Happy Summer!
B C
www.cabe.org
Vol. 26, No. 7
July/August, 2022
New London’s Early Childhood Education Initiative
Public Education:
Moving Forward for ALL Children
Patrice McCarthy
Lisa Steimer
Executive Director & General Counsel, CABE
See NEW LONDON page 9
The CABE/CAPSS Convention Committee continues to make great progress in planning the 2022 CABE/ CAPSS Convention, Public Education: Moving Forward for ALL Children, which will take place on November 18-19 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel.
Convention Workshops
Summer outdoor fun!
New CABE Executive Director Lisa Steimer
Sr. Staff Associate for Professional Development and Communications, CABE
On July 1, former Deputy Director and General Counsel Patrice McCarthy took the helm as CABE’s Executive Director and General Counsel. Patrice is the seventh Executive Director of the Association, having served as Interim Executive Director in 1995-96. Patrice started her career at CABE 39 years ago as a staff attorney. Over time, she assumed increased responsibilities within the association. McCarthy said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to serve CABE as Executive Director. CABE has a distinguished history dating from 1906 in fulfilling its mission to assist boards of education in providing high quality education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership. Our school boards and public education system are an essential component of our democracy. In these challenging times maintaining civility in public discourse is critical. I am energized to work with the CABE Board of Directors and staff to continue to move CABE forward.” Patrice shared the following with The Meriden Record-Journal in a July 14 interview: As executive director, McCarthy will set priorities “to assist
boards in providing high quality education through effective leadership.” Along with focusing on the children, McCarthy will stress the “importance of school board service” by helping current board members communicate why it is important to be a school board member. “Now more than ever people in communities need to step up and consider, whether they have the time and energy to serve on their local board,” McCarthy said. “And other community members need to support their boards of education because these are volunteer elected officials who have jobs and families and other interests and they are really taking on a role that is so important to our students as well as for our democracy.”
Please see more about Patrice’s vision in the Executive Director Commentary on page 3 of this month’s CABE Journal.
inside
At the start of the 2021-22 school year, the city of New London and the New London School District combined $1.525 million in federal Coronavirus relief funds to purchase the B.P. Learned Mission building, which now serves as a school for the district’s 80 Pre-K students during the day and a hub for community events and services in the evenings. The center focuses on children from birth through age 8 and provides not only education, but human services – including free diapers and clothes, community meals and a mental health consultant. The City’s Park and Recreation department also offers some enrichment classes for children in the facility. Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie said, “Ultimately, our goal is to help build the capacities of all – students, staff, families, and community to work together as co-partners in supporting the healthy developments (academic and social-emotional) of every child. It is our hope that we become a state model for others, through the sharing of our early childhood vision and framework, tools and resources, and actionable data collections. Birth to age eight is such a critical time as it sets the foundation for lifelong learning. Together, we aim to empower and engage constituents to be sure every young child is supported.” Topics for the community gatherings thus far have included fine and gross motor developments, storytelling, mental health, expanding language using everyday objects and addressing adverse childhood experiences and the challenges of COVID. Community gatherings occurred in the evenings every three weeks and have become incredibly popular with 80-100 guests each time. Ritchie said that having services that span from prenatal to elementary
Sr. Staff Associate for Professional Development and Communications, CABE
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Board Members: When is it Time to Quit?
The full Convention Committee met in June to make the final decisions regarding the proposals received. These are always lively conversations that include some difficult decisions. The Convention Committee looks forward to offering a solid lineup of workshops to Convention participants. Workshops will be group under four strands – Lessons Learned for the Future, Advocacy for Public Education, Diversity, and Nuts and Bolts.
Convention Registration
Convention early registration is open for all superintendents, CABE member board members, and CABE Education and Business Affiliates until August 26. Beginning August 27 all board members, superintendents and CABE Education and Business Affiliates may register.
Hotel Reservations
Those attending the annual CABE/ CAPSS Convention have been guaranteed a room rate of $160. We are grateful to the Marriott for providing See CABE/CAPSS CONVENTION page 3
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CT School Attorneys’ Council Holds Meeting
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Policy Corner: Keep Your Policies Current
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022 PRESIDENT COMMENTARY
Summer of 2022 Reflections Liz Brown
President, CABE
It’s July 18 as I’m writing this and rain finally blesses the dry, parched earth. Summer marches on. We are afforded so many wonderful opportunities for community gatherings including open air concerts, ethnic food festivals, Fourth of July parades (a staple of celebrating our freedom) and so many cultural, educational and “just plain fun being outdoors” activities. Communities are alive once more! The Mount Carmel Church in Waterbury just celebrated its 84th Italian Festival (fried dough - yum!). Our students thrive when communities embrace and provide a welcoming, enriching environment for everyone. This summer a dark shadow dropped on a celebratory parade in Highland Park where many innocent people, enjoying a festive Fourth of July, died at the hands of a young man’s military-style weapon. This summer, coverage of the Uvalde Robb Elementary School where 19 innocent children and two teachers were massacred, has us all shaking our heads in disbe-
lief. The contrast between summertime relaxation and rejuvenation, and the horrific events unfolding in cities around our country and our war-torn world, crashes our minds and senses like a giant tsunami. How do we help our school communities be hopeful and faith-filled against this tide of grief and devastation? I don’t know that I have the answer, but I know it is something we must do. I have been thinking a lot about hope and faith. Deep rooted values embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. These two documents, as one author put it, “unleashed a revolution in human affairs.” The American Revolution declared liberty and self-governance, and George Washington declared they were, “finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” A profound concept that still stirs the hearts and minds of freedom loving people today. How does the Fourth of July, the Spirit of ’76, guide our decisions as school board members? In John F. Kennedy’s speech at Independence
Mission: To assist local and regional boards of education in providing high quality education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership. Vision: CABE is passionate about strengthening public education through high-performing, transformative local school board/ superintendent leadership teams that inspire success for each child.
Board of Directors Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1962, he reminded us that everyone who enjoys the gift of freedom and self-governance must “join other men and nations preserving both peace and freedom, and to regard any threat to the peace or freedom of one as a threat to the peace and freedom of all, … we must mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” As school board members we lead public schools in Connecticut. Let us recommit to our nation’s values of freedom and self-governance. Let our interactions with fellow citizens (fellow board members, administrators, students, teachers, and our community) model civility and respect for each other. We must!
People in the News n CABE Executive Director
and General Counsel Patrice McCarthy was reappointed to the CT Bar Association Civics Education Committee.
n Louise Berry, a member of the We were delighted to have six of CABE’s Past Presidents attend Bob Rader’s retirement party in June. Left to right: Donald Harris, Robert Hale, Lydia Tedone, Richard Murray, and Cal Heminway. Not pictured, Mary Broderick.
CABE Journal Reprint Requests
• The material in all CABE publications is copyrighted and may be reprinted by permission only. • All requests must be in writing. Permission will not be granted over the phone. • To request permission to reprint content from the CABE Journal, email Lisa Steimer lsteimer@cabe.org.
Killingly Board of Education from 1966-1981, died recently. Louise had a distinguished career in public education, serving the Brooklyn Public Schools in many roles for 58 years. When she retired as Superintendent in 2016 she was the longest serving Superintendent in Connecticut history. She also served in the Connecticut Senate representing the 29th District. We extend our condolences to her family.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Elizabeth Brown | President, Waterbury Leonard Lockhart | First Vice President, Windsor Meg Scata | V ice President for Government Relations, Portland John Prins | V ice President for Professional Development, Branford Lon Seidman | Secretary/Treasurer, Essex Donald Harris | I mmediate Past President, Bloomfield Christopher Wilson | Member at Large, Bristol Lydia Tedone | NSBA Director, Simsbury AREA DIRECTORS Marion Manzo | Area 1 Director, Region 15 Douglas Foyle | Area 2 Co-Director, Glastonbury Tyron Harris | Area 2 Co-Director, East Hartford Jay Livernois | A rea 4 Director, Woodstock Academy Dan Cruson | Area 5 Director, Newtown Janice Cupee | Area 6 Co-Director, Stratford Lee Goldstein | Area 6 Co-Director, Westport George Kurtyka | Area 7 Co-Director, Derby Robert Guthrie | Area 7 Co-Director, West Haven Lon Seidman | Area 8 Director, Essex Carol Burgess | Area 9 Co-Director, Montville Bryan Doughty | A rea 9 Co-Director, New London ASSOCIATES Eileen Baker | Associate, Old Saybrook Ann Gruenberg | Associate, Hampton Anthony Perugini | Associate, Cheshire Robert Mitchell | Associate, Montville Joseph Wilkerson | Associate, Bloomfield COMMITTEE CHAIRS Becky Tyrrell | Chair, Federal Relations, Plainville Ethel Grant | Chair, Resolutions, Portland Christopher Wilson | Chair, State Relations, Bristol CITY REPRESENTATIVES John Weldon | City Representative, Bridgeport A. J. Johnson | City Representative, Hartford Yesenia Rivera | City Representative, New Haven Andy George | City Representative, Stamford STAFF
Patrice McCarthy | Executive Director and General Counsel Nicholas Caruso | Senior Staff Associate for Field Services and Coordinator of Technology Sheila McKay | Senior Staff Associate for Government Relations Lisa Steimer | Senior Staff Associate for Professional Development and Communications Conrad Vahlsing | Staff Attorney Teresa Costa | Coordinator of Finance and Administration Pamela Brooks | S enior Administrative Associate for Policy Service and Search Services Terry DeMars | Administrative Associate for Policy Service Gail Heath | Administrative Associate for Government Relations Wilmarie Newton | A dministrative Associate for Digital Communications Nancy Propfe | Administrative Assistant for Membership Services Corliss Ucci | Receptionist and Assistant to Executive Director
CABE Journal (ISSN 1092-1818) is published bi-monthly by Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, 81Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Periodicals postage Paid at Hartford, CT.” POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CABE Journal, CABE, 81 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109-1242. CABE membership dues include $30 per person for each individual who receives The CABE Journal. The subscription rate for nonmembers is $75. Association members dues include a subscription for each Board Member, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Business Manager. The companies and advertisements found in The CABE Journal are not necessarily endorsed by CABE.
The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
CABE Affiliate Members BUSINESS AFFILIATES VALEDICTORIAN Connecticut Business Systems – A Xerox Company Finalsite SALUTATORIAN
Berchem Moses PC Shipman & Goodwin HIGH HONORS
Pullman & Comley HONOR ROLL JCJ Architecture Kainen, Escalera & McHale, P.C. Newman/DLR Group SCHOLAR Brown & Brown Chinni & Associates, LLC Coordinated Transportation Solutions Dattco, Inc. ESS The Lexington Group Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) The S/L/A/M Collaborative Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello, P.C.
EDUCATIONAL AFFILIATES American School for the Deaf Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Cambridge International Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs Connecticut Arts Administrators Association Connecticut Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Connecticut School Buildings and Grounds Association (CSBGA) Connecticut School Counselor Association Connecticut Technical High Schools Cooperative Educational Services (CES) EASTCONN EdAdvance Explorations Charter School Integrated Day Charter School ISAAC LEARN Live Girl Odyssey Community School, Inc. Relay CT The Bridge Academy
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTARY
CABE’s Path Forward Patrice McCarthy
Executive Director & General Counsel, CABE
I am excited to assume the role of Executive Director and General Counsel at this pivotal time for public education. Public education faces many challenges at the local, state and federal levels – incivility at public meetings and on social media, educator shortages, lack of diversity in the educator workforce, academic and social emotional needs exacerbated by the pandemic – to name a few. Fortunately, CABE is well positioned to support boards of education in meeting these challenges. CABE’s path forward will address the following key areas.
Membership
The support of our members can never be taken for granted. The constant turnover on boards creates the need for CABE to continuously educate boards about CABE resources, and adapt to their changing needs. Services we initiated during the pandemic, including board chair check-ins and more frequent webinars, have strengthened member engagement. Supporting board chairs as they deal with divisive issues will continue to be an important role for CABE. CABE staff has expertise in many aspects of a priority identified at a recent Board of Directors retreat – for CABE to serve as the leading institution in helping boards of education with internal issues, diversity and inclusion, social and emotional learning and providing best practices in relevant areas. We will continue to supplement staff resources with our external consultant in diversity and inclusion, and identify a resource to work with us on social and emotional learning, in order to fully address this priority. Our staff expertise in board/superintendent relations, roles and responsibilities, policy, communications and legal issues provides a deep resource of best practices to share with boards of education.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
CABE’s establishment of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee was a recognition of the importance of this issue. The work of this committee provides support to individual board members through affinity groups, and helps boards engage in community conversations
which can be challenging in the current environment. CABE can also play an important role in helping local boards encourage diverse community members to consider board service. We plan to develop a toolkit that includes outreach strategies for board members to connect with potential candidates was well as a webinar/video featuring current board members discussing the value and rewards of board service.
Public Relations
Strengthening a positive perspective of the public, media and legislators on the essential nature and work of school boards was another priority identified at the retreat. CABE has an important role in helping local and regional boards of education communicate about the accomplishments of their students, the role of boards of education, and the value of public education. We will develop resources that districts can tailor to their community in delivering these messages.
Advocacy
CABE has an advocacy agenda at the state and federal levels that is carried out by staff and by our support to help members advocate – through testimony, communications with their legislators, and at events such as legislative breakfasts and Day on the Hill. The need for effective advocacy at the state and federal level has never been greater, with funding equity, curriculum control and the achievement gap just a few of the ongoing issues. We will create more opportunities to mobilize our members to voice their views with legislators.
National and Regional Involvement
A strong national advocate for public education is important to CABE. We will work with our state association colleagues to maintain a unified voice for public education by developing a core message that has broad support among the states. Collaboration within the Northeast region will continue to be valuable.
Maintaining and Strengthening Partnerships
CABE currently has strong partnerships with the State Department of Education, CAPSS, CAS, the RESCs and CASBO. We also
work cooperatively with the unions, CCM, special education advocates and others on specific issues. Regular communication with these groups enables us to better anticipate upcoming challenges and strategize collaborative solutions. We are stronger advocates for public school students when we work together. CABE’s history and our future are about helping boards of education face common challenges. With a strong working relationship with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and CABE staff we will move forward in fulfilling CABE’s mission – “to assist local and regional boards of education in providing high quality education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership.”
CABE/CAPSS CONVENTION
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us a competitive rate over the years. Reservations must be made on or before the cut-off date of Friday, October 21, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. EDT in order to be eligible for the group rate of $160. Reservations made after the cutoff date will be based on availability at then-current rates. Make your reservation at https://www.marriott.com/ event-reservations/reservation-link. mi?id=1645737908101&key=GRP&app=resvlink or by calling the hotel’s reservation department at 877-901-6632. Purchase orders are not accepted.
Convention Updates
Watch the CABE Journal, your email and CABE’s social media for updates on the Convention as they become available. You can join us on Facebook at @ConnecticutAssociationBoardsEducation and on Twitter at @CTAssocBdsofEd. If you have any Convention related questions, please contact Lisa Steimer at lsteimer@cabe.org or 860-571-7446. We look forward to seeing you at the 2022 CABE/CAPSS Convention!
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022 See You in Court – The Nutmeg Board of Education Thomas B. Mooney, Esq. Shipman & Goodwin
The Nutmeg Board of Education makes many mistakes. The latest imbroglio created by the board will be reported here each issue, followed by an explanation of what the board should have done. Though not intended as legal advice, these situations may help board members avoid common problems. It had been a quiet summer in Nutmeg, and the July meeting of the Nutmeg Board of Education was a real snooze fest. Only one person spoke during Public Comment, and his comments were benign. The Board members were hopeful that things were calming down as they looked forward to the start of a normal school year in the fall. It was not to be. The August Board meeting was packed, and the atmosphere was tense as the Board members took their seats at the beginning of the meeting. After the normal preliminaries, Ms. Chairperson invited those in attendance to participate in public comment. The Board clerk called the name of the first speaker from the sign-up sheet, and asked him to give his name and home address. The speaker gave his name, but then asked if the meeting were being recorded. “Better than that,” Ms. Chairperson responded. “We are live on YouTube, streaming to the Nutmeg community. The recording will be available after the meeting as well.” “If that’s the case,” the speaker replied, “I won’t be sharing my home address. Who knows what crazies might disagree with me and come after me.” “This is highly irregular!” exclaimed Ms. Chairperson. “However, we will make an exception in your case. What’s on your mind?” The speaker thanked Ms. Chairperson for the courtesy, and then launched into a detailed criticism of the Board’s new policy on weighted grades. “Whoa Nellie,” Ms. Chairperson interrupted him. “My mother always said that if you don’t have anything nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all. Thank you very much. Next speaker, please!” Unfortunately, the next speaker was much worse. She launched into a diatribe about how neglectful the Board has been in not properly funding student mental health services. “You are a bunch of ill-informed dolts!” she railed. “If you know what’s good for you, you better . . . .” “Point of order, Ms. Chairman,” veteran Board member Bob Bombast interrupted. “I will not sit here and be insulted by some know-it-all. This speaker is out of order!”
Public Comment in Nutmeg
“I’ll tell you who is out of order, Bob!” the speaker shouted back. “This Board is out of order!! How can you fund football, but not the new student mental health clinic??” Ms. Chairperson banged her gavel, telling the speaker she was out of order, but the more Ms. Chairperson banged, the more the speaker raised her voice to shout insults at the Board members. Now the other Board members were crying “Point of Order!!” and the meeting devolved into chaos with a number of people yelling at each other. Finally, Ms. Chairperson called a recess, and the Board members huddled in a side room and discussed next steps. They agreed that the Board would reconvene, terminate further public comment, and do its best to carry on with the business of the meeting. The Board returned to the meeting room, and Ms. Chairperson announced to the murmuring crowd that the Board has decided to terminate further public comment and that it would move to the next agenda item. The crowd wasn’t having it, and the yelling started again. Bob Bombast wasn’t having it either, and he leaned into his microphone to shout, “Move to adjourn!” What should the Nutmeg Board of Education do? • • • • • • • • • • • • Under Robert’s Rules of Order, the next step is to vote on Bob’s motion to adjourn (provided that receives a second), which is a privileged motion and not debatable. If the Board had taken a different approach, however, things may have gone differently. While the Board members appropriately raised points of order when the speaker used abusive language, the Freedom of Information Act gives public agencies additional tools to use in such situations. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-232 specifically addresses the situation confronted by the Nutmeg Board of Education here. It permits public agencies to clear the room when a “meeting of a public agency is interrupted by any person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meetings.” Of course, clearing the room should be a last resort, and if and when warnings to disruptive persons are not effective, an appropriate next step is to call a recess, as Ms. Chairperson did here. If the disruption continues, however, clearing the room may be necessary. The Freedom of Information Act imposes certain requirements on public agencies before they can clear the room during a public meeting. First, it is necessary to attempt to restore order by the removal of the disruptive indi-
vidual. There are practical concerns, of course, with attempting to remove disruptive individuals, and if police are not present, removal efforts should be limited to verbal directives. Second, if and when the room is cleared, members of the press must be readmitted unless they were responsible for the disruption. Third, only business that is on the agenda can be conducted, even if the meeting is a regular meeting. In 2021, the General Assembly amended Section 1-232 and extended these provisions to persons participating remotely by adding the following: “If [persons causing disruption are] attending such meeting by means of electronic equipment, as defined in section 1- 200, the members of the public agency may terminate such person’s or group of persons’ attendance by electronic equipment until such time as such person or group of persons conforms to order or, if need be, until such meeting is closed.” In addition, Public Act 22-3 carries over from June 2021 Special Session a new statutory provision about public comment. If they choose to have public comment, public agencies conducting meetings wholly or in part by electronic means must provide the “same opportunities to provide comment or testimony and otherwise participate in such meeting that such member of the public would be accorded if such meeting were held
in person.” The challenges faced by the Nutmeg Board of Education here invite the following further observations. First, Ms. Chairperson should not have interrupted the first speaker because he was making critical remarks. When a public agency offers opportunity for public comment, it creates a public forum for speech protected by the First Amendment, and it cannot discriminate against speakers on the basis of their viewpoint. Second, though we may be sympathetic to the stressful situation that the Nutmeg Board faced, its impromptu private strategy session violated the FOIA by excluding the public. Finally, as a policy matter, board members may wish to revisit the traditional requirement that speakers provide their home address when making public comment, given the common practice of posting video recordings of meetings. Such a requirement is permissible, but the first speaker’s concerns were legitimate, and reasonable alternatives may be available. Attorney Thomas B. Mooney is a partner in the Hartford law firm of Shipman & Goodwin who works frequently with boards of education. Mooney is a regular contributor to the CABE Journal. Shipman & Goodwin is a CABE Business Affiliate.
The Ninth Edition – Now Available!
A Practical Guide to Connecticut School Law by Thomas B. Mooney, Esq. Shipman & Goodwin
CABE is delighted to announce that the Ninth Edition of Tom Mooney’s Practical Guide to Connecticut School Law is now available. PRICING: CABE Members: $54.99; CABE Non-Members: $79.99; Students: $44.99 There have been many changes in school law in the last few years, and the Ninth Edition has been extensively revised to provide updated guidance on the legal issues that govern our schools. Changes include descriptions and commentary on:
• Changes in teacher evaluation and teacher tenure. • New rules regarding employee background checks. • New requirements concerning student data privacy. • New rules for suspension, expulsion and alternative educational opportunities. • Revised requirements governing seclusion and restraint. • The new “Every Student Succeeds Act” and how it has changed “No Child Left Behind Act” requirements. • The CCJEF case and ongoing litigation over equal educational opportunities. • The Minimum Budget Requirement and new duties to collaborate with town officials. • A host of other changes in the rules that boards of education and school administrators must follow.
The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
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It’s Personal Relationships fuel success. We earn your trust by taking your success as personally as you do. However you define value, Shipman delivers.
Shipman’s school law lawyers have over 50 years of experience, and represent over 100 public school districts, as well as public school member organizations and associations, on the broad range of legal issues that school districts confront. We call on lawyers experienced in school law, special education, employment law, labor relations, intellectual property, data privacy, construction and environmental issues, and business contracts to provide effective and efficient legal assistance for our clients.
It all adds up to a relationship that delivers added value for each of our school district clients.
Our Practice Group Co-Chair, Tom Mooney, has written A Practical Guide to Connecticut School Law, a comprehensive treatise on Connecticut school law, published by CABE and used by teachers, administrators and board of education members throughout the state.
Education is a core focus of our law firm.
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Connecticut | New York | www.shipmangoodwin.com
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
Board Members: When Is It Time to Quit? Nick Caruso
whether or not to call it quits, here are some questions to ask yourself:
A while back I got a phone call from a person who had read an article of mine in another publication and wanted to ask me a question. He was a long-serving board member in California and was wondering if it was time to retire from the board. His question was “when is it time to quit?” It was a great question and one that made me stop and think. On one hand, I’ve known board members who were ready to give up after a few weeks of board service, and some who had served over 40 years who were as fresh in the job as the day they started. Living with COVID for two plus years has exacerbated the anxiety that board members are feeling. While most people serve a term or two and pass the baton, there are some who get onto the board only to find it is very different from their expectations. Some long-term board members find great satisfaction in the work they do and feel no pressure to retire. They may get involved with CABE or other interests tied to their board service and get more involved with their volunteer life. If you are thinking about
1. Is it satisfying? Serving on a board of education is incredibly important, but scheduling meetings, listening to community feedback, preparing for meetings, dealing with other municipal agencies, attending meetings, dealing with difficult issues (and sometimes, people) and follow-up to meetings consume a lot of your time. If you feel miserable when serving in your board role, you may need to think about that.
Senior Staff Associate for Field Service and Coordinator of technoloty, CABE
2. What would be your motivation for staying? Sometimes a board member will want to be there when a project that started under his or her watch comes to fruition. Perhaps you want to keep going while your children are still in school. Does serving on the board help you reach your personal goals? Do you feel your legacy is incomplete? 3. Have you truly learned the role and are comfortable that you are doing the right work? I’ve worked with board members who didn’t feel they were contributing
to the board until they better understood how the system works, especially how board members affect the district’s outcomes. Think about participating in board training even if you’ve served for a long time. Of course, there are always new things to learn. Many long-serving board members participate regularly in board professional development and truly believe in “lifelong learning”— both to keep up-to-date and to fulfill their personal desire. 4. Am I an effective board member? We all want to make a difference. It helps to challenge yourself a bit – think about your contributions to the team. Do you get along with your colleagues? Do you “lead” by example? 5. Am I achieving anything for the children in my district? The work of the school district first and foremost is to provide quality instruction for the children in the district. Are you and your board improving the quality of teaching in your district? Do you help your colleagues on the board remain focused on that work?
6. How’s my health? I’ve seen board members who are under so much pressure that they get physically ill from the challenges of board service. Constituent (or political) pressure, the time commitment, the struggle to keep moving the district forward when resources are scarce – those issues can literally make you sick. If so, you should consider if it remains worth the toll it is taking on you. 7. H ave I successfully balanced my real life with my board life? Board members have jobs and families and the commitment you make to the board of education is going to affect those things. Your employer may start to begrudge your need for time off or you might find yourself turning down a promotion because it would interfere with your board service. Those who are selfemployed may have more flexibility in their schedules, but, in the end time spent on board service is real money out of their pockets. Many board members willingly make the sacrifice, but, at what cost? See WHEN TO QUIT? page 9
The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
Connecticut School Attorneys’ Council Holds Mid-Year Meeting Conrad Vahlsing
Staff Attorney, CABE
The Connecticut School Attorneys Council met virtually in June to discuss current issues in education. Michelle Laubin and Floyd Dugas (both of Berchem Moses) presided at the meeting. Patrice McCarthy (CABE) offered a legislative update, including points regarding HVAC systems in schools and the working group charged with making recommendations concerning professional
development mandates. The group’s discussion touched on a variety of topics. Among them, a discussion of the mandate in Public Act 22-80 that certified employees have a minimum thirty-minute, duty-free lunch that is uninterrupted. The group also discussed collective bargaining, remote learning, remote board meetings, and the possibility that the State Department of Education and the Connecticut Department of Public Health will issue new COVID-19 guidelines for the fall.
Upcoming CABE Programs CABE’s 12th Annual Summer Leadership Conference
August 18 | 1:30 p.m. Registration | 2 – 7:15 p.m. Program Water’s Edge, Westbrook Register at https://www.cabe.org/professional-development/upcoming-workshops
CABE Delegate Assembly
November 17 | Mystic Marriott Hotel Watch your email for registration information.
CABE/CAPSS Convention
November 18-19 | Mystic Marriott Hotel Register at https://www.cabe.org/professional-development/upcoming-workshops
There when you need us for: •C risis Communications • Working with the Media •S chool Board Messaging and Professional Development •M edia Training and School Board/ Administrator • Presentation Skills • Full Video Storytelling Capabilities •S ocial Media Management and Strategies
Ann Baldwin, President
860-408-1580 | baldwinmedia.net ann@baldwinmedia.net
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
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Do You Want to Write for the CABE Journal?
About the CABE Journal
The CABE Journal has a reputation for fairness, professionalism, and accuracy. The CABE Journal is published by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. The purpose of the CABE Journal, and of all other CABE publications, is to publish information and points of view beneficial to public education and boards of education in Connecticut and to publish information promoting the beliefs, polices and activities of the Association and its membership. CABE attempts to present a variety of information which will help the general public and local boards of
WHEN TO QUIT?
(continued from page 6)
With families there is also sacrifice. Time away from watching our children grow up, or all the evenings away from our spouses will take a toll on any relationship. It is important to make sure you keep a good balance between the two. If you
NEW LONDON
(continued from page 1)
school all in one location will help us bridge the gaps that can occur at different transitional stages of a child’s development. Board Chair Elaine MaynardAdams noted that achievement gaps that exist in cities like New London often begin at birth. “There are families in New London that can provide early learning opportunities for their children, taking them to the library, reading to them, exposing them to language-rich experiences. Other families are just struggling to pay rent and simply don’t have the bandwidth to able to do that.” In New London schools, 85
a a a a a a a
Athletics Classroom Supplies Cleaning Early Learning Furniture Grounds Equipment Health Supplies
education to understand and respond constructively to educational issues. CABE encourages the presentation of alternative points of view in our publications. However, editorial control is maintained by CABE’s Executive Director.
What do we want?
We are looking for articles about emerging education trends and solutions available that are aimed at our audience of school board members, superintendents, and other administrators. We cover just about every public education topic, with special emphasis on district-level leadership.
are considering retiring from board service have a conversation with your family to get their reaction.
What we don’t want
Few teachers read the CABE Journal, so articles aimed specifically at classroom educators aren’t right for us. And, we don’t publish articles that push a particular product or service. We welcome detailed query letters for first drafts of articles for our review.
Other Ways to Contribute Editorially
Letters to the Editor – Comments on an article or points of view can be submitted to Lisa Steimer at lsteimer@ cabe.org. People in the News – To alert us
to a CABE member who is assuming a new title, retiring, receiving a significant honor or has passed away, contact Lisa Steimer at lsteimer@cabe.org. Spotlight on Connecticut Practices – This resource allows school districts to learn about - and find inspiration from - successful programs. We invite you to briefly tell us about your most successful programs and help inspire all school boards, by completing a simple survey that can be found at https://www.cabe.org/page.cfm?p=1218. For more information about writing for the CABE Journal, please go to https://www.cabe.org/page.cfm?p=1352.
8. What happens if I leave the board? You may not like the answer to this question, but it may be important to consider. We all want to feel indispensable – that things will fall apart if we leave, but the reality is that
the day after you leave the board, the sun will still come up and meetings will go on. Maybe things will be different and maybe they won’t be as good for a while, but life will continue. In the end, only you can decide when it is time, but having conversations with people you trust can help you make a decision. Maybe your board chair, your superintendent,
another board member or your family can best help you work through what might be a difficult choice. Whatever you decide, you should be proud to have served in such an important role for your community. I hope you feel satisfied with what you have accomplished when it’s time to move on.
percent of students are of color, 100 percent are eligible for free lunch and over a third of students are non-native English speakers. “Providing quality preschool programming to children who need it the most, and the wraparound services for their family and our partnership with the city… that to me is a real game-changer,” Maynard-Adams said. Researchers from the Columbia University Center for Public Research and Leadership are working with Superintendent Ritchie to create the next tenant of her vision, a “Portrait of a Third Grade Graduate”. Ritchie hopes that this document will allow all to know and understand what young children should be able to do and demonstrate independently,
as markers for success on grade level milestones from birth to the end of third grade. Active research studies on parental engagement are also actively happening. Ritchie will utilize research results next year and will share lessons learned with others across the state. In her multi-faceted early childhood plan, Ritchie will be implementing a new type of research assessment next year, entitled the Early Development Inventory. This tool organizes young children’s strengths and areas of need in five main categories. She plans to use the results to lead transformative projects within the community. For example, if the assessment showed that children who live in a certain part of the city are struggling with gross motor skills,
constituents might then be able to develop a park in that area. Costs for operating the center are split between the school district and the city, along with partnerships with outside groups that will donate certain things – like diapers and books – for free. The school district maintains all responsibilities during the weekdays on the school year calendar and the City maintains responsibilities and use of the building most evenings and weekends. Ritchie is pleased with this partnership, “The City, school district, and community have risen together to support a common vision for young children. This work is a true model of collaboration that aims to place all young children on a trajectory for a lifetime of success.”
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
CABE: Working for YOU
Individualized Workshops | Professional Development Opportunities Legal Services | Policy Services | Representing You Statewide and Nationally Below are the highlights of activities that the CABE staff has undertaken on your behalf over the last month. We did this:
B y providing opportunities for members to learn how to better govern their districts:
z Met with the Bridgeport Board of Education to discuss superintendent evaluation process. z Met with the West Hartford Board of Education to discuss superintendent search. z Responded to 35 requests for policy information from 23 districts, providing sample materials on policy topics. Further, districts continue to access CABE’s online Core Policy Reference Manual and/or online manuals posted by CABE for policy samples. The topics of greatest interest were those pertaining to Remote Learning, Gifted/Talented Students, Challenging Curriculum, Armed Security Officers, Coaches Evaluation, and Disposal of Instructional Materials.
zP resented Roles and Responsibilities workshops for the Hampton, Norfolk, Sprague, Voluntown, and Watertown Boards of Education. zP articipated in meeting of the CABE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
B y providing services to meet member needs:
zP rovided Legislative Wrap Up workshop. zP rovided monthly Board Chair Check-In and Update. z S taffed Government Relations, State Relations, and Resolutions Committee meetings. zP articipated in CABE webinar on addressing hate in schools. zR evised policies, as part of the Custom Update Policy Service, for Ellington, New Fairfield, North Stonington, and Putnam. zH elped facilitate a session with the Watertown Board of Education on their strategic plan. zF acilitated board retreats for the
Andover, Marlborough, and Westbrook Boards of Education. zR esponded to a variety of legal inquiries from members. z S taffed CABE/CAPSS Convention Committee meeting.
B y ensuring members receive the most up-to-date communications:
z Prepared materials, as part of the Custom Policy Service, for Region 15. z Completed Policy Manual Audit for ACES. z Started Policy Manual Audit for Region 1. z Completed column for School Administrator Magazine for superintendents on planning for life after COVID-19.
B y helping school boards to increase student achievement:
z Met with the Superintendent in Region 18 to plan a Summer Board Retreat.
B y promoting public education:
z Completed and mailed the July issue of the Policy Update Service publication to Policy Update Subscribers. z Assisted in Juneteenth Celebration at Mystic Seaport co-sponsored by Mystic Seaport and Discovering Amistad.
B y attending Professional Development to strengthen staff knowledge and skills:
z Attended New England Society of Association Executives (NE/SAE) conference. z Attended Council of School Attorneys (COSA) webinar on Proposed Title IX regulations. z Posted policies online, as part of the C.O.P.S. Program for Bethel, Bolton, Chaplin, Griswold, Monroe, Portland, Region 16, Region 18, Somers, Windsor, and Woodbridge. zC ompleted superintendent searches for Bozrah, Hamden, and Sterling. zA ssisting Colchester in its superintendent search. zA ttended 2022 Federation of School Board Association Trainers Annual Conference. zA ttended two Non-profit Essentials workshops by the Hartford Public
Library. z Attended the annual conference of the American Association of State Policy Services. z Attended the Spring Conference of the New England School Public Relations Association (NESPRA). z Attended National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) webinar on using Facebook Live.
B y representing Connecticut school boards on the state or national level:
z Attended CT Teacher of the Year ceremony. z Attended NSBA State Association Counsel meetings. z Attended CT State Board of Education meeting. z Participated in NSBA Executive Directors meeting. z Discussed school district safety and security on WTIC-AM. z Attended CREC Council meeting. z Participated in CT School Attorneys Council meeting. z Participated in Social Emotional Learning Collaborative meeting. z Presented a workshop on policy development to aspiring special education directors. z Attended a meeting of the CAPSS Technology Committee. z Attended Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Education Committee, and Ship Committee meetings for Discovering Amistad. z Attended a meeting of the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology. z Participated in NSBA Convention Managers meetings. z Participated in NESPRA Executive Board meeting.
CABE Dues CABE dues invoices have been sent to board chairs, superintendents, and school business officials. School districts in Connecticut have long benefited from the support, training, information, and advocacy provided by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. When public school boards join together, they make a difference in their own effectiveness and overall support for public education!
The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
11
THE POLICY CORNER As the start of another school year rapidly approaches, it is important to note that the policy responsibilities of boards of education remain ongoing. Remember that board policy is a living document. High functioning and successful school boards are always working on policy, even during the summer, because it is the backbone of the district and a core responsibility of the board. School boards by definition are policymaking bodies. Policy is the key work of boards of education. The board policy manual is the place where the policy decisions of the board are collected and published. Through policy boards establish the framework for the district, identifying the organization and how resources are prioritized. The staff implements board policy, establishing the “means” and identifying how to best proceed to reach the ends established by the board. In its basic form, the policy manual is a legal compliance document. There are state and federal statutes and regulations that require certain topics to be covered in the board policy manual. Other topics, while not expressly required, are recommended or desired in order to protect the board from potential liability. These are considered “good practice” policies. Beyond mere legal compliance, the policy manual is also the governing document of the school district. This is the place that staff, students, parents and community members should be able to look to hear the voice and positions of the board. The policy manual is the document that allows the board to make clear its leadership and direction for the district. How long has it been since you took a good look at your policy manual? Some boards are currently doing a complete update of their manual. Others may not have taken a close look at their manual in quite some time. Even if a policy manual revision project was recently completed, the need still exists to consider policy revision or new additions, especially in light of the last session of the General Assembly. All boards of education must view policy revision and updates as a year-round ongoing task. An in-depth, thorough analysis of the board policy manual should be done periodically. This in-depth review process should involve the entire board, administrators and selected staff members. The services of CABE can be used to help accomplish this major task. Annual reviews, using CABE Policy Service materials, such as The
Keep Your Policies Current!
Policy Update Service quarterly publication and Policy Highlights will go a long way toward keeping the board’s present policy manual current and viable, lessening or even eliminating the need for major revision projects. This annual review process need not be complicated but should be recognized as important for the board to do and appropriately scheduled as a viable annual board activity. Putting such an activity on the annual board calendar of responsibilities helps to insure that it will take place. The district may want to consider using CABE’s Policy Audit Service to determine the condition of its current policy manual and what steps need to be taken to bring it up to date. Policy must always be responsive to community needs and influences internal and external to the school system. The passage of new federal and state laws, coupled with new regulations constantly impact policies. Judicial decisions of federal and state courts also influence policy. Negotiation of new contracts with staff bargaining groups also affects policy. If the board has difficulty making decisions or there is confusion about the roles of the superintendent and board, then it is time to review the district’s policy statements. Actually, virtually any school system function that isn’t operating smoothly may indicate a need for policy review. The annual policy review process can take many forms. One method is to plan a special board meeting, or a portion of a regular meeting, for this purpose. This process involves individual board members and administrators and/or the board’s policy subcommittee preparing specific recommendations in advance of the meeting as to what policy revisions or new policies are needed. The annual policy meeting identifies and lists a practical number of policies, in priority order, to be addressed in the coming months. Timelines are established and responsibilities assigned. Policy revision frequently is initiated when the superintendent brings the need to review particular policy statements to the board’s attention or indicates the need for policy where it does not exist. Moreover, in addition to the superintendent, suggestions for review or for new policy statements may come from anyone within the school community: administrators, teachers, parents, students or community members. Keep in mind that a crisis is no time to undertake a review or revision of any policy statement. It is another worthwhile practice for the board to
review each section of the manual at appropriate times during the school year. For example, fiscal policies can be reviewed before the budget is formulated; personnel policies studied against provisions in collective bargaining agreements in advance of renegotiating with the bargaining unit. When reviewing policy, consider whether the statement complies with state and federal laws and regulations and negotiated agreements and whether the policy serves the educational purposes of the school system. Also, consider if the policy can be effectively and efficiently administered, and whether it is consistent with the school system’s vision, philosophy, goals and objectives as well as with other policies. Policies not meeting these criteria can become liabilities leading to possible litigation. If it is determined that the district needs to create new policies or to revise existing ones, it is prudent to take advantage of the work that’s already been done by others. CABE provides model policies that the local district can adapt. Sample policies are also available in
CABE’s publication, The Connecticut Reference Manual of School Board Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws, available on the CABE website, and through subscribing to The Policy Update Service. It is important to determine if district student and employee handbooks reflect current board policy. Student handbooks represent one of the most direct means of disseminating and implementing board policies and administrative regulations. An in-depth, thorough analysis of the board policy manual should be periodically conducted, preferably using the assistance of CABE’s policy services. Annual reviews will help to keep the board’s policy manual current and viable between major revision projects. With a pattern of continued review, a board can be reasonably certain that its policies are legal, workable and current. It is necessary to recognize this review process as important—not continually postponed as other matters arise. Board policy is the “law of the district”, and must remain relevant to current needs.
What will CABE’s
Connecticut Online Policy Service (COPS) provide YOUR district?
• A policy manual updated within days of a board meeting • Access to your policy manual 24/7 anywhere with Internet capability • Time saving links to legal and cross references • A search engine specifically designed for board policy manuals • The ability to search other online districts for similar policies or language • A happier staff that will have less paper to deal with!
If you would like additional information on CABE’s Connecticut Online Policy Service (C.O.P.S.), call CABE at 860-571-7446 or email info@cabe.org for full details
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The Journal – Connecticut Association of Boards of Education | July/August, 2022
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