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:

By providing opportunities for members to learn how to better govern their districts: z Responded to 21 requests for policy information from 12 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 service animals, professional development and controversial issues. z Provided support to board members and central office administrators regarding policy matters.

By helping school boards to increase student achievement: z Sent one issue of “Policy Highlights” via e-mail that listed the required due-process notifications which should be given annually usually at the beginning of each school year and to new enrollees at the time they register in the district. Links were provided, in some cases, to documents that may be used in writing some of the required notices. Relevant policies were also listed.

By promoting public education: z Participated in the governance focus group to help inform the Capitol

Region Council of Governments’ (CRCOG’s) Plan of Conservation. CABE’s participation in this process will be ongoing.

By providing services to meet member needs: z Responded to a variety of legal inquiries from members. z Facilitated a board retreats for Andover and North Stonington Boards of Education. z Facilitated a board retreat for the Branford Board of Education to discuss communications with their new superintendent. z Facilitated a board self-evaluation with the Darien Board of Education. z Planned and implemented 13th Annual CABE Summer Leadership Conference. z Revised policies, as part of the Custom Update Policy Service, for East Windsor, New Fairfield, New Hartford, North Stonington and Westbrook z Prepared materials, as part of the Custom Policy Service, for Region # 14, Seymour and Stratford z Currently assisting Groton Board of Education with their high school principal search.

By attending Professional Development to strengthen staff knowledge and skills: z Participated in New England School Public Relations Association (NESPRA) webinar on Writing for Your Audience z Participated in NESPRA Reads! discussion group book Made to Stick.

By ensuring members receive the most up-to-date communications: z Contributed a column for the Board Savvy Superintendent section in the July issue of School Administrator Magazine

By helping districts operate efficiently and conserve resources: z Posted policies online, as part of the C.O.P.S. Program for Avon, Bethel, Canton, Region # 4, Westport, Wolcott and the CABE CORE Manual.

By representing Connecticut school boards on the state or national level: z Attended Teacher of the Year Council Empowered to Lead conference. z Participated in meeting with Comptroller Scanlon on support for paraeducators health benefits. z Participated in NSBA Audit Committee meeting. z Participated in NSBA State Association Counsel call. z Attended State Association Executive Directors Summer Institute z Provided interviews for Channel 3 on school year start dates and FOX61 on educator shortages. z Participated in school climate standards meeting. z Participated in Special Education Task Force meeting. z Participated in Commissioner’s Roundtable meeting. z Participated in a workshop with the UConn Executive Leadership Program z Participated in Discovering Amistad Board of Directors, Education Committee and Ship Committee meetings. z Participated in strategic planning meeting for the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology