 AS SUBMITTED. **MS. AZIMA SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
IX. ADJOURNMENT
**MS. DEPALMA MOTIONED TO ADJOURN **MR. AZIMA SECONDED THE MOTION **MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
The meeting adjourned at 10:10pm
Respectfully submitted, L. Grassilli Telesco Secretarial Services
Norwalk Public Schools Board of Education May 4, 2021 Page 34
CITY OF NORWALK NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION BOARD WORKSHOP MAY 18, 2021
ATTENDANCE Colin Hosten, Chair; Diane Carpio, Vice Chair; Godfrey Azima, Secretary; Erica DePalma, Sherell Harris, Heidi Keyes, Suzanne Brown Koroshetz, Sarah LeMieux (7:55 p.m.)
STAFF: Dr. Alex Estrella, Superintendent of Schools; Brenda Wilcox Williams, Chief Communications Officer; Yvette Goorevitch, Chief of Specialized Learning and Student Services; Ralph Valenzisi; Chief of Digital Learning and Development; Tom Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer; Donalda Chumney, Chief Academic Officer
OTHERS: Sandra Kase, Dr. Richard Lemons
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Hosten called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. A quorum was present.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Mr. Hosten greeted everyone.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A group of students led those present in reciting the Pledge via a video link.
NEW STRATEGIC PLAN.
Dr. Estrella said that they had spent the last two months working intently on the Strategic Plan. This has resulted in their ability to focus on the areas that need to be addressed. Dr. Lemons will be presenting a report.
Dr. Lemons said that there was a spectacular task force working on the future of the Norwalk students. He explained that in December the Board Members started discussions with the Connecticut Center for Change and this resulted in a framework of Needs Assessment, Grounds Artfacts and Improvement Frameworks with Board Goals Areas.
Dr. Lemons displayed several charts on the screen. He said that the task force worked hard in gathering data, insights and perspective of the community and drafting parts of
City of Norwalk Norwalk Board of Education Board Workshop May 18, 2021 Page 1 the plan. This included various stakeholders and a provided feedback loop. Dr. Lemons assured all those who attended any of those meetings and provided feedback that it was carefully considered and often shifted the focus of the needs assessment.
The Needs Assessment included performing a SWOT analysis of Task Force Members, including perspectives of Focus groups, and analysis of Various studies that were in progress.
The Grounding Artifacts included refining the mission, the vision, and defining the core values. There is work that will come after this meeting that will involved the framework.
Dr. Lemons then listed the numbers of various meeting, community events, full board meetings, interviews, a wide range of focus groups including families, students, teachers, staff and religious leaders, exhaustive surveys, organizational reviews in a variety of fields and briefings.
He explained that the current working title was “Future Ready for ALL” and displayed the mission statement that the Task Force had developed. The goal is to guide students through the system and prepare them for the future.
Mr. Hosten said that having the students future ready means different things for different students and have them ready for whatever future they envision.
Dr. Lemons said that the next component was the Values Statement. He thanked Brenda and the Communications team for creating the diagram. The key values were Student Potential, Excellence, Relationships, , Integrity, Coordinated Services, Continuous Improvement, Creativity & Innovation, Our People, Diversity & Inclusion and Equity.
Ms. DePalma asked where the technology component was included. Dr. Lemons said that they had put it in with the Creativity & Innovation portion.
Dr. Lemons then reviewed the Strategic Priorities which included Future Readiness, Equity, Excellent, Engagement and High Quality Instruction & Support. He explained that the Board would be inserting various different goals under the key priorities as they work towards the various goals. He displayed a potential prototype diagram.
Ms. DePalma said that she would like to include the fact that career opportunities does not necessarily indicate a professional career, but possibly include a job or volunteer service. Discussion followed about possibly using the term “work place opportunities”.
Mr. Hosten thanked Dr. Lemons for all the assistance that Connecticut for Change provided.
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Dr. Estrella asked for the Board’s feedback on the proposed design. A discussion followed about the details of the design and the investment that the District is making in their students. Discussion followed.
Ms. LeMieux joined the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
There were several suggested changes, which Dr. Lemons noted.
Ms. Koroshetz pointed out that there was a great deal of work in condensing the material down to five key aspects and reminded everyone that these were a road map for the programs rather than a check list of items to be accomplished.
Ms. LeMieux said that she did not see creativity included in the chart. She said it was in the values, but felt it should be included in the chart.
Discussion followed about including “outcomes” and adding action words to indicate results.
Dr. Estrella then noted that in order to meet the priorities that have been identified, the Central Office will have to make some organizational shifts. In order to do this, Dr. Estrella and Dr. Lemons reviewed the current Table of Organization for the cabinet and updated it in order attain the vision in the next few years.
The proposed Table of Organization was then displayed on the screen.
Dr. Estrella said the importance on having a clear focus on equity and excellence. Clearly delineating that because there were equitable processes that reduce the disproportionality of the current outcomes that need to be addressed, it will not mean that they are sacrificing excellence. It means that they are enhancing and insuring the excellence throughout the system.
This will require a staff member who will insure the Excellence and Equity and interconnect the system within the departments. In order to do this, a position has been created titled the Deputy Superintendent of Equity and Excellence to work in tandem with the Superintendent regarding the priorities. The Deputy Superintendent will also be responsible for insuring that all the Assistant Superintendents are in alignment with the priorities and setting clear expectations that this work will not happen in silos, but requires the organization at large to address the process.
A second aspect will be the creation of a position called the Chief of Staff of Communications to focus on engagement and support. This will include the communications streams such as the press releases and the webpage updates, but also encompass parent engagement and community engagement. This staff member will also
City of Norwalk Norwalk Board of Education Board Workshop May 18, 2021 Page 3 oversee the Family Welcome Center that the administration is in the process of creating in order to streamline items like registrations, assessments, and on site clinic to provide health care needs. This will be a centralized hub for all parents to receive information in the same way. This will address the concerns that parents often felt the information was distributed in silos rather than holistically.
There will also be an Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, who will work in tandem with the Chief Financial Officer, particularly in regard to safety and health along with facility maintenance.
There will be job postings released for the Deputy Superintendent of Equity and Excellence and the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations.
COVID had highlighted the need for enhancing the technology capacity for not only on site learning, but at home learning as well in order to narrow the digital gap. The District recently received the Rising Innovation Grant that will provide every middle school student with a broadband device that will allow them access while at home.
There will now be an Assistant Superintendent of Schools that will handle Central Office process that are currently in silos. This will assist students with specialized needs. This will also handle the professional development and integrating student services. Ms. Goorevitch will continue to work with the District on this project to transition the work. The consultant that engaged in the Special Education study is also working with the administration on this.
There were a number of other roles that were eliminated and those responsibilities were shifted into the three Assistant Superintendents. The District’s role is to serve the schools in order to effectively support the diverse student population.
Dr. Estrella then gave an overview of the chart that updated the Table of Organization. They tried to avoid additional costs while providing support and resources to the students.
Dr. Estrella was asked if the title of Deputy Superintendent of Equity and Excellence could be changed to Deputy Superintendent of Equity, Excellence and Inclusion. Dr. Estrella said that they had originally started with that title, but changed it. Excellence should include everyone. However it can be changed back to the full title.
Ms. LeMieux said that the increase collaboration was excellent, along with the clarification of the roles. She asked what would happen if there was some kind of escalation.
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Dr. Estrella said that the new roles will be written out and distributed to the Board Members and this would include which staff members will be reporting to that particular position.
Dr. Estrella said that she was very thankful for all those who participated because people were managing to find time to attend meetings despite all the other things they were responsible for. There was support from the community, the Task Force, the Board, the union leaders and the students. There is still work to do, but Norwalk’s future is very bright. ACTIONS ITEMS
** MS. DEPALMA MOVED TO APPROVE THE STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK. ** MR. AZIMA SECONDED.
Ms. Carpio said that she would like to thank Dr. Lemons because there were many times when the Task Force members arrived at the meetings tired, but he helped them become uplifted.
Mr. Azima said that he appreciated the school leaders who met with them every Thursday for the first half of the year.
Mr. Hosten reminded everyone that they were still in a pandemic and said that Dr. Estrella arrived in the District in the middle of all this yet managed to keep the District on track and produce a Strategic Plan.
** MR. HOSTEN MOVED TO AMEND THAT THEY WOULD APPROVE THIS STRATEGIC PLAN PENDING THE ADJUSTMENT REGARDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND ADDING SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL AND CREATIVITY INTO THE APPROPRIATE SECTIONS. ** MS. DEPALMA SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO AMEND AS NOTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MS. CARPIO MOVED TO APPROVE A NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDER STANDING REGARDING THE NEW TABLE OF ORGANIZATION AS AMENDED. ** MR. AZIMA SECONDED.
Mr. Hosten said that he appreciated how they paid attention to the details.
Ms. DePalma asked about the follow up with the teachers and principals.
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Dr. Estrella said that they had already spoken with the principals. They have been holding a preparatory meeting with the principals before Board meetings so the principals wouldn’t hear about something for the first time during a Board meeting. She outlined the plans for the coming months.
Mr. Hosten said that there were some positions that were being phased out and new ones created. Dr. Estrella said that they would be posting the new positions within the next few weeks and wished to promote from within.
Mr. Hosten said that there was an MOU about the Table of Organization. It will be sent out to the Board Members once the final details have been settled with the union.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE A NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDER STANDING REGARDING THE NEW TABLE OF ORGANIZATION AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.
There was no one from the public that wished to comment at this time.
BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT
Ms. DePalma said that baseball and softball teams will start on Friday and track will start on Monday. Lacrosse teams will start on Saturday. Registration for fall sports have opened and information has been sent out to the three middle schools and All Saints.
The Norwalk River Rowing Association has started registration for a summer long rowing program. The NJROTC is working on having their cadets involved in it along with the Air Force ROTC as well.
Mr. Azima updated everyone about Norwalk ACTS. An event will be held on Saturday with a focus on Mental Health. Next meeting on June 15th.
Mr. Azima gave a special shout out to Ms. Harris who has been appointed as the Norwalk Public Library Director.
Dr. Estrella then listed the graduations coming up during the next months.
NPS High School Graduation Schedule:
PTECH Norwalk – Onsite Graduation Date: July 25; Ceremony Time: 9-10am; Location: P-TECH/Norwalk High; Rain Date: August 1
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Center for Global Studies -- Onsite Graduation Date: August 1; Ceremony Time: 9-10am; Location: CGS/Brien McMahon HS; Rain Date: August 2
Norwalk High School – Drive-in Graduation Date: August 3; Ceremony Time: 9-10am; Location: Calf Pasture Beach; Rain Date: August 5
Brien McMahon High School – Drive-in Graduation Date: August 4; Ceremony Time: 9-10am; Location: Calf Pasture Beach; Rain Date: August 6
Dr. Estrella said that there had been a number of requests for graduations for the full graduating class. They have specific guidelines regarding the size of the cohorts in order to maintain the social distancing required.
The number of Norwalk COVID cases has been decreasing. There will be a number of vaccination clinics for ages 12-15 to facilitate the process. There has been a significant decline in transmissions in the buildings.
Ms. Keyes asked if there would be police on site to direct traffic. Ms. Wilcox Williams said that they had contacted the Police Department about this.
ADJOURNMENT
** MS. DEPALMA MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MS. KEYES SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
S. L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services
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