Farmington Board of Education Meeting Highlights – October 21, 2024
On October 21, 2024, the Farmington Board of Education (BOE) met to discuss a full agenda, including transportation updates, policy votes, and special grants for local schools. Here’s a full recap: key vote tallies, ongoing projects, and community impacts.
📺 For the whole meeting, watch the recording on YouTube here.
🎉 Education Foundation Grants Update
The Farmington Public School Foundation, represented by co-chairs Kelly Spring and Carla Simone, presented a generous $18,000 check to the BOE. This funding supports unique student programs that teach life skills and environmental awareness:
- Tiger Treats Snack Cart (West District Elementary): Teaches students hands-on business and life skills.
- Math Through Play (Noah Wallace School): Integrates gamified math and literacy exercises.
- Saving the Salmon (Irving Robbins Middle School): An environmental project exploring the Farmington River’s ecosystem.
- Hawks Nespresso Coffee Shop (Farmington High School): Supports special education students in transition programs.
Outgoing co-chair Tony Shockley received a standing ovation for his years of service, along with humorous remarks from Bill Becker about Shockley continuing to consult and the Foundation’s upcoming trivia fundraiser in February.
Visit the Farmington Public School Foundation website here for details on these programs or watch the Foundation’s presentation on YouTube.
🚍 Transportation Woes and Solutions
Assistant Superintendent for Operations Matt Ross provided a detailed update on the transportation challenges Farmington schools are facing with Specialty Transportation. Major issues included frequent delays, driver shortages, and inconsistent communication.
Key Actions Taken:
- Driver Recruitment: Four new drivers are in training, with additional morning routes added at Noah Wallace and Irving Robbins to improve punctuality.
- Bus Monitors: Specialty is assigning monitors on buses with substitute drivers to help with navigation and student supervision.
- Family Outreach: Specialty and the district are now responding to family transportation concerns faster, a change implemented based on recent feedback.
Erica James inquired if paraprofessionals were still riding buses for behavior support, to which Ross confirmed that teacher supervision had decreased, with additional support now provided by monitors. Angela Marks highlighted an incident where the cross-country team missed a meet due to bus issues. Ross assured the BOE that Specialty has since coordinated with other locations to prevent similar cancellations.
Invoice Review:
September’s transportation invoices from Specialty were received but remain under review. The July and August invoices have been approved and will appear in the October financial report.
📜 Policy Updates: Title IX and Beyond
Title IX Compliance Vote
BOE members reviewed policies 4118.1 and 4118.1A in a second reading, focusing on Title IX compliance following the August 2024 federal ruling. These changes align BOE policies with federal requirements, including updated procedures for investigations, appeals, and staff training.
Angela Marks raised concerns about implementing the Title IX updates due to their basis on an executive order, suggesting the BOE wait until after the election to see if federal regulations remain. Chair Bill Becker acknowledged the concern but emphasized the BOE’s duty to comply with current law.
Vote Results:
- The motion to approve Title IX-related policies passed 7-1-1:
- Ayes: Bill Becker, Beth Wilson, James Hunter, Mike Turner, Danielle Foster, Carla Doran, Isla Johnson
- Nay: Angela Marks
- Abstain: Erica James
Other Policy Changes (First Reading)
A first reading was held for additional policy updates, which align with Connecticut’s latest legislative changes. Topics included:
- Kindergarten Admission Age
- Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy
- Student Transfers
- Special Education Fund Allocations
Angela Marks suggested clarifying the early kindergarten admission policy to avoid confusion for families who may not know the May 1st deadline. BOE members agreed to consider slight rewording to ensure clear communication.
🏋️♂️ Physical Education Testing Concerns
The Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment results revealed that Farmington students scored lower on flexibility tests, despite high overall performance in other areas. Superintendent Kathy Greer noted that flexibility test scores often don’t reflect students’ general fitness.
During the discussion, Board member Mike Turner humorously admitted he “never won a sit-and-reach award,” which brought a light moment to the room. Greer explained that future testing would be scheduled throughout the year to better align with student progress.
💼 Financial Summary: July, August, and September Budgets
Assistant Superintendent Ross presented the financial summaries for the fiscal year, focusing on key expenditures and budget adjustments:
- BOE Grants: All ESSER funds have been fully allocated.
- Encumbrances: Budget adjustments were made to cover special services and anticipated transportation costs.
- Outstanding Transportation Payments: September invoices are under review and will be included in the October financials.
Angela Marks asked about outstanding transportation invoices. Ross confirmed they would be reflected in October’s budget report, with compensation specifics for missed services available as part of future reviews.
Each financial report passed with 9-0 unanimous votes.
🏢 Central Office Renovation and Furniture Update
Susan Gage, Farmington’s Facilities Coordinator, presented the updated floor plan and furniture specifications for the Central Office renovation. This project, scheduled for completion in early 2025, includes:
- Reception Area & Lounge Seating: Comfortable seating for visitors and a modern reception desk.
- Hoteling Stations: Lockers and shared workstations for part-time or visiting staff.
- Break Room & IT Office: Updated spaces to support Central Office operations.
Budget Approval:
The furniture budget, totaling $181,970, was approved unanimously with a 9-0 vote. Gage emphasized that all purchases would be eligible for state reimbursement.
💬 BOE Chair’s Closing Remarks & Community Updates
Chair Bill Becker closed the meeting with several announcements and acknowledgments:
- Appreciation for Matt Ross: Becker thanked Ross for his invaluable service and dedication, particularly in managing transportation challenges.
- Condolences for Dan Satunis: Becker extended sympathies to Satunis, who recently lost his daughter Abby, and praised his dedication despite the personal hardship.
- Upcoming BOE Meeting Location: Next month’s meeting will be held at the new high school auditorium. Becker encouraged the community to attend and experience the new space firsthand.
The meeting adjourned at 9:34 PM following a motion by Beth Wilson, seconded by Erica James, passing unanimously with 9 ayes.
Jack Beckett’s Final Thoughts ☕
Thanks for tuning in to another Farmington BOE recap. For all things Farmington, don’t miss our editorials, Election 2024 updates, or see what’s for sale locally here. Want to get in touch? Message us on X.com, or as we call it, “Twix.” Until next time, remember: coffee first, headlines second!
